Geoffrey Fenton facts for kids

Sir Geoffrey Fenton (born around 1539 – died 19 October 1608) was an important English writer. He also served as a Privy Councillor and a top government official in Ireland, known as the Principal Secretary of State in Ireland.

Who Was Sir Geoffrey Fenton?

Geoffrey Fenton was born in 1539. His father was Henry Fenton from Sturton-le-Steeple, Nottinghamshire, England. His mother was Cicely Beaumont from Coleorton Hall, Leicestershire. Geoffrey was also the brother of Edward Fenton, who was a famous sailor and explorer.

Early Life and Writing

When he was young, Geoffrey Fenton is believed to have traveled to Spain and Italy. He might have also visited Paris in 1566. He was living there in 1567 when he wrote his first major book. This book was called Certaine tragicall discourses written oute of Frenche and Latin. It was his own version of stories originally written by Matteo Bandello in Italian, which had been translated into French by François de Belleforest.

Fenton continued to write and publish books until 1579. Some of his other works include Monophylo in 1572. He also published Golden epistles gathered out of Guevaraes workes as other authors ... in 1575. He wrote several religious books too, which showed his strong Protestant beliefs. In 1579, he published Historie of Guicciardini. This was a translation from French and was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I.

Working in Ireland

In 1580, Geoffrey Fenton got an important job in Ireland. He became the secretary to the new Lord Deputy of Ireland, Lord Grey de Wilton. He got this job with help from Lord Burghley. In this role, he worked alongside the famous poet, Edmund Spenser. After this, Fenton stopped writing books and focused on serving the English Crown in Ireland.

A Government Official

Fenton was a very dedicated Protestant. He worked hard against what he saw as the "diabolicall secte" of Rome. He even suggested strong actions against people he believed were dangerous to the Queen. He gained the Queen's trust through his detailed written reports.

Challenges and Successes

In 1587, Fenton faced a challenge. He was arrested in Dublin because of his debts. The governor at the time, Sir John Perrot, had him paraded through the city in chains. However, Fenton was soon released. He then played a part in Perrot's downfall in the years that followed.

In 1589, Fenton was made a knight, becoming Sir Geoffrey Fenton. From 1590 to 1591, he was a commissioner in London. He was involved in the important legal process called impeachment against Perrot. This process ended with a death sentence for the former governor. By 1603, Sir Geoffrey Fenton was the Principal Secretary of State and a Privy Councillor in Ireland.

Later Years and Family

It is said that Fenton did not like the Scots or their king, James VI of Scotland. When James became King of England as James I, Fenton's job was at risk. But his friend Cecil helped him. In 1604, his job was confirmed for life, though he had to share it with Sir Richard Coke. Sir Geoffrey Fenton died in 1608. He was buried in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

His Family

Sir Geoffrey Fenton married Alice in June 1585. Alice was the daughter of Dr Robert Weston, who had been the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. She was also the widow of Dr Hugh Brady, who was a bishop. Geoffrey and Alice had two children. Their son was Sir William Fenton. Their daughter was Catherine, who married Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork in 1603.