William Esturmy facts for kids
Sir William Esturmy (died 1427) was an important person in England during the 1300s and 1400s. He was a "Knight of the Shire," which was like being a Member of Parliament today, representing his local area. He also became the "Speaker of the House of Commons," a very important role leading the main group of lawmakers. On top of that, his family had the special job of being the "Warden" (or guardian) of the royal Savernake Forest in Wiltshire. He lived at a place called Wolfhall in Wiltshire.
Early Life
William Esturmy was born around the year 1356. His father was Geoffrey Sturmy. William became the heir to his uncle, Sir Henry Sturmy, who also lived at Wolfhall in the Savernake Forest.
His Important Career
When his uncle passed away in 1381, William Esturmy inherited many lands across Wiltshire. These included Wolfhall and another estate called Elvetham. At Elvetham, he created a large park, about 300 acres big. He was made a knight by October 1388.
Sir William held the special family job of Warden of Savernake Forest for many years. He was the guardian of the forest from 1381 to 1417, and then again from 1420 until he died in 1427.
He was elected as a "Knight of the Shire" (a representative in Parliament) many times between 1384 and 1422. He represented Wiltshire eight times, Hampshire twice, and Devon twice. In 1404, during the time of King Henry IV, Sir William Esturmy was chosen to be the "Speaker of the House of Commons." This particular Parliament was sometimes called the "Unlearned Parliament" because the king did not allow lawyers to attend. He also served as the High Sheriff of Wiltshire from 1418 to 1419, which was a top law enforcement role in the county.
Besides his work in Parliament, Sir William also took on various public duties and even served as an ambassador, representing England in other countries.
Family and Later Life
Sir William Esturmy married a woman named Joan Crawthorne. She was the widow of Sir John Beaumont. Sir William and Joan did not have any sons, but they had two daughters. One of his daughters was Maud Esturmy. She married Roger II Seymour, and they had a son named John Seymour.
Sir William Esturmy passed away in 1427 at Elvetham. He was buried at Easton Priory, which was close to Wolfhall. His main heirs were his daughter Agnes and his grandson, John Seymour.
