Nicholas Saunderson, 1st Viscount Castleton facts for kids
Nicholas Saunderson, 1st Viscount Castleton (1562–1631), was an important English landowner and politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, in 1593 and again in 1625. He was a key figure in Lincolnshire during his time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nicholas Saunderson was born in 1562. He was the oldest son of Robert Saunderson and Catherine Grantham. His family owned large areas of land in places like Saxby and Fillingham.
Nicholas went to Oxford University and earned his first degree in 1579. In the same year, he also joined Lincoln's Inn, which was a place where people studied to become lawyers.
Becoming a Landowner
When Nicholas was 21, his father passed away. Nicholas then inherited the family estates in Saxby and Fillingham. This made him one of the most important landowners in the county of Lincolnshire.
He also took on various public roles. By 1569, he was a commissioner for sewers in Lincolnshire. This meant he helped manage the drainage systems for the land. He also became a J.P. (a local judge) for Lindsey Lincolnshire from 1591 and for Nottinghamshire around 1592.
Political Career
Nicholas Saunderson had a significant career in politics. He held several important positions that helped govern his local area and the country.
Serving in Parliament
In 1593, Saunderson was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Great Grimsby. This was a special seat because his uncle, Thomas Grantham, had held it before him. Being an MP meant he helped make laws for England.
Later, in 1625, he was elected as an MP again, this time representing the whole county of Lincolnshire.
Titles and Honors
Nicholas Saunderson received several honors during his life. In 1603, he was knighted, which meant he was given the title "Sir Nicholas." In 1611, he bought a baronetcy, another special title.
He also served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire twice. The first time was from 1592 to 1593, and then again from 1613 to 1614. The High Sheriff was a very important official who helped keep law and order in the county.
In 1627, he was given a peerage, which is a high noble title. He became known as Viscount Castleton. This made him a member of the nobility.
Family Life
Nicholas Saunderson was married twice. His first wife was a daughter of William Rokeby, whom he married before 1593. His second wife was Mildred Hiltofte, whom he married before 1599.
He had four sons and two daughters. Some of his children married into other important families, like the Bertie and Rutland families. His brother, Robert Saunderson, also became a Member of Parliament.
Nicholas Saunderson lived a full life, passing away around the age of 70 in 1631. He was known for living in a grand style. He even hired a famous musician named Giles Farnaby to teach his children music.
