Sadler or Sadleir, Sir Ralph [key], 1507–87, English diplomat. Through the influence of Thomas Cromwell, he secured (c.1536) the favor of Henry VIII, for whom he went on numerous missions to Scotland to try to counteract the influence of David, Cardinal Beaton. Sadler distinguished himself at the battle of Pinkie (1547). He retired during the reign of Queen Mary I, but after Elizabeth I's accession (1558) he became an agent of William Cecil (later Lord Burghley) and was sent (1559) to form an English alliance with the Protestant party in Scotland. In 1568 he was a member of the tribunal appointed to adjudicate between Mary Queen of Scots and her subjects. He was frequently employed to carry messages to the captive queen, and in 1584 he reluctantly undertook the guardianship of Mary. He was relieved of the task the following year.
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