Griffin Markham facts for kids

Sir Griffin Markham (lived until at least 1644) was an English soldier. He was known for his bravery in battle and his later involvement in plots against the king.

Early Life and Family

Griffin Markham was the son of Thomas Markham and Mary Griffin. His family lived in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. It is thought that he became a Catholic early in his life, possibly influenced by his mother.

On May 29, 1592, he married Anne Roos.

Military Career

Griffin Markham was a skilled soldier. In 1591, he was made a knight by Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex during the siege of Rouen. A siege is when an army surrounds a place to try and capture it.

Fighting in Ireland

During the Nine Years War in Ireland (1594–1603), Griffin Markham led the cavalry, which is the part of the army that fights on horseback. He served under Sir Conyers Clifford.

At the Battle of Curlew Pass in 1599, his quick arrival and counter-attack saved the army. The foot soldiers had been defeated, but Markham's cavalry helped prevent a complete disaster. He was injured during this fight, breaking his right arm.

Life in Exile

Around 1593, Griffin Markham was told to leave the royal court. The reasons for this are not fully known.

Plots Against the King

When King James I became king in March 1603, Markham had hoped for a better position. However, he was disappointed when the new king did not favor him. Because of this, he became involved in two secret plans against the king: the Bye Plot in June 1603 and the Main Plot in July 1603.

Markham was found guilty of treason in 1603. He was sentenced to death, but his life was spared. Instead, he was sent away from England in 1605. He also lost his properties, which were given to his cousin, Sir John Harington.

Spying and Duels

Griffin Markham spent the rest of his life living outside England, mainly in Europe. He worked as a spy for Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury. He also joined an English army group in the Low Countries.

While there, he had a serious disagreement with Sir Edmund Baynham. Baynham was involved in the Gunpowder Plot, another famous plan against the king. Their disagreement led to a fierce duel, which is a formal fight between two people.