John Rashleigh (1554–1624) facts for kids
John Rashleigh II (born 1554, died 12 May 1624) was an important English merchant from Menabilly, near Fowey in Cornwall. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Fowey in 1588 and 1597. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the national parliament. John also served as the High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1608. The High Sheriff was a very important local official.
John Rashleigh II built the first large house on his family's estate at Menabilly. This house became the main home for the Rashleigh family for many generations. Much later, in 1873, the Rashleigh family of Menabilly was known as the biggest landowner in Cornwall. They owned over 30,000 acres of land!
Contents
Family Background
John Rashleigh II was the only son of John I Rashleigh (who died in 1582). His mother was Alice Lanyon (who died in 1591). Both his parents were buried in Fowey. His father, John I, was also a merchant in Fowey.
The Rashleigh family originally came from a place called Rashleigh in Devon. John Rashleigh II's grandfather, Philip I Rashleigh (who died in 1551), was the first of their family to settle in Fowey. He bought land near Fowey in 1545.
John I Rashleigh, along with his father Philip I, helped grow the port and trade in Fowey. They did this through their shipping businesses. John II then built the grand house at Menabilly, which became the family's main home.
His Mother's Memorial
Inside Fowey Church, there is a special brass memorial for Alice Lanyon, John Rashleigh's mother. It was made in 1602. The memorial says that Alice died on August 20, 1591. Her husband, John Rashleigh I, died on August 10, 1582. The memorial also mentions that they had one son and six daughters who were still alive when their parents died. Their son, John Rashleigh II, had this memorial made to remember them.
His Sisters
John Rashleigh II had six sisters:
- Agnes Rashleigh, who married William Martin.
- Joan Rashleigh, who married John Mayow.
- Avis Rashleigh, who married James Kestell.
- Another sister named Joan Rashleigh.
- Emlyn Rashleigh, who married L. Apeley.
- Mary Rashleigh, who married Simon Clotworthy.
Shipping and Trade
John Rashleigh II owned several ships. He was involved in a lot of international trade. His ships sailed to places like the Guinea Coast in Africa and the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe.
In 1598, his ships helped transport soldiers to Ireland. His ships were also part of the Plymouth pilchard fishing fleet. John even captained his own ship, the Francis of Fowey, when England fought off the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Spanish Armada was a huge fleet of ships sent by Spain to invade England.
Family Life and Children
In 1575, John Rashleigh II married Alice Bonython (who died in 1606). She was the daughter of Richard Bonython. John used his influence to help his brother-in-law, John Bonython, get elected as an MP for Fowey in 1586.
John and Alice had two sons and two daughters:
- John Rashleigh (who also died in 1624). He was the eldest son. His father made sure he would be cared for by his younger brother.
- Jonathan Rashleigh (1591–1675). He was the second son and inherited the family estate. He also became an MP for Fowey five times.
- Alice Rashleigh, who married Nicholas Sawle.
- Debora Rashleigh, who married John Sparke. John Sparke was also an MP for a different area in Cornwall.
Images for kids
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Arms of Rashleigh: A family shield with a cross and other symbols.
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A brass memorial for Alice Lanyon (died 1591), John Rashleigh's mother, in Fowey Church.
See also
- Rashleigh family
