Ancestor – Sir William Waad (Wade)

Sir William Wade traces back to me as follows:

Sir William Wade (12th GG) –> Edward Wade I –> Edward Wade II –> James Andrew Wade –> Colonel Robert Wade –>Stephen Wade–>Susannah Wade–>Marstin Bond–>Richard Wade Bond–>Jesse Franklin Bond–>Joseph M Bond–> Dollie Mae Bond (great grandmother)–>Rosella Shirrell (grandmother)–> Billy Joe Burchett (father)–>Me

Sir William Waad (or Wade), who served as the Lieutenant of the Tower of London in 1609, was a notable figure in Elizabethan and early Stuart England. His career spanned various realms, including diplomacy, espionage, and administration, reflecting the complexity and intrigue of the period. Waad’s tenure as Lieutenant of the Tower of London is particularly significant, as this position placed him at the heart of the political and religious tumult of the time.

Early Life and Career

  • Birth: Sir William Waad was born around 1546, the son of Armagil Waad, an adventurer and diplomat who participated in the early English exploration of North America.
  • Education: He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later at the Inner Temple, reflecting a background that combined scholarly pursuits with legal training.

Public Service

  • Diplomatic Missions: Waad’s career in public service began with diplomatic missions. He was involved in negotiations in France, the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands), and Spain, which were crucial in the context of England’s precarious position in European politics.
  • Involvement in Espionage: His work often intersected with espionage, a critical element of Elizabethan statecraft. He was engaged in gathering intelligence and counter-intelligence efforts, particularly against Spain and in matters related to Catholic plots against the Crown.
  • Clerk of the Privy Council: Before his appointment as Lieutenant of the Tower, Waad served as Clerk of the Privy Council, a position that involved him in the inner workings of the government and in close proximity to the monarch.

Lieutenant of the Tower of London

  • Appointment: Sir William Waad was appointed Lieutenant of the Tower of London in 1605, succeeding Sir George Harvy. This position was not just ceremonial; it placed him in charge of one of the most significant prisons of the time, holding political and religious prisoners.
  • Gunpowder Plot: Waad’s tenure is particularly remembered for its connection to the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot (1605), where he played a role in the interrogation and imprisonment of those accused of involvement in the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
  • Prisoners: As Lieutenant, Waad oversaw the incarceration of several notable prisoners, including Sir Walter Raleigh, who was held in the Tower on charges of treason. Waad’s management of such high-profile inmates was part of his broader responsibilities, which included maintaining the security and order of the Tower.

Later Life and Legacy

  • Removal and Death: Waad was removed from his position as Lieutenant in 1613 under circumstances that suggest political maneuvering and personal rivalries. He died in 1623.
  • Legacy: Sir William Waad’s life and career reflect the intricate web of politics, religion, and espionage that characterized Elizabethan and early Stuart England. His role as Lieutenant of the Tower of London during a particularly turbulent period makes him a figure of historical significance.

Waad’s contributions and the challenges he faced during his tenure as Lieutenant of the Tower offer valuable insights into the complexities of governance, security, and diplomacy in early modern England. His involvement in key historical events and his management of the Tower of London during a time of political plots and religious conflict highlight his importance in English history.

Leave a Reply