Sir Nicholas Bacon, 1st Baronet, of Redgrave facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Bacon, 1st Baronet (born around 1540 – died November 22, 1624) was an important English politician from Redgrave, Suffolk. In 1611, he became the very first person in England to be given the special title of baronet. This was a new honor created by the King.

Sir Nicholas Bacon was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws for the country. He was often asked by the King's top advisors, known as the Privy Council, to help with important investigations. He was also a respected leader among the Puritans in Suffolk, a group of Christians who wanted to make the Church of England simpler. Many people at the time thought Sir Nicholas Bacon was a very good Christian.

About Sir Nicholas Bacon

His Early Life and Education

Nicholas Bacon was born around 1540. He was the oldest son of Sir Nicholas Bacon, who held a very important job called the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. His mother was Jane Ferneley. Nicholas also had a famous half-brother, Francis Bacon, who was a well-known philosopher and scientist.

Nicholas went to Trinity College, Cambridge, a famous university. After that, he joined Gray's Inn in 1562, which was a place where people studied to become lawyers.

Starting His Political Career

In 1563, Nicholas Bacon became a Member of Parliament for Beverley. He got help from a powerful person named Sir Robert Dudley to get this position. Later, in 1572, his father helped him become the MP for Suffolk. He kept this job until 1583.

On August 22, 1578, Queen Elizabeth made Nicholas Bacon a knight, so he became "Sir Nicholas Bacon."

Building Estates and Facing Challenges

In 1568, Sir Nicholas started building a large estate in Culford. It was finished in 1591. He used this estate to raise sheep. He also owned other lands in places like Blackbourne, Shipmeadow, Redgrave, Ingham, and Barnham.

In 1586, Sir Nicholas had a disagreement with a man named Thomas Lovell. Nicholas accused Lovell of trying to mess with witnesses in a court case. This argument went on for a while, but by 1593, the problem was solved, and Lovell was removed from a special committee.

In 1595, Nicholas's daughter married Bassingbourne Gawdy II. This marriage helped connect the Bacon family with the Gawdy family. Together, they often disagreed with the Lovell family. In 1581, Sir Nicholas was also appointed High Sheriff of Suffolk, which was an important local government role.

Becoming England's First Baronet

In 1609, Sir Nicholas and his wife inherited more land in Essex. On May 22, 1611, King James VI and I gave Sir Nicholas Bacon the new title of baronet. This made him the very first baronet in England, a special honor that could be passed down through his family.

Sir Nicholas was married to Anne Butts. She was the granddaughter of Sir William Butts, who had been a doctor to King Henry VIII. In 1612, King James I visited Sir Nicholas at his home in Culford. The King even came back in 1619 to see Nicholas's granddaughter, Anne Gawdye, who was much admired at the time, even by Prince Charles.

His Later Years and Legacy

Sir Nicholas Bacon passed away in 1624. Before he died, it was found that he had some debts. In his will, he made sure to leave his belongings to his younger sons and a daughter-in-law. He also shared his wealth with his relatives, grandchildren, and servants. He even left money to help the poor people living on his lands and to fix a road in Wattisfield and Hepworth. His two oldest sons were given the job of paying off his debts.

His Family

Sir Nicholas Bacon and his wife, Anne Butts, had several children:

• Elizabeth Bacon
• Dorothy Bacon, who was also called "Doll." She married Bassingbourne Gawdy (died 1606) in 1595.
• Sir Edmund Bacon, who became the Second Baronet of Redgrave after his father.
• Anne Bacon Drury, who married Sir Robert Drury.
• Sir Robert Bacon, who married Anne Osbourne. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Osborne.
• Jemimah Bacon.
• Nathaniel Bacon, who became a painter.