John Willoughby (1421–1477) facts for kids

Sir John Willoughby (born around 1421, died 1477) was an important person in England a long time ago. He owned land, helped manage things, was a soldier, and worked in politics. He was chosen to be a MP for Wiltshire, where he lived, and also for Somerset. He also served as the High Sheriff for both of these areas.

Early Life

John Willoughby was born around 1421. His father, also named John Willoughby, owned land in Lincolnshire. His mother was Joan Welby.

His Work and Public Life

By 1445, Sir John Willoughby had moved to Brook Hall in Westbury, Wiltshire, which became his main home after he married. He still owned land in Lincolnshire.

In 1453, he was chosen to be the sheriff of Wiltshire and also became a justice of the peace, which meant he helped keep law and order. In 1456, he was the sheriff for Somerset and Dorset.

England was going through a difficult time with a big civil war called the Wars of the Roses. Sir John Willoughby first supported King Henry VI and the Lancastrian side. He even helped gather troops in 1459 and fought in a battle in 1461. When the other side, the Yorkists, won, the new king Edward IV forgave him and made him a knight.

Sir John continued to serve the country. He was an MP for Wiltshire again in 1467 and helped with many royal tasks in the county. He was also the sheriff of Wiltshire again in 1472. In that same year, he was chosen to be an MP for Somerset once more. He passed away before August 28, 1477. His oldest son, Robert, who was 25, took over his lands and roles.

His Family

Before March 4, 1445, Sir John Willoughby married Anne Cheyne (1426–1470). She was the daughter of Sir Edmund Cheyne.

Sir John and Anne had seven children:

• Robert Willoughby (1452–1502), who later became an MP and was made the 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke.
• William Willoughby (1455–1513), who also became an MP and a knight.
• Richard Willoughby (died 1523).
• Edward Willoughby (died 1508), who became a church leader, serving as Archdeacon of Stafford and Dean of Exeter.
• Cecily Willoughby (died 1528), who also joined the church and became the Abbess of Wilton Abbey.
• Elizabeth Willoughby.