Miles Partridge facts for kids

Sir Miles Partridge (died 26 February 1552) was an English courtier, a person who served in the royal court, during the time of Henry VIII and Edward VI. He was arrested in 1551. He was later found guilty of serious crimes and executed. This happened during a power struggle after the Duke of Somerset lost his position.

Early Life and Royal Service

Miles Partridge was born to John Partridge and Agnes Bennett. He lived during a time when England was ruled by powerful kings.

A Notorious Gambler

During the reign of King Henry VIII, Miles Partridge became known for his love of gambling. He once played a game of dice with the king himself. In this game, he bet a large sum of money, £100, against the bells from the Jesus Chapel at St. Paul's Cathedral. Partridge won the game! He then had the bells taken down and broken up.

Gaining Land and Position

In 1544, Sir Miles Partridge was given control of a large estate called the manor of Almondsbury. He also served as the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1546 and 1547. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, responsible for keeping peace and order.

Supporting the Protector

When Edward VI became king, Sir Miles Partridge became a strong supporter of the Duke of Somerset. The Duke of Somerset was the "Protector," meaning he ruled the country for the young King Edward VI.

In 1547, Partridge went with the Protector to Scotland. He helped take over Thornton Castle. He also fought in the battle of Pinkie on September 10. After this battle, he was made a knight at Roxburgh on September 28.

Imprisonment and Execution

After the Duke of Somerset lost his power, Sir Miles Partridge became involved in a plan against the new leader, John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland. On October 7, 1551, he was accused of planning to cause trouble in London. He was also accused of trying to seize the Great Seal of the Realm, which was a very important symbol of the king's power. It was said he planned to do this with the help of young apprentices.

Doubts About Guilt

It is not entirely clear if Sir Miles Partridge was truly guilty of these accusations. Later, both the person who accused him, Sir Thomas Palmer, and the Duke of Northumberland admitted that the evidence against him was false.

Arrest and Trial

Despite the doubts, Sir Miles Partridge was arrested on October 16, 1551. He was sent to the Tower of London. Later, because he was not well, he was moved to a house nearby. His wife was allowed to visit him there. A special group was set up to try him on November 29. He was found guilty of serious crimes.

Sir Miles Partridge was executed on Tower Hill on Friday, February 26, 1552. Other people involved in the same events were also executed that day. People at the time did not feel much pity for Partridge. This was because he was thought to have been involved in some of the Duke of Somerset's unpopular actions.

Family Life

Sir Miles Partridge once owned a large estate in Kew, Surrey. His wife's name was Jane. After his death, she was given control of the manor of Kenn, Devon. They had two daughters, Margery and Katherine. In 1553, a special act of parliament helped them get back some of their family's property.