Thomas Clarges facts for kids
Sir Thomas Clarges (born around 1618, died 4 October 1695) was an important English politician. He served in the English Parliament many times between 1656 and 1695. He played a big part in bringing the king back to power in 1660, an event known as the Restoration.
Who Was Sir Thomas Clarges?
Thomas Clarges was the son of John and Anne Clarges. He worked as an apothecary in London, which means he prepared and sold medicines. His sister, Anne Clarges, was married to a famous general named George Monck. General Monck was a strong supporter of the king.
Sir Thomas Clarges' Political Journey
In 1656, Thomas Clarges was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to help make laws for the country. He represented areas in Scotland in the Second Protectorate Parliament. Later, in 1659, he was an MP in the Third Protectorate Parliament.
When Richard Cromwell became the leader of England, he asked Clarges to go to Scotland. Clarges had to deliver letters to his brother-in-law, General Monck. Cromwell wanted to know Monck's thoughts on his leadership. Clarges became Monck's main helper as Monck planned to bring the king back to power. This plan was called the Restoration.
In April 1660, Clarges was elected MP for Westminster. This was for a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament. On May 5, General Monck sent Clarges as a messenger to King Charles II. The king was in a place called Breda. Clarges carried a letter from Monck and a promise of support from the army officers. Monck told the king that Clarges was the "only person to be trusted" with important plans for his return. The king welcomed Clarges and gave him a special honor, making him a knight in May 1660.
Clarges continued his political career. In 1666, he was elected MP for Southwark and served until 1679. He then became MP for Christchurch from 1679 to 1685. Finally, he was elected MP for Oxford University in 1689 and remained an MP until he died in 1695.
Sir Thomas Clarges owned a lot of land in an area of London called Mayfair. He had a house in Piccadilly. A street in London, Clarges Street, is named after him. It is close to Albemarle Street, which is named after his nephew, Christopher Monck, 2nd Duke of Albemarle.
Family Life
Sir Thomas Clarges married Mary Proctor. Her father was George Proctor from Nottinghamshire. Sir Thomas and Mary had a son named Sir Walter Clarges, 1st Baronet.
