John Churchill

Sir John Churchill (1585–1673) was an English lawyer and politician of the 17th century. His practice enjoyed great success during the 1630s and he was a member of the Middle Temple and Deputy Registrar of Chancery. He bought an estate at Newton Montacute near Sherborne in Dorset. During the English Civil War he supported Charles I and his son Sir Winston served as a Cavalier in the King's army while John, too old for military service, served Charles in a civil capacity. However following the Battle of Naseby he withdrew his support for the King, sometime before the final Siege of Oxford. Nonetheless the victorious Parliamentarians imposed fines of £840 on him, but he was permitted to keep his property.