Thomas Mackworth facts for kids

Thomas Mackworth (1627–1696) was an English politician from Shropshire. His family, the Mackworths of Betton Strange, were important landowners. Thomas fought a little for the Parliamentarian side in the Third English Civil War. Later, he served in the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Shropshire from 1656 to 1659. This was during the time when Oliver Cromwell ruled England as the Lord Protector.

Background and Early Life

Thomas Mackworth was the oldest son of Humphrey Mackworth and Anne Waller. His father, Humphrey, lived at Betton Strange, a few miles south of Shrewsbury. The Mackworth family had owned Betton Strange since 1544. They were very involved in the local politics and business of Shrewsbury.

Thomas's mother, Anne Waller, married Humphrey Mackworth around 1624. Her family was from Beaconsfield. She was related to the famous poet Edmund Waller.

Thomas was likely born in 1627. His younger brother, Humphrey, was born in 1631. Their mother, Anne, died in 1636. Thomas's father, Humphrey, later married Mary Venables and had more children.

As Thomas grew up, his father's career became very important. Humphrey Mackworth was a lawyer in London. He later moved back to Shrewsbury and became an alderman in 1633. The family was known for being Puritan. This meant they had strong religious beliefs. In 1633, Humphrey and others were criticized for refusing to bow when Jesus's name was mentioned. They also refused to kneel at the altar in church.

Education

Thomas Mackworth's education was similar to his father's. He went to Shrewsbury School, then to the University of Cambridge, and finally to Gray's Inn, a place where lawyers were trained.

He started at Shrewsbury School in 1638. This school was known for its strong education in religion and humanities. In 1642, he began studying at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. He was a "pensioner," meaning he paid fees for his studies. Thomas joined Gray's Inn in 1645. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Cambridge in 1646.

The Civil War and Commonwealth

Thomas's studies happened during the early parts of the English Civil War. This war was a big conflict between the King and Parliament. His father, Humphrey Mackworth, supported Parliament from the very beginning.

However, Shrewsbury and most of the county were controlled by the King's supporters. King Charles I even stayed in Shrewsbury with his army in 1642. Humphrey Mackworth was one of only three people the King threatened for criticizing his government.

Because of this, Thomas likely moved to Cambridge, which was safe for Parliament supporters. His family's home and lands were taken by the Royalists. Thomas's university records show his father was living in Coventry. Humphrey Mackworth worked there for the city. Coventry became a key place for Parliament to plan its fight in the West Midlands.

In 1645, Thomas's father and the Parliamentarian committee took control of Shrewsbury. Humphrey Mackworth became the governor of the town.

Thomas helped his father during these years. In 1651, when Shrewsbury was made stronger against King Charles II of Scotland's army, Thomas was in charge of some soldiers. He also helped arrange for Francis Tallents to become a minister at a church in Shrewsbury. This shows Thomas was still connected to London and involved in important matters.

His life changed when he got married. He married Anne Bulkeley, who came from another important Shropshire family. Their first son, Bulkeley, was born in December 1653. From then on, Thomas became more involved in governing his home county.

The Protectorate

The Protectorate was the period when Oliver Cromwell ruled England.

Local Government and Justice

Thomas Mackworth first became a justice of the peace (JP) in Shropshire in January 1654. A JP helps keep law and order in a local area. He worked alongside his father. They dealt with local government issues, helped the poor, and made sure justice was done.

His father, Humphrey, became a member of the Protector's Council in London. This meant Thomas often had to represent his father in Shropshire. Thomas was very active as a JP. For example, in October 1654, he was the main justice at a meeting. At this meeting, they decided to get money to rebuild Stokesay parish church. This church is one of the few built during the Protectorate period.

Thomas missed some meetings after his father died in early 1655. His father died without a will, which caused Thomas some administrative problems. However, Thomas and his younger brother, Humphrey, continued to be active JPs for the rest of the year.

Member of Parliament

In 1656, Thomas Mackworth was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Shropshire. He served in the Second Protectorate Parliament. This Parliament was set up to support Oliver Cromwell's rule. To be an MP, a person had to own property worth at least £200.

Thomas's brother, Humphrey, also became an MP for Shrewsbury in the same Parliament. It can sometimes be hard to tell them apart in the records. Neither brother was very famous in Parliament.

However, Thomas was appointed to an important committee in September 1656. This committee worked on a law to protect the Protector. He also joined a committee to discuss a law about proving wills. This might have been because of his own experience with his father's will.

In November, he helped with a long-running case about a contract and debt. He appeared again in June 1658 on a committee about "recusants" (people who refused to attend Church of England services). He became more involved in Parliament, voting in several "divisions" (votes) of the House. One vote was about a bill to prevent too many buildings. This bill aimed to help with housing shortages by stopping rich people from taking over neighboring properties.

Thomas was re-elected as an MP for Shropshire in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament. His brother also went to Westminster with him again. This Parliament was different, with an upper chamber. Richard Cromwell, Oliver's son, gave the opening speech. Thomas was likely appointed to an important committee on "Privileges" (rules for MPs). However, this Parliament did not last long. Cromwell dissolved it in April 1659 because he feared a coup.

Restoration

After the Protectorate ended, the monarchy was brought back in 1660. This was called the Restoration.

Thomas Mackworth's connection to Cromwell's government was not as strong as his brother Humphrey's. While Humphrey disappeared from public life, Thomas seemed happy to live a private life. By 1668, he was accepted enough to be chosen as the Sheriff of the county for the next year.

He returned to being a justice of the peace after the Glorious Revolution in 1689. This event brought new monarchs to the throne. From July 1689 until October 1696, a month before he died, Thomas was a regular and active JP.

Marriage and Family

Thomas Mackworth was married twice and had children with both wives.

His first wife was Anne Bulkeley, daughter of Richard Bulkeley. Their children included:

• Bulkeley Mackworth (1653–1731), who became an important landowner in Shropshire.
• Anne Mackworth (born 1656), who married Edward Minshull.
• Sir Humphrey Mackworth (1657–1727), who was an industrialist, a Tory MP, and a writer.

Anne died in 1666.

His second wife was Sarah Mytton, daughter of General Thomas Mytton. They married in 1674. They had one daughter:

• Dorothy (born 1677), who married William Taylor.

Sarah Mackworth died in 1698, outliving her husband.

Death

Thomas Mackworth died on 12 November 1696. He was buried on 19 November.