Nathaniel Barton

Nathaniel Barton was an English military officer and politician who played a notable role during the mid-17th century, particularly during the English Civil War and the subsequent Protectorate period.

Early life and career

Originally serving as a chaplain to Sir Thomas Burdett of Foremark, Barton transitioned into a military career, attaining the rank of colonel. His military involvement extended to the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War.[1]

Political career

In 1653, Barton was nominated to represent Derbyshire in the Barebones Parliament, an assembly convened by Oliver Cromwell and the Army Council. Following this, he was elected as one of the four members for Derbyshire in the First Pvrotectorate Parliament of 1654.

However, his election faced challenges due to his prior clerical status. A defeated rival contested his eligibility, arguing that his holy orders disqualified him from serving as a member of parliament. Barton countered by asserting that the abolition of episcopal ordination rendered this objection moot. The dispute remained unresolved at the time of the Parliament's dissolution.[2]

Records indicate that Barton did not serve as a member for Derbyshire in the Second and Third Protectorate Parliaments. In the Second Protectorate Parliament of 1656, the members for Derbyshire were Sir Samuel Sleigh and German Pole. In the Third Protectorate Parliament of January 1659, the representatives were John Gell and Thomas Sanders.

In 1654, Barton published a "Representation and Defence" in response to allegations made against him by Sir Samuel Sleigh, addressing claims related to his conduct and qualifications.[3]

References

1. Taft, Barbara (March 1985). "The Council of Officers'". The Historical Journal. 28 (1): 169–185. doi:10.1017/S0018246X00002260. ISSN 1469-5103.
2. "Breaching the guidelines: clerical MPs in the mid-seventeenth century - The History of Parliament". historyofparliament.com. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
3. Peacey, Jason, ed. (2013), "Taking part", Print and Public Politics in the English Revolution, Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 229–413, ISBN 978-1-107-04442-5, retrieved 2025-02-03