Sir Robert Napier, 1st Baronet, of Luton Hoo

Who is Sir Robert Napier, 1st Baronet, of Luton Hoo?

Sir Robert Napier, 1st Baronet, of Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, also referred to as Robert Sandy, was an English merchant. He was the son of Alexander Napier of Exeter, who sometimes used the alternative surname of Sandy. His older brother, Richard Napier, was a noted astrologer.

Based in Bishopsgate Street in London, and a member of the Grocers' Company, Napier became wealthy through trade with Turkey, and purchased the estate at Luton Hoo. He was knighted in 1611 during the King's progress through England, then created a baronet on24 September 1611, and was High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in the same year; in 1613 he was elected Sheriff of London but refused to serve, for which he was fined 400 marks.

He married three times, having no children by his first two wives, but three sons and four daughters by his third wife, Mary Robinson. They included:

Sir Robert Napier, his eldest son, who succeeded him

Sir Richard Napier of Linford