Richard Jennings

Sir Richard Jennings MP (circa 1619 – 8 May 1668) was an English nobleman and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) during multiple sessions between 1642 and 1668 and was involved in the political conflicts of the English Civil War. Jennings supported the Parliamentary cause during the conflict.

In August 1642, Jennings succeeded his father, Sir John Jennings, as head of the Jennings family. At this time, he took residence at Sandridge in Hertfordshire. Additionally, he was elected MP for St Albans in 1642, succeeding his father in this parliamentary seat. His mother was Alice, daughter of Sir Richard Spencer of Offley. She was the mother of 22 children, including Richard Jennings.

During the Civil War, Jennings fought on the side of Parliament. He was captured by Royalist forces and imprisoned for a period. In December 1648, during Pride's Purge, which removed many MPs opposed to the Grandees of the New Model Army, Jennings was secluded from Parliament due to his moderate political stance.

He was re-elected as MP for St Albans in 1659, serving in Richard Cromwell's Third Protectorate Parliament. In 1660, during the brief period when the secluded members of Parliament returned, Jennings played a leading role in the restored Long Parliament. Subsequently, he was elected MP for St Albans for the Convention Parliament, which facilitated the Restoration of the monarchy.

Jennings continued his parliamentary service following the Restoration, being re-elected to the Cavalier Parliament in 1661. He served as MP for St Albans until his death in 1668.

He was married to Frances Thornhurst, daughter and heiress of Sir Gifford Thornhurst, 1st Baronet, and Susanna Temple. Through this marriage, Jennings acquired the manor of Agney in Kent. They had daughters, Sarah and Frances, who were prominent figures at the court of King Charles II. Frances, known as "La Belle Jennings," became a maid of honor to the Duchess of York in 1664 and later married Richard Talbot, becoming Countess of Tyrconnel. Sarah Jennings married John Churchill in 1677; he later became the Duke of Marlborough. Sarah was an influential figure during Queen Anne's reign and was known to be a confidante of the queen.

Elizabeth Jennings Hill, one of Richard Jennings' many siblings, was a parent of Abigail Masham, who later became a close confidante of Queen Anne and succeeded Sarah as her favorite. The estates initially inherited by Jennings’ daughters were eventually consolidated by Sarah's husband, John Churchill.

References:

- The Peerage: Richard Jenyns