HOOKE, John (c.1605-85), of Bramshott, Hants.

Hooke’s grandfather, of Surrey origins, obtained a confirmation of arms in 1600 and bought the manor of Bramshott in 1610. As a nephew of John Pym, Hooke naturally supported Parliament throughout the Civil War; but he also complied with all succeeding governments, holding local office till his death some 40 years later. He was returned for Winchester at the top of the poll in the general election of 1660, and marked by Lord Wharton as a friend. In the Convention he made no speeches and was appointed to no committees, but he probably voted with the Opposition and did not stand again. Although approved as an ejector during the Protectorate, he conformed to the Church of England, and presented his younger son to the rectory in 1672. Presumably he opposed exclusion. He died on 14 May 1685 aged 80, the only member of this family to sit in Parliament, and was buried at Bramshott. The property was sold a few years later.Vis. Hants (Harl. Soc. lxiv), 84; Grantees of Arms (Harl. Soc. lxvi), 128; VCH Hants, ii. 492; Gent. Mag. lxv. 594.