The Wentworth Brothers: Defenders of Free Speech and Parliamentary Rights

Peter and Paul Wentworth were notable figures in Elizabethan England, remembered for their staunch defense of parliamentary privileges, in particular the protection of free speech. Peter, the elder brother, is renowned for his passionate speeches advocating for the autonomy and rights of the English Parliament. Paul, although less prominent, shared and supported his brother's fervent beliefs and never failed to back up his sibling, even under threat of imprisonment. Together, they faced significant risks and repercussions for challenging the authority of Queen Elizabeth I, ultimately laying important groundwork for the future of parliamentary democracy. Their efforts, marked by courage and conviction, underscore a pivotal period in the evolution of England’s political landscape.

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Peter and Paul Wentworth - Rebels in the Commons

Peter Wentworth was born in 1524, followed by his brother, Paul, in 1533. The two were born into a wealthy and well-connected family with strong ties to the English gentry. Their father, Sir Nicholas Wentworth, was Chief Porter of Calais, and his position provided the two brothers with the perfect foundation for lives of politics and public service.

The two were educated at the Inns of Court and were taught both the laws and the workings of the English government. This legal education would go on to underpin both their careers in Parliament and their many arguments over the right of free speech and parliamentary privilege. Growing up during the tumultuous reigns of Henry VIII and his successors, the Wentworth brothers were deeply influenced by the shifting dynamics between the monarchy and Parliament, shaping their views on governance and the rule of law.

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Portrait of Elizabeth I of England  (Public domain)

Peter Wentworth's Fight for Parliamentary Freedom

When his father died in 1557, Peter inherited the family estate at Lillingstone Lovell. Fourteen years later, in 1571, he entered Parliament as the MP for Barnstaple. One year later, he became the MP for Tregony. He quickly became known for his outspoken views. 

He was particularly concerned with the matter of succession. Queen Elizabeth I wasn’t getting any younger and had failed to marry or produce a male heir. The last succession crisis, following the death of Henry VIII, led to no small amount of unrest and countless deaths. Peter feared history would repeat itself if Elizabeth failed to announce an heir.

He had a point. The Catholic Church still didn’t recognize Elizabeth as Queen of England and was eagerly waiting to plop her cousin, Mary, on the throne. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth faced various association plots and potential coups, each of which threatened to spark a civil war. Queen Elizabeth, however, had made it clear she had no interest in announcing an heir. Peter’s comments on the matter sparked much debate in the Commons and drew the queen’s ire.

Freedom of speech laws in Tudor England were rather interesting. Free speech was a parliamentary privilege, meaning the only people with that freedom were MPs while in Parliament. Essentially, it was designed so that MPs were able to criticize the monarch so that they could fulfill their duties and protect the nation from rogue royals. By the time of Elizabeth’s rule, this privilege was well established, but there were limitations. If the queen told you to shut up, you shut up.

All this talk about succession, usually led by Peter Wentworth, irritated the queen, who repeatedly ordered her MPs to stop discussing it. In 1576, Peter delivered a bold speech in the House of Commons, criticizing the Queen’s interference in parliamentary matters. This speech, which highlighted the importance of free debate, led to his imprisonment in the Tower of London for a month.

Peter Wentworth’s questions on parliamentary privilege (Public Domain)

Despite this brief setback, Peter wasn’t deterred. Over the years, he continued his advocacy, and in 1587, he presented a written petition to the House of Commons. Once again, it challenged the Queen’s control over parliamentary discussions and called for rule changes. Known as “A Treatise on the Liberties of Parliament,” it emphasized the need for Parliament to be free from monarchical intervention. His persistence in defending parliamentary rights saw him imprisoned several more times.

His final imprisonment came during the 1593 session, during which he sat for Northampton. He had finally grown tired of all the discourse around parliamentary privilege, perhaps believing it was distracting from the bigger problem- succession. On February 24, he and another Commons member, Henry Bromely, approached the speaker.

They had brought with them a petition and a bill that concerned the ongoing issue of succession. When Elizabeth found out the issue was once again being discussed, against her wishes, she was more than a little dissatisfied. To keep her happy and avoid any kind of clash between Parliament and the Queen, the other members stuck Peter in jail one more time. He remained there until he died three years later. 

Paul Wentworth: A Brother in Arms

Like his brother, Paul Wentworth also became an important member of parliament. While not as vocal or prominent as Peter, Paul shared his brother’s commitment to the cause and actively supported him in Parliament. Paul was known for his involvement in several key parliamentary debates and his alignment with the more radical elements within the House of Commons.

Paul’s most notable contribution came during the 1576 parliamentary session, where he staunchly defended his brother after Peter’s incendiary speech on parliamentary liberties. He echoed Peter's sentiments, arguing against the Queen's interference in parliamentary matters and reinforcing the necessity for free and open debate within the legislative body. This act of solidarity highlighted the unity and shared vision of the Wentworth brothers.

Conclusion

There’s a fair bit of debate among historians as to how influential the Wentworth brothers truly were. For many years, it was argued that their persistent advocacy for legislative independence and free speech within Parliament laid the crucial groundwork for the constitutional changes that would follow in the 17th century. Furthermore, some have argued that their actions sparked the beginning of a confrontation between the Commons and the Crown that would culminate in the 17th-century English Civil Wars.

On the other hand, some modern historians have argued against this viewpoint. They believe the Wentworths’ importance and influence have been romanticized and overstated. These historians believe that no one really listened to Wentworth. After all, it wasn’t the crown who repeatedly imprisoned Peter, it was his fellow members of Parliament. 

The truth likely lay somewhere in the middle. The Wentworths certainly held some sway, every time they spoke, it sparked lengthy debates in the Commons, with members arguing for both sides. However, it is also true that their impact has likely been overblown. Still, both brothers were early believers in freedom of speech and spent their careers doing what they believed to be right, at great personal cost. Something many modern politicians could learn from.

Top image: Queen Elizabeth in Parliament                                            Source: Public Domain

By Robbie Mitchell