William Godolphin (1515–1570) facts for kids

Sir William Godolphin (born in 1515, died in 1570) was an important English soldier and politician. He lived in the 1500s and was known as a knight and a Member of Parliament (MP). Sometimes, his career is confused with his father's, who was also named Sir William Godolphin.

Sir William Godolphin's Early Life

Sir William's father was also a very important person. He was a Member of Parliament for Cornwall and a High Sheriff during the time of King Henry VIII.

Young William Godolphin worked closely with a powerful man named Thomas Cromwell. With Cromwell's help, William became an MP for Cornwall in 1539. Being an MP meant he helped make laws for the country.

A Brave Soldier

After Thomas Cromwell lost his power, Sir William Godolphin became famous as a soldier. He was very good at engineering, especially because he knew a lot about tin mining. Tin mining was a big business for his family in Cornwall.

His skills were very useful during the Siege of Boulogne. This was a big battle where he helped the English army. A writer named Richard Carew said that Sir William was very brave. He even got scars from his battles, which showed how courageous he was.

After the English captured Boulogne, Sir William was made its bailiff. This was a special job given to him because of his important role in the victory. He was also made a knight, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

Political Roles and Family

Sir William Godolphin held many important jobs in the government. From 1547 to 1551, he was part of the Council of Regency. This group helped rule England when King Edward VI was too young.

He was also the High Sheriff of Cornwall two times: from 1549 to 1550 and again from 1568 to 1569. The High Sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in the county. In 1553, he became an MP for Cornwall once more.

Sir William also served as a Vice-Warden of the Stannaries. This role involved overseeing the tin mines in Cornwall. From 1562 until he died in 1570, he was the Custos Rotulorum of Cornwall. This person was in charge of keeping the county's records.

Sir William Godolphin married a woman named Blanch Langdon. They had three daughters. However, he did not have any sons. Because of this, his family's estates went to his nephew, Sir Francis Godolphin, after Sir William passed away.