William Cooke (of Highnam) facts for kids

Sir William Cooke (born February 14, 1572, died March 2, 1619) was an important English landowner and politician. He lived at Highnam Court in Gloucestershire. He served in the English Parliament, known as the House of Commons, at different times between 1597 and 1614.

About His Family

William Cooke was the son of another man named William Cooke, who was also a Member of Parliament. His grandfather was Sir Anthony Cooke. William's mother was Frances Grey. She was a cousin of Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly Queen of England. William's father held a special job called Clerk of Liveries. This job involved managing land and property for the Crown. He made sure this important job would be passed down to his son.

His Life and Work

William Cooke went to Shrewsbury School in 1583. When his father died in 1589, William took over the Clerk of Liveries job, even though he was only 17 years old. He also studied law at Gray's Inn starting in 1592. In 1593, he traveled abroad for two years. By 1596, he was a Justice of the Peace for Hertfordshire, helping to keep law and order.

William Cooke had powerful family connections. His father's sister, Mildred Cooke, was married to Lord Burghley, a very important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. William also received support from Sir Robert Cecil, who was his cousin. These connections likely helped him get elected to Parliament.

In 1597, he became a Member of Parliament for Helston. By 1599, he was Purveyor to the Stable, which meant he helped manage the Queen's horses. He was knighted by King James I on May 7, 1603. In 1604, he was elected as an MP for Wigan. He bought more land around Gloucester and also owned property in Worcestershire. By 1605, he was a Justice of the Peace for Gloucestershire. In 1614, he was elected as an MP for Gloucestershire.

His Family Life

Sir William Cooke was married two times.

• His first wife was Joyce Lucy. She was the only child of Thomas Lucy. Joyce inherited Highnam Court in Gloucestershire from her mother. This meant that when she married William, Highnam Court became part of his family's property. William and Joyce had at least three sons and five daughters. One of their daughters was Anne Cooke. Anne married Sir Peter Ball. Their son, William Ball, became a famous astronomer and helped start the Royal Society. Another son, Peter Ball, became a doctor and was also a member of the Royal Society.

• His second wife was Radigan Boscawen. She was a widow from Cornwall. They did not have any children together. However, William's step-daughters from his first marriage, Elizabeth and Ann, loved Radigan very much. They even named their own daughters "Radagand" after her.

His Death

Sir William Cooke died when he was 45 years old. The important job of Clerk of Liveries, which had been in his family for a long time, continued to be held by his relatives after his death.