Thomas Allen (Cavalier) facts for kids
Sir Thomas Allen (born April 24, 1603, died August 18, 1681) was an important English politician and lawyer. He was also a Cavalier, which meant he supported King Charles I during the English Civil War.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Allen was the only son of Edward Allen, who was a fishmonger (someone who sells fish) in London. His mother was Elizabeth Bennett.
Thomas went to a special law school called Gray's Inn. After that, he studied at St John's College, Oxford, which is a famous university. He earned two degrees there: a Bachelor of Arts in 1622 and a Master of Arts in 1626. These degrees showed he had a good education.
Career and Public Service
In 1634, Thomas Allen became a governor for Barnet Grammar School. This meant he helped manage the school. In 1639, he was made a knight, so he became known as "Sir Thomas Allen."
During the English Civil War, Sir Thomas was a Royalist, meaning he supported the King. He held important roles, like being a "Commissioner for Assessment." This job involved helping to collect money for the King's side.
After the war, when the King was back in power (this was called The Restoration), Sir Thomas continued his public service. In 1660, he worked as a "Commissioner of Oyer and Terminer" for London and Middlesex. This was a legal role, helping with court cases.
A year later, in 1661, he was given two more important jobs: Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for Middlesex. A Deputy Lieutenant helps the Lord-Lieutenant, who is the King's representative in a county. A Justice of the Peace is a local judge who helps keep law and order.
From 1661 to 1679, Sir Thomas Allen was a member of the English House of Commons. This is like being a member of parliament today, where he helped make laws for England. He represented the area of Middlesex.
Sir Thomas Allen passed away in 1681 and was buried in a place called Finchley.
Family Life
In 1627, Sir Thomas Allen married Mary Weld. She was the youngest daughter of another important person, Sir John Weld. Sir Thomas and Mary had a large family together. They had seven daughters and six sons.
