John Pakington (died 1625) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Pakington
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sheriff of Worcestershire | |
| In office 1595, 1607 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1549 |
| Died | 18 January 1625 |
| Spouse | Dorothy Smith |
| Children | 3, including John |
| Parents |
|
| Nickname | Lusty Pakington |
Sir John Pakington (born 1549, died 18 January 1625) was an important person in the royal courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, who called him "Lusty Pakington." This nickname was because he was strong and good at sports. Away from the court, he also held important jobs. For example, he was the Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1595 and again in 1607.
Sir John Pakington's Life
John Pakington was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Pakington. His mother was Dorothy Kitson. He went to Christ Church, Oxford university. He also studied law at Lincoln's Inn.
Meeting the Queen
In August 1570, Queen Elizabeth I noticed John Pakington. She was visiting Worcester at the time. The Queen was very impressed and invited him to join her court in London. He lived a grand life there for several years. People knew him for his cleverness and good looks.
The Queen enjoyed watching his athletic skills. She even gave him the nickname "Lusty Pakington." There is a story that he once made a bet. He wanted to swim from the Palace of Westminster to London Bridge. But the Queen stopped the swimming match from happening.
Public Service and Building
From 1587 to 1601, Pakington served as a deputy-lieutenant for Worcester. This was an important local role. In 1587, he was made a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir."
Sir John Pakington also spent a lot of time improving his estates. These were large areas of land he owned in Worcestershire. He worked on building projects. For example, he built the central part of the Westwood House. This house later became the family home. He also created a large lake at Westwood.
Sir John Pakington was the Sheriff of Worcestershire twice. He held this important job in 1595 and again in 1607. In June 1603, he welcomed King James I to his house in Aylesbury. He entertained the King in a very grand way.
Sir John Pakington passed away in January 1625. He was buried in Aylesbury.
Family Life
In November 1598, Sir John Pakington married Dorothy. She was the daughter of Ambrose Smith. Dorothy had been married before. Sir John and Dorothy had three children together. They had two daughters and one son.
Their older daughter, Anne, married Sir Humphrey Ferrers. After he passed away, she married Philip Stanhope. Their second daughter, Mary, married Sir Richard Brooke.
Their only son was also named John. He was born in 1600. In 1620, he was given the title of baronet. This meant he was called "Sir John Pakington, 1st Baronet." He married Frances Ferrers. They had two children. One of their children was his heir, Sir John Pakington, 2nd Baronet.
