Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke (3 October, 1554-30 September, 1628) was an English poet, dramatist, and politician who lived in the Elizabethan era.
Fun Facts about Fulke Greville, 1st Beron Brooke:
1. Fulke Greville was born in Alcester, Warwickshire, a small market town. His father, Sir Fulke Greville, and mother, Anne Neville, were both decedents of minor English nobility
2. He was sent to Shrewbury School, a private institution, with his friend Philip Sidney, a future poet and soldier. The two stayed friends for the rest of their lives.
3. Philip’s father, Sir Henry Sidney, was president of the Council of Wales and the Marches In 1576 he gave Mr. Greville his first post that was connected to the court of the Welsh Marches (the definition and border of the court changed depending on the period). However, he resigned the post a year later and started his career at the royal court of Elisabeth
Philip Sidney joined him.
4. The young man impressed the Queen, and soon became his favorite, due to his excellent administration skills and serious attitude. Mr. Greville was elected as a Member of Parliament for Southampton in 1583
5. Mr. Greville served the Court of St. James under both Elizabeth I and James I due to his excellent record as a capable and efficient administrator. He was treasurer of the navy, chancellor of the exchequer, and commissioner of the Treasury. He was given the title of Baron, as well as granted Warwick Castle.
6. Fulke Greville, Philip Sidney, and poet Edward Dyer belonged to a literary club dedicated to reform English poetry called Areopagus. Notable English scholar and writer, Gabriel Harvey, led the group.
7. Being a favorite in the Court and an administrator extraordinaire prevented Fulke Greville from sailing on an expedition with Sir Francis Drake or join the army in the Netherlands. Philip Sidney, however, did join the army in the Netherlands led by Elizabeth’s suiter Robert Dudley (known simply as Leicester), where he found his death. Fluke posthumously commemorated his friend A Dedication to Sir Philip Sidney, where he argues for “counselors to advocate caution when it comes to the use of military force.
8. Fulke Greville did find his way to the battlefield in 1587 in the Battle of Couttes, and for a short time in the French Wars of Religion.
9. After being granted Warwick Castle by James I, he spent £20,000 to restore it (over £2 million today). That’s when he got the title of Baron.
10. At the age of 74 Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke, was murdered by Ralph Haywood, his servant who believed he was cheated being left out of his will Haywood killed himself as well. Fulke Greville was in good health and probably would have lived longer. Having no natural heirs or a wife, the baronies passed to his cousin, adopted son, and his sister Margaret.
Zohar – Man of la Book
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References:
Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke | Wikipedia
Baron Brooke Fulke Greville | The Poetry Foundation
Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke | Poet, Politician, Playwright | Britannica
