John Atherton (died 1573) facts for kids

Sir John Atherton (around 1514 – 1573) was an important person from Lancashire, England. He owned a lot of land, including Atherton Hall in Leigh. Sir John was also a politician who served his country.

He held the important job of High Sheriff of Lancashire several times. He was Sheriff in 1550, 1554, and 1560. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Lancashire in 1559. This meant he helped make laws in the Parliament of England. Sir John was related to another MP, Sir William Atherton, who served in 1381.

Early Public Service

Sir John Atherton first became well-known in 1536. He worked for Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby. They went on a trip to stop a group of rebels in the north of England. This event was called the Pilgrimage of Grace.

From 1542 to 1544, Sir John led soldiers in northern England and Scotland. He was part of a military campaign. In May 1544, he was knighted by the Earl of Hertford. This happened in Leith, Scotland, after a battle where Edinburgh was burned.

Serving as High Sheriff

Sir John served as High Sheriff of Lancashire multiple times. This was a very important role. The High Sheriff was the main law enforcement officer in the county.

He was High Sheriff in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI. He served again in 1554 when Mary I of England was queen. His last time as High Sheriff was in 1561, under Queen Elizabeth I.

Military Work

During the last years of King Henry VIII's rule, and under King Edward VI, Sir John was very active. He helped get men ready for the Lancashire Militia. The militia was a group of ordinary citizens who could be called upon to defend the country.

New laws in 1557 helped update how the militia worked. In September of that year, Sir John led some of his tenants (people who lived on his land) to join the Earl of Derby's forces. They were going to fight against the Scots. Sir John continued this important work with the Lancashire militia even after Queen Elizabeth I became queen.

Political Challenges

Sir John's second wife, Margaret, was known as a recusant. This meant she did not follow the official Church of England. Because of this, people became suspicious about Sir John's own religious beliefs.

These suspicions affected his political career. It limited what he could do in politics. This happened at the start of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. The Act of Uniformity 1558 made it harder for people who did not follow the official church.

Family Life

Sir John Atherton was the first son of George Atherton. His mother was Anne, who was the daughter of Richard Assheton. His grandfather was Sir John de Atherton. This grandfather was also known as Lord of Atherton. He had served as High Sheriff of Durham in 1461.

Sir John married Elizabeth Radcliffe when they were both children. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Alexander Radcliffe. Sir Alexander had served as High Sheriff in 1547. Sir John and Elizabeth had six children together.

Sir John Atherton wrote his will on April 18, 1573. He left his property to his oldest son, John Atherton. Sir John died between June 30 and July 4, 1573. He was buried in Leigh on July 8, 1573.