William Englebert facts for kids

William Englebert (died 1634) was a famous inventor and engineer during the time of Queen Elizabeth I in England. People like Thomas Fuller and John Norden called him an "incomparable" and "excellent" engineer, meaning he was very skilled. Queen Elizabeth I even gave him a yearly payment of one hundred marks for his work.

Early Life and Education

William Englebert was the son of N Englebert (or Engleberde) from a place called Sherborne in Dorset, England. He went to school at Sherborne School, where he likely learned many things that helped him become an engineer.

Amazing Engineering Work

Not a lot of information about Englebert's projects has survived, but we know he was very good at new ways of draining fens. Fens are like marshy, wet lands. He worked in a place called Deeping Fen with Captain Thomas Lovell. His work there was highly praised by John Norden in 1618.

Englebert also helped other inventors. He was a mentor to another engineer named Gabriel Plattes. Plattes even dedicated two of his books to Englebert, showing how much he respected him.

Later Life Challenges

Later in his life, Englebert felt there were not enough chances for him to work in England. He asked King James I's Privy Council (a group of royal advisors) if he could go work for other countries or rulers. He was even willing to give up his yearly payment from the Queen if they let him go. However, his request to leave England was turned down.

Personal Life and Death

We do not know if William Englebert ever got married. In his later years, he lived in a part of London called Westminster. He passed away there in the year 1634.