William Bassett (died 1586) facts for kids

William Bassett was an important person from Wales who lived a long time ago, from 1507 to 1586. He was a gentleman and worked in the government as a parliamentarian. This means he was a member of the Parliament, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.

William Bassett's Life

William Bassett was born in 1507. His family had lived in Glamorgan, Wales, since the 1200s, so they were well-known. He was the first son of William Bassett and Margaret Fleming. His family lived at a place called Beaupré.

A Time of Change: The Buxton Springs

During William's early life, there was a big historical event called the Protestant Reformation. This was a time when many people changed their religious beliefs and practices. Some people believed that certain natural springs, like those in Buxton, had special healing powers. They thought these powers came from spiritual sources.

However, during the Reformation, some leaders thought these beliefs were not right. William Bassett's father was asked to seal up the baths and wells at Buxton. He wrote to a powerful leader, Lord Thomas Cromwell, to say he had done this. Luckily, the springs were not closed for very long.

Marriage and Family

William Bassett married Catherine Mansell. Her father, Sir Rice Mansel, was also from a family involved in Parliament. William and Catherine had at least three sons and two daughters. Catherine lived until 1593, reaching the age of 80.

Working in Government

William Bassett held several important jobs in Glamorgan. From 1561, he was a Justice of the Peace. This meant he helped keep law and order in his area. He was also the Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1557 and 1558.

He was chosen to be a "Knight of the Shire" for Glamorgan in Parliament. This happened in 1563 and again in 1571. As a Knight of the Shire, he represented his county in the government.

William owned many properties in Glamorgan and Gloucestershire. These included large estates like the manors of Saint Hilary, Tregrove, and Llantrithyd. He also owned rights to appoint priests in places like Penmark and Cardiff.

The Bard's Poem

There's a story about William Bassett and a Welsh poet, or "bard," named Meurig Dafydd. The bard wrote a special poem to praise William. When the bard presented the poem, William read it. He then asked if it was the only copy. After the bard confirmed it was, William paid him. But then, William told the bard the poem wasn't very good and threw the only copy into the fire! He said that if there was no other copy, there never would be.

Later Life and Legacy

William Bassett passed away on March 10, 1586, when he was 80 years old. He left most of his property to his oldest son, Arnold Bassett. He left his home, Beaupré, to his wife, Catherine.