Ambrose Cave facts for kids

Sir Ambrose Cave (died 2 April 1568) was an important English politician. He served as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, a key government role during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

Who Was Sir Ambrose Cave?

Sir Ambrose Cave was a well-known figure in England during the 1500s. He held several important positions in the government and was known for his work in politics. His career shows how people could rise to influential roles in the royal court and parliament during that period.

Early Life and Education

Ambrose Cave was born to Richard Cave and Margaret Saxby. His family came from Stanford, a place in Northamptonshire, England. Like many important people of his time, he received a good education. He studied at Cambridge University, which was (and still is) one of England's most famous universities. By the year 1525, he had been knighted, which meant he was given the title "Sir" for his service or achievements.

His Political Career

Sir Ambrose Cave was very active in English politics. He served as a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to represent different areas in the English Parliament. This was like being a representative in today's government, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.

• He represented Leicestershire in Parliament in 1545, 1547, and 1553.
• Later, he represented Warwickshire in 1558, 1559, and 1563.

Besides being a Member of Parliament, Sir Ambrose held other significant jobs:

• High Sheriff of Warwickshire: In 1549, he was the High Sheriff of Warwickshire. This role was like a chief law enforcement officer for the county, responsible for keeping the peace and carrying out legal duties.
• Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: From 1558 until his death in 1568, he was the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This was a very important job, overseeing the lands and income belonging to the King or Queen through the Duchy of Lancaster.
• Custos Rotulorum of Warwickshire: He also held the title of Custos Rotulorum for Warwickshire from 1558 to 1568. This person was the chief keeper of the county's records and was often the most senior justice of the peace.

Family Life

Sir Ambrose Cave was married to Margery Willington. Her father was William Willington. They had a daughter named Margaret. Margaret later married Sir Henry Knollys, who was also a Member of Parliament and known as a privateer (a type of sailor who was allowed by the government to attack enemy ships). Sir Ambrose also had a nephew, Roger Cave, who married Margaret, a sister of William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. William Cecil was a very powerful and important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.