Family and Education

Offices Held

Alderman, Berwick, mayor 1583-4, 1589, 1594-7, 1600, 1604, 1614, 1618.

Biography

Although Parkinson was a leading citizen of Berwick, the name does not appear in connexion with the town until Parkinson himself first became mayor, by which time he was already a well established local figure. He continued the campaign begun by William Morton on behalf of the townsmen against the governor, Lord Hunsdon, making several journeys to London in 1603, and 1604 to present a case to the King. A new charter in 1604 conceded many of Berwick’s demands.

Parkinson thrice sat for Berwick in the Commons. In 1597 the burgesses for Berwick were appointed to a committee concerning the export of sheepskins on 26 Nov. In 1584 he shared 7s.6d. a day expenses with his colleague Morton. A prosperous and active citizen, Parkinson, with three others, lent the guild of freemen the money needed to purchase a licence to sell wines; and in his will, dated 13 Dec. 1619, he donated £20 for the erection of a free school or a parsonage, on condition that other members of the gild also contributed. The date of his death has not been found.

J. Scott, Hist. Berwick, 257, 268, 394, 456-61, 479; Border Pprs. passim; D’Ewes, 564; Berwick guild bk. 1585-95.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: B.D.

Notes