Company members may be intrigued to know that our current Director of Finance, Mr Hugh SADLEIR is a direct descendant of Ralph/Rafe Sadler/Sadleir of Tudor history.
Anyone who has watched Wolf Hall or read the original books by Hilary Mantel will be familiar with the character of Ralf/Rafe as the loyal sidekick of Thomas Cromwell.
Ralph/Rafe became known as the ‘richest commoner in England’ following his survival of the demise of Thomas Cromwell. Known for his political skill and unwavering loyalty, his reputation as a capable administrator kept him in Henry VIII’s favour and secured his place in Tudor politics. Thus after Cromwell’s death, Sadler continued to rise through the ranks.
He was knighted and became one of Henry VIII’s key diplomats, serving on significant missions and playing a role in negotiating major treaties. Under Edward VI, Sadler’s influence grew further as he became a member of the Privy Council, helping to shape the kingdom’s policies. Unlike many others, he never faced imprisonment in the Tower of London.
Sadler’s adaptability and steadfast loyalty enabled him to survive and thrive during some of England’s most uncertain years. By the time of his death in 1587, he had lived a long and prosperous life, a rare achievement for those tied to Cromwell’s legacy.
I expect that, given his ancestor’s wisdom with looking after the country’s public finances and governance, we should all feel we are in the safest of hands with Hugh Sadleir looking after the Company’s Accounts?
