Sylvanus Scory facts for kids

Sylvanus Scory (also spelled Silvanus) lived from about 1551 to 1617. He was an English gentleman who worked for the royal court and was involved in politics. He was known as a soldier and someone who sometimes worked on secret missions.

Early Life and Family

Sylvanus Scory was the son of John Scory, who was the bishop of Hereford. Because his father was an important person, Sylvanus got a special job in the church in Hereford from 1565 to 1569. Even though his family was involved with the church, Sylvanus became interested in Catholicism after studying in other countries.

Working for the Crown

Scory was a soldier and fought in the Low Countries (modern-day Netherlands and Belgium). He was a supporter of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, who was an important figure at Queen Elizabeth I's court.

Scory knew many important people, including diplomats like Michel de Castelnau and Bernardino de Mendoza. He sometimes helped arrange meetings between powerful individuals. For example, he helped the Earl of Leicester meet Mendoza. He also helped an envoy from the Duke of Parma meet Queen Elizabeth.

At one point, Scory was investigated because he was thought to be connected to a secret plan known as the Francis Throckmorton plot. He was also suspected of writing a critical book called Leycester's Commonwealth.

Court Connections and Parliament

Sylvanus Scory was friends with several famous people of his time. He was close with Sir Philip Sidney, a well-known poet and soldier, though their friendship ended in 1583. He was also liked by Francis, Duke of Anjou, who was a suitor to Queen Elizabeth.

Scory was a friend of the famous explorer Walter Raleigh and also supported the playwright Ben Jonson. He was connected to Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland, an important nobleman.

In 1597, Scory became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Newtown, Hampshire, which is on the Isle of Wight. His connections at court likely helped him get this position.

Towards the end of his life, in 1615, Scory had many discussions with the king about the special rights of baronets, which were a type of noble title. He passed away in 1617 and was buried in St. Leonard's, Shoreditch. He had two sons.