Family and Education

b. c.1557, s. of Richard Garth, clerk of the petty bag, of Morden, by his 1st w. Elizabeth, da. of Nicholas Dixon, goldsmith of London. m. Jane (d. 8 May 1609), da. of Anthony Duffeld, merchant of London, 6s. 8da. suc. e. bro. 25 Apr. 1613

Offices Held

Biography

Almost all that is known about Garth comes from an inscription in the floor of the chancel of Morden church, recording the date of his death and the number of his children. In all probability he owed his return for Saltash to George Carew. It is not known whether Garth lived and worked in London, where he owned several houses, or whether he lived as a country gentleman in Surrey. A man of intellectual tastes, he possessed a collection of books on divinity and physics. He was also fairly wealthy, at least in his old age, to judge from the marriage portions of £1,000 allowed to his daughters; he contributed £30 to the forced loan in 1625. The maintenance of his idiot daughter was his first concern in the will he made 20 Feb. 1626. He left her £70 a year ‘until such time as it shall please God to restore her to her understanding’, plus £1,000 for her marriage. Another daughter, Mary, received a similar sum for her marriage. Garth was succeeded by his eldest son Richard, the sole executor. The second son George, received two houses in Holborn and £200, and a younger son Anthony, an interest in the lease of a tenement in Chancery Lane as well as some property in Lincolnshire. Another son received £100, and the youngest, William, an interest in a farm in Huntingdonshire, as well as his father’s books. One cloth gown was to be provided for each often of the poorest inhabitants of Morden, and one for each of his servants. An old servant received £5, and a manservant 40s. Garth died on 19 Apr. 1627, aged 70, and was buried in Morden church.

Vis. Surr. (Harl. Soc. xliii), 189-90; Surr. Arch. Colls. xvii. 81; xxx, 101; Manning and Bray, Surr. ii. 489-90; PCC 47 Skinner.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: N.M.S.

Notes