Michael Hicks (1543–1612) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Hicks
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| Born | 21 October 1543 |
| Died | 15 August 1612 Ruckholt, Leyton, Essex
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| Resting place | St Mary's Church, Leyton |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Aristocrat, merchant, politician |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Colston |
| Children | Sir William Hicks, 1st Baronet |
| Parent(s) |
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| Relatives | Baptist Hicks, 1st Viscount Campden (brother) |
Sir Michael Hicks (born 21 October 1543 – died 15 August 1612) was an important English courtier and politician. He worked as a secretary for Lord Burghley. Lord Burghley was a chief minister to Queen Elizabeth I.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael Hicks was born on October 21, 1543. He was the oldest son of Robert Hicks, a merchant from London. His mother was Julian Penn. Michael also had a younger brother named Baptist.
Michael went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1559. Later, in 1564, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where people study to become lawyers.
Working for the Queen's Ministers
Michael Hicks started working for Sir William Cecil, who later became Lord Burghley. Lord Burghley was Queen Elizabeth I's most important minister. Michael became one of his main secretaries.
After Lord Burghley passed away, Michael worked for his son, Sir Robert Cecil. This made Michael a very influential person at the royal court. People liked him because he was polite and witty.
Many people asked Michael for help because he had a good connection with Sir Robert Cecil. They knew Sir Robert would often agree to Michael's requests.
Financial Skills and Friendships
Michael Hicks was very good with money. His friends often asked him for advice when they had money problems. For example, he lent money to Francis Bacon, a famous writer and philosopher. Bacon often wrote to Michael asking for more loans.
Michael was a helpful friend and creditor. He also helped Fulke Greville, another friend, with his finances.
Becoming a Knight
Because of his success, Michael Hicks became very rich. He bought two large properties: Beverstone in Gloucestershire and Ruckholt in Essex. Ruckholt became his main home around 1598.
In 1604, he hosted King James I at his home in Ruckholt. Soon after, on August 6, 1604, the King made him a knight.
Serving in Parliament
Sir Michael Hicks was also a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to represent a specific area in the country's government. He served in almost every Parliament from 1585 until his death. He represented different areas like Truro, Shaftesbury, Gatton, and Horsham.
He also held a position called Receiver-General for Middlesex for a short time in 1603. This role involved managing money for the county.
Michael Hicks was known for his love of learning. He enjoyed reading Roman historians and philosophers. He collected many wise sayings from these books.
Family and Passing Away
In 1597, Michael Hicks married Elizabeth Colston. She was a widow from Forest House. Their oldest son, William (born 1596), later became a baronet in 1619. William also served in Parliament. The Earls St Aldwyn are descendants of Sir Michael Hicks.
Sir Michael Hicks passed away at his home in Ruckholt on August 15, 1612. He died from a severe illness, possibly caused by swimming during a very hot summer. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Leyton. There is a beautiful monument there that shows him and his wife.
