William Gascoigne facts for kids
Sir William Gascoigne (born around 1350, died December 17, 1419) was a very important judge in England. He served as the Chief Justice during the time of King Henry IV.
Contents
Early Life and Career
William Gascoigne came from an old family in Yorkshire, England. He was born in a place called Gawthorp. His parents were Sir William Gascoigne and Agnes Franke.
It is believed that he studied at the University of Cambridge. He also studied law at a place called the Inner Temple. This was a famous school for lawyers. He started working as a lawyer during the reigns of King Edward III and King Richard II.
When Henry of Lancaster (who later became King Henry IV) was sent away from England by King Richard II, Gascoigne helped manage his affairs. Soon after Henry became king, he made Gascoigne the Chief Justice of the King's Bench court. This was a very high position.
A Judge Who Stood Up for Justice
Sir William Gascoigne was known for being a fair and brave judge. He believed that everyone, even the king, should follow the law.
Refusing the King's Order
In 1405, there was a rebellion in the north of England. Archbishop Scrope and Thomas Mowbray were involved. After the rebellion was stopped, King Henry IV wanted Gascoigne to quickly sentence them to death.
However, Gascoigne bravely refused. He said that the prisoners had a right to be tried by other nobles, like themselves. This was called being "tried by their peers." Even though the two men were later executed, Gascoigne had no part in it. This story shows how much he believed in fair trials.
The Prince and the Judge
There is a famous story about Sir William Gascoigne and the Prince of Wales. The prince, who would later become King Henry V, was known for being a bit wild.
The story says that Gascoigne ordered a friend of the prince to be punished for causing trouble. The prince was very angry and insulted the judge. Gascoigne, without hesitation, sent the prince to prison! He also gave the prince a stern lecture. The prince then understood that the judge was right.
King Henry IV was said to be proud of Gascoigne for treating his son like anyone else. Although this story is popular, some historians are not sure if it really happened.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir William Gascoigne left his job as Chief Justice soon after Henry V became king. Some people think he resigned on his own. He died in 1419 and was buried in All Saints' Church in Harewood, Yorkshire.
Gascoigne is remembered as a judge who stood up for the law. He showed that even powerful people, like kings, must follow the rules of the country.
Family Life
Sir William Gascoigne was born in Gawthorp, near Harewood House. He was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth de Mowbray, whom he married in 1369. After she passed away, he married Joan de Pickering.
He had several children from both marriages:
- From his first marriage:
- Sir William Gascoigne II (1370–1422)
- Elizabeth Gascoigne
- Margaret Gascoigne
- From his second marriage:
- Sir Christopher Gascoigne (born 1407)
- James Gascoigne (born 1404), who was an ancestor of the poet George Gascoigne
- Agnes Gascoigne (born around 1401)
- Robert Gascoigne (born around 1410)
- Richard Gascoigne (born around 1413)
His brother, Nicholas Gascoigne, was an ancestor of the Gascoigne baronets, another important family line.
Images for kids
-
Gascoigne refuses to sentence Archbishop Scrope
