Richard Redman (speaker) facts for kids

Sir Richard Redman (also known as Redmayne or Readman) was an important English nobleman, knight, and politician who lived a long time ago. He was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Yorkshire. He even became the Speaker of the House of Commons in 1415, which is a very important job in government. He passed away in 1426.

Early Life and Family

Richard Redman was the son of Sir Matthew Redman. His father was a soldier who fought in France and Spain alongside a famous leader named John of Gaunt. Richard's grandfather, also named Sir Matthew Redman, was also a Member of Parliament for Westmorland in the 1350s.

Sir Richard's Career and Public Service

Richard Redman started his career as a soldier. He fought in wars on the European continent and was made a knight by 1376.

Important Roles in Government

Sir Richard held many important jobs. He was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Cumberland several times (in 1387, 1391, 1394, 1397, 1401, and 1410). He also served as the High Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1403 and 1415. A High Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a county.

In 1397, after fighting in Ireland with King Richard II, he became the Master of the Horse. This was a high-ranking position in the royal household.

Working for Peace and War

From 1399 to 1400, he traveled to Ireland with John de Cobham, 3rd Baron Cobham. After that, he returned to England to help make peace with Scotland.

In 1405, he was asked to collect fines from important people who had joined a rebellion led by Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland. He was also elected to represent Yorkshire as a Member of Parliament (MP) that same year. He served as an MP again in 1414, 1415, 1420, and 1421.

In 1408, he was again tasked with fining people who supported the Percy Rebellion after they were defeated at the Battle of Bramham Moor.

Efforts for Peace with Scotland

In 1409 and 1410, Sir Richard tried to make peace with the Scots. When these peace talks failed, he was then given the job of gathering soldiers to fight against them.

The Hundred Years' War and Parliament

In 1415, along with John Strange, he gathered soldiers to fight against the French. This was before a big part of the Hundred Years' War (1415–1429) began.

In the same year, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Commons for the Parliament that met on November 4th. This Parliament only lasted eight days. Everyone was feeling very loyal to the king after the great victory at the Battle of Agincourt. Parliament quickly voted to provide money to continue the war with France.

In 1421, he was again asked to help raise money for the war with France.

Later Life and Family

Sir Richard Redman passed away in 1426. He was buried in the Church of the Black Friars in York. A special memorial was put up for him in Harewood church in Yorkshire, which was near his family's land.

He was married twice. His second wife was Elizabeth. She was the daughter of William, 1st Lord Aldeburgh. Richard and Elizabeth had at least two sons and two daughters. His son, Matthew Redman, died before him in 1419. So, Sir Richard was succeeded by his grandson, also named Richard. Richard Redman, who later became the Bishop of Exeter, was most likely his great-grandson.