Lewes Lewknor | |
---|---|
Born | c.1560 Selsey, Sussex |
Died | 11 March 1627 |
Education | Cambridge University Middle Temple |
Occupation(s) | soldier, lawyer, courtier, Member of Parliament, author, Master of the ceremonies, judge. |
Known for | The Estate of English Fugitives The Commonwealth and Government of Venice |
Sir Lewes Lewknor (c.1560–1627) was an English courtier, M.P., writer, soldier, and Judge[1][2] who served as Master of the Ceremonies to King James I of England. M.P. for Midhurst in 1597 and for Bridgnorth 1604–10.[3] His career has been described as a "tortuous trajectory rich in false starts, byways and rather nebulous interludes...[with] slippery religious and political allegiances".[4]
He was noted for his translations of courtly European literature. Particularly important was the translation of Gasparo Contarini's account of the Venetian republic, The Commonwealth and Government of Venice, which influenced contemporary writers including Shakespeare.
He was also the author of an original work, The Estate of English Fugitives, a polemic attacking the Spanish and the machinations of Catholic clergy, while also defending the rights of English Catholics.
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