Sir John Stradling, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Stradling (born 1563, died 1637) was an important English writer, a very smart person, and a politician. He was also known as the 1st Baronet of his family. He lived a long time ago, during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Sir John Stradling's Life
John Stradling was born in 1563. His parents were Francis and Elizabeth Stradling from a place called St. George, Bristol. Later, his second cousin, Sir Edward Stradling, adopted him.
John went to school with Edward Green, a church leader in Bristol. In 1580, he started studying at Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university. He earned his first degree from Magdalen Hall in 1584. People said he was "a miracle" because he learned so quickly and was so clever. After university, he studied law for a bit, then traveled to other countries.
Sir John held important jobs in his home area. He was the Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1608 and again in 1620. A sheriff was a top official who kept law and order. On May 15, 1608, he was made a Knight by the King. This was a special honor.
In 1609, Sir Edward Stradling passed away. John then inherited St Donat's Castle and a large estate in Glamorgan. On May 22, 1611, he was given the title of Baronet. This title meant he was part of a special group of knights.
Sir John was also a Member of Parliament. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He represented different areas:
- St. Germans, Cornwall (1623–1624)
- Old Sarum (1625)
- Glamorgan (1625–1626)
Sir Edward Stradling had wanted a school built. To honor his wishes, Sir John built and supported Cowbridge Grammar School. This school helped many young people get an education.
Sir John married Elizabeth Gage. They had eight sons and three daughters. Their oldest son, Edward, inherited his father's title. Another son, Henry, became a captain in the Royalist army. Their son George became a church leader, the Dean of Chichester.
Sir John was known for being very smart and learned. Famous scholars like William Camden and Sir John Harington admired him. William Camden even called him "vir doctissimus," which means "a very learned man" in Latin.
Sir John Stradling's Writings
Sir John Stradling wrote and translated several books. Translating means changing a book from one language to another. Here are some of his important works:
- (Translated) A Direction for Travellers (1592): This book gave advice to people traveling, originally written by Justus Lipsius.
- (Translated) Two Books of Constancy (1595): Another translation of a book by Justus Lipsius, about staying strong and steady.
- De vita et morte contemnenda libri duo (1597): This was a book he wrote in Latin.
- J. Stradlingi epigrammatum libri quatuor (1607): A collection of his short, clever poems called epigrams.
- Beati Pacifici; a divine poem (1623): A religious poem.
- Divine Poems (1625): More religious poems.
