Matthew Browne facts for kids

Sir Matthew Browne (1563 – 1 August 1603) was an important person from Surrey, England. He lived at Betchworth Castle. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He was also involved with the famous Globe Theatre in London. Sadly, he died young in a fight in 1603.

Sir Matthew Browne's Family

Matthew Browne was the only son of Sir Thomas Browne and Mabel Fitzwilliam. His mother, Mabel, was the eldest daughter of Sir William Fitzwilliam. Sir William worked for the king and was in charge of Windsor Castle.

Matthew had two sisters. Jane Browne married Sir Oliph Lee. Elizabeth Browne married Robert Honeywood. After Matthew's mother died, his father married Helen Harding. They had another son named Richard Browne.

Sir Matthew Browne's Career

Early Life and Education

Matthew Browne went to Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1576. Later, in 1582, he joined the Inner Temple. This was a place where people studied law. He joined with Nicholas Brend and John Bodley. These two would later be important in his life, especially concerning the Globe Theatre.

Public Service and Knighthood

In 1596, Matthew Browne became a knight. He was knighted by Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, during a military trip to Cadiz. This was a big honor.

In 1600, he became a deputy lieutenant of Surrey. This meant he helped Lord Charles Howard manage the county. In 1601, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Gatton.

Connection to the Globe Theatre

Sketch by Wenceslas Hollar of the second Globe Theatre

In October 1601, Matthew Browne became involved in some important business deals. His friend, Nicholas Brend, who owned parts of the Globe Theatre, was very sick. Nicholas wanted to make sure his debts were paid.

So, Nicholas Brend made a plan with his stepbrother, John Bodley, and Sir Matthew Browne. They would help manage his properties. This included the Globe Theatre. They agreed to pay Nicholas's debts. In return, they would temporarily own parts of his properties. Nicholas Brend died shortly after these agreements were made.

Sir Matthew Browne's Death

Sir Matthew Browne died less than two years later, on 1 August 1603. He was involved in a fight on horseback with a relative, Sir John Townshend. Matthew Browne died right away. Sir John Townshend was also badly hurt and died the next day.

Matthew Browne's son, Ambrose, was only twelve years old when his father died.

Marriage and Children

Matthew Browne married Jane Vincent. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Vincent from Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey.

Together, Matthew and Jane had four sons:

• Sir Ambrose Browne, 1st Baronet
• Edward Browne
• Henry Browne
• Thomas Browne

They also had two daughters:

• Jane Browne, who married Sir Robert Kemp, 2nd Baronet
• Mabel Browne