Edward Griffin (attorney) facts for kids

Edward Griffin (died 16 December 1569) was an important English lawyer and landowner from Dingley, Northamptonshire. He held two very important legal jobs for the King and Queen: he was the Solicitor General from 1545 to 1552 and then the Attorney General from 1552 to 1558. These roles meant he was a chief legal advisor to the rulers of England during a time of big changes.

Edward Griffin: A Royal Lawyer

Edward Griffin was born into a well-known family. His father was Sir Nicholas Griffin, and his mother was Alice Thornborough. Edward was the second son in his family. His older brother was Sir Thomas Griffin.

Early Life and Education

Following a family tradition, Edward studied law at Lincoln's Inn. This was a special place where lawyers were trained in London. He became a "Reader" there in 1537. A Reader was a senior lawyer who taught others. In 1540, he was chosen as one of the Governors of Lincoln's Inn, showing he was respected by his fellow lawyers.

Rising Through the Ranks

Edward Griffin started his career as the Solicitor General on June 18, 1545. He served under two kings: Henry VIII and his son, Edward VI. This job meant he was one of the main legal advisors to the Crown.

Later, on May 21, 1552, he was promoted to Attorney General. This was an even more important legal position. He continued in this role when Mary I became Queen. However, when Elizabeth I took the throne, Edward Griffin was removed from his job. This was because he was a strong Catholic, and Queen Elizabeth I was Protestant.

Dingley Hall: His Home

Edward Griffin bought a large house called Dingley Hall in Dingley, Northamptonshire. This house used to belong to a group of knights called the Knights Hospitaller. He bought it when many monasteries and religious buildings were being closed down by the King.

He rebuilt parts of Dingley Hall in the 1550s. The porch of the hall has the date 1558 carved into it. It also shows the initials of Edward Griffin and his second wife, along with other carvings.

Family Life

Edward Griffin was married three times during his life.

His Children

His first marriage was in 1535 to Elizabeth Palmer. They had one son and four daughters:

• Sir Edward Griffin (died 1620)
• Grace Griffin, who married Simon Norwich.
• Jane Griffin (died 1588), who married Henry Keble.
• Margaret Griffin, who married William Plumpton.
• Mary Griffin, who married Edward Conyers.

His second marriage was to Anne Smith. They had one daughter:

• Anne Griffin.

His third marriage was to Elizabeth Chamber. She had been married before. With Elizabeth, Edward had one son:

• Sir Rice Griffin.

Later Life and Legacy

Edward Griffin passed away on December 16, 1569. He was buried in the church at Dingley, near the main altar. His son, Edward, took over his family's property. Edward's widow later married Oliver St John.

There is a special monument in the church at Braybrooke that is believed to be for the Griffin family. It is a beautiful example of English Renaissance art from around 1565-1570.

Gallery

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  Dingley Hall

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  All Saints church, Dingley

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  Griffin Monument at All Saints church, Braybrooke

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  All Saints church, Braybrooke, Northamptonshire