Sir Robert Bell

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Sir Robert Bell (Unknown — d. 1577) of Beaupre Hall, Norfolk, was a Speaker of the House of Commons (1572-1576), who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

"Knighted 1577, Of Counsel King's Lynn 1560, Recorder from 1561, Bencher Middle Temple 1565, Autumn Reader 1565, Lent Reader 1571", ^HoP "Of Counsel Great Yarmouth from 11 February 1562-3",^DNB "Justice of the Peace of the Quorum, Norfolk from 1564, Commissioner of Grain 1576, Musters by 1576, Serjeant-at-Law 1577, 24 January 1577, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer." ³

Contents 1 Education and religion 2 Marriages 3 Career 4 Career summary 5 Honours 6 Death and commemoration 7 Parentage and descendants 8 Heraldry 9 Sources 10 External links 11 Likeness

[edit] Education and religion

Robert Bell of the Middle Temple, ¹ may have been privately tutored by Sir John Cheke; ²⁷ a dear friend and kinsman of William Cecil, (Lord Burghley), Elizabeth's 'chief advisor', who has been appraised as "the probable 'behind the scenes architect of the '1566 succession question",⁹ (of which, Bell was chosen to represent the House of Commons), and who had recommended Bell for Speaker in 1572. ⁹

Furthermore, Sir John Cheke was a kinsman and dear friend of Peter Osbourne; a fellow Exchequer colleague of Robert Bell's, whose daughter Anne married Bell's first son and heir, Edmond. ^{27, 3}

In 1566, Robert Bell was lampooned by Thomas Norton as "Bell the Orator" together with others who served on the succession committee. Most of those featured in this publication were Puritans, for example, Sir Christopher Yelverton who is styled "Yelverton the Poet." ^{3, HoP}

Moreover, scholars have surmised that Robert Bell may have attended the University of Cambridge (Protestant leanings 16c.), ^{3, 11} which can be supported by his political alignments during the 1566 Parliamentary Session, in particular, "Mr. Bell's complices"... (Richard Kingsmill and Robert Monson) ^{3, HoP} with whom the Queen referred, during the debate that touched the issues concerning the succession question.

However, Bell's marriage to the co-heiress Dorthie Beaupre in 1559, unfolds the possibility that he may have also possessed conservative temperaments, which may indicate that he attended the University of Oxford (Catholic leanings 16c.). ²⁷ This point is further supported by the 1567, will of Edmonde Beaupre, where it can be found within the text, that Robert Bell shares the company of a number of well documented conservatives, including Sir William Cordell, Speaker of the House of Commons (1558) ⁶ and Sir Henry Bedingfield of Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk, ¹⁷ who had been entrusted with the custody of Princess Elizabeth by Queen Mary I; and whose father, Sir Edmund Bedingfield, had been employed in the same capacity, with the care of Katherine of Aragon.

Bell seems to have managed admittance to the Middle Temple, where he apparently excelled, being qualified to sit as a Bencher, and later, being elevated to the honour of both Lent and Autumn Reader. During the period that he attended the Middle Temple, the religious denomination of the pupils and Masters was primarily Catholic, with emerging factions of Protestants, balancing the Elizabethan membership. The register that would have recorded where he had been formerly educated or where he attended church, and who his parents were, and so on, has long been lost.

Of course, notwithstanding the above, Bell may have been one of a number of individuals that were significantly impacted, as a result of the Church Reformations carried out by Henry VIII and his successors Edward VI and Mary I. Naturally, the tempering of one's soul as a result of living through this period, would have helped with moulding character, that had the potential to lean towards a latitudinarian posture with respect to the many religious issues, that at the present time, were, proving quite controversial, and, very dangerous.

This reformed outlook when combined with a 'erastian position, that is, supporting the right of the monarch to decide the religion of the realm,' ⁴ would have provided the catalyst that promoted Bell's ability to unite the House collectively, on a solid foundation. Furthermore, he seems to have been successful with resolving differences between fellow Members of Parliament during the various committees that he was active, while furthering the Protestant cause; including the Prayer Book and Church Attendance. ³

A taste of Robert Bell's sentiments, can be clearly derived, by examining his contrasting description of the infamous reign of Mary I, and that of Elizabeth's, ("Mr Bell's second 'Oration' 8 May 1572"):

" The Queen's 'loving subjects' desired her preservation 'more than the chased deer desired the soil for his refreshing'; at the time of her accession the country was subject to ignorant hypocrisy and unsound doctrine', but God inclined her heart 'to be a defence to his afflicted church throughout all Europe.' Many benefits from her reign 'I do forget, and yet do remember divers others which I leave for tediousness'." ³

Bell's prevenient foresight and infallable support of the Crown, helped forge and unify the realm under Elizabeth's rule, and, in April 1577, his success was acknowledged when he was nominated for membership of a committee for a special visitation of Oxford, together with Sir Christopher Wray, Edwin Sandys then bishop of London and John Piers then bishop of Rochester and four others. (State Papers, Domestic, Elizabeth, p. 543)

[edit] Marriages

Mr Bell may have been married three times:

1. Mary Chester daughter of [Sir] Anthony Chester ^{3, 11}

2. Elizabeth Anderson (d.1556-58?), ³ widowed daughter in law of Sir Edmund Anderson, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, ^11, and,

3. Dorthie, daughter and co-heiress of Edmonde Beaupre Esq., and Katherine Wynter daughter of Phillip Bedingfield of Ditchingham, Norfolk. ^{18, 27}

[edit] Career

Robert Bell seems to have achieved notable success at the beginning of his career, specifically (6 March 1559), upon accomplishing favorable results for the patentees of the lands of John White, bishop of Winchester; of which he was of counsel together with Alexander Nowell. ⁵

Bells' clients (some, members of the privy chamber of King Henry VIII and of his son Edward VI) ^ODNB shed light on the associations that he enjoyed and speak highly of his abilities: Henry Clifford of Wiltshire, William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Sir William Fitzwilliam, Sir Philip Hoby, Sir John Mason, Sir Henry Seymour, Sir Henry Neville, who married Elizabeth Gresham (the niece of Sir Thomas Gresham), Sir Richard Sackville, Sir Richard Kingsmill, John Owersall, Edmund Gascoygne, and William Karvell. ⁵

His career was further secured and launched with his fortunate marriage (15 October 1559), to the baroness Dorthie Beaupre. This afforded him a large estate in Outwell, Norfolk, along with the local offices and status that came with it; including the office of MP for King's Lynn. During the 1563, 1566, and 1571 Parliaments, Bell made a 'thorough' nuisance of himself to the government, and was considered a radical; noted by William Cecil as one of the two leading trouble makers, during the 1566 session. ^{3, 11}

Additionally, it would appear that on at least one occasion, Elizabeth I, witnessed this 'maverick' style of behavior, as 'On 19 October 1566, '[Bell] did argue very boldly' to pursue the succession question; "in the face of the Queen's command to leave it alone". "In her own words 'Mr Bell with his complices.... must needs prefer their speeches to the upper house to have you, my lords, consent with them, whereby you were seduced, and of simplicity did assent unto it'. ³

'Early in the next Parliament (5 April 1571) he [boldly'] launched an attack on the Queen's purveyors, who took 'under pretence of her Majesty's service what they would at what price they themselves liked...' 'Later in 1576, this speech was recalled by Peter Wentworth during his motion for liberty of speech: 'The last Parliament he that is now Speaker uttered a very good speech for the calling in of certain licences granted to four courtiers to the utter undoing of 6,000 or 8,000 of the Queen Majesty's subjects. This speech was so disliked by some of the [Privy] council, that he was sent for and so hardly dealt with that he came into the House with such an amazed countance that it daunted all the House' ³

Nevertheless, on 19 April 1571, he was an advocate for the residents of less fortunate boroughs, and 'thought it was necessary that all places should be provided for equally' and further, proposed that all boroughs who sought to nominate a nobleman, should suffer a fairly substantial financial penalty, "mindfull, no doubt of the power of the Duke of Norfolk in his county." ³

From 1570-72, Robert Bell served as crown counsel, ¹¹ with the prosecution of individuals in connexion with certain conspiracies, and, perhaps, it was Bell's outspokenness, hitherto, that revealed his niche, as shortly following these events, he was recommended by William Cecil for Speaker ⁹ (Prolocutor), elected by the House, and approved by Elizabeth I, 8 May 1572. 'The Queen on her part', he was told, had 'sufficiently heard of your truth and fidelity towards her and ... understandith your ability to accomplish the same.' ³

Bell's second disabling speech of that day was full of luminous detail and "was a model of circumspection:, a lawyer's piece larded with legal precedent; in his careful transmission of royal messages and his preference that attempts to persuade a reluctant queen should be by written arguments rather than by his spoken word;" ¹¹ 'some of it is worth quoting'...'as an early example of the taste for precedents that became common place in the history of the House during the seventeenth century' ³

.."Mr. Bell's second Oration."

.."Your highness' noble progenitors kings of this realm",.."Whereupon King Henry III finding no such perfection therein as he did desire, by the mature deliberation and grave advice of his lords and council did condescend to walk in a new course of government in which he determined that all things should be provided for by Authority of Parliament..."

"He concluded his speech by requesting the *ordinary petitions consisting in three points,...

1. Liberty of speech

2. Access to the Queen

3. That if by my imperfection, I shall mistake and so misreport any message, either from the House to your Majesty or from your Majesty to them, that I may be received to repair anew for the declaration of the same." ³

While Speaker, Bell presided over some of the more dynamic issues of the Elizabethan Parliaments, notably, the security of the realm, and a session concerning the question of Mary Queen of Scots; where he was advised to shorten the discussion upon receiving a royal message that was whispered in his ear by Sir Christopher Hatton. ¹⁵

In 1575, Bell revisited the succession question, and, although, on this occasion, he 'humbly' and 'respectfully', petitioned Elizabeth "to make the kingdom further happy in her marriage, so that her people might hope for a continual succession of benefits in her posterity", Elizabeth still refused. ¹³

[edit] Career summary

During a time of uncertainty, Sir Robert Bell valiantly challenged, corruption, and tyranny; advocated hope for the poor, and, bridged hearts and minds, while striving to tear down the walls and strongholds of arrogance, greed and hate.

Bell's support of Robert Snagge and his abhorrence of 'Tale Tellers' (gossipers), for example, have to be admired. ³

His managerial skill's were revolutionary, in that he was a guardian of liberty and champion of freedom of speech, while at the same time, he managed to appease the Queen and [Privy] Council; "without compromising too many of his principals." ³

He also made a 'thorough' effort, in demonstrating the potential with following a timeless leadership style; an archetype that resonated with the integrity of common virtues, and, a patient resolve, that reflected the importance of carefully weighing and balancing each detail in order to accurately derive the truth; of which, he observed, if found worthy of merit, it should be supported by the necessary foundation of Heart, mind, and conscious.

Despite the somewhat candid display of behavior that seems to have defined the majority of his youth, at the end of the day, however, Bell comes over as a Renaissance man, who earnestly contributed a signal service, by bearing the necessary burdens as a patron for the Brittani, and by diligently laboring to embrace, his duty, as a steward of the public trust.

"He clearly was, an ambassador of faiths who, faithfully believed in, and, sacredly honoured, the, truth, the Way, and the Light; as he drew his strength from the center of the core, and wielded, certain, eternal loyalties, that have, endured, and that have gracefully transcended the dawn and brilliance of the Golden Age."

[edit] Honours

In 1577, during the New Year's promotions, Queen Elizabeth I, expressed her gratitude to Sir Robert Bell for his encouraging signal service and conferred a knighthood to him, made him her Serjeant-at-Law, and appointed him Lord Chief Baron of her Exchequer; ³ a post that he retained during the period that Sir Francis Drake wrote the government, claiming his bounty to build his ships in Aldeburgh, together with the clandestine arrangements he secured from his investors, for his 1577 voyage to 'circumnavigate' the globe. ^{27, 8}

Sir Robert Bell's contemporaries respected his contributions to society; notably, Sir James Dyer, Edmund Plowden and the historian, William Camden who considered him a 'lawyer of great renowne,' a "Sage and grave man, and famous for his knowledge in the law." ^{3, 11}

Modern scholars, such as Peter Hasler have observed that Bell was a "poacher turned gamekeeper" ³ when he changed the manner that he conducted himself; by repenting from his old way's, thereby affording himself an opportunity to sow the seeds of inner growth, that he later would reap, in His' service, for the glory of the common good.

[edit] Death and commemoration

Unfortunately, Bell's success was short lived. While presiding as judge at the Oxford assizes, (afterward deemed the Black Assizes), he was exposed to prisoners of foul condition during the trial of a book seller who slandered the Queen. This stench is thought to have caused a pestilent vapor and Bell (along with an estimated 300 others) caught gaol fever. ¹¹ (Camden, Annals, bk. 2.376)

On 27 July 1577, he spent his last hours drafting a codicil to his will, where he named his 'Loving wife Dorthie sole executor' and directed the selling of certain property for payment of debts, with an emphasis, on the future maintenance of his eight children: (most were very young)

..."and the money thereof cominge to be ymployed towardes the payment of my Debtes and bringinge upp of my children at the order and discreation of my saide Executrix " ¹⁹

His will was [Proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury at London 4 September 1577 by Peter Johnson notary public, proxy for Dorothy, relict and executrix.] ¹⁹

Preceding this calamity, Bell had devoted his time and attention with expanding his family home, and had commissioned The Guild of Glaziers? with the production of heraldic glass panels, representing the various marital alliances that were shared by the Beaupre's and the Bell's.

The panels were originally displayed and incorporated around the entry way of Beaupre Hall, Norfolk, and were later cut down and relocated to windows in the rear of the Hall, perhaps after 1730 when the antiquary Beaupre Bell succeeded to the property.

After his death in 1741, Mr. Greaves succeeded, who had married Beaupre Bell's sister (of whom we owe for saving the glass relics). Their daughter Jane brought it by marriage to the Townley family, who held Beaupre Hall until it passed into the hands of Mr Edward Fordham Newling, ¹² who anticipated the Hall's ruin, and wished that the gorgeous stained glass panels would be placed in the care and possession of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, where they are currenty on display.

Further information: Holy Grail

One may find that two panels of similar design, were commissioned after his death in 1577:

1. The Arms of Sir Robert Bell ²¹
2. The Arms of Sir Robert Bell impaling Harington (the Harington Arms are depicted with the cadency mark 'a label'); probably, Sir John Harington, first Baron Harington of Exton (1539/40–1613) who married Anne (c.1554–1620), the daughter and heir of Robert Keilwey of the Middle Temple.

Sir John's father, Sir James Harington of Exton Hall, Rutland, married Lucy, the daughter of Sir William Sidney of Penshurst, Kent.

Note: Sir 'John' Harington's cousin, the writer of the same name (Sir John Harrington), curiously, after the loss of his cousin's dear friend Sir Robert Bell and learning of the many other victims, who suffered as a consequence of the contamination, that was noted at the Black Assize, there after became a motivated innovator who was inspired to invent a very important, everyday sanitary device.

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Sir William Sidney's son, Sir Henry Sidney lord deputy of Ireland, was a neighbor of John Peyton and Dorothy daughter of Sir John Tyndale. The Peytons' second son, Sir John Peyton "served in Ireland under their friend and neighbour Sir Henry Sidney of Penshurst, and in 1568 he was again in Ireland with Sidney, then lord deputy and had become a member of Sidney's household." ¹⁶

After Sir Robert Bell's untimely death in 1577, Sir John Peyton married Bell's widow Dorothy, where from her estate, Peyton gained position and status in the county of Norfolk. Sir John Peyton would later become lieutenant of the Tower of London.

It will be clear from the examination of the commemorative panels, that the Harington's and the Bell's were closely allied. ²⁷

[edit] Parentage and descendants

The unknown parentage, ancestry and origins of Sir Robert Bell, could be considered one of the most researched issues concerning a public figure of his stature, that can be found during the last three centuries. Following the new millennium, a number of individuals have attempted to resolve this matter as evidenced by the following: ²⁷

1.1850, James Alexander Manning, "Speakers" ¹³

"The subject of this memoir is stated to have been born of a respectable Norfolk family, whose pedigree, however, according to the Herald's visitations for that county, commencing only with himself, we are unable to give any account of his ancestry, although Mr. Bell was allied, by marriage, to some of the most ancient and illustrious families of England."

2. 1948, 27 November, Harold Wilberforce Bell, Notes and Queries ¹⁴

"It is curious that little or nothing is known of the parentage of Sir Robert Bell;"... " There is, perhaps, no other Speaker of the House of Commons of whom so little is known." "He was, however, probably of Yorkshire descent [of the ancient family of De Bella Aqua]"

3. 1981, Peter Hasler, of The History of Parliament, House of Commons 1558-1603, HMSO 1981. ³

"Bell's emergence from obscurity dates from a fortunate third marriage"...

4. 2004, Michael A. R. Graves, ‘Bell, Sir Robert (d. 1577) ’, Oxford DNB, Oxford University Press, 2004 ¹¹

"Bell, Sir Robert (d. 1577), Judge and Speaker of the House of Commons, is of unknown parentage and origins, although he may have come from a Norfolk or Yorkshire family."

5. 2005, Peter O'Donoghue, Bluemantle Pursuivant, Arms and Pedigrees of Bell ¹⁸

"Extensive searches have been conducted in the official registers of Arms and pedigrees held by the College of Arms, and in other heraldic and genealogical manuscripts in our archive"... "The entry listed above suggests that Sir Robert may have been the son of William Bell of Hertfordshire." "It is intriguing that no official record of the Arms was taken at the Visitations, yet other sources suggest that heralds were aware of his or his descendants' claim to a right to Arms."

6. 2006, Richard R L Bell, Tudor Bells Sound Out ²⁷

"Comprehensive and systematic research has been undertaken, in a attempt to discover the parentage and ancesty of Sir Robert Bell. Respected historians, heralds, and other professional research specialists have been consulted and commissioned to assist with arriving at a final conclusion. The fruits of these labors helped with the production of a illuminated 'pe de gre ', that has illustrated the historical topography related to the Bell's, however, with great lamentation, it appears that any evidence that would confirm Sir Roberts antecedents, has either been lost or remains in the dark for future generations to unearth; perhaps through the use of genetic genealogy."

7. 2007, James Elton Bell, Sir Robert Bell and His Early Virginia Colony Descendants ²

"Sir Robert's parents remain unproven, but it is probable his father was William Bell ^{(See 5:21.2.0.4)} of Hertfordshire who married the daughter and heir of Loo (Los) Hertfordshire. ⁹⁸⁹ Another possible father was William Bell of York. The research is ongoing." [2]

At any rate, "during the rising sun of the English colonization of America, Sir Robert Bell's children married into the curia regis of the Tudors and other landed gentry, ²⁷ " "...Amongst the many great families with whom the Bells were connected by their various marriages, we may mention.... Beaupre, [ Montfort ], John De Vere, 15th Earl of Oxford, [Foderinghey], [Hastings], Bedingfield, Knyvett, [Fortescue], Oldfield, [Coggeshall], [Fitzwilliam], [ Parry ], [Harske], [Meeres], Osbourne, [Drury], Wiseman, Deering, Chester, Oxburgh, Le Strange, Dorewood, Oldfield, Peyton, [ Wynter ], [ Walsingham ] and Hobart, all persons of great eminence and distinction." ¹³

1. His first son, Sir Edmond Bell (de Beaupre), b. 7 April 1562 d. 1606/7, MP for King's Lynn, & Aldeburgh 'invested heavily in privateering' ³ (one may find a John Smith & Sir Ralph Hare, named as executors within his will). ²⁰ He married 1. Anne the daughter of Peter Osbourne ³ and Anne Hays 2. ?Elizabeth 3. Merriell Knyvett the daughter of Sir Thomas Knyvett, 4th Baron Berners (c. 1539-1618) and Merriell Parry, the daughter of Sir Thomas Parry and Anne Reade.

2. His second son Sir Robert Bell (de Beaupre), b. (c. 1563 d. 1539), was a 'Captain of a company in the low countries' MP, built ships for the navy, and was a founding member, contributor and share holder of the (London Company) Virginia Company of London and the Honourable British East India Company (c. 1600).

3. His third son, Synulpholus Bell Esq., b. March 1564 d. 1628, of Thorpe Manor, Norfolk, married Jane (Anne) daughter of Christopher Calthrop and Jane Rookwood (daughter of Roger Rookwood).

4. His fourth son, Beaupre Bell b. c. 1570, literary scholar of Cambridge, admitted to Lincolns Inn in 1594, married ?

5. His fifth son, Phillip Bell b. 14 June 1574 d. after 1630, Captain, Governor of Bermuda 1626-1629, Nassau 1630, & Barbados 1640-46, married the daughter of Captain Daniel Elfrith. ²²

6. His daughter, Margaret Bell b. bef. 1561 d. 14 Sep., 1591 married Sir Nicholas Le Strange of Norfolk; the son of Sir Hamon Le Strange (c.1534-1580) and Elizabeth Hastings; daughter of Sir Hugh Hastings of Elsing, 14th Lord Hastings (d. c.1540) and Catherine Le Strange (d. 2 February 1558).

8. His daughter, Frances b. 2 December 1577 d. 09 November 1657 married Sir Anthony Dering of Kent (1558–1636), JP, of Surrenden Dering in Pluckley, Kent; the parents of Sir Edward Dering, 1st baronet (1598-1644), who married Elizabeth (1602–1622), daughter of Sir Nicholas Tufton, 1st earl of Thanet. ^{2, 26}

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7. His daughter, Dorothy, b. 19 October 1572 d. 30 April 1640, married Sir Henry Hobart, ¹⁰ Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas; who labored together with Sir Francis Bacon to draft and procure the charters for the London and Plymouth Company.

Following the Elizabethan era, a number of Sir Robert Bell's grandchildren envisioned the opportunity to live new lives beyond the horizon, and, endeavored to be bold, "adventurers" and Cavaliers, "who set sail for America and arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, before, and, after, the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock." ²⁷

[edit] Heraldry

The Arms of Sir Robert Bell: Sable a Humetty Ermine between three Church Bells Argent the Crest is Upon a Helm on a Mount Vert a Phoenix Rising wings elevated and inverted Or armed Sable.

In His' Service,

3. "There is no darkness but ignorance." William Shakespeare

2. "Fortune favors the bold." Virgil

1. Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.

[edit] Sources

1. Williamson, J. B., The History of the Temple of London, London, pb. John Murray (2nd ed. 1925).
2. Bell, J.E. & F.J., Sir Robert Bell and His Early Virginia Colony Descendants, A compilation of 16th, 17th, & 18th Century families with the surname of Bell, Beale, le Bel,...et al., pb., Wheatmark, 2007
3. Hasler, P. W., HoP: House of Commons 1558-1603, HMSO 1981, p. 421-4 [4]
4. Summerson, H., Correspondence, 4 February 2007, (Opinion; in matters of religion) [5]
5. House of Commons Journal Volume 1, 06 March 1559, pb. 1802, Sponsor BHOL: History of Parliament Trust
6. Baker, J. H., ‘Cordell, Sir William (1522-1581)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 accessed 11 May 2005
7. Bryson, W., The equity side of the Exchequer; Its jurisdiction, administration, procedures, and records; York prize essay for 1973.
8. Bawlf, S., The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake 1577-1580, p. 67
9. MacCaffrey, W. T., 'Cecil William, first Baron Burghley (1520/21–1598)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004
10. Woodcock, T., and, Robinson, J. M., Heraldry in Historic Houses of Great Britain, The National Trust, pb. 2000
11. Graves, M. A.R., ‘Bell, Sir Robert (d. 1577)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004
12. Hussey, C., Beaupre Hall Wisbech, Coventry Homes and Gardens Old & New, pb. Country Life, 1923
13. Manning, J. A., Speakers, pb. Myers and Company, London p. 242, 245
14. Bell, H. W., Notes and Queries, Vol. 193 (24), 1948, pp. 515-6, OUP, Wilberforce-Bell, ‘Sir Robert Bell: Speaker of the House of Commons,1572.,’ Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer 1576- 7 [6]
15. MacCaffrey, W. T., ‘Hatton, Sir Christopher (c.1540-1591)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004
16. Evans, H. M. E., ‘Peyton, Sir John (1544-1630)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004
17. O'Donoghue, M.P.D., Transcription Report, The National Archives, UK, Catalog Reference Prob. 11/51, Image Reference 18, (C) Crown Copyright
18. O'Donoghue, M.P.D., Report, Arms and ‘pe de gres' of Bell [Sir Robert Bell], 15 August 2005 Coll Arm Ms, The Visitations of Norfolk, 1563, 1589, 1613, Bell. Beaupre., Harl 1552.
19. O'Donoghue, M.P.D., Transcription Report, The National Archives, UK, Catalog Reference Prob. 11/59, Image Reference 364 (C) Crown Copyright
20. The National Archives, UK, Catalog Reference Prob. 11/111, Image Reference 565 (C) Crown Copyright
21. Gwynn-Jones, P., The Art of Heraldry, Parkgate Books, London: 1998 [7]
22. Kupperman, K., Puritan Colonization from Providence Island through the Western Design, The William and Mary Quarterly, 3rd Ser., Vol. 45, No. 1 (Jan., 1988), pp. 70-99 [8]
23. Tyndale, W., Life Application Study Bible: New International Version, pb. 1997, p. 1076
24. Virgil, The Aeneid, Book 10, line 284
25. Shakespeare, W., Twelfth Night, first printing 1623? Act IV, scene II
26. Salt, S. P., ‘Dering, Sir Edward, first baronet (1598-1644)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 accessed 23 May 2005
27. Bell, R. R.L., Tudor Bell's Sound Out (A three year ancestry study of the illustrious Brittani) Rolls- privately pb., coded and contributed for free, 7 September, Ano Do, 2006.

[edit] External links

• Aesthetics [9]

• Religious Art [10]

• The Chronicles of Narnia [11]

[edit] Likeness

(2), NPG, London. (1) Robert Bell Esq Speaker 1572, possibly by the artist T. Athlow, (2) Sir Robert Bell, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer 1577, by William Camden Edwards, after unknown artist;[12] and the British Museum [13]

Parliament of England
Preceded by Sir Christopher Wray	Speaker of the House of Commons 1572–1576	Succeeded by Sir John Popham
Legal Offices
Preceded by Sir Edward Saunders	Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer 1577	Succeeded by Sir John Jeffery