Henry Elsynge

Henry Elsynge (1598–1654) was an English administrator, who acted as clerk of the House of Commons, and wrote on parliamentary procedure.

Life

Elsynge was the eldest son of Henry Elsynge, and was born at Battersea. He was educated at Westminster School under L. Osbeldiston, and entered Christ Church, Oxford, as a commoner, 1621, proceeding B.A. 1625. After he spent seven years in foreign travel, Archbishop William Laud procured him the appointment of clerk of the House of Commons. His work was significant during the Long Parliament.

In 1648 he resigned his appointment to avoid taking part in the proceedings against Charles I, and retired to Hounslow in Middlesex, where he died. He was buried in St. Margaret's, Westminster.

Works

Elsynge was a scholarly man who numbered Bulstrode Whitelocke and John Selden among his friends. His works are:

• 'Of the Form and Manner of Holding a Parliament in England,' 1663 (apparently derived from a manuscript in eight chapters, of similar scope, written by his father, 1626; the third edition was published in 1675, and a new and enlarged edition, edited by Thomas Tyrwhitt, in 1768).
• 'A Tract concerning Proceedings in Parliament.'
• 'A Declaration or Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom,' 1642. Reprinted in John Rushworth's 'Historical Collection,' vol. iv., and in E. Husband's 'Remonstrances,' 1643, p. 195.
• 'Method of Passing Bills in Parliament,' 1685. Reprinted in Harleian Miscellany.

References

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Elsynge, Henry". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.