Edmund Doubleday facts for kids
Edmund Doubleday (died December 1620) was an English lawyer and politician who lived a long time ago. He was known for helping to catch Guy Fawkes during the famous Gunpowder Plot.
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Early Life and Career
Edmund Doubleday began his career around 1587 as a scribe and public official. He later studied law. He was very active in his local church parish, St Margaret's, Westminster, where he signed important accounts starting in 1590. He also helped manage aid for people in need in 1590.
By the 1590s, Doubleday started renting several properties from Westminster Abbey. He also gained more properties through his marriages, including a place called the Saracens Head. In 1591, he shared a property lease with Thomas Knyvet, who became a close partner in many activities. From 1592 to 1595, Doubleday served as the chief law enforcement officer for Westminster. He was described as a "man of great stature, valour, gravity and activity," meaning he was tall, brave, serious, and energetic, perfect for law enforcement. In 1601, he got a job at the royal mint, which made coins.
Royal Appointments
In 1604, Doubleday and Andrew Bright were given special jobs at the royal palace of Whitehall. They were in charge of distilling herbs and sweet waters, and also looking after the palace library.
The Gunpowder Plot
On November 5, 1605, Edmund Doubleday played a key role in stopping the Gunpowder Plot. He helped Sir Thomas Knyvet search the area under the Palace of Westminster. There, they found Guy Fawkes, who was guarding barrels of gunpowder.
When they found him, Fawkes grabbed Doubleday's fingers very tightly. Doubleday almost used his weapon but decided against it. Instead, he quickly flipped Fawkes over, searched him, and tied him up using garters found in Fawkes's pockets. This quick action helped prevent a major disaster.
Later Career and Public Service
In January 1608, Doubleday traveled to Scotland as a royal commissioner. His job was to investigate a new silver mine that was causing some debate.
In 1609, Doubleday and Knyvet were given the important task of managing the royal plate (silverware) and money in the Tower of London. They also oversaw the making of coins. By 1611, they were jointly given the title of Warden of the Mint, a very important position in charge of the country's money.
Meanwhile, in 1610, Doubleday joined the Worshipful Company of Vintners, a powerful group of wine merchants. He became one of its wealthiest members. From 1616 to 1617, he served as the Master of the Vintners Company.
More Law Enforcement
Doubleday continued his work in law enforcement. On Christmas Day in 1611, he was at the chapel in Whitehall where King James and his family were praying. Doubleday noticed a suspicious man named John Selman. He watched Selman closely and saw him try to steal a purse from Leonard Barry. Doubleday and Barry chased Selman. Once Selman was caught, Doubleday held him firmly while Barry got his purse back. Selman faced serious consequences for his crime.
Political Life and Death
In 1614, Edmund Doubleday was elected as a Member of Parliament for Westminster. This meant he represented his area in the English Parliament.
He was re-elected as an MP for Westminster in December 1620. However, he sadly died just two days after the election. He asked to be buried near the vestry in St Margaret's Church, a place he had been involved with for many years.
