Gilbert Dethick facts for kids
Sir Gilbert Dethick (born around 1510, died October 3, 1584) was a very important person in England. He worked for a long time as an officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. This college helps with heraldry, which is the study of coats of arms and family histories.
He eventually reached the highest position in English heraldry. This top job was called Garter Principal King of Arms.
Contents
Sir Gilbert Dethick's Family History
Gilbert Dethick said his family came from Dethick Hall in Derbyshire, England. However, another important herald, Ralph Brooke, had a different idea. He thought Gilbert's family came from a Dutchman named Robert Dericke.
Robert Dericke came to England with King Henry VIII's armourer. Robert married Agatha, whose father was also a Dutch armourer. Robert and Agatha had three sons: Dericke, Matthias, and Gilbert. Gilbert later got special permission from Parliament for himself and his brothers to be English citizens. This makes the Derbyshire claim less likely. All three brothers did very well in England.
Sir Gilbert Dethick's Personal Life
Gilbert Dethick first married Alice, who was also from a Dutch family. Alice passed away on January 13, 1572. Later, Dethick married Jane. She was the daughter of Richard Duncomb and the widow of William Naylor.
From his first marriage, Dethick had three sons. Nicholas Dethick became a Windsor Herald. Sir William Dethick followed in his father's footsteps. He also became Garter Principal King of Arms. Henry Dethick became a Chancellor in the church. In his second marriage, Dethick had a son named Robert and a daughter named Mary.
People like Sir Gilbert, William Flower, and Robert Glover came from regular families. In earlier times, these jobs were usually for church officials. But in Tudor England, new people could rise to important positions. These heralds were respected for their careful work.
Sir Gilbert Dethick's Career in Heraldry
Gilbert Dethick started working at the College of Arms when he was just sixteen. On June 16, 1536, he became a Hampnes Pursuivant Extraordinary. This was a junior role named after a castle near Calais. In December 1540, he became a Rouge Croix Pursuivant. Later that same month, he was promoted to Richmond Herald.
In December 1546, he was chosen to be the next Norroy King of Arms. This appointment was confirmed on August 16, 1547. On April 20, 1550, Dethick was promoted again. He became the Garter Principal King of Arms, the highest heraldic office. He was also knighted on April 14, 1549.
Sir Gilbert's Missions for the Monarch
Sir Gilbert Dethick served the monarch in many ways. He was likely very good at languages. He went on several trips to Denmark to help get ships back. He also went to see the Duke of Cleves. His mission was to arrange a marriage between the Duke's daughter, Anne of Cleves, and King Henry VIII.
He also represented King Henry at an important meeting in Germany. King Henry VIII rewarded him with a large house and land in Poplar, London. His family lived there for almost 200 years.
In 1547, Sir Gilbert joined Lord Protector Somerset on a trip against the Scots. In 1549, he delivered a message to rebels in several English counties. He and William Flower also went to Paris in 1551. They helped give the Order of the Garter award to Henry II of France. Both heralds received money for their daily food and lodging.
During the reigns of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, Dethick went on many diplomatic trips abroad. At home, it was his job to announce wars and peace treaties. He was the public voice of the monarch. Some people said he was "unmanageable" and "tempestuous." This means he was very strong-willed and sometimes difficult.
Sir Gilbert died in London on October 3, 1584. Some records suggest he was buried at the Church of St Benet Paul's Wharf. However, he is also listed on a monument at St Paul's Cathedral. This monument remembers important graves lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Arms
 |
|
See also
- Pursuivant
- Herald
- King of Arms
