Robert Amadas facts for kids

Robert Amadas (born before 1490 – died April 7, 1532) was a skilled goldsmith in London. He created beautiful items for important people, including King Henry VIII and his royal court. Robert Amadas also held important jobs for the King. He was the Master of the King's Jewel House, meaning he looked after all the King's valuable jewels. He was also one of the Deputy Masters of the Mint, helping to manage the place where coins were made.

Robert's Family Background

Robert Amadas was the son of William Amadas, who was also a goldsmith in London. Robert had three brothers named John, Thomas, and William. Robert's uncle, John Amadas, was also a goldsmith.

Robert's Career as a Goldsmith

Robert Amadas learned the art of goldsmithing from his father. He joined the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a special group for goldsmiths, in 1492. By 1494, he was a fully recognized member. He became a leader in the Company, serving as a Warden in 1511 and 1515. He was even the Prime Warden, the top leader, in 1524 and again in 1530.

Robert Amadas was known as the main person who supplied gold and silver to the King and his court. Many records show that he received payments for gold and silver items. These items included fancy plates and gifts that the King gave out, especially as New Year's presents. For example, in January 1532, the King gave Robert Amadas a New Year's gift of valuable silver plate. In return, Robert gave the King six gold coins. Some people think that Robert Amadas might have marked his goldsmith work with a heart symbol, as a clever play on his last name.

Managing the King's Jewels

Robert Amadas started helping to manage the King's jewels as early as 1524. On April 20, 1526, he was officially named the Master of the King's Jewel House. He kept this important job until he died in 1532. After his death, Thomas Cromwell took over the role.

After Robert Amadas passed away, special officials were asked to count all the King's jewels that Robert had been looking after. Three books were made to list everything. The King himself signed two of these books, and Robert's wife, Elizabeth, signed all three.

Working at the Royal Mint

Before 1526, Robert Amadas also became one of the deputies to the Master of the Mint, William Blount, 4th Baron Mountjoy. The Mint was the place where all the King's money was made. In 1526, the coins were changed, and a new agreement was made between Lord Mountjoy and his deputies, Robert Amadas and Ralph Rowlett.

Later, some issues came up about how the Mint was being run. In 1530, Lord Mountjoy started a lawsuit because he was worried about money being lost from the Mint. We don't know how this lawsuit ended. However, in December 1530, Lord Mountjoy chose a new deputy for the Mint, a goldsmith named Hugh Welshe.

Later Life and Will

In 1531, Robert Amadas was offered the job of Sheriff of London, but he turned it down. He wrote his will on July 3, 1531. In his will, he asked to be buried in his local church, St Mary Woolnoth. He named his wife, Elizabeth, as the person in charge of carrying out his wishes. He also asked important people like Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, Sir Thomas More, and Richard Rich to help oversee his will.

Robert Amadas left a gold cup worth a lot of money to the King. He also gave money to other people, including John Freeman, who had learned goldsmithing from him. Robert's will was officially approved on November 28, 1533. After his death, all the items in his shop were counted and put up for sale.

In July 1533, a woman named Elizabeth Amadas made some comments that were seen as disloyal to King Henry VIII. She was arrested for these comments.

Robert's Marriage and Children

Robert Amadas married Elizabeth Bryce. Her grandfather, Sir Hugh Bryce, was also a goldsmith and even served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1485.

Robert and Elizabeth Amadas had two daughters:

• Elizabeth Amadas married Richard Scrope. They had a daughter named Frances Scrope. Frances later married Martin Bowes, whose father, Sir Martin Bowes, had worked with Robert Amadas at the Mint.
• Thomasine Amadas was the first wife of Sir Richard Stapleton. They had a son named Brian Stapleton.

After Robert Amadas died, his widow, Elizabeth, married again on August 28, 1532. Her second husband was Sir Thomas Neville, a lawyer and a Speaker of the House of Commons. Elizabeth passed away before her second husband.