William Whorwood facts for kids

Sir William Whorwood (born around 1500 – died May 28, 1545) was an important person during the time of King Henry VIII. He owned land in Staffordshire and nearby areas. He was also a very good lawyer and a politician. He rose to become the king's top legal advisors: the Solicitor General and then the Attorney General.

Early Life and Becoming a Lawyer

William Whorwood was born sometime between 1500 and 1502. His family, the Whorwoods, were a respected but not super-rich family from Compton, near Kinver in Staffordshire. His father was John Whorwood, and his mother was Elizabeth Corbyn.

William started his legal training at the Middle Temple in London in 1519. This was like a special law school for future lawyers. He quickly became very good at his job. Within two years, he was helping to manage money for important lawyers called "serjeants-at-law." He worked for famous people and built a successful law practice.

Starting a Political Career

In 1529, William Whorwood became a Member of Parliament for Downton in Wiltshire. This meant he was chosen to represent that area in the English Parliament. The local bishop had a lot of say in who got these seats.

Whorwood served in the English Reformation Parliament for over six years. This was a very important time when King Henry VIII was changing the country's religion. Even though his name appeared on a list of people who might have disagreed with some of the king's new laws, he generally worked with the king's plans.

He even benefited from the king taking over church lands, which helped him gain more wealth. By the end of this Parliament, he had good connections with the king's government. He was made Solicitor General on April 13, 1536. This was a very high legal position, helping the king with legal matters.

Top Legal Advisor to the King

The king wanted the same Members of Parliament to return for the next Parliament. William Whorwood was not chosen for Downton again, but he was still paid for his work. He was recognized as a top lawyer at his law school. In 1537, he became a "bencher" and "Reader," which are important roles for experienced lawyers.

From 1539, he was asked to attend the House of Lords, which is the upper house of Parliament. He was the first Solicitor General to be called to do this. He likely helped write important laws during this time. These included laws about taking over more church lands and laws about religious beliefs.

Whorwood was often called upon to enforce laws in his home county and other places. He was a justice of the peace in Staffordshire, helping to keep order. In 1536, he was sent to help stop a rebellion in Somerset. The next year, he dealt with the aftermath of another uprising called the Pilgrimage of Grace.

In 1540, he was promoted again to Attorney General. This was an even higher legal position, making him the chief legal advisor to the king. He continued to work on many important issues for the king until his death.

Becoming a Landowner

William Whorwood's family had lived in Staffordshire for about a hundred years. Their family estate was called Compton Hallows. William greatly increased his family's wealth and influence. He did this by using his connections in the king's government.

In 1537, he bought the manor of Kinver, which included Stourton Castle, from the king. He also bought the rights to the church income in Kinver. He acquired other properties too, including a former Augustinian convent called White Ladies Priory in Shropshire. He also owned a large house in Putney, likely through his second marriage.

William Whorwood passed away on May 28, 1545. He left behind two daughters as his heirs.

Family Life

William Whorwood was married two times.

• His first wife was Cassandra Grey. They had a son named John who died young. Their daughter, Anne Whorwood (who died in 1552), married Ambrose Dudley.
• His second wife was Margaret Brooke (who died in 1589). After William died, she married William Shelton. Their daughter, Margaret Whorwood, later married Thomas Throckmorton.