Sir Streynsham Master

Sir Streynsham Master was a descendent of a family that most probably originated from Flanders and later settled in Kent sometime at the beginning of the 13th century.

Streynsham was born in Langdon in 1640. His father was Richard Master, the deputy-lieutenant of Dover castle. He received an education at Canterbury grammar school and by the age of 16 he left England and traveled with his uncle, Sir George Oxenden to India. His uncle was president of the East India Company’s factory in Surat, and the family thought that it would be a good place for Streynsham to start his career.

Streynsham who joined the East India Company in 1659 soon proved to be a talented young man. In 1670 he had a prominent role in the defense of Surat from the assault of the Marathas. His bravery was rewarded with a gold medal and the grateful acknowledgement of the company.

He served as the Agent of Madras from 1678 to 1681. During his tenure the first administrative reforms were introduced in the Government of Madras, and the foundations of St Mary's church, the oldest Anglican Church in Madras, were laid in 1678. He is also credited with introducing new methods of book keeping designed to record all transactions whether they were official company business or private individual deals.

After returning to England, he bought the Codnor Castle estate and served as High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1712. In 1697-1698 he became chairman of the court and was knighted by King William III of Orange.

Through his personal trade in India and land in England Streynsham Master became a wealthy man.