Robert Wingfield (diplomat) facts for kids

Sir Robert Wingfield (born around 1464 – died 18 March 1539) was an English diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country when dealing with other countries. He worked for both King Henry VII and King Henry VIII.

Early Life and Family

Robert Wingfield was born around 1464. He was the seventh son of Sir John Wingfield. His father was an important person in the government of King Edward IV. He also served as the Sheriff for Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Robert's mother was Elizabeth Fitzlewis. His brothers, Humphrey Wingfield and Richard Wingfield, also became well-known. Robert was raised by his stepmother, Anne, Lady Scrope. He first gained the king's attention under King Henry VII. He fought alongside his brother Richard against rebels in Cornwall in 1497.

Adventures as a Diplomat

First Missions Abroad

King Henry VII sent Robert Wingfield on a special trip to meet with Emperor Maximilian in 1508. When he returned, he was recognized as a knight in 1509 by the new king, Henry VIII. He received land and was called a 'councillor and knight of the body'. This meant he was a close advisor and personal attendant to the king.

In 1511, Wingfield was sent back to Emperor Maximilian. Later, he and another ambassador were chosen to represent England at a big meeting called by Pope Julius II. The Pope wanted to create an alliance against France, and England joined this group. Wingfield stayed with the Emperor and didn't attend all the meetings himself.

Challenges and Changes

Wingfield often faced problems with money while on his missions. Sometimes, he even had to leave the Emperor's court because he wasn't paid. He was ordered to return to the Emperor several times. In 1513, he was at the imperial court in Germany. He was trying to get the Emperor to support King Henry VIII's plan for a big alliance against France.

As a reward for his hard work, he was given an important job. He became the Marshal of Calais, a town in France that belonged to England at the time. He shared this job with his brother, Sir Richard.

Dealing with Difficulties

In 1515, France had military success in Italy. This made King Henry VIII even more eager to get Emperor Maximilian to join an alliance against France. Maximilian, however, was willing to side with whoever offered him the most money. Thomas Wolsey, a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII, thought Wingfield was being tricked by Maximilian. So, Wolsey sent another diplomat, Richard Pace, to keep an eye on Wingfield.

This led to some arguments between Wolsey and Wingfield. Pace also made fun of Wingfield's trust in the Emperor. Wingfield even opened Pace's letters and used his signature to get control of money meant for Pace. Wingfield even loaned a large sum of money to the Emperor on his own. King Henry VIII was not happy about this and refused to send more money.

Negotiating with Charles V

Despite these issues, Wolsey continued to use Wingfield's skills. He sent Wingfield, along with other important people, to Brussels. Their job was to negotiate with Charles, who would later become Emperor Charles V. This mission was successful. They got Charles to agree to Henry's treaty with the Emperor in 1517.

After this, Wingfield was told to follow Maximilian back to Germany. But Wingfield refused. He explained that he hadn't been paid, his servants were leaving him, and he had promises to fulfill back in England.

Return to Diplomacy and Calais

Back in England

For about two and a half years, Wingfield stayed in England. In 1520, he left his job as joint-deputy of Calais. Around 1521, he was appointed ambassador to Emperor Charles V's court. He was now a king's councillor and a member of the Privy Council. He also became vice-chamberlain, a high-ranking official.

He traveled with Charles to England in 1522. But soon after, he crossed the Channel again as an ambassador. This time, he went to the court of Margaret of Savoy in Brussels. His goal was to get Margaret to help England and Charles in their plans against France. He returned to England in 1523.

Military Role and Calais Deputy

In August 1523, Wingfield was given a command in the Duke of Suffolk's army. This army was planning to invade France. However, he seemed to stay in Calais and didn't take part in the actual fighting. He was appointed lieutenant of the castle in Calais.

After a major battle in 1525, King Henry VIII planned another invasion of France. Wingfield was named to the war council. He was also sent to Brussels to discuss plans with the ruler of the Netherlands. When Henry's plans for a joint invasion changed to an alliance with France, Wingfield explained the new policy. He said it was important for international peace to stop the spread of Lutheranism, a new religious movement.

Leading Calais

In May 1526, Wingfield returned to Calais. He was appointed Lord Deputy on 1 October 1526. He tried to make many changes and reforms in Calais. These changes caused a lot of unhappiness. In 1533, Wingfield was one of the people asked to investigate these problems. He also worked to improve the town's defenses in 1530–31. He was replaced as deputy in 1531.

Wingfield continued to live in Calais and became its mayor in 1534. He owned a large piece of land outside the town. It was a marsh that he had drained. However, this draining actually weakened the town's defenses. A report said this was a problem. As a result, houses Wingfield had built were destroyed, and the sea was allowed back in.

Wingfield had a big disagreement with Lord Lisle, who was the new deputy. This fight was about the rights of the mayor versus the deputy. The king supported Lisle. Wingfield was even threatened with being removed from the council. In 1536, a bill was introduced to take away Wingfield's land grant. He eventually agreed to give his land back to the king. In return, he received land near Guisnes.

Wingfield then sued some officials who were involved in destroying his property. Lord Lisle stopped these lawsuits. In response, Wingfield helped get Lisle's enemy elected as mayor of Calais. However, this mayor was removed. In 1538, Wingfield renewed his lawsuit in England.

Marriages

Sir Robert Wingfield was married twice.

• His first wife was Eleanor Raynsford. She died before 1519. They did not have any children together.
• His second wife was Jane (or Joan) Poynings. She was one of the children of Sir Edward Poynings. They also did not have any children. Jane had a son from her first marriage, Edward Clinton, 1st Earl of Lincoln, who later became a Lord Admiral of England.

Later Life and Death

Sir Robert Wingfield died on 18 March 1539. His wife outlived him. He was a supporter of a college in Norfolk. In 1520, he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn, a place where lawyers are trained. For most of his life, he was against Lutheranism. However, shortly before his death in 1539, he wrote a letter to King Henry. In it, he praised the king's religious policies and said he regretted his earlier views.

Works

It is said that Robert Wingfield had a book printed around 1513. The book was called Disceptatio super dignitate et magnitudine Regnorum Britannici et Gallici habita ab utriusque Oratoribus et Legatis in Concilio Constantiensi. This title means "A Discussion on the Dignity and Greatness of the British and French Kingdoms, held by Orators and Legates of Both in the Council of Constance."