Robert Dymoke facts for kids
Robert Dymoke (born 1531; died 11 September 1580) was an important person in England during the 1500s. He lived at Scrivelsby in Lincolnshire. He held a special job called the Queen's Champion, which was a very old and honorable role. Robert Dymoke was also a strong Catholic at a time when England's official religion was changing. Because of his beliefs, he was later seen as a martyr.
Robert Dymoke's Life and Beliefs
In 1579, Robert Dymoke welcomed a Catholic priest named Richard Kirkman to his home. This priest became a teacher for Dymoke's sons. At this time, Robert Dymoke sometimes followed the official Anglican religion of England. However, in 1580, he decided to fully return to the Catholic Church. This happened either through Kirkman or another famous Catholic, Edmund Campion.
In July 1580, Robert Dymoke and his wife were accused of attending Catholic Mass and not following the new official religion. By this time, Robert Dymoke was very ill and could not move well. The Bishop of Lincoln, Thomas Cooper, ordered him to be taken to prison in Lincoln. Protestant ministers visited him while he was dying there.
His Family and Heritage
Robert Dymoke was the son of Sir Edward Dymoke. His father also lived in Scrivelsby and held the title of Hereditary King's Champion. This special job of Champion had been in the Dymoke family for many hundreds of years.
Around 1556, Robert Dymoke married Lady Bridget Clinton. She was born around 1536. Lady Bridget was the eldest daughter of Edward Clinton, 1st Earl of Lincoln, and Elizabeth Blount. Robert and Bridget Dymoke had ten children together.
