Humphrey Wingfield facts for kids

Sir Humphrey Wingfield (died 1545) was an important English lawyer and politician. He served as the Speaker of the House of Commons of England from 1533 to 1536. This means he was the leader of the elected members of Parliament, helping them discuss and make laws.

Early Life and Education

Humphrey Wingfield was born into a well-known family in Suffolk, England. He was one of many sons of Sir John Wingfield. His brothers, Sir Richard Wingfield and Sir Robert Wingfield, were also important figures.

Humphrey studied law at Gray's Inn, which was a famous place for training lawyers in London. In 1517, he was chosen as a "Lent Reader." This was a special role where he would teach other lawyers about the law. From at least 1509, he also worked as a local judge, helping to keep peace in the areas of Essex and Suffolk.

Starting His Career

Humphrey Wingfield had a powerful cousin, Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. This connection likely helped Humphrey get introduced to the royal court. In 1515, he became a special assistant, called a chamberlain, to the Duke's wife, Mary Tudor, Queen of France. She was the sister of King Henry VIII.

Humphrey was often involved in important government tasks. In 1517, he was part of a royal group that investigated illegal land enclosures in Suffolk. This was when landowners fenced off common land, which caused problems for farmers. He also helped manage money between the government and the Duke of Suffolk around 1518.

Public Service and Parliament

In 1520, Humphrey Wingfield was chosen as the High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk. This was a key role in local government, responsible for law enforcement and collecting taxes. He also served as a commissioner for "gaol delivery" in Essex, which meant he helped make sure trials happened quickly for people held in prison.

He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ipswich in 1523 and 1524. He also helped collect taxes in Suffolk and Ipswich. In 1526, he joined the King's Council as a legal expert.

Humphrey was well-regarded by Thomas Wolsey, who was a very powerful cardinal and advisor to King Henry VIII. Wingfield helped Wolsey set up a new college in Ipswich in 1528.

In 1529, he was appointed by Wolsey to a group of lawyers who heard cases in the Court of Chancery. Later that year, he was elected as an MP for Great Yarmouth.

Supporting the King

When Cardinal Wolsey lost power in 1530, his college in Ipswich was taken by the King. Wingfield was asked to help legally, but he also had to investigate Wolsey's possessions for the King. He found that the college and its lands should go to the King.

In 1533, the members of the House of Commons chose Humphrey Wingfield to be their Speaker. It is believed that King Henry VIII knighted him on this occasion, making him "Sir Humphrey."

During his time as Speaker, very important laws were passed. These laws separated the Church of England from the Pope in Rome and declared that the King was the supreme head of the Church in England. Sir Humphrey strongly supported King Henry VIII's decisions during this major change.

Later Years and Rewards

Parliament ended in 1536. When a large rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace broke out, Sir Humphrey was one of the trusted gentlemen in Suffolk who helped the government. He stood against those who tried to stir up trouble.

For his loyalty and service, he was rewarded with land and properties in Essex and Suffolk in 1537. These lands had previously belonged to religious houses that were closed down by the King.

In 1538, he was part of a special group that investigated serious crimes like treason in eastern England. When there was fear of an invasion in 1539, he helped survey the coast to find good defensive spots. He was also among the knights who welcomed Anne of Cleves when she arrived in England to marry King Henry VIII in 1540.

Sir Humphrey Wingfield continued to serve the King and was elected as an MP for Great Yarmouth again in 1542. He passed away on October 23, 1545.

Family Life

Sir Humphrey Wingfield married Anne Wiseman, who was a wealthy heiress. They had a son named Robert, who later married Bridget Pargeter. His daughter, Anne, married Sir Alexander Newton.