Not much is known about his early life, but he came from a family that was active in the affairs of Derbyshire, a region that was central to the military campaigns of the English Civil War.
His superior officer was Sir John Gell, the commander in chief of Parliamentary forces in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire from 1643.
[2] The parliament was called to address the growing instability of the Protectorate, as political factions vied for control over England's governance.
Sanders' role in parliament coincided with a period of significant political tension, with increasing calls for the restoration of the monarchy and the decline of the republican government established after the English Civil War.
Like many MPs of the time, his contributions were likely influenced by local concerns within Derbyshire, as well as broader national issues related to governance and religious settlement.