William Kingston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Kingston
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Arms of Sir William Kingston, KG
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| Born | c. 1476 |
| Died | 14 September 1540 Painswick, Gloucestershire |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Berkeley Elizabeth (surname unknown) Mary Scrope |
| Issue | Sir Anthony Kingston Bridget Kingston |
Sir William Kingston (born around 1476 – died September 14, 1540) was an important English courtier, soldier, and government official. He was a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a special honor. Sir William served as the Constable of the famous Tower of London for much of King Henry VIII's reign.
During his time as Constable, he was in charge of many well-known prisoners. These included Queen Anne Boleyn and the men accused of being involved with her. He also represented Gloucestershire in Parliament in 1529 and 1539.
Contents
Sir William Kingston's Life
Sir William Kingston came from a family in Gloucestershire, living in a place called Painswick. He likely started his career as a guard for the king before 1509.
Early Career and Adventures
In 1512, William was an under-marshal in the army. He traveled to the Spanish coast. There, he helped discuss plans for the English soldiers who were feeling discouraged. He bravely fought in the battle of Flodden in 1513 and was made a knight. After this, he became a "sewer" to the king, which was a royal attendant. Later, in 1521, he became a "carver" for the king. He also served as the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire from 1514 to 1515.
Around 1520, Sir William was at the French court with the English ambassador. The young Dauphin (the French prince) seemed to like him. Kingston also took part in the jousting at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold. He was also present when King Henry VIII met with Emperor Charles V in July. King Henry liked Sir William and even gave him a valuable horse. For the next few years, he worked hard as a local judge and courtier. He helped gather men for the king's army in the west of England. When he was in London, he lived with the Black Friars.
In April 1523, Kingston joined forces with Lord Dacre on the northern border, which was often troubled. He and Sir Ralph Ellerker were given the most dangerous tasks. He helped capture Cessford Castle, a stronghold of the Kers family, on May 18. He then returned to London quite quickly. He was made a knight of the king's body and captain of the guard. On August 30, 1523, he landed at Calais with the army of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.
Constable of the Tower
On May 28, 1524, Sir William Kingston became the Constable of the Tower of London. This was a very important job, and he earned a salary of £100. In 1530, he signed a petition to Pope Clement VII. This petition asked the Pope to speed up King Henry VIII's divorce.
In November 1530, Kingston went to Sheffield Manor to take charge of Thomas Wolsey, a powerful cardinal who had fallen out of favor. It was said that Wolsey was worried about Kingston's arrival. This was because a prophecy had foretold that Wolsey would die at Kingston. Sir William tried to make him feel better. He was with Wolsey when he died and rode to London to tell the king what had happened.
On October 11, 1532, he landed at Calais with King Henry. They were on their way to meet Francis I of France for a second time at Boulogne. On May 29, 1533, Sir William took an official part in the coronation of Anne Boleyn as Queen.
He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Gloucestershire in 1529 and again in 1539.
Later Years and Legacy
Sir William seemed to get old before his time, but he continued to be the Constable of the Tower. He received Queen Anne Boleyn on May 2, 1536, when she was brought to the Tower as a prisoner. He and his wife, Mary, were in charge of her. They reported her conversations to Thomas Cromwell, a key advisor to the king. Anne Boleyn even made some sarcastic jokes to him. The information he shared with the King helped decide the fate of the Queen and the five men accused with her. Today, Kingston's reports are seen as important evidence. They suggest that Anne and those who died with her were innocent.
Kingston became the controller of the king's household on March 9, 1539. He was made a knight of the Garter on April 24 of the same year. He received many small grants from the king. During the time when monasteries were being closed down (dissolution of monasteries), he received the land of Flaxley Abbey in Gloucestershire.
Sir William Kingston passed away at Painswick, Gloucestershire, on September 14, 1540. He was buried in a special chapel in a tomb made of Purbeck marble. There used to be special brass plaques on his tomb for him and his wife, Elizabeth.
Family and Marriages
Sir William Kingston was married three times. His first two wives were named Elizabeth (whose last name is not known) and Anne Berkeley. Anne was the widow of Sir John Gyse. By his first two wives, Kingston had a son and a daughter:
- Bridget Kingston, who married Sir George Baynham.
- Sir Anthony Kingston. Sir Anthony married Dorothy Harpur and later Mary Gainsford. He did not have children with either wife.
His third wife was Mary Scrope. She was the widow of Edward Jerningham. Mary was one of nine daughters of Richard Scrope. She was also the sister of Elizabeth Scrope and Margaret Scrope. Sir William did not have any children with his third wife.
