John North (died 1597) facts for kids

John North (born around 1551 – died 1597) was an English politician from Cambridgeshire. He served as a Member (MP) in the Parliament of England. He represented Cambridge in 1572, Cambridgeshire in 1584, 1586, and 1589, and Orford in 1593. An MP is someone chosen by voters to represent them in the country's main law-making body.

Early Life and Education

John North was born about 1551. He was the oldest son of Roger North, 2nd Baron North, who lived in Kirtling, Cambridgeshire. His mother was Winifred, the daughter of Richard, Lord Rich.

When he was young, in November 1562, John North started studying at Peterhouse college. His grandfather, Edward, the first Baron North, had supported this college. John was taught by John Whitgift, who helped him learn good things and develop Christian manners.

He later moved to Trinity College in 1567. In November 1569, he became a scholar at the university. By April 1572, after six years of study, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. The local town leaders even gave him gifts of wine and sugar to celebrate!

Political Beginnings

In 1572, John North became a "free burgess" of Cambridge. This meant he had special rights as a citizen. He was also chosen as an "alderman," which is a senior member of the town council.

In 1576, he traveled to Italy, which was common for young gentlemen at the time. He stayed there for over two years, learning about different cultures.

Adventures and Public Service

In 1579, John North went to the Netherlands. He joined Sir John Norris and volunteered to help the provinces there. He returned to England in 1580.

He might have visited Poland in 1581. After coming back in 1582, he met with Queen Elizabeth I. The Queen had previously been a guest at his family home in Kirtling in 1578.

In 1584, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Cambridgeshire. He went back to the Netherlands in late 1585 with important leaders like Leicester and Sidney.

John North continued his political career. He served as an MP for Cambridgeshire again in 1586 and 1589. He was also an MP for Orford in 1593.

He went to the Netherlands a third time. He died there on June 5, 1597, while his father was still alive.

Family Life

John North married Dorothy, who was the daughter of Sir Valentine Dale. They had several children together:

• Dudley North, 3rd Baron North, who was named after the Earl of Leicester.
• Elizabeth, who married William, the son of Sir Jerome Horsey.
• Sir John North, who became a Knight of the Bath.
• Roger Gilbert, who became a navigator.
• Mary, who married Sir Francis Coningsby.