William Master (MP for Cirencester) facts for kids

Sir William Master (born 1600, died 1662) was an important English politician. He lived during a very exciting and sometimes difficult time in England's history, especially during the English Civil War. Sir William was a Member of Parliament and held other important roles.

Early Life and Career

William Master was born in 1600 in Gloucestershire, England. His father was George Master, and his mother was Bridget Cornwall. His grandfather was Richard Master.

Becoming a Knight and Politician

In 1622, King James I made William a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir." A year later, in 1623, he was chosen to represent the town of Cirencester in the English Parliament. Parliament is like a country's main law-making group.

In 1627, King Charles I appointed him as the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, responsible for keeping peace and order in the county.

Role in the English Civil War

The English Civil War was a big conflict in England between 1642 and 1651. It was fought between supporters of the King (called Royalists) and supporters of Parliament.

Changing Sides

When the war first started, Sir William Master seemed to support Parliament. However, things changed when the King's army, known as the Royalists, came to his town. Two important Royalist leaders, Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice, even stayed in his home. After this, Sir William began to support the Royalist side strongly.

King Charles I himself also visited Sir William's home twice during the war. Once in August 1642, while traveling from Oxford to Bristol, and again in 1644, on his way from Oxford to Bath.

Challenges After the War

Because Sir William supported the King, his property was taken away by the winning side (Parliament). This was called "sequestered." Even by 1652, he was still facing money problems because of this.

Family Life

Sir William Master married a woman named Alice, who was the daughter of Sir Edward Estcourt. Together, they had 12 children.

Sir William's Children

• Thomas, who was his oldest son and heir
• William, who later became an author and wrote a book called "Essays and Observations, Theological and Moral"
• George, who became a lawyer
• Richard
• John, who became a doctor
• Robert
• Mary, who married Richard Browne
• Ann, who married Richard Morgan
• Bridget, who married Thomas Smythe
• Alice
• Elizabeth
• Winifred