William Sacheverell facts for kids
William Sacheverell (born 1638 – died 9 October 1691) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, during two different times between 1670 and 1691. He was known for being a strong voice for the people and challenging the king's power.
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Early Life and Political Start
William Sacheverell was born in 1638. His father, Henry Sacheverell, was a country gentleman. William's family had been important in the areas of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire for a very long time, since the 1100s! William inherited large family lands from his father.
In 1667, he joined Gray's Inn, which was a place where people studied to become lawyers. Just three years later, in 1670, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Derbyshire.
Standing Up to the King
William Sacheverell quickly became an important leader in the group of politicians who disagreed with the King's government. This group was sometimes called the "Country Party".
He believed that people who were not loyal to the Church of England should not hold important jobs in the military or government. He helped create the Test Act, a law that made sure only people loyal to the Church of England could hold public office. This law caused big changes in the government at the time.
A Strong Voice in Parliament
Sacheverell was very active in almost every discussion in the House of Commons. He was seen as one of the best leaders of the opposition.
He strongly disagreed with King Charles II's friendship with France. Instead, he wanted England to be allies with the Dutch. He believed Parliament should not give the King money for his plans until the King listened to their demands.
William Sacheverell cared a lot about the English navy. He spoke often about how to make it stronger. In 1677, he asked the King to make an alliance with the United Provinces (the Netherlands) to stand against the powerful French King, Louis XIV of France.
When the Speaker of the House tried to end a meeting early because of the King's orders, Sacheverell bravely spoke up. He said that Parliament itself had the right to decide when its meetings should end, not the King.
Questioning the King's Promises
In 1678, King Charles II said he had made the alliances Parliament wanted. But Sacheverell was suspicious. He warned Parliament that they might be tricked. Later, when a secret agreement between the King and France became known, Sacheverell's suspicions were proven right. He then argued that the King's army should be sent home and that no more money should be given for military purposes.
The Popish Plot and Succession
In 1678, a man named Titus Oates claimed there was a "Popish Plot" by Catholics to kill the King. William Sacheverell was one of the politicians who strongly believed this plot was real.
He was very active in investigating the claims and helped question people involved. He also helped write the charges against important Catholic nobles.
Debating the Next King
Because of the "Popish Plot" fears, Sacheverell and others wanted to stop James, Duke of York (the King's brother and a Catholic) from becoming the next king. Sacheverell was the first to suggest this idea in Parliament in 1678. This led to the famous Exclusion Bill, which aimed to prevent James from inheriting the throne.
Sacheverell strongly supported this bill and argued that Parliament should not give the King any money until it passed. When the King offered other ideas to limit a Catholic king's power, Sacheverell gave a powerful speech explaining why the King's ideas were not enough to protect England.
Later Years and Legacy
After King Charles II died in 1685, William Sacheverell lost his seat in Parliament and lived quietly on his lands for four years.
However, when William III became King in 1689, Sacheverell was elected to Parliament again, representing Heytesbury. He pushed for big changes to England's government rules. He helped create the Declaration of Right, which was an important document that set out the rights of Parliament and the people. This document later became part of the Bill of Rights.
King William III made Sacheverell a lord of the admiralty, a high position in charge of the navy, but Sacheverell resigned after a few months.
In 1690, Sacheverell suggested an important change to a law about local government. He wanted to prevent people who had given up their town's rights to the King from holding public office for seven years. This caused a big debate in Parliament.
William Sacheverell was elected to Parliament for Nottinghamshire in 1690, but he sadly died before he could take his seat.
Many people at the time thought Sacheverell was one of the most skilled politicians during King Charles II's reign. He was one of the first great speakers in the English Parliament. His speeches impressed everyone, and even years later, older people would talk about them. Although his fame might not be as well-known as some others, he played a very important role in changing England's government during his time.
Family Life
William Sacheverell was married twice. His first wife was Mary Staunton, and his second was Jane Newton. His oldest son, Robert, also became a Member of Parliament for Nottingham. The Sacheverell family line ended in 1724.
