John Fortescue of Salden

Sir John Fortescue of Salden (c. 1531 or 1533 – 23 December 1607) was the third Chancellor of the Exchequer of England, serving from 1589 until 1603.

He was the son of Adrian Fortescue and his wife Anne. Fortescue had six children with his first wife and one more child with his second wife after the first died. Many of his children followed his path in politics, holding positions in Parliament. [http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Bios/JohnFortescueofSalden.htm Sir John Fortescue of Salden] by Jorge H. Castelli, accessed July 16, 2006] His son Adrian Fortescue was martyred and has been beatified.

He led a largely undistinguished career in Parliament prior to his accession to the chancellorship, serving in several districts (including for Wallingford), and he continued to serve in Parliament after losing that title. Fortescue also held the position of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1601 to his death. Fortescue served under Queen Elizabeth I and was knighted in 1592. When King James I came to the throne in 1603, Fortescue advocated restrictions on his power, in part in order to limit the appointment of Scottish people. These reforms were not implemented, and a result, James dismissed him from his position as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He retained, however, his position in Parliament and as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as well as the keeper of the wardrobe. [ [http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/FLA_FRA/FORTESCUE_SIR_JOHN_c_1531_1607_.html 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica article] on John Fortescue from JRank, accessed July 16, 2006]

Fortescue was buried in Mursley Church in Buckinghamshire, England, where a monument has been erected in his honour.

References

Persondata
NAME=Fortescue, John, Sir
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Fortescue of Salden, John, Sir
SHORT DESCRIPTION=16th century English politician and Chancellor of the Exchequer
DATE OF BIRTH=1531 or 1533
PLACE OF BIRTH=Holborn, London, England
DATE OF DEATH=23 December 1607
PLACE OF DEATH=