Vincent Gookin (writer) facts for kids
Sir Vincent Gookin (born around 1594 – died February 5, 1638) was a wealthy landowner who was born in England but lived in Ireland. He was known for writing strongly against the Irish people. In 1634, he caused a big stir in a part of Ireland called Munster when he published a letter criticizing the whole nation. This letter was sent to the main leader in Ireland at the time, Lord Deputy Wentworth. Sir Vincent had to escape to England when an order was issued for his arrest. His case also brought up important questions about the power of the Irish parliament.
About Sir Vincent Gookin
Vincent Gookin was the youngest son of John Gookin and Catherine Dene. He was born in Kent, England, probably around 1594. Not much is known about his early life, but he spent some time in Europe, possibly working in the pilchard (a type of fish) business.
Around 1606, he moved to Ireland. He became a tenant on a large estate called Castle Mahon in County Cork. This land was part of a bigger plan to settle English people in Munster.
Sir Vincent was knighted in 1631, which means he was given a special title by the King's representatives for his service. He was a very active and successful businessman. He quickly became one of the richest people in the south of Ireland. He owned land in both England and Ireland and earned a lot of money from his fishing businesses at Courtmacsherry and from his sheep farms.
The Controversial Letter
Even though he was successful in Ireland, Sir Vincent strongly disliked Irish people. In 1634, he caused a lot of trouble in Munster. He wrote and shared a letter that was a very harsh criticism of almost everyone in Ireland – native Irish, old English families, new English settlers, Catholics, Protestants, soldiers, and leaders.
The main leader, Lord Deputy Wentworth, said the letter was "most bitter" and made "all sorts of people" furious. He even thought they would have "hanged him if they could." The Irish parliament took this matter very seriously because the letter was seen as very offensive.
Escape to England
Because the letter caused such a huge problem, an order was quickly sent out for Sir Vincent's arrest. However, two days before the order reached him, Gookin and his wife had already fled to England.
Even though he escaped, the issue of the parliament's power remained. Lord Deputy Wentworth believed that the parliament could not decide on legal matters without his approval first. He knew he had to punish Gookin to calm everyone down. He said Gookin, being a very rich man, could pay a "deep fine" (a large sum of money as punishment). The King and his council ordered that Gookin be found and brought before them.
It's not clear what his exact punishment was or if he managed to avoid it completely. But it is likely he never returned to Ireland. Sir Vincent Gookin died at his home in Gloucestershire, England, on February 5, 1638. He was buried in the local church. Most of his property in England and Ireland went to his oldest son, also named Vincent.
Family Life
Sir Vincent Gookin was married twice. His first wife was Mary Wood. They had two sons, Vincent and Robert, along with other children who passed away young.
His second wife was Judith Crooke, the daughter of Sir Thomas Crooke. With Judith, he had two more sons, Thomas and Charles, and five daughters. They also had several other children who died young.
