Vincent Skinner facts for kids
Sir Vincent Skinner (born 1543, died 1616) was an important English politician. He served in the English Parliament, which is like today's government, representing many different areas.
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Who Was Sir Vincent Skinner?
Sir Vincent Skinner was a notable figure in England during the 16th and early 17th centuries. He held various important jobs for the government and was a Member of Parliament for many years.
Early Life and Education
Vincent Skinner was born in 1543. His father, John Skinner, was a mercer, which means he sold valuable fabrics and textiles. They lived in a place called Thorpe, near Wainfleet in Lincolnshire.
Vincent went to Trinity College, Cambridge, a famous university, in 1557. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1561 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1564. After that, he joined Lincoln's Inn in 1565. This was a place where people studied law to become lawyers.
Working for the Government
Sir Vincent Skinner held several important public jobs. In 1583, he became the Constable (like a manager or guardian) of Bolingbroke Castle and Lincoln Castle.
From about 1575 to 1593, he worked as a secretary for William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. Lord Burghley was a very powerful and important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. After this, Sir Vincent got a job in the Exchequer, which was like the country's treasury. He worked as an auditor of the receipt, meaning he checked the money coming into the government.
A Career in Parliament
Sir Vincent Skinner was a Member of Parliament (MP) for many different places. An MP is someone elected to represent a specific area in the Parliament.
He first became an MP for Truro in 1571. Later, he represented other towns, including:
- Barnstaple in 1572
- Boston three times starting in 1584
- Boroughbridge in 1592
- St Ives in 1597
- Preston in 1604
In 1603, he was given the title of Sir (knighted). He also received a large estate called the manor of Thornton, which included the ruins of Thornton Abbey. This was a reward for his service to Sir Oliver Cromwell (who was an uncle of the more famous Oliver Cromwell).
Sir Vincent hired a famous architect named John Thorpe to build a grand house on the old abbey's foundations. Sadly, the house fell down soon after it was finished.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1606, Sir Vincent Skinner was responsible for making a list of the Crown Jewels of England. These are the special jewels and objects used by the King or Queen.
Sir Vincent Skinner passed away on February 28, 1616. He was buried in London at St Andrew's, Holborn. He had been married twice and had a son with his second wife.
