Oliver St. John

Date of Birth: December 24, 1598

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: December 31, 1673

Biography

Oliver St. John was an influential English statesman and legal expert during the 17th century. Born into a prominent family, St. John played a crucial role in the political and legal reforms of his time. He is best known for his involvement in the English Civil War, where he sided with the Parliamentarians against King Charles I. St. John was a leading figure in the Long Parliament and served as the Solicitor General and later as the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. His legal acumen and political strategies significantly shaped the course of English history during a period of intense turmoil and transformation. St. John was educated at Queens’ College, Cambridge, and later at Lincoln’s Inn, where he trained as a barrister. His legal career was marked by his defense of Puritan leaders and his staunch opposition to the King’s policies, which he viewed as a threat to the rule of law and parliamentary sovereignty. After the Civil War, St. John became a key advisor to Oliver Cromwell and was instrumental in drafting the Instrument of Government, which established the Protectorate. Despite his significant contributions, St. John’s career was not without controversy. He was involved in the trial and execution of King Charles I, an act that polarized the nation. After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, St. John retired from public life and spent his remaining years in relative obscurity.

5 Interesting Facts about Oliver St. John

1. Oliver St. John was a second cousin to Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.

2. He played a pivotal role in the prosecution of Thomas Wentworth, the Earl of Strafford, who was a close advisor to King Charles I.

3. St. John was one of the key figures behind the Grand Remonstrance, a document outlining grievances against King Charles I.

4. He opposed the proposed union between England and Scotland during the Protectorate, fearing it would dilute English parliamentary sovereignty.

5. St. John was known for his austere lifestyle and strong Puritan beliefs, which influenced his legal and political decisions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Oliver St. John

1. “The liberty of a people consists in being governed by laws made by themselves, and by persons chosen by themselves.”

2. “The law is the safeguard of our liberties, and the bulwark of our constitution.”

3. “True justice requires not only the punishment of the guilty but the protection of the innocent.”

4. “In times of great public danger, the safety of the state must be preferred to all private considerations.”

5. “A nation cannot be governed without laws, nor can laws be administered without magistrates.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Oliver St. John is not well-documented, but he was considered to be quite wealthy due to his extensive landholdings and successful legal career.

Children

Oliver St. John had several children with his wife, Elizabeth Cromwell. Among them were: 1. Sir John St. John, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became involved in politics. 2. Elizabeth St. John, who married into another prominent family, furthering the St. John’s political connections.