Henry Knollys (privateer) facts for kids

Sir Henry Knollys (born around 1542, died December 21, 1582) was an important person in England during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was a courtier (someone who spent time at the royal court), a privateer (a ship owner or captain who was allowed by the government to attack enemy ships), and a Member of Parliament (a person elected to help make laws). He came from Kingsbury, a place in Warwickshire.

Sir Henry Knollys's Life and Adventures

Early Life and Education

Henry was the oldest son of Sir Francis Knollys. His father was the Treasurer of the Royal Household, which meant he managed the Queen's money and staff. Henry's mother was Catherine Carey, who was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I. This meant she was a close helper and friend to the Queen. It is thought that Henry went to Magdelen College, Oxford for his education.

Serving in Parliament and for the Queen

In 1562, Henry became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Reading in Berkshire. He was elected again for Reading in 1571. In 1569, he helped fight against a group of rebels in the north of England. By 1570, he was chosen to be an Esquire of the Body for Queen Elizabeth I. This was a special role, meaning he was a personal attendant to the Queen. In 1572, he and his father both became MPs for Oxfordshire.

Adventures at Sea

Around 1578, Henry joined Sir Humphrey Gilbert on a big trip. They planned to start a new English settlement on the east coast of North America. However, Henry was more interested in privateering. This meant using ships to capture enemy ships, especially Spanish ones, in the Caribbean Sea. This was often a way to make money.

Sir Humphrey Gilbert gathered eleven large ships and about 600 sailors for the journey. But Henry Knollys soon disagreed with Sir Humphrey's plans. Henry, along with another sailor named John Callis, took three ships and sailed to the Spanish coast. They wanted to go on their own privateering trip. Because of these disagreements, the main trip across the Atlantic Ocean never happened. Sir Humphrey Gilbert even complained to Sir Francis Walsingham, a powerful government official, about Henry's actions.

Later Expeditions and Passing

In 1582, Henry was part of a trip to Portugal. This trip was to support Don Antonio, Prior of Crato, who wanted to be the king of Portugal. However, Henry was ordered to return home, and the expedition did not go as planned. Later, he joined his relative John Norreys in the Netherlands. They went there to help the Dutch fight for their independence. Sadly, Henry became ill or injured during this time and passed away.

Sir Henry Knollys's Family Life

On July 16, 1565, Henry Knollys married Margaret. She was the daughter and only heir of Sir Ambrose Cave. Sir Ambrose was the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, which was an important legal and administrative role. When Sir Ambrose passed away in 1568, Henry and Margaret inherited his lands. They lived at Kingsbury, Warwickshire when they were in the Midlands.

Henry and Margaret had two daughters:

• Elizabeth, who married Sir Henry Willoughby of Risley, Derbyshire.
• Lettice, who married William Paget, 4th Baron Paget.