Nicholas Snell (died 1577) facts for kids
Nicholas Snell (born by 1515 – died 1577) was an important English landowner and politician from Kington St Michael, Wiltshire. He played a big role in local government and in the English Parliament during his time.
Who Was Nicholas Snell?
Nicholas Snell was a significant figure in 16th-century England. He owned a lot of land and held several important jobs in government. He helped make decisions for the country as a Member of Parliament (MP).
A Member of Parliament
Nicholas Snell was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the Parliament of England. Parliament is like a big meeting where people discuss and make laws for the country.
Snell represented different areas:
- Chippenham in 1555, 1559, and 1563.
- Wiltshire in 1558.
- Malmesbury in 1571 and 1572.
This shows he was a trusted and experienced politician who served his country for many years.
Land and Important Jobs
Nicholas Snell came from a family that worked for important religious leaders. His family, including his father Richard, worked for the last leader of Glastonbury Abbey.
In 1544, Nicholas Snell bought a large estate called a manor from the King or Queen (the Crown). This manor, Kington St Michael in Wiltshire, used to be a farm belonging to the abbey. Over time, he owned a lot of land across Wiltshire.
He also held other key positions:
- He became a Justice of the Peace (JP) in 1554. A JP was a local official who helped keep law and order.
- Around the same time, he became a "steward" for a powerful nobleman, William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke. A steward managed the nobleman's land and household.
- In 1565, he was the High Sheriff of Wiltshire. The High Sheriff was a very important local official responsible for law enforcement and other duties in the county.
Family Life
Nicholas Snell was married twice. By 1537, he married Alice Pye. They had three sons and five daughters. One of their sons, John, also grew up to be a High Sheriff and an MP, just like his father. Later, Nicholas married Mary Clevelood.
Nicholas Snell passed away on March 31, 1577.
