John Astley (circa 1507-1596), Courtier

Sitter in 1 portrait
John Astley was distantly related to Queen Elizabeth I through Anne Boleyn, the Queen's mother. He married Katherine Champernowne, governess to the young Princess Elizabeth and the couple became key figures in Elizabeth's household. In 1558 he became Master of the Queen's Jewel House with responsibility for Elizabeth's treasures. Later in life he retired from court and wrote the first English treatise on horsemanship The Art of Riding, published in 1584.