William Bridgeman (MP for Bramber) facts for kids
William Bridgeman (born around 1646 – died May 10, 1699) was an important English government official and a member of Parliament. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science.
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Who Was William Bridgeman?
William Bridgeman was born in Amsterdam, which is in the Netherlands. His father, Richard Bridgeman, was a merchant who worked for the East India Company, a very powerful trading company at the time. William was also related to a famous person named Sir Orlando Bridgeman, 1st Baronet, of Ridley.
When he was young, William went to Queen's College, Oxford, starting his studies in 1662. He became a British citizen in 1657 and lived in a place called Combes Hall, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, England.
Bridgeman's Career in Government
William Bridgeman had a long and important career working for the government. He held many different jobs, often working behind the scenes to help the country run smoothly.
Some of his key roles included:
- Under-Secretary of State: He worked in this role several times, helping the main Secretary of State with important government business.
- Clerk of the Privy Council: This was a very important job where he helped manage the meetings and decisions of the King's closest advisors.
- Secretary to the Admiralty: In this role, he helped manage the Royal Navy, which was crucial for England's power and trade.
He was also a Commissioner for Assessment, helping to collect taxes, and a Registrar for the Ecclesiastical Commission, which dealt with church matters. In 1679, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, showing his interest in learning and science.
William Bridgeman as a Politician
Besides his work as a civil servant, William Bridgeman also served as a politician. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Bramber in Sussex. He held this position from 1685 to 1687.
He also served as a Deputy Lieutenant for Middlesex from 1692 until he passed away in 1699. This role involved helping to maintain order and organize local defense.
Family Life
William Bridgeman was married to a woman named Diana. Her father was Peter Vernatt.
