Richard Strode (c. 1480–1522)

Richard Strode (c. 1480 – 1522) was a 16th-century Member of Parliament for Plympton, Devon who was also involved in the tin mining industry. He is best known for instigating one of the earliest and most important English cases dealing with parliamentary privilege.

Strode's Case

Main article: Strode's case

With the aid of some fellow MPs, Strode attempted to introduce legislation restricting the rights of tin miners on Dartmoor. However, Strode was himself a tinner, and an influential competitor brought charges against Strode in the Stannary Court, a regional tribunal empowered to judge mining disputes. Strode was fined £160, but refused to pay the fine, whereupon he was imprisoned at Lydford Castle. He was released three weeks later by a letter from the Exchequer; at Strode's request, Parliament had passed a law (Strode's Act) reversing the local court decision and granting him immunity from further prosecution related to his Parliamentary activities.

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