Christopher Smith (MP, died 1589) facts for kids
Christopher Smith (born around 1510 – died 1589) was an important English politician. He lived a long time ago, during the time of kings and queens like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. He helped run the country's government.
Christopher Smith was the son of Robert Smith from a place called Waltham in Lincolnshire. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is like a representative who helps make laws for the country. He was chosen to represent different towns:
- Saltash in 1547
- Bridport in October 1553
- St. Albans in 1559
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Important Jobs in Government
Besides being an MP, Christopher Smith held other important jobs in the government. These roles helped manage the country's money and records.
Clerk of the Exchequer
By 1545, he became a "clerk of the Exchequer." The Exchequer was like the government's finance department, handling all the money. As a clerk, he would have helped keep track of the money coming in and going out.
Clerk of the Pipe
By 1551, he was appointed "Clerk of the Pipe." This was a special job where he was in charge of keeping important financial records. He held this job for a very long time, until he died.
Justice of the Peace
From 1562 until his death, Christopher Smith was also a Justice of the Peace for Hertfordshire. A Justice of the Peace was a local official who helped keep law and order in their area. They would deal with smaller crimes and make sure rules were followed.
His home was called Annables Manor, and it was located in a town called Harpenden.
His Family Life
Christopher Smith married a woman named Margaret. Her father, John Hyde, had also been the Clerk of the Pipe before Christopher. Christopher and Margaret had several children, including:
- Thomas Smith
- Jane Smith, who married George Rotheram, another Member of Parliament.
- Alice Smith, who married John Fortescue of Salden, who later became the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a very important job in charge of the country's money.
