Robert Sheffield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sir Robert Sheffield |
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| Argent a chevron between three garbs Gules. | |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Delves Anne Barley |
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| Robert Sheffield four daughters |
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| Father | Sir Robert Sheffield |
| Mother | Jane Lounde |
| Born | before 1462 |
| Died | 10 August 1518 |
Sir Robert Sheffield (born before 1462 – died August 10, 1518) was an important English lawyer and politician. He served as the Speaker of the House of Commons from 1512 to 1513. This means he was in charge of leading discussions in one of the most important parts of the English government.
Contents
Who Was Sir Robert Sheffield?
Sir Robert Sheffield came from a family in South Cave, Yorkshire. His father was also named Sir Robert Sheffield. His mother was Jane Lounde, who came from Butterwick, Lincolnshire.
His Early Life and Family
Robert Sheffield learned to be a lawyer at a famous place called the Inner Temple in London. This was like a special school for future lawyers. In 1511, he became a Governor of the Inner Temple, showing he was a respected member.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
Sir Robert had a busy career in law and politics.
- Recorder of London: From 1495 to 1508, he was the Recorder of London. This was a top legal job in the city. Because of this role, he automatically became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the City of London in 1495, 1497, and 1504. An MP is someone chosen to represent people in Parliament.
- Military Service: In 1497, he was a leader at the Battle of Blackheath. This battle was part of the Cornish Rebellion of 1497, a time when people from Cornwall protested against the king. After the battle, King Henry VII made him a knight.
Speaker of the House of Commons
In 1512 and 1513, Sir Robert Sheffield was chosen to represent Lincolnshire in Parliament. During these years, he was elected as the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Speaker's job is to keep order and make sure debates run smoothly in Parliament.
Later Life and Challenges
In 1515, Sir Robert helped Cardinal Wolsey with new laws. Cardinal Wolsey was a very powerful person at the time. However, Sir Robert later disagreed with the Cardinal on some issues, especially about the power of the church.
Because of these disagreements, Sir Robert faced some problems. In 1516, he was called before the Star Chamber, a special court. He was accused of not doing his job well as a justice of the peace (a local judge). He managed to get a pardon, which meant he was forgiven.
But six months later, he was put in the Tower of London after complaining about Cardinal Wolsey again. He was brought before the Star Chamber once more. He asked the King for mercy, but his pardon was taken away. Sir Robert Sheffield died in the Tower of London on August 10, 1518. He was buried in a church in London.
His Family and Descendants
Sir Robert Sheffield was married twice.
- First Marriage: He first married Ellen Delves. She was the daughter of Sir John Delves. They had a son named Robert Sheffield (who died in 1531) and four daughters. Their son Robert married Jane Stanley. Their grandson, Edmund Sheffield, became the first Baron Sheffield in 1547. A baron is a type of noble title.
- Second Marriage: After Ellen died, Sir Robert married Anne Barley. After Sir Robert died in 1518, Anne married two more times.
See also
- Sheffield baronets, which includes other people named "Sir Robert Sheffield"
