Henry Parker

the fourth son of Sir Nich. Parker of Ratton in the Parish of Willington in Sussex Kt. by Catharine his wife dau. of Joh. Temple of Stow in Bucks Esq. was born in Sussex, (at Ratton I think) became a Commoner of S. Edm. Hall in the latter end of 1621, aged 17 years or thereabouts, took the degrees in Arts, that of Master being compleated in 1628, he being then a Member of Lincolns Inn, and about that time a Barrester. When the grand Rebellion began he sided with the Presbyterians, and became Secretary to the Army under Robert Earl of Essex, in which office he continued some years to his enrichment. Afterwards he turned, and became an Independent, went beyond the seas and lived for some time at Hamborough. At length when Oliver Cromwell came to be General, he was called thence to be a Brewers Clerk, that is, to be Secretary to the said Cromwell, with whom he was in great esteem. He hath written,

A discourse concerning Puritans. Tending to a Vindication of those who unjustly suffer by the mistake, abuse, and misapplication of that name. Lond. 1641. in 9 sh. in qu. which is the second edit. much enlarged.

Observations upon some of his Majesties late Answers and Expresses. Lond. 1642. qu. Answer’d by Dudley Digges of Alls. Coll.

Of a free trade: a discourse seriously recommending to our Nation the wonderful benefits of trade, &c. Lond. 1648. in 5 sh. in qu.

Answer to a poysonous seditious paper of David Jenkyns. Lond. 1647. qu.

The Scots holy Warr: or, the mischief of the Covenant to Great Britaine. Lond. 1657. qu. He is also supposed to be Author of A political Catechisme: or, certain questions concerning the government of this land. Clar. 1657. Lond. 1643. qu. answer’d in his Majesties own words: as also of other Pamphlets which have the Letters H. P. put to them. This person who was a man of dangerous and anti-monarchical Principles, died distracted in the time of Oliver L. Protector, as I have been informed by Fab. Philipps of the Inner Temple Esq. There was another of both his names, who was a Barrister of Greys Inn, and a Burgess for Orford in Suffolk for that Parliam. which began at Westm. 17 Octob. 1679, but he was a younger brother of Sir Philip Parker of that County, and tho able to write, yet he hath published nothing as I can yet learn. He died about the month of Sept. 1681, and his Library was exposed to sale in Dec. following.