John Wittlebury facts for kids
John Wittlebury (born in 1333, died on April 21, 1400) was an important person in England long ago. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws and represent people in the government. He also held other important jobs in his local area.
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Who Was John Wittlebury?
John Wittlebury was a significant figure in England during the 1300s. He came from a well-known family in the county of Rutland. He was known for serving his community and country in various roles.
Early Life and Family
John was the third son of Aubrey Wittlebury. His family was one of the most important in Rutland. John inherited his father's lands in Rutland and Northamptonshire. This happened because his oldest brother passed away young, and his other brother joined a monastery called Peterborough Abbey. This made John the main heir to the family's property.
A Public Servant
John Wittlebury held several important jobs that helped run his local area.
- Justice of the Peace: From 1368 to 1399, he worked as a Justice of the Peace for Rutland. This role meant he helped keep the peace and dealt with minor legal issues in the community.
- High Sheriff: He was also appointed High Sheriff of Rutland several times. This was a very important job, like being the chief local government official and law enforcer. He served as High Sheriff in 1372–1374, 1377–1378, 1381–1382, 1388, and again from 1399 until his death in 1400.
Serving in Parliament
John Wittlebury was elected to serve as a "knight of the shire" for Rutland six times between 1372 and 1395. A "knight of the shire" was another name for a Member of Parliament (MP) back then. As an MP, he represented the people of Rutland in the English Parliament, helping to make decisions and laws for the country.
Family Life
John Wittlebury was married twice. His first wife was Maud, who came from an important family in Lincolnshire. They had at least two sons together. Later, he married Agnes, and they had at least three more sons. His eldest son, Aubrey, took over the family's responsibilities after John passed away.
