William Pierrepont (politician) facts for kids
William Pierrepont (born around 1607, died 1678) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, at different times between 1640 and 1660. He was a supporter of the Parliamentary side during the English Civil War.
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William Pierrepont's Life
William Pierrepont was the second son of Robert Pierrepont, who was the first Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull. His mother was Gertrude Talbot. William went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1624. Later, he studied law at Lincoln's Inn in 1627. In 1638, he became the Sheriff of Shropshire. This was an important local job.
His Time in Parliament
In April 1640, William Pierrepont was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Shropshire. This was for a short time called the Short Parliament. Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected MP for Great Wenlock in the Long Parliament.
William Pierrepont always tried to find peaceful solutions. He took part in talks with King Charles I in Oxford in 1643. He was also part of a group called the Committee of Both Kingdoms. This group worked for both England and Scotland. He represented Parliament during important discussions at Uxbridge in 1645.
Working for Peace
Even though he supported Parliament, Pierrepont wanted peace. He tried to restart talks with the King in 1647. In 1648, he worked hard for peace at Newport. For his efforts, Parliament thanked him.
After these peace talks, he stepped back from politics. He did not like how Colonel Pride removed some members from the House of Commons. He also disagreed with the actions taken against the King.
Friendship with Cromwell
Despite his moderate views, William Pierrepont was a personal friend of Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was a very powerful leader of the Parliamentary side. In 1654, Pierrepont was elected MP for Nottinghamshire. This was for the First Protectorate Parliament. However, he chose not to sit in Parliament in 1656. He also turned down a place in Cromwell's special council, the Protector's House of Lords.
When Richard Cromwell took over after his father, William Pierrepont quietly helped guide the government. After a short break when Richard left power, Pierrepont was chosen for the council of state in 1660. He was elected MP for Nottinghamshire again in the Convention Parliament of 1660. He likely helped save the lives of some Parliamentary leaders after the King returned to power. He was not elected in 1661 and spent the rest of his life away from politics. He passed away in 1678.
William Pierrepont's Family
William Pierrepont married Elizabeth Harries. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Harries. They had five sons and five daughters together.
Some of their notable children and grandchildren include:
- Robert Pierrepont (died 1666) was his oldest son. Robert's children included Robert Pierrepont, 3rd Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull, William Pierrepont, 4th Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull, and Evelyn Pierrepont, 1st Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull.
- Gervase Pierrepont (1649–1715) was their third son. He was given the title Baron Pierrepont in 1701.
- Frances Pierrepont (born 1630, died 1695) was a daughter. She married Henry Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Newcastle in 1652.
- Grace Pierrepont was another daughter. She married Gilbert Holles, 3rd Earl of Clare in 1655.
- Gertrude Pierrepont (born 1641, died 1727) was a daughter. She married George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax in 1672.
