Robert Oxenbridge (died 1574) facts for kids

Sir Robert Oxenbridge (born in 1508, died in 1574) was an important person in England a long time ago. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He was also the Constable of the Tower, a very important job at the famous Tower of London.

Sir Robert Oxenbridge's Life and Work

Robert Oxenbridge was born in 1508. His father was Sir Goddard Oxenbridge. His family lived in a place called Brede in Sussex. Robert inherited their family home in Brede in 1550.

Early Roles and Responsibilities

By 1541, Robert was an Esquire of the Body. This was a special role, meaning he was a personal attendant to the King. He also worked as a Justice of the Peace for Sussex. This job meant he helped keep law and order in the area. He did this until 1558.

From 1550 until he died, he was the Constable of Pevensey Castle. This meant he was in charge of the castle. He was also the High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex from 1551 to 1552. A High Sheriff was a top official in a county, helping the King with law and order.

Becoming a Knight and Tower Constable

By 1553, Robert Oxenbridge was made a Knight. This was a special honor given by the King or Queen. In 1556, he was given a job as a Lieutenant of the Tower of London. The next year, in 1557, he became the Constable of the Tower. This was a very high-ranking position, putting him in charge of the entire Tower of London.

Serving in Parliament

Robert Oxenbridge was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for East Grinstead in 1553. He was then chosen as a Knight of the Shire (another name for an MP) for Sussex in 1554, 1555, and 1558. This shows he was very involved in the government.

In 1558, he moved to Hampshire. He bought a property called Hurstbourne Priors there. He also served as the High Sheriff of Hampshire from 1567 to 1568.

Sir Robert Oxenbridge passed away in 1574. He left his property to his wife and his son.

Family Life

Sir Robert Oxenbridge married Alice Fogge. Alice was the daughter of Sir Thomas Fogge. Her father was in charge of the gates at Calais during the time of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII.

Robert and Alice had one son and two daughters. Their son was also named Robert. This younger Robert married a woman named Elizabeth Cocke.