Blackwell Reference Online

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Sir Thomas Chaloner, the elder (1521–65), worked within a milieu of Englishmen who adapted to shifting structures for political and religious authority in the mid-sixteenth century. He studied at Cambridge and by 1538 worked for Henry VIII's secretary Thomas Cromwell. In 1540, he accompanied Henry Knyvet at the imperial diet in Regens-berg. From there, Chaloner joined the entourage of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V for a military venture in 1541 to Algeria, where he experienced shipwreck and, apparently, saved himself by hanging onto a rescue cable with his teeth after he could swim no longer ( Blazer 1978 ). In 1545 he undertook brief diplomatic service in Spain and then became a clerk for the Privy Council. In the first year of Edward VI's reign, Chaloner helped lead England's victory over Scottish forces at the battle of Pinkie on 10 September 1547 and was knighted for that service by Edward Seymour, duke of Somerset and lord protector of England ( Miller 1965 ; Blazer 1978 ). Another veteran of that battle, William Cecil, who also remained in England under the Marian regime, became a lifelong friend. When Chaloner died on 14 October 1565, he entrusted Cecil with the execution of his will and with the education of his stepson ( Miller 1965 ; Blazer 1978 ). In 1557/58, Chaloner fought for Mary and Philip in their war with France, and from 1558 until 1565, he served Queen Elizabeth ... log in or subscribe to read full text