Family and Education

b. c.1560, s. of John Bastard by Thomasine, da. of Geoffrey Gilbert of Bovey Tracey. educ. Lyon’s Inn; M. Temple 1578, called. m. Elizabeth.

Offices Held

Of counsel to Totnes by 1596; j.p. Devon from 1601; bencher and Lent reader, M. Temple 1605, treasurer 1613; recorder, Dartmouth 1604, Totnes bef. 1620.

Biography

Bastard was a lawyer employed by Totnes corporation in lawsuits arising from the granting of the 1596 charter. He also transacted legal business for Dartmouth, which twice provided him with a parliamentary seat. He died in 1639. In his will, dated 4 Mar. of that year and proved in May, he made bequests to the poor of West Arlington and for the relief of prisoners of the Turks. He hoped that at his funeral there would be no ‘feasting and excessive quaffing and beastly drinking, which I ever hated’.2

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: P. W. Hasler

Notes

• 1. Folger V. b. 298.
• 2. Roberts thesis; PCC 88 Harvey.