Peter Edgcumbe facts for kids
Peter Edgcumbe (born 1536 – died 4 January 1608) was an important English politician. He lived at Mount Edgcumbe and Cotehele, both in Cornwall. He served as a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for England.
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Peter Edgcumbe's Family Background
Peter Edgcumbe, also known as Piers, came from an important family. His first name, Piers, was often used in his family. He was the oldest son of Sir Richard Edgcumbe. His grandfather was also named Sir Piers Edgcumbe. The family lived in Cornwall, at places like Cotehele.
Peter Edgcumbe's Political Career
Peter Edgcumbe had a long and active career in politics. He was elected to the English Parliament many times.
Serving as a Member of Parliament
He first became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Totnes in Devon in 1555. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the government. He later represented Cornwall in Parliament from 1563 to 1567, and again from 1572 to 1581. He also served as an MP for Devon in 1571 and for Liskeard from 1584 to 1585. He was re-elected for Cornwall in 1586, 1589, and 1593.
Other Important Roles
Besides being an MP, Peter Edgcumbe held several other important positions:
- He was appointed Sheriff of Devon in 1565. A Sheriff was a royal official in charge of law and order in a county.
- He became Sheriff of Cornwall in 1569.
- He served as Custos Rotulorum of Cornwall from before 1573 until 1597. This role meant he was the chief keeper of the county's records and the most senior justice of the peace.
- He was also appointed Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall from 1586 to 1587. A Lord Lieutenant was the monarch's personal representative in a county.
Peter Edgcumbe's Family Life
Around 1555, Peter Edgcumbe married Margaret Luttrell. She was the daughter of Sir Andrew Luttrell, who was a powerful lord from Dunster Castle in Somerset. Peter and Margaret had a large family with five sons and four daughters.
Notable Children
- Richard Edgcumbe (died 1639) was one of their sons.
- Margaret Edgcumbe was one of their daughters. She married Sir Edward Denny. Their special monument, which includes statues of them, can still be seen today in Waltham Abbey in Essex.
Death
Peter Edgcumbe passed away in 1608.
