Samuel Foxe facts for kids
Samuel Foxe (1560–1630) was an English writer and a politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Midhurst in 1589 and for Knaresborough in 1593. As an MP, he helped make laws for England. He also kept a diary, which gives us a peek into his life.
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Samuel Foxe's Early Life and Education
Samuel Foxe was born in Norwich on December 31, 1560. He was the oldest son of John Foxe, a famous writer known for his book about Christian martyrs.
When he was 11, Samuel started school at Merchant Taylors' School in London in 1572. Two years later, in 1574, he went to Magdalen College, a part of Oxford University. He was chosen as a "demi," which was like a student scholar.
A Trip to France and Back
In 1576, Samuel left Oxford and traveled to France without telling his teachers or his father. When he returned, he was allowed back into the college. However, he had developed a liking for fancy clothes, which his father didn't approve of.
In 1579, he became a "probationer," meaning he was on trial for a fellowship. In 1580, he officially became a "fellow" of his college, which meant he was a senior member, often a teacher or researcher.
Leaving Oxford and Traveling Europe
In 1581, Samuel was asked to leave the college because of religious disagreements. He seemed to have argued with some of his colleagues who had very strong Puritan beliefs. His father tried to help him get back in.
While this was happening, Samuel spent more than three years traveling around Europe. He visited universities in places like Leipzig, Padua, and Basel. He came back to England in 1585 and was allowed to be a fellow at Oxford again.
Samuel Foxe's Career and Family
Samuel's father gave him a lease for land in Shipton, Wiltshire. This land was connected to a special position his father held at Salisbury Cathedral.
In 1587, Samuel started working for Sir Thomas Heneage at Copt Hall in Essex. He became the person in charge of Havering-atte-Bower and a clerk in Epping.
Marriage and Political Role
On April 15, 1589, Samuel married Anne Leveson. She was thought to be the daughter of Sir Thomas Leveson and sister to Sir John Leveson.
In 1590, he was chosen as a "burgess" for Oxford University. This meant he represented the university in Parliament. The Parliament he was part of didn't last long. However, it passed an important law to stop unfair practices when choosing people for fellowships and scholarships. Samuel likely helped with this law.
Around 1594, he settled down at Warlies, near Waltham Abbey. He passed away there in January 1630 and was buried at Waltham Abbey on January 16.
His Writings and Legacy
Samuel Foxe wrote a diary, but it was quite short and only covered part of his life. You can find parts of it in a book called 'Annals' by John Strype. He also wrote a letter to his brother Simeon.
Foxe Family Life
Samuel and his wife Anne had three sons: Thomas, John, and Robert. Anne was buried next to her husband on May 18, 1630.
His Son, Thomas Foxe
Thomas Foxe (1591–1662) was born at Havering Palace on February 14, 1591. Like his father, he went to Oxford University. He studied medicine and became a doctor.
Thomas was a "bursar" at his college in 1622, which meant he managed its money. He was also a "junior proctor" for the university from 1620 to 1621, helping to keep order.
Thomas was friendly with important people in literature and society. He died at Warlies on November 20, 1662, and was buried in Waltham Abbey on November 26.
He married Anne Honeywood, whose grandmother was a good friend of Samuel's grandfather, the famous martyrologist. Thomas and Anne had a daughter named Alice. She married Sir Richard Willys.
His Son, Robert Foxe
Robert, Samuel's youngest son, became a captain in the navy. He passed away in 1646. He wrote an interesting letter to his older brother about a famous trial of the Earl and Countess of Somerset.
