Thomas Smith (Cavalier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas Smith or Smyth |
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Thomas Smith (right) with his wife Florence (left) in 1627
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| Successor | Hugh Smith |
| Born | June 1609 |
| Died | 2 October 1642 (aged 33) |
| Spouse | Florence Poulet |
| Issue Detail |
Hugh Smith |
| Father | Hugh Smith |
| Mother | Marquess Elizabeth Gorges |
Thomas Smith (born June 1609, died October 2, 1642) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons of England, which is like a big meeting place where people chosen by the public help make laws for the country. He served there at different times between 1628 and 1642. Thomas Smith also fought for the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War.
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Who Was Thomas Smith?
Thomas Smith came from Long Ashton in Somerset, England. He was the oldest son of Sir Hugh Smith and his mother, Elizabeth Gorges. His family was very wealthy and important in Somerset. They were related to a Mayor of Bristol from the 1500s.
Thomas Smith's Political Journey
Thomas Smith was a Member of Parliament, which means he was chosen to represent people in the government.
Serving in Parliament
In 1628, Thomas Smith was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Bridgwater. He served until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule the country without Parliament for eleven years. This meant the King made all the decisions himself.
Later, in April 1640, Thomas Smith was elected again. This time he represented Somerset in a meeting called the Short Parliament. He was elected for Bridgwater once more in February 1641 for the Long Parliament. He continued to serve until August 1642. At that point, he was stopped from being an MP because he supported the King.
Thomas Smith and the English Civil War
Thomas Smith joined the royal army led by the Marquess of Hertford. This was during the English Civil War, a big fight between those who supported the King and those who supported Parliament. Thomas Smith was serving with this army when he died in Cardiff in October 1642.
His Family Life
Thomas Smith married Florence Poulett on April 12, 1627. Florence was the daughter of Lord Poulett. Thomas and Florence had a son named Hugh (born 1632, died 1680). After the war ended and the King was back in power, Hugh was given the special title of a baronet.
