John Southcote (died 1585) facts for kids

Sir John Southcote (born around 1510 or 1511, died 1585) was an important English judge and politician during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He helped make laws and served in high courts.

Life as a Judge and Politician

Sir John Southcote was born in Devon, England. He was the second son of William Southcote and Alice Tregonnell. He studied law at a famous legal school called the Middle Temple. This was where many future judges and lawyers trained.

He became a very skilled lawyer, reaching a high rank called a "serjeant-at-law" in 1559. Before that, he was also involved in politics. In 1553, he was elected to Parliament, representing the towns of Lewes and Steyning. As a Member of Parliament (MP), he helped create laws for the country.

In 1563, Sir John became a judge in one of England's most important courts, the Queen's Bench. This meant he helped decide major legal cases. He worked alongside other top judges, like Chief Justice Sir Robert Catlin. He was involved in important trials, including one for a person connected to the Duke of Norfolk. He also took part in discussions about how to handle legal issues for people who did not follow the official Church of England at the time.

Sir John Southcote retired from his role as a judge in May 1584. He passed away on April 18, 1585.

Sir John's Family

Tomb of John and Elizabeth Southcote in St Nicholas Church, Witham, Essex

Sir John Southcote was married to Elizabeth Robins, whose father was a well-known London alderman (a type of city official). They had one son, also named John, and two daughters. Sir John was buried in the church at Witham, Essex, which was close to his home.

While Sir John followed the official Church of England, some of his children held different religious beliefs. For example, his son John was known to attend different church services. His daughter Martha married Francis Stonor, who also became a Member of Parliament. Another daughter, Ann, married Francis Curson. She even provided shelter for a Jesuit priest named John Gerard for several years.

Sir John Southcote's family continued to be important. One of his descendants, Sir George Southcote, became a baronet (a special title of honor) in 1662. Later, a great-great-grandson, Sir Edward Southcote, wrote a book about the family's history.

Coat of Arms

Coat of arms of Sir John Southcote

Crest A Coot sable. Helm of a Knight Escutcheon Quarterly of Five. -1. Argent, a chevron engrailed gules between three black coots sable. (Southcote) 2. Azure, a bend wavy between two bundles argent. (Keynes) 3. Argent, on a fess sable with three mullets or, between three markets sable. (Pury) 4. Azure, thee bird-bolts argent. (Bozome) 5. Argent, a lion rampant gules, a chief azure. (St. George)

A coat of arms is a special design that represents a family or a person. It often includes symbols and colors that have meaning. Sir John Southcote's coat of arms features several different designs, showing his family's history and connections.