Nicholas Parker (MP) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicholas Parker
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Monument to Sir Nicholas Parker, Willingdon Church
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| Member of Parliament for Sussex |
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| In office 1597–1598 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1547 Ratton, Willingdon |
| Died | 9 March 1620 (aged 72–73) |
| Resting place | St. Mary the Virgin, Willingdon 50°47′59″N 0°15′15″E / 50.799732°N 0.254083°E |
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| Children | with Catherine:
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Sir Nicholas Parker (born 1547 – died 9 March 1620) was an important military leader in England. He served during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Nicholas was the oldest son of Thomas Parker and Eleanor Waller.
He held several important jobs in Sussex, a county in England. He was the Sheriff of Sussex twice, in 1586-87 and again in 1593-94. He was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Sussex in 1597. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
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Sir Nicholas Parker's Military Career
Nicholas Parker began his military career early. His first known role was commanding soldiers. He was on board a ship called Leicester in 1582. This was during a long sea journey led by Edward Fenton.
Serving in the Low Countries
After his sea service, Parker joined the army. He fought in the Low Countries. This area is now mostly the Netherlands and Belgium. He gained valuable experience there.
Important Roles in Sussex
Parker returned to Sussex and took on more responsibilities. He became the Sheriff of Sussex in 1586-87. He served in this role again in 1593-94. The Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
In 1587, he was made a deputy lieutenant of Sussex. This meant he helped the main lieutenant manage the county's military forces. He was honored by being knighted by Lord Willoughby in 1588. This gave him the title "Sir."
Military Commands in France and England
Sir Nicholas Parker continued his military service. In 1589, he was in charge of the weapons for Lord Willoughby's forces in France. He was sent to Brittany, a region in France, in 1594.
In 1597, he was elected as an MP for Sussex. That same year, he led a group of soldiers. They were part of a naval expedition called the "islands' voyage." This voyage was led by the Earl of Essex. Later in 1597, he was put in charge of defending Sussex. This happened because there was a threat of invasion.
Later Appointments
In 1598, Sir Nicholas Parker became a deputy lieutenant of Cornwall. He also became the governor of Pendennis Castle. This castle was an important fortress.
He was named as one of the "adventurers" in the Virginia Company in 1602. This company helped set up the first English colonies in North America. His daughter, Anne, later married Adrian Moore, who was also part of this company.
From 1601 to 1603, he served as the governor of Plymouth. This was another important port city in England. He took over this role from Sir Ferdinando Gorges.
Sir Nicholas Parker's Family Life
Sir Nicholas Parker was married three times during his life. He had children with his third wife.
- His first wife was Jane Courtenay. They married around January 1573.
- His second wife was Elizabeth Baker.
- He did not have any children with his first two wives.
Children with Catherine Temple
Sir Nicholas Parker's third wife was Catherine Temple. They had five sons and two daughters together:
- Sir Thomas Parker (1595–1663)
- John Parker
- Robert Parker
- Nicholas Parker
- Henry Parker (1604–1652), who became a famous writer during the English Civil War.
- Anne Parker, who married Adrian Moore and later Sir John Smith.
- Mary Parker
Death and Legacy
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Sir Nicholas Parker passed away on 9 March 1620. He was 73 years old. He was buried in the family chapel at Willingdon church.
After his death, a special monument was built in the church. It shows a statue of him and his three wives. This monument is part of a collection of memorials to the Parker family in the church. These memorials cover almost 150 years of the family's history.
