Edward Walpole

Sir Edward Walpole KB (1621 – 18 March 1668) was an English politician and knight who served in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1668.

Family Background:

He was the son of Robert Walpole of Houghton and his wife Susan Barkham. His maternal grandfather was Sir Edward Barkham of South Acre, who served as Lord Mayor of London. Edward Walpole was baptized on 9 November 1621.

Education:

In 1640, Walpole was a student at the Middle Temple, an institution for legal studies.

Public Service and Political Career:

In 1657, Walpole served as commissioner for assessment for Norfolk. He held the position of commissioner for sewers in 1658 and 1659. In March 1660, he was appointed commissioner for militia, and from April 1660 until his death, he was lieutenant colonel of the foot militia.

Walpole was elected Member of Parliament for King's Lynn in the Convention Parliament in 1660. He also served as a Justice of the Peace from June 1660, and from August 1660 until his death, he held the posts of Deputy Lieutenant and commissioner for assessment for Norfolk. Additionally, he was again appointed commissioner for sewers in September 1660.

In 1661, he was re-elected as MP for King's Lynn in the Cavalier Parliament. On 19 April 1661, he was created Knight of the Bath. Between 1662 and 1663, he served as commissioner for corporations. In 1663, he succeeded his father. In 1668, he was a commissioner for trade with Scotland.

Marriage and Family:

Around 1649, Walpole married Susan Crane, daughter of Sir Robert Crane, 1st Baronet of Chilton, Suffolk. They had a total of thirteen children, comprising five sons and eight daughters. Susan Crane died on 7 July 1667.

Notable Descendants:

One of Walpole’s sons was Robert Walpole, whose son was Robert Walpole, recognized as Britain’s longest-serving prime minister. Another son was Horatio Walpole.

Death:

Sir Edward Walpole died approximately at the age of 46 and was buried at Houghton, Norfolk.