John Killigrew (died 1584) facts for kids
Sir John Killigrew (who died on March 5, 1584) was an important person from Arwenack, a place near Penryn in Cornwall, England. He was the second Governor of Pendennis Castle from 1568 to 1584. Queen Elizabeth I chose him for this job.
Sir John also served as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Lostwithiel in 1563. Later, he represented Penryn twice, in 1571 and 1572. Penryn was a special area where his family had a lot of influence.
Even though he was supposed to investigate piracy, he was known for being involved in illegal trading and piracy himself. People said he only followed the law when he was afraid of getting caught.
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Early Life and Family
Sir John Killigrew was the oldest son of John Killigrew (who died in 1567). His father was the first Governor of Pendennis Castle, chosen by King Henry VIII. Sir John's mother was Elizabeth Trewennard. She was the second daughter of James Trewennard from St Erth, Cornwall.
His Time in Public Service
Sir John and his father did not support the Catholic Queen Mary I (who ruled from 1553 to 1558) or her husband, Philip II of Spain. They used their ships to help Protestant people who had left England and were living in France. They also attacked Spanish ships in the English Channel.
In 1556, Queen Mary had Sir John and his father put in prison. But they were set free after three weeks.
When the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, Sir John was back in royal favor. He was made a knight on December 25, 1576.
He was known for some questionable activities. These included taking cattle that weren't his and mismanaging his duties at a castle, likely Pendennis. As a local judge (Justice of the Peace), he was also accused of misusing his power.
Even though he was appointed to investigate piracy, he was very involved in it himself. He traded with smugglers and pirates who often visited the waters near Arwenack. There was an official investigation into his activities in 1565.
In January 1582, Sir John and his wife, Mary Wolverston, were suspected of being involved in a major act of piracy. This involved a Spanish ship that had taken shelter from a storm near Arwenack. It was believed they were involved in taking the ship's cargo of cloth.
Family Life and Children
Sir John Killigrew married Mary Wolverston. Her father, Philip Wolverston, was also known for being involved in piracy. Mary was previously married to Henry Knyvett.
Sir John and Mary had several children:
- John Killigrew V (around 1557 – 1605) was their oldest son. He inherited Arwenack. Like his father and grandfather, he became Captain of Pendennis Castle (1584–98). He also served as an MP for Penryn three times.
- Simon Killigrew
- Thomas Killigrew
- Mary Killigrew, who never married.
- Katherine Killigrew (who died in 1598) was their youngest daughter. She became the third wife of Sir Henry Billingsley (around 1538 – 1606), who was once the Lord Mayor of London.
Death and Legacy
Sir John Killigrew passed away on March 5, 1584. He was buried in St Budock's Church, close to Arwenack. There is a special monument there, put up by his son. It shows statues of Sir John and his wife kneeling in prayer.
When he died, Sir John had many debts. His brother, Sir Henry Killigrew, who was a diplomat, helped pay off some of the most urgent ones. However, Sir John's son, John, inherited a family estate that was already in financial trouble. He died in 1605, having lost his fortune.
In Stories and Books
Sir John Killigrew appears in some historical novels.
- In The Grove of Eagles by Winston Graham, his wife, Mary Wolverston (called "old Lady Killigrew"), is a very strong character. She is the main character's grandmother and is quite intimidating.
- He also appears in the novel The Sea Hawk by Raphael Sabatini.
- He is mentioned in With the Knights of Malta by Douglas Valder Duff (who used the pen name Peter Wickloe).
