Edward Rogers (comptroller) facts for kids
Sir Edward Rogers (born around 1498 – died 3 May 1568) was an important English gentleman. He worked for the royal family in many different jobs during the time of the Tudor kings and queens. He became a top official, serving as the Comptroller and Vice-Chamberlain of the Household for Queen Elizabeth I from 1560 until his death in 1568.
Life of Sir Edward Rogers
Edward Rogers was born in about 1498. His father was George Rogers and his mother was Elizabeth. Before 1528, Edward married Mary Lisle. She was the daughter of Sir John Lisle. Edward and Mary had three daughters and one son:
- George, who inherited his father's property.
- Jane, who married Thomas Throckmorton.
- Anne, who married Thomas Harmon.
- Mary, who married John Chettel.
Serving the Royal Family
Edward Rogers began working for King Henry VIII before 1534. He was an Esquire of the Body, which meant he was a personal attendant to the king.
During the Dissolution of the Monasteries, King Henry VIII closed down many religious houses. Edward Rogers was given the land of a former nunnery in Cannington, Somerset. This became his family's main home. He also worked as a Justice of the Peace in Dorset and Somerset. This job meant he helped keep law and order in those areas. In 1547, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Tavistock. This was the same year King Henry VIII died.
Rogers had some disagreements with the powerful Seymour family. However, when the Lord Protector (who ruled for the young King Edward VI) lost power in 1549, Rogers' career improved. He was made a knight at the crowning of King Edward VI in 1549. He also served Edward as one of his main gentlemen in the private royal rooms. As part of Edward's council, he saw the king's will. This will named Lady Jane Grey as the next queen.
Rogers was a knight of the shire (another type of Member of Parliament) for Somerset for most of Queen Mary I's reign. He was elected in 1553, 1558, 1559, and 1563. Sir Edward was a strong Protestant. He did not agree with Queen Mary bringing back Catholicism to England. Because of this, he was put in the Tower of London in 1554. He was let out in January 1555. He was officially forgiven in July after paying a large sum of money to promise he would keep the peace.
When Queen Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, she gave him important jobs. She made him Vice-Chamberlain, Captain of the Guard, and a Privy Councillor. She did this because his old friend, Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, recommended him. In 1560, he became Comptroller of the Household. This happened when Sir Thomas Parry moved to a different important job. Rogers kept the job of Comptroller until he died in 1568.
Sir Edward Rogers' granddaughter, Mary Rogers, married Sir John Harington on 6 September 1583. John Harington was Queen Elizabeth I's godson.
