Men of Kent and Kentishmen/Sir Thomas Randolph

3433249Men of Kent and Kentishmen — Sir Thomas RandolphJohn Hutchinson


Sir Thomas Randolph,

STATESMAN,

Was born at Badlesmere in 1523, and educated at Christ Church, Oxford, where he became head of Bradgate (now Pembroke) College. During the reign of Mary he retired to the Continent; but on the accession of Elizabeth he returned and was received into great favour, and employed on embassies to France, Russia, and Scotland. For his services, especially in the latter country, he was knighted by the Queen and advanced to the offices of Chamberlain of the Exchequer and Postmaster. He died in 1590. Many of his letters and despatches are preserved, and afford interesting memorials of the events of the time; and his account of his embassy to Russia is published in "Hackluyt's Voyages."

[See "Lodge's Illustrations of British History," and "Biographia Britannica."]