William Cordell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Cordell
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Monument and effigy of Sir William Cordell, Long Melford Church, Suffolk
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| Speaker of the House of Commons | |
| In office 1558–1559 |
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| Monarch | Mary I Elizabeth I |
| Preceded by | Clement Higham |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Gargrave |
| Personal details | |
| Born | about 1522 |
| Died | 1581 City of London |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse | Mary Clopton |
| Relations | no children |
| Residences | Melford Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk |
| Profession | Barrister |
Sir William Cordell was an important English lawyer and politician. He lived from about 1522 to 1581. He held high positions under two queens: Mary I and Elizabeth I. He was from Melford Hall in Long Melford, Suffolk.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Cordell was born around 1522. He was the oldest son of John Cordell and Emma Webb. His younger brother, Edward, also became a lawyer. William's father worked for Sir William Clopton, a well-known lawyer.
William likely grew up in the Clopton family home. When he was 16, he began studying law. He attended Lincoln's Inn, a famous law school in London. He became a lawyer very quickly, by 1544.
A Career in Law and Politics
William Cordell quickly became successful in both law and politics. He gained important clients. He also became a member of Parliament, which is like being a representative today. He served in Parliament for different areas over the years. These included Dunheved, Steyning, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Westminster.
Important Roles
In 1553, William Cordell became the Solicitor General. This is a senior lawyer who advises the government. He held this job until 1557. Then, he became the Master of the Rolls. This was a very important judge position. He also joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the monarch.
In 1558, he was chosen as the Speaker of the House of Commons. This person leads the discussions in Parliament. After this, he was made a knight, which means he was given the title "Sir." He continued to be the Master of the Rolls until he died.
Building Melford Hall
In 1554, Sir William bought land in Long Melford. This land used to belong to a large abbey. He began building his grand home, Melford Hall, there. The house was finished in 1559.
In 1578, he had the honor of hosting Queen Elizabeth I at Melford Hall. This was a very special event.
Helping Others
Sir William Cordell cared about helping people. In Long Melford, he founded the Hospital of the Holy Trinity. This was an almshouse, a place for elderly people to live. It was for 12 older men and a warden. Today, it still helps people.
In his will, he left money to Cambridge University and Oxford University. This money was for poor students who were good at learning.
Family Life
Sir William's wife was Mary Clopton. She was the granddaughter of Sir William Clopton, his father's employer. Through her, he gained more land. Sadly, none of their children survived. When Sir William died in 1581, his estate went to his sister, Jane.
Sir William Cordell was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. His monument, a special statue, is still there today.
Images for kids
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The Hospital of the Holy and Blessed Trinity at Long Melford established in 1573 by Sir William Cordell as an almshouse for 12 aged men and a warden and still serving its original purpose, though now accepting single women and married couples.
