Rowland Whyte facts for kids

Rowland Whyte was an important person during the time of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He was an official and a businessman. His letters give us a lot of information about what happened at the end of Queen Elizabeth's rule and when King James took over. These letters were first shared with everyone in a book called Letters and Memorials of State in 1746.

Who Was Rowland Whyte?

Rowland Whyte was born in Anglesey, Beaumaris, Wales. His father was Richard Whyte. In 1601, Rowland wanted to become a "muster-master" for his area. This job meant he would help find and organize soldiers for the local army.

Before this, Rowland traveled a lot in Europe. He became known for being honest and good at business, especially by the important Sidney family. In the 1590s, he worked for the Sidneys. He might have even served in the military for a short time.

Whyte's Job at Court

In 1595, Sir Robert Sidney sent Rowland Whyte to London. Sir Robert was in charge of a place called Flushing in the Netherlands. Rowland's job was to ask for more supplies and help for Flushing. He also had to send Sir Robert all the latest news and gossip from the Queen's court. So, each of his letters was like a news report! Rowland also wrote news updates to the Earl of Shrewsbury.

From 1598 to 1614, Rowland Whyte also worked as the "postmaster of the court." This meant he helped manage the Royal Mail. He also organized places where horses could be changed during the Queen's travels.

Family Life and Later Years

Rowland Whyte got married in 1599. He and his wife had many children. During this time, he also got to rent several properties, like farms. He also used his connections with important people to earn money. He became the lifetime Constable of Caernarfon Castle, which gave him £60 a year. But he later sold this job back to the king for £500. It seems he left London around 1614 and went back to Wales. We don't know exactly when he died, but his last letter was written on July 27, 1626.

Why Rowland Whyte's Letters Are Important

Rowland Whyte is famous for his letters because they describe important people at court. He wrote about powerful nobles like the Earl of Essex, the Herberts (the Earl of Pembroke's family), and the Cecils (Lord Burghley and his son Robert Cecil).

For example, when the Earl of Essex suddenly came back from Ireland, Rowland Whyte described how much confusion and worry it caused:

His lordship's sudden return out of Ireland brings all sorts of knights, captains, officers, and soldiers, away from thence, that this town is full of them, to the great discontentment of her majesty, that they are suffered to leave their charge. But the most part of the gallants have quitted their commands, places, and companies, not willing to stay there after him; so that the disorder seems to be greater there than stands with the safety of that service.

This means that when the Earl of Essex returned unexpectedly, many soldiers and officers left Ireland too. This made Queen Elizabeth very unhappy because it caused a lot of disorder.

Rowland Whyte sometimes mentioned plays and books in his letters. But he usually talked about them as chances for gossip or meeting people. He often made sharp comments. He also got annoyed when Sir Robert sent him letters that were hard to read because his handwriting was messy. Rowland was also worried about Sir Robert spending too much money.