John Fortescue (16th century)

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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 she died. Many of his children followed his path in politics, holding positions in Parliament.[Sir John Fortescue of Salden] by Jorge H. Castelli, accessed July 16, 2006

He led a largely undistinguished career in Parliament prior to his accession to the chancellorship, serving in several districts, and he continued to serve in Parliament after loosing 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 Dutchy of Lancaster, as well as the keeper of the wardrobe.[1911 Encyclopedia Britannica article] on John Fortescue from JRank, accessed July 16, 2006

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

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