Thomas Pury facts for kids

Thomas Pury was an important English politician who lived from about 1590 to 1666. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament. He served there at different times between 1640 and 1659. During the English Civil War, he fought on the side of the Parliamentarians.

Early Life and Work

Thomas Pury was the son of Walter Pury from the city of Gloucester. He started his career as a weaver, making cloth. Later, he became a country solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. In 1626, he held an important local position as the sheriff of Gloucester.

A Member of Parliament

In November 1640, Thomas Pury was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Gloucester. He served in what was known as the Long Parliament, and he kept his seat until 1653, even through a period called the Rump Parliament.

Role in the English Civil War

The English Civil War was a big conflict in England. In 1642, Pury was given a special job in Gloucester to deal with certain religious matters. He also joined the Parliamentarian army and became a captain. He led a group of soldiers in Colonel Henry Stephens's regiment.

In August 1643, Pury played a key role in defending Gloucester. He worked with the Earl of Stamford and Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Massey to protect the city. In October 1643, he became the chairman of a special committee for Gloucester, showing his leadership skills.

Mayor and Later Political Life

In 1653, Thomas Pury became the Mayor of Gloucester. After that, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Gloucester again in 1654. He served in the First Protectorate Parliament and was re-elected in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament.

In 1659, he returned to the Parliament that had been brought back, known as the restored Rump Parliament. That same year, he was asked to help gather soldiers in Gloucester.

Later Years and Legacy

Thomas Pury passed away when he was about 76 years old. He was buried in St Mary's church in Gloucester. He left a special gift, known as a charity, to the city of Gloucester to help its people.

Pury was married to Mary Ayle, who was the daughter of Edward Ayle from Tewkesbury. His son, also named Thomas Pury, also became a Member of Parliament, following in his father's footsteps.