Chichester Wrey facts for kids

Arms of Wrey of Trebeigh, Cornwall and Tawstock, Devon: Sable, a fesse between three pole-axes argent helved gules

Sir Chichester Wrey, 3rd Baronet (1628–1668) was an important figure during the English Civil War. He was a strong supporter of the King, known as a Royalist. He served as a Colonel in the Duke of York's Regiment and was the Governor of Sheerness, a key military post.

Who Was Sir Chichester Wrey?

Sir Chichester Wrey was the oldest son of Sir William Wrey, 2nd Baronet (1600–1645). His family lived in Trebeigh, Cornwall, and North Russell, Devon. His father, Sir William, was also a Royalist and a Member of Parliament. This means he was part of the government's law-making body. In 1642, his father was made a "Commissioner of Array." This job meant he had to gather local soldiers to fight for the King's army during the Civil War. Sir Chichester's mother was Elizabeth Chichester. She was the daughter of Edward Chichester, 1st Viscount Chichester.

His Role in the Civil War

Like his father, Sir Chichester Wrey was very active in the English Civil War. He fought bravely for King Charles I. The King recognized his courage and made him a knight at Bristol Castle on August 3, 1643.

In 1645, his father died during the war. Sir Chichester then became the 3rd Baronet. He continued to serve as a Colonel in the Duke of York's Regiment. He also held the important position of Governor of Sheerness. This meant he was in charge of a fort that protected a vital port.

After the war ended and the King's rule was brought back (this was called the Restoration of the Monarchy), Sir Chichester continued his public service. In 1661, he was elected to the "Cavalier Parliament." He represented the area of Lostwithiel in Cornwall. He served in Parliament until his death in 1668.

Family Life and Legacy

Canting arms of Bourchier: Argent, a cross engrailed gules between four water bougets sable, later used by the Wrey family.

Sir Chichester Wrey married Lady Anne Bourchier. She was the third daughter of Edward Bourchier, 4th Earl of Bath. Her family lived at Tawstock Court in North Devon. Lady Anne was also the widow of James Cranfield, 2nd Earl of Middlesex.

Through this marriage, the Wrey family gained a lot. The Bourchier family had no other children to inherit their estates. So, after the death of Henry Bourchier, 5th Earl of Bath (Lady Anne's brother), the Wrey family inherited the large estate of manor of Tawstock. This beautiful estate then became the main home for the Wrey family.

Sir Chichester and Lady Anne had several children:

• Sir Bourchier Wrey, 4th Baronet (1653–1696): He was the oldest son and took over as the 4th Baronet. He also became a Member of Parliament. He was known for being a skilled duelist. After the King's return in 1660, he led a group of soldiers on horseback.
• Col. Chichester Wrey (died 1706): The second son, who passed away in Spain.
• Edward Wrey: The third son.
• John Wrey: The fourth son, who was a soldier. He was "killed before Tangier" before 1684. This means he died fighting in Tangier Garrison, a place that was important to England at the time.
• Anne Wrey: She married Sir Francis Northcote, 3rd Baronet.