Amias Paulet (died 1538) facts for kids

Sir Amias Paulet (died 1538) was an English soldier, official, and sheriff for the areas of Somerset and Dorset. He lived during the time of several English kings, including Henry VII and Henry VIII.

Early Life and Family

Amias Paulet was likely born in the late 1450s or 1460s. His father was Sir William Paulet, who passed away in 1488. His mother was Elizabeth Deneland. Amias grew up supporting the House of Lancaster, one of the main families fighting for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses.

In 1483, Amias Paulet took part in a rebellion against King Richard III. Because of this, he lost his rights and property. However, two years later, in 1485, he was forgiven. King Henry VII then made him the sheriff for Somerset and Dorset. A sheriff was an important local official, like a chief law enforcement officer.

A Soldier's Life

Sir Amias Paulet was known as a skilled and respected soldier. In 1487, he fought in the Battle of Stoke. This battle was an important event that helped secure King Henry VII's rule. For his brave service, Amias Paulet was one of 52 men who were knighted.

Later, in 1497, he was given a special job. He had to collect money from people who were involved in a failed rebellion led by Perkin Warbeck. Perkin Warbeck pretended to be a lost prince and tried to claim the throne.

In 1501, Amias Paulet was among the important gentlemen from western England who met Catherine of Aragon. She was set to marry Prince Arthur, who was King Henry VII's son and heir.

When Henry VIII became king, Paulet continued his service. In 1513, he traveled to France to lead 25 soldiers. This was part of an English army expedition during a war with France.

Trouble with Thomas Wolsey

Sir Amias Paulet had a famous disagreement with Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey later became a very powerful person, the King's chief adviser.

It is said that when Wolsey was a young priest, he came to take over a church in Limington, Somerset. Paulet supposedly had him put in the stocks. The stocks were a device used to punish people publicly by locking their feet or hands. The exact reasons for this argument are not fully known, but it was likely a minor dispute.

Years later, in 1521, Wolsey had become the Lord Chancellor, the King's most trusted adviser. He remembered what Paulet had done. Wolsey ordered Paulet to stay in London and not leave without his permission. This meant Paulet was almost like a prisoner for about five or six years. To try and win back Wolsey's favor, Paulet even put Wolsey's family symbol on the gate of the Middle Temple, where he was staying.

Family Life

Sir Amias Paulet passed away in 1538. He was married twice. He had children only from his second marriage.

• His first wife was Margaret. She was the daughter of Sir John Paulet.
• His second wife was Laura, the daughter of William Kellaway. With Laura, he had three sons and one daughter:

* Sir Hugh Paulet (before 1510 – 1573): He became an important military leader and Governor of Jersey. * John * Henry * Elizabeth: She married three times, first to John Sidenham, then to William Carswell, and finally to Henry Coppleston.

See Also

• Amias Paulet (grandson)