Amias Paulet facts for kids
Sir Amias Paulet (born 1532 – died 26 September 1588) was an important English official. He came from Hinton St. George, a place in Somerset, England. Sir Amias was a diplomat, which means he represented England in other countries. He was also the Governor of Jersey, a small island. For a time, he was the person in charge of guarding Mary, Queen of Scots.
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Early Life and Family
Amias Paulet was the son of Sir Hugh Paulet. His mother was Philippa Pollard. Her father was Sir Lewis Pollard, a judge from Devon.
A Career in Service
Amias Paulet began his career in 1550. He went to the island of Jersey because his father was made Governor there. Amias quickly became his father's helper.
In 1551, he traveled to France. He helped bring back six thieves who had escaped from Jersey. He even went to Paris to get a letter for the French Constable.
Working in Jersey
By 1556, Amias was officially the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey. This meant he was in charge when his father was away. He held this important job until 1573. When his father died that year, Amias became the full Governor. He stayed in this role until he passed away.
There was a lot of worry about France invading the Channel Islands. Amias even went on a secret trip to the coast of Brittany in France. He wanted to see if French ships and soldiers were gathering. Luckily, nothing happened. The French king died, which stopped the threats for a while.
Amias continued his father's work on Mont Orgueil Castle in Jersey. He wanted to make the castle stronger. Even though Queen Elizabeth did not send much money, he kept working on it. In 1557, he wrote that he had spent more money than he received. He also said the walls still needed a lot of work. In 1563, he was proud of the work done. He believed it was a huge project for the money spent.
Religious Views
Like his father, Amias was very against the Catholic Church. He was more of a Calvinist than a traditional Protestant. When Huguenot refugees came to Jersey in 1558, he welcomed them. Huguenots were French Protestants who faced persecution. He even let some of their priests become rectors in Jersey churches. He did not always follow his father's wishes about which prayer book to use.
In 1568, more Huguenots arrived. Amias welcomed them too. His father had some concerns about them staying too long. But Amias and his father usually got along well. In 1571, Amias became joint-Governor with his father. He became the only Governor after his father's death.
Ambassador and Royal Service
In 1576, Queen Elizabeth I made him a knight. She also made him the Ambassador to Paris. This meant he was England's main representative in France. During this time, the young Francis Bacon was placed under his care. Amias stayed in Paris until 1579.
His duties often meant he was away from Jersey for long periods. Queen Elizabeth trusted him greatly. Her main secretary, Sir Francis Walsingham, wrote that she trusted him to handle matters as he saw fit.
In 1583, Amias was in Jersey for an important event. His son Anthony was sworn in as Lieutenant-Governor. His brother George became the Bailiff. After this, Amias joined the Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the Queen.
Guarding Mary, Queen of Scots
Amias Paulet was a very strict Puritan. In January 1585, Queen Elizabeth appointed him to guard Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary was a prisoner at Chartley Castle. Amias guarded her very closely. He was her keeper until Mary was executed on 8 February 1587.
After Mary was found guilty, Walsingham wrote to Amias. He asked Amias to kill Mary. This would save Queen Elizabeth from being directly involved in her death. But Amias refused. He wrote back that he would not "shed blood without law or warrant." He did not want to harm his conscience or his family's reputation. He was also appointed Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, a high honor.
Family Life
Amias Paulet married Margaret Harvey. They had three sons and three daughters:
- Hugh Paulet (born 1558), who died before his father.
- Anthony Paulet (born 1562), who became the main heir. He also took over as Governor of Jersey after his father. His son was John Poulett, 1st Baron Poulett.
- George Paulet (born 1565), who married Elizabeth Paulet.
- Joan Paulet, who married Robert Haydon.
- Sarah Paulet, who married Sir Francis Vincent.
- Elizabeth Paulet, who never married.
Death and Legacy
Sir Amias Paulet died in London on 26 September 1588. He was first buried in the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Later, his remains were moved to the Church of St George, Hinton St George. His name was used by the famous writer Mark Twain for a character in his book A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.
See also
- Elizabeth R
- Elizabeth: The Golden Age
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