John Thynne (died 1604) facts for kids
Sir John Thynne (born 1555, died 1604) was an important English landowner and a Member of Parliament. He lived at Longleat House in Wiltshire, a grand home his father built.
John Thynne was the oldest son of Sir John Thynne and Christian Gresham. He studied at Oxford University and finished his degree in 1573. When his father passed away in 1580, John inherited Longleat House. He was made a knight in 1603.
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Sir John's Life and Family
Sir John Thynne married Joan Heyward. Her father, Sir Rowland Heyward, was a Lord Mayor of London. John and Joan had two sons together.
Serving His Community
Sir John played an important role in his local community. He worked as a Justice of the Peace in several areas, including Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. This meant he helped keep law and order. He was also chosen to be the High Sheriff of Wiltshire from 1593 to 1594. The High Sheriff was a key official in the county.
A Member of Parliament
Sir John Thynne was elected as a Member (MP) for Heytesbury several times. He also represented Wiltshire in the English Parliament. This role meant he helped make laws for the country.
A Strong Partnership
Sir John and Joan worked together closely. In 1591, they took control of Caus Castle. Joan often lived at Caus Castle while John stayed at Longleat. Their letters show they were a team. Joan even managed many parts of their large estate.
A Family Story Like Romeo and Juliet
In 1594, Sir John's oldest son, Thomas, secretly married Maria Tuchet. Maria's family, the Tuchets, were long-time rivals of the Thynne family. Thomas's grandfather, the first Sir John Thynne, had a disagreement with Maria's grandfather for 15 years!
Joan Thynne tried for many years to have Thomas and Maria's marriage cancelled. This family disagreement is even said to have helped inspire Shakespeare's famous play, Romeo and Juliet. The family finally settled their differences in 1601.
When Sir John Thynne died in 1604, his son Thomas and his wife Maria inherited Longleat.
