In 1554 he was appointed to the commission of the peace for the counties of Essex and Suffolk, adding Middlesex in 1561 and sitting on all for life. In 1555 he was a founder member of the Russia Company and a supporter of the foundation of St John's College, Oxford, of which he was appointed first Visitor.
He was appointed to serve as a justice of the peace in Essex and Suffolk counties in 1554, with Middlesex added later in 1561. He played a key role in founding the Russia Company in 1555 and helped establish St John's College, Oxford, which he then became its first overseer.