Thomas Lilburne

Thomas Lilburne (died 25 March 1665) was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1656 and 1659. He fought in the Parliamentary army in the English Civil War.

Lilburne was the son of George Lilburne of Sunderland and his first wife Jane Chambers.^[1] He was a parliamentary officer in 1644. He was of Offerton and was steward of the manor of Holm Cultram from 1652 until his death.^[2]

In 1656, Lilburne was elected Member of Parliament for County Durham in the Second Protectorate Parliament. He was elected MP for Newcastle in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.^[3] He was a major in the army of General Monck and was described as one of the persons instrumental in His Majesty's happy restoration.^[1] It is noted that that Charles II made Lilburne a grant 'concerning Holme' as from Lady day 1664.^[2]

Lilburne died in 1665 and was buried at the church of Houghton-le -Spring, where he is commorated on a plain blue slab.^[4]

Lilburne married Margaret Scurfield, widow of George Scurfield.^[4] He was the cousin of Robert Lilburne, the parliamentary soldier, and John Lilburne, known as Free-Born John for his championing of democratic freedom.^[5]

References

1. Robert Surtees The History and Antiquitie of the County Palatine of Durham p20
2. 'Records  : The Manor', Register & Records of Holm Cultram (1929), pp. 204-222. Date accessed: 4 August 2011
3. Willis, Browne (1750). Notitia Parliamentaria, Part II: A Series or Lists of the Representatives in the several Parliaments held from the Reformation 1541, to the Restoration 1660 ... London. pp. 229–239.
4. Eneas Mackenzie, Marvin Ross An historical, topographical, and descriptive view of the county Palatine of Durham, Volume 1
5. Dictionary of National Biography