[1] A prominent member of the Goldsmiths' Company, Brandon was elected Chamberlain or treasurer of the City of London in 1583, a position he held until his death in 1591.
[5] The queen's gifts were recorded in inventories, known as "Gift Rolls", with such entries as, "Item, more given by her saide Majestie, and delivered the secunde of Marche, anno 20° praed' [year foresaid], to Doctor Bewtricke, sent from Duke Cashemere (Johann Casimir of Simmern), a chaine of golde, bought of Robert Brandon and Hugh Keall, our goldesmithes".
The chamberlain was responsible for enrolment of apprentices and admission of freemen; for the safekeeping and return of the goods and monies of orphans; and for the management and maintenance of City properties.
The chamberlain reported fees, rents, and lease payments collected for tenements and lands, as well as monies paid out for their repair.
Although he was never formally charged or censured, in his will, drawn up three weeks before his death in 1591, Brandon was moved to defend himself:[7] I certify and make known to my said executors and overseer, and to all others to whom the same may appertain, and desire them to take knowledge for a certain truth, whatsoever rumours may be blazed abroad to the contrary that touching my state accounts and reckonings appertaining to mine office of chamberlainship of the city of London I stand clear without any just cause of accusation and so I am well assured I shall do unto the end.