Henry Gates (MP) facts for kids

Sir Henry Gates (born around 1515 – died April 7, 1589) was an important English politician and courtier. He lived in several places, including Seamer in Yorkshire, Kilburn in London, Kew in Surrey, and Havering in Essex.

He was the younger son of Sir Geoffrey Gates. His brother, John Gates, was also involved in politics.

Sir Henry Gates's Early Career

Sir Henry Gates became a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is a person chosen to represent a group of people in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament. He represented different areas like New Shoreham in 1545, Bridport in 1547, and Bramber in 1549.

He also worked closely with King Edward VI. By 1551, he was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, which meant he was a trusted helper to the King. In 1547, he was made a knight. He held other important jobs too, like managing customs and finances for the Duchy of Cornwall.

A Difficult Time

In 1553, Sir Henry and his brother supported Lady Jane Grey to become Queen of England. This was seen as disloyal to the new Queen Mary. Because of this, both brothers were arrested and sent to the Tower of London. His brother, John, was executed. However, Henry was eventually forgiven, but he lost all his important jobs.

After this, Sir Henry moved to Seamer, a town near Scarborough in Yorkshire. He started a new life in the north of England.

Return to Public Life

When Queen Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, Sir Henry Gates was able to return to public service. He gained new positions, such as the main keeper of records for North Yorkshire by 1562. He also became the Vice-Admiral of Yorkshire by 1565, a role he held until 1573.

He continued his work in Parliament. He was elected to represent Yorkshire in 1571 and 1586, and Scarborough in 1563 and 1572.

A Meeting in Scotland

In 1570, Sir Henry Gates traveled to Scotland with another person named William Drury. They met with Regent Moray, who was ruling Scotland at the time, at Stirling Castle. They had an important discussion. Sadly, Regent Moray was killed just three days later.

Family and Later Life

Sir Henry Gates died in Kilburn, London, in 1589. He was married twice. His first wife was Lucy Knyvet, and they had four sons and four daughters. His second wife was Catherine Vaughan. One of his sons, Edward, also became a Member of Parliament.

Sir Henry was very organized and even wrote down the birth dates and places of his children in his family bible.