Francis Windebank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Francis Windebank
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| Born | 1582 |
| Died | 1646 (aged 63–64) Paris, France
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| Alma mater | St John's College, Oxford |
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Sir Francis Windebank (born 1582 – died 1 September 1646) was an important English politician. He served as a Secretary of State for King Charles I. This was a very high-ranking job in the government.
Contents
Sir Francis Windebank's Life
Early Life and Education
Francis Windebank was the only son of Sir Thomas Windebank. His family lived in Hougham, Lincolnshire. In 1599, Francis went to St John's College, Oxford. There, he was influenced by William Laud, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
After college, Francis traveled around Europe from 1605 to 1608. He then settled in Haines Hill at Hurst in Berkshire. For many years, he worked in smaller government jobs. Eventually, he became a clerk for the King's council.
Becoming Secretary of State
In June 1632, King Charles I chose Francis Windebank to be a Secretary of State. He took over from Lord Dorchester. His main partner in this role was Sir John Coke. Francis was also made a knight.
He was chosen partly because he had good relationships with Spain. He also had some sympathy for the Roman Catholic faith. Windebank, along with the Earl of Portland and Francis, Lord Cottington, formed a small, important group. They helped the King with secret talks, especially with Spain.
Important Decisions and Challenges
In 1634, Windebank talked with a representative from the Pope. They discussed if the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church could unite. Windebank thought that sending Puritan leaders to fight in the Netherlands might weaken their opposition.
In 1635, Windebank tried to protect some people involved in wrongdoing with money. This caused a disagreement with Archbishop Laud. The next year, he faced trouble for allowing Spanish money to be sent to pay Spanish troops.
In 1638, he encouraged the King to go to war with the Scots. In 1640, as problems grew in England, he sent a message from Queen Henrietta Maria to the Pope. She asked for money and soldiers.
Political Troubles and Escape
In March 1640, Windebank was elected to the Short Parliament for Oxford University. He then joined the Long Parliament in October, representing Corfe Castle.
In December, Parliament learned that he had signed papers that helped certain religious groups not part of the official church. He was called to answer for this. However, the King allowed him to leave England and go to France.
From Calais, he wrote a letter defending himself. He stated his belief that the Church of England was the purest church. He stayed in Paris until he died. Shortly before his death, he joined the Roman Catholic Church.
Sir Francis Windebank's Family
Sir Francis Windebank had a large family, including many sons. Archbishop William Laud mentioned his "many sons" in 1630. He had at least five sons, and four of them outlived him:
- Thomas (born around 1612) was a Member of Parliament. He supported the King's side in the English Civil War. He became a baronet in 1645. He held an important government job called Clerk of the Signet for many years.
- Francis (died 1645) also supported the King during the English Civil War. He was punished and shot for not defending Bletchingdon House, near Oxford.
- Christopher (born 1615) lived in Madrid, Spain. He worked as a guide and interpreter for English ambassadors.
- John (1618–1704) was a doctor. He was honored by the Royal College of Physicians in 1680. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Sir Francis also had several daughters:
- Margaret married Thomas Turner. Her sons were Thomas Turner, who became president of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and Francis Turner. Francis Turner became a bishop and was one of seven bishops who were sent to the Tower of London for not agreeing with King James II.
- Frances married Sir Edward Hales in 1669.
- One other daughter died in Paris around 1650 and never married.
- Two other daughters became nuns in Paris.
