Francis Carew (MP for Castle Rising) facts for kids
Francis Carew (born around 1530, died 1611) was an English politician from Beddington, Surrey. He lived during the time of famous English monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Family Life and Home
Francis Carew was the son of Nicholas Carew, who was a friend of King Henry VIII of England. His mother was Elizabeth Bryan. Through his mother, Francis was a third cousin to both King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I.
Sadly, Francis's father was accused of being part of a plot against the King in 1539. Because of this, the family's lands were taken by the Crown. However, Francis's mother had a brother, Sir Francis Bryan, who was a close friend of King Henry VIII. This friendship helped the family a lot.
By 1561, Francis Carew managed to get most of his family's lands back. He even had to buy back their home, Beddington, from Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Chiche.
Not much is known about Francis's early life. But it is thought he might have worked in the household of Queen Catherine Parr when he was young.
Francis rebuilt his family home, Beddington Hall. He often welcomed important guests there, including Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I of England. He also built a special greenhouse called an orangery at Beddington. In his garden, he grew many interesting and unusual plants from other countries.
Francis Carew never married. When he passed away, most of his lands went to his nephew, Nicholas Throckmorton. Nicholas was the son of Francis's sister Anne, who had married a well-known diplomat named Sir Nicholas Throckmorton. Nicholas Throckmorton had to change his last name to Carew to inherit the property. Francis also left some property to another nephew, Sir Francis Darcy, because he enjoyed his company.
Public Service and Career
Francis Carew generally preferred a quiet life and did not get very involved in politics. He tried to avoid taking public jobs. He was proud that he never asked the King or Queen for special favors for himself or for others.
In 1563, he became a Member (MP) for Castle Rising. This meant he was chosen to represent that area in the Parliament of England. However, he did not speak much in the Parliament's debates. After that, he did not try to be elected again.
