Nicholas Poyntz facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Poyntz (died 1557), drawing by Hans Holbein the Younger

The family crest of Poyntz: Barry of eight or and gules

Sir Nicholas Poyntz (born 1510, died around November 28, 1556) was an important English courtier. He served during the later years of Henry VIII's rule. A famous artist named Hans Holbein the Younger drew a portrait of him. You can see this drawing in the Royal Collection. There is also an oil painting based on this drawing in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Life of Sir Nicholas Poyntz

Nicholas Poyntz was the oldest son of Sir Anthony Poyntz. His father was a vice-admiral. Nicholas's mother was Elizabeth Huddefield.

Royal Visit to Acton Court

On August 21, 1535, King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visited Nicholas Poyntz. They stayed at his home, Acton Court, in Gloucestershire. Nicholas had built a special new place for his royal guests. This building still stands today. It had three fancy rooms on the first floor. One of these rooms still has beautiful paintings by an artist from the Tudor court. These special rooms connected to the older house with a covered walkway.

During digs, people found pieces of valuable Venetian glass and pottery. Nicholas likely bought these for the King's visit. All the preparations Nicholas made show that the King's trip to western England was planned well in advance.

Public Service and Parliament

Sir Nicholas Poyntz held important jobs. In 1539 and 1545, he was the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. This role was like a chief law enforcement officer for the county. In 1547, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Gloucestershire. He represented the area in the English Parliament. Later, in 1555, he was elected MP for Cricklade.

Building Newark Park

Between 1544 and 1556, Poyntz built a large house called Newark Park. It was near the village of Ozleworth in Gloucestershire. He built it to be a hunting lodge. This means it was a place where he could stay when he went hunting. It was built around the same time as Siston Court, which was built by his wife's cousin, Sir Maurice Denys.

Military Role

Sir Nicholas Poyntz also served in the military. During a war with Scotland called the Rough Wooing (1543–1550), he commanded a warship. His ship was called the Great Galley. In May 1544, a leader named the Earl of Hertford sent him on a mission. Nicholas was to burn towns like Kinghorn in Fife. This happened while Edinburgh was also attacked and burned.

Family Life

Nicholas Poyntz married a woman named Joan. She was the daughter of Thomas Berkeley, 5th Baron Berkeley. They had five or six sons and three daughters together. His oldest son, also named Nicholas, took over after his father's death. Joan, his wife, died in 1564.

Images for kids

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  Sir Nicholas Poyntz, after Hans Holbein the Younger (National Portrait Gallery)

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  Sir Nicholas Poyntz, after Hans Holbein the Younger (private collection)