Thomas Hatcher facts for kids

Thomas Hatcher (born around 1589, died 1677) was an important English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, for many years between 1624 and 1659. He also fought for the Parliament's side, known as the Roundheads, during the English Civil War.

Thomas Hatcher's Early Life

Thomas Hatcher was born around 1589. His father was Sir John Hatcher, and his mother was Anne Crewes. They lived in Lincolnshire, England.

Thomas went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1603 to study. Later, in 1607, he studied law at Lincoln's Inn.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1624, Thomas Hatcher became a member of parliament (MP) for the city of Lincoln. An MP is someone chosen to represent an area in the government.

In 1628, he was chosen as an MP again, this time for Grantham. He served until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule England without Parliament for eleven years.

Thomas Hatcher and the English Civil War

In April 1640, Parliament was called back. Thomas Hatcher was elected as an MP for Stamford in what was called the Short Parliament. Later that year, in November 1640, he was re-elected for Stamford in the Long Parliament.

Fighting for Parliament

The English Civil War began in 1642. Thomas Hatcher supported Parliament against the King. In 1643, he was one of the people sent to Scotland to help Parliament.

He was also present at important battles. He was at the Battle of Marston Moor and the siege of York in 1644. He rose through the ranks and became a Colonel in the Parliamentary army.

Excluded from Parliament

In 1648, there was an event called Pride's Purge. Some members of Parliament were removed because they were seen as too moderate. Thomas Hatcher was one of these members.

Later Political Career

After the Civil War, England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell. In 1654, Thomas Hatcher was elected as an MP for Lincolnshire. This was during the First Protectorate Parliament.

He was elected again in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament. His last time as an MP was in 1659, for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

Thomas Hatcher's Family

Thomas Hatcher married Katherine Ayscough on October 14, 1617. Katherine was the daughter of William Ayscough from South Kelsey, Lincolnshire. They had a son named John and a daughter.