Henry Knyvet facts for kids
Sir Henry Knyvet (born 1537, died 1598) was an important English politician. He lived at Charlton Park, Wiltshire, and was known for his public service.
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Who Was Sir Henry Knyvet?
Sir Henry Knyvet was the oldest son of another Sir Henry Knyvet. His mother was Anne, who was the daughter of Sir Christopher Pickering. Henry Knyvet also had a brother named Thomas Knyvet. Henry became the head of his family in 1546 after his father passed away.
His Important Roles
Sir Henry Knyvet held many important jobs in public service. He was chosen as the High Sheriff of Wiltshire from 1578 to 1579. This role was like a chief law enforcement officer for the county. He was also a deputy-lieutenant for Wiltshire, helping to organize the local military.
He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is a person who represents a group of people in the government. He represented Wootton Bassett in 1571 and 1572. Later, he represented Malmesbury in 1584 and 1586. He returned to Wootton Bassett in 1589, and then back to Malmesbury in 1593 and 1597. He received the title of Knight in 1574, which meant he was called "Sir Henry Knyvet."
Family Life and Home
In 1563, Sir Henry Knyvet married Elizabeth. She was the daughter of a rich cloth maker named Sir James Stumpe from Malmesbury. Elizabeth brought him the large estate of Charlton Park. This is where he started building the grand Charlton House. Sir Henry and Elizabeth had two sons and four daughters together.
Later, around June 1595, he married his second wife, Mary. She was the daughter of Sir John Sydenham.
His Daughters' Legacies
When Sir Henry Knyvet passed away, his three surviving daughters inherited his wealth and property. All three of them married important noblemen called earls.
Frances Knyvet's Life
His daughter, Frances Knyvet (who died in 1605), had an interesting life. She first married Sir William Bevill. Then, in 1602, she married Francis Manners, 6th Earl of Rutland.
Frances was also a dancer at the court of Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen. She performed in special plays called "masques." One famous masque she danced in was The Masque of Blackness on January 6, 1605. Her sister, Catherine, also performed in this masque. Frances Knyvet passed away in the summer of 1605. Her daughter, Katherine Manners, later married a very important person in the royal court, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham.
