Thomas Fell facts for kids

Thomas Fell (born 1598 – died 8 October 1658) was an important English lawyer and politician. He was a member of Parliament and held a high position as vice-chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

About Thomas Fell

Early Life and Family

Thomas Fell was born in a place called Hawkshead, near Ulverston. His family was well-known in Lancashire. He studied law at Gray's Inn, a famous legal school, starting in 1623. He became a lawyer in 1631 and was very good at his job for many years.

In 1632, Thomas Fell married Margaret Askew. They had eight children together. They lived at Swarthmoor Hall, which was his family's property near Ulverston.

Public Service and Career

Thomas Fell became a justice of the peace for Lancashire in 1641. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area. The next year, in 1642, he was chosen to manage property for Parliament in Lancashire.

In 1645, he was elected to Parliament to represent the city of Lancaster. This was a big step in his career. In 1648, Oliver Cromwell, a very powerful leader at the time, made him a commissioner for the safety of the county. The next year, in 1649, he became the vice-chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This was a very important legal role. He also served as a judge for a court circuit in Chester and North Wales.

Thomas Fell was known as a leading Puritan in his area. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler. He and his wife were very welcoming to people.

His Connection to Quakers

In 1652, while Thomas Fell was away working, his family met George Fox, who started the Quaker movement. His family became Quakers. When Thomas returned home, George Fox explained his beliefs to him.

Even though Thomas Fell never became a Quaker himself, he was very supportive. He allowed Quakers to meet at his home, Swarthmoor Hall. He would often sit in a nearby room with the door open, showing his support and protecting them. His wife said he was "very loving to Friends" (which is what Quakers called themselves).

Later Years and Legacy

In 1654, some people were unhappy because Thomas Fell was so kind to Quakers. However, he continued his work. He decided to step back from Parliament a few years before he died. He did not agree with Oliver Cromwell's decisions about government and religion. Even though Cromwell tried to get him to return, Thomas Fell refused to take an active part in the government.

Thomas Fell passed away at Swarthmoor on 8 October 1658. He was buried in Ulverston Church. He left behind one son and seven daughters. One of his daughters, Sarah Fell, was a Quaker minister. She was known for being beautiful, a good speaker, and for knowing Hebrew.

In his will, Thomas Fell helped start the Town Bank Grammar School in Ulverston. He also left money to help poor people. His widow, Margaret, later married George Fox in 1669.

Sources

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Fell, Thomas". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.