Michael Blount facts for kids

Sir Michael Blount (born around 1530, died 1610) was an important person in the English government during the times of the Tudor and Jacobean kings and queens. He held several key jobs for the royal family and was also a politician.

Early Life of Michael Blount

Michael Blount was born at Mapledurham House in Oxfordshire, England. His father was Sir Richard Blount, who lived from 1505 to 1564. Sir Richard had a very important job himself; he was the Lieutenant of the Tower of London from 1558 to 1564. Michael's mother was Elizabeth. Her father was Sir Richard Lister, who was a very high-ranking judge called the Lord Chief Justice.

Sir Michael's Career

Sir Michael Blount had a long and active career in public service. He was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 1576. This was a significant local role, like being the main law enforcement officer for the county. Later, he became the High Sheriff for Oxfordshire twice, first in 1586 and again in 1597.

He also served in the English Parliament. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Winchelsea in March 1553. Later, he represented Marlborough in Parliament starting in 1563. Being a Member of Parliament meant he helped make laws for the country.

In 1590, Sir Michael took over a very important position: Lieutenant of the Tower of London. He followed Sir Owen Hopton in this role. The Tower of London was a famous royal castle and prison. Being its Lieutenant meant he was in charge of the entire fortress and its prisoners. He held this job for five years until 1595. In December of that year, he himself spent a short time at the Tower. Sir Michael and his father are both buried at the Church of St Peter ad Vincula, which is a church located inside the Tower of London. They have a beautiful monument there.

Family Life

Sir Michael Blount married Mary Moore, who passed away on December 23, 1592. Mary was the sister of Thomas Moore from Bicester. Sir Michael and Mary had 11 children together:

• Catherine Blount (born April 11, 1563) who married Sir John Croke. Sir John Croke later became the Speaker of the English House of Commons, a very important role in Parliament.
• Sir Richard Blount of Mapledurham (born June 28, 1564, died November 22, 1619)
• Maria (born November 15, 1565)
• Thomas (born April 27, 1567)
• Charles (born November 5, 1568, died 1600)
• Frances (born February 23, 1569)
• Henry (born August 17, 1572)
• Robert (born February 3, 1573)
• Elizabeth
• Anna
• Elizabeth (born July 28, 1574)