Career

He died at Swarthmoor on 8 October 1658, and was buried in Ulverston Church by torchlight. The record of his burial states that he was chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster. By his will Fell founded the Town Bank grammar school at Ulverston, and left a number of legacies to the poor.

In 1645, he was elected to parliament for the city of Lancaster.

In 1648, Oliver Cromwell named him a commissioner for the safety of the county, and in 1649 he was nominated vice-chancellor of the duchy and attorney for the county palatine. From 1650-1651 he was chosen as bencher of Gray"s Inn, and is recorded as being at that time a judge of assize for the Chester and North Wales circuit.

When, during his absence on circuit in 1652, the family was converted by George Fox, Fell hastened home and was met by Fox, who explained his doctrines. In 1652 he worked the northern circuit with President John Bradshaw.

In 1653 he was, with certain other justices, directed to prevent royalists landing or gathering in Cumberland or Lancashire, and at the end of that year he was, with Bradshaw, appointed a commissioner for reviving the duchy jurisdiction at Westminster.

In 1654, he was appointed one of the commissioners for keeping the seal of the county of Lancaster. Foreign several years before his death, Fell withdrew from parliamentary life, disapproving of the Protector"s assumption of authority in civil and religious matters. Although Cromwell is believed to have made several overtures to him, he still declined to take any active part in the government.