Robert Rede facts for kids

Sir Robert Rede was an important English judge who lived a long time ago, during the time of King Henry VII. He held a very high position as the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, which was a major court in England.

Sir Robert Rede's Early Life and Career

Robert Rede was born in a place called Wrangle in Lincolnshire. His father, William Rede, was a merchant from Calais, and his mother was Joan.

Robert Rede started his journey in law by joining Lincoln's Inn in 1467. This was a special place where lawyers were trained. He quickly showed his skills and became a senior lawyer known as a Serjeant-at-law in 1486.

Becoming a Judge and Chief Justice

Robert Rede's career continued to grow. In 1494, he became a King's Serjeant, which meant he was a lawyer who worked directly for the King. The very next year, in 1495, he was appointed as a judge in the Court of King's Bench. He served there for ten years.

In 1501, he was honored for his hard work and became a knight, earning the title "Sir Robert Rede." Then, in 1506, he was moved to the Court of Common Pleas and promoted to its highest position: Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. He held this important role until he passed away. Sir Robert Rede was also one of the people chosen to help carry out the will of King Henry VII.

Family Life and Home

Sir Robert Rede married Margaret Alfegh. Her father, John Alfegh, was also a lawyer from Lincoln's Inn. Through his marriage, Sir Robert gained lands in a place called Hoo.

Margaret's father had built a house called Bore Place in Chiddingstone, Kent. This property later became the home of Sir Robert and Margaret in 1489, after her father passed away.

Sir Robert Rede's Legacy

Sir Robert Rede passed away on January 7 or 8, 1519. He left money to support three special teaching positions at Jesus College, Cambridge. These positions were for teaching logic, moral philosophy, and the humanities.

Even though these teaching roles had existed since 1480, Sir Robert's gift helped make sure they would continue. Later, starting in 1858, the money from his fund was used to support a single yearly lecture. This lecture is still given today and is known as the Rede Lecture, keeping his memory alive.

Sir Robert Rede's Children

Sir Robert Rede and his wife Margaret Alfegh had two sons and five daughters:

• Edmund Rede, who passed away before his father in 1501.
• John Rede, who also became a lawyer but passed away before his father.
• Mary Rede, who married Sir William Barantyne.
• Jane Rede, who married John Caryll.
• Bridget Rede (died 1558), who married Thomas Willoughby. She inherited Bore Place from her father.
• Dorothy Rede, who married Edward Wotton.
• Elizabeth Rede, who became a nun at West Malling, Kent.