Robert Rochester facts for kids
Sir Robert Rochester (born around 1494 – died November 28, 1557) was an important English Catholic figure during the time of Queen Mary I. He held key positions in her government, serving as the Comptroller of the Household, which meant he managed the Queen's royal home and staff. He was also a member of the Privy Council, a group of trusted advisors to the monarch.
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Who Was Sir Robert Rochester's Family?
Sir Robert Rochester came from a family of 'minor gentry' in Essex, England. This means they were landowners, but not as powerful as the very top noble families. They were connected to the Earls of Oxford, another important family of the time.
Robert Rochester was born in a place called Terling in Essex. He was the third son of John Rochester and Grisold Writtle. Grisold's sister, Eleanor, married James Walsingham. Their son, Edmund Walsingham, later became the Lieutenant of the Tower of London, a very important job.
Sir Robert also had a younger brother named John Rochester. John was a Carthusian priest, which is a type of monk. Sadly, he was executed in York in May 1537 and is remembered as a martyr. He was recognized as "Blessed" in 1888.
What Was Sir Robert Rochester's Career Like?
By 1542, Sir Robert Rochester was working for John de Vere, 16th Earl of Oxford. He was a "receiver," meaning he managed money for the Earl. He also became the "bailiff" of the Earl's manor in Lavenham, Suffolk, which involved managing the estate.
Working for Princess Mary
By 1551, Rochester became the Comptroller of the Household for Princess Mary Tudor. She was the elder daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. At this time, there was a lot of religious change in England. The Privy Council (the king's advisors) ordered Rochester to stop any priest from holding Catholic mass in Princess Mary's home. Rochester, being a strong Catholic, refused to obey this order.
Because he refused, he was sent to prison in the Tower of London. He was also replaced as Comptroller by Sir Anthony Wingfield. The next year, he was released from prison due to health reasons and was allowed to retire. However, he was soon able to return to his important job as Comptroller for Princess Mary.
Serving Queen Mary I
When Princess Mary became Queen Mary I, she remembered Rochester's loyalty. She rewarded him greatly for his faithful service. She made him the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, a high-ranking position that managed royal lands. She also appointed him to her inner circle of the Privy Council, making him one of her most trusted advisors.
Sir Robert Rochester also served as a Member of Parliament for Essex. He held this position from 1553 to 1555, helping to make laws for the country.
When Did Sir Robert Rochester Die?
Sir Robert Rochester passed away on November 28, 1557. He was never married. His older brother, William Rochester, inherited a third of his lands.
Sir Robert Rochester was buried on December 4 at the Charterhouse at Sheen. This was a special monastery that had been reopened by the remaining Carthusian monks in England. After his death, his nephew, Sir Edward Waldegrave, took over his role as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Sir Edward was the son of Rochester's sister, Lora.
