Warham St Leger facts for kids

Sir Warham St Leger (born around 1525, died 1597) was an English soldier and government official. He was also a politician who served in the Irish Parliament from 1585 to 1586. He was a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which advised the Queen.

Early Life and Family Background

Warham St Leger was born in England around 1525. His father was Sir Anthony St Leger, who became the Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1540. This was a very important job, like being the Queen's main representative. Warham's family came from a place called Ulcombe in Kent, England. His mother, Agnes Warham, was related to William Warham, who was a famous Archbishop of Canterbury.

Warham had an older brother named William and a younger brother named Anthony. Anthony later became the Master of the Rolls in Ireland, another important legal position.

Military Service and Early Career

Warham St Leger began his career as a soldier. In 1547, he fought in Scotland during an invasion led by Protector Somerset. He was captured during this time and held as a prisoner until January 1550, when he was set free after a payment was made for his release.

In 1553, he helped fight against a rebellion in Kent, England, known as Wyatt's rebellion. He might have also served in Ireland under his father during the time Queen Mary ruled.

By 1560, Warham St Leger held the important local position of High Sheriff of Kent. Soon after, he became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, a group of trusted advisors to the Queen. In July 1565, he was knighted, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

Queen Elizabeth I wanted to set up a new government system in Munster, a region in Ireland. In January 1566, Sir Warham was suggested to be the President of Munster. He was given command of all the soldiers in that area. However, Queen Elizabeth did not officially confirm his appointment. This was because Sir Warham was not friendly with the Earl of Ormond, who was a cousin of the Queen. The Queen thought Sir Warham was not doing enough to arrest another important Irish leader, the Earl of Desmond. Because of this, Sir Warham was called back to England.

Marriages and Children

Around 1550, Sir Warham St Leger married his first wife, Ursula Neville. She was the youngest daughter of George Neville, 5th Baron Bergavenny. Warham and Ursula had five sons and four daughters.

One of their sons was Sir Anthony St Leger (who died in 1603). He inherited the family lands in Kent. Another child was Anne St Leger (1555–1636), who became the mother of Sir Dudley Digges, a well-known politician.

After Ursula passed away in 1575, Sir Warham married his second wife, Emmeline Goldwell, by 1577. They had one son named Walter, who inherited his father's properties in Ireland. Emmeline died in London in 1628.

Later Life and Public Service

When his father died in 1559, Warham inherited his estates. He generously gave some lands in Kent to his brother William.

Sir Warham returned to England in 1569. He lived at his home in Southwark or at Leeds Castle in Kent. From 1570 to 1572, he was responsible for keeping the Earl of Desmond and his family safe. During this time, his own property in Ireland, Carrigaline, was attacked by rebels.

In 1579, after asking for new work, Sir Warham was made the provost-marshal of Munster. This was a new military role. For the next ten years, he was very active in fighting against Irish rebels.

In 1585, he was elected to the Irish House of Commons, representing Queen's County in Parliament. By 1589, he was likely replaced as provost-marshal due to his age. However, in 1590, he was still helping to govern Munster.

Sir Warham St Leger died in Cork, Ireland, in 1597. He was known to be a friend of famous writers like Edmund Spenser, who even shared his plans for writing his famous poem, The Faerie Queene, with Sir Warham.

It is important to note that a different Warham St Leger, who died in battle in 1600, was his nephew, not Sir Warham himself. Sir Warham St Leger is an ancestor of many St Leger families in Ireland.