John Hales (died 1608) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Hales
|
|
|---|---|
John Hales's former home, the Whitefriars, where secret books were printed in 2012
|
|
| Died | 1 January 1608 |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | Mary Hales Jane Hales Bethany Hales |
| Parent(s) | Christopher Hales, Mary Lucy |
John Hales (who passed away on January 1, 1608) owned a special house called the Whitefriars in Coventry. This house became famous because two secret books, known as the Marprelate tracts, were printed there. He was the nephew of an important government official, John Hales, and also the nephew of Sir Thomas Lucy.
Contents
About John Hales's Family
John Hales was the son of Christopher Hales from Coventry. His mother was Mary Lucy. Mary was the daughter of William Lucy and Anne Fermor. She was also the sister of Sir Thomas Lucy from Charlecote, Warwickshire.
John Hales's Role in Secret Printing
Not much is known about John Hales's early life. In 1589, a relative named Sir Richard Knightley asked for his help. Sir Richard wanted to bring a secret printing press to Hales's home, the Whitefriars, in Coventry.
The Secret Books: Marprelate Tracts
These secret books were part of the Marprelate tracts. The first book, Epistle, was printed at Elizabeth Hussey's home. The second book, The Epitome, was printed at Sir Richard Knightley's house. Sir Richard's wife, Elizabeth Seymour, was a cousin of King Edward VI.
Two more Marprelate books were printed at John Hales's Whitefriars house. These were Certain Mineral and Metaphysical Schoolpoints and Hay Any Work for Cooper. Another book, A View by John Penry, was also printed there. The printer for these books was Robert Waldegrave. After this, the secret press was moved to Sir Roger Wigston's house.
Legal Trouble and Court Cases
Later, a man named Henry Sharpe, who had bound the secret books, shared information. His evidence pointed to Hales, Knightley, and the Wigstons. On November 16, 1589, a special group from the Privy Council investigated. They believed that Sir Richard Knightley, Roger Wigston, and John Hales knew about the printing. They thought these men supported the secret printer, Martin Marprelate.
In November 1589, Hales, Elizabeth Hussey, Sir Richard Knightley, and Sir Roger Wigston were arrested. They were sent to the Fleet. However, their questioning did not reveal who Martin Marprelate was. It seems the people who hid the press did not even know his identity.
The Star Chamber Trial
On February 13, 1590, Hales, Knightley, and the Wigstons faced a trial in the Star Chamber. Sir Richard Knightley admitted he asked Hales to provide space for the secret press. He asked for the Queen's forgiveness. Knightley was fined £2000 and sent to prison.
John Hales said he did not know what kind of books were being printed. He explained that he felt he had to help Sir Richard Knightley. He said he owed Sir Richard a lot of respect because Sir Richard had married his aunt. Hales was fined 1000 marks and also sent to prison.
Sir Roger Wigston was fined 500 marks and imprisoned. His wife took the blame for letting the printing happen at their house. She was fined £1000 and also imprisoned.
After these events, the rest of John Hales's life seems to have been quiet. He wrote his will on August 30, 1607. In his will, he mentioned his son, John, and his three daughters: Mary, Jane, and Bethany.
Marriages and Children
John Hales married his first wife, Frideswide Faunt, on September 18, 1586. She was the daughter of William Faunt and Jane Vincent. Frideswide had been married before to Roger Cotton.
Later, John Hales married a second wife named Avis. She was still alive when he passed away.
