Richard Verney facts for kids
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Sir Richard Verney (born 1563 – died 7 August 1630) lived in Compton Verney in Warwickshire, England. He was an important landowner and a politician. This means he owned a lot of land and also helped make laws. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament, at different times between 1589 and 1614.
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Who Was Sir Richard Verney?
Sir Richard Verney was the oldest son of George Verney. His mother was Jane Lucy. His family lived in Compton Verney, and his mother's family lived in Charlecote, both in Warwickshire.
Sir Richard's Career and Public Service
When Sir Richard was just 11 years old in 1574, he inherited his father's lands and wealth. This made him a significant landowner at a young age.
Becoming a Lawyer and Justice
In 1582, he went to Gray's Inn to study law. By 1584, when he turned 21, he became a Justice of the Peace. This role meant he helped keep law and order in his local area.
Serving in Parliament
Sir Richard was elected as a Member of Parliament for Warwickshire in 1589. This was his first time serving in the House of Commons. He also served as the Sheriff of Warwickshire from 1590 to 1591. The Sheriff was a very important local official. He was also a Commissioner for Musters by 1597, helping to organize local military forces.
In 1601, he was elected as an MP again, this time for West Looe in Cornwall. He was knighted in 1603, which meant he received the title "Sir." He served as Sheriff of Warwickshire again from 1604 to 1605. He might have been an MP for Warwickshire again between 1604 and 1611, and he was definitely elected as an MP for Warwickshire in 1614.
Sir Richard's Family Life
On October 29, 1582, Sir Richard Verney married Margaret Greville. She later became the 6th Baroness Willoughby de Broke in her own right in 1628. Margaret was the daughter of Fulke Greville, 4th Baron Willoughby de Broke. Her brother was Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke, who was a famous poet and politician.
Sir Richard was known as a loving family man and a good friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, often visiting Beauchamp Court, which was his brother-in-law Sir Fulke Greville's home.
Sir Richard and Margaret had four sons and four daughters. Their eldest son and heir was Greville Verney, 7th Baron Willoughby de Broke. He inherited his mother's title, Baron Willoughby de Broke, after she passed away in 1631.
Death and Burial
Sir Richard Verney passed away in 1630 at the age of 66 after a short illness. He was buried in the chapel at Compton Verney. His tomb is still there today. It was created by Nicholas Stone, who was a master sculptor for King Charles I. The tomb features statues of Sir Richard and his wife lying down on a chest-like structure.
Images for kids
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The Verney family coat of arms. It shows three gold crosses on a red shield, with a special pattern at the top.
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This drawing from 1656 shows the tomb of Sir Richard Verney and his wife Margaret Greville. It was made by Nicholas Stone, a famous sculptor for King Charles I. The tomb was moved to the chapel at Compton Verney House.
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The Greville family coat of arms. It shows five black circles on a gold cross, with a special border.
