Adrian Stokes (courtier) facts for kids

Famous portrait of Adrian Stokes and Frances Grey, made by George Vertue in 1748. But recently identified as portrait of Mary Fiennes, Baroness Dacre and her son Gregory

Adrian Stokes (born March 4, 1519, died November 3, 1585) was an important person in the English royal court and a politician. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He is known for marrying Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk. She was a relative of the royal family.

Adrian Stokes's Life and Family

Adrian Stokes was probably born into a noble family. His family came from Prestwold, Leicestershire. He became a trusted helper at the royal court.

Marriage to Frances Grey

Adrian Stokes became the Master of the Horse for Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk. This meant he was in charge of her horses and stables. He married Frances Grey on March 1, 1555. This was about a year after her first husband had died. Frances Grey was a very important person. She was the mother of Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly Queen of England. Adrian and Frances had three children together. Sadly, all of their children died when they were very young.

Life After Frances Grey's Death

Frances Grey, the Duchess of Suffolk, passed away in 1559. She left Adrian Stokes the right to use most of her land for the rest of his life. This included large estates like Beaumanor in Leicestershire.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Because he held important lands, Adrian Stokes was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Leicestershire in the English House of Commons in 1559. This was a very important job. It meant he helped make laws for the country.

His Religious Beliefs

In 1564, Adrian Stokes was known as a strong Protestant. He helped make sure people went to church. He also helped find people who refused to attend the official church services.

Second Marriage and Later Life

Adrian Stokes was elected as an MP for Leicestershire again in 1571. In October 1571, his stepdaughter, Lady Mary Grey, asked to live with him. She wanted to live at his home in Beaumanor.

Marriage to Anne Carew

The next year, Adrian Stokes married Anne Carew. Anne was the daughter of Sir Nicholas Carew. She was also the widow of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton. Sir Nicholas was a famous diplomat and politician. Anne already had many children from her first marriage. She had ten sons and three daughters. After Adrian and Anne were safely married, Lady Mary Grey was allowed to live at Beaumanor. Adrian also took over Sir Nicholas Throckmorton's job. He became the keeper of Brigstock Park in Northamptonshire.

Challenges and Difficulties

Adrian's second marriage brought him control of many estates. But it also meant he had to pay for the court expenses and dowries for his stepdaughters. A dowry was money or property given when a woman married. Being the keeper of Brigstock Park also caused him problems. He had legal fights over hunting and other issues.

In Warwickshire, Adrian Stokes became known for causing damage to a church. This was the church at Astley. He pulled down the church's tall spire instead of fixing it. He also removed the valuable lead from the roof.

Adrian Stokes died in 1585. He was buried in the chapel at Beaumanor.