| Constituency | Dates |
|---|---|
| Higham Ferrers | 1572 |
Dep. chamberlain in the Exchequer 1560 – 76; clerk to Sir Walter Mildmay c. 1563 – 64; comptroller of the pell to Thomas Randolph 17 May 1574–5 Nov. 1590.1E101/336/26 ff. 5R, 6v, 12v; E36/266 f. 79, all ex inf. Dr. C. Coleman.
Downing had a connexion with the Exchequer extending over 30 years. He was man of business to Mildmay, the chancellor of the Exchequer, who was no doubt behind his return for Higham Ferrers in 1572. He signed the foundation deed for Mildmay’s college, Emmanuel, Cambridge, and was an executor of Mildmay’s will, as he was also that of Thomas Randolph and John Tamworth.
Though Downing received numerous stewardships of manors and engaged in land transactions in Suffolk and elsewhere, he did not set up as a country gentleman. His admission to the Middle Temple in 1583 was honorary. He died between making his will 1 July 1595 and 8 Apr. 1596, when it was proved. His bequests included plate, furniture and books. Gold rings were left to a number of friends, including Anthony Felton, and he remembered the poor of several London parishes. His son-in-law, Edward Alford was executor.2PCC 25 Drake, 51 Leicester, 75 Drury; CSP Dom. 1547-80, p. 58; 1591-4, pp. 24, 61, 111; CPR, 1560-3, 1563-6, 1566-9, passim; Suff. Recs. ed. Copinger, v. 477; E315/309, passim.