11 Facts About Philip Hoby

Sir Philip Hoby PC was a 16th-century English Ambassador to the Holy Roman Empire and Flanders.

Philip Hoby was born probably at Leominster, England, the son of William Hoby of Leominster by his first wife, Catherine Forster.

Philip Hoby was the elder half-brother of Sir Thomas Hoby, father of Edward and Thomas Posthumous Hoby.

Philip Hoby travelled to Spain and Portugal in the royal service.

Philip Hoby was introduced to a courtier of the Regent of the Netherlands, Lord Benedict Court, and they spoke together in Italian.

In 1543 Philip Hoby was briefly held in the Fleet Prison on suspicion of heretical beliefs.

In 1551, Philip Hoby was involved in attempts to negotiate a marriage between King Edward VI and Elizabeth, the daughter of King Henry II of France.

Philip Hoby was trusted to negotiate loans with from merchants in Antwerp, and was involved in a diplomatic mission to Flanders.

In 1553, Philip Hoby was again at the court of Charles V, trying to negotiate a peace between him and Henry II of France.

Philip Hoby was recalled by Queen Mary on her accession, but he managed to retain her favour.

Sir Philip Hoby died at his house in Blackfriars, London and was buried in Bisham Church where there is a fine effigial monument to him and his brother.