Richard Empson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Richard Empson
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Sir Richard Empson (left), with King Henry VII and Sir Edmund Dudley.
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| Born | c. 1450 |
| Died | 17 August 1510 (aged 59–60) Tower Hill |
| Buried | Whitefriars, London |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Jane R. Empson |
| Issue | Thomas Empson John Empson Elizabeth Empson Joan Empson Anne Empson Mary Empson |
| Father | Peter Empson |
| Mother | Elizabeth Joseph |
Sir Richard Empson (born around 1450 – died August 17, 1510) was an important helper to King Henry VII of England. He was the son of Peter Empson. Richard became a lawyer and was very good at his job.
In 1491, he was chosen to represent Northamptonshire in Parliament. This was like being a member of parliament today. He also became the Speaker of the House of Commons. This meant he was in charge of the meetings in Parliament.
Contents
Sir Richard Empson's Life and Work
Early Life and Family
Richard Empson was born about 1450. His parents were Peter Empson and Elizabeth Joseph. His father owned land in places like Towcester and Easton Neston. These places are in Northamptonshire, England.
Working for King Henry VII
When King Henry VII started his rule, Richard Empson began working closely with another man named Edmund Dudley. They helped the King collect taxes. The King had a very strict way of collecting money, and many people did not like it. Because of this, Richard Empson became quite unpopular with the public.
Even though people didn't like him, the King trusted Empson. In 1504, he was made a knight. This happened when the King's son, who would later become King Henry VIII, was made Prince of Wales.
Richard Empson also held other important jobs. He was a high official at the University of Cambridge. He also became the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This was a big role in managing royal lands and money.
What Happened After King Henry VII Died?
Richard Empson's important work ended when King Henry VII died in April 1509. The new king, Henry VIII, had Empson arrested.
Empson was accused of a serious crime against the new King. He was found guilty in October 1509. Parliament then took away his titles and property. This was called an attainder.
Richard Empson was executed on August 17, 1510. A few years later, in 1512, his oldest son, Thomas, had his father's punishment partly reversed. This meant Thomas could get back some of his family's rights and property.
Family Life
Richard Empson was married to Lady Jane R. Empson. They had many children together.
Some of their children included:
- Thomas Empson: He was the oldest son.
- John Empson: He married Agnes Lovell.
- Elizabeth Empson: She married George Catesby, and later Thomas Lucy. Her grandson was Sir Thomas Lucy.
- Joan Empson: She married Henry Sothill. They had twin daughters, Joan and Elizabeth. Elizabeth later married Sir William Drury. Joan also married Sir William Pierrepont.
- Anne Empson: She married Robert Ingleton.
- Mary Empson: She married Edward Bulstrode.
