Arthur Atye facts for kids
Sir Arthur Atye or Atey (died 1604) was an important English academic and politician. He was known for his work at Oxford University and his many years serving in the English Parliament.
Sir Arthur Atye's Life
Arthur Atye studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. He earned his first degree in 1560. Four years later, in 1564, he completed his master's degree. He was a special scholar at Merton College, Oxford. In 1572, he became the head of St Alban Hall, which was another part of the university.
Between 1566 and 1568, Arthur Atye went on a special trip to Spain. This was a diplomatic mission. It meant he was representing England to another country. He worked with John Man on this important journey.
Sir Arthur Atye was elected to Parliament many times. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several towns:
- Liverpool in 1572 and 1584
- Fowey in 1589
- Shaftesbury in 1593
- Dunwich in 1597
- Bere Alston in 1604
He worked as a secretary for powerful leaders. First, he was secretary to Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester. Later, he worked for Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. He also translated political books from Spanish into English. In 1603, he was given the special title of "Sir" (knighted).
Arthur Atye was also involved in trade. He was part of a group that traded with Morocco. Other traders in this group included Alexander Avenon and Richard Staper. A rich merchant named Benedict Barnham even left money to Atye and his wife.
Sir Arthur Atye lived in Kilburn when he passed away. He also owned land and houses in other places near London. He was buried in Harrow-on-the-Hill. His oldest son, Robert, was still young when his father died.
Sir Arthur Atye's Family
Arthur Atye was married twice. His first wife was Anne Quarles. She was the widow of William Ricthorne. Anne passed away in 1583, and they did not have any children together.
Later, he married Judith. She was the daughter of Walter Hungerford from Cadenham, Wiltshire. Arthur and Judith had three or four sons. They also had one daughter. After Arthur Atye died, his widow Judith married Sir John Dormer.
