John Milward (1599 – 14 September 1670) was an English politician and landowner who served as one of the members of parliament for Derbyshire from 1665 until his death in 1670.
His election came during the early years of the Restoration, a period marked by political stabilization following the English Civil War and Commonwealth.
During his tenure, Milward was involved in debates and decisions regarding fiscal and administrative reforms, including issues such as the levying of taxes like ship-money, which were critical to financing the navy and defense.
First published in 1938 and subsequently reissued, this diary is a detailed firsthand account of parliamentary debates, administrative challenges, and the intricacies of financial management in post-Civil War England.
The diary not only records the proceedings of the House of Commons but also provides personal insights into the challenges faced by Restoration politicians, including issues such as the irregularities in the payment of naval wages by tickets.