Robert Naunton facts for kids
Sir Robert Naunton (1563 – 27 March 1635) was an important English writer and politician. He served in the English Parliament, known as the House of Commons, at different times between 1606 and 1626. He was also a trusted advisor to the King.
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Robert's Family Background
Robert Naunton was the son of Henry Naunton and Elizabeth Asheby. His family, the Nauntons, were well-known and respected in their local area of Suffolk for over 200 years.
Important Relatives
Robert's grandfather, William Naunton, was a trained lawyer. He was also a Member of Parliament and worked for Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, who was King Henry VIII's brother-in-law. Robert's father, Henry, worked for the Duchess of Suffolk. His uncle, William Ashby, was a diplomat for Queen Elizabeth.
Robert's Career in Government
Sir Robert Naunton went to Norwich School and then Trinity College, Cambridge. He became a fellow at his college in 1585. In 1594, he became the public speaker for the university.
Early Work and Parliament
A powerful nobleman, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, asked Naunton to travel in Europe. His job was to send back important information about what was happening there. When he returned, Naunton was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Helston in 1606.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1615, Robert Naunton was made a knight. The next year, he became a Master of Requests. This role involved dealing with petitions to the King. Later, he became the surveyor of the court of wards. In 1617, his friend George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham helped him become Secretary of State. This was a very important job, like a chief minister.
Challenges and Later Years
Naunton had strong Protestant beliefs. He wanted England to help Frederick V, Elector Palatine and enforce laws against Roman Catholics more strictly. The Spanish ambassador complained to King James I about Naunton's views. Because of this, Naunton resigned as Secretary of State in 1623. He was then made master of the Court of Wards and Liveries.
Sir Robert continued his political career. He was re-elected as an MP for Cambridge University in 1624 and 1625. In 1626, he was elected MP for Suffolk. Sir Robert Naunton died in Suffolk in 1635 when he was 71 years old.
Robert's Family Life
Naunton married Penelope Perrot. She was the widow of an astronomer named Sir William Lower. Penelope's mother was Dorothy Devereux, whose father was Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex.
Robert Naunton had a daughter also named Penelope. She married twice. Her second marriage was to Philip Herbert, 5th Earl of Pembroke. Through her, Sir Robert Naunton became the grandfather of William Herbert, 6th Earl of Pembroke.
Robert's Writings
Sir Robert Naunton wrote a book about the time of Queen Elizabeth. It was called Fragmenta Regalia, or Observations on the late Queen Elizabeth, her Times and Favourites. This book was printed after he died, in 1641. It gave interesting insights into Queen Elizabeth's reign and the people around her. The book has been published many times and translated into other languages like French and Italian. Some of Naunton's letters are also kept in the British Museum.
