Edward Fraunceys facts for kids

Edward Fraunceys (born around 1566, died 1626) was an English politician who served in the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, many times between 1597 and 1626. His career faced difficulties because his wife's family openly followed the Roman Catholic faith, which was not allowed by the government at that time.

Who Was Edward Fraunceys?

Edward Fraunceys came from a well-known family in Derbyshire, England. His father was William Fraunceys, and his mother was Elizabeth Cotton. Her family later became known as the Viscount Combermere. Edward had at least one older brother, Richard, who inherited the family's main estate. Edward might have attended Shrewsbury School in 1577 and later St John's College, Cambridge in 1582.

Edward's Early Career

By 1594, Edward Fraunceys worked for Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland, a very important nobleman. He lived at the Earl's large estate called Petworth in Sussex. In 1597, Edward was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Beverley. He was elected again for Beverley in 1601.

Thanks to the Earl of Northumberland, Edward also became a Justice of the Peace for Sussex. This role meant he helped keep law and order. In 1603, he became a paymaster for the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners, a group of royal bodyguards. He was also made a knight in 1605, which meant he could be called "Sir Edward." In 1604, he was elected MP for Haslemere.

Challenges in His Political Life

Edward Fraunceys's promising career faced big problems because of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. This was a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament. His powerful supporter, Lord Northumberland, was arrested because people thought he might have been involved. He spent many years in the Tower of London.

Edward Fraunceys himself was not thought to be part of the plot. However, his wife, Elizabeth Astlowe, and her father were openly Roman Catholic. At that time, people who didn't follow the official Church of England were called "recusants" and faced difficulties. Edward's wife had recently been accused of being a recusant, and her father's loyalty to the King was questioned. For the rest of his life, Edward had to defend himself against accusations that he or his family secretly practiced the Catholic faith.

Later Years in Parliament

Despite these challenges, Edward Fraunceys continued his political work. He was elected MP for Steyning in 1614. He was re-elected for Steyning several more times, in 1621, 1624, 1625, and 1626. Even in his later years, he was still bothered by questions about his family's religious beliefs. Towards the end of his life, he was described as being too "deathly sick" to attend Parliament meetings.

Family Life

Edward Fraunceys married Elizabeth Astlowe. Her father was Edward Astlowe, a doctor from the Royal College of Physicians. As mentioned, their Catholic beliefs caused Edward many problems in his career. Edward and Elizabeth had one daughter named Bridget. Bridget married Sir William Goring, 1st Baronet, and they had six children together.

Edward Fraunceys passed away in May 1626 and was buried at St. Margaret's, Westminster.

Images for kids

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  Combermere Abbey, the family home of Franceys's mother Elizabeth Cotton