Richard Wingfield facts for kids
Sir Richard Wingfield (born around 1469 – died 1525) was an important person in the early years of the Tudor family's rule in England. He worked closely with the king as a courtier and was a skilled diplomat. This means he helped manage relationships between England and other countries. He was also a Knight of the Garter, a very special honor.
Contents
Life Story
Early Years
Richard Wingfield was born in Letheringham, Suffolk, around 1469. His parents were Sir John Wingfield and Elizabeth FitzLewis. He was one of twelve sons in his family. He grew up to be a major landowner in Huntingdonshire and lived at Kimbolton Castle.
Working for the King
Sir Richard became a courtier, someone who works for the king, during the time of King Henry VII. After 1495, he married Catherine Woodville. Catherine was related to the royal family. She was the sister of Elizabeth Woodville, who was the mother of Queen Elizabeth of York. This marriage made Sir Richard an uncle-by-marriage to Queen Elizabeth of York and her husband, King Henry VII.
Important Jobs
In 1511, Sir Richard was made Lord Deputy of Calais. Calais was an important town in France that belonged to England at the time. In 1512, he helped arrange a special agreement called the "Holy League." This agreement was between Pope Julius II, the English king, and other rulers in Europe.
In 1514, Sir Richard went to the Netherlands. He tried to arrange a marriage between Archduke Charles of Austria and Princess Mary Tudor of England. This marriage would have created a strong family connection between the Tudors and the powerful Habsburg family. However, his mission did not succeed. Princess Mary Tudor instead married Louis XII of France that same year.
Helping Henry VIII
Sir Richard returned to England in 1519 after leaving his post in Calais. In 1520, King Henry VIII appointed him as an ambassador to the court of King Francis I of France. Sir Richard helped organize a very famous meeting between King Henry VIII and King Francis I. This grand event was called the Field of the Cloth of Gold. He also visited Emperor Charles V twice in 1521. He tried to convince the Emperor not to start a war with King Francis I.
In 1522, King Henry VIII gave Sir Richard a very high honor. He made him a Knight of the Garter. Only one other person, Ferdinand I, received this honor that year. In 1524, Sir Richard became the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This was another important job. For all his hard work, Sir Richard was given lands across England. He especially expanded Kimbolton Castle, where he lived.
His Final Mission
In 1525, King Henry VIII sent Sir Richard on a mission to the Spanish court in Toledo. He died there on July 22, 1525. He was buried in the church of San Juan de los Reyes.
Family Life
Sir Richard Wingfield married Catherine Woodville after her second husband died in 1495. Catherine was the sister of Queen Elizabeth Woodville. Catherine died in 1497.
Around 1513, Sir Richard married his second wife, Bridget Wiltshire. She was the daughter of Sir John Wiltshire. Sir Richard and Bridget had ten children together:
- Charles Wingfield of Kimbolton Castle (1513 – 1540)
- Thomas Maria Wingfield of Stonely Priory
- Jacques Wingfield of Stone Castle (around 1519–1587?)
- Lawrence Henry Wingfield
- Jane Wingfield
- Mary Wingfield
- Margaret Wingfield
- Anne Wingfield
- Elizabeth Wingfield
- Catherine Wingfield
