Henry Ashley (MP for Dorset) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Ashley
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 2 October 1519 |
| Died | 27 December 1588 (aged 69) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Spouse(s) |
Katharine Basset
(m. 1547) |
| Children | Henry Ashley |
| Parent(s) | Henry Ashley |
Sir Henry Ashley (born October 2, 1519 – died December 27, 1588) was an important English politician. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Henry Ashley was the son of another Henry Ashley from Wimborne St. Giles in Dorset. When his father passed away in 1549, Henry took over the family's responsibilities. He was given the special title of "Sir" in 1553, which meant he was knighted.
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Sir Henry Ashley's Career
Sir Henry Ashley held many important jobs during his life. These roles helped him serve his country and his local community.
Serving the Queen and Country
From 1551 to 1582, Sir Henry was a deputy vice-admiral for Dorset. This meant he helped manage the navy and ships in the area. He also looked after the Holt Forest and its lands from 1555 to 1566.
Keeping Law and Order
Sir Henry was a Justice of the Peace for Dorset starting in 1554. He also served in this role for Wiltshire from 1562. A Justice of the Peace was like a local judge or official. They helped keep the peace and order in their county.
He was also appointed Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. He held this important law enforcement role twice: from 1555 to 1556 and again from 1564 to 1565.
Fighting Piracy and Organizing Soldiers
In 1565, Sir Henry became a commissioner for piracy in Dorset. This meant he was in charge of stopping pirates in the area. By 1577, he was a deputy lieutenant, a senior official who helped the Queen's representative. In 1587, he became a colonel of musters for the Shaftesbury area. This role involved organizing local soldiers for defense.
Member of Parliament
Sir Henry Ashley was also a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a representative who helps make laws for the country. He represented Shaftesbury in 1547. Later, he represented Dorset in 1554 and again in 1563.
Sir Henry Ashley's Family Life
In 1547, Sir Henry Ashley married Katharine Basset. Katharine was a lady-in-waiting, meaning she served Queen Anne of Cleves.
Katharine Basset's Family
Katharine was the daughter of Sir John Basset. Her mother was Honor Grenville. Both her father and grandfather, Sir Thomas Grenville, were important figures. They served as Sheriffs in Cornwall and Devon.
Sir Henry's Children
Sir Henry and Katharine had two sons. Their eldest son was also named Henry Ashley. He was born in 1548 and later became a Member of Parliament, just like his father.
