Again, with respect to social/economic class, the Wrights of Brookstreet were of the same up and coming wealthy yeoman class who had been recognized by the Crown only to the extent of being granted the right to an inheritable coat of arms. The riches and standing as a "Gentleman" that came to Robert Wright in his lifetime were not only a result of his inherited lands, but also a thriving business in leather and woolen goods, which he carried on in a large scale becoming wealthy in his own right. While Robert Wright was referred to as a Tanner, he actually had much larger business dealings, being part owner of land and property in Halstead (north-east Essex), one of the thriving woolen goods weaving centers of East Anglica. He was a member of two of the prestigious Livery Companies of London: the Clothworkers Company and Tanners Company. He seems to have benefited from vertical integration of the tanning and clothing industries, being a basic producer of the hide and wool, owning and operating the tannery and at least part ownership of wool spinning and weaving operations in Halstead, and a supplier of both finished goods to the merchant trades of London through his membership in the Tanners and Clothmakers guilds. He became a wealthy farmer, tanner, clothmaker and merchant through these arrangements, making enough that he was able to perform most of the really significant renovations to the Moat House which still stand today in its incarnation as the Mary Green Manor Inn and Restaurant. In addition to his material successes, Robert Wright had the good fortune to own an estate and home which had formerly been owned by Robert Roper, a member of Queen Catherine of Aragon's personal household (as "Yeoman of the Royal Bedchamber"). Therefore, in the early years of their marriage, King Henry VIII and Catherine were not infrequent visitors at the Moat House during their hunting trips in Eastern Essex. So, the property was known to Henry VIII as was the Wright family name, and doubtless, Henry VIII was well aware of who Gentleman Robert Wright was and to what family he belonged. Children of Robert Wright and Mary Greene are:
The Will of Robert Wright of Brook Street Arch : Essex Register Draper Folio 149. “In the name of God Amen ; 17 January 1587. I, Robert Wright of Brook Streate in the parish of South Wealde in the County of Essex, yeoman, whole of mind, etc. Doe make my last will, etc. Soul to God and body to be buried within the parish church of South Wealde. To Mary, my wife, all my lands and goods, for her natural life, and after her decease my son John Wright shall enter in and upon the same and I appoint my said son to be Executor, (No witnesses named.) Proved February 22d, 1587, by John Wright (Act Book 3, folio k).” Thomas "Of Brook Hall" Wright 1548 - 1617Thomas "Of Brook Hall" Wright 1548 - 1617 married Roberdye Pake (1547 - 1603)
Known children:
John of Brook Hall 1577 - 1640John Wright was born in September 13, 1577 at Brook Hall in South Weald, Essex England. He married Grace Glascock (1579 - 1653), daughter of Henry Glascock. He was the longest living child of Thomas and Roberdye, passing away at the age of 63, on May 30, 1640 in South Essex, England. John followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and became a Master Clothworker in 1619. He was also a member of the predegous Worshipful Company of Drapers. Children:
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