William Ashburnham (Royalist) facts for kids
William Ashburnham (born around 1604, died 1679) was an important English army officer. He owned a lot of land and was also a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he helped make laws for the country.
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William Ashburnham's Life
William Ashburnham was the younger brother of John Ashburnham. His brother was also a Member of Parliament.
Early Political Career
William became an MP for a place called Ludgershall. He was elected in both parliaments that met in 1640. However, he was later removed from the Long Parliament on December 9, 1641. This happened because he was involved in some plans called the Army Plots. These were secret plans that went against the Parliament at the time.
The English Civil War
During the Civil War, William Ashburnham fought as an officer. He supported the Royalist side, which meant he was loyal to King Charles I. In 1644, he became the governor of Weymouth. He managed to hold this important town for King Charles for four months.
About ten years later, on June 3, 1654, he was arrested. He was questioned about being part of a plan against Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was the leader of England at that time. Even though others were punished for this plan, William Ashburnham did not seem to go to trial.
After the Monarchy Returned
After the monarchy was brought back to England, William Ashburnham received an important job. He became the cofferer of the royal household. This meant he managed the money for the King's home.
He often worked with and met Pepys, a famous writer of diaries. Pepys called him an "experienced man and a cavalier." A cavalier was someone who supported the King during the Civil War. Pepys also wrote about William's "odd stories." One story was about renting Ashburnham House. It mentioned how Dr. Busby was very greedy about the lease.
William Ashburnham was elected as an MP for Ludgershall again in 1661. He continued to serve as an MP until he passed away in 1679.
Family and Legacy
William Ashburnham married a rich widow named Jane. She was the daughter of John Boteler, 1st Baron Boteler of Brantfield. Jane had been married before to James Ley, 1st Earl of Marlborough, who died in 1629. Jane brought land with her, including an estate in Tidworth, near Ludgershall. Jane died before William, in 1672.
When William Ashburnham died, his property went to his great-nephew. This was John Ashburnham. John was also an MP for Hastings. Later, he was given the title Baron Ashburnham. William's estate included Mountfield manor in Sussex and Ampthill Park in Bedfordshire.
