Anthony Benn (Recorder of London) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Anthony Benn
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Effigy of Sir Anthony Benn
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| Recorder of London | |
| In office 1616–1618 |
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| Appointed by | James I of England |
| Preceded by | Thomas Coventry |
| Succeeded by | Richard Martin |
| Recorder of Kingston | |
| In office 1610 – 29 September 1618 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1568 |
| Died | 29 September 1618 (aged 50) Kingston upon Thames |
| Resting place | All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse | Jane Eveleyn |
| Children | Charles, Amabella |
| Parent | Robert Benn |
| Residences | Norbiton Hall, Norbiton |
| Alma mater | Broadgates Hall, Oxford |
| Profession | Barrister, Judge |
| Awards | Kt |
Sir Anthony Benn (born around 1568, died 1618) was an important lawyer and judge in England. He held several key positions, including being a judge for Kingston upon Thames and later for the city of London. He was also made a knight by King James I.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Anthony Benn was the first son of Robert Benn, who sold linen in London. Anthony also had a sister named Anne.
He started his studies at Broadgates Hall (now part of Pembroke College) at the University of Oxford in January 1584. He also joined the Middle Temple, which is one of the places where lawyers are trained in London. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford in 1587.
Sir Anthony Benn's Career
Anthony Benn became a lawyer in 1594, working in the Court of Chancery, which dealt with fairness and justice.
Becoming a Judge
In 1610, Benn was chosen to be the Recorder (a type of judge) for the town of Kingston upon Thames. He was later promoted to a higher position within the Middle Temple in 1612.
Knighted by the King
On September 15, 1615, King James I made Anthony Benn a knight in London. This was a great honor! The very next year, he was appointed the Recorder of London, which was a very important legal role for the entire city.
Sir Anthony Benn's Writings
Some of Sir Anthony Benn's writings still exist today. These include a collection of about seventy essays. His essays show that he strongly believed in the King's power, which was a common idea during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. This was different from what some other people thought during King James I's reign.
His essays covered many different topics and shared his personal thoughts. For example, one essay was called Of preparations towards Mariadg (meaning "About preparing for marriage"). In this essay, he gave advice to his newborn daughter, Amabella.
Family Life
Sir Anthony Benn married Jane Evelyn around 1601. In 1605, he bought a large house called Norbiton Hall in Norbiton, which is near Kingston. Today, a special green plaque marks his former home there.
Anthony and Jane had at least two children: a son named Charles (born 1608) and a daughter named Amabella (born 1616).
Death and Memorial
Sir Anthony Benn passed away in 1618. After his death, his wife, Jane, arranged for a beautiful memorial to be built for him. This memorial is in All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames. It features a statue of Sir Anthony Benn lying down in his lawyer's robe, with his hands together as if in prayer.
Sir Anthony Benn's Family After His Death
Sir Anthony Benn's wife, Jane, later remarried in 1656 to Sir Eustace Hart. She lived until 1673.
His daughter, Amabella, was baptized in Kingston in 1607. She later married Anthony Fane, who was the son of a powerful Earl. Anthony Fane fought for the Parliament during a war and sadly died from injuries in 1643. Amabella then remarried in 1644 to Henry Grey, 10th Earl of Kent. They had two children, Anthony and Elizabeth. Henry died in 1651, but Amabella lived a very long life, reaching the age of 92. Both Lady Jane and Amabella are buried in a special family tomb called the de Grey Mausoleum in Flitton.
Images for kids
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Sir Anthony Benn's coat of arms
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Another view of Sir Anthony Benn's coat of arms
