James Stanihurst facts for kids

James Stanihurst (who died in 1573) was an important person in Irish politics. He was chosen three times to be the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. Think of the Speaker as the leader who runs meetings in a parliament. James Stanihurst was also the first judge to be called the Recorder of Dublin, which was a top legal job in the city.

Life of James Stanihurst

James Stanihurst was the son of Nicholas Stanihurst, who was the Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1542. James became the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons three times. These times were during the Parliaments of 1557, 1560, and 1568. Each time a new session began, he gave an important speech.

He was a strong supporter of Protestantism during the rule of Elizabeth I of England. In 1560, he helped pass the Act of Uniformity in Ireland. This law made sure everyone followed the same religious practices. He managed to get it passed when those who opposed it were not in the room.

However, James Stanihurst was also friends with Edmund Campion. This friendship suggests that he might have had some sympathy for the Roman Catholic faith. Many important people in Ireland at the time felt this way.

In 1570, James Stanihurst gave a speech to Parliament. In this speech, he suggested a plan for national education in Ireland. He wanted to set up grammar schools all over the country. He also thought Dublin should have a university. A few years later, Trinity College Dublin was founded, which was similar to his idea.

His ideas for education were not accepted by the government at the time. However, Sir Henry Sidney, who was a close friend, strongly supported them. Edmund Campion, who taught James's son Richard, was also a good friend. Campion even said Stanihurst helped him write his history of Ireland.

Once, James Stanihurst helped his friend Campion avoid arrest. Campion was being hunted for his beliefs. Stanihurst sent him to the home of the Barnewall family, who were strong Catholics. This showed his loyalty to his friend. James Stanihurst died in Dublin on December 27, 1573. He was 51 years old.

Family and Legacy

James Stanihurst married Anne Fitzsimon. She was the daughter of Thomas Fitzsimon, who was also a Recorder of Dublin. James and Anne had five children together.

Their oldest son was Richard Stanihurst. Richard later became a well-known writer. Another son, Walter, translated a book into English called Innocent, de Contemptu Mundi.

Their daughter Margaret married Arnold Ussher. He worked for the Court of Chancery (Ireland). Margaret and Arnold had two famous sons. One was James Ussher, who became the Archbishop of Armagh. The other was Ambrose Ussher.