William Oakeley facts for kids

William Oakeley (born March 1635 – died 1695) was an English landowner and politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, at different times between 1659 and 1695.

William Oakeley was the oldest surviving son of Richard Oakeley from Oakeley, Shropshire. His mother was Mary Combes. William's father was also a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1624. He supported the King during the English Civil War. William went to Balliol College, Oxford and Middle Temple in 1651 to study. When his father passed away in 1653, William inherited land in Shropshire, Montgomeryshire, and Oxfordshire. In 1659, he was first elected as an MP for Bishop's Castle in a Parliament called the Third Protectorate Parliament.

William Oakeley's Political Career

William Oakeley held many important roles in his community and in government. These roles helped him serve the public and manage local affairs.

Early Public Service

From 1660 to 1680, William Oakeley worked as a commissioner for assessment in Shropshire. This meant he helped decide how much tax people should pay. In March 1660, he also became a commissioner for the militia in Shropshire and North Wales. The militia was a group of citizens who could be called upon to defend the area.

He also became a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Shropshire and Montgomeryshire. A J.P. helps keep law and order in their local area. Even though he was appointed Sheriff of Shropshire in March 1660, he was still able to become an MP again in April 1660. He was re-elected for Bishop's Castle in the Convention Parliament.

Continued Parliamentary Roles

William Oakeley continued to be very active in politics. He was a commissioner for assessment in Montgomeryshire from 1660 to 1663. He was even considered for a special honor called the Knight of the Royal Oak. In 1661, he became a freeman of Ludlow, which gave him certain rights in that town.

Later in 1661, he was re-elected as an MP for Bishop's Castle in the Cavalier Parliament. He also served as a commissioner for loyal and indigent officers in 1662. From 1662 to 1663, he was a commissioner for corporations in Shropshire. He also helped with assessments in Oxfordshire from 1663 to 1680.

Later Years in Public Service

From 1673 to 1680, William Oakeley was a commissioner for assessment in Montgomeryshire again. In 1675, he was a commissioner for recusants, dealing with people who did not follow the official church. In March 1679, he was re-elected as MP for Bishop's Castle for the First Exclusion Parliament.

He also had military roles, serving as a captain in the infantry militia by 1681. He became a major in the militia from about 1683 to 1686. From 1689 to 1690, he was a commissioner for assessment in Shropshire and Oxfordshire. He was also reinstated as a Justice of the Peace for Shropshire and Montgomeryshire in 1689, a role he held until his death. In 1690, he was elected MP for Bishop's Castle one last time.

Family Life

William Oakeley was married twice and had several children.

His first marriage was to Mary Waring in 1663. Mary was the daughter of Walter Waring from Owlbury, Lydham, Shropshire. They had one daughter together. Mary passed away in 1680.

William married again on March 24, 1681, to Barbara Walcot. Barbara was the daughter of John Walcot of Walcot, Shropshire. William and Barbara had five sons and three daughters.

Death

William Oakeley passed away at around 59 years old. He was buried in Bishop's Castle on January 31, 1695.