James Birkby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Birkby
|
|
|---|---|
| Member of the England Parliament for York |
|
| Assumed office 1593 |
|
| Preceded by | Robert Askewith William Robinson |
| Succeeded by | James Birkby Andrew Trewe |
| Assumed office 1597 |
|
| Preceded by | James Birkby Andrew Trewe |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Bennett Henry Hall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1557 |
| Died | 1610 |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouses | Beatrix Copley Elizabeth Lowe |
| Children | Alvery Jane Alice |
| Parents | James and Alyce Birkby |
James Birkby was an important person in the city of York, England, a long time ago. He was born in 1557 and became a lawyer, just like his father. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for York twice. This means he helped make laws for the country. He also held several important jobs in York, like being the Lord Mayor.
Contents
James Birkby's Life and Work
Early Life and Family
James Birkby was born in 1557. He was the oldest son of James Birkby, who worked for the Sheriff of York. James Birkby got married twice. His first wife was Beatrix Copley. They had one son named Alvery and two daughters, Jane and Alice. His second wife was Elizabeth Lowe.
His Role in York Politics
James followed in his father's footsteps and became a lawyer. He worked as the Sheriff of York from 1571 to 1572. The Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer. Later, he became an alderman in 1585. An alderman was a senior member of the city council. From 1588 to 1589, he was the Lord Mayor of York. This was the most important job in the city! While he was an MP, he also worked as the Chief Clerk for the York Courts of Law.
How He Became a Member of Parliament
James Birkby was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for York in 1593 and again in 1597.
In 1593, the election in York had two parts.
- First, members of the city council and 50 freeholders (people who owned land) voted.
- The top four people with the most votes moved to the second round.
- In the second round, the Lord Mayor and the aldermen voted. The two people with the most votes became MPs. James received 32 votes in the first round and 16 in the second.
In 1597, the election was simpler.
- Everyone in the city council and assembly of York voted at once.
- Each person cast two votes.
- The two people with the most votes became MPs. James received the most votes, with 35.
Later Life and Legacy
James Birkby passed away in 1610. He owned a lot of land in West Yorkshire, about 550 acres. In his will, which his son carried out, he left money to his oldest daughter and to the children of his younger daughter, Alice. He also left money to help the poor people of the city and to two children he was looking after.
