Thomas Coventry, 2nd Baron Coventry facts for kids
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Thomas Coventry, 2nd Baron Coventry (born 1606 – died 27 October 1661) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons (a part of the English Parliament) from 1625 to 1629. Later, he became a member of the House of Lords. He supported the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War.
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Early Life and Political Start
Thomas Coventry was the son of Thomas Coventry, 1st Baron Coventry. His mother was Sarah Seabright.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1625, Thomas Coventry was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Droitwich. He was chosen again the next year. In 1628, he became an MP for Worcestershire. He served until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule England without Parliament for eleven years. This period was called the Personal Rule.
Role in the English Civil War
Thomas Coventry was involved in the political events leading up to and during the English Civil War.
Supporting the King
In 1633, he joined the Council of Wales and the Marches. This was a special group that helped govern Wales and parts of England. In 1640, he became the Baron Coventry after his father passed away.
When the English Civil War began, Thomas Coventry strongly supported King Charles I. In 1642, he helped gather soldiers for the King in Worcestershire. He even signed an agreement to support the King in York.
Defending Worcester
Later in 1642, he helped defend the city of Worcester against the Parliament's army. However, his forces were defeated. In October 1642, he gave up to Parliament.
Difficult Times
In May 1643, he was allowed to travel abroad for his health. He returned to England the next year. Because he supported the King, Parliament took action against him. In 1644, his money and goods with the East India Company were frozen. He was also asked to pay large fines. In 1645, his belongings in his house in Westminster were taken and sold to pay these fines.
Later Life and Passing
After the war, Thomas Coventry was still watched closely.
Suspected Royalist
In 1651, he was suspected of still supporting the Royalists and Charles II. He was cleared of these charges. However, he was put in prison for a short time in 1655.
Death and Legacy
Thomas Coventry passed away on 27 October 1661. He was about 54 years old. He died from an infection in his toes at his home in Lincoln's Inn Fields. He was buried at Croome d’Abitot church. In his will, he left £500 to help the poor people of Evesham.
Thomas Coventry married Mary Craven in 1627. Her father, Sir William Craven, had been the Lord Mayor of London. Thomas Coventry's younger son, also named Thomas, later became the Earl of Coventry in 1697.
