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Biography of John Harington 1st Baron Harington 1540-1613

Paternal Family Tree: Harrington

Maternal Family Tree: Anne Pakenham 1485-1544

1603 Coronation of James I

1613 Marriage of Elizabeth Stewart and Frederick V Elector Palatine

1613 Thomas Overbury Murder and Trial of his Murderers

In 1540 John Harington 1st Baron Harington was born to James Harrington (age 29) and Lucy Sidney (age 20).

In 1573 John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 33) and Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 19) were married. His father James Harrington (age 62) gave him Burley-on-the-Hill House as a wedding present.

In 1580 [his daughter] Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford was born to John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 40) and [his wife] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 26).

On 21 Feb 1581 [his father-in-law] Robert Keilway (age 84) died. His only child [his wife] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 27) and her husband John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 41) inherited the Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire [Map] and Coombe Abbey [Map] estates.

After 21 Feb 1581. Church of St Peter and St Paul, Exton, Rutlandshire [Map]. Elizabethan Period monument to [his father-in-law] Robert Keilway (deceased). This memorial is attributed by Pevsner to Nicholas Johnson and by others to Nicholas Stone. Made of various marbles, a large standing wall monument of 1580, richly decorated and with a recumbent and kneeling figures of the whole family, in an aedicule, capped by obelisk, arms, etc.

His son-in-law John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 41).

His daughter Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 27).

His grandson Kelwey who died aged 21 weeks.

His grand-daughter Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 1).

His feet resting on a horse with its head turned back.

A Harpy. The begin to appear at the end of the 16th Century - see All Saints Church, Turvey [Map].

The same armorial on both sides include Harrington Arms, Keilway Arms

His arms quartered 1: Keilway Arms.

A separate wall mounted monument to Robert Keilway with the inscription "Here lies Robert Keylway a distinguished esquire among civilians (whilst he lived), renowned for talent, learning and virtue, who loved retirement, lived as a Christian and died in the Lord on the 21st of February 1581 in the year of our Salvation, 1580, and the 84th year of his age. He left Anne his sole heiress and only dearly loved daughter married to John Harrington of Exton, Knt, whom he had always affectionately loved as a son and friend, by which Anne the said John had during the life of the aforesaid Robert two children, a son, Kelwey, who died Dec. 2nd, 1570, 21 weeks old, and lies buried here with his grandfather, and also a daughter Lucy still surviving, and may God grant her a long life. To pay, therefore, a just tribute to so dear and affectionate a parent and to leave to posterity an evidence of their deep gratitude, the said John and Anne have raised this. Monument and dedicated to their father, Keylwey, and their son Keylwey (to their lasting memory if it so please God) and design it, if God will, as a sepulchre for themselves also".

Around 1590 Unknown Painter. Portrait of John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 50).

Around 1591 [his mother] Lucy Sidney (age 71) died at Exton, Rutlandshire.

In 1592 [his son] John Harrington 2nd Baron Harington was born to John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 52) and [his wife] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 38).

On 24 Jan 1592 [his father] James Harrington (age 81) died. He was buried in the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Exton, Rutlandshire [Map]. Monument to James Harrington and [his mother] Lucy Sidney. A large standing Elizabethan Period monument with 2 kneeling figures at a prie-dieu in a double aedicule. Wrought in various marbles and enriched with low-relief carving, strapwork etc. surmounted by obelisk, and arms. Stylistically similar to the monument to Robert Keilway. Possibly sculpted by Nicholas Johnson or Nicholas Stone (age 5).

Lucy Sidney: James Harrington and she were married. Around 1520 she was born to William Sidney and Anne Pakenham at Penshurst, Kent. Around 1591 Lucy Sidney died at Exton, Rutlandshire.

On 12 Dec 1594 [his son-in-law] Edward Russell 3rd Earl Bedford (age 21) and [his daughter] Lucy Harrington Countess Bedford (age 14) were married at St Dunstan's Church Stepney. She by marriage Countess Bedford. She brought an enormous dowry of £10000 and the estate of Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire [Map].

In Jan 1596 John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 56) produced a performance of Titus Andronicus and a masque written by his brother-in-law Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton (age 34) at Burley-on-the-Hill House. The event was mentioned in a letter from Jacques Petit to his master Anthony Bacon (age 47).

Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton: Around 1562 he was born to Thomas Wingfield of Kimbolton Castle and Honora Denny. Before 1603 Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton and Mary Harrington were married. In 1603 Edward Wingfield of Kimbolton died.

Anthony Bacon: In 1549 he was born to Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper and Anne Cooke. In 1601 Anthony Bacon died.

Coronation of James I

On 21 Jul 1603 King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 37) created a number of new Baronies ...

Thomas Egerton (age 63) was created 1st Baron Ellesmere. Alice Spencer Countess Derby (age 54) by marriage Baroness Ellesmere.

Robert Spencer (age 33) was created 1st Baron Spencer Wormleighton.

John Harrington (age 63) was created 1st Baron Harington of Exton. [his wife] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 49) by marriage Baroness Harington of Exton.

Marriage of Elizabeth Stewart and Frederick V Elector Palatine

After 20 Feb 1613 Frederick Palatinate Simmern V Elector Palatine Rhine (age 16) and Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia (age 16) commenced their journey to his home at Heidelburg. They visited Prince Maurice I of Orange (age 45). They arrived in Heidelburg on 12 Jun 1613 amidst widespread celebration.

John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 73) and [his wife] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 59)

Sisters Elizabeth Apsley and Alice Apsley travelled as Maids of Honour to Princess Elizabeth Stewart Queen Bohemia.

Letters of the Court of James I 1613 Reverend Thomas Lorkin Sir Thomas Puckering Baronet 08 Jul 1613. 08 Jul 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).

Painters and poets may lie by privilege; but such as undertake to make relation of things that pass, should tell naught but truth. Pardon me, therefore, if I must now revoke what in my last letters I writ for certain, touching the swearing of Sir David Murray and Sir Robert Carr (age 35) in his highness's bedchamber. I received it very confidently from Sir John Harrington's (age 73) mouth. But I have found since, by my inquiry, that they only procured the king's warrant, which met with afterwards that opposition from the lords, as it rests yet doubtful whether and when it shall take effect. The prince's household is not yet settled; yesterday the council sat about it, and the opinion was that the king would then sign the book.

My Lord Stanhope's (age 64)1 son (age 20) is lately fallen lunatic; and the little hope that is conceived of his recovery makes divers of your friends think that it was your hard fortune to be no more forward in embracing those offers which were formerly made you out of that house.

You have heard long since, I suppose, of the great difference between my Lord of Essex (age 22) and his lady (age 23), who hath most earnestly sued for a divorce, pretending the only cause to be of her husband's insufficiency; who confesseth it towards her, though he esteems himself well enough provided for any other. It was expected that a nullity of marriage should have been pronounced by my Lord of Canterbury (age 50) at the end of last term, but the sentence is deferred to the term following; which, if it be given in favour of her, it is generally believed that a match shall be concluded between my Lord of Rochester (age 26) and her: thereby to reconcile him and the house of Howard together, who are now far enough asunder.

The news of the great entertainment at the Palatine's I court is but newly arrived here. It consists chiefly in matter of good cheer, after the fashion of the country. They talk of I know not how many hundred tables which should be every day prepared; but you will easily proportion them out yourself, when you shall hear of the number of mouths, which were no fewer, every meal, than 6000. The same messenger brings tidings that her grace is with child, and that there wants not the concurrence of all sach tokens and probabilities as are usually observed in women in that state and condition.

The Duke of Lennox (age 38)2 arrived in Paris on Saturday last, as we are informed here, having made that the way of his return home from Heidelberg. He pretends the occasion of his stay there to be, the seeking to obtain the command of the company of horse which our Prince Charles had, when he was but Duke of York. But, though made an absolute refusal of it before his coming, he having employed himself in that business by commission from our king, the true cause of his stay is thought to be a treaty of marriage between Prince Charles and Madame Christine, which, having been long time negociated by Sir Thomas Edraondes, is thought shall receive its final conclusion from him.

Sir Thomas Waller (deceased), governor of Dover Castle, is lately dead. His place is already disposed of; but I cannot say certainly how. Sir Thomas Somerset (age 34)3 inquires very kindly after you, and you shall do well to omit no good means of entertaining his good opinion still.

Note 1. John, created an English baron by the title of Lord Stanhope of Harrington, May 4, 1605. He died March 9, 1621, leaving issue one daughter only. [Note. He left issue Charles Stanhope 2nd Baron Stanhope, Elizabeth Stanhope Lady Talmash and Catherine Stanhope Countess Leinster]

Note 2. Lodovick Stuart. He was high chamberlain and admiral of Scotland, and in 1601 was Bent by James ambassador to the court of France. In October, 1613, he was created Baron Setrington and Earl of Richmond. He filled the offices of master of the hoasehold, first gentleman of the bedchamber, was invested with the garter, and appointed commissioner to the parliament; and, in 1623, was further advanced to the dignities of the Earl of Newcastle and Duke of Richmond. Though twice married, the Duke of Lennox died without issue, in February. 1624.

Note 3. Third son of Edward, Earl of Worcester (age 63). He was afterwards created Viscount Somerset of Cassel (Cashel) in Ireland.

Thomas Overbury Murder and Trial of his Murderers

Letters of the Court of James I 1613 Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Sir Thomas Puckering Baronet 12 Aug 1613. 12 Aug 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).

First, touching the business which you so particularly commended unto me at our last being together at Florence, Italy, I have had hitherto very small opportunity of dealing farther in it than pressing Mr. Newton (age 33) for his advice and furtherance. For in this general absence of the court, when king, queen, and prince are all in several progresses, little or no means hath been yet offered. Sir Robert Cary (age 53)1, as your brother telleth me, is the fittest man to be dealt with in that kind, to whom I shall most willingly likewise address myself, as having best means to him. Only I attend some further directions from Mr. Newton both for the nature of the place I should sue for, and how I should govern myself in my offers for the accomplishment of it.

For news, that which is of chiefest moment is this. There hath lately happened in the Palatine's court a strange quarrel between the English and Scots, and that in this manner and upon this occasion. Sir Andrew Keigh, a Scotsman, that is in some office about the Palatine, happening one day to contest with my [his wife] Lady Harrington (age 59)2 upon some point in her grace's presence, [he proceeded] to that insolency at the length, as he gave her the lie; and not content therewith (to verify that of the orator, "qui vere cundiæ fines semel transierit, eum benè et gnavitèr oportet esse impudentem," [Note. she who truly has once crossed the bounds of grace must be shameless]) fell to debase my lord (age 73) likewise with very base and opprobrious speeches. Mr. Bushell, who, as I understand, was the only man of all my lord's followers that was then present, finding Keigh not long after in a fit place for that purpose, offered him the combat in defence of his lord's and lady's honour; and as both were ready to draw, another Scotsman, who was in Keigh's company, interposed himself, and suffered not them to proceed then any farther. Being thus parted, my Lord Harrington sent for Mr. Bushell to his chamber (whether to wish him to be quiet, or for what other occasion I know not). In the mean time, this Keigh [at the] head of four or five Scotsmen more, himself being provided, besides his sword, with a square bastinado and a dagger, the rest with the [sword] only, lies in wait to set apon Mr. Bashell at his return: [who, as he was] coming from my lord, and not dreaming of any such enterprise, and going to put his foot in his stirrup to mount up upon his horse, (for my lord's [lodging and his] were far asunder), lo! Keigh steps forth, striking him, [and with the] bastinado fells him: yet presently he recovered himself, and, offering to rise, received a second blow upon the head, and was felled a second time. Notwithstanding all this, he recovered himself again, and drew out his sword in his own defence, being all idone; when all the rest laid about him with their swords, and, being five to one, wounded him very grievously, as having run him through the body, and into divers parts no less than twelve times. During this conflict, Mr. Gray, another of my lord's gentlemen, coming forth, received a thrust in the hand, but not without leaving some of the marks likewise upon them. After that came her grace's coachman, and took part with Mr. Gray (for Mr. Bushell was now left for dead) and hurt two or three of the Scots; who, not daring to abide to fight any longer, partly for fear of others that might come in, and partly for that they supposed their chief enemy either dead or not likely to live, presently quitted the place, and betook themselves to flight. But there was suddenly way made after them, and they all brought back again. Sir Andrew Keigh was confined to his chamber under a sure guard, the rest committed to the ordinary prison; and a messenger presently despatched over into England to understand his majesty's pleasure touching this subject; who has scarcely as yet received the news thereof. Mr. Bushell nevertheless is yet living, and not without hope of recovery. My Lord and Lady Harrington purpose to return for England this month, and to bring him along with them, (which they may well do by water) if they find him any way able to endure it.

Upon their arrival. [his son] Sir John Harrington (age 21)3 purposeth to go and take possession of his government in Guernsey [Map], which he hath lately obtained by an exchange which he hath made between it and a reversion of an office formerly granted him of being master in the King's Bench.

My Lord of Essex's (age 22) cause hath had no hearings of late, and is remitted over to the 18th day of this next new month. Two new commissioners are adjoined to the former, viz., the Bishops of Winchester (age 66)4 and Rochester (age 51)5 that their voice in favour of the nullity may be able to counterpoise the contrary opposition of Canterbury and London.

The Lord Chief Justice Fleming (deceased) is lately dead, and Hobart and Montagu suitors for the place.

In my last letters I acquainted you with the stirs that were at Nismes upon occasion of M. Ferrier, some time their minister. M. le Conestable, who resides in those parts, hath made such a grievous complaint thereof unto the queen (age 11)6, as she hath taken a resolution thereupon to translate, by way of punishment, the presidial seat of justice, which is there, to Beaucaire, a neighbour Catholic town, hard by; which, if it once come to be put in execution, is like to occasion far greater stirs in those quarters.

Note 1. Fourth son of Henry Cary Lord Hunsdon, and grandson of William Cary, Esq., who married Mary Boleyn, sister to Queen Anne Boleyn. Sir Robert Cary was created by King James I (age 47), Lord Gary of Lepingdon, in Yorkshire, and by King Charles I (age 12), Earl of Monmooth.

Note 2. Anne, daughter and sole heir of [his father-in-law] Robert Kelway, Esq, surveyor of the Court of Wards, and wife of Sir John Harrington, created 21st July, 1603, by King James the First, Lord Harrington of Exton in Rutland. He had the tuition of the Lady Elizabeth (age 16), whom he attended, in April, 1613, to the Palatinate; and died in the same year.

Note 3. Son of Lord Harrington. He died in February, 1613-14.

Note 4. Dr. Bilson.

Note 5. Dr. John Buckridge.

Note 6. Queen of France.

On 23 Aug 1613 John Harington 1st Baron Harington (age 73) died. His son [his son] John Harrington 2nd Baron Harington (age 21) succeeded 2nd Baron Harington of Exton.

Letters of the Court of James I 1613 Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Sir Thomas Puckering Baronet 26 Aug 1613. 26 Aug 1613. .London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).

Queen Margaret (age 60)1, I hear, is very sick, they say, out of conceit; for that it hath been told her, that the almanac doth foretel that this month one of the greatest women of Christendom shall die. The world would laugh, if so great a woman as she is (saith mine author) should have so little wit, as to be put to death by an almanac. The Prince of Conde (age 24), having overheated his body lately in hunting of the stag, fell into a burning ague, and was in some danger for four or five days; but now the violence of the disease being spent, there is a good hope conceived of his recovery.

The Duke d'Espernon (age 59), pretending to live in great fear of his life by reason of the mortal hatred, which divers of his enemies bear him, hath obtained of the queen, for better security, a guard of twenty men taken out of the regiment des gardes who accompany him up and down, wherever he goes; which is offensive to many, who think it strange that the public guard should be employed in the maintaining of his particular factions.

One Recion, a printer of the Religion, having long since reprinted the book of "Novus Homo," (which was published here in England before against the present Pope) was condemned by the Judge of the Chatelet to make an amende honorable before the court, and another before the Nuncio; the further sentence was, that the book should be burned at the Nuncio's gates; and the printer himself banished for ever out of Paris. From which sentence he appealing to the Court of Parliament, they have remitted all his other punishments, save banishment, and that they have restrained only to two years.

Those of the Religion having begun to build a college at Charenton, for the instruction of their youth, the lieutenant-civil adjourned the deputies-general to appear before him, to answer the matter; but they sent him word they were responsible to none but the chancellor, and do not let to go forward with the building; being confident they are sufficiently warranted thereunto by the grants and license of the last king. Richeome, the Jesuit, hath newly set forth at Bordeaux an answer of "Anti-Coton" and La Martaliere's Plea against the Jesuits, and I understand that Suarez2, the Jesuit, hath newly set forth a great book in quarto at Coimbra, in answer to his majesty's apology. The quarrel between the King of Denmark and the States' is now at length happily compounded. My Lord Harrington (deceased) and his [his former wife] lady (age 59) are, by this, I suppose, arrived in England, having left the Palatine's court above a fortnight since. Sir John is gone to meet them at Calais; otherwise, I suppose, your letter should ere now have received answer. Some time next week, if not the latter end of this, his majesty is expected here in London.

Note 1. The first wife of Henry IV of France, from whom she was divorced. She died 27th March, 1615.

Note 2. Francis Saurez, a Spanish theologian, who attacked James in a work written in defence of Catholicism, to which the king thought proper to reply by the hands of the hangman; a functionary who seems to have been much troabled at this period with the writings of zealoas controversialists. Saarez pablished twenty-three folio volumes, and died at Lisbon in 1613.

In 1620 [his former wife] Anne Keilway Baroness Harington (age 66) died.

[his daughter] Frances Harrington was born to John Harington 1st Baron Harington and Anne Keilway Baroness Harington.

Royal Ancestors of John Harington 1st Baron Harington 1540-1613

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 20 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 22 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 20 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd

Kings Franks: Great x 26 Grand Son of Charles "Charlemagne aka Great" King Franks King Lombardy Holy Roman Emperor

Kings France: Great x 18 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King France

Royal Descendants of John Harington 1st Baron Harington 1540-1613

Diana Spencer Princess Wales

Ancestors of John Harington 1st Baron Harington 1540-1613

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Harrington

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Harrington

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Harrington

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Culpepper

Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Culpepper

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Harrington

GrandFather: John Alexander Harrington

Father: James Harrington

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Moton of Peckleton in Leicestershire

GrandMother: Elizabeth Moton

John Harington 1st Baron Harington

Great x 2 Grandfather: William IV Sidney

Great x 1 Grandfather: Nicholas Sidney

GrandFather: William Sidney

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Brandon

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Brandon

Great x 3 Grandmother: Ada Calthorpe

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne Brandon

Mother: Lucy Sidney

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Pakenham

Great x 1 Grandfather: Hugh Pakenham

GrandMother: Anne Pakenham