Biography of Robert Clayton 1629-1707
Paternal Family Tree: Clayton
In 1629 Robert Clayton was born to John Clayton and Alice Abbott.
Evelyn's Diary. 26 Sep 1672. I carried with me to dinner my Lord H. Howard (age 44) (now to be made Earl of Norwich and Earl Marshal of England) to Sir Robert Clayton's (age 43), now Sheriff of London, at his new house, where we had a great feast; it is built indeed for a great magistrate, at excessive cost. The cedar dining room is painted with the history of the Giants' War, incomparably done by Mr. Streeter (age 51), but the figures are too near the eye.
Evelyn's Diary. 18 Aug 1673. Taking leave of my Lord Clifford (age 43), he wrung me by the hand, and, looking earnestly on me, bid me God-b'ye, adding, "Mr. Evelyn, I shall never see thee more". "No!" said I, "my Lord, what's the meaning of this? I hope I shall see you often, and as great a person again". "No, Mr. Evelyn, do not expect it, I will never see this place, this city, or Court again", or words of this sound. In this manner, not without almost mutual tears, I parted from him; nor was it long after, but the news was that he was dead, and I have heard from some who I believe knew, he made himself away, after an extraordinary melancholy. This is not confidently affirmed, but a servant who lived in the house, and afterward with Sir Robert Clayton (age 44), Lord Mayor, did, as well as others, report it, and when I hinted some such thing to Mr. Prideaux, one of his trustees, he was not willing to enter into that discourse.
In 1677 Robert Clayton (age 48) purchased the manor of Bletchingley by which he gained control of the two seats for MP Bletchingley.
Evelyn's Diary. 03 Jul 1677. I sealed the deeds of sale of the manor of Blechingley [Map] to Sir Robert Clayton (age 48), for payment of Lord Peterborough's (age 55) debts, according to the trust of the Act of Parliament.
Evelyn's Diary. 19 Jun 1679. I dined at Sir Robert Clayton's (age 50) with Sir Robert Viner (age 48), the great banker.
Evelyn's Diary. 04 Nov 1679. Dined at the Lord Mayor's (age 50); and, in the evening, went to the funeral of my pious, dear, and ancient learned friend, Dr. Jasper Needham, who was buried at St Bride's Church. He was a true and holy Christian, and one who loved me with great affection. Dr. Dove preached with an eulogy due to his memory. I lost in this person one of my dearest remaining sincere friends.
Evelyn's Diary. 18 Nov 1679. I dined at my Lord Mayor's (age 50), being desired by the Countess of Sunderland (age 33) to carry her thither on a solemn day, that she might see the pomp and ceremony of this Prince of Citizens, there never having been any, who for the stateliness of his palace, prodigious feasting, and magnificence, exceeded him. This Lord Mayor's acquaintance had been from the time of his being apprentice to one Mr. Abbot, his uncle [Note. His mother's brother], who being a scrivener, and an honest worthy man, one who was condemned to die at the beginning of the troubles forty years past, as concerned in the commission of array for King Charles I had escaped with his life; I often used his assistance in money matters. Robert Clayton, then a boy, his nephew, became, after his uncle Abbot's death, so prodigiously rich and opulent, that he was reckoned one of the wealthiest citizens. He married a free-hearted woman, who became his hospitable disposition; and having no children, with the accession of his partner and fellow apprentice, who also left him his estate, he grew excessively rich. He was a discreet magistrate, and though envied, I think without much cause. Some believed him guilty of hard dealing, especially with the Duke of Buckingham (age 51), much of whose estate he had swallowed, but I never saw any ill by him, considering the trade he was of. The reputation and known integrity of his uncle, Abbot, brought all the royal party to him, by which he got not only great credit, but vast wealth, so as he passed this office with infinite magnificence and honor.
Evelyn's Diary. 21 Nov 1679. I dined at my Lord Mayor's (age 50), to accompany my worthiest and generous friend, the Earl of Ossory (age 45); it was on a Friday, a private day, but the feast and entertainment might have become a King. Such an hospitable costume and splendid magistrature does no city in the world show, as I believe.
Evelyn's Diary. 13 Jul 1700. I went to Harden, which was originally a barren warren bought by Sir Robert Clayton (age 71), who built there a pretty house, and made such alteration by planting not only an infinite store of the best fruit; but so changed the natural situation of the hill, valleys, and solitary mountains about it, that it rather represented some foreign country, which would produce spontaneously pines, firs, cypress, yew, holly, and juniper; they were come to their perfect growth, with walks, mazes, etc., among them, and were preserved with the utmost care, so that I who had seen it some years before in its naked and barren condition, was in admiration of it. The land was bought of Sir John Evelyn, of Godstone, and was thus improved for pleasure and retirement by the vast charge and industry of this opulent citizen. He and his lady received us with great civility. The tombs in the church at Croydon of Archbishops Grindal, Whitgift, and other Archbishops, are fine and venerable; but none comparable to that of the late Archbishop Sheldon, which, being all of white marble, and of a stately ordinance and carvings, far surpassed the rest, and I judge could not cost less than £700 or £800.
In 1707 Robert Clayton (age 78) died. His nephew William Clayton 1st Baronet was his heir.
[his father] John Clayton and [his mother] Alice Abbott were married.