George Kirke facts for kids
George Kirke (who died in 1675) was an important person at the royal court in England. He was born in Scotland and later became a Member of Parliament for a place called Clitheroe. His father, also named George Kirke, worked for James VI of Scotland. The elder George Kirke was in charge of the chamber door for Prince Charles when he was in Scotland at Dunfermline Palace. He even received a special payment for his many years of service.
Working for the Royal Family
George Kirke, the younger, started his career working for royalty at a young age. He was a page (a young attendant) to Prince Henry. After Prince Henry's death, George Kirke began working for Prince Charles in 1613. He became a "Groom of the Chamber," which meant he was a trusted personal attendant to the Prince.
In 1623, George Kirke traveled to Spain with Prince Charles. This trip was part of a plan called the Spanish Match, where Prince Charles hoped to marry a Spanish princess. During this time, a famous goldsmith named George Heriot passed away. In his will, Heriot left George Kirke a valuable gift: either a diamond or a piece of gold or silver worth £50.
George Kirke continued to serve Prince Charles even after he became King Charles I. He was a "groom of the bedchamber" and a "gentleman of the robes." These roles meant he helped the King with his personal needs and managed his clothing. George Kirke's records show he bought many expensive fabrics and had clothes made for the King. For example, he helped create costumes for a special play called Coelium Britannicum in 1634. He also bought diamonds and pearls for the King's robes worn on St George's Day in 1639.
In 1662, George Kirke was given another important job: he became the keeper of Whitehall Palace. This was a large royal residence in London. His role as a Member of Parliament for Clitheroe was questioned because he was Scottish. However, he was officially made a "denizen" of England, which meant he had the rights of an English citizen and could serve in Parliament.
George Kirke passed away on May 20, 1675, and was buried at St Margaret's, Westminster church.
Family Life
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George Kirke married Anne Killigrew (1607-1641). She was the daughter of Sir Robert Killigrew. Anne was also involved with the royal court; she was a dresser (a lady-in-waiting who helped with clothes) to Queen Henrietta Maria, King Charles I's wife, starting in 1637. Anne was a talented person and even acted in a play called The Shepherd's Paradise in 1633. She was so well-known that the famous artist Anthony van Dyck painted her portrait twice.
Sadly, Anne Kirke drowned near London Bridge on July 6, 1641. This event was very sad and many poets wrote about it, including Robert Heath, Henry King, and her niece Anne Killigrew.
George and Anne had two children:
- Charles Kirke, who later tried to claim the keepership of Nonsuch Palace in 1650.
- Lucy Hamilton Sandys (also known as Lucie Saunders), who passed away in 1687. She was a witness to the will of Nell Gwyn, a famous actress.
After Anne's death, George Kirke married Mary Townshend in 1646. She was the daughter of Aurelian Townshend. It is said that King Charles I gave them some special wedding gifts, including a lace collar and a nightcap.
George and Mary had several children:
- Percy Kirke (died 1691), who became a military commander. His regiment was known as "Kirke's lambs."
- Philip Kirke
- Diana Kirke, who married Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford.
- Mary or "Mall" Kirke, who was a maid of honour (an attendant) to Mary of Modena, who later became Queen.
