Lawrence Hyde (attorney-general) facts for kids
Sir Lawrence Hyde II (born in 1562, died in 1641) was an important English lawyer. He worked as the chief legal advisor, called the Attorney-general, for Anne of Denmark. She was the wife of King James I of England. Sir Lawrence also served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) at different times between 1584 and 1611.
Early Life and Family Background
Sir Lawrence Hyde II was the second son of Lawrence Hyde I. His father was also a Member of Parliament for a place called Heytesbury in 1584. Sir Lawrence's mother was Anne Sibell. She was from Farningham, Kent.
Lawrence Hyde II had two brothers who also became well-known. His brother Henry Hyde (who lived from about 1563 to 1634) was also an MP. His other brother, Sir Nicholas Hyde (who lived from about 1572 to 1631), became a very important judge called the Lord Chief Justice.
His Work as a Lawyer and Politician
Sir Lawrence Hyde II started his education at Magdalen Hall, Oxford around 1579 when he was 17. He earned his first university degree (a Bachelor of Arts, or BA) in 1580.
In 1586, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Chippenham. He lived at Heale House, which is near Salisbury. By 1589, he became a qualified lawyer, which is called being "called to the bar" at Middle Temple in London.
Sir Lawrence continued his political career. He was elected as an MP for Heytesbury in 1597. Then, he represented Marlborough in both 1601 and 1604.
He became the Attorney-general for Anne of Denmark, the Queen of King James I. This meant he was her main legal advisor. For his important work, he was given the title of "Sir" and became a knight on November 27, 1614. In 1616, he also became the treasurer for the Middle Temple, which is one of the main places where lawyers are trained.
His Family and Important Sons
Sir Lawrence Hyde II married Barbara Castillion. Her father was John Baptista Castillion from Benham, Berkshire. Sir Lawrence and Barbara had a very large family. They had 12 sons and 5 daughters!
Five of their sons grew up to have very important jobs and roles in society:
- Sir Henry Hyde (who lived from about 1605 to 1650). He was a strong supporter of the King, known as a Cavalier. He traveled with King Charles II to Europe. When he returned to England, he was sadly executed in 1650.
- Sir Robert Hyde (1595–1665). He became a very senior judge, known as the Chief Justice of the King's Bench.
- Alexander Hyde (1598–1667). He became a high-ranking church leader, the Bishop of Salisbury.
- Edward Hyde (1607–1659). He was also a Cavalier and a religious scholar in the Anglican church. He was chosen to be the Dean of Windsor in 1658, but he passed away before he could take on the role. He wrote many books about Anglican beliefs.
- Lawrence Hyde (who lived from about 1610 to 1682). He followed in his father's footsteps and became a Member of Parliament for Winchester.
