William Woodhouse (naval officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Woodhouse
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|---|---|
| Born | 1517 Waxham, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 22 November 1564 |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of England |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1533-1564 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Primrose Keeper of Queenborough Castle Master of Naval Ordnance Vice-Admiral in the Channel Vice-Admiral of Suffolk Vice-Admiral of Norfolk Lieutenant of the Admiralty |
Sir William Woodhouse (born around 1517 – died November 22, 1564) was an important English naval leader and manager. He became a high-ranking officer, a Lieutenant Admiral, and was in charge of the Council of the Marine. This group later became known as the Navy Board, which helped run England's navy.
Sir William also served as a Member of Parliament, which means he was part of the English government, from 1545 until he passed away in 1564. He played a big role during a time when the Royal Navy was growing and becoming stronger, especially in the later part of the Tudor period (when kings and queens like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I ruled England).
Contents
William Woodhouse started his life at sea very early. He quickly moved up in his career by serving King Henry VIII. He was given important jobs in Lynn, Norfolk. From 1538 to 1539, he was an Escheator for Norfolk and Suffolk. This job involved managing land that went back to the King.
Early Commands and Important Roles
In 1540, he became the bailiff of Gaywood manor. This meant he managed the land and property there. In September 1542, he became the Captain of a ship called HMS Primrose. He held this command until January 1543.
In February 1543, he was put in charge of four ships in the North Sea. Later that year, in November, he took command of ten ships. These ships were based at Portsmouth and planned to attack French fishing areas.
Becoming a Knight and Vice-Admiral
In early 1544, William Woodhouse was appointed Vice-Admiral of a fleet. This fleet was part of an expedition led by the Earl of Hertford to Scotland. He was knighted in Leith, Scotland in May 1544. This meant he was given the title "Sir."
After that, from July to November 1544, he served as Vice-Admiral in the Channel. He also worked as Vice-Admiral at Boulogne, a French port. During this time, he served under another important naval leader, Admiral Sir Thomas Seymour.
In April 1546, Sir William became a member of the Council of the Marine. This council was very important for managing the navy. He was also made Master of Naval Ordnance from 1546 to 1552. This job meant he was in charge of all the navy's weapons and supplies.
In 1552, he became the Keeper of Queenborough Castle, a castle that protected a naval base. He held this job until 1553.
In December 1546, he was chosen to lead the Council of the Marine. His title was Lieutenant of the Admiralty. He held this very important position until he died in 1564. In 1554, he was also made Vice-Admiral of Suffolk and Vice-Admiral of Norfolk. These roles meant he was in charge of naval matters in those coastal areas.
In 1557, he commanded a fleet with John Clere that was sent to fight against Scotland. Sadly, John Clere died during a battle at Kirkwall.
In October 1558, Sir William was again appointed Vice-Admiral in the Channel. He held this role until January 1559. He continued to lead the Council of the Marine until his death on November 22, 1564. After he died, the position of Lieutenant of the Admiralty was not filled again until 1604.
Sir William Woodhouse's Political Career
Besides his naval work, Sir William Woodhouse was also a Member of Parliament. This meant he helped make laws and represent people in the Parliament of England.
He was elected to Parliament for different areas:
- From 1545 to 1553, he represented Great Yarmouth.
- In 1558, he represented Norfolk.
- From 1559 to 1563, he represented Norwich.
- From 1563 until his death in 1564, he again represented Norfolk.
He was known as being "of Hickling, Norfolk," which was his home area.
Sir William Woodhouse's Family
Sir William Woodhouse was the younger son of John Woodhouse of Waxham. His older brother was also a naval officer, Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Woodhouse.
