Michael Lok facts for kids

Michael Lok (born around 1532, died around 1621) was an English merchant and explorer. He was a main supporter of Martin Frobisher's trips to find the Northwest Passage, which was a sea route through the Arctic. Lok also led a company called the Cathay Company, which was started with Frobisher in 1577 but did not succeed.

Michael Lok's Family and Early Life

Michael Lok was born in London in 1532. He was one of 19 children! His father, Sir William Lok, was an important person who worked for King Henry VIII. Sir William was also a merchant and a city official in London. Michael's mother was Katherine Cooke. One of his sisters, Rose Lok, had to leave England because of her religious beliefs. Interestingly, Michael Lok's father was also the great-great-great-grandfather of the famous philosopher John Locke.

Michael Lok's Career and Journeys

Michael Lok went to school until he was 13. In 1545, his father sent him to Flanders (now part of Belgium) and France. He spent seven years there learning languages and the merchant business.

In 1552, he traveled to Spain and Lisbon. There, he learned about the trade routes to the Spanish West Indies and the East Indies. For 24 years, Michael Lok traveled widely. He even captained a large ship that traded in the Levant, which is the eastern Mediterranean region.

Working with Martin Frobisher

During his many trips, Michael Lok met Martin Frobisher. In 1576, Lok became very interested in Frobisher's plan to find the Northwest Passage. He even paid for many of the supplies needed for the voyage himself.

In March 1577, the Cathay Company was created. This company aimed to find the Northwest Passage and trade with new lands. Michael Lok was chosen to be the governor of this company for six years.

Challenges and Difficulties

However, the Cathay Company did not succeed at all. By January 1579, Lok had to ask the King's advisors for help because he was in financial trouble. In June 1581, he was even in the Fleet Prison, a famous jail. He was ordered to pay for a ship bought for Frobisher's last trip, even though he said it wasn't his debt. He also owed a lot of money for the Cathay Company's debts. Years later, in 1614–15, he was still being sued for money owed for Frobisher's ships.

Later Work and Intelligence

After these difficulties, Lok worked in Dublin in 1587–88. In 1592, he went to Aleppo (in modern-day Syria) to work as a consul for the Levant Company. A consul is like a representative who helps with trade and citizens in another country. His job was supposed to last four years, but it ended early. Lok believed someone was secretly working against him. He tried to get his full salary, but he was still trying in 1599.

In 1608, Michael Lok wrote to Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, an important government official. Lok sent him information about Spain getting ready for war.

Michael Lok's Writings

Michael Lok also wrote an essay in 1583. It was about whether it was a good idea for a young woman to marry an older man. He also translated part of a book called Historie of the West Indies by Peter Martyr. This translated book was published in 1612.

Michael Lok's Marriages and Children

Michael Lok married his first wife, Jane Wilkinson, around 1562. She passed away in 1571, leaving several children. Eight of their children are mentioned in her will.

Later, Lok married Margery Perient. She was the mother of a famous judge named Sir Julius Cæsar. In 1579, Michael Lok said he had a wife and 15 children.