Life
Naunton was the son of Henry Naunton of Alderton, Suffolk. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, becoming a fellow of his college in 1585 and public orator of the university in 1594. Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, commissioned him to spend some time abroad, sending information about European affairs. On his return, Naunton was elected Member of Parliament for Helston at a by-election in 1606.
In 1614 Naunton was knighted and in 1616 became master of requests and later surveyor of the court of wards. In December 1617 his friend George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham procured for him the position of Secretary of State on the condition of his making Christopher Villiers, Buckingham's brother, his heir, and during his lifetime Villiers gained from Naunton estates worth £500 a year. In 1621 Naunton was elected MP for (Cambridge University. His strong Protestant opinions led him to favour more active intervention by England in the interests of Frederick V, Elector Palatine, and more vigorous application of the laws against Roman Catholics. Naunton was censured after the Spanish ambassador, Gondomar, complained to King James I. Consequently, in 1623, Naunton resigned as Secretary of State and was made master of the Court of Wards and Liveries. He was re-elected MP for Cambridge University in 1624 and 1625. He was elected MP for Suffolk in 1626.
Naunton died at Letheringham, Suffolk at the age of 71.
Naunton's daughter Penelope married Philip Herbert, 5th Earl of Pembroke in his first marriage, and he thus became the grandfather of the sixth Earl of Pembroke.
Read more about this topic: Robert Naunton
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