DEwes

D'Ewes, Sir Simonds (1602-1650), an English antiquary and chronicler, born at Chardstock, in Dorsetshire. His father was a clerk in Chancery, and educated his son at Bury St. Edmunds grammar school, and at St. John's College, Cambridge. The son was called to the bar in 1623, but did not practise, being rich enough not to need the aid of his profession. He projected a history of Great Britain, and made a valuable collection of notes and observations which now form part of the Harleian MSS. at the British Museum. Among these materials his Journal of all the Parliaments of Queen Elizabeth are of much value. D'Ewes became High Sheriff of Suffolk, and was created a baronet in 1641, and the next year he was returned to the Long Parliament, where he sat till 1648, when Pride's Purge dislodged him. His MS. Notes of the Long Parliament (1640-1645) form five volumes of the Harleian MSS. His autobiography and correspondence was edited by Mr. Halliwell in 1845.