Edward Denny (soldier) facts for kids
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Sir Edward Denny (born 1547 – died 1600) was an important soldier, sailor, and adventurer during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was known for his bravery and for exploring new lands.
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Who Was Edward Denny?
Sir Edward Denny was born in 1547 in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. He was the second son of Sir Anthony Denny, who was a close advisor to King Henry VIII. Edward's family was well-connected in the royal court. His nephew, also named Edward Denny, later became the first Earl of Norwich.
His Adventures and Career
Edward Denny became an orphan when he was young, but he inherited land in Hertfordshire. After some small jobs at the queen's court, he joined a military trip to Ulster, Ireland, in 1573.
Privateering and Exploration
Denny then became a privateer. This meant he had permission from the queen to capture enemy ships.
- In 1577, he captured a Spanish ship.
- In 1578, he captured a Flemish ship.
In the same year, he joined an expedition to start a new colony. This trip was led by famous explorers like Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Walter Raleigh. However, bad weather forced their ships to return home.
Time in Ireland
Denny and his cousin, Walter Raleigh, were sent to Ireland. Their job was to help stop the Second Desmond Rebellion, a conflict against English rule.
The Siege of Smerwick
Denny led a group of soldiers at the Siege of Smerwick. During this event, about 400 Spanish and Italian soldiers surrendered to the English. After they gave up, many of these soldiers were killed. In 1581, Denny led another trip to Ireland. He returned with the head of Garret O’Toole, a leader of one of the Irish groups.
Becoming a Knight and Politician
Sir Edward Denny became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Liskeard in Cornwall from 1584 to 1585. He was given land in Tralee, Ireland, which had been taken from the Earl of Desmond.
- In 1588, he became the High Sheriff of Kerry in Ireland.
- He was also made a knight in 1588.
His lands in Ireland did not make him much money. So, in 1591, he went back to England. He then led a naval trip to the Azores islands. It is not fully clear if it was this Sir Edward Denny or his nephew who was elected as an MP for Westmorland in 1593. However, it is certain that in 1597, he was elected to Parliament again for Tregony in Cornwall. In 1597, he also served as Vice-Constable of Castle Maine.
Later Years and Death
In 1598, he returned to Ireland during the Nine Years' War. He found that the land he had been given was damaged. Denny was not happy with the lack of rewards for his service to the Queen. He became an ally of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Sir Edward Denny became very ill while serving his country. He passed away on February 12, 1600, at the age of 52.
Family Life
In 1583, Sir Edward Denny married Margaret Edgcumbe (died 1648). She was one of the queen's maids of honour, meaning she helped the queen. They met at court in 1581. Margaret was the daughter of Piers Edgcumbe, who was also a Member of Parliament. Margaret outlived her husband and was buried in St Michael's Church, Bishop's Stortford, in 1648. Sir Edward and Margaret had many children, including:
- Sir Edward Denny, their oldest son, who started the Denny family in Tralee Castle, Ireland.
- Arthur Denny (1584 – 1619)
- Francis Denny
- Henry Denny (1595–1658)
- Anthony Denny (died young)
- Anthony Denny (1592–1662)
- Thomas Denny
- Charles Denny (died 1635)
- Elizabeth Denny (born 1586)
- Honora Denny (died young)
- Marie Denny (died 1678)
Burial Place
Sir Edward Denny died on February 12, 1600, when he was 52 years old. He was buried in his family's special burial place at Waltham Abbey Church in Essex. Inside the church, there is a monument to him and his wife. It shows statues of them lying down. Below them, there are sculptures of their ten children kneeling.
