John Hampden

John Hampden was born in London in 1594. His father, William Hampden, was one of the richest men in England and owned large estates in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Essex. Educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, Hampden inherited his father's estates when he was a young man.

Hampden was elected to the House of Commons in 1621. Over the next few years Hampden emerged as one of the leading opponents of Charles I and was imprisoned in 1634 for refusing to pay the forced loans imposed by the king.

In 1637 Hampden was prosecuted for refusing to pay the Ship Tax on his lands in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. He appeared before the Court Exchequer and although he was found guilty, the publicity surrounding the case made him one of the most popular men in England.

Hampden also played an important role in having the king's two senior advisers, William Laud and Thomas Wentworth arrested and sent to the Tower of London. Charged with treason, Wentworth's trial opened on 22nd March, 1641. The case could not be proved and so his enemies in the House of Commons, led by Arthur Haselrig, John Pym and Henry Vane, resorted to a Bill of Attainder. Charles I gave his consent to the Bill of Attainder and Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, was executed on 12th May 1641.

Parliament then passed a law that gave members control over the king's ministers. Charles I was furious and decided it was time to retaliate. On 4 January 1642, Charles sent his soldiers to arrest Hampden, Arthur Haselrig, John Pym, John Hampden, Denzil Holles and William Strode. The five men managed to escape before the soldiers arrived. Members of Parliament no longer felt safe from Charles and decided to form their own army. After failing to arrest the Five Members, Charles fled from London. Aware that Civil War was inevitable, Charles began to form an army.

On the outbreak of the war Hampden raised a regiment in Buckinghamshire and fought with distinction at Edgehill and Reading. On 17th June, 1643, Hampden was badly wounded during a skirmish with troops led by Prince Rupert.

John Hampden died from his wounds six days later.