William Smarte facts for kids
William Smarte (born around 1530 – died September 23, 1599) was an English politician from Ipswich, Suffolk. He was an important person in his town during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
William's father, Richard Smarte, was a successful cloth merchant called a draper in Ipswich. His father also held an important political job called Bailiff in Ipswich. William's mother was Katherine Went. When his father passed away in 1560, William inherited several large estates in Essex and Suffolk.
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William Smarte's Political Journey
William Smarte began his political career in Ipswich as the town's treasurer from 1560 to 1561. He was then chosen as a portman in 1565. A portman was a leading citizen who helped manage the town.
Serving as Bailiff
William Smarte was elected bailiff of Ipswich five times between 1569 and 1594. A bailiff was a chief officer who helped govern the town and enforce laws. This shows he was a trusted and respected leader in Ipswich for many years.
A Stand for Ipswich
In May 1586, William Smarte was briefly put in prison. This happened because he tried to stop supplies from being sent to Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester. Leicester was a powerful English noble who had become Governor-General of the United Provinces (parts of what is now the Netherlands). He was fighting against the Spanish army.
Queen Elizabeth I did not want Leicester to win too many big battles. While Leicester was trying to win a battle called the Siege of Grave, Smarte gathered people in Ipswich. They went to a ship, found a lot of bacon meant for Leicester's army, and took it. The people of Ipswich, including the Town Clerk, supported Smarte's actions and wrote letters to the Queen's advisors, explaining why he did it.
Member of Parliament
In 1588, William Smarte became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented his hometown of Ipswich in the English Parliament. This meant he helped make laws for the whole country.
Helping the Community
William Smarte was also known for his generosity. In 1591, he gave a large amount of money to the almshouses in Ipswich. Almshouses were places that provided homes for poor or elderly people. Because of his gift, these homes became known as the Tooley's and Smart's Almshouses. This act of charity helped many people in his community.
