He was born in Biskerthorpe in Lincolnshire. He was educated at the University of Cambridge after which he became a soldier. His wife Anne was the daughter of Sir Edward Martury of Genby. He served in Ireland in a number of places during the Nine Years War (1594-1603) and was governor of Lifford during the latter stages of the war and also during the rebellion of Sir Cahir O’Dogherty. He took part in the suppression of O'Doherty's Rebellion of 1608 and had warned the Governor George Paulet of danger shortly before the Burning of Derry which launched the uprising. As a reward for his services he was granted Lifford and the surrounding lands by James I and given permission to found a corporate town at Lifford as a veteran of the Nine Years War.