Adrian Poynings facts for kids

Sir Adrian Poynings (born around 1512 – died 15 February 1571) was an important military leader and administrator in England. He was the youngest of Sir Edward Poynings' children born outside of marriage. He played a key role in defending the English forces at Le Havre in France during 1562–63.

Who Was Adrian Poynings' Family?

Adrian Poynings was born around 1512 in Ghent, a city in Flanders (modern-day Belgium). At that time, his father was working there as an ambassador for England.

Adrian was the youngest of seven children born to Sir Edward Poynings (1459–1521). Sir Edward lived at Westenhanger Castle in Kent, England. Adrian's mother is believed to have been Rose Whethill.

Adrian had two older brothers, Thomas Poynings, 1st Baron Poynings (died 1545) and Edward Poynings (died 1546). He also had four sisters:

• Jane (or Joan) Poynings. She first married Thomas Clinton, the 8th Baron Clinton. Their son was Edward Clinton, 1st Earl of Lincoln (died 1585), who became a very important naval leader. Jane later married Sir Robert Wingfield.
• Margaret Poynings, who married Edward Barry or Barre.
• Mary Poynings, who married Sir Thomas Wilsford or Wilford.
• Rose Poynings (born 1505), who married a man named Lewknor.

Adrian also had a half-brother, John Poynings, who died young. John was the son of Adrian's father and his legal wife, Isabel or Elizabeth Scott.

Adrian Poynings' Career and Service

Adrian Poynings began his training in law in 1533. His military career started during a war campaign in Boulogne, France, in 1546. His brother, Edward, who was a captain there, was killed in battle. Adrian then became a lieutenant under Thomas Wyatt.

In June 1546, Adrian was made captain of the citadel (a strong fortress) at Boulogne. A year later, he became captain of the entire town. His nephew, Lord Clinton, became the governor of Boulogne in 1548. Adrian continued to serve there until the town was given back to the French in 1550.

In 1552, he was appointed lieutenant of the castle in Calais. In 1557, he fought in the Battle of St. Quentin with 48 foot soldiers. Queen Elizabeth I made him a knight by 1562, giving him the title "Sir." He also served as a Member of Parliament for Tregony in 1559.

On 1 December 1560, he became the captain of Portsmouth, an important port city. He held this job until he died. During the English control of Le Havre (which the English called Newhaven) in 1562, he was made high marshal. The main commander, Ambrose Dudley, was less experienced, so Adrian was asked to guide him. Adrian gave very strict rules for the English soldiers in Newhaven. For example, he said that any soldier who fought outside the town would lose their right hand.

In late 1562, Sir Hugh Paulet took over from Adrian at Newhaven. However, Adrian continued to serve on the military council. In March 1563, he was asked to report to the Privy Council in London. While he was there, the English forces at Newhaven surrendered. As a reward for his service, he was granted full rights as an English citizen in 1564.

Adrian's wife, Mary West, was an heir to an important noble title, the barony of West. In 1567, Adrian tried to claim another title, the barony of De La Warr, for his wife, but he was not successful.

In his final years, Adrian continued as captain at Portsmouth. He sometimes had disagreements with the local leaders there.

Death

Sir Adrian Poynings died on 15 February 1571. He was buried in London. His wife was given control of his estate and became the guardian of their three daughters.

Marriage and Children

Adrian Poynings married Mary West. She was the daughter of Sir Owen West. Adrian and Mary had three daughters:

• Elizabeth Poynings, who married Andrew Rogers.
• Mary Poynings, who married Sir Edward More.
• Anne Poynings, who married Sir George More. Their daughter, Anne More, later married the famous poet John Donne.

After Adrian's death, his widow Mary married Sir Richard Rogers.

Images for kids

• 

  Westenhanger Castle today, once the home of the Poynings family