Rous, Francis (1581-03-25 - 1659-01-07)

Francis Rous was born at Dittisham, Devon. His exact birth date is unknown. He matriculated at Broadgates Hall, University of Oxford on 6 July 1593 at the age of 12, graduating B.A. on 31 January 1597. Rous attended Leiden University in 1598-9. He was also a student of the Middle Temple from 5 January 1601. He served as M.P. for Truro in the 1620s, 1640s, and 1650s, and also served as M.P. for Tregony, Devon, and Cornwall. Rous became Provost of Eton College in 1644. In 1653, he served as Speaker of the House of Commons. Throughout his life he was an extremely prolific writer, publishing various religious and polemical works including a Spenserian allegorical romance entitled 'Thvle' in 1598, 'Meditations of Instrvction, of Exhortation, of Reprofe' in 1616, and 'Testis Veritatis' in 1626. He died at Acton on 7 January 1659, and was buried in full state on 24 January at Eton College.