“ He made large collections of materials relating to Irish history and pedigrees, which he left to his secretary, Sir Thomas Stafford, reputed on scanty evidence to be his natural son; while some portion has disappeared, 39 volumes after coming into Laud’s possession are now at Lambeth, and 4 volumes in the Bodleian Library. ”

“ He distinguished himself on the field on several occasions and filled important military commands in Ireland. In 1584 he was appointed gentleman pensioner to Queen Elizabeth, whose favour he gained. In 1586 he was knighted in Ireland. Refusing the embassy to France, Sir George Carew was made master of the ordnance in Ireland in 1588, in 1590 Irish privy councillor ”