Sir Cuthbert Ogle, Baron Ogle of Bothel, Hepple and Ogle

as portrayed by Bill Griffith

The news was delivered to me at Cockell Park Northumberland, where I was born two and a score years prior, by Master Robert Hull, man servant of my elder half brother Sir Robert Ogle, the 6th Lord Ogle of Bothel. Robert felt the calling of the sword, as did most of our ancestors all the way back to Edward the 1st. He did to join military actions in Ireland, and as scripted in the missive that Master Robert delivered to me, was grievously wounded in a skirmish there. On July 7th, the year of our Lord 1562, he succumbed to his wounds and died. I thank God every day that I have never been foolish enough to join in the ever constant clandestine battles that persist other lands. There are plenty of empty headed noble sheep running to the slaughter, ready and willing to catch the queens eye by prevailing in battle for God and Country. I am not one of them. With the escalation tensions of papist factions in the north of England, I did to for-see a more critical path for a non-papist Northern Lord to follow.

With the death of my brother, I was the heir apparent of the heretical title of my family. I was the second son of my father Sir Robert Ogle, 5th Lord Ogle of Bothel and Jane Radcliffe, my father's second wife. However, after the death of my brother it took a full three and a half years for her grace to ratify my letters of patent officially granting me livery, which were finally signed by her grace on February 12, year of our Lord 1566, officially creating me the 7th Lord Ogle Bothel, Baron of Bothel, Hepple and Ogle.

Prior to the death of my brother, I used the inheritance left to me after my fathers death to, buy lands surrounding my family's estates to the west of Newcastle. I was determined to not follow the path of many second sons of rich lords and squander my fortune on frivolous pastimes and the latest clothing styles. Income from the rents and hunting rights of my lands funded other investments including developing coal mines in Devon Shire and Northumberland which further lined my rich coffers. I have continued to buy lands throughout the years and at this point own over twenty hamlets and parishes throughout southern Northumberland.

Throughout the years there was always a strong alliance between the Ogle family and other powerful noble houses of the north, including the Percy and Neville families, however this ended after the Rebellion of the Northern Earls when I refused to support this insurrection. After this failed revolt and the demise of the various northern lords involved in the plot, her Grace dubbed me "The Last Of the Northern Aristocrats".

At this time I have joined the Queens progress to see if my steadfast loyalty to the crown will further my standing at court. Also I want to further investigate investment opportunities that could present themselves at court. I also intend to solidify my friendship with Sir Francis Walsingham, to who I have constantly kept informed of northern sentiments and catholic unrest, and other Lords who I could curry favor from.

Feedback

This site best viewed at 1024 x 768.