Sir Tobie Matthew | |
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Born | Tobias Matthew 3 October 1577 |
Died | 13 October 1655 | (aged 78)
Nationality | English |
Occupation(s) | Member of Parliament (1599–1604) Royal Advisor to Elizabeth I (1599–1603) to James I (1603–1604 and 1622–1625) to Charles I & Queen Henrietta Maria (1625–1640) |
Years active | 1599–1640 |
Known for | espionage for James I |
Parent(s) | Tobias Matthew Frances (born Barlow) |
Sir Tobie Matthew (also sometimes spelt Mathew; 3 October 1577 – 13 October 1655), born in Salisbury, was an English member of parliament and courtier who converted to Roman Catholicism and became a priest. He 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. He left England after being accused of leading Catholics in 1641 and retired to Ghent.