BIRCH, John (1615-91), of The Homme, nr. Leominster and Garnstone Manor, Weobley, Herefs.

Capt. of vol. ft. (parliamentary), Bristol 1643; lt.-col. of ft. 1643 – 44, colt 1644 – 45; gov. Bath 1645, Hereford 1645 – 46; col. of horse 1646 – 48, ft. Feb.-Oct. 1660.Mil. Mem. of Col. Birch, (Cam. Soc. n.s. vii), 55, 94, 104, 120; VCH Lancs. iv. 280; Grey, vi. 366.

Commr. for execution of ordinances, Bristol 1644, assessment, Bristol 1644 – 48, Herefs. 1647 – 48, 1649 – 52, 1657, Jan. 1660–80, Mdx. and Westminster 1679 – 80, Herefs. and Lancs. 1689 – 90, London 1690; militia, Bristol and Herefs. 1648, Herefs., Lancs., Mon., Salop, Worcs. and Rad. Mar. 1660; high steward, Leominster 1648 – June 1660; j.p. Herefs. Mar. 1660–80, ?1689 – d.; commr. for recusants, Cornw. and Herefs. 1675; dep. lt. Herefs. and London 1689–d.G. F. Townsend, Leominster, 291; HMC Lords, iii. 47.

Commr. for indemnity 1647 – 49, to Estates [S] 1648; Councillor of State 25 Feb. – 31 May 1660; commr. for excise Feb. 1660–4, Admiralty Mar. – July 1660, disbandment Sept. 1660–1, 1679, maimed soldiers Dec. 1660–1; auditor of excise 1661 – d.; commr. for trade 1668 – 72, wine duties 1670 – 74; treas. for loyal and indigent officers 1671; chairman, committee of elections and privileges 23 Jan.-21 Oct. 1689.HMC 4th Rep. 370; Cal. Treas. Bks. i. 79, 195; iii. 454; iv. 507; vii. 208; CJ, viii. 213; ix. 220.