© MindMagic Ltd. (1999)
The Throckmorton family were a cadet branch of the Throckmortons of Fladbury, Worcestershire. They held land in the north of Gloucestershire and Christopher Throckmorton (d. 1513) was sheriff in 1489-90. His son William Throckmorton (d. 1537) acquired Tortworth in the south of the family by marriage. His son Sir Thomas Throckmorton (d. 1568) became a justice of the peace and was knighted in 1553. He was succeeded by his son, also Sir Thomas (1539-1607), who represented the county in the parliament of 1589 and was a member of the Council of Wales. He was described by John Smyth of Nibley as a 'powerful and plottinge gent.' and his unprincipled exploitation of his public position led to him being diabled from bearing office.
Sir Thomas was succeeded by his son Sir William (1579-1628), who ruined his estate 'by riot and improvidence'. In 1608 he sold Tortworth and the family removed to Clearwell in the Forest of Dean, which he acquired through his first wife, Cicely Baynham. Despite his evident financial problems, he purchased a baronetcy in 1611. After Cicely's death William married twice more. Both Alice Morgan and Sarah Hale (d. 1636) were described by Smyth as maids. William was succeeded by his eldest son by Cicely, Sir Baynham Throckmorton(1606-64), who developed the family's interests in the Forest of Dean. The restoration of the family's fortunes was continued by Sir Baynham Throckmorton(1680). However, as he had only daughters by his two wives, the baronetcy descended to his cousin, Sir William Throckmorton (1658-1682), the son of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton of Hewelsfield and grandson of Sir William Throckmorton and Cicley Baynham. The baronetcy came to an end with the death of Sir William in a duel.
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| © MindMagic Ltd. (1999) |