Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton facts for kids

Sir Edward Wingfield was an important person in England around the late 1500s and early 1600s. He was born around 1562 and passed away in 1603. He was a member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He also wrote a special kind of play called a masque.

Edward was the son of Thomas Wingfield and Honora Denny. His family lived at Kimbolton Castle. He was elected to Parliament for an area called Huntingdonshire in 1586, 1589, and 1593.

He married Mary Harington. Her father was Sir James Harington, and her mother was Lucy Sidney. Lucy's father was Sir William Sidney of Penshurst.

Sir Edward's Masque and Shakespeare

Sir Edward Wingfield was creative and even wrote a masque. A masque was a type of entertainment popular in England during the 16th and 17th centuries. It usually involved music, dancing, singing, and acting. Often, the people watching would also join in the dancing.

In January 1596, a letter mentioned a New Year's Eve masque that Edward Wingfield created. This masque was likely performed by his family members. His sister-in-law, Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, might have been involved in the performance.

The same letter also mentioned a play by Shakespeare called Titus Andronicus. This play was performed by professional actors. These actors were part of a famous group called the Lord Chamberlain's Men. They were known as the "London comedians." This play was performed at Burley-on-the-Hill, which was the home of Edward's brother-in-law, Sir John Harington.

Mary, Lady Wingfield: A Supporter of Writers

Edward's wife, Mary, Lady Wingfield, was a big supporter of writers and books. She and her sisters were known as "patrons of literature." This means they helped writers and artists by giving them money or support.

In 1600, a writer named Sir William Cornwallis younger published his book of Essayes. He dedicated this book to three of the Harington sisters: Lady Sara Hastings, Lady Theodosia Dudley, and Lady Mary Wingfield. He also dedicated it to their friend and cousin, Lady Mary Dyer.

Another important book, a dictionary called the Table Alphabeticall, was dedicated to five of Mary's sisters. This dictionary was written by Robert Cawdrey. The sisters were Sarah, Lady Hastings; Theodosia, Lady Dudley; Elizabeth, Lady Montagu; Frances, Lady Leigh; and Mary, Lady Wingfield.

Edward Wingfield's Family

Edward Wingfield and Mary Harington had several children:

• Arthur Wingfield (died 1617): Arthur worked for important people. He was a page (a young servant) for Lucy, Countess of Bedford. Later, he worked for Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia and Maurice, Prince of Orange. Sadly, he was involved in a duel (a fight between two people with weapons) in 1616 and was killed in another duel in 1617.
• Robert Wingfield: Robert worked for Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, a very important government official, from 1607 to 1608.
• Penelope Wingfield (died 1625): Penelope married a man named Sir Francis Bodenham.

Death

Sir Edward Wingfield passed away in 1603. His wife, Mary, Lady Wingfield, lived until at least 1628.