Career
Browne was a rich wool merchant. He was Alderman of Stamford, in 1435, 1444, 1449, 1460, 1466, and 1470. In 1465, he funded and built the steeple of Stamford"s All Saints" Church, the church having been erected by his father.
Browne served as sheriff of Rutland in 1467, 1475, 1483, and 1486, and probably also of Lincolnshire in 1478.
In 1485, he was authorised by letters patent of Richard III to found and endow an almshouse. Stokke obtained new letters patent from Henry VII in 1493.
Browne"s Hospital ("Old Bead House") was completed in that year and dedicated the following year.
