William Coningsby facts for kids

Sir William Coningsby (around 1483 – September 1540) was an important English figure. He served as a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He was also a Justice of the King's Bench, a high-ranking judge.

About William Coningsby's Life

William Coningsby was born by the year 1483. His father was Sir Humphrey Coningsby, who was also a judge. William grew up in a place called Aldenham, Hertfordshire.

He received a good education, first at Eton, a famous school. Then he went to King's College, Cambridge, a well-known university. He even became a Fellow there, which is a special academic position.

His Career in Law and Government

William Coningsby had a long career in law. He was a leader at the Inner Temple, which is one of the main legal societies in London. He held important roles there, like being a "Reader" in 1519 and 1526. He was also the Treasurer from 1525 to 1526. Later, he served as a Governor of the Inner Temple several times.

In 1529, he was part of a special group of Commissioners. Their job was to hear cases in the Chancery Court. This was to help with issues related to Cardinal Wolsey, a powerful church leader at the time.

From 1524 until his death in 1540, Coningsby was the "Recorder" of Lynn. This meant he was the chief legal officer for that town. In 1536, the people of King's Lynn chose him to represent them in Parliament.

In 1540, he became a "serjeant-at-law," which was a very senior lawyer. Soon after, he was appointed a Justice of the King's Bench, making him a judge in one of England's highest courts. He was also knighted, earning the title "Sir."

A Legal Challenge

Around 1539-1540, William Coningsby faced a difficult situation. He was involved in a legal disagreement. He had advised someone named Sir John Shelton about making a will. This advice went against a new law called the Statute of Uses.

Because of this, he was held for ten days. He also lost some of his other jobs at the time. However, he was released and soon after became a judge in the King's Bench.

Coningsby's Family Life

William Coningsby married a woman named Beatrice. She was the daughter of Thomas Thoresby and had been married before. Together, William and Beatrice had a son named Christopher (born 1516, died 1547). They also had four daughters.

One of their daughters, Margaret (born around 1522, died 1598), married Sir Robert Alington. He was the son of Sir Giles Alington. Margaret later married Thomas Pledger.

William's son, Christopher Coningsby, had three daughters. These daughters were Anne, Elizabeth, and Amy. Anne married Alexander Balam, Elizabeth married Francis Gawdy, and Amy married Thomas Clarke.