Drue Drury (courtier) facts for kids

Sir Drue Drury (born around 1531 – died April 29, 1617) was an important English nobleman and politician. He was a courtier, meaning he served at the royal court, and also a Member of Parliament. This meant he helped make laws in the House of Commons. Sir Drue came from a well-known family; his grandfather, also named Sir Robert Drury, was even the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Early Life and Family

Drue Drury was born around 1531. He was the fifth son of Sir Robert Drury (who lived from about 1503 to 1577) and Elizabeth Brudenell. Even though he was the fifth son, he was the third one to survive to adulthood. His family lived in a place called Hedgerley in Buckinghamshire, England.

His grandfather, Sir Robert Drury (who lived from about 1456 to 1535), was a very important person. He was the Speaker of the House of Commons in 1495. This role is like the leader of the main part of the English government that makes laws. Drue also had two older brothers, Sir Robert Drury and Sir William Drury.

Drue Drury went to Cambridge University, starting his studies in 1544 at St Edmund's Hostel.

A Career in Public Service

Sir Drue Drury had a long and active career in public life, serving both the Queen and the country.

Member of Parliament

He was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. He represented Mitchell in 1559 and Camelford in 1562. Later, in 1584, he was elected as an MP for Norfolk. Being an MP meant he helped discuss and create laws for England.

Serving the Queen

During the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, Sir Drue was a "gentleman usher of the privy chamber." This was a special job where he worked closely with the monarch, helping with their daily life and important meetings. He was generally well-liked by Queen Elizabeth.

In September 1579, he was given the title of "Sir" when he was knighted at Wanstead, Essex.

Important Roles

Sir Drue held several other important positions:

• He was the High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1576. This role was like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
• In 1583, he became the custos rotulorum for Norfolk. This meant he was the main keeper of the county's records and documents.
• In November 1586, he was sent to Fotheringay Castle to help Sir Amias Paulet guard Mary, Queen of Scots. This was a very sensitive and important task.
• In 1596, he was appointed Lieutenant of the Tower of London. This was a very high-ranking position, in charge of the famous Tower of London.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Drue Drury passed away at his home in Riddlesworth, Norfolk, on April 29, 1617. He was about 86 years old.

A famous historian named William Camden described Sir Drue Drury as a very honest and sincere man. He was also known for being a "puritan" in his religion, which meant he followed a strict form of Protestantism.

Family Life

Sir Drue Drury was married twice.

• His first wife was Elizabeth Calthorpe. She was the daughter of Sir Philip Calthorpe and the widow of Sir William Woodhouse. Through her, Sir Drue gained part of the Riddlesworth estate.
• In 1582, he married his second wife, Katherine Finch. She was the daughter and heir of William Finch. This marriage brought him more land, including the manor of Sewards and Perry Court in Kent.

Sir Drue had one son, also named Drue Drury, who later became a baronet. He also had three daughters:

• Elizabeth, who married Sir Thomas Wingfield and then Henry Reynolds.
• Anne, who married Sir Robert Boteler.
• Frances.

Some letters written by Sir Drue and his second wife are kept in the British Library. These letters give us a glimpse into their lives during the late 1500s and early 1600s.

It's important not to confuse Sir Drue Drury with another man named Drue Drury from Eccles and Rollesby, Norfolk. That Drue Drury was knighted in 1603, but he was a different person.