Ralph Rokeby (died 1596)

What was needed, in his view, was the subjugation of the province by the military forces, led by "valiant and courageous captains": if this did not happen, and quickly, then the English must soon bid "farewell to Ireland".

Powers to impose martial law in the province and to pursue the King's enemies with "fire and sword" were eventually granted to the Chief Justice's superior, the Lord President of Connaught in 1604, some years after Rokeby's death.

He was also employed on several commissions for the detection of recusants and traitors, including those which indicted William Parry and Anthony Babington.

He sat as a judge at numerous treason trials, notably those of Philip, Earl of Arundel, Sir John Perrot, Dr Lopez and Patrick O'Collun.

He was made a member of the Council of the North, on the nomination of the veteran Yorkshire statesman Sir Thomas Gargrave.