Marmaduke Darrell facts for kids
Marmaduke Darrell (died 1632) was an important English official. He worked for the royal family as a courtier, which means he served at court. He was also an accountant, managing money, and a naval administrator, helping to run the navy.
Marmaduke Darrell owned land and homes in a place called Fulmer in Buckinghamshire.
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Working for the Queen
Darrell was a "Clerk of the Avery" for Elizabeth I. This job meant he was in charge of the queen's horses and the supplies they needed.
Mary, Queen of Scots
He also kept track of all the money spent on Mary, Queen of Scots and her household. Mary was held at Tutbury Castle from 1585 to 1586. Darrell helped create a "diet" or budget for her. This plan showed all the food and supplies her household would need and how much it would cost. For example, Mary needed 12 pounds of sugar each month for her special drinks.
Darrell was present when Mary was executed at Fotheringhay Castle. He wrote a letter to his cousin, William Darrell, describing the event. He said that Mary showed "great courage" during this difficult time.
Mary, Queen of Scots, is believed to have given Marmaduke Darrell an embroidered glove as a gift. This special leather glove has colorful silks and silver thread sewn into it. It is also lined with crimson satin. Today, you can see this glove at the Saffron Walden Museum.
From 1595 to 1623, Marmaduke Darrell had a very important job. He was the "victualler of the ships," also known as the Surveyor of Marine Victuals. This meant he was in charge of making sure all the ships in the navy had enough food and supplies for their journeys. He was also the "Cofferer of the Household," which meant he managed the royal family's daily expenses.
Welcoming a New King
In 1603, James VI of Scotland became the King of England. This event is known as the Union of the Crowns. Marmaduke Darrell was given a lot of money, about £2600, to help organize the arrival of the new queen, Anne of Denmark.
Queen Anne came to England in June 1603. Darrell's job was to arrange for many important courtiers and ladies-in-waiting to meet her at Berwick-upon-Tweed. He also paid for some of the costs of her journey to London. A Venetian diplomat wrote that about 200 horsemen escorted these important ladies north to meet the queen.
Family Life and Legacy
Marmaduke Darrell married a woman named Anne Lennard. They had children, including a son named Sampson Darrell (1594-1635). Sampson followed in his father's footsteps and also became the Surveyor of Marine Victuals. Their daughter, Mary Darrell, married a man named Robert Gorges.
Marmaduke Darrell passed away in March 1632. He was buried at the church of St James in Fulmer. He had paid for this church to be rebuilt in 1610. There is a special monument there with statues of him and his wife.
