IIAMPDEN, John, bani-den, a celebrated Eng-
lish patriot, descended of an ancient family in
Buekinghamshire, In 1636 he distinguished
himself by his resistance to the crown, and his
objection to the payment of ship-money, by
which he acquired great popularity. This case
was argued twelve days in the court of Ex-
chequer, before the twelve judges and although
the decision was given in favour of the crown,
the popularity of Hampden by no means suf-
fered. He became a leading man in the House
of Commons, and, at the commencement of the
civil war, tool: up arms against the king; but
fell in an engagement with Princeflupert on
Chalgrove Field, Oxfordshire, 1643; n. in Lon-
don, 1594'. Lord Clarendon observes of him,
that “he had a head to contrive, a tongue to
persuade, and a. heart to execute any mischief.”
But others are of a diiferent opinion from his
lordship, in reference to Hampden’s powers of
eontriviug qizischiqf. In fact, he was one of
England’s noblest \vorthies. He spoke, acted,
fought, and fell for the liberties of his country;
and what more can be allotted for man to do P
‘ In private life he was amiable and afl‘ectionatc;
in public debate, eloquent yet temperate; in
counsel, sagacions; in action,‘ vigilant; in en-
terprise, courageous; and his last moments
were spent in prayer, breathed for the welfare
of his countr‘ . [M . 301?! ’7

  

   

  

HAL'IPDEN, John, M.I>., politician, relative
of Cromwell; I). 1594; imprisoned for resis ing
general loan, 162'; refused to pay the tax termec
ship-money, I63 ; active opponent of . Land and
Strafi‘ord, 1640-1; impeached by the king, 3 Jan.
1642 ; colonel in the parliamentary army; wounded
at Chalgrove, I8 June; (I. 24 June 1643.