James Croft facts for kids

Sir James Croft (around 1518 – September 4, 1590) was an important English politician. He was a Privy Councillor, which meant he was a trusted advisor to the monarch. He also served as Lord Deputy of Ireland, acting as the Queen's main representative there. Plus, he was a MP for Herefordshire many times.

Life of Sir James Croft

Early Life and Career

James Croft was born the second son of Sir Richard Croft of Croft Castle. His mother was Catherine Herbert. He became the eldest surviving son and inherited his family's estate when his father passed away in 1562.

He was chosen eight times to be a knight of the shire (which is like being an MP) for Herefordshire. This happened in 1542, 1563, 1571, 1572, 1584, 1586, and 1589. He was also made a knight in 1547.

Serving in Ireland and Scotland

During a war between England and Scotland called the Rough Wooing, Sir James became a commander at Haddington in 1549. He was then appointed as the Lord Deputy of Ireland on May 23, 1551. In this role, he was known for trying to find peaceful solutions.

In December 1551, he even wrote to Mary of Guise, a Scottish leader who had been his enemy. He wanted to arrange an exchange of hostages. He mentioned the peace between their countries and the respect he had for her. In January 1552, he was asked to check on mining in Ireland. He also gained control of Tintern Abbey, which later went to the Colclough Baronets family.

Challenges and Loyalty

Sir James Croft sometimes seemed to support different sides. When Queen Mary I came to power, he was put in the Tower of London. This was because he had supported Lady Jane Grey for the throne. He was arrested in February 1553.

After he was released, he joined Wyatt's rebellion, a protest against Queen Mary. However, he was later pardoned. When Queen Elizabeth I became queen, she treated him kindly.

He became the governor of Berwick upon Tweed, a town near the Scottish border. In 1559, he met with John Knox, a Scottish religious reformer. Sir James actively helped the Scottish Protestants. He advised Knox to return to Scotland because there were spies from Mary of Guise in England.

During the Siege of Leith in May 1560, he was a commander of English forces. Some people suspected he was secretly talking with Mary of Guise, who was Catholic. The Duke of Norfolk even blamed him for a failed attack. He said Sir James was almost a traitor. For ten years, he didn't have a public job. But in 1570, Queen Elizabeth, who was very patient with him, made him a Privy Councillor and controller of her household.

Later Diplomatic Work

Sir James was one of the officials chosen for the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1588, he was sent on a special mission to try and make peace with the Duke of Parma. During this mission, he had private talks with Parma. Because of these secret talks, he was sent back to the Tower when he returned to England.

He was released before the end of 1589. Sir James Croft passed away on September 4, 1590, and was buried at Westminster Abbey.

Family and Legacy

Sir James Croft was married twice. His first wife was Alice Warnecombe. They had three sons, including Edward and James, and four daughters. His second wife was Catherine Blount.

His eldest son, Edward, faced a strange accusation in 1589. He was accused of causing the death of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester because he thought the Earl was against his father. A younger son of Edward was Sir Herbert Croft. Sir Herbert's son, also named Herbert Croft, later became the Bishop of Hereford. Sir James Croft has many descendants today.