Henry Goodere

Sir Henry Goodere (1534–1595) was an English nobleman, the son of Francis Goodere of Polesworth Hall.

The earliest records that use the Goodere name are in Poynton, Cheshire, England. The Gooderes intermarried with the noble Warren family and could claim the title 'Lord of Poynton'. The Goodere name is spelled 'Goodyear' today. The Goodyears live in Britain, Canada and the U.S. One Goodere served as London's mayor.

He was the founder of "the Polesworth Circle", a private organization that influenced most of Great Britain through Shakespeare's literary works, Inigo Jones' architectural work and Michael Drayton's poetry. His society helped finance the 'Virginia adventure'.

He developed a cipher for Mary, Queen of Scots that was used against her during her trial and execution. He was held in the Tower of London and interviewed by his family relative Lord Cecil 'the Keeper of the Great Seal' on suspicion of treason in 1571 then subsequently knighted in 1588. He became the Queen's chief bodyguard.

He was High Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1570 and High Steward of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield from 1582 until his death.

References

• Graves, Michael A. R. "Goodere, Sir Henry". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/11002.  (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)

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