William Bury (Roundhead) facts for kids

Sir William Bury (born around 1605, died 1669) was an important figure during a big war in England called the English Civil War. He fought for the side of Parliament against the King. Later, he became a colonel in the New Model Army, which was Parliament's main army.

William Bury also worked in the government during a time when England was a republic, known as the Interregnum. He was a Member of Parliament and held several important jobs for the government. Sometimes his name was spelled "William Berry," which caused a bit of confusion, but historians now agree it was the same person.

William Bury's Life Story

William Bury was born in Grantham, a town in Lincolnshire, England. He was the only son of William Bury and Emma Dryden. He was baptized in Grantham on June 3, 1605.

As a young man, William Bury studied law at a place called Gray's Inn in London. When the English Civil War began, he joined the side fighting against King Charles I. This was a very serious decision at the time.

During the war, he helped collect money for Parliament in Lincolnshire. He was also mentioned in important military messages and helped with the capture of Belvoir Castle in 1649.

His Role in Government and Army

In 1654, William Bury was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Grantham. This was during the First Protectorate Parliament. In the same year, he became a colonel in the New Model Army.

The next year, in 1655, he joined a special committee that dealt with trade. In 1656, he was sent to Ireland as a Commissioner. While in Ireland, he was made a knight by Henry Cromwell, who was the ruler of Ireland at the time. However, this knighthood didn't last after the King returned to power in 1660.

After the King came back, William Bury was knighted again in 1661 by important officials in Ireland.

Blankney Church, where William Bury was buried.

Sir William Bury mostly lived at his home in Grantham, called Cistersia Place. After his time in Ireland, he moved to Linwood Grange in Blankney. He passed away there and was buried in Blankney Church on July 20, 1669.

His Family

William Bury was married twice. His first wife was Jane Plomer, whom he married in Grantham in 1629.

Around 1650, he married his second wife, also named Jane. She was the daughter of George Ellis. She outlived him and was buried in Blankney Church in 1677.

William Bury had several children with his first wife, Jane:

• William: He inherited the family property in Grantham. He was a lawyer.
• John: He lived in Hacketstown, County Carlow, Ireland, and had children.
• Emma: She married her cousin, William Rokeby.
• Mary: She married John Ascham.
• Elizabeth: She was not married in 1669.

With his second wife, Jane, William Bury had two more sons:

• Gilbert: He inherited the Linwood estate. His family line continued for some time.
• Sir Thomas Bury: He became a very important judge, known as the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. He never married.