Biography of Richard Drake 1535-1603
In 1535 Richard Drake was born to John Drake.
In 1558 [his father] John Drake died.
In 1572 Richard Drake (age 37) was elected MP Castle Rising.
In 1572 Richard Drake (age 37) was elected MP Morpeth.
Around 1573 [his future brother-in-law] Edward Stafford (age 21) and Roberta Chapman were married.
Around 1577 George Gower (age 37). Portrait of Richard Drake (age 42). The heraldic escutcheon shows seven quarters as follows:
1: 
Drake of Ash Arms. Drake of Ash in the parish of Musbury, Devon.
2: Argent, on a chief gules three cinquefoils of the first; Billet of Ash.
3: Gules, on a fess argent two mullets sable; Hamton of Rockbere and Ash.
4: Ermine, on a chief indented sable three crosslets fitchee or; Orwey of Orwey and Ash.
5: Barry of seven argent and sable.
6: Azure, six lions rampant argent crowned Gules, 3, 2, 1; Forde of Forde.
7: Argent, two chevrons sable (Esse/Ash of Ash); Esse or Ash of Ash.
On 29 Jan 1580 [his future brother-in-law] John Stafford (age 24) and Millicent Gresham (age 11) were married.
In 1583 Richard Drake (age 48) leased the manor of Woking, Surrey from Charles Howard 1st Earl Nottingham (age 47).
In 1584 Richard Drake (age 49) was appointed Groom of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland (age 50).
In 1589 Richard Drake (age 54) was appointed Surveyor of Game in Woking Park.
In 1590 Richard Drake (age 55) was appointed Steward of the Manor of Woking.
Around 1591 Richard Drake (age 56) was appointed Justice of the Peace Surrey.
In 1593 [his future brother-in-law] William Stafford (age 38) and Anne Gryme were married.
On 29 Nov 1597 [his future brother-in-law] Edward Stafford (age 45) and Douglas Howard Baroness Sheffield (age 55) were married. They were fourth cousins.
In 1602 Richard Drake (age 67) was granted the residue of the moneys still owing to her from Sir Francis Drake's voyage of 1585-86.
On 31 Jan 1603 the will of Richard Drake (age 68) was proved. He asked to be buried in St George's Church Esher, Surrey. He appointed his son Francis Drake as his executor. He left his widow [his future wife] Ursula Stafford (age 50) the lease on the manor of Walton on Thames, Surrey, as well as a house on Fetter Lane and his coach and horses.
On 31 May 1603 Richard Drake (age 68) made his will.
Before 11 Jul 1603 Richard Drake (age 68) and Ursula Stafford (age 50) were married.
On 11 Jul 1603 Richard Drake (age 68) died.
