Walter Haddon facts for kids

Walter Haddon (born 1515, died 1572) was an important English lawyer and scholar. He lived during a time of big changes in England, serving under three different rulers: Edward VI, Queen Mary, and Elizabeth I. Walter Haddon was known for his brilliant mind, especially his skill in writing and speaking Latin. He was also a humanist and a reformer at the University of Cambridge, meaning he believed in new ways of thinking and wanted to change the church. He even served as a Member of Parliament (MP) during Mary's and Elizabeth's reigns.

Early Life and Education

Walter Haddon was the son of William Haddon and Dorothy Young. He went to Eton College, a famous school, and then studied at King's College, Cambridge in 1533. He became a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1537 and later a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1541. He was very interested in Greek studies and taught civil law at the university for several years.

Working for King Edward VI

In 1549, Walter Haddon earned his degree as a Doctor of both laws (meaning he was an expert in both church law and civil law) at Cambridge. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the university from 1549 to 1550, which is like being a main leader of the university.

Haddon was a strong supporter of the Protestant changes happening in the church. He worked with other important reformers like Matthew Parker. He was even appointed as the Regius Professor of Civil Law, a very important teaching position, at Cambridge.

One of his biggest projects was helping to reform, or change, the church laws. He worked with John Cheke to prepare a new set of laws called Reformatio Legum Ecclesiasticarum. This work was started under Thomas Cranmer and was meant to be finished by 1552. Although it wasn't completed in time, their work was eventually published in 1571.

Walter Haddon also took on leadership roles at universities. In 1552, King Edward VI appointed him as the head, or President, of Magdalen College, Oxford. This showed how much the king trusted his abilities.

During Queen Mary's Reign

When Queen Mary came to the throne in 1553, things changed for Protestants like Haddon. Mary was a Catholic and wanted to bring back the old church ways. Walter Haddon wrote some Latin poems to congratulate Queen Mary.

Even though he was a Protestant, he was allowed to practice as a lawyer in the Arches Court of Canterbury, which was an important church court, starting in 1555. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Reigate in 1555. He continued to serve as an MP for different areas in later parliaments, including Thetford in 1558, Poole in 1559, and Warwick from 1563 to 1567.

In 1557, he translated an important letter into Latin. This letter was from the English Parliament to Pope Paul IV, asking him not to take away the authority of Cardinal Pole, who was the Pope's representative in England.

Serving Queen Elizabeth I

When Elizabeth I became queen in 1559, Walter Haddon was back in favor because he supported Protestantism. He wrote Latin poems to congratulate her and was soon given important jobs. He became one of the two Masters in Ordinary of the Court of Requests, a court that handled petitions and complaints from ordinary people.

He was also appointed as a commissioner to visit the University of Cambridge and Eton College to check on their affairs. The queen also gave him a pension, which was a regular payment. He was part of commissions that administered oaths to church leaders and served as a judge in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, which dealt with wills and estates.

In 1560, Haddon helped prepare a Latin prayer-book. This book was approved by the queen for use in colleges at both universities (Cambridge and Oxford), as well as Eton and Winchester schools. In 1561, he was part of a group that looked at the order of lessons in churches and worked on new calendars.

Walter Haddon also played a role in university leadership. In 1562, he and Archbishop Parker convinced William Cecil not to resign as the head of the University of Cambridge. In 1564, he was with Queen Elizabeth when she visited Cambridge and took part in legal debates held in her presence.

He also traveled for England, going to Bruges in 1565 and 1566. There, he helped negotiate to improve trade between England and the Netherlands. In 1566, he was part of a special committee from Parliament that asked the queen about her marriage.

Later Life and Family

Walter Haddon passed away in London on January 21, 1572. He was buried at Christ Church, Newgate Street.

He was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Clere, and they had a son named Clere Haddon. Sadly, Clere drowned in the River Cam. His second wife was Anne Sutton, who outlived him.