John Thurloe

Background

John was born in 1616 in Essex, England, United Kingdom. He was the son of Thomas Thurloe, rector of Abbot's Roding in Essex, was baptized on the 12th of June 1616.

Career

Thurloe entered politics as secretary to the Parliamentary leader Oliver St. John and in March 1652 was appointed secretary to Cromwell’s Council of State. Soon he became head of a vast intelligence service that operated throughout Europe, gathering information about Royalist plots to overthrow Cromwell’s government. He played a key role in the succession of Richard Cromwell as Lord Protector in 1658 and sat in the Parliament of 1659, but his influence waned after Cromwell’s fall the same year.

Upon the Restoration of Charles II in May 1660, he was arrested for high treason; his release was granted on condition that he provide the new government with information on the current state of England’s foreign policy.

John Thurloe died on 21 February 1668 in his chambers in Lincoln's Inn and was buried in the chapel.

Achievements

• His voluminous correspondence provides one of the chief historical sources for the Cromwellian era.

Connections

Thurloe was twice married: first, to a lady of the Peyton family, with whom he had two sons who died in infancy; secondly, to Anne Lytcott of East Moulsey in Surrey, with whom he had four sons and two daughters.

Father:

Thomas Thurloe

Rector of Abbot's Roding in Essex

second spouse:

Anne Lytcott