Francis Southwell (died 1581) was and English politician.
Southwell was the third son of Francis Southwell and Dorothy, daughter and co-heiress of William Tendring. [1] He was born about 1510. His eldest brother was Richard Southwell. Another brother was Robert Southwell. [2]
In 1536 Southwell served on the royal commission that set the values of monasteries in Norfolk and Suffolk during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. After this, he acquired a series of royal leases during the late 1530s and early 1540s, before becoming an auditor of the Exchequer in November 1542. He continued to serve as a royal official in other commissions through the end of the 1540s. He served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Hertfordshire in 1554 and was MP for St. Albans in 1558. [2]
Southwell first married Alice, daughter of William Standish. She died childless. On 6 August 1560, he married Barbara, daughter of John Spencer of Rendlesham Suffolk, who was the widow of Richard Catlyn (d. 1556) of Norwich and Honingham, Norfolk. [2]
Southwell died on 19 Nov 1581, with his heir being his eldest son Miles. His will mentioned a daughter and other sons. [2]