Sir Anthony Mildmay – Apethorpe – East Northamptonshire

For nine years, I have researched and then searched for notable persons within the Tudor and Stuart Courts. This led me to move from the North of England ( Yorkshire ) to the East Midlands in pursuit of the abundant history of England, in this part of our Country.

One such noble would be Sir Anthony Mildmay, whom I came across on one of my many campaign days, while working on a by-election in Corby in 2012. One particular day, I saw myself focused on a little village named Apethorpe, in East Northamptonshire. I like to make sure I have local knowledge when campaigning, in order to better converse with residents while working. It was during my research for this, that I discovered the local hero that is Sir Anthony. Once found, I had to learn more, as such I went back to the village and his resting place, St Leonards Church, where I uncovered more about his life.

Sir Anthony was the eldest son of Sir Walter Mildmay (d 1589 ) Chancellor of the Exchequer for Elizabeth I and his wife Mary Walsingham, sister to Sir Francis Walsingham – Principal Secretary of Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1567 he married Grace Sharington, daughter of Sir Henry Sharington, with whom he had one child, their daughter Mary. Mary married Frances Fane, 1st Earl of Westmorland.

Sir Anthony was MP for Newton in Lancashure in 1571, then for Wiltshire in 1584 to 1586, as well as for Westminster in 1597. He further served as the Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1580 and then again in 1592. He was knighted in 1596 and then appointed to the French Court of King Henry IV as English Ambassador.

He resided in Apethorpe, in the beautiful Apethorpe Palace. He died on 11th of September 1617. He and his wife have the most magnificant tomb in the afore mentioned church. The photos displayed in my Gallery are of the same and show the importance of certain virtues to be had, and as were valued, in the Elizabethan Court.