John Wood (speaker) facts for kids
Sir John Wood was an important English politician who lived a long time ago. He was the Speaker of the House of Commons of England for a short time in 1483. This means he was like the leader of the main group of lawmakers in England.
He was probably born in a place called Sussex, and his father was also named John Wood.
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Sir John Wood's Career
Sir John Wood started working for the government in 1444. He had a long career in the Treasury, which was like the government's money department.
Roles in the Treasury
He held several important jobs related to money.
- He was an under-treasurer of the Exchequer from 1452 to 1453, and again from 1480 to 1483. This role helped manage the government's money.
- He was also the Keeper of the Great Wardrobe around 1458 to 1460. This job involved looking after the King's clothes, jewels, and other important items.
- Later, he became the Treasurer of the Exchequer from 1483 to 1484. This was a very high position, like being in charge of all the government's money.
Political Life
Sir John Wood was also involved in local government and Parliament.
- In 1475, he became the High Sheriff for Sussex and Surrey. A High Sheriff was a top official who helped keep law and order in a county.
- He was chosen to be a "knight of the shire" many times. This meant he was elected by people in his area to represent them in the English Parliament.
- He represented Sussex in 1449-50 and 1472-75.
- He represented Surrey in 1460-61, 1478, and January 1483.
Speaker of the House
During the Parliament in January 1483, Sir John Wood was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. This was a very important job, as the Speaker leads the discussions and debates in Parliament. He was Speaker for a short time and was made a knight afterwards. He might have also served in Parliament in 1484.
Later Life and Family
Sir John Wood passed away on August 20, 1484. He was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth, and his second wife was Margery. He did not have any children.
