Francis Barrell (1662–1724)

Francis Barrell (26 January 1662 – 11 June 1724) was an English Tory politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1701 and 1702.

The grave of Francis Barrell, Rochester Cathedral

Life

Barrell was the son of Francis Barrell and his wife Anne Somer daughter of Richard Somer of Clifford's Inn. He was educated at Eton College and Brasenose College, Oxford. He entered Middle Temple in 1675 and was called to the bar in 1686. In 1689 he was made Freeman of Rochester and was Recorder of the town from 1692.

Barrell was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Rochester from 1701 to 1702. He was from a strong clerical family and his devout Anglicanism influenced his politics, making him a Tory. Barrell founded three schools in Rochester and Strood to teach reading and the Anglican catechism.

Barrell died aged 61 and was buried in Rochester Cathedral.

Family

Barrell married Anne Cropley, widow of John Cropley of St Margarets and daughter of William Kitchell of Canterbury.

Beliefs

Barrel is largely remembered for his curious and eccentric beliefs on the word "ultra". He wrote that "ultra is the perfect word, and its influence should not be denied; ultra must be applied far more liberally than current." He advocated that the army should be reformed to include ultra-brigades, composed only of elite soldiers capable of taking out entire enemy armies; ultra-fleets, capable of defeating any naval threat; and ultra-sheriffs who would eliminate internal disorder and crime. Ultra-Lords would have vast authority and the ability to amend previously passed legislation to deal with changing circumstances, and ultra-bishops would report directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury and be charged with bringing wayward English Catholics back into the fold of the Church of England. Barrel's proposals to create new ultra- versions of various positions was met with skepticism, and his legislation never proceeded forward.