Nicholas Hare facts for kids
Sir Nicholas Hare was an important person in England during the time of King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I. He was born around 1484 in Suffolk. He became a lawyer and later a Member of Parliament (MP). From 1539 to 1540, he held a very important job: he was the Speaker of the House of Commons. This meant he was in charge of leading discussions in one part of the English Parliament.
Contents
The Life of Sir Nicholas Hare
Early Life and Education
Nicholas Hare was the oldest son of John Hare from Homersfield, Suffolk. He went to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge to study. In 1515, he joined a group of lawyers called the Inner Temple. Nicholas had three sisters who married other Members of Parliament. He also had a brother named John Hare.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Sir Nicholas became a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. He represented Downton, Wiltshire in 1529. He might have also represented Wiltshire in 1539. In that year, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. Later, he was an MP for Lancaster in 1545 and Taunton in 1547.
Important Roles and Knighthood
In 1539, a place called the nunnery of Bruisyard was closed down. King Henry VIII gave this land to Sir Nicholas. He was made a knight in May 1539, which meant he was given the title "Sir." He eventually became the Master of the Rolls from 1553 to 1557. This was a very high position for a lawyer, in charge of keeping important legal records.
A Notable Trial
In 1554, Sir Nicholas led the trial of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton. Throckmorton was accused of being involved in Wyatt's rebellion. This rebellion was a protest against Queen Mary's marriage to Felipe of Spain. Sir Nicholas Hare had an important role in this historical event.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Nicholas Hare passed away in 1557 in London. He was buried in a nearby church called Temple Church. His memory is honored in a special window at the new Inner Temple Hall.
Family Life
Sir Nicholas Hare married a woman named Catherine. She was the daughter of Sir John Bassingbourne from near Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Nicholas and Catherine had three sons and three daughters. Their second son, Robert Hare, became known as an antiquary. An antiquary is someone who studies old objects and history.
