Richard Bertie (courtier) facts for kids
Richard Bertie (born 1516, died 1582) was an important English landowner. He was also a strong supporter of the Protestant religion. Richard is best known as the second husband of Catherine Willoughby, 12th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Catherine was a very important lady. She was the Duchess Dowager of Suffolk. King Henry VIII even thought about marrying her. The King of Poland also wanted to marry her.
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Richard Bertie's Early Life
Richard Bertie came from a more ordinary family compared to the important people he later met. His father, Thomas Bertie, was a Captain at Hurst Castle. He was also a skilled stonemason. Richard's grandfather, Robert Bertie, was also a stonemason. Richard went to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, a famous university. He started there in 1533 or 1534. He took over his father's properties in 1555.
Marriage and Exile
Richard Bertie married Catherine Willoughby. She was the daughter of William, 11th Lord Willoughby. Catherine was also the widow of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. Richard and Catherine married around 1553. They married for love. Before their marriage, Richard worked for Catherine for several years. He was her Master of the Horse and Gentleman Usher.
Their lives became difficult when Queen Mary I came to power. Queen Mary was a Catholic. She wanted England to return to the Catholic Church. Richard and Catherine were strong Protestants. They had to leave England to be safe. They ignored orders to come back. Because of this, their lands and money were taken away by the government. They first traveled to Cleves. Then they went to the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Their exciting story is written in a famous book called Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
Return to England
In 1559, Richard and Catherine returned to England. This was soon after Elizabeth I became queen. Queen Elizabeth was a Protestant. She gave their lands back to them.
Richard and Catherine had two children. Their daughter was Susan Bertie, Countess of Kent. Their son was Peregrine Bertie, 13th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. Both Susan and Peregrine became important Protestants. Peregrine was named to remember their travels. The word "peregrine" means "wandering" or "traveling."
Public Service and Later Life
Richard Bertie became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Lincolnshire. He served from 1562 to 1567. In 1564, he went with Queen Elizabeth when she visited Cambridge University. He was given a Master of Arts degree there. In 1570, he tried to claim the title of Baron Willoughby de Eresby. He wanted this title through his wife's family. However, he was not successful.
He also served as a Justice of the Peace for Lindsey. This meant he helped keep law and order. He was also the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire from 1564 to 1565. Richard Bertie died in Bourne, Lincolnshire, on April 9, 1582.
