Jacques Wingfield facts for kids

Jacques Wingfield (born around 1519, died 1587) was an important soldier and government official during the Tudor era in England and Ireland. He was also known as John Wingfield or Jack Wingfield.

Jacques Wingfield: A Tudor Soldier

Jacques Wingfield was a key figure in the Tudor era, a time when the Tudor family ruled England. He was born around 1519. His father was Richard Wingfield, and his mother, Bridget Wingfield, inherited Stone Castle.

Early Life and Career

Jacques Wingfield spent much of his younger years in Calais. At that time, Calais was a French city controlled by England. Because of this, he learned to speak French very well. He even spent time in Paris at the French royal court.

In 1553, he briefly served as a Member of Parliament for Taunton. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He worked closely with Stephen Gardiner, a powerful person who helped him a lot. After Gardiner passed away, Jacques Wingfield moved to Ireland.

Moving to Ireland

Once in Ireland, Jacques Wingfield took on important roles. He became the Constable of Dublin Castle. This meant he was in charge of the castle and its defenses. He also became the Master of Ordnance. This job involved managing all the weapons and military supplies.

He was chosen to be part of the Irish Council. This was a group of advisors to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who was the Queen's main representative in Ireland. Wingfield was a strong supporter of the Lord Lieutenant at the time, Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex.

Challenges and Successes

Jacques Wingfield, along with another official named Sir Nicholas Heron, had special duties related to the Gaelic people of Ireland. In 1561, he faced a military setback. His forces were defeated in a small battle against Shane O'Neill. O'Neill was a powerful Gaelic leader in Ulster who often disagreed with the English Crown.

Queen Elizabeth I was not happy about this defeat and wanted to remove Wingfield from his position. However, powerful friends like Lord Lieutenant Sussex and William Cecil spoke up for him. Because of their support, he was allowed to keep his job until he died.

Family and Legacy

Later in his career in Ireland, Jacques Wingfield gained land in the Munster Plantation. This was a plan by the English Crown to settle English people on Irish land. The Wingfields became a strong and important New English family in Ireland.

Many of his relatives also became famous. For example, his relative Richard Wingfield was a soldier who helped defeat O'Doherty's Rebellion in 1608. Jacques Wingfield also helped raise his nephew, Edward Maria Wingfield. Edward Maria Wingfield later became a notable settler in Virginia in America.