1522-1591
Attributed to Cornelis Ketel
(c) Queens’ College, University of Cambridge; Supplied by
The Public Catalogue Foundation, artuk.org/
Born in Wiltshire, after his father’s death he moved to London to seek a better life.
Smythe joined his father’s merchant guild, the Haberdashers, then the Worshipful Company of Skinners. By 1550 Smythe developed a rapport with the Lord Mayor of London. Sir Andrew Judde. About four years later, Smythe married Judde’s daughter, Alice Judde. They lived in the manor of Esshetford after Judde bought it in 1556.
Under Mary I, Smythe purchased the Office of the Customs for £2,500. This was confirmed when Elizabeth I ascended in 1558.
His role a Collector of Customs lasted for 11 yrs until he was accused of issuing privy warrants leading to a £6,000 loss. Thankfully his friend William Cecil (Lord Burghley) intervened on his behalf.
In June 1591 while still in debt to the queen, he died and was buried in Ashford leaving his widow and 12 surviving children.