Thomas Heneage

Robert and his brother Thomas were members of Henry VIII's Privy Chamber, the latter holding the important office of Groom of the Stool.

Their only daughter Elizabeth married Sir Moyle Finch, Bt and was created Countess of Winchilsea.

[3] He became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber about 1565 at around that time, she flirted with him, making her favourite, Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, jealous.

He was to convey to the States General her strong protest of the Earl of Leicester having accepted their offer of the title Governor-General.

Heneage read out publicly Elizabeth's letters of disapproval before the Dutch politicians, Leicester, their new Governor General, having to stand nearby.