Interpreting Errata on ODNB entry for Diplomat Robert Beale; scouring categorization for origins & places

Question

On his origins described in his ODNB article, "of Woodbridge, Suffolk" appears in the text; whereas, Errata mentions City of London. Does that mean he was born in City of London? I want to get this right. I have a few other questions from the ODNB article:

Wikisource contributors, "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Beale, Robert," Wikisource , https://en.wikisource.org/w/index.php?title=Dictionary_of_National_Biography,_1885-1900/Beale,_Robert&oldid=11943638 (accessed March 19, 2024).

• Further regarding his birthplace, his father is described elsewhere as a mercer of London. A Google search on where did mercers of London typically live says Cheapside, London, but that does not come up in place names that could be assigned as his uncertain place of birth; it is a category, however.
• Also, Errata includes the partial statement: "read Beale had issue two sons, Francis and Robert, and nine daughters" So, does that mean Francis and Robert were omitted and can be named as presumptively surviving or non-surviving sons?
• I categorized "Society of Antiquaries of London," but I am not clear if this is the same as "Elizabethan Society of Antiquaries" mentioned in the article.
• Top articles/manuscripts/books he wrote were picked from a Copilot search. Should I mention that the total was 17 (if we count published Letters). And, would both English Authors and English Diarist be appropriate categories?
• Other place names for categories summated in his History of Parliament article: 
  • BEALE, Robert (1541-1601), of Barn Elms, Surr., = same as "Barnes, Surrey (London)"? 
  • Priors Marston, Warws. = same as "Priors Marston, Warwickshire" and 
  • of London = same as re: burial: "Allhallows Church, London Wall"? Isn't something more appropriate given his diplomatic duties that included "to and fro between Paris and London" (implying that his workplace was London)? Lastly, in re: some of his letters note: 'at his poor house in London.' 
  • See also: "He certainly had another house at Priors Marston, in Warwickshire, as he is described as of that place in the inscriptions on the tombstone of his wife and daughter Catherine."

Answer 1

Hi Porter
Just a bit of clarification to start. The citation listed in your question is from the Dictionary of National Biography (usually abbreviated to DNB). The ODNB is the standard abbreviation for the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, which is basically a later version of the DNB, but they aren't the same and it is important that any source citation makes it clear which version has been viewed.

The ODNB isn't available online for free anywhere, but is available via various Library subscriptions, at least in England and Australia.

The details in the Houses of Parliament article for Robert Beale basically reflect what is in the ODNB, particularly as to his parents names, and I think his birth place could be put down as London, England but marked uncertain.  I wouldn't put it down as Cheapside, London, I think that is assuming too much.

The Visitations of Surrey, 1550, 1572 & 1623, p. 79 list 4 children of Robert Beale and his wife Edith St Barbe; son Francis, and daughters Margaret, Catherine and Elizabeth, and I presume these are the 4 who survived, which would mean the son Robert must have died young.

I'm not an expert on categories, so will leave any discussion on those for others.

Answer 2

There's a will of Robert Bele, mercer of London (PCC, 1548). Presumably the father. This will probably tell more, for example what parish he lived in. You can get a pdf of this for free if you sign in.
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D951371

On edit:
Will of Robert Bele, Mercer of London
Made 16 September 37 Henry VIII (1545) Proved 11 July 1548
to the poor of St Christopher's Parish 20s
to brother (in law) John Brooke my fine black cloak and a coat "gardyd with velvett"
unnamed sister wife of John Brooke
brother in law Master Morisune
wife Amy
children Robert and William
wife Amy to be sole executrix
brother (in law) John Broke, grocer to be overseer

The only parish mentioned is St Christopher's, (St Christopher le Stock), so that must be where he lived.

Comments

These two IPMs appear to be regarding Robert Beale MP:

• IPMs not readily avaialbe for review:

1. Beale, Robert: Warwick Chancery: Inquisitions Post Mortem, Series II, and other Inquisitions, Henry VII to Charles I. Description available at other catalogue level. Beale, Robert: Warwick. Held by: The National Archives, Kew - Chancery, the Wardrobe, Royal Household, Exchequer and various commissions. Date: 17 November 1601 - 16 November 1602. Reference: C 142/269/34. Subjects: Landed estates
2. Beale, Robert: Warwick Court of Wards and Liveries: Inquisitions Post Mortem. (Described at item level). Please Note: the place name given at item level description is... Beale, Robert: Warwick. Held by: The National Archives, Kew - Court of Wards and Liveries. Date: 17 November 1601 - 16 November 1602. Reference: WARD 7/26/13. Subjects: Landed estates.