John St John, 2nd Baron St John of Bletso facts for kids
John St John, 2nd Baron St John of Bletso (who died in 1596) was an important English nobleman. He inherited his special title, Baron St John of Bletso, when his father, Oliver St John, 1st Baron St John of Bletso, passed away in 1582. His mother was Agnes Fisher.
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Who Was John St John?
John St John was a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Bedfordshire. This meant he was chosen to represent his area in the English government from 1563 to 1567.
A Special Job: Keeping Mary, Queen of Scots
In January 1585, John St John was given a very important job. He was asked to be the keeper of Mary, Queen of Scots, at Tutbury Castle. Mary was a queen who was held captive in England. John was not keen on taking this job at first. He talked a lot with Lord Burghley, a powerful advisor, before he finally agreed.
John St John's Role in Mary's Trial
Later, in 1586, John St John was one of the noblemen who had to decide Mary, Queen of Scots's fate. They found her guilty.
Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire
From about 1587 until he died, John St John also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire. A Lord Lieutenant was the monarch's personal representative in a county. They were responsible for local defense and keeping order.
John St John's Family Life
Around 1575, John St John married Katherine Dormer. She was the daughter of Sir William Dormer and Dorothy (born Catesby). Sir William Dormer was from Wing, Buckinghamshire.
John St John passed away on 23 October 1596. He did not have any sons to inherit his title. He was buried in Bletsoe. His younger brother became the next Baron St John of Bletso.
His daughter, Ann, married William Howard, 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham. John's wife, Katherine, died later in 1615 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, a famous church in London.
