John Say facts for kids

Sir John Say (born in 1415 in Podington, England, and died on April 12, 1478) was an important English politician and courtier during the 15th century. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons multiple times. He played a key role in the English government during a time of change.

Sir John Say's Life and Career

Brass of Sir John Say in Broxbourne Church, Hertfordshire.

Sir John Say was born in 1415. His father was also named John Say. Sir John had a brother, William Say, who became an important priest.

Sir John Say trained to be a lawyer. He worked for the King in several important roles. He was a "King's Serjeant," which meant he was a senior lawyer for the Crown. He also helped manage the King's household and served as a "Privy Councillor," advising the King directly. He was even in charge of Westminster Palace.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1447, Sir John Say became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cambridge. This meant he represented the people of Cambridge in the English Parliament.

In 1449, he was elected as a "Knight of the Shire" for Cambridgeshire. This was another way to be an MP, representing a county. In the same year, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Speaker is like the chairperson of the Parliament, making sure debates run smoothly.

Key Government Roles

Sir John Say held many other important jobs. In June 1449, he became the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This role involved managing the lands and income of the Duchy of Lancaster, which belonged to the King. He also served as a "sheriff" for Norfolk and Suffolk, which meant he was responsible for law and order in those areas.

Around 1450, he faced some difficulties and was temporarily out of favor with the court. However, he was pardoned in 1452 and continued his public service.

From 1453 to 1478, he represented Hertfordshire in Parliament. He was chosen as Speaker of the House of Commons again from 1463 to 1465, and then from 1467 to 1468.

He also worked as an under-Treasurer of the Exchequer from 1455 until his death. This role involved managing the government's money. From 1476, he was the "Keeper of the Great Wardrobe," which meant he was in charge of the King's clothes, jewels, and other valuable items.

In 1465, he was given the special honor of being made a Knight of the Bath. Sir John Say passed away on April 12, 1478.

Sir John Say's Family Life

Sir John Say was married twice.

First Marriage

Around November 1446, he married Elizabeth Cheney. Elizabeth was a widow and the daughter of Sir Laurence Cheney. Sir John and Elizabeth had several children together, including:

• Anne Say, who married Sir Henry Wentworth.
• Mary Say
• Elizabeth Saye

Elizabeth, his first wife, died on September 2, 1473.

Second Marriage

Before October 1474, Sir John Say married Agnes Danvers. Agnes had been married twice before. Her father was Sir John Danvers.

Death and Legacy

Sir John Say and his first wife, Lady Elizabeth Say, are buried together in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. Sir John had arranged for the south aisle of St Augustine's Church to be extended and a tomb prepared for them.

They had seven children who survived them (three sons and four daughters). Sir John Say is an ancestor of Jane Seymour, who became the third wife of King Henry VIII. After Sir John's death, his son William took over his family responsibilities and also became an MP and Sheriff.