Thomas Wentworth (Recorder of Oxford) facts for kids

Thomas Wentworth (born around 1568 – died by September 1627) was an important English lawyer and politician. He served in the House of Commons (a part of England's Parliament) from 1604 to 1626. He was known for speaking up strongly for the rights of the House of Commons, even if it sometimes got him into trouble.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Wentworth was the third son of Peter Wentworth, who lived in Lillingstone Lovell in Oxfordshire. His father was a well-known Puritan leader in Parliament during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

Thomas went to University College, Oxford for his education. After that, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where lawyers are trained. He became a lawyer in 1594.

A Voice in Parliament

In 1604, Thomas Wentworth was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for the city of Oxford. In Parliament, he often spoke out against the King (known as "the Crown") and how the King sometimes used his special powers unfairly.

For example, in 1607, he was against the idea of joining England and Scotland into one country. That same year, he became the "Recorder" (a legal officer) for Oxford and held that job until 1623.

Conflicts in Oxford

Wentworth had some disagreements with Oxford University. This was partly because of his actions in Parliament and partly because of his work as the Recorder of Oxford. He supported the city's wish to create a police force to patrol the streets at night.

Because of these disagreements, the University suspended him in 1611. They called him a "malicious and implacable fomentor of troubles," which means someone who causes problems on purpose. However, they allowed him back into the University in 1614. In 1612, he was also appointed a "Lent Reader" at his law school.

Speaking Out Against Taxes

In 1614, Wentworth was re-elected as an MP for Oxford. He spoke strongly in Parliament against unfair taxes. He even said that Spain losing the Netherlands and the recent killing of the French King Henry IV were "just rewards" for such taxes. Because of this bold speech, he was put in prison after Parliament ended. This was mainly to keep the French ambassador happy.

Challenging the King

Thomas Wentworth was elected MP for Oxford again in 1621. In this Parliament, he was against the idea of the Prince of Wales marrying a Spanish princess. When King James I angrily wrote to the Speaker of the House of Commons, telling them not to get involved in such matters, Wentworth bravely said that he had "never yet read of anything that was not fit for the consideration of a parliament." This meant he believed Parliament should be able to discuss anything.

He was re-elected MP for Oxford in 1624 and strongly argued for England to declare war on Spain. He continued to serve as an MP for Oxford in 1625 and 1626.

Family Life

Thomas Wentworth married Dorothy Keble. She was the daughter of Thomas Keble from Newbottle in Northamptonshire. They had six sons and at least three daughters.

Thomas Wentworth passed away by September 1627. His oldest son, Thomas Wentworth, took his place as an MP for Oxford in 1628.