Nicholas Duck facts for kids
Nicholas Duck (born 1570 – died 1628) was an important English lawyer. He lived in Heavitree and Mount Radford, both near Exeter in Devon. He was elected to the Parliament for Exeter twice, in 1624 and 1625. Nicholas Duck was also listed as one of the "Worthies of Devon" by the writer John Prince. This means he was considered a very important person from Devon.
Early Life and Family
Nicholas Duck was born in 1570 in Heavitree. He was the oldest son of Richard Duck, who passed away in 1603. His mother was Joanna, who died in 1624. Nicholas's father, Richard Duck, was known for starting "Duck's Almshouse" in Heavitree. An almshouse is a special building that provides housing for poor people.
Nicholas also had a younger brother named Sir Arthur Duck (1580-1649). Arthur became a very wealthy and famous lawyer. He was a "Doctor of Civil Law," which is a high legal degree. Arthur was also a Royalist during the English Civil War, meaning he supported the King. He was a Member of Parliament for Minehead and wrote several books.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
Nicholas Duck started his education on July 12, 1584, when he joined Exeter College, Oxford. This college was a popular choice for students from Devon. He left the university before getting a degree.
After Oxford, he went to Lincoln's Inn in London. This was one of the main places where lawyers were trained in England. He became a lawyer and was one of the governors of Lincoln's Inn from 1615 until he died.
In 1614, Nicholas bought a large house and land called Mount Radford. He made this his main home. In 1618, he became the "Reader" at Lincoln's Inn, which was an important teaching role. In the same year, he was chosen as the Recorder of Exeter. A Recorder was a legal officer who advised the city and sometimes acted as a judge. Nicholas also gave £5 to help build the Lincoln's Inn Chapel in 1617.
His Family
On October 6, 1601, Nicholas Duck married Grace Walker in Exeter. Grace was the daughter of Thomas Walker, who was an Alderman and Mayor of Exeter. Nicholas and Grace had four children together:
- Richard Duck (1603–1656) of Mount Radford.
- Philip Duck (died 1666 or 1667). He married Mary Osborne.
- Charles Duck.
- William Duck (died 1627).
Later Life and Death
Nicholas Duck passed away on August 28, 1628. He was buried in Exeter Cathedral on September 9, 1628. It is believed that a painting of him might be kept in the collection at Exeter Guildhall.
