William Yorke (died 1666) facts for kids

William Yorke (born around 1609 – died 1 November 1666) was an English lawyer and a politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, during two different times between 1654 and 1666.

Early Life and Education

William Yorke was born in Wiltshire, England, around 1609. His father, also named William Yorke, was a "gentleman" and had enough money to send young William to a good school.

When he was 17, William Yorke started studying at Pembroke College, Oxford in 1627. He earned his first degree in 1630. After that, he went on to study law at the Inner Temple, a famous place for training lawyers in London. He became a lawyer in 1637.

Becoming a Lawyer

William Yorke became known as a very good lawyer. He was also interested in old things and history, sometimes called an antiquarian.

He took on several important roles in his home county of Wiltshire. In 1644, he helped manage taxes on goods, known as excise. From 1646 to 1651, and again from 1652 to 1657, he served as a Justice of the Peace. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

Political Career

William Yorke became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time in 1654. He represented Wiltshire in a special government called the First Protectorate Parliament.

He also held positions related to mining. He was an assistant for the Society of Mines Royal from 1654 to 1655, and then a deputy governor for the same society until he died.

Serving in Parliament

In 1661, William Yorke was elected as an MP again, this time for the town of Devizes. He served in a government known as the Cavalier Parliament. He was a very active member, working on 170 different committees. This shows he was very involved in making decisions and laws.

He followed the rules of the Church of England, which was the main church at the time. However, he was also known for having some Puritan beliefs, which were about living a very strict and religious life. From 1662 until his death, he was an alderman in Devizes, which meant he was a senior member of the town's council.

Family Life and Death

William Yorke married Elizabeth Danvers. They had one son, but sadly, their son died when he was very young.

William Yorke passed away at the age of 56 on 1 November 1666. He was buried in the Temple Church in London.