Henry Beaumont (died 1607) facts for kids

Sir Henry Beaumont (born around 1545 – died March 31, 1607) was an important English landowner and a Member of Parliament. This means he owned a lot of land and helped make laws for the country. He lived during a time when England was ruled by kings and queens, and people like Sir Henry played a big part in local government and national decisions.

Who Was Sir Henry Beaumont?

Sir Henry Beaumont was a notable figure in 16th and early 17th century England. He came from a well-known family in Leicestershire, a county in the middle of England. He was not just a wealthy landowner; he also dedicated much of his life to public service. This included working as a local judge and representing his area in the English Parliament.

Early Life and Education

Sir Henry was the son of Nicholas Beaumont, who also owned land in Coleorton Hall, Leicestershire. Growing up, Henry received a good education, which was common for people of his social standing. He studied at St John’s College, Cambridge starting in 1560. Later, in 1566, he continued his studies at Lincoln's Inn, which was a famous place in London where people learned about law.

Becoming a Landowner

In 1585, Sir Henry's father passed away. Henry then "succeeded" him, meaning he took over the family's lands and wealth. This made him a very important person in his local community. Years later, in 1603, he was honored by the King and became a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir" before his name.

A Life in Public Service

Sir Henry Beaumont held several important jobs in his home county of Leicestershire. These roles showed his commitment to helping his community and the country.

Justice of the Peace: Keeping Order

From 1584, Sir Henry served as a Justice of the Peace for Leicestershire. A Justice of the Peace was like a local judge. They were responsible for keeping law and order in their area. This included dealing with minor crimes and making sure local rules were followed.

High Sheriff: Top County Official

Between 1594 and 1595, Sir Henry was appointed High Sheriff of Leicestershire. The High Sheriff was a very important official in the county. They were responsible for enforcing laws, managing elections, and collecting taxes for the King or Queen. It was a powerful and respected position.

Custos Rotulorum: Keeper of Records

Around 1605, Sir Henry took on another significant role: Custos Rotulorum. This Latin phrase means "Keeper of the Rolls." In this job, he was in charge of all the county's official records and documents. He held this position until his death in 1607.

Member of Parliament: Making Laws

One of Sir Henry's most important roles was being a Member of Parliament (MP). He was first elected to represent Leicestershire in 1588. This Parliament met in 1589. As an MP, he traveled to London to help make laws for the entire country. He was elected again in 1606 during a special election called a "by-election." A by-election happens when an MP's seat becomes empty before the next general election.

Family Life

Sir Henry Beaumont was married to Elizabeth. Her father, John Loveys, was a "mercer" from London, which meant he sold valuable fabrics and silks. Elizabeth also inherited wealth from her brother, Humphrey. Sir Henry and Elizabeth had one son named Thomas. Thomas followed in his father's footsteps and also became a Member of Parliament. He represented Tamworth from 1604 to 1614. Later, Thomas was given a special title and became known as Viscount Beaumont of Swords.