Family and Education

b. c.1650, 1st s. of Sir Walter Acton, 2nd Bt. educ. Queen’s, Oxf. matric. 4 May 1666, aged 16; I. Temple 1670. m. 8 Dec. 1674, Mary, da. and h. of John Walter of Elberton, Glos., 3s. 5da. suc. fa. 1665.1

Offices Held

Commr. for assessment, Salop 1673-80, 1689-90, j.p. 1678-June 1688, Nov. 1688-d., sheriff 1684-5; freeman, Bridgnorth 1673, Much Wenlock 1676, Ludlow 1697; recorder, Bridgnorth 1686-d.; bailiff, Much Wenlock 1686-7.2

Biography

As sheriff Acton assisted in the choice and return of ‘two very loyal persons’ for Shropshire in 1685. A churchman, he returned negative answers to the first two questions on the repeal of the Penal Laws and Test Act. In the general election of 1689, Acton was returned for Bridgnorth, where he was recorder. In the Convention he voted to agree with the Lords that the throne was not vacant, but was named only to the committee of elections and privileges and another on a private bill. He made no recorded speeches and was given leave to go into the country on 15 Mar., 20 June and 10 Dec. 1689. He retained his seat in the six succeeding Parliaments, generally voting with the Tories, but he signed the Association in 1696. He died on 28 Sept. 1716, and was buried at Morville. The 4th baronet sat for Bridgnorth from 1710 to 1713.3

Ref Volumes: 1660-1690

Author: J. S. Crossette

Notes

• 1. Glos. N. and Q. iii. 237.
• 2. Trans. Salop Arch. Soc. liv. 195-6; Salop RO, Forester mss, Much Wenlock corp. bk., Ludlow bor. recs. minute bk.
• 3. CSP Dom. 1685, p. 103.