Wilfred Lawson (died 1632) facts for kids

Sir Wilfrid Lawson (born 1545, died 1632) was an important English landowner and politician. He served in the House of Commons of England, which is like today's Parliament, many times between 1593 and 1614.

Sir Wilfrid Lawson: A Life in Politics

Early Life and Education

Wilfrid Lawson was born in 1545. His father was Thomas Lawson from Little Usworth. His mother was Elizabeth Darrell. Wilfrid went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1562. He also studied law at Gray's Inn in 1564.

Serving His Country

In 1591, a powerful noble, the Earl of Northumberland, gave Wilfrid an important job. He became the Grand Steward of all the Earl's lands in Cockermouth. He also helped with border issues.

High Sheriff Duties

Sir Wilfrid was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Cumberland several times. This was a very important role. He was High Sheriff in 1583, 1597, 1606, and 1612. The High Sheriff was responsible for keeping law and order in the county. They also helped with elections and collecting taxes.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Wilfrid Lawson was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cumberland. He served in the House of Commons in 1593, 1604, and 1614. As an MP, he helped make laws for England. In 1604, he was given the title of "Sir" (knighted). In 1605, he joined a special group. This group was set up by the King to help manage the borders between England and Scotland.

Family and Legacy

Sir Wilfrid Lawson married Maud Redmain in 1572. Maud had been married before. She inherited a large estate called Isel from her previous husband, Thomas Leigh. When Maud died in 1624, she left the Isel estates to Sir Wilfrid. This made him the sole owner.

Sir Wilfrid Lawson did not have any children of his own. When he passed away in 1632 at 87 years old, he left the Isel estates to his nephew, William Lawson. William was the son of Sir Wilfrid's brother, Gilfrid. However, Maud Redmain's own heir, Mary Irton, challenged this decision.