Sir William Shelley facts for kids

Sir William Shelley (born around 1480 – died 1549) was an important English judge during the time of King Henry VIII. He helped make many legal decisions and served the king for many years.

Life of a Judge

William Shelley was born around 1480. His father was Sir John Shelley, and his mother was Elizabeth. William was the oldest of six brothers. One of his brothers, John, was a knight who fought to defend Rhodes in 1522. Another brother, Edward, was an ancestor of the famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Even though he was the oldest son, William went to a law school called the Inner Temple. He didn't plan to become a lawyer at first, but King Henry VIII wanted him to be a judge. So, William became a senior lawyer (called a "serjeant") and then a judge.

From the start of King Henry VIII's rule, William Shelley was involved in legal work. He helped keep the peace in different areas. In 1517, he taught law at the Inner Temple. Around the same time, he became a judge in London's sheriff's court. In 1520, he was chosen as the recorder of London, which meant he was the chief legal officer for the city.

In 1527, William Shelley became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. This was a very important court. In 1529, he was sent to ask Thomas Wolsey to give up his home, York House, which later became Whitehall Palace. King Henry VIII even visited William Shelley at his home in Michelgrove.

William Shelley was also called to join Parliament in 1529 and 1536. He didn't agree with the Protestant Reformation, which was a big change in the church at that time. However, he still worked on many important court cases. He was involved in the trials of people like John Fisher and Anne Boleyn, the king's second wife.

In 1547, before King Henry VIII died, William Shelley was asked for his advice about the king's will. William Shelley passed away on January 4, 1549.

Family Connections

William Shelley married a woman named Alice, who passed away around 1536. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Belknap. William and Alice had four sons and one daughter.

Their sons were:

• John (died 1550): His grandson, also named John, became the first Baronet of the Shelley family in 1611.
• Sir Richard Shelley: He was a well-known knight who traveled a lot.
• Sir James Shelley: Like his brother Richard, James was a distinguished Knight of St. John and traveled widely.
• Sir Edward Shelley: He worked for King Henry VIII and was a leader in the north of England. He was killed in a battle called the battle of Pinkie in 1547.

Their daughter, Elizabeth, married Roger Copley.