John Brograve facts for kids

Sir John Brograve (born 1538, died 1613) was an important English lawyer and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for different areas like Preston and Boroughbridge. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Life Story

John Brograve was born in 1538. His father was Richard Brograve. He started studying at St John's College, Cambridge in 1554. Later, he joined Gray's Inn in 1555, which was a famous place for training lawyers.

In 1576, he became an "autumn reader" at Gray's Inn. This was a special role where he taught law to other students. He was also chosen to be a treasurer there a few times.

In 1580, Queen Elizabeth I chose him to be her attorney for the Duchy of Lancaster. This was a big job, like being a chief lawyer for a special part of the royal lands. He kept this job even when King James I became king, and the king even made him a knight.

Sir John also advised the University of Cambridge on legal matters in 1581. He lived in a place called Braughing in Hertfordshire. For 30 years, he was the "custos rotulorum" for that county. This meant he was in charge of keeping important records and documents.

He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Preston in 1586, 1597, and 1601. He was also an MP for Boroughbridge in 1593. Sir John Brograve passed away on September 11, 1613, and was buried in Braughing.

He was married to Margaret Steward, who died in 1593. They had three sons and two daughters together.

His Writings

Sir John Brograve also wrote a book about law. It was called 'The Reading of Mr. John Brograve of Grayes Inne, made in Summer 1576, upon part of the Statute of 27 H. 8. C. 10, of Vses, concerning Jointures, beginning at the twelfth Branch thereof.'

This book was published in 1648 as part of a collection called 'Three Learned Readings made upon three very useful Statutes, by Sir James Dyer, Brograve and Tristram Risdon.' It was a detailed look at a specific law from the time of King Henry VIII.