Edward Grimston (Ipswich MP) facts for kids

Edward Grimston (born around 1508, died 1600) was an important English politician. He lived in a place called Rishangles in Suffolk. He also held a key job as the comptroller of Calais, a French port that was once controlled by England.

Edward Grimston served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several towns. He represented Ipswich in 1563, 1571, and 1572. Later, he was an MP for Eye in 1589 and Orford in 1593.

Edward Grimston's Early Life

Edward Grimston was the son of another Edward Grimston and his wife Anne. Anne was the daughter of John Garnish. His grandfather, also named Edward Grimston, was the son of a famous diplomat, Edward Grimston (who died in 1478). This diplomat is known from a portrait painted in 1446 by Petrus Christus.

Young Edward Grimston studied at Gonville Hall, Cambridge, but he did not finish his degree. In 1552, he helped with the sale of church goods in Ipswich.

The Fall of Calais: A Big Challenge

On August 28, 1552, Edward Grimston was given an important job. He became the comptroller of Calais and the surrounding areas. This meant he was in charge of managing the finances and supplies for this English-controlled port in France.

In 1557, he bought the manor of Rishangles in Suffolk. He often warned his leaders about the poor condition of Calais's defenses.

Calais is Captured

On January 7, 1558, the French army, led by Francis, Duke of Guise, captured Calais. Edward Grimston was taken prisoner during this event. He was sent to the Bastille prison in Paris. He lost land he had bought near Calais, and his captors demanded a very high payment for his release.

On July 2, 1558, Edward Grimston and others were accused in London of a serious crime. They were blamed for making a secret agreement with the French king to surrender Calais.

Escape from the Bastille

By October 1559, Grimston was still a prisoner in the Bastille. He was held at the very top of the building. But he managed to escape! He used a file and a rope. He swapped clothes with his servant and then climbed out. He cut his beard with scissors his servant gave him. He pretended to be a Scot and successfully made it to England around mid-November.

Facing the Charges

After his escape, Grimston turned himself in to face the accusations against him. He was held first at Sir John Mason's house, and then in the Tower of London. On November 28, a special group was set up to decide his case. His trial was held at the Guildhall, London, on December 1. The jury listened to the evidence and found him not guilty. He was then set free right away.

Later Life and Public Service

In July 1560, Grimston was given another important role. He became the muster-master for the army in the north of England. This meant he was in charge of checking and organizing the soldiers. By August 6, he was working at Berwick. He wrote letters describing how poorly equipped the soldiers were. The queen wanted him to return home in September, but he stayed until mid-November.

Edward Grimston continued his political career. He was elected as an MP for Ipswich again in 1563. In June 1565, he was appointed to a position at Berwick for a second time. He was also an MP for Ipswich in the parliaments that met in April 1571 and May 1572.

Edward Grimston passed away on March 17, 1599.

Edward Grimston's Family

Edward Grimston was married twice. His son, also named Edward Grimston, married Joan, who was the daughter of Thomas Risby. This son died in 1610. Edward Grimston was the great-grandfather of Sir Harbottle Grimston, 1st Baronet, who became a very important person later on.