Henry Maynard

Political career He was secretary to Lord Burghley, the Lord High Treasurer, and by virtue of his position he was able to take advantage of troubled assets and gradually became a major landowner, especially in Essex. He served as MP for St. Albans in the parliaments of 1586, 1588, 1592 and 1597. "He sat on committees concerning recusancy, horse and cattle stealing, privileges, penal laws, painters and stainers, and fustians". He was also summoned to the parliament of 1601 as a knight of the shire for Essex. He was High Sheriff of Essex in the last year of Elizabeth’s reign (1603) and was knighted by her.

Family He married Susan, the daughter and co-heir of Thomas Pearson, gentleman-usher of the Star Chamber (whose property included two inns in Queen Anne's Gate called the White Hart and the Saracen's Head ), and had eight sons by her. The eldest, William, became the first Lord Maynard. Another, John, became a Knight of the Bath. Yet another son, Charles Maynard, was Auditor of the Exchequer during the reign of Charles II and the father of Sir William Maynard, 1st Baronet.

Death and posterity He made his will on 20 August 1609 and it was proved on 18 May 1610. Among other bequests, he left £2,000 to each of his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, his London properties to his son Charles, and £500 and his leasehold properties in Warwickshire to his son Francis. He was buried at Little Easton, Essex, near Easton Lodge, a property granted to him by Queen Elizabeth in 1590.

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