John Malet

Who is John Malet?

Sir John Malet was an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1666 and 1685.

Malet was the eldest son of Sir Thomas Malet of Poyntington and his wife Jane Mylles, daughter of Francis Mylles. His father was a judge and Royalist supporter. Malet entered Middle Temple in 1634 and matriculated at University College, Oxford on 18 January 1638 aged 15. He was called to the bar in 1641 but was automatically disbarred during the Interregnum. He was J.P. for Somerset from July 1660 to 1680 and commissioner for assessment from August 1660 to 1680. He was commissioner for sewers for Somerset in December 1660, and commissioner for oyer and terminer on the western circuit in 1661. In 1662 he was commissioner for loyal and indigent officers for Somerset. He succeeded to his father's estate in 1665.

In 1666, Malet was elected Member of Parliament for Minehead. He was knighted on 20 February 1667. He was a member of the Green Ribbon Club. From 1667 to 1669, he was commissioner for assessment for Devon and Exeter. He was Recorder of Bridgwater from 1669 to 1683.