Sir William Petre (circa 1505 – 1572) was born in Devon in 1505 and educated as a lawyer at Exeter College, Oxford. He became a public servant, probably through the influence of the Boleyns, one of whom, George, he had tutored at Oxford and another of whom, Anne, was married to the king. He rose rapidly in the royal service and, in 1543, was knighted.
Petre was adept at...
Date of birth:
- 1505
Date of death:
- 1572
