LIONEL CRANFIELD, EARL of MIDDLESEX, From a fine Miniature by 0. Humphry Esq" R.A. taken from the Original at Knowle. PubMay 20 1806 by J.Scott 447 Strand THE NOBLE AUTHORS OF ENGLAND. LIONEL CRANFIELD, EARL OF MIDDLESEX, [SON of Thomas Cranfield, esq. a merchant of London, was bred in the custom-house, and became well versed in the theory and practice of trade 3. By the interest of the duke of Buckingham, his kinsman, he became successively master of the requests, of the king's wardrobe, and of the wards; and after being advanced to the office of lord-high-treasurer, was created baron Cranfield in 1621, and the following year earl of Middlesex. He murmured at the expense of the journey to Spain, which gave great offence to the duke; and he was, in several instances, less ob Dugdale, Baronage, tom. iii. p. 446; but Fuller calls him Randal Cranfield. He may be said to have been his own tutor and his own university, says Fuller; and king James became highly affected with the clear, brief, strong, yea and profitable sense he spake. Worthies of London, p.211. |