James Harrington (1521 - 1592)

Born 1521 in Exton, Rutland, England

Ancestors

Husband of Lucy (Sidney) Harington — married 1538 in Penshurst, Kent, England

Descendants

Died 24 Jan 1592 at about age 71 in Exton, Rutland, England

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Biography

Sir James Harrington was a member of the aristocracy in British Isles.

James, born by 1517, was the eldest son of Sir John Harrington and his wife, Elizabeth. Educated for the law, James was called to the Inner Temple in 1536. He married Lucy, daughter of Sir William Sidney of Penshurst who bore him at least 7 sons and 8 daughters. He succeeded his father on 25 August 1553 shortly after the accession of Queen Mary and entered Parliament for Rutland in November 1554. Despite his protestant leanings he continued to sit throughout the reign.

James was knighted by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester in 1565.

A man of considerable wealth, he built the great hall at Exton which burned down in 1810.

James was Elected to Parliament for the last time in 1589 and was included in Lord Burley’s list of “knights of great possessions” fit to be made barons. He died on 24 January 1592.

Notes

• History of Parliament uses Harington not Harrington

Sources

• Wikipedia: James Harington (Lawyer)

• Wikipedia biography of his son-in-law, Edward Montagu

• History of Parliament online: HARINGTON, James (by 1517-92), Exton, Rutland

• visitation of Rutland Page 38: Harington