Robert Wroth (Middlesex MP) facts for kids

Sir Robert Wroth (born around 1540 – died January 27, 1607) was an important English politician during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He came from a well-known family and spent much of his life working for the government and managing his family's large estates.

Life Story

Robert Wroth was born in Middlesex, England, around 1540. He was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Wroth and Mary, who was the daughter of Lord Rich. He started studying at St John's College, Cambridge, in 1553. However, he left without finishing his degree because of big changes in religion when Queen Mary I came to power.

Robert went with his father when his father had to leave England. They returned after Queen Elizabeth I became queen. After that, Robert started working in public life, which meant he was involved in politics and looking after his family's many properties.

Working in Parliament

Robert Wroth was chosen to be a member of Parliament many times. His first time was for St Albans in 1563. He then represented Bossiney in 1571. Later, he became the member for Middlesex, a very important area, in 1572. He was re-elected seven more times after that, showing how trusted he was by the people.

Managing Estates and Serving the Queen

When his father passed away in 1573, Robert inherited many large estates in different parts of England, including Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Essex, and Somerset. He mostly lived at Loughton Hall in Essex, which he got through his wife. He spent a lot of time helping with the affairs of Essex county. In 1587, he became the High Sheriff of Essex, a top official responsible for law and order in the county.

In 1588, when England was preparing to defend against the Spanish Armada, Robert Wroth was put in charge of 200 untrained soldiers and 80 soldiers with early types of guns from Essex. This shows he was a trusted leader. He was made a knight in 1597, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

During the last years of Queen Elizabeth's rule, Sir Robert was a strong supporter of the queen and the Protestant religion. He was asked to help with many important legal cases for people accused of serious crimes against the government.

Later Years and Royal Connections

Sir Robert Wroth continued to be favored by the government when King James I became king. In 1603, the new king gave him a special job in Waltham Forest. The next year, he and others were asked to build bridges over the River Lea to make it easier for the king to travel when he went hawking (a type of hunting with birds).

In 1605, Sir Robert had the honor of hosting King James I at his home in Loughton for two days. His family's lands in Essex grew even larger when his father-in-law, Francis Stonard, passed away in 1604. Sir Robert was also part of the jury for important court cases, including the trial of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators in 1606.

Sir Robert Wroth passed away on January 27, 1607, and was buried the next day in Enfield.

Family Life

Sir Robert Wroth married Susan, who was the daughter and only heir of John Stonard of Loughton. Through her, he gained the Loughton estate. They had at least four sons who lived to adulthood:

• Sir Robert Wroth (born around 1576 – died 1614) who married Lady Mary Wroth, a famous writer.
• John, who studied law and later became a captain. He inherited Durrants, another family estate in Enfield.
• Thomas.
• Henry, who lived in Woodbury in Herefordshire.

Sir Henry Wroth (died 1671), who was the grandson of Sir Robert (through his youngest son Henry), became known as a Royalist during the English Civil Wars.