John Spencer (sheriff)

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Sir John Spencer (1524–8 November 1586) was an English nobleman, knight, sheriff, landowner, and member of Parliament from the Spencer family. He inherited Wormleighton Manor and Althorp, and he was the son of Sir William Spencer and Susan Knightley. His grandfather had bought Wormleighton in 1506. John was eight when his father died in 1532, and his wardship was given to Sir Giles Alington. He likely studied law at the Middle Temple and was knighted on 2 October 1553, the day after Queen Mary I’s coronation.

Spencer served as Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1551–52, 1558–59, 1571–72, and 1583–84. He was elected as Knight of the Shire (MP) for Northamptonshire in April 1554 and again in 1558.

By 1545 he married Katherine Kitson, daughter of Sir Thomas Kitson. They had many children, including John (his eldest son), Elizabeth (who became Baroness Hunsdon), Alice (Countess of Derby), William, Richard, and Anne (Countess of Dorset).

Sir John Spencer died on 8 November 1586 and was buried with his wife in St Mary the Virgin Church, Great Brington, the parish church for Althorp. His epitaph lists his children and their husbands. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir John Spencer (died 1600).