James Marvyn facts for kids
James Marvyn (born 1529, died 1611) was an important English politician from Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Family Life
James Marvyn was the oldest son of Sir John Marvyn. His mother was Jane Baskerville.
He married twice. His first wife was Amy Clarke. They had one daughter named Lucy. Amy also had another daughter, Elizabeth, from a previous marriage.
Later, James married Deborah Pilkington. She was the widow of Walter Dunch and the daughter of James Pilkington, who was a Bishop of Durham. Through Deborah, James gained control of Avebury manor in Wiltshire. Around 1601, he built or rebuilt part of the manor house there.
His daughter Lucy married George Tuchet, 1st Earl of Castlehaven. They had seven children. One of their daughters, Christian, became James Marvyn's main heir. She married her distant cousin, Sir Henry Mervyn. Christian and Sir Henry were the parents of Sir Audley Mervyn, who became a well-known politician in Ireland.
Career in Politics
Early in Queen Elizabeth I's reign, James Marvyn became an "Esquire of the body." This was a special job at the royal court that gave him a good income. Even though James said he got along well with his father, his father decided to leave most of his wealth to his wife, younger children, and a grandson named John. James believed his stepmother had influenced his father's wishes.
James Marvyn was a Member (MP) for Wiltshire in 1572. He was also an MP for Hindon in 1597. It's interesting that he didn't try to be elected more often, especially since he was active in county affairs. He wasn't known for speaking much in Parliament or joining many special groups.
His Personality
Like many landowners of his time, James Marvyn could sometimes be involved in disagreements. He had a long-standing feud with Sir John Thynne that lasted 15 years. This disagreement even led to a physical fight and a hearing in a special court called the Star Chamber.
However, people who studied his life have said he had good qualities. His will, which is his last testament, shows he was kind. He made sure to provide for his nephews, nieces, his brother Ambrose who was struggling, and his tenants and servants. He left his main family estate to his granddaughter Christian and her husband, Sir Henry Mervyn. However, they later sold the estates to Christian's brother, Lord Castlehaven.
