Edward Alford(c. 1566 – c. 1632) was an English landowner and politician who sat in seven parliaments in theHouse of Commonsbetween 1604 and 1628.
Background and early life
editAlford was the son ofRoger Alfordof London and Hitcham and his wife Elizabeth Ramsay.[1]He matriculated atTrinity College, Oxfordon 10 April 1581 aged 15.[2]In accordance with the instructions of his father's will, he studied for the law and entered atLincoln's Inn.[1]
Political career
editIn 1593 Alford was electedMember of ParliamentforBeverleyand in 1604, elected forColchester.He was re-elected MP for Colchester in 1614 and 1621. On 27 November 1621 he is recorded "Mr Alford saith that since the Powder Treason the Papists say there hath been no practice against the King; and he wisheth that now, on our loose with Spain, those who are about the King should look well that he be not endangered." He applauded Coke's attack on the monopolies and asked for freedom of speech. He was re-elected MP for Colchester in 1624.[3]In 1625 he was appointedHigh Sheriff of SurreyandSussex"to prevent his appearance in Parliament".[4][1]
In 1626, Alford was re-elected for Colchester when "Great was the joy in the House" and he said "This, this is the first Parliament that ever I saw Councillors of State have such care for the State". However it is recorded that "Charles, appealling to the people for a free gift, purified the Commission of the Peace by the dismissal of those persons who were likely to oppose the measure. Elliot and Phelips, Seymour and Alford, ceased to bear the honours of Justice of the Peace in their respective Counties." Alford was re-elected MP for Colchester in 1628, but was replaced on petition bySir William Masham, 1st Baronet.In 1628 Edward Alford was elected MP forSteyningbut it is not clear if this refers to Alford or his son. On 8 May 1628, the House drew up "The Petition of Rights" and sent it to the Upper House for its assent. When the amended bill was returned to the commons on 17 May Alford said "Let us look into the Records and see what they are: what is Sovereign Power? Bodin saith that it is free from any conditions. By this we shall acknowledge a regal, as well as a legal, power. Let us give that to the King the Law gives him, and no more. On 21 June 1628 when thanks were expressed to the Lords for passing the bill, Alford stood up and said this custom of giving thanks had been omitted ever since the passing of a Bill for the old Lord Burghley, and he held it due to the House, for what have these Lords so deserved of the Commonwealth that we should intermit the public affairs of the State to intend their private Bills". Alford subsequently retired to the mansion and estate ofOffington,in the parish ofBroadwater, West Sussex.[1]
Alford was buried in the Chancel ofHamseyChurch, near Lewes, Sussex.[1]
Family
editAlford married Judith Downing, daughter of Edmund Downing of Suffolk, and had six sons of whomJohn Alford,HenryandEdwardwere all members of parliament.[1]
References
edit- Zaller, Robert. "Alford, Edward (1565/6–1631/2), politician".Oxford Dictionary of National Biography(online ed.). Oxford University Press.doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/37106.(Subscription orUK public library membershiprequired.)
Notes
edit- ^abcdefAlford Association - Edward Alford
- ^'Alumni Oxonienses, 1500-1714: Abannan-Appletre', Alumni Oxonienses 1500-1714: Abannan-Kyte (1891), pp. 1-28. Date accessed: 10 December 2011
- ^Willis, Browne(1750).Notitia Parliamentaria, Part II: A Series or Lists of the Representatives in the several Parliaments held from the Reformation 1541, to the Restoration 1660...London. pp.229–239.
- ^"ALFORD, Edward (c. 1565/6-1631), of Hamsey and Offington, Broadwater, Suss. and the Whitefriars, London".History of Parliament Online.Retrieved17 July2014.