Laurence Hussey facts for kids

Laurence Hussey, also known as Lawrence Hussey, (born around 1527 and active until after 1602) was an English lawyer, a special messenger, and a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.

Laurence was likely the oldest of three sons. His parents were Anthony Hussey and Catherine Webbe, who came from Dedham, Essex. They were married by 1526. Laurence received a good education, studying in Italy at the universities of Padua and Bologna.

Early Career and Royal Service

Laurence Hussey worked for Edward VI of England as a "groom of the chamber." This was an important role, meaning he was a personal attendant to the King. In September 1550, he was sent to Scotland. His job was to be a "harbinger" for François de Vendôme, Vidame de Chartres, a French nobleman who had been a hostage. A harbinger's job was to go ahead and arrange food and lodging for important travelers.

Challenges and Diplomacy

In July 1553, Hussey faced trouble when he was arrested. He was carrying letters related to Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly Queen of England.

Later, in April 1557, Hussey was in Scotland again. He met with important figures like Mary of Guise, who was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Henri Cleutin at Stirling Castle. From Edinburgh, he wrote to Lord Wharton, who was in charge of the border between England and Scotland. Hussey shared news about what was happening internationally, even if some of it was incorrect. He also reported that three English ships, separated from a larger fleet by a storm, had safely arrived at Leith.

At this time, England and Scotland were at war. Soon after, these ships unsuccessfully attacked the town of Kirkwall in Orkney. Hussey was also working for Margaret Douglas, trying to get forgiveness for her husband, Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox. Lennox was considered a rebel against the Scottish crown.

Later Life and Family

Laurence Hussey became a "Master of Chancery." This was a high-ranking legal position in the Court of Chancery, which dealt with fairness and justice. He held this position until 1602, when Henry Hickman took over.

An old inscription in the Church of St Nicholas in Charlwood, Surrey, tells us more about him. It records the burial of his daughter, Katherine, in 1626. She was married to Sir William Jordan. The inscription also notes that Laurence had a Doctor's degree, was a Master of Chancery, and was the son of Anthony Hussey, who worked as an agent for the queen in Germany, Belgium, and Russia.

Laurence Hussey married the daughter of Sir John White of Aldershot. Sir John White was a Lord Mayor of London. Laurence's sister, Ursula, married Benjamin Gonson, who was the Surveyor of the Navy. His brother, William Hussey, briefly worked for Reginald Pole, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1558. William died unmarried in October 1559 at the age of 27 and was buried in St Martin, Ludgate. Not much is known about their third brother, Gilbert.

Images for kids

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  Stirling Castle where Hussey met Mary of Guise.