Bernard Grenville facts for kids
Sir Bernard Grenville (born 1567, died 16 June 1636) was an important English politician. He lived a long time ago, during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King Charles I. He came from a famous family in Cornwall and Devon.
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Who Was Sir Bernard Grenville?
His Family and Early Life
Sir Bernard Grenville was the oldest son of Richard Grenville. His father was a powerful man who owned large estates in Bideford, Devon, and Stowe in Cornwall. He also owned Buckland Abbey in Devon.
When Sir Bernard's father was lost at sea in 1591 on the ship Revenge, Sir Bernard took over the family lands. He had actually gained control of some family properties earlier, in 1586 and 1591.
Sir Bernard went to King's College, Cambridge to study. He started his studies there in the autumn of 1584.
His Career in Public Service
Sir Bernard Grenville was given the title of Knight in 1608. This was a special honor from the King.
He held several important jobs in Cornwall:
- He was the High Sheriff of Cornwall from 1596 to 1597. The High Sheriff was like the chief law enforcement officer in the county.
- He became a Justice of the Peace in 1598. A Justice of the Peace helps keep order and deals with minor legal issues.
- He was also a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall starting in 1598. This role helped with military matters and keeping the peace.
Later, in 1628, he worked for King Charles I. He was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, which meant he was a close attendant to the King.
Sir Bernard was also elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bodmin, Cornwall, in 1597. An MP is someone chosen to represent their area in the country's main law-making body.
His Marriage and Children
Sir Bernard Grenville married Elizabeth Bevill. She was the only daughter and heir of Phillip Bevill. Together, they had four sons and one daughter.
Two of their most well-known sons were:
- Sir Bevil Grenville (1596–1643): He was a brave soldier who fought for the King's side (the Royalists) during the English Civil War. He was killed in battle in 1643 at the Battle of Lansdowne. Sir Bevil was also an MP for Cornwall and Launceston. His son was John Grenville, 1st Earl of Bath.
- Sir Richard Grenville, 1st Baronet (1600–1658): A Baronet is a title of honor, passed down through families.
Sir Bernard Grenville passed away on 16 June 1636. He was likely at Tremeer when he died. He was buried on 26 June at St James the Great church in Kilkhampton, Cornwall.
