Nicholas Fortescue the Elder facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Fortescue the Elder (born around 1575, died 1633) was an important English official who served as the Chamberlain of the Exchequer. This was a significant role in the government, helping to manage the country's money.

Early Life and Family Connections

Nicholas Fortescue was the oldest son of William Fortescue, who lived at a place called Cookhill. His grandfather, also named Nicholas Fortescue, worked for Henry VIII, a famous English king. The family home at Cookhill used to be a Cistercian nunnery, a type of religious house for women, before it was given to his grandfather in 1542. Cookhill is located near the borders of Worcestershire and Warwickshire in England.

A Time of Suspicion

Nicholas Fortescue was a strong Roman Catholic during a time when this was not always easy in England. For several years, he even gave a home to a Benedictine monk named Augustine Baker at Cookhill.

In 1605, a famous event called the Gunpowder Plot happened. This was a plan by some Roman Catholics to blow up the Parliament building. After the plot was discovered, many Roman Catholics faced questions and suspicion. Fortescue was questioned because a lot of armor was found at his house.

He had to explain himself to important officials. He stated that the armor had been in his house for five years and that he hadn't seen one of the plotters, Thomas Wintour, for many years. He also said he wasn't asked to join any uprising. Luckily, he was able to clear his name and continued to live at Cookhill without trouble.

Royal Service and Important Roles

Around 1610, Fortescue began working for King James VI and I. He was appointed as a commissioner for the king's household and for the navy, which meant he helped manage these important parts of the government.

In 1618, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir." In the same year, he became the Chamberlain of the Exchequer. This was a very profitable and respected job, and he held it until May 1625, when he stepped down.

During 1622 and 1623, Sir Nicholas Fortescue served on several royal commissions. These groups were set up by the king to investigate important matters. He looked into the state of the English settlements in Virginia and Ireland, and also into problems caused by pirates at sea. He also helped review royal grants of land.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Nicholas Fortescue passed away at his home in Fetter Lane on November 2, 1633. He was buried in a private chapel at Cookhill, where his tomb can still be seen today.

He was married to Prudence Wheteley and they had five sons: William, Francis, Edmund, Nicholas, and John. They also had two daughters.