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John Astley

1580 – 1641

English courtier and politician

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About John Astley

Lived 1580 – 1641 (aged 60–61). John Astley was an English politician.

Sir John Astley (or Ashley) (c.1569 – 26 January 1640) was an English courtier and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1614 and became Master of the Revels.

Astley was the son of John Astley, Master of the Jewel House and his wife Margaret Grey, illegitimate daughter of Lord Thomas Grey. He was educated at the royal court of Elizabeth I and was a law student at Grays Inn in 1598. He was a gentleman pensioner under Queen Elizabeth and her successor James I until about 1612, while in the meantime he succeeded to his father's estates at Maidstone in 1596.

On 18 September 1609 Astley married Katherine Brydges, daughter of Anthony Brydges of Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire. Their children, three sons and a daughter, all died during the lifetime of their father, who was succeeded in his estates by his kinsman Sir Jacob Astley. Astley died in 1640. His wife survived him, dying in 1648.

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Important facts

Born
1580
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
Member of Parliament in the Parliament of England, Member of the 1614 Parliament, Master of the Revels
Also known as
Sir John Ashley

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Astley's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Astley?

English courtier and politician

When was John Astley born?

John Astley was born in 1580.

When did John Astley die?

John Astley died on 13 January 1641.

What was John Astley's occupation?

John Astley was a politician.

What nationality was John Astley?

John Astley was English.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Astley

· Wikidata: Q16150439

· DBpedia: John Astley (Master of the Revels)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Astley. https://biography.guide/john-astley-politician-1580/

MLA: "John Astley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-astley-politician-1580/.

Chicago: "John Astley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-astley-politician-1580/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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