James Harington (lawyer) facts for kids
Sir James Harington of Exton (born around 1511 – died 1592) was an important English public servant in the 1500s. He worked in law, government, and law enforcement. He was given the special title of knight in 1565.
Sir James Harington's Public Service
James Harington started his legal career when he was quite young, joining the Inner Temple in 1536. This was a place where people trained to become lawyers.
He became a Justice of the Peace in Kesteven, Lincolnshire in 1547. A Justice of the Peace was a local official who helped keep order and deal with minor legal issues. In Rutland, he became the sheriff in 1553. The sheriff was a very important local officer, responsible for enforcing laws and keeping the peace. He also became a Justice of the Peace in Rutland around 1559.
Sir James continued to serve as sheriff several times: in 1560-61, and after he became a knight in June 1565, he served again in 1566–67, 1578–79, and finally in 1586–87, near the end of his life. By 1569, he also worked as a Commissioner Musters in Rutland. This meant he helped organize and inspect the local military forces.
He was also chosen to be a knight of the shire (which is like being a Member of Parliament, or MP) for Rutland. He was elected seven times between 1554 and 1589, helping to make laws for the country.
Sir James Harington was even present at the funeral of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Sir James Harington's Family Life
Sir James Harington was the son of John Harington of Exton and Elizabeth Moton. In 1539, he married Lucy, who was the daughter of Sir Sir William Sidney from Penshurst, Kent.
Sir James and Lucy had many children. Some of their notable children included:
- John Harington, 1st Baron Harington of Exton (1539–1613), who later became a Baron.
- Sir Henry Harington (died 1613).
- Sir James Harrington, 1st Baronet of Ridlington (1542-1614).
- Elizabeth Harington (died 1618), who married Edward Montagu.
- Theodosia Harington (died 1649), who married Edward Sutton, 5th Baron Dudley.
Images for kids
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A memorial to Sir James Harington in the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Exton, Rutland.
