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John Pym

Type Figure Region England Time c. 1584–1643 Also known as Member Pym

John Pym (1584–1643) was a leader of the parliamentary opposition on the eve of the English Civil War and a central figure of the Long Parliament;…

Timeline

  1. 1640–1641Palace of Westminster · LondonAfter the Long Parliament convened in 1640, Pym became the de facto leader of the opposition, driving the impeachment and eventual execution of the king's favorite Strafford. In 1641 he helped draft the Grand Remonstrance, systematically listing grievances against royal policy and pushing the constitutional conflict to an irreconcilable point.
  2. 1641–1642London · LondonAfter the Irish Rebellion of 1641, Pym pushed for parliamentary control of the army and finances. In January 1642 the king's attempt to arrest Pym and five other members failed; protected by the London populace, he then helped pass measures such as the Militia Bill, completing the political and financial preparations for the outbreak of civil war.
  3. 1642–1643Westminster · LondonAfter the war broke out, Pym continued to direct affairs in Parliament, establishing committees to coordinate war financing and diplomacy, and promoting the Solemn League and Covenant with Scotland. He died of cancer in December 1643; Parliament held a grand state funeral for him, and his political legacy was inherited by the Independents and military leaders.

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