Family and Education

b. c.1525, and s. of William Gardiner of London and Grove Place, Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks. by and w. Cecily; bro. of William. m. ?lic. 28 Jan. 1562, Anne Chester of Lombard St., London, s.p.2

Offices Held

Biography

When John Gardiner reached the age of 24, he received under the terms of his father’s will £100 and the Cat and Fiddle in Bucklersbury. Nothing has come to light about his education or his early career, but presumably he benefited from his elder brother’s connexion with Sir John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, and other prominent figures. His appearance in Parliament in 1558 may have been the work of William Gardiner’s circle, several of whom were returned to this Parliament: John Gardiner had no personal ties with Cornwall, but (Sir) William Godolphin I, a magnate in the neighbourhood of Penryn, was a relative by marriage.3

In 1558 Gardiner was appointed an executor of his brother’s will and entrusted with the care of their sister Elizabeth until her marriage: Elizabeth took as her husband John Dudley, whom Gardiner in his turn made his executor. He acquired a little property in London and in Middlesex, most of which was inherited by his nephew, also named John Gardiner, but his house and shop in Bridge Row he left to his sister. Gardiner made his will six years before his death on 11 Nov. 1586.4

Ref Volumes: 1509-1558

Author: A. D.K. Hawkyard

Notes

• 1. Did not serve for the full duration of the Parliament.
• 2. Date of birth estimated from elder brother’s. Recs. Bucks. vi. 95; Vis. Dorset (Harl. Soc. xx), 44; Mar. Lic. London (Harl. Soc. xxv), 23; PCC 4 Spert.
• 3. PCC 4 Spert, 36 Loftes.
• 4. PCC 36 Loftes, 45 Rutland; C142/212/56.