John Mordaunt, 1st Baron Mordaunt facts for kids

John Mordaunt, 1st Baron Mordaunt (who died on August 18, 1562) was an important English politician and a member of the nobility.

He was the son of John Mordaunt from Turvey, Bedfordshire. His father was a member of Parliament and even served as the speaker of the House of Commons of England. John Mordaunt himself began training to become a lawyer, known as a barrister, at the Middle Temple in 1503.

He became a Knight of the Bath on February 18, 1503. This happened when the future King Henry VIII was made Prince of Wales. John Mordaunt took over his father's estates in Bedfordshire in 1504 after his father passed away. He was also appointed as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 1509. This was an important local government role.

John Mordaunt was part of King Henry VIII's royal court. He was with the King at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold event in 1520. He also served on the King's council in 1526. In 1529, he was given the special title of Baron Mordaunt. This meant he became a peer. He officially joined the House of Lords in 1532. The next year, he helped welcome Anne Boleyn and later took part in her trial.

He became very active in local government in his area. He did not visit Parliament very often, especially after he had an accident in 1539.

John Mordaunt passed away in 1562. He was buried in Turvey church next to his wife, who had died before him.

Family Life and Children

John Mordaunt married Elizabeth Vere. She was the daughter and one of the heirs of Sir Henry Vere. They had four sons and four daughters together.

Notable Children

• John Mordaunt, 2nd Baron Mordaunt: He was their oldest son and inherited his father's title.
• Edmund Mordaunt: He became a Member of Parliament for Bedford.
• William Mordaunt: He lived in Oakley, Bedfordshire. He married Agnes Booth.
  • Anne Mordaunt: She was William and Agnes's daughter. She married Nicholas Williamson in 1573. He was a legal agent for the Earl of Shrewsbury.
  • Anne and Nicholas were known as recusants. This meant they refused to follow the official Church of England.
  • In 1595, Nicholas was arrested and put in the Tower of London. People thought he was working to convert James VI of Scotland to Catholicism.
  • Their family papers were taken from their home. It was found that Anne had left important documents with a friend.
  • After Nicholas was released, he left Anne. She later married Paul Cuddington.
  • The confiscated papers are still kept in the National Archives. They include a letter from Anne to her husband. In the letter, she asked for a new farthingale (a type of skirt support) and sleeves in the latest fashion.
• Etheldred Mordaunt: She became a nun at Barking.