Richard Cooke (MP for Lymington) facts for kids

Sir Richard Cooke (born in 1561 in Great Linford, Buckinghamshire, England – died in 1616) was an important English politician. He spent most of his working life in Ireland. He held several big jobs, like being the top money manager (Chancellor of the Exchequer) and a main government helper (Secretary of State) for Ireland. He was also a special advisor to the King (Privy Councillor) and a member of Parliament.

Early Life and Family Connections

Richard Cooke was the son of William Cooke and Frances Grey. His grandparents were Sir Anthony Cooke and Anne Fitzwilliam. He studied at Oxford University. His family had strong connections to powerful people, which helped him in his career. For example, his aunt, Mildred Cooke, was married to William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, a very important figure in the government.

Starting His Political Career

In 1584, Richard Cooke became a Member of Parliament for Lymington. During this time, he faced a legal issue with a person named Margery Dyke. However, he was able to use his special rights as a Member of Parliament to resolve the issue. Margery later said sorry for her claim.

Life and Work in Ireland

Around 1595, Sir Richard Cooke moved to Ireland. The very next year, he became the Chancellor of the Exchequer of Ireland. This meant he was in charge of the government's money.

Important Roles in Government

In 1602, Cooke reported that a judge named Patrick Segrave had tried to offer him something improper. Segrave was found to have acted wrongly and was removed from his job. The following year, Cooke became the Secretary of State for Ireland. By 1608, he was seen as a very important leader in the Irish government.

Living in England

Even though he had a big job in Ireland, Sir Richard Cooke preferred to live in England. He spent most of his time there between 1612 and 1614. He only returned to Ireland when he was told he might lose his job if he didn't. In 1615, he wrote to the government in London, complaining about how Ireland was being run. He suggested that the Irish Parliament should be closed down. He passed away a year later in 1616.

Land and Family

Sir Richard Cooke was given a large amount of land in Ireland. This included 2,000 acres in County Wexford and the Manor of Dunshaughlin in County Meath. His family mostly lived at a place in County Wexford that they later renamed Cookestown.

Cooke's Marriage and Children

Richard Cooke married Anne, who was the daughter of Sir Christopher Peyton. Sir Christopher was in charge of checking government accounts in Ireland. After Sir Richard Cooke died, Anne married Sir Henry Colley.

Sir Richard Cooke had two sons:

• Sir Walsingham Cooke of Tomduffe, who became the High Sheriff of Wexford.
• William Cooke.

Notable Descendants

Some of Sir Richard Cooke's family members became famous later on. One of his descendants was the writer and businessman John Walsingham Cooke Meredith (1809-1881). His wife Anne, through her second marriage, was an ancestor of the famous military leader, the Duke of Wellington.