 Both Bedford and Bedfordshire were dominated by a coterie of local gentry – notably the Mordaunts, the Gascoignes and the St. Johns.However, Sir Francis Bryan, who knew Blagge well from his diplomatic service alongside their mutual friend Wyatt, was influential in the borough and may already have been its recorder, as he certainly was in the next reign.A consummate political fixer and a close intimate of the king, Bryan is thought to have arranged the election of at least five members for Bedford.