Unton Croke facts for kids

Unton Croke (born 1593, died 28 January 1671) was an important English man who worked as a judge and a politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, in 1628 and 1640. During the English Civil War, he supported the Parliamentarian side, who were against the King.

Early Life and Family

Unton Croke was born into a family that was already involved in law and politics. His father, Sir John Croke, was also a judge and even served as the Speaker of the House of Commons. His mother was Catherine Blount.

Unton Croke was the first cousin of another important figure, Sir James Whitelocke. He started studying at Oxford University in 1610. Later, in 1616, he became a lawyer at a place called Inner Temple.

Political Career

In 1625, Unton Croke was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for a town called Wallingford. This meant he represented the people of Wallingford in the House of Commons for about a year.

He was chosen again for Wallingford in April 1640 for a short time, during what was known as the Short Parliament.

Role in the English Civil War

Unton Croke strongly supported the Parliamentarian side during the English Civil War. Even though he wasn't a member of the main Parliament during the war, his home played a key role.

His house in Marston, Oxfordshire was used by Sir Thomas Fairfax, a leader of the Parliamentarian army. Fairfax used it as his main base when his army was surrounding Oxford in 1645 and 1646.

Important talks about the King's side giving up also happened at Croke's house. The agreement for their surrender was even signed there.

Later Life and Work

After the war, in 1649, Unton Croke received another degree from Oxford. In 1654, he traveled to Sweden with another important person, Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Later that year, Oliver Cromwell, who was the leader of England at the time, made Croke a "serjeant-at-law." This was a very high position for a lawyer. He also became a commissioner for trials, helping to judge people accused of serious crimes.

Croke was also a "justice of the peace" for Marston, which meant he helped keep order and deal with local legal matters. For a while, he also helped manage things at Oxford University. After the King returned to power in 1660 (a time called the Restoration), Croke decided to retire from his public jobs.

Unton Croke passed away at the age of 76 in 1671. He was buried at the Church of St Nicholas in Marston.

Family Life

Unton Croke married Anne Hore on November 8, 1617. Anne was the daughter and only heir of Richard Hore, who lived in Marston.

Unton and Anne lived in Marston and had ten children together. One of their sons, Sir Richard Croke, also became a Member of Parliament for Oxford later on. Another son was named Unton Croke after his father.