Sir Anthony Mildmay – Apethorpe – East Northamptonshire

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

One such character 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, East Northamptonshire. I like to make sure I have local knowledge when Campaigning, in order to better converse with people, 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.

Born in Moulsham, Essex in April 1550, he was the Son of Sir Walter Mildmay, himself Chancellor of the Exchequer to Queen Elizabeth I, and mother Mary Walsingham, sister of Sir Francis Walsingham, also of the court of Elizabeth I.

In 1567 he married Grace Sherington, daughter of Sir Henry Sherington, and with whom he had one child, his daughter Mary Mildmay.

Sir Anthony was MP for Newton in Lancashire in 1571, then for Wiltshire in 1584 to 1586. He further served as the Sheriff of Northamptonshire from 1580 and then again in 1590. He was knighted in 1596 and then appointed to the French Court of Henry IV as Ambassador.

He resided in Apethorpe, a village in East Northamptonshire, 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 – both for him and his Lady.