Giovanni Battista Castiglione facts for kids
Giovanni Battista Castiglione (1516–1598) was an Italian teacher who tutored Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth I. Some people also believe he taught her brother, Prince Edward, who became King Edward VI. Castiglione was a humanist, meaning he believed in the importance of human values and education.
In 1556, during the reign of Elizabeth's sister, Queen Mary I, Castiglione was sent to the Tower of London. He was suspected of disloyalty to the queen and suffered greatly during his imprisonment, which left him with a permanent injury. Later, when Elizabeth herself was held in the Tower, Castiglione bravely carried secret letters for her.
A Royal Tutor's Journey
Giovanni Battista Castiglione was born in Gassino Torinese, a town near Torino in Italy. His father, Piero Castiglione, was a Captain from Mantua. Giovanni himself served in the army of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, fighting in battles at Landrecies and Boulogne.
Joining the Royal Court
In November 1544, Castiglione was appointed as the Master of the Italian Tongue for young Princess Elizabeth. This meant he was her personal Italian tutor. When Elizabeth became Queen, he was given an important role as a Groom of her Privy Chamber. He held this position almost until his death.
Life and Family
Queen Elizabeth I gave Castiglione the Manor of Benham Valence in Berkshire. He was buried in the nearby church of St Mary in Speen. In 1558, he married Margaret Allen in London. Margaret was the daughter of Bartolomeo Compagni, a merchant from Florence. Giovanni and Margaret had a large family together.
One of their sons, Sir Francis Castilion (1561-1638), later received support from King James I and became a Member of Parliament. Another son, Captain Peter Castillion, was a professional soldier. He moved to Ireland and married Thomasine Peyton, whose father, Sir Christopher Peyton, was a high-ranking financial official in Ireland.
