Did you know that without John Pym’s vision, these parklands might not exist? This plaque commemorates John Pym. He played a major role in establishing the modern English Parliamentary system.
John Pym was born in London in 1584. His father died when he was very young. His stepfather instilled in him Puritan views. He developed a deep opposition to the reforms of Archbishop William Laud.
Pym was a leading member of the Providence Island Company. This company attempted to establish a Puritan colony in Central America. He led the opposition to arbitrary rule. This occurred first under James I, then Charles I.
His leadership in the early stages of the English Civil War was essential to the Parliamentarian cause. He negotiated the Solemn League and Covenant with the Scots Covenanters. His death from cancer in 1643 was a major blow.
Originally buried in Westminster Abbey, his body was later moved. After the Stuart Restoration in 1660, his body was dumped in a pit. This pit was at nearby St Margaret’s, Westminster. It was alongside those of other Parliamentary leaders.
He is now viewed as an astute politician. He was an effective speaker. Many of his ideas were adopted during the American Revolution. They were also used by 19th-century American liberals.
Pym’s early career involved tax collection. He was appointed collector of taxes for the Exchequer. This covered Hampshire, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. He was elected for Calne in 1621. Later, he represented Tavistock for the rest of his career.
Pym’s diary shows he viewed Parliamentary legislation as a whole. He had an ability to explain issues clearly. He was appointed to numerous committees. He argued that the Commons should decide guilt or innocence. The Lords would only determine the penalty.
He was notable for his anti-Catholicism. He opposed Catholic practices in the Church of England. Many contemporaries fought in the Thirty Years’ War. They were concerned at the failure to defend Protestant Europe.
In 1626, Pym led an attempt to impeach the Duke of Buckingham. He supported the Petition of Right to Charles I in 1628. He also led the Parliamentary attack on clergymen. These clergymen supported the divine right of kings.
Pym became treasurer of the Providence Island Company in 1630. This role consumed much of his time. Company meetings provided cover for political opposition. Many members became leaders of the Parliamentary opposition in 1642.
In 1640, Pym became the unofficial leader of the opposition. He recognised Charles would not keep commitments. Charles and Henrietta Maria told ambassadors concessions were temporary. These would be retrieved by force if needed.
Pym helped draft the Grand Remonstrance. In 1642, Charles made an unsuccessful attempt to arrest Pym. Pym headed the Committee of Safety. His integrity kept a diverse coalition together.
In 1643, Pym negotiated the Solemn League and Covenant. This secured Scottish support. He orchestrated the expulsion of Henry Marten. Marten had advocated for the deposition of King Charles I.
John Pym died in 1643. His reputation suffered in comparison to others. However, he is now viewed as an astute politician. He laid the foundations of modern Parliamentary democracy. He was an effective speaker.
So, as you enjoy these parklands, remember John Pym. His vision and actions have shaped not only history. They have contributed to this very space we appreciate today.