Biography of Bishop Richard Cox 1493-1581
Around 1493 Bishop Richard Cox was born in Whaddon, Buckinghamshire. He was educated at Eton College [Map] and King's College, Cambridge University [Map].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 05 Aug 1553. The v day of August cam to the Towre [Map] doctur dene of Westmynster, master Cokes (age 60).
In 1559 Bishop Richard Cox (age 66) was appointed Bishop of Ely where he remained for twenty-one years.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 08 Feb 1559. The viij day (of) Feybruary dyd pryche a-for the quen, wyche was Aswedynsday, doctur Kokes (age 66) sumtyme dene of Westmynster.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 Feb 1559. The (blank) dyd pryche doctur Kokes (age 66).
Henry Machyn's Diary. 28 Mar 1559. The xxviij day of Marche, the wyche was Ester-tuwysday, doctur Cokes (age 66) sum-tyme dene of Westmynster dyd pryche.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Jun 1559. The xxiij day of June was electyd vj nuw byshopes, com from beyond the see, master Parker (age 54) bysshope of Canturbere, master Gryndall (age 40) bysshope of London, docthur Score (age 49) bysshope of Harfford, Barlow (age 61) Chechastur, doctur Bylle of Salysbere [Note. Possibly a reference to William Bill Almoner (age 54) although he wasn't Bishop of Salisbury, doctur Cokes (age 66) (of) Norwyche [Note. He was elected but the Queen changed her mind and appointed him to Ely].
Henry Machyn's Diary. 19 May 1560. The xix day of May dyd pryche at Powlles [cross] [Map] my lord byshope of Ele, docthur Kokes (age 67), sum-tyme dene of Westmynster, and ther was browth hym word that one had fond a (blank) of money, and any man cold or cane tell what money yt was, lett cum, and they shall have yt.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Mar 1561. The sam day dyd pryche at the cowrte the byshope of Ely, docthur Cokes (age 68), and he w[ould that none] shuld pryche of he [high] matters butt they that were well le[arned.]
On 01 Jan 1562 the New Years Gift Giving was held. Those who gave gifts provide an interesting who's who of the Elizabethan Court soon after Elizabeth I's Coronation. Queen Elizabeth (age 28) was present since a number are described as "With the Qene her Majestie."
For 'dimy' read 'demi' ie half-sovereigns.
Neweeyeur's Gyftes gevon to the Quene her Majestie by those Parsons whose Names hereafter ensue, the first of January, the Yere above wrytten.
By the Lady Margaret Strainge (age 22), a little round mounte of golde to conteyne a pomaunder in it. With the Qene her Majestie. Note. Lady Margaret Strange married Henry Stanley Lord Strange (age 30) on 07 Feb 1555. In 1561 he had not succeeded to Earldom of Derby and was known by the courtesy title Lord Strange. She is listed first since she was one of the few remaining direct descendants of Henry VII, being a great-granddaughter by his daughter Mary Tudor. Margaret Clifford (age 22) was first in line to succeed in 1568 but died in 1596 before Elizabeth I.
Dukes, Marquises and Earls.
By the Duke of Norfolke (age 25), in a purse of purple silke and golde knit, in sundry coynes of golde £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Winchester (age 79), High Threasourer of Englande, in a purse of crymsen satten, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Marquis of Northampton (age 50), in a purse of crymsen silke and gold knit, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Arundell (age 49), Lord Steward, in a paper, in angels, £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Shrewesburye (age 34), in a red silke purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Darbye (age 52), in a purse of crymsen satten, embraudered with golde, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Pembroke (age 61), in a purse of black silk and silver knit, in new angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Bedforde (age 35), in a purse of black silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Rutlande (age 35), in a purse of red silk and golde knytt, in dimy soveraigns and angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Huntingdon, in a red silk purse, in angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Westmerlande (age 37), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Oxforde (age 46), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £10 0s 0d.
By the Earle of Northumberlande (age 34), in a purse of black silke and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d. With the Quene her Highness.
By the Earle of Warwike (age 32), a smocke wrought with black silk, a peire of slevis, and a partelett wrought with gold, silver, and black silke. Delivered to the Baroness Cobham (age 23).
By the Viscounte Mountague (age 33), in a purse of cloth of golde, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Bishops. The list of Bishops ends with "With her said Majestie"; unclear whether this refers to all the Bishops listed.
By the Archbusshop of Caunterbury (age 57), in a red silk purse, in dimy soveraigns £40 0s 0d.
By the Archbusshop of York (age 61), in soveraigns £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Duresme (age 42), in a purse of crymson silk and gold knytt, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Ely (age 69), in a red vellat purse, in angells £30 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Wynchester (age 52), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt and set with pearles, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of London (age 43), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Salisbury (age 39), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Worcester (age 43), in a black vellat purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lyncoln (age 42), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chychester (age 64), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Norwich (age 50), in a blew silk purse £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Hereforde (age 52), in a green silk purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Lychfield and Coventry (age 48), in a red satten purse, in angells £13 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Rochester (age 48), in a red purse, in gold £13 6s 8d.
By the Busshop of Saint Davies (age 55), in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Bathe, in a purse of red silk, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Exetour, in a blew silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Peterborowe, in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Busshop of Chester, in a red purse, in angells and soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Duchesses and Countesses.
By the Duchess of Norfolke (age 22), in a prse of crymsen silk and gold knyt, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Duchess of Somerset (age 65), in a purse of silver and black silk, in royalls and ducketts £14 0s 0d. Probably the Dowager Duchess of Somerset since her husband Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset had been executed in 1552, and their children disinherited as a result.
By the Countess of Surrey, in a purse of tawny silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Dowager since her husband Henry Howard 1516-1547, by courtesy Earl Surrey, had been executed in 1547.
By the Countess of Pembroke (age 38), in a cherry bag of crymsen satten, in new angells £15 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Bedford (age 36), in a purse of crymsen silk and silver knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Darby (age 51), in a purse of crymson sattin embrodred with gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Oxford (age 36), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury, Dowager (age 62), in a purse of black silk knytt, in dimy soveraignes £12 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Shrewisbury (age 37), in a red silk purse knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon, Dowager (age 51), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Huntingdon (age 24), in a red purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Northumberland (age 24), in a purse of black silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Countess of Rutland (age 29), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
Viscountesses.
By the Vicountess Hereford, Dowager (age 42), six hankercheffes edged with gold delivered to the said Baroness Cobham (age 23).
By the Vicountess Mountague (age 24), in a purse of cloth of gold, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
Lordes.
By the Lorde Keeper of the Great Seale, Bacon (age 51), in a purse of silver knytt, in angells £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde William Howard, Lord Chamberlen (age 52), in a purse of crymsen silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Pagett (age 56), in a greene purse in dimy soveraignes £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Clynton, Lord Admyrall (age 50), in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Riche (age 65), in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde North (age 66), in a purse of purple silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Lumley (age 29), in a paper, in angells £20 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Hastings of Loughboro (age 41), in a red silk purse, in French crowns £13 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Stafford (age 60), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Windsor (age 30), in a purse of crymsn silk and gold knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
by Lorde John Graye (age 38), a haunce pott of allabaster garnished with silver gilt. Delivered in charge to John Asteley, Esq Master and Threasourer of her Highnes Jewels and Plate. Lord John Grey assumed to be a courtesy title his father being Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess Dorset.
By the Lorde Barkeley (age 27), in a red purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Mountejoye (age 29), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Abergavennye (age 36), in a purse of red silke, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Scrowpe (age 28), in a purse of blak silk and silver knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Caree of Hundesdon (age 35), in a purse of crymsen silk, in double ducketts £13 6s 8d.
By the Lorde Strainge (age 30), in a purse of red silk and gold, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d. Lord Strange being the courtesy title for the Earldom of Derby. He wouldn't inherit until 1572.
By the Lorde Darcey of Chichey (age 30), in a red purse, in dimy soveraignes, £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shefild (age 24), in a red silk purse, in gold £10 0s 0d.
By the Lorde Shandowes (age 40), in a blak silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
Ladyes.
By the Baroness Howarde (age 47), in a purse of crymsen silk and knytt, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Clinton (age 35), a peire of sleevis of gold, pulled out with lawne. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham (age 23).
By the Baroness Genevillet, in gold £6 13s 4d.
By the Lady Barkeley (age 24), Lord Barkeley's wife, in gold £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Mountejoye (age 30), in a red silk purse, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Abergavenny, in a red satten purse, in dimy soveraignes £5 0s 0d.
By the Lady Caree of Hundesdon (age 33), in a blak purse knytt, in angells £10 0s 0d.
By the Lady Taylboyes, Sir Peter Carewe's (age 48) wyfe, in a purse of blak silk and silver, in dimy soveraignes £10 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Baroness Cobham (age 23), a partelett and a peire of sleeves of sypers wrought with silver and blak silke. Re-delivered to herself.
By the Lady Dakers (age 21), a warming ball of gold, per oz. 3 oz. dim. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shefilde (age 20), a paire of sleeves wrought with fringe of blak silk and lozeng of gold. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Margaret Baroness Scrope (age 18), in a purse of blak silk and silver, in angells £7 0s 0d. With her said Majestie.
By the Lady Shandowes (age 38), a peire of sleeves and a partlett of gold and silver knytt, cawle fashion. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
By the Lady Knowlles (age 38), a feyne carpett of needleworke, theverende frienged and buttoned with gold and silk. Delivered to John Torneworth, Groom of the Privy Chamber.
By the Lady Butler, in a little white purse, in French crowns £6 0s 0d. With her said Majestie. Unclear as to who Lady Butler refers to.
By the Lady Raclyef, a peire of sleeves of cameryk, all over sett with purle, and two sweet bags. Delivered to the said Baroness Cobham.
Henry Machyn's Diary. 25 May 1562. The xxv day of May was bered master Godderyke (age 56) sqwyer, the wyche he ded at ys place with-in Whyt-freres, and cared unto sant Andrew's in Holborne [Map] to be bered; and ther was the compene of the Clarkes syngyng pryke-song, and then cam a morner careng ys pennon of armes, and then cam master Yorke beyryng ys cott armur, and after master Clarenshus (age 52); and then cam the corse with a ryche palle of tynsell and ryche cloth of sylver with armes of bokeram; and then the morners, and after the byshope of Canturbere (age 57) and the byshope of Ely (age 69) and the byshope of London (age 43), and next my lord keper (age 51) and my lord cheyffe justus of England and mony worshephull men, and after ij C [200] of the ines of the cowrt folowd; and the dene of Powlles (age 45) dyd pryche for hym.
Note. P. 283. Funeral of master Godderyke. It seems not improbable, from the attendance at this funeral, that this was a brother or near relative of the late bishop of Ely and lord chancellor. In the register of St. Andrew's he is styled sir Richard Goodricke. (Malcolm.)
In 1571 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Bishop Richard Cox (age 78).
In 1577 Unknown Painter. Portrait of Bishop Richard Cox (age 84).
On 22 Jul 1581 Bishop Richard Cox (age 88) died.