Sir Robert Napier, 1st Baronet, of Luton Hoo facts for kids

Sir Robert Napier, 1st Baronet (1560 – 22 April 1637) was an important English merchant. He was from Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire. He was also sometimes called Robert Sandy.

Who Was Sir Robert Napier?

Sir Robert Napier was born in 1560. His father was Alexander Napier (also known as Sandy) from Exeter, Devon. His mother was Anne Birchley. Alexander Napier had moved from Scotland during the time of King Henry VIII. The Napier family was a well-known Scottish family. They were related to the Scottish Earls of Lennox. Sir Robert's younger brother was Richard Napier (1559–1634). Richard was a famous astrologer and a church leader in Buckinghamshire. The Napier family's coat of arms showed a red cross with four red roses.

Sir Robert's Business Career

Sir Robert Napier lived in Bishopsgate Street in the City of London. He was a member of the Grocers' Company, which was a group for merchants. He was a "Turkey Merchant," meaning he traded with the country of Turkey. Through this trade, he became very wealthy. He used his money to buy the large estate of Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire.

In 1611, King James I knighted him. This happened when the King was traveling from Scotland through England. On November 25, 1612, the King made him a baronet. This special title was "of Luton Hoo." Sir Robert also served as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 1611. In 1613, he was chosen to be the Sheriff of London. However, he chose not to take the job and had to pay a fine of 400 marks.

Sir Robert's Family Life

Sir Robert Napier was married three times during his life:

• His first wife was Elizabeth Staper. They did not have any children.
• His second wife was Margaret Barnes. She was the daughter of Richard Barnes, a merchant from London. They also did not have any children.
• His third wife was Mary Robinson. She was the daughter of John Robinson, another merchant. With Mary, Sir Robert had three sons and four daughters:
  • Sir Robert Napier, 2nd Baronet (c.1603 – 1661) was his oldest son and inherited his title.
  • Sir Richard Napier of Linford
  • Alexander Napier
  • Mary Napier married General Sir Thomas Myddelton (1586 – 1666). He was a military leader during the English Civil War.
  • Christiana Napier married Sir Thomas Eversfield of Sussex.
  • Sarah Napier married Sir Walter Leach (1599-before 1637). His father was Sir Simon Leach, who was a sheriff in Devon. Sarah's statue can still be seen in Cadeleigh Church.
  • Margaret Napier married General Thomas Mytton (c.1597 – 1656). He was also a military leader during the English Civil War.

Sources

• Dictionary of National Biography