Peter Edgecumbe (died 1539) facts for kids
Sir Peter Edgecumbe (born around 1468 or 1469, died 1539) was an important person in England during the time of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. He lived at Cotehele in Cornwall. Sir Peter was a trusted helper to the king, a local official called a sheriff, and a member of Parliament.
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Early Life and Family
Peter Edgecumbe was the son of Richard Edgecumbe. His family lived in Meavy, Devon, and also at Cotehele. In 1488, Peter began studying law at a famous place called Lincoln's Inn. When his father passed away in 1489, Peter took over the family's lands and responsibilities.
Working for the King
Sir Peter was very close to the king. By 1489, he was an "esquire of the body," which meant he was a personal attendant to the king. In 1504, he received a special honor and became a Knight of the Bath.
Important Roles
Sir Peter held many important jobs throughout his life:
- He became the constable of Launceston Castle in 1489, just like his father. He held this position until he died.
- He served as High Sheriff of Devon several times (1494–95, 1497–98, 1518–19, 1529–30). A sheriff was a chief law enforcement officer in a county.
- He was also High Sheriff of Cornwall many times (1498–99, 1505–06, 1516–17, 1534–35).
- In 1515 and 1529, he was chosen to be a "knight of the shire" for Cornwall. This meant he represented Cornwall in the Parliament of England, helping to make laws.
Key Historical Events
Sir Peter Edgecumbe was involved in several important events during his time.
Putting Down Rebellions
In 1497, a man named Perkin Warbeck claimed to be a prince and started a rebellion. Sir Peter gathered men from Devon and Cornwall to help stop this uprising. He also helped defend the city of Exeter during this time.
Serving Henry VIII
Sir Peter continued to serve the king faithfully.
- In 1513, he went with King Henry VIII to France. He showed great courage there and was made a knight banneret, a special honor given for bravery on the battlefield.
- In 1520, he was present with King Henry VIII at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold. This was a grand meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France, known for its amazing tents and celebrations.
Family Life
Sir Peter Edgecumbe passed away in 1539. He was married twice during his life.
First Marriage
His first wife was Jane. She was the daughter of James Dernford and had been married before to Charles Dynham. Sir Peter and Jane had three sons, including his main heir, Richard Edgecumbe. They also had four daughters.
Second Marriage
By 1525, Sir Peter married his second wife, Katherine. She was the daughter of Sir John St John and had been married before to Sir Griffith ap Rhys. Katherine was a lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves, one of King Henry VIII's wives.
A diplomat named Ralph Sadler thought highly of Katherine. In 1543, he suggested to King Henry VIII that she should join the household of Mary, Queen of Scots at Stirling Castle in Scotland. This plan was part of an agreement called the Treaty of Greenwich. However, this idea was cancelled because of a conflict known as the War of the Rough Wooing.
