Henry Elsynge
Henry Elsynge (c.1606 – 30 September 1656) was an English administrator, who acted as clerk of the House of Commons, and wrote on parliamentary procedure.
Henry Elsynge | |
|---|---|
| Born | c.1606 |
| Died | c.30 September 1656 (aged 49–50) |
| Burial place | St. Margaret's, Westminster |
| Nationality | English |
| Education | Westminster School, Christ Church, Oxford |
| Occupation | administrator |
| Years active | c.1632–1648 |
| Known for | clerk of the House of Commons |
| Notable work | during the Long Parliament |
| Parents |
|
Life
Elsynge was the eldest son of Henry Elsynge and his wife Blanche Hyett; and was baptised at St Dunstan-in-the-West on 2 March 1606.[1] He was educated at Westminster School under L. Osbeldiston. Elsynge entered Christ Church, Oxford, as a commoner, in 1621, proceeding B.A. 1625. After he spent seven years in foreign travel, Archbishop William Laud procured him the appointment of clerk of the House of Commons. His work was significant during the Long Parliament.
In December 1648, Elsynge resigned his appointment on a pretext, to avoid taking part in the proceedings against Charles I. He retired to Hounslow in Middlesex, where he died. He was buried in St. Margaret's, Westminster, on 30 September 1656.[1]
Works
Elsynge was a scholarly man who numbered Bulstrode Whitelocke and John Selden among his friends. His works are:
- A Tract concerning Proceedings in Parliament.
- A Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom (1641),[2] reprinted in Edward Husband's Remonstrances (1643)[3] and in John Rushworth's Historical Collection (1721).[4]
References
- Sainty, J. C. "Elysnge, Henry". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/8765. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- A Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom. Die Mercurii 15. Decemb. 1641. It is this Day Resolv'd upon the Question, by the House of Commons, that Order shall be now Given for the Printing of this Remonstrance, of the State of the Kingdom. Newly Corrected according to the Original Copy. With the Addition of the Humble Remonstrance, and Petition of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. H. Elsinge Cler. Parl. D. Com., London: Printed for Ioseph Hunscutt, 1641, OCLC 896881673.
- An Exact Collection of all Remonstrances, Declarations, Votes, Orders, Ordinances, Proclamations, Petitions, Messages, Answers, and other Remarkable Passages: Betweene the Kings Most Excellent Majesty and his High Court of Parliament beginning at His Majesties Return from Scotland, being in December 1641, and Continued until March the 21, 1643: Which were formerly Published either by the Kings Majesties Command or by Order from One or Both Houses of Parliament: With a Table wherein is Most Exactly Digested All the fore-mentioned Things According to their Severall Dates and Dependancies, London: Printed for Edward Husbands, T. Warren, R. Best, and are to be sold ..., 1643, p. 195, OCLC 65328456.
- John Rushworth (1721–1722), Historical Collection of Private Passages of State, Weighty Matters in Law, Remarkable Proceedings in Five Parliaments: Beginning the Sixteenth Year of King James, Anno 1618 and Ending the Fifth Year of King Charles, Anno 1629, Digested in Order of Time, vol. iv, London: D. Browne ..., OCLC 220910694.
External links
- Attribution
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Elsynge, Henry". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.