Walter Cope facts for kids
Sir Walter Cope (born around 1553 – died July 30, 1614) was an important person in England. He lived at Cope Castle in Kensington, near London. Sir Walter held several key jobs, including being in charge of the Court of Wards, a special court that looked after young heirs and their money. He was also a Chamberlain of the Exchequer, which meant he helped manage the king's money. Besides these roles, he was a public record keeper for business and a Member of Parliament for Westminster.
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Who Was Walter Cope?
Walter Cope was likely born near Banbury in Oxfordshire. He was the third son of Edward Cope and Elizabeth Mohun. His mother later married George Carleton. Walter's grandfather was Sir Anthony Cope. He was also a distant cousin of Lady Burghley, who was a very influential woman at the time.
Walter Cope's Early Career
In 1570, Walter Cope started studying law at Gray's Inn. He soon began working for William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, who was a very powerful advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. By 1574, Walter was helping the Court of Wards in Oxfordshire. This court managed the lands and money of young people who had inherited property but were not yet old enough to take care of it themselves.
By 1593, Walter Cope became Lord Burghley's secretary. He also became a trusted friend of Sir Robert Cecil, Lord Burghley's son, who was also a very important person in the government. In 1601, Walter took on more duties, helping the Court of Wards in London and Middlesex.
Working for King James I
When King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England in 1603, Walter Cope traveled to Edinburgh to welcome him. Soon after, he was made a knight at Worksop.
Walter Cope was known for his interesting ideas. In September 1603, he arranged a special event on the Thames near Cecil House. Three Native Americans from Virginia showed how to paddle a canoe. In 1605, he helped plan a special performance of William Shakespeare's play Love's Labour's Lost for King James' wife, Anne of Denmark.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1604, Walter Cope was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Westminster. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He also helped his friend, Dudley Carleton, 1st Viscount Dorchester, who was wrongly suspected of being involved in the Gunpowder Plot.
Around 1605, Walter Cope started building a large and beautiful house called Cope Castle in Kensington. This house was later inherited by his daughter, Isabel, and became known as Holland House.
Important Roles and Royal Connections
By 1607, Walter Cope was given a lifetime position as a Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber, which meant he was a personal attendant to the King. In 1608, he became the Chamberlain of the Exchequer for life, continuing to help manage the king's money. He also received a share of the fines collected by the king for many years.
Around 1611 or 1612, he was appointed the main public record keeper for business. He also became a joint-keeper of Hyde Park, a royal park near his home.
In November 1612, King James' oldest son, Prince Henry, sadly passed away. The King stayed at Cope Castle that night. The next day, his other son, Prince Charles, and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, joined him there. Soon after, the King appointed Walter Cope as the Master of the Court of Wards, a very important and powerful position.
Family Life
Walter Cope married Dorothy Grenville. They did not have any sons, but they had one daughter who inherited his property:
- Isabel Cope, who married Sir Henry Rich. He later became the first Earl of Holland.
Walter Cope's Passing
In 1614, Walter Cope's older brother, Sir Anthony Cope, passed away. Within a month of his brother's death, Walter Cope also became ill and died at Cope Castle on July 30, 1614. He was buried in the church in Kensington. Some people thought that he was heartbroken by the loss of his brother and by some financial difficulties he was facing.
