Background
Merrick was the son of Sir Francis Merrick.
Merrick was the son of Sir Francis Merrick.
He fought in the Parliamentary army in the English Civil War. He was knighted in 1625. He was re-elected Member of Parliament for Newcastle under Lyme for the Long Parliament in November 1640.
On the outbreak of the Civil War Merrick was appointed Sergeant-Major-General in the Parliamentary Army commanded by the Earl of Essex.
He commanded an infantry regiment Sir John Merrick"s Foot, which took part in the Battle of Edgehill. After the Battle of Stratton, Merrick was appointed general of the Artillery, leading them at the Battles of Gloucester and Newbury.
Merrick died at the age of 75 and was portrayed in Bush church wearing black armour.
Short Parliament]
In April 1640, he was elected Member of Parliament for Newcastle under Lyme in the Short Parliament.