William Sydenham facts for kids

William Sydenham (1615–1661) was an important soldier during the time of Oliver Cromwell in England. He was the older brother of Thomas Sydenham, a famous doctor. William Sydenham fought for the Parliament's side against the Royalists (who supported the King) during the English Civil War. He won many battles in Dorset. He also served in different parliaments during the time England was a republic, known as the Commonwealth. He believed in protecting the rights and freedoms of English people. In 1654, Oliver Cromwell made him a special advisor and a treasury official. Later, he sided with the army when they disagreed with Parliament. After Cromwell's rule ended, and before the King returned, he was removed from Parliament. When the King came back to power, a law called the Indemnity and Oblivion Act stopped him from ever holding a public job again.

Early Life and the English Civil War

William Sydenham was born in 1615. His family lived in Wynford Eagle, Dorset. When the English Civil War began, William and his three younger brothers joined the Parliament's army. They were very active in the fighting in their local area.

By April 1644, William Sydenham had become a colonel. He was put in charge of Weymouth, an important town, by the Earl of Essex. Sydenham was a strong leader. He defeated a group of Royalist soldiers near Dorchester.

Fighting in Dorset

Working with Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, Sydenham captured Wareham and Abbotsbury House. He also beat Sir Lewis Dyve, who was the main Royalist commander in Dorset, in several small battles.

In February 1645, Royalist forces surprised Weymouth. But Sydenham and his soldiers quickly fought back and took the town again just two weeks later.

Political Career and Cromwell's Government

In November 1645, Sydenham was elected to Parliament as a representative for Melcombe. His political importance grew after the Long Parliament was dissolved in 1653. He became a member of a special council of thirteen army officers. He was also part of the Rump Parliament and was chosen for the Council of State multiple times.

Sydenham held more traditional views than some others in Parliament. For example, he wanted to keep the House of Lords, which was a part of Parliament made up of nobles. He also supported having an official church.

Working with Oliver Cromwell

On December 12, 1653, Sydenham suggested that Parliament should dissolve itself. This action helped lead to the start of the Protectorate, where Oliver Cromwell ruled England. Cromwell then made Sydenham a member of his council. He also appointed him as one of the commissioners of the treasury in 1654. This meant Sydenham helped manage the country's money. He earned a good salary for these important roles.

Sydenham represented Dorset in the parliaments of 1654 and 1656. He was known for speaking up for people's rights. For example, he argued against a very harsh punishment that Parliament wanted to give to a man named James Naylor. Sydenham famously said, "We live as parliament men but for a time, but we live as Englishmen always. I would not have us be so tender of the privilege of parliament as to forget the liberties of Englishmen." This showed he cared deeply about the freedom of all English people. He also spoke against laws that were unfair to Quakers.

After Cromwell's Death

After Oliver Cromwell died, Sydenham served on the council of Cromwell's son, Richard Cromwell. However, in April 1659, Sydenham joined other army leaders to force Richard Cromwell to dissolve Parliament. This led to Richard's rule ending.

When the Rump Parliament was brought back, Sydenham became a member of the Committee of Safety and the Council of State. He was also given command of a foot soldier regiment.

Final Years and Restoration

Later, when General John Lambert removed the Rump Parliament again, Sydenham sided with the army. He became a member of their Committee of Safety. He tried to explain why the army had acted so strongly, saying they were forced to do it by "divine Providence."

However, when the Rump Parliament was restored once more, Sydenham was asked to explain his actions. He could not give a good enough reason and was expelled from Parliament on January 17, 1660. His regiment was also taken away from him.

When the King returned to power in 1660 (the Restoration), a law called the Act of Indemnity and Oblivion was passed. This law prevented William Sydenham and seventeen other people from ever holding any public office again. He also had to promise not to cause any trouble for the kingdom. William Sydenham passed away in July 1661.

Family Life

In 1637, William Sydenham married Grace Trenchard. Grace passed away in 1661, about a week after William.