Anthony Cooke facts for kids

Sir Anthony Cooke (born June 1501 – died 11 June 1576) was an important English scholar. He lived during the Renaissance, a time of great learning. He is best known for being a teacher to King Edward VI. He also believed strongly in educating girls, which was unusual for his time.

Sir Anthony Cooke's Family and Early Life

Anthony Cooke was the only son of John Cooke and Alice Saunders. His family came from Gidea Hall in Essex, England. His grandparents were Sir Philip Cooke and Elizabeth Belknap.

His great-grandfather, Sir Thomas Cooke, was a very rich merchant. He was even the Lord Mayor of London in 1462. This shows that Anthony Cooke came from a well-known and respected family.

Sir Anthony's Important Career

Sir Anthony Cooke held several important jobs during his life. In 1545, he served as the High Sheriff of Essex. This was a key role in local government.

Teaching a King

While he was never officially called the "tutor" to King Edward VI, many people believed he was a very important guide for the young king. Edward VI was the son of Henry VIII. People at the time said that Sir Anthony helped teach the king about reading, good manners, and religion.

A famous scholar named Peter Martyr wrote that he admired Sir Anthony. He said Sir Anthony had "singular piety and learning." He also praised Sir Anthony for his "worthy office" in teaching King Edward.

King Edward VI himself was said to have described his teachers. He said Sir Anthony Cooke taught him "weighingly," meaning thoughtfully and with great importance.

Public Service and Challenges

When Edward VI became king, Sir Anthony Cooke was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor. He also served in the English Parliament for Lewes in 1547.

He was part of groups that checked on churches in England. These groups had Protestant ideas. He also took part in important discussions between Roman Catholics and Protestants.

However, when Queen Mary I came to power, things changed. She wanted to bring back Catholicism. Because Sir Anthony was a strong Protestant, he was put in the Tower of London for a short time.

After his release, he chose to leave England. He traveled to places like Strasbourg, where he met other Protestant leaders. He returned to England when Elizabeth I became queen in 1558. Queen Elizabeth I was also a Protestant.

Memorial to Cooke at the Church of St Edward the Confessor, in Romford

After Queen Elizabeth I took the throne, Sir Anthony continued to serve on religious committees. He was also a Member of Parliament for Essex in 1559 and 1563. He passed away on June 11, 1576, when he was 72 years old. He was buried in Romford. His memorial praises his "exceptional learning, prudence and piety."

Educating His Daughters

Sir Anthony Cooke is especially remembered for his strong belief in educating girls. This was very unusual for his time. He made sure his daughters learned both Latin and Greek.

His daughters became very accomplished:

• His daughter Anne translated books from Italian and Latin.
• His daughter Elizabeth translated a Latin book about religious topics.

When Sir Anthony died, he left gifts to all his children. But his five daughters were also allowed to choose three books from his personal library. This showed how much he valued their education.

Sir Anthony Cooke's Family Life

Sir Anthony Cooke married Anne Fitzwilliam. She was the daughter of Sir William Fitzwilliam, who was also a well-known merchant in London.

Together, Sir Anthony and Anne had four sons and five daughters:

• Anthony Cooke (born around 1535 – died 1604)
• Sir Richard Cooke
• Edward Cooke (1557–1566)
• William Cooke (died 1589)
• Mildred Cooke (1526–1589): She married William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, who was a very important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Their son was Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury.
• Anne Cooke (born around 1528 – died 1610): She married Sir Nicholas Bacon. Their sons included the famous philosopher Sir Francis Bacon and Anthony Bacon.
• Catherine Cooke (born around 1530 – died 1583): She married Sir Henry Killigrew.
• Elizabeth Cooke (1527–1609): She married Sir Thomas Hoby and later John, Lord Russell.
• Margaret Cooke (died 1558): She was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary I.

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