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 (around 1568–1618) was an important lawyer and judge in England. He was a "recorder," which was a type of judge, first for the town of Kingston upon Thames starting in 1610. Later, in 1616, he became the Recorder of London, a very important legal job in the capital city. He was also made a knight in 1615 by King James I. Sir Anthony Benn passed away in 1618.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Anthony Benn was the first son of Robert Benn. His father was a linen draper, which means he sold linen fabric, in London. Anthony also had a sister named Anne.
He went to Oxford University at a place called Broadgates Hall in January 1584. He also joined the Middle Temple, which is one of the four special schools in London where people learn to become barristers (lawyers). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford in 1587.
Career as a Lawyer and Judge
Anthony Benn became a full lawyer, or was "called to the bar," in 1594. He worked in a court called the Court of Chancery, which dealt with fairness and justice.
In 1610, he became the Recorder of Kingston. This meant he was the main judge for that town. In 1612, he became a judge and was chosen to give special lectures to other lawyers at the Middle Temple. He taught about important legal topics of the time.
King James I made him a knight in London on September 15, 1615. This happened when the King was returning to London from Scotland. The very next year, Sir Anthony Benn was chosen to be the Recorder of London. This was a very high-ranking legal position. In 1618, he had a disagreement with the Lord Chief Justice, Sir Henry Montagu.
Sir Anthony Benn's Essays
Sir Anthony Benn wrote many essays, and some of his handwritten works still exist today. These essays show his personal thoughts and opinions on many different subjects. His writing style showed great respect for the King's power. This was a common idea from the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
One of his essays was called Of preparations towards Mariadg (which means "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. They had at least two children: a son named Charles, born in 1608, and a daughter named Amabella, born in 1616.
In 1605, Sir Anthony bought a large house called Norbiton Hall in Norbiton, which is near Kingston. He lived there with his family. Today, there is a special green plaque on the building to remember that he lived there.
Death and Memorial
Sir Anthony Benn passed away in 1618 in Kingston upon Thames. When he died, he owned some land and a property called 'Popes' in Norbiton. However, it is thought that this was not Norbiton Hall itself. His son Charles was only eight years old, and his daughter Amabella was two.
Sir Anthony Benn's wife, Jane, arranged for a special memorial to be built for him. It is in the All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames. The memorial has a statue of Sir Anthony Benn lying down. He is wearing his lawyer's robe and a ruff collar, with his hands together as if in prayer. The memorial is made of alabaster, a smooth, white stone.
What Happened to His Family?
Sir Anthony Benn's wife, Jane, later married again in 1656 to Sir Eustace Hart. She lived until 1673.
His daughter, Amabella, was baptized in Kingston in 1607. She married Anthony Fane, who was the son of a powerful Earl. Anthony Fane fought for the Parliament during the English Civil War and sadly died from injuries in 1643.
Amabella married again 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 (Sir Anthony's wife) and Amabella are buried in a special family tomb in Flitton.
See also
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
