Richard Gargrave facts for kids
Sir Richard Gargrave (born 1575, died 1638) was an important English landowner and politician. He served as a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's parliament, at different times between 1597 and 1609.
Early Life and Education
Richard Gargrave was the son of Sir Cotton Gargrave and his second wife, Agnes Waterton. Agnes was the daughter of Thomas Waterton. Richard went to Peterhouse, Cambridge, a famous university, around 1591. He also studied law at Inner Temple in 1591.
He became the owner of his family's large estates, which were worth a lot of money each year. These lands included eleven manors and other properties. He inherited these lands after his older half-brother, Thomas Gargrave, was no longer able to manage them.
A Career in Public Service
In 1597, Richard Gargrave was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Aldborough. This meant he represented the people of that area in the House of Commons.
He also served as a J.P. for the West Riding of Yorkshire. A Justice of the Peace was a local official who helped keep law and order. In 1603, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir."
From 1604 to 1605, Sir Richard was the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. This was a very important role in the county, responsible for enforcing laws and managing elections. In 1606, he was again elected as an MP, this time for Yorkshire. This happened when Francis Clifford, the previous MP, became a noble.
Family Life
Sir Richard Gargrave married Catherine Danvers. She was the daughter of Sir John Danvers. Together, they had two daughters. One of their daughters, Mary, married Sir Robert Carr of Sleaford.
