John Shelton (courtier) facts for kids
Sir John Shelton was an important English gentleman who lived a long time ago. He was born around 1503 and passed away in 1558. His father was also named Sir John Shelton, and his mother was Anne Boleyn, who was the aunt of Queen Anne Boleyn.
Sir John Shelton was a very wealthy man. He held important jobs in the government. He was known for being a practical politician. He lived during the reigns of several English monarchs.
Contents
Sir John Shelton's Life
Early Years and Public Service
Sir John Shelton might have been a High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk as early as 1523. This was an important job, like a chief law enforcement officer for the counties. He was only about 20 years old then.
His father, Sir John senior, was very rich and well-known. He had close ties to the Boleyn family. After his father died in 1539, Sir John junior preferred a quieter life in the countryside.
Serving the King and Queen
In 1543, Sir John Shelton joined the Norfolk bench. This meant he became a local judge or magistrate. He served during the Boulogne campaign. This was a military effort where the English king captured a port town in France.
When King Henry VIII died, Sir John was honored. He was made a knight at Edward VI's coronation in 1547. In 1550, he was appointed to help organize aid for poor people in parishes.
Under Queen Mary I
When Queen Mary I became queen in 1553, Sir John Shelton gained more power. He joined the Privy Council. This was a group of trusted advisors to the monarch. He promised to pay a large sum of money to show his loyalty to the Queen's Catholic beliefs.
He regularly attended the Council meetings. However, by March 1555, he attended less often. This was when Queen Mary's government was strictly enforcing Catholic rules.
Sir John was also elected to Queen Mary's third parliament. He represented Norfolk as a knight of the shire. Before this, he was approved to be High Sheriff for both Norfolk and Suffolk in 1554. He was a smart politician and stayed in parliament until it was officially ended by the Queen.
By March 1556, he retired from major public affairs. The Council thanked him for his reports from Norfolk.
Later Years and Passing
Sir John Shelton wrote his will on February 12, 1558. He passed away on November 15, 1558. This was just two days before Queen Mary I died.
Records show that before he died, he had sold or lost most of his land. Only the Manor of Carrow remained.
His Family
Sir John Shelton married Margaret Parker. She was the daughter of Henry Parker, 10th Baron Morley. They had several children together:
- Sir Ralph Shelton: He took over his father's estates. He married Mary Woodhouse. She was a distant cousin of his mother. Their daughter was Audrey Walsingham.
- Anne Shelton
- Alice Shelton
- Mary Shelton
- Thomas Shelton
