Thomas Tyrrell facts for kids

Sir Thomas Tyrrell (born June 23, 1594 – died March 8, 1672) was an important English judge and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1659 and 1660. Thomas Tyrrell supported the Parliamentarian side during the English Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Tyrrell was the son of Sir Edward Tyrrell and Margaret Aston. His family lived at Thornton Hall in Buckinghamshire, England.

He started his legal training in 1612 at a famous law school called the Inner Temple. He became a lawyer on November 13, 1621.

Role in the English Civil War

In 1642, Thomas Tyrrell became a deputy lieutenant for Buckinghamshire. This was an important local role.

During the English Civil War, he joined the Parliamentarian Army. He started as a captain and later became a colonel in the cavalry. He fought under commanders like Bedford and Essex. He took part in the Battle of Lostwithiel in 1644.

Political and Judicial Career

In 1659, Thomas Tyrrell was chosen to be a member of parliament for Aylesbury. This was part of the Third Protectorate Parliament. In the same year, he became a senior lawyer and a joint Commissioner of the Great Seal. He was also made a Sergeant at Law.

In 1660, he was elected as an MP again, this time for Buckinghamshire. He served in the Convention Parliament.

Becoming a Judge

Thomas Tyrrell received a knighthood on July 16, 1660. Soon after, on July 27, 1660, he was appointed a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. This meant he became a high-ranking judge.

He was part of the group of judges for the trials of those who had been involved in the king's execution. However, he did not play an active role in those specific trials.

Helping Rebuild London

After the terrible Great Fire of London in 1667, much of the city was destroyed. Thomas Tyrrell was one of twenty-two judges chosen to help. Their job was to settle arguments about property and land as the city was being rebuilt.

The people of London were very grateful for their help. They put up portraits of these judges in the Guildhall to thank them.

Family and Later Life

Thomas Tyrrell married a woman from the Saunders family of Buckinghamshire. Their son, Peter, later became a baronet. Thomas Tyrrell's third wife was Bridget Harington.

Sir Thomas Tyrrell passed away at the age of 78. He was buried at Castlethorpe Church.