Francis Rodes facts for kids
Sir Francis Rodes (around 1530–1588) was an important English judge from Barlborough Hall in Derbyshire. He was involved in the famous trial of Mary, Queen of Scots. Sir Francis also built the impressive Barlborough Hall, which you can still see today. He was also one of the people who helped start Netherthorpe School.
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Who Was Sir Francis Rodes?
Francis Rodes was the son of John Rodes, who was a Sheriff of Derbyshire. His mother was Attelina Hewett from Yorkshire. The Rodes family had a long history in Derbyshire. They could trace their family back five generations to William Rodes. Even further back, their family was linked to Gerard de Rodes, a powerful baron during the time of King Henry II (1154-1189).
His Life as a Lawyer and Judge
Francis Rodes studied at St. John's College, Cambridge, but he did not finish his degree there. In 1549, he joined Gray's Inn, which is a place where lawyers are trained. By 1552, he became a lawyer. He was a very successful lawyer and earned a lot of money from his work.
Over time, Francis Rodes became more and more important in the legal world. In 1582, he was made the Queen's Serjeant, which was a high legal position. Then, in 1585, he became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. In 1586, he took part in the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots, at Fotheringay Castle. While he was part of the trial, he was not one of the main judges.
Homes and Land
Sir Francis Rodes' main home was Barlborough Hall in Derbyshire. He built this grand house himself, and it is still standing today. He also bought many other large pieces of land. These included estates in Billingsley, Shropshire, and in Darfield, South Yorkshire, Great Houghton, South Yorkshire, and Little Houghton, South Yorkshire.
His Family
Sir Francis Rodes was married twice and had children from both marriages.
First Marriage
His first wife was Elizabeth Sandford from Thorpe Salvine, Yorkshire. They had several children, including:
- Sir John Rodes (1562–1639): He was the oldest son and inherited his father's estates. His son, Sir Francis Rodes, was given the special title of a Baronet in 1641. This title ended in 1743 when Sir John Rodes, the 4th Baronet, passed away.
Second Marriage
His second wife was Mary Charlton from Apley Castle in Shropshire. Her sister, Elizabeth Charlton, married John Manners, 4th Earl of Rutland. Sir Francis Rodes was even chosen to help manage the Earl's will. With Mary, he had children, including:
- Sir Godfrey Rodes (died 1634): He was the oldest son from the second marriage. He inherited the lands in Darfield and Great Houghton from his father.
- Sir Godfrey's son, Sir Edward Rodes (1599–1666), became a Sheriff of Yorkshire. He was also a Colonel in the army under Oliver Cromwell and part of Cromwell's special council. He even served as Sheriff of Perthshire in Scotland.
- Sir Edward's sister, Elizabeth Rodes, was the third wife of a very important man named Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford.
His Final Years and Legacy
Sir Francis Rodes passed away in late 1588 at Staveley Woodthorpe. His will, which is like a last set of instructions, was officially approved in 1591. In his will, he left money to many places. He gave money to St. John's College, Cambridge, where he had studied. He also gave money to the newly started Netherthorpe School.
A document from 1857 mentions his generous gift to the school:
Netherthorpe School.—Francis Rodes, in his will, left a yearly payment of £20 from his land in Elmton. £8 of this money was for the Grammar School at Staveley Netherthorpe. Another £8 was for two scholarships at St John's College, Cambridge. The remaining £4 was to help soldiers from Staveley, Barlborough, and Elmton who went to war.
Thanks to Francis Rodes' gifts, along with money from the Duke of Devonshire and others, Netherthorpe School had a yearly income of £29.
