Thomas May (Royalist) facts for kids
Thomas May (around 1604–1655) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's parliament, from 1640 to 1642. He supported the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas May came from Rawmere, a place in Mid Lavant, Sussex. He was the nephew of a well-known person named Sir Humphrey May. His grandfather, Richard May, was a rich merchant in London who worked with fabrics.
Political Career and the Civil War
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In April 1640, Thomas May was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for a town called Midhurst. This happened during a short meeting of Parliament known as the Short Parliament. He was chosen again for Midhurst in November 1640 for a longer meeting called the Long Parliament.
Role in the English Civil War
When the English Civil War began, Thomas May took action. He placed soldiers in the town of Chichester to protect it for the King's side. Because he supported the King against Parliament, he was not allowed to be a Member of Parliament anymore starting on November 23, 1642.
Consequences and Restoration
After he was removed from Parliament, his lands and property were taken away. This is called "sequestered." However, he was able to get his property back in February 1647. He had to pay a large fine of £900 because he had supported the King's side, which Parliament saw as a wrongdoing.
