CAREY, John (d.1617), of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumb. and Hunsdon, Herts.

Carey, who no doubt owed his Buckingham seat to his father’s influence, spent much of his life on the borders of Scotland helping his father with the administration of the east march. From time to time he was used in diplomatic business between Elizabeth and James VI of Scotland, who is said to have esteemed him highly, and to have admired his skill and tact in negotiation. Carey is mentioned only once in the journals of the House of Commons: he was on a committee concerned with the recusants’ bill, 28 Feb. 1593.

On the death of his father, in July 1596, Carey became marshal of Berwick and commander of the garrison. In the following January he wrote to Lord Burghley complaining of the methods used for paying the garrison—a matter of constant anxiety and irritation to the governors there. The evidence points to his having been an active and efficient administrator. In 1598 he relinquished his office at Berwick to the 3rd Lord Willoughby, and moved to the south.3Lansd. 83, f. 110; D’Ewes, 477; Scott, 183.

Carey obtained an annuity of £424 from James I, who no doubt remembered his earlier services. His name is mentioned occasionally in the accounts of pageants and other entertainments at James’s court. He died at Hunsdon, where he was buried 7 Apr. 1617: his will, made on 31 Mar., was proved nine days after the funeral. It has a protestant preamble.4PCC 29 Weldon. Information from W. J. Tighe.