Robert Knollys (MP for Breconshire) facts for kids

Sir Robert Knollys (born 1547, died 1619 or 1626) was an important English courtier and politician. A courtier was someone who attended the royal court, serving the King or Queen. As a politician, he was a member of the House of Commons, which is like today's Parliament, for many years between 1572 and 1611. He was also made a Knight of the Bath.

Early Life and Family

Sir Robert Knollys was the son of Sir Francis Knollys and Catherine Carey. His father was the Treasurer of the Royal Household, a very important job. His mother, Catherine Carey, was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I. This meant she was a close attendant to the Queen.

Robert grew up in Rotherfield Greys in Oxfordshire and Reading in Berkshire. Because of his parents' connections, he quickly began working for Queen Elizabeth I.

Political Career

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1572, when he was about 25 years old, Robert Knollys was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Reading. An MP is someone elected to represent a specific area in the House of Commons. He was re-elected as MP for Reading in 1584 and 1586.

Other Important Roles

Besides being an MP, Sir Robert held several other important positions:

• In 1577, he became the Keeper of Syon House. This meant he was in charge of looking after this large estate.
• He was also a steward in Isleworth in 1577.
• From 1577 to 1582, he worked as an usher at the Tower Mint, where coins were made.
• Around 1583, he became a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Breconshire. A J.P. helps keep law and order in their local area.
• In 1587, he became a gentleman of the privy chamber. This was a special role, meaning he was a close personal attendant to the monarch.

Representing Breconshire

In 1589, Sir Robert was elected as an MP for both Reading and Breconshire. He chose to represent Breconshire. He was re-elected for Breconshire in 1593, 1597, 1601, and 1604.

He also became a Deputy Lieutenant in 1590 and a Custos Rotulorum (chief keeper of the county's records) around 1592.

Later Life and Interests

By 1603, he was an esquire of the body, another role close to the monarch. In July 1603, he was made a Knight of the Bath, a special honor given by the King.

Sir Robert enjoyed sports. He played bowls with the Earl of Shrewsbury and took part in tilting competitions. Tilting was a sport where knights on horseback would try to hit each other with lances. He was seriously injured during one of these competitions in November 1602.

Family and Death

Sir Robert Knollys married Catherine Vaughan. They had two daughters:

• Frances, who married Sir Charles Vaughan.
• Lettice, who married Framlingham Gawdy.

Sir Robert was one of several brothers who were also Members of Parliament. His brothers included Edward, Francis, Richard, William, and Henry Knollys.

Sir Robert Knollys died in January 1619. He passed away after a fall at the house of his brother William.