John Stile facts for kids
John Stile (who was active around 1511) was an important English diplomat. He served as an ambassador to Spain during the time when Ferdinand of Aragon was King of Spain. This was also early in the reign of England's King Henry VIII of England, who was married to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, a Spanish princess.
Stile's job was to represent England in Spain. He first went there in 1505 on a special mission for King Henry VII, Henry VIII's father. He was then asked to stay in Spain permanently. This was a big deal because it was the first time England had a diplomat living in another country's royal court all the time, rather than just sending someone for a short visit.
Who Was John Stile?
It can be tricky to know exactly who John Stile was because there were several people named John Style or Stile around that time. Historians believe the ambassador might be a Sir John Style who passed away in 1529. He was buried in a church called Allhallows Barking, near the Tower of London. More research is needed to be absolutely sure if this is the same person.
A Permanent Diplomat
John Stile's role as a resident ambassador was very new and important for England. Before him, English diplomats usually traveled to other countries for specific tasks and then returned home. Stile's permanent stay in Spain helped England build stronger, ongoing relationships with other nations. This was a key step in how countries started to manage their international affairs.
Other People Named John Style
There was another person named John Style who was a "mercer," which means he sold fabrics and other goods. This John Style died in 1505. He is sometimes confused with the ambassador. This mercer had a son named Sir Humphrey Style. It's important for historians to keep these different people separate to understand their lives and roles correctly.
