Hugh Fenn (died 1409) facts for kids

Hugh Fenn (died 1409) was an important English businessman. He came from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. He was active in local government and also worked for the King. During his time, a ship he partly owned captured the future King James I of Scotland in 1406.

Hugh Fenn's Life and Work

Early Life and Local Roles

Hugh Fenn was born around 1355. His father, Peter Fenn, was a leader in Yarmouth. Hugh became a successful merchant in the town. He was chosen for many important jobs. He served nine times as the town's main leader, called a bailiff, starting in 1383. By 1386, he was part of the Guild of St George. This group included the most important people in Yarmouth.

Working for the King

The King appointed Hugh Fenn to several national roles. In 1391, he helped control customs, which are taxes on goods. From 1392, he collected these taxes. He also became a judge, known as a justice of the peace, in 1398.

Hugh Fenn was chosen to represent Yarmouth in the English Parliament three times. He served in 1395, January 1397, and 1399. In 1397, he became Deputy Butler of England. This job involved managing the King's wine supply. He worked under three different Chief Butlers. From 1398, he also served on royal groups that dealt with trade and shipping.

His Business and Ships

Hugh Fenn was a busy merchant. He traded large amounts of fish, wine, cloth, salt, and grain. He owned or partly owned several ships. These ships sailed in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and to the English port of Bordeaux. In March 1404, he was made Mayor of the Staple. This meant he controlled all wool and leather exports from East Anglia.

Capturing a Prince

Sailing in English waters was not always safe back then. In 1402, a ship belonging to Fenn, called the Michael, was taken by a ship from Rostock. This was one of many problems the English King had with the Hanseatic League, a group of trading cities.

A very important event happened on March 22, 1406. A ship that Hugh Fenn partly owned was near Flamborough Head. It captured a ship from Danzig called the Maryenknyght. This ship was sailing from Leith with wool and leather. On board was Prince James, who was only 11 years old. He was the heir to the throne of Scotland. His father, King Robert III, had sent him to France for safety.

King Henry IV made the young prince a prisoner. Prince James was treated well but was not released until 1424. King Henry IV rewarded Hugh Fenn and his partners. They received all the cargo from the captured ship. They also got a special privilege: they could ship goods out of Yarmouth without paying any customs duties.

Hugh Fenn also bought properties and business places in Norwich and around Yarmouth.

Hugh Fenn's Family and Legacy

Hugh Fenn made his will on January 14, 1409. He asked to be buried in St Nicholas Church, Yarmouth, next to his father. His will was approved on February 25, 1409. He divided his wealth among his three sons. His wife, Christine, kept a share for her lifetime. She later married Peter Savage, another Yarmouth citizen.

His children included:

• Thomas Fenn: The oldest son, Thomas, also became an important person in Yarmouth. He served as bailiff five times starting in 1432. He owned lands that had belonged to his father. His son and heir was Hugh Fenn (died 1476).
• Hugh Fenn: The second son, also named Hugh, became a successful businessman in London. He traded in fish. He died around 1420.
• Miles Fenn: The third son, Miles, is not mentioned in records after a certain point.