Hugh Paulet facts for kids
Sir Hugh Paulet (born before 1510 – died 6 December 1573) was an important English military leader and the Governor of Jersey. He came from Hinton St George in Somerset, England.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Hugh Paulet was born sometime after the year 1500. He was the oldest son of Sir Amias Paulet and his second wife, Lora Keilway. His family had a long history in Hinton St George. Hugh also had a younger brother named John Paulet, who later became a religious leader in Jersey.
Public Service and Military Career
Sir Hugh Paulet had a busy career serving the English Crown.
Early Roles
In 1532, he became a local official in Somerset. When his father passed away in 1538, Hugh inherited his family's estates. He also received land in Devon. He helped manage the lands that once belonged to Glastonbury Abbey after it was closed down. He served as the Sheriff of Somerset and Sheriff of Dorset three times (in 1536, 1542, and 1547). A sheriff was a very important local official, like a chief law enforcement officer. In 1539, he was chosen to represent Somerset in the English Parliament.
Service to Kings
On 18 October 1537, King Henry VIII made him a knight. Just two days later, Sir Hugh was invited to the baptism of Prince Edward, who would later become King Edward VI. This shows how important he was to the King.
In 1544, Sir Hugh was the treasurer for the English army during the siege of Boulogne in France. He managed the army's money. He also showed great bravery during a battle there, impressing the King.
When King Edward VI became king, Sir Hugh was given the job of keeping order in the western parts of England. In 1549, he helped put down the Prayer Book Rebellion. This was a revolt against new religious changes. Sir Hugh led the chase after the rebels and defeated them near Bristol.
Governor of Jersey
In 1550, Sir Hugh Paulet was sent to the island of Jersey. His job was to help bring Protestant changes to the island's churches. Soon after, he was made the Captain of Jersey and the Governor of Mont Orgueil Castle. He held this important position for 24 years. However, after 1559, he often had his son, Amias Paulet, act as his lieutenant (a deputy) in Jersey. This was because Sir Hugh also became the Vice-president of the Welsh Marches, another important role in England.
Helping Queen Elizabeth I
In 1562, Queen Elizabeth I of England asked Sir Hugh to advise Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick. Warwick was in charge of the English forces in Le Havre, France, which had been given to England by French Protestants. Sir Hugh arrived in Le Havre with money and helped with negotiations. He traveled back and forth to England, bringing more soldiers. In July 1563, he helped negotiate the surrender of Le Havre. After the English left Le Havre, they accidentally brought the plague back to London. Later that year, Sir Hugh helped sort out the debts from this military mission.
Sir Hugh was again a Member of Parliament for Somerset in 1572. He likely passed away in December of that year.
Family Life
Sir Hugh Paulet was married twice. He had children only with his first wife.
First Marriage
Around 1528, he married Philippa Pollard. She was the daughter of Sir Lewis Pollard, a judge. Sir Hugh and Philippa had five children:
- Sir Amias Paulet (1532–1588): He became a diplomat and also served as Governor of Jersey. He was famously the jailer of Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Nicholas Paulet
- George Paulett: He became the Bailiff (a chief magistrate) of Jersey from 1583 to 1611.
- Anne Paulet
- Jane Paulet: She married Christopher Copleston, who was a sheriff in Devon.
Second Marriage
Before December 1560, Sir Hugh married Elizabeth Blount. She was the widow of Sir Thomas Pope, who founded Trinity College, Oxford. Sir Hugh and Elizabeth visited Trinity College several times and he even helped the college with a legal case. Elizabeth passed away in 1593 and did not have any children with Sir Hugh.
Death and Legacy
Sir Hugh Paulet probably died in December 1573. There is a monument in the church at Hinton St. George. It shows a man in armor and a lady, and it is believed to be for Sir Hugh and his first wife.
Images for kids
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Arms of Poulett: Sable, three swords pilewise points in base proper pomels and hilts or
