Edward Leighton (died 1593) facts for kids
Sir Edward Leighton (born around 1525 – died September 10, 1593) was an important English politician. He was a leading figure in the county of Shropshire during the late 1500s.
He was the oldest son of John Leighton, who lived at Wattlesborough Castle in Shropshire. His mother was Joyce, the daughter of Edward Sutton, 2nd Baron Dudley. Sir Thomas Leighton, who was the Governor of Guernsey, was his younger brother. The Leighton family was one of the richest and most powerful landowning families in Shropshire.
Early Life and Family
Edward Leighton was born around 1525. In 1541, he started studying law at Gray's Inn, which was a famous place for legal training. He inherited his father's estates in 1532. His mother later married Richard Lee, who was a Member of Parliament for Much Wenlock. Richard Lee also became Edward's guardian.
Edward Leighton married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Edwards. His second wife was Anne Darrell, from Lillingstone Dayrell in Buckinghamshire. With Anne, he had four sons and three daughters. His oldest son and heir was Thomas Leighton (who died in 1600). This family line later became known as the Leighton Baronets of Wattlesborough.
A Career in Politics
Sir Edward Leighton held many important political jobs. He was appointed High Sheriff of Montgomeryshire twice, first in 1549 and again in 1591. He also served as High Sheriff of Shropshire in 1567 and 1587. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, responsible for law and order.
He was elected as a Member (MP) for Shropshire in the Parliament of England. He served in Parliament in October 1553 and again in 1563. Being an MP meant he helped make laws for the country.
In 1587, he became the custos rotulorum of Shropshire. This role meant he was the chief keeper of the county's records, which was a very trusted position.
Influence and Knighthood
Sir Edward Leighton was the most powerful political figure in Shropshire during the 1580s. He worked very hard to oversee the "trained bands," which were groups of local citizens trained for defense.
In 1591, he was knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir" by the Queen. This was a great honor. By 1590, people described him as being "old and feeble," meaning he was getting tired and weak. He passed away three years later, in 1593. He was remembered as "a man of much fame and countenance throughout the shire," meaning he was very well-known and respected across the county.
Images for kids
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Wattlesborough, the Leighton family home from 1471 to 1711
