John Gates (courtier) facts for kids

Sir John Gates (1504–1553) was an important English courtier, soldier, and politician. He held powerful jobs in the royal household during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI. As a top gentleman in King Edward VI's private rooms, he became a supporter of John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland. Sir John Gates played a big part in trying to make Lady Jane Grey the Queen of England. Because of this, he was executed for high treason (betraying the country) under Mary I.

Working for King Henry VIII and King Edward VI

John Gates came from an old family in Essex, England. He trained to be a lawyer. He married Mary Denny, whose brother was Sir Anthony Denny. From 1543 to 1545, he worked for Queen Catherine Parr.

In 1542, he joined King Henry VIII's private rooms as a groom. From 1546, he helped manage the King's money. He also used the King's "dry stamp." This was a special tool that could put the King's signature on documents without him having to sign each one. These trusted jobs showed he had a lot of influence.

In December 1546, Gates was one of three people sent to search the homes of important nobles. This happened after they were arrested for possibly challenging who would be the next king. Gates helped make detailed lists of everything found in their houses.

Under King Edward VI, Gates became a Chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. This happened after Protector Somerset lost power in 1549. Gates rose quickly in the King's service. On April 8, 1551, he became Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household. A few days later, he joined the King's special group of advisors, the Privy Council. This group was led by John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland.

In these roles, Gates was a key person who helped the Duke and the young King talk to each other. In December 1551, he was given charge of the King's signet (a special ring used to seal official documents). In July 1552, he became Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This was another important government job.

He also served as a justice of the peace for Essex from 1532 until his death. He was also the High Sheriff of Essex from 1549 to 1550. As Sheriff, he went to Essex many times to arrest people causing trouble. He also helped remove "superstitious altars" as part of religious changes. From April 1551, he was also the Captain of the Gentlemen Pensioners. This was a group of royal guards.

Parliamentary Career

Sir John Gates was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is a person who represents an area in the country's government. He was an MP for Wycombe in 1542. He also represented New Shoreham in 1545. Later, he was an MP for Southwark in 1547. He also represented his home county of Essex in 1547 and 1553.

The 1553 Succession Crisis

John Gates was very involved in the big problem of who would become king or queen in 1553. Lady Jane Grey later said that Gates had told her he was the first person to convince King Edward to name her as his successor. This meant Edward wanted her to be queen instead of his half-sister Mary.

On July 14, 1553, Gates led the King's soldiers to East Anglia. This was part of the fight against Mary I, who was trying to claim the throne.

Gates was arrested with the Duke of Northumberland in Cambridge. He was put on trial at Westminster Hall on August 19, 1553. On August 22, 1553, he took the Catholic communion. This meant he changed his mind about his Protestant faith. This happened in a ceremony at St Peter ad Vincula near the Tower of London. Right after this, he was executed on Tower Hill. The Duke of Northumberland and Sir Thomas Palmer were also executed with him. Sir John Gates was buried in St Peter ad Vincula.

His lands in Essex, at Rivenhall and Shalford, were taken by the Crown (the government).

See also

• Attainder of Duke of Northumberland and others Act 1553