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| Baskerville of Eardisley |
Sir Walter Baskerville (d. 1505) was made a Knight of the Bath at the marriage of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon in 1501, a mark of the closeness of the family to the Tudor regime at this time. He was married twice, and produced eight sons by his two marriages. The eldest, Sir James Baskerville (c.1482-1546), kt, was High Sheriff in 1523-24 and probably MP for the county in 1529, and inherited Eardisley, which seems to have remained the family's chief seat throughout the 16th century. It is not clear, however, what manner of building they occupied. The castle was said to be ruinous in 1374 and although Henry IV ordered it to be refortified in 1403, archaeology suggests that it was never developed into a house suitable for the occupation of a leading gentry family. It seems probable, therefore, that at some point - probably in the 15th or early 16th century - a new house was built within the castle bailey, on the site now occupied by Castle Farm. Sadly nothing is known of this dwelling, which may well have been of considerable size and status.
Sir James married a Herefordshire heiress, Elizabeth Breynton, and had five sons and four daughters. His eldest son was another Sir James Baskerville (c.1516-73), kt., who married a daughter of Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford, a leading courtier and power in south Wales. During his father's lifetime he was principally active in Pembrokeshire and adjacent counties, but on his father's death he returned to Herefordshire, where he served as MP in 1547 and perhaps again in 1553. He does not seem to have been a strong supporter or opponent of the Reformation, and as a result seems to have weathered the religious changes of the time easily enough. He had no legitimate issue (although he did have at least two sons by a mistress), so on his death the Eardisley estate passed to his brother John Baskerville (d. 1577) of Vowchurch, and then in quick succession to John's son and grandson, Humphrey Baskerville (c.1533-87) and John Baskerville (d. 1589). John's heir was his infant son, Humphrey (1586-1648), who became a ward of the Crown and was sent to study at the Inner Temple before travelling abroad. He was knighted in 1609 and embarked on a career in public office, becoming a JP, serving as High Sheriff in 1610-11 and as MP for Leominster in 1614. By that time he had made a socially advantageous marriage to Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Court. But this promising career was brought to a shuddering halt soon afterwards when unknown financial problems reduced his income to a tenth of what it had been. Reluctantly, his father-in-law made additional provision in his will for Elizabeth and for the couple's eldest son, Thomas Baskerville (1615-83), but Sir Humphrey never managed to get his finances back on an even keel. As a result, when the family house at Eardisley burned down during the Civil War (whether as a result of fighting or by accident is not clear), he was in no position to rebuild it. Only a gatehouse survived the fire, and here his son Thomas (who unlike his father, supported the Parliamentarian faction) continued to live in the Restoration period. The estate passed at his death to his son Francis (d. 1724), who sold it shortly afterwards.
The fourth son of Sir Walter Baskerville (d. 1505) was Thomas Baskerville (d. 1551), who was probably the man of this name who served as High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1527-28. He settled at Pontrilas, close to the border of Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, and married Alice, daughter of Roger Hargest, but had no legitimate children. He did, however, produce two sons by a mistress, the younger of whom, Walter Baskerville (d. 1587), inherited his property at Pontrilas. Walter's son and heir, James Baskerville (d. 1634) outlived his eldest son and bequeathed his property to his grandson, Walter Baskerville (d. 1640). It is not clear which of them was responsible for building the present Pontrilas Court, but on stylistic grounds it was probably built in the years before the Civil War. Walter died young, leaving as heir his elder son Humphrey Baskerville (b. c.1633), who married in 1654 and produced two daughters but no sons. He evidently died between 1665 and 1674 leaving his daughters as co-heirs to Pontrilas, and they and their husbands later sold the estate to a London merchant.
A further cadet branch of the family sprang from Humphrey Baskerville (d. 1572), the fifth and youngest son of Sir James Baskerville (d. 1546) of Eardisley. He has sometimes been confused with a contemporary of the same name who was a merchant and alderman of London and died in 1563. This Humphrey, however, married the daughter and heiress of John ap Gwillym of Llanbedr and Aberedw (Radnorshire), and their descendants owned these properties until the mid 19th century. Although they were accounted gentry in impoverished Radnorshire, none of them served as justices of the peace, let alone High Sheriff, until they married into greater wealth in the 18th century. Humphrey was succeeded by his son John Baskerville (d. 1599), and then by Thomas (d. c.1637), James (d. 1667) and James (d. c.1688). The last-named is said to have killed a neighbour, Col. Powell, in a duel resulting from a dispute at a cockfight in Presteigne. His son, Thomas Baskerville (c.1668-1720) evidently lived beyond his means, and his will, drafted in 1717, includes a long list of debts totalling over £2,100 which he owed and which his executors were charged with settling. His son, Thomas Baskerville (c.1701-40), recovered the position somewhat by marrying his distant kinswoman, Meliora Baskerville (1701-73), daughter of Richard Baskerville of Richardson (Wilts) [for whom see my next post]. Their only son, another Thomas, died in 1748 before coming of age, so the Aberedw estate passed to his surviving sister, Philippa Baskerville (1738-71), who carried the estate in marriage to the Rev. John Powell (1737-1819), who also inherited the Clyro Court estate from his father.
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| Treago Castle in 1984. Image: Nick Kingsley. Some rights reserved. |
The Powells had only one child, a daughter called Meliora (c.1768-1829), who marred Peter Rickards (later Mynors) (1754-94) of Treago Castle (Herefs), a fine fortified house: the Mynors family of Treago will be the subject of a future post. Peter divided his estates between his two sons, with the elder, Peter Rickards Mynors (1787-1866) receiving Treago and the younger, Thomas Baskerville Mynors (1790-1864) receiving Clyro and Aberedw. Thomas had already inherited the Wiltshire property of his kinsman, Lt-Col. Thomas Baskerville (1735-1817) and had taken the name Baskerville as a condition of that bequest. He lived at first at Rockley House (Wilts), which he rented, but in 1839 he rebuilt Clyro Court on a grand scale and moved there. His property passed to his eldest son, Walter Thomas Mynors Baskerville (1839-97), who seems to have dispersed the Wiltshire and parts of the Aberedw estates. In 1875 he married Bertha Hopton (1848-92), the only daughter and heiress of John Hopton of Canon Frome Court (Herefs), a fine late 18th century house designed by the leading provincial architect in the south-west Midlands, Anthony Keck.
When Walter died in 1897 he left Canon Frome to his elder daughter, Sybil Maud Baskerville (1877-1942), who took the name Hopton the following year, while Clyro and the remnants of his other estates passed to his only son, Ralph Hopton Baskerville (1883-1918), who let Clyro Court. Walter's younger daughter, Dorothy Nesta Baskerville (1880-1954) did not inherit any property directly, and in 1903 she married Commander B.A. Pratt-Barlow (1874-1914). He was killed when HMS Hawke was torpedoed at the start of the First World War in 1914, leaving as their only surviving child a daughter, Mary Pamela Pratt-Barlow (1905-48). In 1918, on the death of her brother, Dorothy inherited Clyro Court, which she continued to let. When her sister died in 1942 Canon Frome Court passed to Dorothy's daughter, Mary Pamela, by then the wife of Maj. Otho Cadwallader Adams (1901-61), and they took the name Hopton. The family connections with the Clyro and Canon Frome estate were finally broken in the mid 20th century, with the sale of Clyro to Radnorshire County Council in 1946 and of Canon Frome to Herefordshire County Council in 1957.
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| Canon Frome Court in 2013. Image: Philip Pankhurst. Some rights reserved. |
When Walter died in 1897 he left Canon Frome to his elder daughter, Sybil Maud Baskerville (1877-1942), who took the name Hopton the following year, while Clyro and the remnants of his other estates passed to his only son, Ralph Hopton Baskerville (1883-1918), who let Clyro Court. Walter's younger daughter, Dorothy Nesta Baskerville (1880-1954) did not inherit any property directly, and in 1903 she married Commander B.A. Pratt-Barlow (1874-1914). He was killed when HMS Hawke was torpedoed at the start of the First World War in 1914, leaving as their only surviving child a daughter, Mary Pamela Pratt-Barlow (1905-48). In 1918, on the death of her brother, Dorothy inherited Clyro Court, which she continued to let. When her sister died in 1942 Canon Frome Court passed to Dorothy's daughter, Mary Pamela, by then the wife of Maj. Otho Cadwallader Adams (1901-61), and they took the name Hopton. The family connections with the Clyro and Canon Frome estate were finally broken in the mid 20th century, with the sale of Clyro to Radnorshire County Council in 1946 and of Canon Frome to Herefordshire County Council in 1957.
Eardisley Castle, Herefordshire
A border castle, possibly the site of Roger de Lacy's 'domus defensabilis' mentioned in the Domesday Book, which came into the possession of the Baskerville family by 1251 and perhaps earlier. Archaeological evidence suggests the castle was occupied chiefly in the 12th and 13th century and was originally of motte and bailey construction, later reinforced with rubble stone buildings. It was plundered in 1262 and the bishop of Hereford and sheriff of Gloucestershire were imprisoned here the following year. It was already said to be ruinous in 1374, but Henry IV ordered it to be refortified against Owain Glendower in 1403, although it is not clear what, if anything was done. All that remains today is a large oval moated enclosure with a mound in the south-west corner, which is now about 42 feet across at the top and about fourteen feet high. It could represent a small motte or the buried base of a 13th century circular tower keep. The moat was partly filled in in 1971-72.
It seems very likely that the site saw later development as it remained in occupation as the principal residence of the Baskervilles until at least the Civil War, but nothing is known about the late medieval or Tudor house, which was perhaps built within the bailey. The castle is said to have been burned to the ground during the Civil War in 1642, with only a gatehouse escaping ruin. This was occupied until 1684 by the family, who were described as living in some poverty; in 1665 the surviving fragment of the house had just five hearths. In the 1680s, the estate was sold to William Barnesley, a London cloth merchant, who built Eardisley Park as a replacement for the castle, and he was probably also responsible for building a new three bay brick farmhouse (now called Castle Farm) within the bailey, dated 1705, which may stand on the site of the putative Tudor building. This has a symmetrical entrance front with a plain shell-hooded doorway, and a detached L-plan office range to the north.
Descent: Sir John Baskerville (1403-55), kt.; to son, Sir James Baskerville (d. 1499), kt.; to son, Sir Walter Baskerville (d. 1505), KB; to son, Sir James Baskerville (c.1482-1546), kt.; to son, Sir James Baskerville (c.1516-73), kt.; to brother, John Baskerville (d. 1577); to son, Humphrey Baskerville (c.1533-87); to son, John Baskerville (d. 1589); to son, Sir Humphrey Baskerville (1586-1648), kt.; burned in the 1640s and not rebuilt; to son, Thomas Baskerville (1615-83); sold after his death to William Barnesley, who demolished the ruins and built a new house on a different site.
Pontrilas Court, Herefordshire
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| Pontrilas Court: entrance front (Image: Historic England) |
A rather fine two-storey house with attics and gabled dormers, probably built for James Baskerville (d. 1634) or his grandson, Walter Baskerville (d. 1640), which was taxed on eight hearths in 1665. It is constructed of sandstone rubble with ashlar dressings and has a modern tiled roof. The north-facing entrance front has a tall gabled porch with a round-headed entrance arch, set left of centre at the end of a screens passage, running through to a rear door on the garden front. The three first-floor windows are mullioned and transomed, and have five lights, while on the ground floor there are two pairs of four-light windows either side of the porch; all the windows have pretty early 19th century glazing. To the left of the house is a late 17th century service wing, forming an L-shape, which was further altered in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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| Pontrilas Court: garden front in the mid 19th century, before later alterations. (Image: Historic England) |
The south-facing garden front is also basically 17th century, but was altered more in the 19th century. A mid 19th century drawing seems to show its original appearance, with four evenly spaced gables, the second of which from the left belonged to a full-height porch tower, while the others were gabled dormers. Between the porch and the rear entrance to the screens passage was the broad chimneybreast of the hall fireplace, with a spiral staircase squeezed in next to it. Later in the 19th century the left hand gabled dormer was replaced by a two-storey canted bay with a crenellated top. Possibly as late as 1920, a new rear lobby and a room with an eight-light canted bay window with mullions and two transoms was constructed in front of bays three and four.
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| Pontrilas Court: garden front in the early 20th century, from an old postcard. |
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| Pontrilas Court: ground plan |
Inside, the hall and the parlour beyond it have ceilings of fine intersecting moulded beams with attractive plaster decoration between the beams, while the room to the left of the screens passage has a more elaborate plaster ceiling with a geometrical design. There is also a surviving modest plaster ceiling in the rear porch. In the grounds there is a handsome square timber-framed dovecote and a square-panelled former stable block, perhaps both of c.1700.
Descent: Thomas Baskerville (d. 1551); to illegitimate son, Walter Baskerville (d. 1587); to son James Baskerville (d. 1634); to grandson, Walter Baskerville (d. 1640); to son, Humphrey Baskerville (b. c.1633); to daughters, Ann (1655-85), wife of Sir John Williams (c.1651-1704), 2nd bt. and Mary (b. 1656), wife of Sir Edward Morgan (d. 1682), 3rd bt. and later of John Grubham Howe (c.1657-1721); sold to Philip Jackson; to son, Edward Jackson; to son, Philip Jackson; to cousin, Philip Jackson (d. 1758); to niece, Mary, wife of Henry Shiffner MP; to son, Sir George Shiffner (1762-1842), 1st bt.; sold 1815 to Dr. Trenchard; sold c.1840 to Col. Scudamore of Kentchurch Court...sold 1919... sold 1993.
Aberedw Court, Radnorshire
Almost nothing is known about this seat of a cadet branch of the Baskerville family, as no photograph or drawing is known to survive. It was an ancient timber-framed building, perhaps built in the 16th century when the estate first came to the Baskervilles. Probably after 1740 the family ceased to be resident and the house was occupied by the estate steward until the estate was broken up from the mid 19th century onwards. It was demolished probably in the third quarter of the 19th century and replaced by the present Court Farm.
Descent: John ap Gwillym; to daughter Eleanor, wife of Humphrey Baskerville (d. 1572); to son, John Baskerville (d. 1599); to son, Thomas Baskerville (d. c.1637); to son, James Baskerville (d. 1667); to son, James Baskerville (d. c.1688); to son, Thomas Baskerville (c.1668-1720); to son, Thomas Baskerville (c.1701-40); to daughter Philippa (1738-71), wife of Rev. John Powell (1737-1819); to grandson, Thomas Baskerville Mynors (later Baskerville) (1790-1864); to son, Walter Thomas Mynors Baskerville (1839-97); to son, Ralph Hopton Baskerville (1883-1918), who completed the break-up of the estate.
A big-boned square neo-Jacobean house with symmetrical fronts, probably designed by Edward Haycock of Shrewsbury for Thomas Baskerville Mynors-Baskerville and dated 1839 on the foundation stone inside. It is built of ashlar with pronounced vermiculated quoins, string courses, and ornate gables with ball finials. The entrance front is of five bays, with the wider outer bays having large shaped gables and the centre having a three-arched porch. The simplified external detail (e.g. of the pedimented window architraves) is more Grecian than Jacobean. The main garden front, at right-angles to the entrance side, has three shaped gables and a central bay window.
Clyro Court, Radnorshire
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| Clyro Court: entrance front. Image: Trip Advisor |
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| Clyro Court: garden front and rear service wing in the early 20th century, from an old postcard. |
When advertised to be let in 1904 the house contained an entrance hall, staircase gallery, drawing room, dining room, morning room, library and billiard room; eight best bedrooms and five dressing rooms and 17 further bedrooms. The main interiors are well-preserved, despite conversion to hotel use. There is a large entrance hall with panelled archways, leading to an impressive top-lit inner hall with a large lantern above a deep ribbed coved ceiling, similar to that at Haycock's Stanage Park. This contains an Imperial staircase rising to a
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| Clyro Court: staircase hall |
gallery with ironwork balusters of alternating designs. The reception rooms mostly have plaster ceilings, cornice mouldings, marble chimneypieces and panelled shutters decorated in a mixture Grecian and Jacobean forms, but the dining room has reused oak panelling, reputedly made up from the 18th century box pews removed from Clyro church. The former library is largely panelled with glass-fronted and open bookshelves. One room (now used as an office) has a marble chimneypiece with a frieze of chariot-racing putti, perhaps also reused. After being let for some years, the house was modernised and provided with electric light in 1906, apparently with a view to R.H. Baskerville moving back into it on his marriage, but the marriage never took place and the house was let again soon afterwards.
After the Second World War the house was sold to Radnorshire County Council and became a school; it was sold again in 1976 and converted into an hotel and health farm. This in turn was bought in 1984 by the present owner and restored as the Baskerville Hall Hotel. It is said that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a friend of the family, and was inspired to write The Hound of the Baskervilles while staying at Clyro, although it is set in Devon.
The former stable court, now a separate property called Cil-y-Bleiddiau, is probably also by Haycock. It is built on a U-plan with a central range of seven bays, and a shaped gable and a cupola in the centre.
Descent: built for Thomas Baskerville Mynors-Baskerville (1790-1864); to son, Walter Thomas Mynors-Baskerville (1839-97); to son, Ralph Hopton Mynors-Baskerville (1883-1918); to sister, Dorothy Nesta Baskerville (1880-1954), wife of Cmdr. Bernhard Pratt-Barlow (1874-1914); sold 1946 to Radnorshire County Council; transferred 1974 to Powys County Council; sold 1976; sold 1984 to David Hodby. The house was let from 1898-1904 to Thomas Henry Ashton (d. 1900) and his widow, from 1906-09 to Henry Partridge; and from 1909-30 to Capt. Spyridion Mavrojani (c.1867-1930).
Baskerville (later Mynors-Baskerville) family of Eardisley
Baskerville, Sir John (1403-55), kt. Elder son of Sir John Baskerville and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of John Brugge of Letton and Staunton (Herefs), born 12 February 1403. Neither the date nor the occasion of his knighthood are recorded, but it is possible he was old enough to accompany his father to France in the service of King Henry V in 1421-22. He married the Hon. Elizabeth, daughter of John Touchet, 4th Baron Audley, and had issue:
(1) Sir James Baskerville (d. 1499), kt. (q.v.);
(2) Henry Baskerville;
(3) Humphrey Baskerville;
(4) Sibyl Baskerville (d. 1466?); married Richard Rowdon (d. 1465?) of Rowdon, and had issue one son; said to have died in childbirth, 1466;
(5) John Baskerville, of Wootton in Wellington (Herefs); married Eleanor (d. c.1518?), daughter and coheiress of [fu] Holcott of Wootton, and had issue three? daughters.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father.
He died 23 December 1455. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Sir James (d. 1499), kt. Eldest son of Sir John Baskerville (1403-55) and his wife the Hon. Elizabeth, daughter of John Touchet, 4th Baron Audley. MP for Herefordshire, 1476; High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1460-61, 1474-75 and 1481-82. He was knighted during his shrievalty, 1474, and made a knight banneret on the field of the Battle of Stoke, 1487. He married, by 1458, the Hon. Sybil, daughter of Walter Devereux, 1st (or 8th) Baron Ferrers of Chartley, and had issue:
(1) Sir Walter Baskerville (d. 1505), KB (q.v.);
(2) John Baskerville; married Alice, daughter of John Brydges, and had issue one son (Henry Baskerville (b. 1514?) of Hereford, from whom descended the Baskervilles of Bayworth);
(3) Philip Baskerville (1466?-1508?), said to have been born in 1466; married Sibyl, daughter of Thomas Scudamore, and had issue three sons and four daughters; said to have died in 1508;
(4) Richard Baskerville;
(5) Ralph Baskerville;
(6) Sibyl Baskerville; married Watkin Vaughan (d. 1504) of Hergest (Herefs) and had issue six sons and three daughters;
(7) Joan? Baskerville; married Thomas ap Glyn.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1455.
He died 28 January 1498/9: an inquisition post mortem was held 28 April 1499. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Sir Walter (d. 1505), KB. Eldest son of Sir James Baskerville (d. 1499), kt., and his wife Sybil, daughter of Walter Devereux, 1st (or 8th) Baron Ferrers of Chartley, born before 1459. Possibly the man of this name who was High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1469-70, although he may not then have been of qualifying age. He was made a Knight of the Bath at the marriage of Prince Arthur in 1501. He married 1st, Anne, daughter of Morgan ap Jenkyn ap Philip of Pencoyd, and 2nd, Elizabeth (d. c.1528), daughter of Milo ap Harry of Poston (Herefs), and had issue:
(1.1) Sir James Baskerville (c.1482-1546), kt. (q.v.);
(1.2) John Baskerville; married and had issue one son;
(1.3) Elizabeth Baskerville; married Sanacre Delabere (d. 1516) of Kinnersley (Herefs), and had issue one daughter;
(1.4) Philip Baskerville of Sherborne (Dorset); married Elizabeth, daughter of John Hamlyn of Wiltshire, and had issue three sons [from whom the Baskervilles of Woolley and Crowsley Park, who will be covered by a future post, are said to descend] and one daughter;
(1.5) Thomas Baskerville (d. 1551) [for whom see Baskerville of Pontrilas below];
(2.1) Edward Baskerville;
(2.2) William/Walter Baskerville;
(2.3) James Baskerville; from whom perhaps descend the Baskervilles of Netherwood;
(2.4) Simon Baskerville (d. 1602?); said to have married Elizabeth, daughter of [forename unknown] Brand and widow of William Hutchins (d. 1552) of Richardson, from whom descend the Baskervilles of Richardson [for whom see my next post]; said rather improbably to have died in 1602 and been buried at Winterbourne Bassett.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1499.
He died 4 September 1505; an inquisition post mortem was held 30 October 1508. His first wife's date of death is unknown. His widow died in the late 1520s; an inquisition post mortem was held in 1528-29.
Baskerville, Sir James (c.1482-1546), kt. Eldest son of Sir Walter Baskerville (d. 1505), kt., and his first wife Anne, daughter of Morgan ap Jenkyn ap Philip of Pencoyd, born about 1482. High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1523-24 and probably MP for Herefordshire, 1529. He married, by 1515, Elizabeth (fl. 1572), daughter and heiress of John Breynton of Stretton Sugwas (Herefs), and had issue:
(1) Sir James Baskerville (d. 1573), kt. (q.v.);
(2) John Baskerville (d. 1577) (q.v.);
(3) Sir Thomas Baskerville (c.1520-72), kt., of Brinsop (Herefs), Birlingham (Worcs) and Woollas Hall, Eckington (Worcs), born before 1520; High Sheriff of Worcestershire, 1555-56, 1563-64 and probably the man of this name who was High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1548-49; MP for Worcestershire, 1558; JP for Herefordshire, c.1559-72; knighted, 2 October 1563; married 1st, by 1553, Anne (d. after 1567), daughter of Sir Thomas Unton ofWadley (Berks) and widow of John Vampage (d. 1548) of Woollas Hall, but had no issue; married 2nd, by 1570, Eleanor (who m3, John Gage of Wormsley (Herefs)), daughter and co-heir of Richard Abington of Brockhampton (Herefs) and widow of John Dansey (d. c.1569) of Brinsop, and had issue one daughter (Eleanor; married to John Talbot of Grafton, by whom she was mother of the 10th Earl of Shrewsbury); died 17 April 1572; will proved in PCC, 8 July 1572;
(4) Walter Baskerville (c.1522-75) of Eardisley and Staunton-upon-Wye; married Sibyl (fl. 1572), daughter of [forename unknown] Greville, and widow of [forename unknown] Bird and of Thomas Thame of Stowell, but probably had no issue (although his wife had several sons by Mr. Bird); will written 20 July 1575 and proved 8 November 1575;
(5) Humphrey Baskerville (c.1525-72) [for whom see below, Baskerville family of Aberedw Court and Clyro Court];
(6) Sibyll Baskerville (d. 1559); married Sir Robert Whitney (c.1525-67) of Whitney-on-Wye (Herefs) and Icomb (Worcs; now Glos) (who m2, Mary [surname unknown]), MP for Herefordshire in 1559, son of Robert Whitney, and had issue at least three sons; died about April 1559, when her husband was given licence to return home ‘because his wife was lately departed’;
(7) Alice Baskerville; married Thomas Wilford;
(8) Elizabeth Baskerville; married, about 1546, Edmund Vaughan;
(9) Eleanor Baskerville; married, after 1546, Charles Hughes of Killough (Mon.) and had issue four sons and two daughters.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1505.
He died 13 November 1546; his will was proved 9 December 1546. His wife was living in 1572 but her date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Sir James (d. 1573), kt. Eldest son of Sir James Baskerville (c.1482-1546), kt., and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of John Breynton of Stretton Sugwas (Herefs), born before 1516. Commissioner for tenths of spiritualities in the bishopric of St. Davids, 1535; steward or deputy steward of Pembroke, 1536; mayor of Pembroke, 1537; High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1542-43, 1550-51, 1564-65; MP for Herefordshire, 1547 and perhaps again in 1553; JP for Herefordshire, 1554, 1559-73. In 1544 he took a company of fifty infantrymen to France for the King's service and he and his father were concerned with musters for the next two years; he was knighted, 24 November 1547. He seems not to have had strong views either way in the religious divisions of his time, being described as 'neuter in religion' by the bishop of Hereford in 1564 and subscribing to the Act of Uniformity in 1569. He married, by November 1537, the Hon. Catherine (b. c.1506), only daughter of Walter Devereux, 3rd Baron Ferrers of Chartley and later 1st Viscount Hereford, but had no issue. He did, however, have at least two illegitimate sons by his mistress, Elizabeth Harris:
(X1) Charles Baskerville alias Harris; mentioned in his father's will;
(X2) Rev. Richard Baskerville (c.1546-1614); apparently educated at Magdalen College, Oxford (MA); rector of Westcote (Glos), 1567-74 and Staunton-upon-Wye (Herefs), 1567-1614; married Margaret, daughter of Rev. Henry Dawkes of Woolstone (Glos), and had issue six sons and three daughters; died about 31 May 1614.
He seems to have been based in south Wales (where his father-in-law was an important figure) until he inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1546, and the entailed property of his uncle Thomas Baskerville in 1551. At the time of his death he also owned or leased Stanage Park.
He died 20/28 September 1573; his will was proved 10 February 1573/4. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, John (d. 1577). Second son of Sir James Baskerville (d. 1546), kt., and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of John Breynton of Stretton Sugwas (Herefs), born before 1517. Escheator of Herefordshire, 1552-53; JP for Herefordshire, 1554-56, 1569-77; High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1555-56, 1570-71. MP for Herefordshire, 1554, 1555. In 1556 he was investigated by the Council for the Marches for the alleged murder of David ap Meredydd, and although the outcome is not known he evidently experienced a period of unpopularity marked by his removal from the bench; he received a general pardon at the accession of Queen Elizabeth I in 1558 and evidently conformed to the Elizabethan settlement. He married, by 1553, Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Richard Hargest of Chanstone Court, Vowchurch (Herefs), and had issue:
(1) Humphrey Baskerville (c.1533-87) (q.v.);
(2) Thomas Baskerville; married and had issue one daughter;
(3) Alice Baskerville.
He inherited Chanstone Court, Vowchurch, in right of his wife and the Eardisley estate from his elder brother in 1573.
He died 23 September 1577; an inquisition post mortem was held in 1578. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Humphrey (c.1533-87). Elder son of John Baskerville (d. 1577) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Richard Hargest of Chanstone Court, Vowchurch (Herefs), born about 1533. High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1584-85. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Scudamore of Holme Lacy (Herefs), and had issue:
(1) John Baskerville (d. 1589) (q.v.);
(2) Katherine Baskerville; married Anthony Rainsford (1548-1622), younger son of Charles Rainsford of Clifford (Herefs);
(3) Sibyl Baskerville (fl. 1587); married, before 1587, James Baskerville of Pontrilas [for whom see below, Baskerville of Pontrilas Court];
(4) Joan Baskerville; married, by 1592, George Middlemore, son of John Middlemore of Hawkeslowe, Kings Norton (Worcs);
(5) Walter Baskerville (d. c.1592), of Staunton-on-Wye (Herefs); probably died unmarried; administration of goods granted, March 1592 and again October 1598;
(6) James Baskerville;
(7) Bridget Baskerville (d. c.1595); married, 1582, Sir Roger Bodenham (b. 1545; fl. 1594), kt., of Rotherwas (Herefs), and had issue two sons and one daughter; died between 1592 and 1598.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1577.
He died 22 March 1587. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, John (d. 1589). Eldest son of Humphrey Baskerville (c.1533-87) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of John Scudamore of Holme Lacy, born about 1560. He married, c.1585, Ann, daughter of Richard Southwell of Horsham St. Faith (Norfk), and had issue:
(1) Sir Humphrey Baskerville (1586-1648), kt. (q.v.).
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1587.
He died 8 January 1588/9; an inquisition post mortem was held in 1589. His widow married 2nd, Richard Davies; her date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Sir Humphrey (1586-1648), kt. Only child of John Baskerville (d. 1589) and his wife Ann, daughter of Richard Southwell of Horsham St. Faith (Norfk), born 26 October 1586. As a young man he was a ward of the Crown. Educated at Inner Temple (admitted 1604); came of age in 1607 and travelled abroad, 1605-08, 1611-12. Knighted, 7 March 1609. JP for Herefordshire c.1609-26; High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1610-11; MP for Leominster, 1614; Recorder of Leominster, 1630-41. He apparently suffered a great financial crisis of unknown cause in the years 1614-16 which prompted his father-in-law to make additional provision for his wife and eldest son in his will; according to Thomas Symonds, writing in 1645, his income was reduced from £3,000 a year to £300 a year. He was a moderate Royalist in the Civil War, when his house at Eardisley was burned down, although whether this was due to Parliamentarian action or an accidental fire is unclear. He married, by 1614, Elizabeth (d. 1665), daughter of Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Court (Herefs), and had issue:
(1) Thomas Baskerville (1615-83) (q.v.);
(2) Henry Baskerville (fl. 1634); living in 1634 but probably died young;
(3) Philippa Baskerville (fl. 1686); married Thomas Coningsby (d. 1695) of Leominster and had issue four daughters; living in 1686;
(4) Humphrey Baskerville (d. 1666), apparently born after 1634 as he is not mentioned in the Visitation pedigree of that year; administration of goods granted 30 April 1666.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1589, and came of age in about 1608. His house at Eardisley was burned down during the Civil War in 1642.
He died 3 April 1647/8, and was buried at Eardisley. His wife died in about June 1665 and was buried at Kington (Herefs); her will was proved 27 January 1665/6.
Baskerville, Thomas (1615-83). Elder son of Sir Humphrey Baskerville (1586-1648), kt., and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Court (Herefs), born 24 June 1615. He was a Parliamentarian in the Civil War, and was obliged to leave strongly Royalist Herefordshire. After the Parliamentarian victory, he was appointed a Militia Commissioner for Herefordshire, 1648. He married, 1639 at Almeley (Herefs), Frances (d. 1683), daughter of Francis Pember of Newport, and had issue:
(1) John Baskerville (b. c.1640), baptised at Almeley (Herefs), 29 November 1642;
(2) Rev. Benhaile Baskerville (c.1641-85); baptised at Almeley (Herefs), 29 November 1642; said to have been rector of Eardisley; died unmarried and without issue and was buried at Eardisley, 1 January 1685/6; administration of goods granted to his brother Francis, 11 January 1685/6;
(3) Thomas Baskerville (c.1642-90), baptised at Almeley (Herefs), 29 November 1642; died unmarried and was buried 4 March 1689/90; administration of goods granted to his brother Francis, 25 March 1690;
(4) Francis Baskerville (1643-1724), baptised at Almeley (Herefs), December 1643; inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1683 but sold it soon afterwards to William Barnesley; died unmarried and without issue, 24 December 1724; will proved at Hereford, 16 January 1724/5;
(5) Herbert Baskerville (1645-83), baptised at Almeley, March 1644/5; died unmarried; will proved at Hereford, 20 August 1683;
(6) Ann Baskerville (b. 1647), baptised at Almeley, 4 May 1647;
(7) Frances Baskerville (b. c.1654), born about 1654; married, 27 November 1682 at St Nicholas, Cole Abbey, London, John Reakes (b. c.1657) of Stepney, silk stocking maker.
(8) Humphrey Baskerville (1661-1729), baptised 3 September 1661; married, c.1681, his cousin, Philippa, daughter of Thomas Coningsby, and had issue two daughters; buried 10 March 1728/9; will proved at Hereford, 31 May 1729.
He inherited the Eardisley estate from his father in 1647 or 1648, and lived in some poverty in the former gatehouse of his father's house there.
He died 2 February 1682/3. His widow was buried 22 May 1683.
Baskerville of Pontrilas Court
Baskerville, Thomas (d. 1551). Fourth son of Sir Walter Baskerville (d. 1505), kt. and his first wife Anne, daughter of Morgan ap Jenkyn ap Philip of Pencoyd. He is probably the man of this name who was High Sheriff of Herefordshire, 1527-28. He married Alice (fl. 1551), daughter of Roger Hargest but had no issue. He did, however, have two illegitimate sons by his mistress (named Maud according to one source):
(X1) William Baskerville, born after 1530; living in 1551 but perhaps died young and unmarried;
(X2) Walter Baskerville (d. 1587) (q.v.).
He lived at Pontrilas Court and owned land at Tretire and Wootton;
He died 21 July 1551 and requested burial in the chancel of Kentchurch church; his will was proved 28 August 1551 and an inquisition post mortem was held 18 October 1552. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Walter (d. 1587). Younger illegitimate son of Thomas Baskerville (d. 1551). He married Jane (fl. 1587), daughter of Richard Mornington of Westhide (Herefs) and had issue*:
(1) James Baskerville (d. 1634) (q.v.);
(2) Thomas Baskerville (fl. 1587), of Watton in Wellington (Herefs); died without issue;
(3) Walter Baskerville (fl. 1587), of Wormsley Grange (Herefs); married Frances, daughter of John Gage of Wormsley Grange and had issue one son and one daughter;
(4) William Baskerville (fl. 1634) of Garway (Herefs); married Elizabeth, daughter of Arthur Raynescroft, and had issue two sons and three daughters;
(5) John Baskerville (fl. 1587); died without issue;
(6) Katherine Baskerville (fl. 1587); living, unmarried, in 1587.
He inherited Pontrilas Court from his father in 1551.
His died between September and November 1587 and requested burial at Kentchurch; his will was proved 27 November 1587. His widow's date of death is unknown.
* One source mentions a daughter Jane instead of Katherine, but the latter is named in his will.
Baskerville, James (d. 1634). Eldest son of Walter Baskerville of Pontrilas Court and his wife Jane, daughter of Richard Mornington of Westhide. In 1623 he and his grandson Walter leased an ironworks called Pontrilas Forge to Benjamin Hall of Highmeadow (Glos), ironmaster. He married, before 1587, Sybil, daughter of Humphrey Baskerville of Eardisley, and had issue*:
(1) Humphrey Baskerville (d. 1620) (q.v.);
(2) Thomas Baskerville; perhaps born after 1587.
He inherited Pontrilas Court from his father in 1587.
He died in 1634. His wife's date of death is unknown.
* One source mentions that 'by his two wives [he] had thirty children, and nearly as many by concubines', but only one wife is known and there seems no evidence for such procreative prowess.
Baskerville, Humphrey (d. 1620). Son of James Baskerville of Pontrilas Court and his wife Sybil, daughter of Humphrey Baskerville of Eardisley, born before 1587. He married Ann (fl. 1619), daughter of Henry Vaughan of Moccas (Herefs), and had issue:
(1) Walter Baskerville (d. 1640) (q.v.);
(2) William Baskerville (fl. 1634); 'now in the Indies' in 1634;
(3) Humphrey Baskerville (fl. 1619); perhaps died before 1634;
(4) Henry Baskerville (fl. 1619); perhaps died before 1634;
(5) Roger Baskerville (fl. 1619); perhaps died before 1634;
(6) Anne Baskerville (fl. 1678); married, by 1634, Henry Baker (d. 1680) of Abergavenny (Mon.) and had issue two sons; living in 1678;
(7) Bridget Baskerville (fl. 1634); married, by 1634, Thomas Hudson of York;
(8) Elizabeth Baskerville (fl. 1619); perhaps died before 1634;
(9) Eleanor Baskerville (fl. 1634); living, unmarried, in 1634.
He lived at Hereford and Westhide.
He died in the lifetime of his father in 1620; his will was proved 12 May 1620. His widow's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Walter (d. 1640). Son of Humphrey Baskerville (d. 1620) and his wife Ann, daughter of Henry Vaughan of Moccas (Herefs), born about 1600. He married, 4 December 1628 at Llantrithyd (Glam), Ann, daughter of Sir Thomas Aubrey, kt. of Llantrithyd Court, and had issue:
(1) Mary Baskerville (b. 1629), eldest daughter, born 1629; living in 1640;
(2) Elizabeth Baskerville (b. 1630), baptised at Llantrithyd, 28 September 1630; died young;
(3) Cicell Baskerville (b. 1631), baptised at Llantrithyd, 13 May 1631; living in 1640;
(4) Humphrey Baskerville (b. c.1633) (q.v.);
(5) Eleanor Baskerville; living in 1640;
(6) John Baskerville; living in 1640.
He inherited Pontrilas Court from his grandfather.
He died in 1640; his will was proved 1 July 1641. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Humphrey (b. c.1633). Elder son of Walter Baskerville (d. 1640) and his wife Ann, daughter of Sir Thomas Aubrey of Llantrithyd (Glam), born about 1632; he was aged 18 months at the time of the heralds' visitation of Herefordshire in 1634. Educated at Middle Temple (admitted 1651). He married, 16 May 1654 at Birtsmorton (Worcs), Ann (b. 1621?), daughter of Giles Nanfan of Birtsmorton Court, and had issue:
(1) Ann Baskerville (1655-85), baptised at Birtsmorton, 9 May 1655; married, 1674 at Kentchurch (Herefs), Sir John Williams (c.1651-1704), 2nd bt. of Llangibby (Mon.), Jacobite MP for Monmouth, 1689-90 and for Monmouthshire, 1698-1704 (who m2, Lady Catherine Herbert, daughter of Philip Herbert, 5th Earl of Pembroke), eldest surviving son of Sir Trevor Williams, 1st bt., but had no issue; died 30 November and was buried at Llangibby, 11 December 1685;
(2) Mary Baskerville (b. 1656), born 28 June and baptised at Birtsmorton, 6 July 1656; married 1st, 8 December 1674 at Kentchurch, Sir Edward Morgan (d. 1682), 3rd bt., of Llantarnam, MP for Monmouthshire, 1680-82, and had issue two daughters; married 2nd, 1 May 1683 at St Botolph without Aldersgate, London, John Grubham Howe (c.1657-1722) of Stowell Park (Glos), MP for Cirencester, 1689-98 and Gloucestershire, 1698-1705, and had issue one son (John Howe, 1st Baron Chedworth) and one daughter; her date of death has not been traced.
He inherited Pontrilas Court from his father in 1640. After his death the property passed to his daughters as co-heirs and was sold to Philip Jackson, a London merchant.
He died between 1665 and 1674. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville of Aberedw Court and Clyro Court
Baskerville, Humphrey (d. 1572). Fifth and youngest son of Sir James Baskerville (d. 1546), kt [for whom see Baskerville (later Mynors-Baskerville) of Eardisley above], and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of John Breynton of Stretton Sugwas (Herefs), perhaps born about 1525. He is not to be confused with a contemporary of the same name, who was a merchant and alderman of London and died in 1563. He married Eleanor, daughter and heiress of John ap Gwillym of Llanbedr (Radnors) and Aberedw, and had issue:
(1) John Baskerville (d. 1599) (q.v.);
(2) Anne Baskerville; said to have married, by 1578, William Havard and had issue one son.
He inherited the Llanbedr and Aberedw estates in right of his wife.
He died in 1572. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, John (d. 1599). Son of Humphrey Baskerville (d. 1572) of Aberedw, and his wife Eleanor, daughter and heiress of John ap Gwillym of Llanbedr and Aberedw. He married, 1578, Sarah (fl. 1619), daughter of Thomas Lewis of Harpton Court (Radnors), and had issue:
(1) Anne Baskerville (fl. 1599), eldest daughter, probably born before 1580;
(2) Thomas Baskerville (d. c.1637) (q.v.);
(3) James Baskerville (fl. 1599), living in 1599;
(4) Margaret Baskerville (fl. 1599), living in 1599.
He inherited the Aberedw estate from his father in 1572.
His will was written 6 June 1599 and proved 27 November 1599. His widow was living in 1619; her date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Thomas (d. c.1637). Elder son of John Baskerville (d. 1599) of Aberedw and his wife Sarah, daughter of Thomas Lewis of Harpton Court (Radnors), born after 1575. He married, 1610 (settlement 20 December), Eleanor, daughter of John Lewis of Llanwenny (Radnors), and had issue:
(1) James Baskerville (d. 1667) (q.v.);
(2) Walter Baskerville (d. 1674);
(3) Sarah Baskerville (fl. 1673); married [forename unknown] Jauncey;
(4) Ann Baskerville (fl. 1673).
He inherited the Aberedw estate from his father in 1599, but in 1634 was living at Llanbedr Painscastle, Old Radnor.
He was living in 1634 but had probably died by 1640. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, James (d. 1667). Elder son of Thomas Baskerville (d. c.1637) of Aberedw and his wife Eleanor, daughter of John Lewis of Llanwenny, born after 1610. He married Dorothy, daughter of David Blayney, and had issue:
(1) James Baskerville (d. c.1688) (q.v.);
(2) Joan Baskerville (d. 1699); died unmarried; will proved 14 July 1699;
(3) Eleanor Baskerville (fl. 1675).
He inherited the Aberedw estate from his father in about 1637. In 1610 he was living at Llanbedr.
His will was proved at Brecon, 26 October 1667. His widow's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, James (d. c.1688). Only son of James Baskerville (d. 1667) of Aberedw and his wife Dorothy, daughter of David Blayney. Said to have killed a Colonel Powell in a duel after a cockfight at Presteigne (Radnors). He married, 1664, Elizabeth (fl. 1686), daughter of Edward Griffin of Bickmarsh, and had issue:
(1) Thomas Baskerville (c.1668-1720) (q.v.);
(2) Walter Baskerville (fl. 1686); living in 1686;
(3) James Baskerville (d. 1732), of Aberedw; married 1st, 29 January 1701 at Aberedw, Sybil Powell and had issue one daughter (who died young); married 2nd, 1714 (licence 27 May), Mary Taylor (1690-1746) and had issue two sons and one daughter; died at Aberedw, 13 August 1732;
(4) Nicholas Baskerville (d. 1741); married and had issue; buried at Aberedw, 25 March 1741;
(5) Dorothy Baskerville (d. 1697), born after 1670; died unmarried, 1697.
He inherited the Aberedw estate from his father in 1667.
He died about 1688*; his will was proved in Brecon, 26 August 1692 (but the inventory is dated 20 September 1688). His wife was living in 1686 but had probably died by 1692: she was named as executor in her husband's will, but administration was actually granted to their eldest son.
* According to Jonathan Williams’
“History of Radnorshire” (1859), p. 287, he was killed in a duel, but whether this was the one with Col. Powell referred to above or another event is unclear.
Baskerville, Thomas (c.1668-1720). Eldest son of James Baskerville (d. c.1688) of Aberedw and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Griffin of Bickmarsh, born about 1668. In 1717 he had debts totalling £2,186. He married, 1700, Sibyl, daughter of [forename unknown] Collins of Bryngwyn (Radnors), and had issue:
(1) Thomas Baskerville (c.1701-40) (q.v.);
(2) Margaret Baskerville (fl. 1738?); said to have married, 17 May 1738, Thomas Dunn;
(3) Sibyl Baskerville (fl. 1740); married, 1740 (licence 7 May), Walter Davies.
He inherited the Aberedw estate from his father in about 1688.
His will was proved in Brecon, 1720. His wife's date of death is unknown.
Baskerville, Thomas (c.1701-40). Only son of Thomas Baskerville (c.1668-1720) and his wife Sibyl, daughter of [forename unknown] Collins of Bryngwyn (Radnors), born about 1701. He married, 1726 (settlement 23 August, bond 25 August), Meliora (1701-73), eldest daughter of Richard Baskerville of Richardson, Winterbourne Bassett (Wilts), and had issue:
(1) Thomas Baskerville (1731-48), said to have been born 2 February 1731; died young and was buried at Aberedw, 21 July 1748;
(2) Jane Baskerville (fl. 1739); evidently died young;
(3) Philippa Baskerville (1738-71) (q.v.).
He inherited the Aberedw estate from his father.
He was buried at Aberedw, 15 November 1740. His widow was buried at Aberedw, 14 February 1773; administration of her goods was granted at Brecon, 1775.
Baskerville, Philippa (1738-71). Younger daughter of Thomas Baskerville (c.1701-40) and his wife Meliora, eldest daughter of Richard Baskerville of Richardston (Wilts), born at Aberedw, 6 January 1738. She married, 13 October 1767 at Aberedw, Rev. John Powell (1737-1819) of Penland, Llanbister and Clyro Court (Radnors), son of William Powell of Clyro, and had issue:
(1) Meliora Powell (c.1768-1829) (q.v.).
Her husband inherited the Clyro Court estate.
She was buried at Aberedw, 24 February 1771. Her husband was buried at Clyro, 31 May 1819.
Powell, Meliora (c.1768-1829). Only daughter and heiress of Rev. John Powell of Penland, Llanbister and Clyro Court (Radnors) and his wife Philippa, only daughter of Thomas Baskerville, born about 1768. She married, 1st, 26 February 1787 at Aberedw, Peter Rickards (later Mynors*) (1754-94) of Treago Castle (Herefs), son of Peter Rickards of Evenjobb (Radnors), and 2nd, 12 July 1819 at St Weonards (Herefs), Capt. Jaspar Farmar RM JP (1777-1861), and had issue:
(1.1) Peter Rickards Mynors (1787-1866), born 27 November and baptised at St. Weonards, 2 December 1787; inherited the Treago Castle (Herefs) estate; High Sheriff of Radnorshire, 1825-26; JP and DL for Herefordshire and Radnorshire; married, 1817, Mary Elizabeth (1795-1882), daughter of Edmund Trowbridge Halliday of Chapel Cleeve (Som.), and had issue four sons and one daughter; died in Clevedon (Som.), 20 January 1866;
(1.2) Meliora Mynors (1789-1854), born 1 January and baptised at St. Weonards, 4 January 1789; married, 1815, Hugh Hovell Farmar (1782-1828) of Dunsinane, nr. Enniscorthy (Co. Wexford), land agent, and had issue two sons and three daughters; died 11 November 1854; administration of her goods granted to her son at Gloucester, 23 December 1854 (effects under £300);
(1.3) Thomas Baskerville Mynors (later Mynors-Baskerville) (1790-1864) (q.v.).
Her husband inherited Treago Castle from his second cousin once removed in 1765.
She died aged 61 at Treago Castle, 12 October 1829. Her first husband died 4 August 1794. Her second husband died 2 March 1861; his will was proved 11 April 1861 (effects under £300).
* He took the additional surname Mynors by royal licence, 14 September 1787.
Mynors (later Baskerville), Thomas Baskerville (1790-1864). Second son of Peter Rickards Mynors (1754-94) of Treago Castle (Herefs) and his wife Meliora, daughter and heiress of Rev. John Powell of Penland (Radnors), born 7 April and baptised at St. Weonards (Herefs), 11 April 1790. Educated at Eton, Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1808) and Trinity Hall, Cambridge (matriculated 1812; LLB 1826). JP for Herefs, Wilts, Brecons and Radnors and DL for Wiltshire and Radnorshire; High Sheriff of Wiltshire, 1827-28. Conservative MP for Herefordshire, 1841-47. He took the additional name of Baskerville by royal licence on succeeding his kinsman, Lt-Col. Thomas Baskerville of Poulton House (Wilts) in 1817. He married 1st, 11 August 1818 at Mildenhall (Wilts), Anne (1798-1832), daughter and heiress of John Hancock of Marlborough, and 2nd, 2 March 1837 at Great Milton (Oxon), Elizabeth Mary (1809-90), eldest daughter of Rev. Powell Colchester Guise, rector of Crayke (Yorks NR) and later of Elmore (Glos), and had issue:
(2.1) Walter Thomas Mynors Baskerville (1839-97) (q.v.);
(2.2) Lt-Col. Herbert Witherston Mynors Baskerville (1841-1926), of Berthddu, Llandinam (Montgomerys), born 26 September and baptised at Holy Trinity, Bath (Som.), 21 October 1841; an officer in the 9th Foot (Ensign, 1858; Lt., 1862; Capt., 1872; Maj., 1881; retired as Lt-Col., 1881); JP for Herefs, Montgomerys and Radnors; he was a strong supporter of the Conservative party, an active churchman, and a keen sportsman; died unmarried, 31 December 1926 and was buried at Clyro, January 1927; will proved 12 April 1927 (estate £37,219);
(2.3) Capt. Edward Reginald Mynors Baskerville (1843-1916), born and baptised at St George, Hanover Sq., London, 13 March 1843; an officer in the 11th and later 36th Foot (Ensign, 1861; Lt., 1865; Capt., 1873; resigned his combatant commission, 1879, but continued as Paymaster; retired 1881); lived latterly at Berthddu, Llandinam (Montgomerys); died unmarried, 5 June 1916; will proved 23 February 1917 (estate £20,970);
(2.4) Gertrude Alice Elizabeth Baskerville (1844-93), born 25 June and baptised at St Peter, Eaton Sq., London, 26 July 1844; an amateur artist of some ability; lived at Netherwood, Hampton Bishop (Herefs); died unmarried, 13 January and was buried at Clyro, 18 January 1893;
(2.5) Edith Meliora Sybil Baskerville (1846-1916), born 23 December 1846; lived with her sisters until admitted to Brislington House Asylum, Bristol, 5 August 1898, and died there unmarried, 20 May 1916; buried at Clyro, 26 May 1916; will proved 7 December 1916 (estate £20,872);
(2.6) Clara Anne Maria Baskerville (1848-1901), born 24 August 1848; lived with her sisters and latterly at Berthddu, Llandinam (Montgomerys); died unmarried, 4 March and was buried at Clyro, 9 March 1901; will proved 6 February 1903 (estate £15,463).
He inherited the Wiltshire estate of his kinsman, Lt-Col. Thomas Baskerville, in 1817 and seems to have rented Rockley House near Marlborough. On the death of his maternal grandfather, Rev. John Powell, in 1819, he inherited the Clyro and Aberedw estates; he rebuilt Clyro Court in 1839. The Aberedw estate was subsequently dispersed by minor sales over the next two generations.
He died 9 September 1864. His first wife was buried at St Weonards, 22 June 1832. His widow died 5 September 1890.
Baskerville, Walter Thomas Mynors (1839-97). Eldest son of Thomas Baskerville Mynors (later Mynors Baskerville) and his second wife, Elizabeth Mary, eldest daughter of Rev. Powell Colchester Guise, born 7 January and baptised at St Swithin, Walcot, Bath (Som.), 20 February 1839. Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1858). JP and DL for Radnorshire, 1861-97; High Sheriff of Radnorshire, 1868-69. He married, 18 November 1875 at Canon Frome (Herefs), Bertha Maria (1848-92), only child of John Hopton of Canon Frome Court, and had issue:
(1) Sybil Maud Baskerville (1877-1942), born 1 February 1877; inherited Canon Frome Court from her father in 1897, and took the name and arms of Hopton by royal licence, 1898; married, 29 April 1899 at Christ Church, Mayfair, London, Col. John Dutton Hunt (1858-1934), Chief Inspector of Small Arms to War Office, 1900-07 (who also took the name and arms of Hopton, 1899), but had no issue; died at Hotel Suisse, Cannes (France), 3 July 1940; will proved 21 December 1940 (estate £43,841);
(2) Dorothy Nesta Baskerville (1880-1954) (q.v.);
(3) Ralph Hopton Baskerville (1883-1918) (q.v.).
He inherited the Clyro Court estate from his father in 1864. His wife inherited Canon Frome Court from her father in 1891, and he inherited from her in 1892. At his death his paternal estates passed to his only son and his wife's property to his elder daughter.
He died 29 August 1897; his will was proved 15 March 1898 (effects £19,824). His wife died 21 October 1892; administration of her goods was granted 26 May 1893 (effects £4,410).
Baskerville, Ralph Hopton (1883-1918). Only son of Walter Thomas Mynors Baskerville (1839-97) and his wife Bertha Maria, only child of John Hopton of Canon Frome Court (Herefs), born 13 February 1883. Educated at Bradfield. An officer in 1st Royal Dragoons (2nd Lt., 1902; Lt., 1902; retired, 1904); JP for Radnorshire. Master of the Clyro Foxhounds, 1906-07, North Cornwall Hunt, 1907-09 and the East Sussex Foxhounds, 1910-12. He spent some time in Canada in 1914 but returned home to serve with the Glamorganshire Yeomanry (Lt., 1914; Capt., 1916; T/Maj., 1917) in the First World War. He was engaged to be married in 1907 but the wedding was cancelled and he died unmarried and without issue.
He inherited the Clyro Court estate from his father in 1897, but let the house. At his death it passed to his younger sister.
He was killed in action at Ploegsteert, Hainault (Belgium), 9 April 1918; his will was proved 19 July 1918 (estate £115,935).
Baskerville, Dorothy Nesta (1880-1954). Younger daughter of Walter Thomas Mynors Baskerville (1839-97) and his wife Bertha Maria, only child of John Hopton of Canon Frome Court (Herefs), born 11 January 1880. She resumed her maiden name on inheriting the Clyro estate in 1918. She married, 17 June 1903, Cdr. Bernhard Alexander Pratt-Barlow RN (1874-1914), elder son of Charles Pratt-Barlow of Knole Wood, Sunningdale (Berks), and had issue:
(1) Edward Lyttelton Pratt-Barlow (1906-07), born 2 September and baptised at Leybourne (Kent), 30 September 1906; died in infancy, Jul-Sept 1907;
(2) Mary Pamela Pratt-Barlow (1905-48), born 16 June 1905; married, 20 December 1932, Maj. Otho Cadwallader Adams (later Hopton) (1901-61) (who m2, 1949, Vivienne Annie Lardner (1905-83), daughter of Henry Lardner Dennys and widow of William Llewellyn Parry de Winton (1902-37)), third son of Alfred Adams, barrister-at-law, and had issue two sons; died 6 February 1948; administration of goods granted 21 June 1948 (estate £7,856).
She inherited the Clyro Court estate from her brother in 1918, but sold the house to Radnorshire County Council in 1946. Her daughter inherited Canon Frome Court (Herefs) from her aunt in 1940. It was let as a school in 1954 and sold to Herefordshire County Council in 1957.
She died 18 November 1954; her will was proved 14 January 1955 (estate £102,894). Her husband was killed in action when HMS Hawke was torpedoed, 15 October 1914; his will was proved 14 April 1915 (estate £1,278).
Principal sources
Burke's Landed Gentry, 1850, i, pp. 63-64; Burke's Landed Gentry, 1952, p. 125; F.W. Weaver (ed), The visitation of Herefordshire 1569, 1886, pp. 7-8; P.H. Baskerville, Genealogy of the Baskerville family, 1912; P.H. Baskerville, Additional Baskerville Genealogy, 1917; M.P. Siddons (ed), The visitation of Herefordshire 1634, Harleian Soc. 2002, pp. 54-56, 77, 95; N. Baker et al., An interim report on an excavation at Eardisley Castle, Herefordshire, 2011; A. Brooks & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Herefordshire, 2nd edn., 2012, pp. 216-17; R. Scourfield & R. Haslam, The buildings of Wales: Powys, 2nd edn., 2013, p. 301;
Location of archives
Baskerville of Clyro and Aberedw: deeds, estate and family papers, c.1759-1906 [Powys County Archives Office, R/D/JGW/37; Herefordshire Archives & Records Centre, M5B/14]
Coat of arms
Baskerville of Eardisley: Argent, a chevron gules between three hurts azure.
Baskerville of Pontrilas: Argent, a chevron gules between three roundels azure, a border gobony argent and azure.
Can you help?
- Can anyone provide a photograph or drawing of Aberedw Court before its demolition in the 19th century?
- Can anyone provide more information about the ownership of Pontrilas Court in the 20th century?
- I should be most grateful if anyone can provide photographs or portraits of people whose names appear in bold above, and who are not already illustrated.
- Any additions or corrections to the account given above will be gratefully received and incorporated.
Revision and acknowledgements
This post was first published 12 September 2020 and updated 14 and 22 September 2020. I am grateful to Thomas Lloyd for his assistance.
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