Robert Jermyn (1539–1614) facts for kids
Sir Robert Jermyn (1539–1614) was an important landowner and judge in East Anglia, England. He had very strong religious beliefs. He also served in the English Parliament, which is like today's government, at different times between 1584 and 1589.
Sir Robert Jermyn's Life
Robert Jermyn was born in 1539. His father was Sir Ambrose Jermyn. Robert might have studied at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in 1550. Later, in 1561, he joined the Middle Temple, which is a place where lawyers are trained.
In 1577, Robert inherited his family's large estates in Suffolk. This included Rushbrooke Hall, a very big Tudor mansion with a moat around it. Around this time, he also became a local judge.
In 1578, Queen Elizabeth I made him a knight. This meant he was called "Sir Robert." The Queen even visited him at Rushbrooke Hall that same year! In 1579, he became the High Sheriff of Suffolk. This was a very important job, like being the chief law enforcement officer for the county.
His Time in Parliament
Sir Robert had very strong Protestant beliefs. Because of these views, he was removed from his judge position for a while, from 1583 to 1593.
During this time, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Suffolk in 1584 and again in 1586. An MP is someone who represents the people of an area in the government. He also served as an MP for East Looe from 1588 to 1589. He was also a deputy lieutenant and the Custos Rotulorum of Suffolk, which meant he was in charge of keeping the county's records.
Sir Robert Jermyn passed away in 1614 and was buried at Rushbrooke.
He was married to Judith Blagge. They had at least two sons, including Sir Thomas Jermyn, and five daughters. One of his daughters, Susan, married Sir William Hervey.
His Gifts and Family Symbols
Sir Robert Jermyn gave a collection of books to the library of St James's church in Bury St Edmunds. These books were written by John Calvin, a famous religious leader. Thirteen of these books are still around today. They have his special mark on them, showing his family's symbols.
These symbols, called "arms," are like a family's unique design. They show different parts of his family history.
