Robert Wynne

Robert Wynne (1622–1675) was a Virginia politician and landowner, who had the second longest tenure of any Speaker of the House of Burgesses, having been elected by his fellows during the Colony's "Long Parliament" as well as represented Charles City County from 1658 until his death in 1675 (as Bacon's Rebellion was beginning).

Early life Wynne was born in Canterbury, England, being baptized there on December 22, 1622. His grandfather, also Robert Wynne, had been mayor of Canterbury in 1599, and other relatives had served in Parliament.

Governor Sir William Berkeley convened the House of Burgesses in 1661 and did not dissolve it and convene another session until 1676 (after Bacon's Rebellion began). Thus the same legislature (albeit with some replacements after resignations or deaths) met in seventeen sessions during that period. At the Long Parliament's second session in 1662, members elected Wynne as their Speaker to replace Henry Soane, who had died during that first recess. Under Wynne's leadership, the House took an active role in business previously left to the Governor and Council, creating a standing committee to advise the Governor between sessions. She also bore children of this second marriage, including at least two sons and a daughter.

Death and legacy Wynne died in 1675; his will was dated July 1.