Thomas Dacres facts for kids

Sir Thomas Dacres (born October 19, 1587 – died December 1668) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons at different times between 1626 and 1660. He supported the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War.

Who Was Sir Thomas Dacres?

Sir Thomas Dacres was an important figure in English politics during a very turbulent time. He lived through the English Civil War, a major conflict that changed England forever. Dacres chose to support Parliament, also known as the Roundheads, against King Charles I.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Dacres was born on October 19, 1587. His father was also named Sir Thomas Dacres, and he lived in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. His mother was Dorothy Piggott.

Young Thomas went to St John's College, Cambridge in 1603. After his father passed away in 1615, Thomas took over his family's responsibilities. He became the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 1615 and was knighted in 1617. Being knighted meant he was given the title "Sir."

A Career in Parliament

Sir Thomas Dacres began his political career in 1626. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Hertfordshire. He was re-elected for Hertfordshire in 1628. He served until 1629, when King Charles I decided to rule England without Parliament for eleven years.

Supporting Parliament in the Civil War

In 1641, Sir Thomas Dacres was re-elected as an MP for Hertfordshire. This was for the Long Parliament, which met for a very long time. During the English Civil War, he actively supported Parliament. He worked on various parliamentary groups and committees. In 1648, he was removed from Parliament during a time of big political changes.

Later Years and Challenges

After the Civil War, in 1660, Dacres was elected as an MP again. This time he represented Higham Ferrers in the Convention Parliament. One of his main goals in Parliament was to get back £250 he had lent in 1642. He had given this money to help stop a rebellion in Ireland. Sadly, he never got the money back. He also lost a lot of property and money during the Great Fire of London.

Sir Thomas Dacres passed away at the age of 81 in December 1668. He was buried in Cheshunt on December 26, 1668.

Dacres was married to Martha Elmes. His son, also named Thomas, later became an MP too.