Family and Education

b. c.1555, 2nd s. of Sir Walter Mildmay, and bro. of Anthony. educ. Peterhouse, Camb. 1569; G. Inn 1573. m. 10 July 1586, Mary (d.1633), da. of Henry Capell I of Hadham, Herts., 5s. 1da.

Offices Held

J.p. Essex from 1591, sheriff 1594-5.

Biography

Mildmay was returned to Parliament for Peterborough at a by-election in 1576, probably about the time he attained his majority. His father was the Northamptonshire county Member, and no doubt arranged matters with their relation Sir William Fitzwilliam II. Sir Walter Mildmay no doubt also arranged the two subsequent returns at Higham Ferrers. Mildmay’s own few appearances in the records suggest that he had little enthusiasm for public service. In 1592 he upset the Privy Council by attempting to evade the command of 200 men in Essex. He promised to mend his ways, and in consideration of his father’s position, he was let off. But he continued to reside in London during his shrievalty, and when he was due to hand over to his successor, he was late arriving. He frequently defaulted in paying his taxes. No doubt he spent his days in the social and business engagements so well reflected for the following generation in the diary of his eldest son and namesake. He died a little in debt on 9 Aug. 1613 and was buried at Danbury.

Morant, Essex, ii. 29; P. L. Ralph. Sir Humphrey Mildmay, 5-6; APC, xxiii. 262-3; xxx. 131, 248, 349; CSP Dom. 1595-7, p. 116; Lansd. 78, f. 166; 81, f. 79; 113, f. 190; VCH Essex, ii. 222; HMC Hatfield, viii. 261; PCC 96 Capell; C142/355/4.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: S. M. Thorpe

Notes

• 1. Did not serve for the full duration of the Parliament.