Arthur Hopton (died 1607) facts for kids

Sir Arthur Hopton (died 20 November 1607) was an important English politician and landowner. He served as a Member of Parliament for Dunwich in 1571 and for Suffolk in 1589. He was also honored as a Knight of the Bath by King James I.

Who Was Sir Arthur Hopton?

Sir Arthur Hopton lived in Witham, Somerset during a time of great change in England. He was known for his work in government and for managing his family's estates.

Early Life and Family Connections

Arthur was the first son of Sir Owen Hopton and Anne Etchingham. His mother, Anne, was the elder daughter of Sir Edward Echyngham.

He married Rachel Hall, whose family was from Greatford, Lincolnshire. Their marriage was arranged by May 1566. Rachel was the niece of William Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby of Parham.

Sir Ralph Hopton, a relative, helped raise Rachel. He arranged her marriage to Arthur. He also made sure that most of his lands, including the estate of Witham Friary in Somerset, would go to Arthur and Rachel's family. This was to keep the estates within a family named Hopton.

A Career in Politics

Sir Arthur Hopton had an active career in English politics. He held several important positions.

Serving in Parliament

He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) twice. In 1571, he represented Dunwich. Later, in 1589, he became the MP for Suffolk.

High Sheriff and Royal Service

In 1583, Sir Arthur served as the High Sheriff of Somerset. This was an important role in local government. He was responsible for law and order in the county.

In 1603, King James I appointed Hopton as the surveyor of the crown lands in Somerset. This meant he oversaw royal properties in the area.

Land and Family Business

Sir Arthur was involved in managing his family's properties. He was also a guardian for his uncle Robert Hopton's daughter, Dorothy. Dorothy later married Arthur's son, Owen Hopton.

After his father, Sir Owen Hopton, passed away in 1595, Sir Arthur had to deal with many family debts. To help with these, he sold some family estates in Yoxford and Blythburgh in Suffolk. These lands were bought by Robert Brooke, a London businessman, in 1597.

There was a disagreement about the sale of these lands. Sir Arthur believed some parts of the agreement were changed without his knowledge. Despite this, the estates were eventually settled with Robert Brooke's son by 1598. The Brooke family then made their home at Westwood, a former Hopton manor.

Facing the Spanish Armada

In 1588, England faced a major threat from the Spanish Armada. During this crisis, Arthur Hopton played a role in defending the country. He commanded one of the regiments from the Somerset Trained Bands. These soldiers marched to join Queen Elizabeth I and her army at Tilbury.

His Family and Legacy

Sir Arthur Hopton and his wife Rachel had a large family. They had 5 sons and 11 daughters.

Some of their notable children include:

• Robert Hopton (c. 1575–1638): He lived in Witham.
• Owen Hopton: He married Dorothy, his cousin.
• Sir Thomas Hopton (born c. 1584): He became a knight in 1633.
• Sir Arthur Hopton (born c. 1588): He became a diplomat and was knighted in 1638.
• Dorothy Hopton: She married William Smith and later Sir Nathaniel Bacon of Stiffkey.
• Catherine Hopton: She married Sir George Morton.
• Selina Hopton: She married Henry Bodenham and later Robert Baskett.
• Willoughby Hopton: She married Sir Thomas Hobart.
• Anne Hopton: She married Richard Cole.
• Rachel Hopton: She married a member of the Thomas family.
• Jane Hopton: She married Richard Bingham.
• Philadelphia Hopton: She married Sir John Ernley.
• Margaret Hopton: She married Sir John Rogers and later Sir Robert Banister.

Sir Arthur Hopton passed away on November 20, 1607.

See Also

• Arthur Hopton (1488-1555)
• Arthur Hopton (diplomat)