Francis Palmes (died 1613) facts for kids
Sir Francis Palmes (born around 1554 – died 30 March 1613) was an important English politician who lived a long time ago.
Early Life and Learning
Francis Palmes was born around 1554. His father was also named Sir Francis Palmes. When his father passed away in 1560, young Francis took over the family's responsibilities. He went to college at Magdalen College, Oxford. Later, in 1575, he studied law at a famous place called the Inner Temple.
His Work and Career
Francis Palmes held several important jobs. From 1582 to 1608, he worked as a Justice of the Peace in Yorkshire. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area. He also did the same job in Hampshire from 1600 to 1608.
In 1599, he joined a special group called the high commission for the province of York. This group dealt with important matters in the region. From 1600 to 1601, he was the Sheriff of Hampshire. The Sheriff was a top official in the county.
Palmes was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Knaresborough in 1586. This meant he represented the people of Knaresborough in the government. His legal skills likely helped him succeed in his career.
In 1601, while he was the Sheriff, Palmes had the special honor of welcoming the Queen. He met her at Silchester and then escorted her to Basingstoke. There, the Queen made him a knight.
Francis Palmes was married to Mary Hadnall. They had a large family with six sons and five daughters. After he passed away, his oldest son, Guy Palmes, took over the family's affairs.
Royal Guests at Lancelevy
In August 1603, there was a serious outbreak of plague in England. Because of this, the royal court, including the Queen, moved to Basing House for safety.
Sir Francis Palmes had a house nearby called Lancelevy in Sherfield on Loddon. He welcomed many important people from the royal court to stay there. Among his guests were Lady Anne Clifford, her mother Margaret Clifford, Countess of Cumberland, and Elizabeth Bourchier, Countess of Bath. They used Lancelevy as a base to visit Queen Anne of Denmark and Arbella Stuart.
One night, while riding from Basingstoke back to Lancelevy, Anne Clifford saw a bright comet in the sky. The old house at Lancelevy is no longer standing, but you can still see where it once was, marked by a moated area.
