A family firm: the Carey family in their role as border officers,1568-1603.

Abstract

Between 1568 and 1603, members of the Carey family filled a number of prominent positions within the administration of the English Marches on the Anglo-Scottish Border. As close relatives of Queen Elizabeth I of England, they were able to build up considerable power and influence both on the Border and at the English court. This thesis attempts to examine how the Careys worked together as a family on the Border, at court and in institutions such as Parliament. It examines how the Careys' position at court supported the members of the family involved in Border office, and looks at the links that existed between the court and the Border. It also looks at the origins of the Carey family, and how it was that they came to hold such a position of importance, and how it was that their influence and power in England declined significantly after 1603. In particular, the part played by Elizabeth I in the rise to prominence of the Careys is examined, as is the role which her death played in the decline of their power. The thesis also attempts to examine the roles filled by the members of the Carey family on the Border, and studies the nature of the relationships between them, the English Border gentry, other English Border officers and Scottish gentry and officials.