Humphrey Style (Esquire of the Body) facts for kids
Sir Humphrey Style (died 1557) was an important person in the court of Henry VIII of England. He lived at Langley Park in Beckenham, Kent. Sir Humphrey was a close helper to King Henry VIII, known as an Esquire of the Body. He also served as the Sheriff of Kent.
Life and Work
Humphrey Style was the son of John Stile, a well-known London alderman, and Elizabeth Wolston.
He became one of the trusted Esquires of the Body for King Henry VIII. This meant he was a personal attendant and often helped the king directly. In 1543, he was chosen to be the Sheriff of Kent. The sheriff was a high-ranking official responsible for keeping law and order in the county.
In 1529, Sir Humphrey received a special grant for his family's coat of arms. This was a unique design that represented his family. He also helped pass a law in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI of England. This law changed how his lands in Kent were owned and passed down through his family. Sir Humphrey Style passed away in 1557 and was buried in the church at Beckenham.
His Family
Sir Humphrey Style was married twice. With his first wife, Bridget Baldrey, he had several children. His memorial in St. George's church Beckenham shows he had nine children with Bridget (six sons and three daughters). He also had two children (one son and one daughter) with his second wife, Elizabeth Peryn.
Some of his notable children include:
- Edmund Style (born 1538): He was born at Langley. Edmund's grandson, Sir Humphrey Style, 1st Baronet, became a very important person.
- Oliver Style: He later became the Sheriff of London. His family line continued and led to the Style baronets from Watringbury.
- Nicholas Style: He was knighted, meaning he received the title of 'Sir'.
Records show that some of his children passed away when they were very young or before they became adults. The details of his marriages and children are written in an official family record called the Visitation of London from 1568.
There is some old wooden paneling at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is believed to have come from Red Lodge at Langley, dating back to 1529. This paneling is thought to be connected to Sir Humphrey Style getting his coat of arms and becoming a knight.
