Edmund Whitelocke facts for kids

Edmund Whitelocke (1565–1608) was an English soldier and a royal courtier (someone who attends a royal court). He was also suspected of being involved in plots against the government.

Early Life and Education

Edmund Whitelocke was born in London on February 10, 1565. He was the oldest son of Richard Whitelocke, who was a merchant. His younger brother, Sir James Whitelocke, later became an important judge.

Edmund went to Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood, which was a well-known school at the time. After that, he studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he earned his first degree in 1585. His brother mentioned that Edmund also studied law at Lincoln's Inn, one of the famous law schools in London.

Travels and Military Service

In 1587, Edmund Whitelocke left England to travel around Europe. He visited universities in Germany, Italy, and France, learning about different cultures and ideas.

While in France, he became a captain in the infantry, leading a group of soldiers. He was stationed in cities like Marseilles and Grenoble. He even took part in some battles during the civil wars happening in France at that time.

Life at Court and Suspicions

Whitelocke returned to England in 1599. He spent time at Queen Elizabeth I's royal court. He was known for his grand and expensive way of living. He became good friends with many young noblemen, including Roger Manners, 5th Earl of Rutland, and others who supported Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex.

In 1601, Whitelocke was at the home of the Earl of Essex on the day of a planned uprising. Although he was only there for a short time, he was suspected of being disloyal to the Queen. He was arrested and accused of a serious crime against the crown. However, he was not put on trial and was eventually released.

Later, in 1602, he became friends with Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland. Whitelocke supported Northumberland in a disagreement with another important person, Sir Francis Vere. Because Whitelocke carried a challenge from the Earl to Sir Francis, the government tried to arrest him, but he managed to hide and avoid capture for a while.

Gunpowder Plot Connection

On November 4, 1605, the day before the famous Gunpowder Plot, Whitelocke was having dinner with the Earl of Northumberland and his relative, Thomas Percy. Thomas Percy was one of the main people involved in the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Because of this dinner, Whitelocke was again suspected of being involved in a conspiracy. He was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London along with the Earl of Northumberland. However, no proof was found against him, and he was released without a trial. While he was in the Tower, he spent a lot of time with Northumberland, who later gave him a regular payment.

Later Life and Death

Edmund Whitelocke was also a friend of Robert Radcliffe, 5th Earl of Sussex. In the autumn of 1608, Whitelocke was visiting the Earl of Sussex at his home in Newhall, Essex. He became ill there and passed away. He was buried in the family tomb of his friend, the Earl of Sussex, in a place called Boreham.