Mistress Julianna Penn
Mistress Julianna Penn
Julyanna Penn is the daughter of William Arthur, Esq. of Clapham, Surrey. She married first Robet Hickes of Briston, Gloucestershire, a London merchant (ironmonger and mercer of Cheapside). Widowed in approximately 1557 she married Anthony Penn and as Mrs. Penn was a well known London moneylender. She had several children including Sir Michael Hickes (1543-1602), Secretary to Lord Burghley and Sir Baptist Hickes (1551-1629). Mrs. Penn kept a part interest in the mercer trade which Sir Michael continued to run after his father's death.
Mrs. Penne, a gentlewoman, gave Queen Elizabeth I silk knit hose at New Year's 1561/62. In 1590 it is known (there is correspondence still in existence) she became the "Landlady" to Thomas Churchyard and other writers at the Earl of Oxford's orders at her home in St. Peter's Hill at the rent of 25 pounds per quarter.
Theatrics
Mistress Penn is in the Shire for several reasons. First, she hopes to see her son Michael in case he is also on progress with Lord Burghley and the Queen. Letters and notes from her son keep her informed about some of the Court activities. Second, she has heard Captain Frobisher and several of his friends are in the shire and she has come to see if she can do any (moneylending/mercer) business. She'll sell you the sails for your ship and lend you the money to buy them.