William Monson, 1st Viscount Monson facts for kids
William Monson, 1st Viscount Monson (who died around 1672) was an important person in English history. He was one of the people who judged King Charles I of England during a very difficult time. These people were known as "Regicides" because they were involved in the trial that led to the king's death.
William Monson became a knight in 1623. Later, in 1628, he was given a special title: Viscount Monson of Castlemaine. This was an Irish peerage, meaning it was a noble title from Ireland. He was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Reigate several times, in 1640, 1645, and 1648.
He was chosen to be one of the judges for King Charles I. However, he only went to three of the court meetings. After the monarchy was brought back in 1660, an event called the Restoration, Parliament decided what would happen to those who had judged the king. William Monson was stripped of his titles and honors. He was also sent to prison for the rest of his life. He passed away in the Fleet Prison around 1672.
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Early Life and Political Role
William Monson was the son of Admiral William Monson and Dorothy Smith. In 1623, he was made a knight. A few years later, in 1628, he received his noble titles: Baron Monson of Ballingard and Viscount Monson of Castlemaine.
He joined Gray's Inn, a place for lawyers, in 1633. Through his first marriage, he gained land in Reigate, Surrey. William Monson did not agree with everything the king did. For example, he refused to pay a special tax called "ship-money."
When he became an M.P. for Reigate in 1640, he spoke out against the king's government. He also worked on important committees for the area of Surrey. His third wife, Elizabeth, was known for her strong opinions and is seen by some as an early supporter of women's rights.
Role in the King's Trial
William Monson was named as one of the judges for King Charles I. He attended the court sessions on January 20, 22, and 23, 1649. However, he chose not to be part of the final decision about the king.
Even though he didn't take part in the final judgment, Parliament still included him in a group. This group was set up to record any disagreements from members about a vote that happened in December 1648.
In 1649, he tried to get money he believed was owed to him from his late wife's pension. But he lost the vote on this matter. Later, in 1659, when the Rump Parliament was brought back, they needed enough members to make decisions. They even had to bring Monson and another person, Henry Marten, from the Fleet Prison, where they were held for not paying debts.
Life After the Monarchy Returned
When the monarchy was restored in 1660, a general pardon was given to many people. However, William Monson was specifically excluded from this pardon. He turned himself in on June 21, 1660, and was sent back to the Fleet Prison.
On July 1, 1661, he was brought before the House of Commons. He had to admit his actions. As a punishment, he was stripped of all his noble titles and honors. He also lost all his property.
He was sentenced to be paraded through London with a rope around his neck. After this, he was to be imprisoned for the rest of his life. William Monson died in the Fleet Prison around 1672. His land in Reigate was later given to James, Duke of York, who would later become King James II.
Family Life
William Monson was married three times.
- His first wife was Margaret Howard, Countess of Nottingham (who died in 1639). She was the daughter of James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Moray. She had also been married before to Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham.
- His second wife was Frances. She was the daughter of Thomas Alston. They had a son named Alston, who died in 1674 without having any children.
- His third wife was Elizabeth (who died in 1695). She was the daughter of Sir George Reresby. Elizabeth had also been married twice before. With Elizabeth, William Monson had one daughter, also named Elizabeth. This daughter married twice. Later, Lady Monson (William's third wife) had her title of Viscountess Castlemaine restored, thanks to her nephew, Sir John Reresby.
