Richard Martin Recorder of London

Richard Martin (1570–1618) was an English lawyer, orator, and supporter of the Virginia Company. He studied at Oxford University and joined the Middle Temple in 1587, where he became known for his intellect, charm, and skill in rhetoric. Martin was part of a group of poets and playwrights, including John Donne and Ben Jonson, who gathered at the Mermaid Tavern. He was elected "prince of Love" to oversee grand revels at the Middle Temple in 1597/98.

Martin defended Jonson and his play *The Poetaster* before Lord Chief Justice Sir John Popham. He also played a role in the poetic libel *The Parliament Fart*, likely as a co-author. In parliament, he represented Barnstaple (1601) and Christchurch (1604–11). Martin was counsel to the Virginia Company from 1612 and spoke on its behalf before the Addled Parliament in May 1614.

He helped organize a masque for Princess Elizabeth's wedding in 1613, which featured Virginian themes. Martin also supported the colonization of Bermuda, becoming a founding shareholder of the Somers Isles Company in 1615. In 1617, societies of private adventurers were authorized to settle plantations in Virginia under the style of "hundreds," and one of these was named *Martin's Hundred* after him.

Appointed to the position of Master of Requests in Ireland by King James I, Martin died in 1618. His contributions to law, literature, and colonial ventures earned him a lasting legacy in early modern England.