Thomas Dickenson facts for kids
Thomas Dickenson (sometimes spelled Dickinson) was an important person in York, England, during the 1600s. He was a successful merchant who supported the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. He held many important jobs in York, like sheriff and alderman. He was even the Lord Mayor of York two times! Dickenson also served as a Member of Parliament for York during a time called the Protectorate.
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Who Was Thomas Dickenson?
Thomas Dickenson was a key figure in York's government. He became the Sheriff of York in 1640. This was an important role in the city's law and order.
Dickenson's Time as Lord Mayor
Dickenson was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of York twice. His first term was in 1647. He served again in 1657. In that same year, he was given the title of knight by Oliver Cromwell, who was the Lord Protector at the time. Being knighted was a big honor!
Serving in Parliament
Thomas Dickenson also represented York in the national government. He was a Member of Parliament for York in three different parliaments during the Protectorate. These were the First, Second, and Third parliaments. This shows how much trust people had in him.
His Beliefs and Interests
Even though Dickenson was a strong supporter of Oliver Cromwell, he seemed to have fair and balanced religious views. People at the time said he was more open-minded than some others. He also liked to support writers and thinkers. For example, a doctor named John Bulmer dedicated his book Anthropometamorphosis to Dickenson in 1653. Another person, Rev. Josiah Hunter, dedicated a sermon to him in 1656. This shows that Dickenson was interested in learning and literature.
