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Edmund Neville
Born before 1555
Died c.1620
Brussels
Noble family House of Neville
Spouse(s) Jane Martignis
Jane Smythe
Issue Ralph Neville
Several daughters
Father Richard Neville
Mother Barbara Arden

Edmund Neville (born before 1555 – died around 1620) was an English courtier. He was known for claiming noble titles. He was also linked to a plan against Queen Elizabeth I.

Who Was Edmund Neville?

Edmund Neville was born before the year 1555. His father was Richard Neville from Worcestershire. His mother was Barbara Arden from Warwickshire. Edmund's grandfather was Richard Neville, 2nd Baron Latimer, a well-known noble. This family connection was important for his later claims.

Edmund Neville's Life and Claims

Edmund Neville lived abroad for some time. People believed he might have worked for Spain. Around 1584, he returned to England. He said he was the rightful heir to a noble title. This title was the 4th Baron Latimer.

However, another powerful family, the Cecils, had married into the Latimer family. This made Edmund's claim complicated. People were suspicious of him when he returned. He was linked to a plan to harm the Queen. This plan was called Parry's Plot.

Edmund Neville was sent to the Tower of London. In 1585, he shared information about the plan. He stayed in the Tower for a long time. He tried hard to be released. He was finally set free later on. He probably went abroad again.

After the death of Charles Neville, 6th Earl of Westmorland in 1601, Edmund claimed the earldom of Westmorland. He might have had a good reason for this claim. But his request was not officially heard.

Edmund Neville likely passed away around 1620. He died in Brussels, possibly without much money. A special stone was placed in Eastham Church, Essex, to remember him.

Edmund Neville's Family Life

Edmund Neville married twice. His first wife was Jane Martignis. She was a lady from Hainault. They did not have any children together.

His second wife was Jane Smythe. She was from a Warwickshire family. With Jane Smythe, he had a son named Ralph. They also had several daughters. After Edmund's death, his widow, Jane, received money each year from King James I. This was likely because of Edmund's claims to noble titles.

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