Family and Education

s. of Nicholas Chowne^† of Fairlawn by his 2nd w. Elizabeth (?da. of John) Scott of Camberwell, wid. of Evan Lloyd of London. educ. L. Inn 1573. m. Mary, da. of Sir Edward Bray of Shere, Surr., 6s. Kntd. 1603.

Offices Held

J.p.q. Kent 1591.

Biography

The Chownes had been settled at Fairlawn since the time of Henry IV and to it they had added the manor of Oxenhoath in the parish of West or Little Peckham. Chowne himself was described in 1611 as of Oxenhoath. He was brother-in-law to John Puckering. Presumably he was returned for Rochester through the local standing of his family, and although he is not mentioned by name in the surviving records of the 1593 Parliament, the Members for Rochester were appointed to a committee about kerseys, which he may have attended on 23 Mar. 1593. His will, dated 17 Feb. 1616 and proved in September following, appointed his wife sole executrix and left her a life interest in land in Wrotham as well as the residue of his movables. Chowne was succeeded by his eldest son Thomas, who moved to Alfriston, Sussex.

W. Berry, Co. Genealogies, Suss. 133; Vis. Suss. (Harl. Soc. liii), 168; Vis. Kent (Harl. Soc. xlii), 27; Reg. St. Mary le Bowe (Harl. Soc. xliv), 3; Hasted, Kent, v. 24, 64, 187; Arch. Cant. xlvi. 213; D’Ewes, 507; CSP Dom. 1611-18, p. 29; PCC 2o Sheflelde, 88 Cope.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: J.E.M.

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