William Godolphin (Warden of the Stannaries) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Godolphin
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|---|---|
| Born | ca. 1486 |
| Died | ca. 1570 |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Title | Sir |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Glynn |
| Children | 4 (including Sir William Godolphin (1515–1570)) |
| Parent(s) | Sir John Godolphin Margaret Trenouth |
Sir William Godolphin (born around 1486, died around 1570) was an important English knight and politician in the 1500s. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country.
Who Was Sir William Godolphin?
William Godolphin was the son of Sir John Godolphin. His father was a High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1505. A High Sheriff was a very important local official. William's mother was Margaret Trenouth.
His Life as a Politician
Sir William Godolphin served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cornwall. He was an MP during the time of King Henry VIII. He might have also been an MP when King Edward VI was on the throne.
Besides being an MP, he also held other important jobs. He was a High Sheriff of Cornwall, just like his father. He was also a Warden of the Stannaries. This job involved overseeing the tin mines in Cornwall.
Sir William was known to send gifts of Cornish tin to important people like Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell was a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. The tin could be used to make things like pewter dishes. William even offered to send Cornish wrestlers to the King! He once sent two wrestlers to Cromwell. These wrestlers likely spoke Cornish, not English, which was common in Cornwall at that time.
A Bit of Confusion
It can be tricky to learn about Sir William Godolphin. This is because he had an eldest son who was also named Sir William Godolphin (1515–1570). Sometimes, old records mix up the father and the son. It's not always clear which jobs were held by the elder Sir William and which by the younger. The elder Sir William lived to be quite old, dying around the same time as his son. This might be why people got them confused.
Family Life
Sir William Godolphin married Margaret Glynn. They had four children together:
- Sir William Godolphin (1515–1570): He was their eldest son. He had three daughters but no sons.
- Thomas Godolphin (born 1520): He married Katherine Bonithon. Thomas became the Captain (or governor) of the Isles of Scilly. His family line continued through his sons.
- Elizabeth Godolphin (born 1522): She married John Langdon.
- Honor Godolphin (born around 1524): She married William Melton.
