William Harris (Tudor person) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
William Harris
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 21 September 1556 Woodham Mortimer, Southminster, Creeksea, Essex
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| Died | 14 November 1616 (aged 60) Creeksea, Essex
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| Resting place | All Saints' Church |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | English knight, subscriber of the Virginia Company, and landowner |
| Known for | Incorporator in the Virginia Company of London |
| Title | High Sheriff |
| Predecessor | Sir Arthur Harris |
| Spouse(s) |
Alice Smythe
(m. 1583; |
| Children | Sir Arthur, William, Thomas, John, Alice, Frances, Elizabeth, Mary |
| Parent(s) | Sir Arthur Harris and Dorothy Waldegrave |
Sir William Harris (born 1556, died 1616) was an English knight and landowner. He was also an important person in the Virginia Company of London. This company helped set up the first English colonies in North America.
William Harris was knighted on July 23, 1603. This happened at Whitehall just before King James I was crowned. He received this honor for his military service in Ireland. He fought during the Nine Years' War. His cousin, Sir William Harris of Shenfield, also served in this war.
Contents
Sir William's Family Life
William Harris was born on September 21, 1556, in Essex, England. His parents were Sir Arthur Harris and Dorothy Waldegrave. He lived at a place called Creeksea Place Manor.
William married Alice Smythe on May 6, 1583. Their wedding took place in London, England. Alice was the daughter of a man named Thomas Smythe.
William and Alice's Children
Sir William and Lady Alice Harris had several children:
- Sir Arthur Harris (born 1584, died 1632)
- William Harris (born 1585, died 1622)
- Thomas Harris (born 1586, died 1617 in England)
- John Harris (born 1588, died by 1638 in Virginia)
- Alice Harris, who married Sir Henry Mildmay
- Frances Harris, who married Mr. Roope
- Elizabeth Harris
- Mary Harris, who married Gyles Browne
Helping the Virginia Company
Sir William Harris, his brother-in-law Sir Thomas Smythe, and his son Sir Arthur Harris were all involved with the Virginia Company. They were "incorporators" and "subscribers" to the company's third charter. This means they helped start the company and invested money in it. Each of them paid £75 to support the company.
Both Sir William Harris and Sir Thomas Smythe were very interested in developing the new colony of Virginia. They worked hard to get money, people, equipment, and ships for the colonization efforts. Their help was very important for the early settlements in America.
Lady Alice Harris passed away on November 10, 1615. Sir William Harris died a year later, on November 14, 1616. Both of them are buried at All Saints' Church in Creeksea. The church still has a picture of Sir William. It also displays his sword, a rapier, which was found at Creeksea Place.
Images for kids
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Harris family crest, possibly similar to Sir William's
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The official seal of the Virginia Company
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The rapier (sword) of Sir William Harris, displayed in All Saints' Church
