Thomas Eden (politician) facts for kids

Thomas Eden was an important English person who lived a long time ago. He was a jurist (someone who studied and knew a lot about law), an academic (someone who worked at a university), and a politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, from 1640 until he passed away in 1645.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Eden was born in the south part of Sudbury, Essex, England. He was the youngest son of Richard Eden and Margaret Payton. Thomas went to Sudbury school first. After that, he studied at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, which is a college at Cambridge University.

He later moved to Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He became a scholar there on December 31, 1596. A scholar is a student who receives money to help with their studies. On July 10, 1599, he was chosen to be a fellow. A fellow is like a senior member of the college. For many years, he taught civil law at his college. Civil law is a type of law that deals with private matters, not crimes.

Becoming a Law Professor

On November 10, 1613, Thomas Eden became a professor of law. He took over this job at Gresham College in London. At this time, he had a degree called LL.B.. This means he had studied law at university.

In March 1615, he showed his knowledge of law to King James I. He did this during a special debate at Cambridge. Everyone was very impressed with him. The next year, he earned a higher law degree, called LL.D.. On November 4, 1615, he joined the College of Advocates. This was a group of top lawyers who worked in special courts.

Political Career and Public Service

Thomas Eden became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cambridge University in 1626. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the government. On September 4, 1626, he was chosen to be the master of Trinity Hall. This means he was the head of the college.

He was elected as an MP for Cambridge University again in 1628. He served until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years. In 1630, Thomas Eden was given more important jobs. He became the chancellor of the diocese of Ely. A diocese is an area managed by a bishop in the church. He also worked as a commissary for different areas. This meant he had special legal duties. He was also one of the masters in chancery. These were important officials in a court of law.

Serving in Parliament Again

In April 1640, Thomas Eden was elected as an MP for Cambridge again. This was for a short meeting of Parliament called the Short Parliament. He stopped being a professor at Gresham College on July 27, 1640.

In November 1640, he was elected again for the Long parliament. This Parliament lasted for many years. On May 3, 1641, he joined other members of Parliament. They signed something called the Protestation. This was a promise to protect the Protestant religion and the King's power.

On September 7, 1642, he offered to lend money to the King and Parliament. He had already lent money before. On February 28, 1644, he signed the Solemn League and Covenant. This was an agreement between England and Scotland during the English Civil War. In April 1645, he became part of a special committee. This group of twelve members of Parliament managed the navy, called the admiralty.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas Eden passed away in London on July 18, 1645. He was buried on August 2 in the chapel of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. A special monument with writing in Latin was put up to remember him. A speech in Latin was given at his funeral by Thomas Exton.

Thomas Eden was known as a very good lawyer. He also gave a lot of money and help to Trinity Hall.

The Eden Scholarship

After Thomas Eden died in 1645, a special scholarship was created. It was named the Eden Scholarship. This scholarship helps students at Trinity Hall with their studies. It still exists today. Students who get top grades are rewarded with this scholarship.