12 Facts About Tobie Matthew

Sir Tobie Matthew, born in Salisbury, was an English member of parliament and courtier who converted to Roman Catholicism and became a priest.

Tobie Matthew was sent to Spain to promote the proposed Spanish Match between Charles, Prince of Wales, and the Spanish Infanta, Maria Anna of Spain, for which mission he was knighted.

Tobie Matthew left England after being accused of leading Catholics in 1641 and retired to Ghent.

Two years later, Tobie Matthew was elected as Member of Parliament for Newport, in Cornwall.

Tobie Matthew received a large grant from the Crown which provided for his future.

At that time a new persecution of "Papists" was raging in England, but Tobie Matthew was determined to return.

Tobie Matthew was exiled again from 1619 to 1622 for refusing to take the oath of allegiance, but was favourably received by James upon his return.

Tobie Matthew acted as an agent at court to promote the marriage of Charles, Prince of Wales with the Spanish Infanta, Maria Anna of Spain.

Tobie Matthew took refuge with the English Jesuits at their house at Ghent.

Tobie Matthew admired her and wrote her biography that was later published in 1931.

Tobie Matthew died at the English College in Ghent, and was buried there.

Tobie Matthew's letters were edited by John Donne the Younger in 1660.