William Wogan (politician) facts for kids
Sir William Wogan KS (born around 1638 – died December 1, 1708) was an important Welsh judge and politician. He served as a King's Serjeant, which was a high legal position. He was also a Member of Parliament, representing different areas in Wales in the House of Commons between 1679 and 1701.
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Sir William Wogan's Life and Career
Early Life and Legal Training
William Wogan was born in Wales around 1638. He was the second son of Thomas Wogan and Elizabeth Owen. His family was from Llanstinan in Pembrokeshire. William decided to study law. He joined Gray's Inn, a famous legal school, in 1653. He became a lawyer, or was "called to the Bar," in 1660.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
William Wogan wanted to work in politics. His first try to become a Member of Parliament (MP) was in 1677, but he didn't win that time. In February 1679, he successfully became the MP for Haverfordwest. He held this seat until July of that year.
He returned to Parliament in March 1681. This time, he represented Pembrokeshire until 1685. After that, he successfully ran for Haverfordwest again. He held this seat from 1685 to 1687, and then again from 1689 to 1701.
Important Political Work
In 1678, William Wogan helped prepare for a major political event involving Lord Danby. He spoke out a lot about this matter afterwards.
On October 31, 1689, William Wogan was made a knight at Whitehall. This honor came after he had already become a Serjeant-at-Law and then a King's Serjeant earlier that year. From 1689 until 1701, Sir William Wogan served as the chief judge for the Carmarthen circuit of the Great Sessions in Wales. He was considered for other important judge roles, but he did not take them.
Personal Life
Sir William Wogan was married two times. His first wife was Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Sir John Ashburnam. Elizabeth passed away in 1697. He then married again to the daughter of Dame Elizabeth Purbeck. Sir William Wogan passed away on December 1, 1708. He did not have any children.
