Christopher Perkins (priest) facts for kids
Sir Christopher Perkins (around 1547 – 1622) was an important English diplomat and Member of Parliament (MP). He started his career as a Jesuit, which is a member of a Catholic religious order, but later became a key figure in the English government.
Life Story
Christopher Perkins went to University of Oxford and finished his studies in 1565. The next year, when he was 19, he joined the Society of Jesus in Rome. He was a Jesuit for many years. Later, he started to disagree with some of their ideas. While in Venice, he wrote a book about the Society. This book was generally positive, but the English government later thought it might be harmful. Around this time, William Cecil visited Rome. Perkins helped Cecil when his religious views caused problems. It is said that Perkins then returned to England with young Cecil. Cecil introduced him to his powerful grandfather, Lord Burghley.
Returning to England
In 1587, Perkins was living in Prague. He was listed by the government as a Jesuit who was living abroad. There, he met Edward Kelley. In 1589, Kelley accused Perkins of being a messenger for the Pope. He also claimed Perkins was involved in a plot against Queen Elizabeth. Soon after, Perkins came to England and was likely put in prison. On March 12, 1590, he wrote to Francis Walsingham. He defended himself and showed a letter from the King of Poland as proof of his innocence. He also gave up his religious vows and his former faith. On May 9, he was given money for a trip to Poland and Prussia.
Working as a Diplomat
From this time on, Perkins often worked as a diplomat for England. He traveled to countries like Denmark, Poland, and the lands of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. He also worked with the Hanseatic League, which was a group of trading cities. His main job was to handle trade agreements. In 1591, he was an ambassador to Denmark. He met the king on July 4 and later received a yearly payment for his work. He went to Poland in January 1592 and was back in Denmark that summer. In 1593, he talked with the Emperor in Prague. In 1595, he visited several trading cities like Elbing and Lübeck. He also spent time in Poland. He said that people in Poland liked him, and the king even wanted him to work for Poland. However, the clergy (religious leaders) were very much against him.
In 1598, he was sent to Denmark again. In 1600, he helped negotiate with Danish representatives in Emden. He was a main advisor to the government on trade with countries around the Baltic Sea. In 1593, he was part of a group that settled arguments between English and French traders about piracy. He also helped investigate and punish people who supported pirates.
Many Important Roles
In 1595, Christopher Perkins became the Dean of Carlisle, which is a senior church position. In 1597, he joined Gray's Inn, a place where lawyers are trained. On September 16, 1597, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ripon. He was elected again in 1601. As an MP, he often worked on trade issues in the House of Commons.
When King James I came to power, Perkins's yearly payment was increased. In 1603, he was part of a group that stopped books printed without permission. On July 23, King James made him a knight at Whitehall, so he became "Sir Christopher Perkins." In 1605, he joined the college of advocates, a group of legal experts. From 1604 to 1611, he was an MP for Morpeth. He also worked as an assistant to Sir Daniel Donne, who was the master of requests. Perkins took over this role in 1617. In 1620, he supported the Virginia Company, which helped set up colonies in America.
Sir Christopher Perkins passed away in August 1622. He was buried on September 1 in Westminster Abbey, a famous church in London.
Family Life
Sir Christopher Perkins married Anne Beaumont on November 5, 1617. This might have been his second marriage. Anne was the daughter of Anthony Beaumont and the widow of James Brett. She was also the sister of the Countess of Buckingham. The Countess's son, George Villiers, later became the Duke of Buckingham. Anne also had a daughter from her first marriage, named Anne. This daughter married Lionel Cranfield, 1st Earl of Middlesex. Anne Perkins lived longer than Sir Christopher.
