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Sir Henry Maynard
MaynardArms.jpg
Arms for Maynard of Estaines Parva
Born 1547
Died 1610 (aged 62–63)
Resting place Little Easton Church
Nationality English
Occupation politician, secretary and landowner
Known for secretary to Lord Burghley
Spouse(s) Susan Pearson
Parent(s) John and Dorothy Maynard
17th-century Henry Maynard monument Church of St Mary Little Easton Essex England
Henry Maynard monument in the Church of St Mary, Little Easton

Sir Henry Maynard (1547–1610) was an important English politician. He worked as a secretary for Lord Burghley, who was a very powerful advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Over time, Sir Henry also became a very rich landowner.

Sir Henry's Family Background

Henry Maynard was born in 1547. His father was John Maynard. John was a MP for St Albans. This meant he was elected to represent his area in the English Parliament. Henry's mother was Dorothy, the daughter of Robert Perrot.

His Career in Politics

Sir Henry Maynard was the secretary to Lord Burghley. Lord Burghley was the Lord High Treasurer, which meant he was in charge of the country's money. Because of his important job, Sir Henry was able to buy a lot of land. He became a major landowner, especially in the area of Essex.

He was elected as an MP for St. Albans several times. He served in Parliament in 1586, 1588, 1592, and 1597. In Parliament, he helped with laws about different topics. He was also chosen to represent Essex in the Parliament of 1601.

In 1603, during the last year of Queen Elizabeth I's rule, he was the High Sheriff of Essex. This was an important local role. The Queen herself made him a knight, giving him the title "Sir."

When King James I became king in 1603, Sir Henry was given another important job. He became a Deputy Lieutenant for Essex. This role helped the Lord Lieutenant manage the county.

In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I visited the manor of Tooting Graveney. Sir Henry had bought this property a few years earlier. It is likely that the Queen stayed as his guest during her visit.

His Family Life

Sir Henry Maynard married Susan Pearson. Susan's father, Thomas Pearson, worked for the Star Chamber, which was a famous English court. Susan inherited some properties, including two inns in London.

Sir Henry and Susan had eight sons. Their oldest son, William, later became the first Lord Maynard. Another son, John, became a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor given by the king. Charles Maynard, another son, worked for the government during the time of King Charles II. Charles was the father of Sir William Maynard, 1st Baronet.

His Later Life and Legacy

Sir Henry Maynard wrote his will on August 20, 1609. He passed away on May 11, 1610. In his will, he left money to his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. He also left his London properties to his son Charles. His son Francis received money and properties in Warwickshire.

Sir Henry was buried at Little Easton, in Essex. This was near Easton Lodge, a property that Queen Elizabeth I had given him in 1590.

His tomb has an inscription that tells us about him:

"Here resteth, in assured hope to rise in Christ, Henry Maynard, Knight, descended of the ancient family of Maynard, in the county of Devon; and Dame Susan, his wife, daughter and one of the coheirs of Thomas Pierson, Esq. to whom she bear eight sonnes and two daughters. He died 11 May 1610, and was survived by his wife, six sons, and two daughters, then living."

—Little Easton Church
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