Sir Thomas Mauleverer, 1st Baronet
Sir Thomas Mauleverer, 1st Baronet(9 April 1599 – c. June 1655) was an English politician and prominentRoundheadduring theEnglish Civil War.
Sir Thomas Mauleverer was born into a family with large estates in Yorkshire. His father, Sir Richard Mauleverer (c.1528-1603), had beenHigh Sheriff of Yorkshireand Mauleverer served as ajustice of the peacein theWest Riding.In 1630, he was knighted byKing Charles– but was obliged to pay for the privilege under the King's policy of distraint of knighthood. He was elected to theLong Parliamentin November 1640 asMPforBoroughbridge.The King created him a baronet in August 1641, hoping to gain his support, but Mauleverer supported Parliament during theEnglish Civil Warand raised a regiment of foot and a troop of horse for Parliament out of his own pocket – for which he later claimed £15,000 reimbursement.
Mauleverer's troops became notorious for pillaging and defiling churches. He was with the Fairfaxes when they were routed at theBattle of Adwalton Moorin June 1643, then escaped toHullwithLord Fairfax.When the Royalists marchedto besiege Hull,Fairfax commissioned Mauleverer to seek out spies and traitors in the town. He accompaniedSir Thomas Fairfaxto therelief of Nantwichin January 1644, but while he was on campaign, his ancestral estate atAllerton Maulevererwas plundered by Royalists.
Mauleverer was appointed a commissioner of theHigh Court of Justicein January 1649, and was a signatory of the King's death warrant. During theCommonwealth,Mauleverer was active as a justice of the peace in Yorkshire. He died in June 1655. His son and heirSir Richard Maulevererhad fought for the Royalists, so was allowed to succeed to the baronetcy after theRestoration.