Family and Education

b. 1524, 1st s. of Robert Strode of Parnham by Elizabeth, da. of Reginald Hody. m. (1) Katherine, da. of Gregory Cromwell^†, 1st Baron Cromwell, 6s. inc. George; (2) Margaret, da. and h. of Christopher (or Christian) Hadley of Withycombe, Som., wid. of Thomas Luttrell, 1s. 5da. suc. fa. 1559.

Offices Held

J.p. Dorset from c.1575, capt. of musters by 1560, commr. concealed lands, sheriff 1572-3.

Biography

Strode served once as knight of the shire without leaving any mark on the known surviving records. During the later years of his life his name occurs in various connexions: at Lyme Regis investigating taverns and grain supplies; at Bridport entertaining the 2nd Earl of Bedford; staying at Marshwood with Sir Amias Paulet, the lord of the manor; investigating horse theft; and, in 1578, investigating at the request of the Privy Council the causes of the dispute between Sir Henry Ashley and Henry Howard. The Privy Council praised him for his ‘great travail’ in 1580, when he and others had been examining the recusant, Lady Tregonwell. Strode died 2 Sept. 1581, leaving £1,400 in money to his children, and appointing Henry Coker overseer. His eldest son Robert, aged about 22, was executor and residuary legatee.1

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: P. W. Hasler

Notes

This biography is based upon the Roberts thesis.

• 1. Hutchins, Dorset, ii. 130-1; Vis. Dorset (Harl. Soc. xx), 88-9; H. C. Maxwell-Lyte, Hist. Dunster, i. 171-2; CSP Dom. 1547-80, p. 67; SP15/13/5; Lyme Regis recs. fugitive pieces 17, 21; 1578 town accts.; St. Ch. 5/H32/4; Bridport recs. 64; Stradling Corresp. 183-4; APC, x. 258; xii. 59, 131; PCC 33 Darcy; C142/193/67.