Anthony Ashley was not born or raised expecting to inherit. His passion and pursuits focused on public employment. For many years, he had enriched himself in government service in support of the crown. He had served as Clerk of the Privy Council (1584–1609), He Served as M.P for Tavistock, in 1588 . and in 1589, he accompanied the failed Drake–Norris Expedition, against Portugal as Royal Commissioner.