Paul Wentworth facts for kids

Paul Wentworth (1533–1593) was an important English politician during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was a member of parliament (MP) in 1559, 1563, and 1572. An MP is a person elected to represent people in the country's main law-making group, called Parliament. Paul Wentworth belonged to a family from a place called Lillingstone Lovell.

Early Life and Beliefs

Paul Wentworth was born in 1533. His father, Sir Nicholas Wentworth, had an important job as the chief porter of Calais, a town in France that was once controlled by England.

Paul Wentworth was a Puritan. Puritans were a group of people who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure." They believed in strict religious rules and often spoke out about their beliefs.

Speaking Out in Parliament

Paul Wentworth became well-known in 1566. This was because he bravely spoke out against Queen Elizabeth I. The Queen had forbidden Parliament from discussing who would become the next ruler after her. Paul Wentworth believed that members of Parliament should be allowed to talk about important issues like the next ruler. He fought for the idea of freedom of speech in Parliament, meaning people should be free to say what they think without fear.

Paul Wentworth also wrote a religious book called The Miscellanie, or Regestrie and Methodicall Directorie of Orizons. He passed away in 1593.

Family and Property

Paul Wentworth gained ownership of Burnham Abbey through his wife. This abbey was a large religious building that had been given to her first husband by King Henry VIII. This happened during a time called the dissolution of the monasteries, when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries and took their lands.

Paul's brother, Peter Wentworth, was also a well-known Puritan who fought for freedom of speech. Both brothers were even put in prison for speaking their minds.

Their Impact

Even though Paul and Peter Wentworth were brave and stood up for what they believed in, they didn't have a huge impact at the time. They were like "standard bearers without an army," meaning they had strong ideas but not many followers to support them. However, their efforts are remembered as part of the long fight for freedom of speech in England.