Robert Throckmorton facts for kids
Sir Robert Throckmorton (born around 1513 – died 1581) was an important English gentleman from Coughton Court in Warwickshire. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws for the country. He was also a well-known person at the royal court. However, his career was made harder because he remained a Roman Catholic during a time when England was changing its official religion.
Contents
Who Was Robert Throckmorton?
Robert Throckmorton was born around 1513. He was the oldest son of Sir George Throckmorton and Katherine Vaux. His mother was the daughter of Nicholas Vaux, 1st Baron Vaux of Harrowden. Robert had several brothers who also became famous, including Clement, Nicholas, and John.
Robert's Public Life and Politics
Robert Throckmorton likely studied law, like his father and brothers. Even though he was the heir to large family lands, he still took part in public life. In 1527, he started working with his father in several important roles.
He also joined his brothers in the French war of 1544. A few years later, he became a judge in Warwickshire. In 1553, he was chosen as the High Sheriff of Warwickshire. This meant he was the chief law enforcement officer in the county.
Robert was also elected as a knight of the shire (an MP) for Warwickshire in 1553 and 1555. Three of his brothers were also Members of Parliament.
When King Edward VI died in 1553, there was a big question about who would be the next ruler. Robert's standing with Queen Mary was very high. It was said that when she heard about Edward's death, she believed if Robert had been there, she would have felt safer.
In the autumn of 1553, Robert Throckmorton was made a knight. He was also put in charge of Warwick Castle. He continued to be an MP until 1558, when his oldest son, Thomas, took his place.
Robert's Religion and Its Impact
Robert Throckmorton remained a strong Catholic. This was a difficult time for Catholics in England. Because of his faith, he stopped being a Member of Parliament when Queen Elizabeth I came to power.
In 1564, he was called an "adversary of true religion." This meant he was seen as someone against the new official Church of England. He was removed from his role as a Justice of the peace because he refused to agree to the Act of Uniformity. This law made everyone follow the rules of the Church of England.
In 1577, a bishop named John Whitgift listed Throckmorton as a Catholic. He noted that Robert was a wealthy man, owning a lot of land and goods.
Robert's Family Connections
Robert Throckmorton's mother, Katherine Vaux, was the daughter of Elizabeth FitzHugh. Robert continued his family's Catholic traditions. He arranged for his children to marry into other important Catholic families.
Some of his grandchildren became involved in famous events. His grandsons, Robert Catesby and Francis Tresham, were part of the Gunpowder Plot. This was a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
His daughter, Mary, married Edward Arden. Edward Arden was found guilty of treason and executed in 1583. Mary Arden kept detailed records of how she was treated for being Catholic. These records are still kept by the family today.
A nephew, Francis Throckmorton, was executed in 1584. He was accused of helping Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Spanish Ambassador plan an invasion of England. Another niece, Elizabeth (also known as "Bess"), secretly married Sir Walter Raleigh. She was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth.
Death and Burial
Robert Throckmorton died on February 12, 1581. He had made his will six days before. He asked to be buried at Coughton, where a special tomb was built for him. There is a painting of him at Coughton Court. He chose his oldest son, Thomas, and his sons-in-law, Sir John Goodwin and Ralph Sheldon, to carry out his wishes.
Marriages and Children
Robert Throckmorton married twice and had many children.
First Marriage
He first married Muriel Berkeley (died 1542). She was the daughter of Thomas Berkeley, 5th Baron Berkeley. They had one son and four daughters:
- Thomas Throckmorton of Coughton (1534 – 1615). He married Mary Whorwood and had two sons and five daughters. One of his grandsons was Robert Throckmorton, 1st Baronet.
- Elizabeth Throckmorton (born around 1535). She married Sir John Goodwin.
- Katherine Throckmorton (around 1532 – 1580). She married Henry Norwood and later John Williams.
- Mary Throckmorton (died 1603). She married Sir Edward Arden. They had a son, Robert Arden, and two daughters, Margaret and Catherine.
- Anne Throckmorton (1540–1603). In 1557, she married Ralph Sheldon.
Second Marriage
Around 1542, Robert married Elizabeth Hussey (around 1510 – 1554). She was the daughter of John Hussey, 1st Baron Hussey of Sleaford. With Elizabeth, Robert had four daughters:
- Muriel Throckmorton (died 1615). She married Sir Thomas Tresham. They were the parents of Francis Tresham, who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot.
- Anne Throckmorton (died after 1605). She married Sir William Catesby in 1566. They had children, including Robert Catesby, who was also involved in the Gunpowder Plot.
- Elizabeth Throckmorton. She married Sir Anthony Tyringham. They had a daughter named Elizabeth.
- Temperance Throckmorton. She married Sir Randal Brereton.
