Alban Stepney facts for kids
Alban Stepney (who also used the name Stepneth) was an English politician. He lived a long time ago, in the 1500s and early 1600s. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is part of the English Parliament. He served in Parliament many times between 1572 and 1611.
Alban Stepney's Life
Alban Stepney was the son of Thomas Stepney. His mother was Dorothy Winde. His family came from Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire in England.
Education and Early Career
Alban Stepney went to Christ's College, Cambridge in 1562. This is a famous university in England. He also studied at Clement's Inn, which was a place for legal training.
In 1561, he started working as a registrar. This job was for the St. David's church area. A registrar keeps official records.
Political Roles
Alban Stepney had a busy political career. He held many important jobs:
- Member of Parliament (MP): He was elected as an MP several times. An MP represents a local area in Parliament. He spoke for places like Haverfordwest (in 1572, 1584, and 1586) and Cardigan (in 1589). Later, in 1604, he was an MP for Pembrokeshire.
- High Sheriff: He was the High Sheriff of Pembrokeshire three times (1572-1573, 1589-1590, and 1604-1605). He was also High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire from 1596 to 1597. A High Sheriff was like a chief law officer for a county. They helped keep the peace and enforce laws.
- Justice of the Peace (J.P.): From 1575, he was a J.P. for Pembrokeshire. J.P.s are local officials who help with legal matters and keep order.
- Commissioner: In 1574, he was a commissioner for tanneries in Pembrokeshire. This meant he helped manage businesses that made leather.
- Deputy Lieutenant: In 1602, he became a Deputy Lieutenant. This was another important local role, helping the main Lieutenant of the county.
Alban Stepney also owned land. He got a property called Prendergast from his first wife. At some point, he was given the special title of Knight Banneret. He died in 1611.
Family Life
Alban Stepney was married twice.
- His first wife was Margaret Cathern.
- His second wife was Mary Philipps. She was the daughter of William Philipps.
His oldest son was named John. John later became a baronet in 1621. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, but it can be passed down in the family.
