Richard Major

Richard Major or Richard Maijor (1605 – 25 April 1660) was a Member of Parliament during the English Commonwealth era. [1]

For the geographer and map librarian, see Richard Henry Major.

He was the son of John Maijor, Alderman and Mayor of Southampton.

A wealthy man, Richard Major bought Hursley Park and Lodge, Hampshire in 1639 and served as High Sheriff of Hampshire for 1639–40. His eldest daughter, Dorothy, was married to Cromwell's eldest living son Richard Cromwell, who succeeded Oliver as Lord Protector in 1658.

Major sat for Hampshire in both the Barebones Parliament of 1653 and the First Protectorate Parliament of 1654 and was also appointed to Oliver Cromwell's Council of State.[2]

He died in 1660 and was buried in Hursley Church. Hursley Park passed to Richard Cromwell and his heirs.

References
  1. Neale, J.P. Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen.
  2. Hainsworth p.158

Bibliography
  • Hainsworth, Roger. The Swordsmen in Power: War and Politics under the English Republic, 1649-1660. Sutton Publishing, 1997.


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