Thomas Widdrington facts for kids
Sir Thomas Widdrington was an important English judge and politician. He lived a long time ago, in the 1600s. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament. He even became the Speaker of the House of Commons in 1656. He passed away on May 13, 1664.
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Sir Thomas Widdrington's Life
Thomas Widdrington was born in Northumberland, England. His family lived at a place called Cheeseburn Grange. He went to Christ's College, Cambridge to study in 1617. He earned his first degree in 1621.
After college, he studied law at Gray's Inn. He became a lawyer, also known as a barrister, in 1625. When his father passed away in 1630, Thomas inherited the family estate.
He became a "Recorder" for two towns: Berwick and York. A Recorder was a judge who helped with legal matters in those areas. He was made a knight in 1639, which meant he could be called "Sir Thomas."
His Time in Parliament
In 1640, Sir Thomas Widdrington was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Berwick. This meant he represented the people of Berwick in the House of Commons. He was re-elected later that year.
During the English Civil War, his knowledge of law was very helpful. He was asked to join the English Council of State, a group that helped run the country. However, he did not want to be involved in the trial of the king.
He continued to serve in Parliament, representing different areas. In 1656, he was elected as the Speaker. The Speaker is like the leader of the House of Commons meetings. In 1658, he became a very important judge called the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
Sir Thomas was part of the Council of State again in 1659 and 1660. He also helped with the Great Seal of the Realm, which is used to make important government documents official. When King Charles II returned to the throne, Sir Thomas lost some of his jobs. But he was still elected to Parliament for York and then for Berwick again.
His Legacy
Sir Thomas Widdrington cared about education. He started a school in Stamfordham, Northumberland. He also wrote a book about the city of York called Analecta Eboracensia. This book was published many years after he died.
Sir Thomas Widdrington passed away in 1664.
Sir Thomas Widdrington's Family
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Sir Thomas Widdrington married Frances Fairfax. She was the daughter of an important lord, Ferdinando Fairfax. They had five daughters and one son.
Sadly, his son, also named Thomas, passed away in 1660. Because of this, the family home, Cheeseburn Grange, went to Sir Thomas's brother, Henry. After Henry, it went to another brother, Ralph.
