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 for Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex counties in 1554, with his position lasting a lifetime. In 1555, he co-founded the Russia Company and supported the founding of St John's College, Oxford, which he then became its first administrator.