John Cheyne (speaker) facts for kids

Sir John Cheyne (died 1414) was an important person in English politics long ago. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. For a short time, he was even the Speaker of the House of Commons of England. This happened in 1399, when Henry IV became king.

Sir John Cheyne became quite wealthy and important in 1372. He married Margaret, who was the daughter of a powerful lord named William, Lord Deincourt. Margaret was also the widow of Robert, Lord Tiptoft. This marriage helped Sir John gain more status. He worked for the king and was made a knight in 1378. He also went on many important trips for the country, called diplomatic missions. He represented Gloucestershire in Parliament several times: in 1390, 1393, 1394, and 1399.

Becoming Speaker of Parliament

In 1399, Sir John Cheyne was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Speaker is like the leader of the discussions in Parliament. However, he quickly stepped down from this important job. He said it was because he was not feeling well. But some people thought he was convinced to leave by Thomas Arundel, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop was very unhappy that Sir John had been chosen. He believed Sir John was against the church at that time.

Even after stepping down as Speaker, Sir John Cheyne continued to work for King Henry IV. He still went on diplomatic missions for the country. One of these trips was a two-year journey to Rome in 1407.

Later Life and Family

Sir John Cheyne bought a large estate in Beckford, which was in Gloucestershire. This became his main home. Towards the end of his life, he was not involved in a rebellion that happened in 1413-1414. This event was called the Oldcastle Rising. Some of his relatives, the Cheynes from Drayton Beauchamp, were involved. After his sons passed away, these relatives from Drayton Beauchamp seemed to be his heirs.

Death

Sir John Cheyne passed away in 1414. He was buried in the churchyard in Beckford. He had been married a second time to a woman named Margaret. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Lovetot. Sir John and Margaret had a son together, also named John.

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