Walter Long (died 1610) facts for kids

Sir Walter Long (born around 1560 or 1565, died October 1610) was an important English knight and landowner. He was born in Wiltshire, England. His father was Sir Robert Long, and his mother was Barbara Carne.

Serving His Country

Sir Walter Long was chosen to represent Wiltshire in the English Parliament in 1593. He was known as a "knight of the shire," which was like being a Member of Parliament (MP) today.

In 1601, Sir Walter became the High Sheriff of Wiltshire. This was a key role in the county, responsible for law and order. A year later, in 1602, he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire. He worked under a powerful nobleman named Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford.

Friends with Sir Walter Raleigh

Sir Walter Long was a good friend of the famous explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh. Raleigh's brother, Carew, had married Sir Walter Long's mother-in-law.

According to a historian named John Aubrey, Sir Walter Long was one of the first people in England to try smoking tobacco. His friend Raleigh was the one who first brought tobacco to England. There's a story that the two Sir Walters first smoked tobacco at Long's home, South Wraxall Manor. This same story is told about other old houses too!

Aubrey also said that Sir Walter Long enjoyed a fancy lifestyle. He even had his own trumpeter! Once, he rode to Marlborough with thirty servants and helpers, showing off his wealth.

Family Life

Sir Walter Long was married twice. His first wife was Mary Packington. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Packington. Mary was friends with Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. Records show that Lady Long gave gifts to the Queen, including a fancy silver plate, in 1588. Sir Walter and Mary had two children together.

Later, Sir Walter married Catherine Thynne. She was the daughter of Sir John Thynne of Longleat. Sir Walter was the last person in his family to own both the South Wraxall Manor and Draycot estates at the same time.

Through Catherine's influence, Sir Walter decided to give the Draycot estate to Walter, his oldest son from his second marriage. This meant his son John from his first marriage would not inherit it. However, they later reached an agreement. John received the South Wraxall estate, and his half-brother Walter received Draycot.

Sir Walter and Catherine had at least thirteen children. Some of their notable children include:

• Sir Robert Long, 1st Baronet
• Walter Long (c. 1594 – 1637) (who was the father of Sir James Long, 2nd Baronet)

There's another interesting story told by John Aubrey about Catherine. When Sir Walter was dying, Catherine promised him she wouldn't marry again. But soon after he died, she married Sir Edward Fox. The legend says that the moment Catherine and her new husband walked into the room, Sir Walter's portrait fell off the wall!

Sir Walter Long passed away in October 1610 and was buried at Draycot on October 30, 1610.

See also

• Robert Long (c. 1517 – c. 1581)
• Walter Long (of South Wraxall)
• Category:Long family of Wiltshire