**Sir William More, 2nd Baronet**
**Definition:**
Sir William More, 2nd Baronet (circa 1644 – 1684), was an English landowner and politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the Restoration period. He inherited the More baronetcy and was associated with Loseley Park in Surrey.
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## Sir William More, 2nd Baronet
### Early Life and Family Background
Sir William More, 2nd Baronet, was born around 1644 into the prominent More family of Surrey, England. The More family had long been established as influential landowners, with their seat at Loseley Park, near Guildford. The baronetcy was created for his father, Sir Robert More, 1st Baronet, who was himself a notable figure in local and national politics. William More succeeded to the baronetcy upon his father’s death, continuing the family’s legacy.
The More family traced their lineage back several generations, with a history of public service and land management. The family’s estate, Loseley Park, was a significant manor house and estate that had been in the family since the 16th century. The estate was known for its Elizabethan architecture and extensive grounds.
### Education and Early Career
Details of Sir William More’s early education are limited, but as a member of the English gentry, it is likely that he received a classical education typical of his social class. This would have included instruction in Latin, rhetoric, and possibly law or estate management, preparing him for his future roles as a landowner and politician.
His early career was shaped by the political and social upheavals of mid-17th century England, including the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. The More family, like many Royalist-aligned gentry, navigated these turbulent times with varying degrees of involvement and consequence.
### Political Career
Sir William More’s political career was primarily as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing constituencies in Surrey. He served during the Restoration period, a time marked by the re-establishment of the monarchy under King Charles II and significant political realignments.
#### Parliamentary Service
Sir William More was elected to the House of Commons, where he represented Surrey constituencies. His tenure in Parliament coincided with important legislative and political developments, including debates over religious toleration, the power of the monarchy, and the rights of Parliament.
While specific records of his speeches or parliamentary interventions are scarce, his role as an MP would have involved participation in committees, voting on legislation, and representing the interests of his constituents and class. His political alignment likely reflected the moderate Royalist and Anglican positions common among the Surrey gentry.
#### Local Governance and Influence
Beyond his parliamentary duties, Sir William More held various local offices and responsibilities. As a baronet and landowner, he was involved in the administration of Surrey, including roles such as Justice of the Peace and possibly Sheriff. These positions entailed maintaining law and order, overseeing local courts, and managing county affairs.
His influence extended to patronage and social leadership within the county, where the More family’s status and wealth positioned them as key figures in local society.
### Personal Life
Sir William More married and had children, ensuring the continuation of the More baronetcy and family estates. His marriage alliances would have been typical of the gentry class, aimed at consolidating wealth, influence, and social standing.
The More family’s residence at Loseley Park was not only a home but also a symbol of their status. The estate was maintained and possibly enhanced during his tenure, reflecting the tastes and priorities of the English landed gentry in the late 17th century.
### Death and Succession
Sir William More, 2nd Baronet, died in 1684. Upon his death, the baronetcy and family estates passed to his heir, continuing the More family’s presence in Surrey and English society. The legacy of the More family, including their political and social contributions, persisted into subsequent generations.
### Legacy
Sir William More’s life and career exemplify the role of the English landed gentry during the Restoration period. As a baronet, landowner, and parliamentarian, he participated in the governance and social order of 17th-century England. While not a figure of national prominence, his contributions at the local and parliamentary levels reflect the broader patterns of aristocratic and gentry involvement in English political life.
The More family’s stewardship of Loseley Park and their continued political engagement underscore the enduring influence of landed families in shaping regional and national affairs during this era.
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## See Also
– Loseley Park
– Baronetage of England
– Restoration England
– Surrey in the 17th Century
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**Meta Description:**
Sir William More, 2nd Baronet (c.1644–1684), was an English landowner and politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the Restoration period. He inherited the More baronetcy and was associated with the historic Loseley Park estate in Surrey.