William Lewin (died 1598) facts for kids

William Lewin (died 15 April 1598) was an important person in England during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He lived in London and Kent. He was a smart person who worked as a college teacher, a lawyer for the church, and a judge. He was also chosen three times to be a member of Parliament, representing the town of Rochester.

Who Was William Lewin?

William Lewin came from a simple family. He was one of five children born to Edmund Lewin and Juliana Goche. His father, Edmund, was the son of John Lewin from Cuffley, Hertfordshire. His mother, Juliana, was the daughter of William Goche from Good Easter, Essex.

His Education and Early Career

William Lewin started studying at Christ's College, Cambridge, in November 1559. He worked hard and earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1562. He continued his studies, getting his M.A. in 1565 and a special law degree (Doctor of Laws) in 1576.

While at Cambridge, he was a Fellow (a kind of senior student or teacher) from 1562 to 1571. He also had important roles like University Proctor (who helped keep order) and Public Orator (who gave official speeches) for the university.

Speaking to the Queen

In 1564, when Queen Elizabeth I visited Cambridge, William Lewin was chosen to give a speech to her. This was a big honor! William Lewin had family connections to the Queen; his cousin Elizabeth had been the Queen's nurse. Another cousin, Thomas Lewin, also worked for the Queen. However, a historian named Houlbrooke suggests that William Lewin's success at Cambridge was mostly helped by William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley. Lord Burghley was the university's Chancellor (its main leader), and it's thought that Lewin taught Lord Burghley's older daughter, Anne Cecil.

Working as a Judge and Lawyer

William Lewin became a very respected lawyer and judge. In 1576, he was made a Judge of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. This court handled important legal matters, especially about wills and estates. He held this job until he died.

He also became the Chancellor (a senior legal officer) for the Diocese of Rochester in 1586. From 1587, he was a Prebendary (a type of church official) in Chichester and St Asaph. From 1593 to 1598, he was also a Master in Chancery, which meant he helped with legal cases in the high court of Chancery.

Serving in Parliament

William Lewin was elected to Parliament three times. He represented the town of Rochester in Kent in the years 1586, 1589, and 1593. As a Member of Parliament, he helped make laws and discuss important issues for the country.

William Lewin's Family Life

William Lewin married Anne Goldsmith. She was the daughter of Francis Goldsmith from Crayford, Kent. People at the time said Anne was very beautiful and had many good qualities.

William and Anne had at least ten children together. We know the names of three sons: Thomas, Justinian, and John. They also had three daughters:

• Anne (who died in 1645) married Sir Lawrence Washington. Their son, Lawrence Washington, was born in 1622.
• Catherine married James Paget.
• Judith (1590–1625) married Sir John Isham.

William Lewin's main heir (the person who inherited most of his property) was his second son, Justinian. Justinian was born in 1586 and died on June 28, 1620. Like his father, Justinian became a lawyer. He also worked for King James I as a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, which was an important role in the royal household. Justinian married Elizabeth Capel in 1607.

His Passing

William Lewin passed away on April 15, 1598. He was buried in St Leonard's, Shoreditch church. There is also a special stone monument dedicated to him in Otterden, Kent.