Edmund Fortescue, MP

Family and Education bap. 8 Nov. 1560, 1st s. of John Fortescue of Fulpit by Honora, da. of Edmund Speccot. m. 1579, Mary, da. of Henry Champernown of Modbury, at least 1s. suc. fa. 1595.

Offices Held

Sheriff, Devon 1622-3.

Biography It is not clear how Fortescue came to sit for Old Sarum. Perhaps his relation Roger Gifford, who was returned for the borough in 1584, suggested his name to the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. In any case it was Fortescue’s only appearance in the House and he is not mentioned by name in its proceedings. The Members for Old Sarum were appointed to a committee on cloth, 15 Mar. 1593. Succeeding to his estates soon afterwards, Fortescue’s life was that of a country gentleman. He died in 1624, being buried at East Allington 25 July.

Vivian, Vis. Devon, 365; D’Ewes, 501.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603 Author: W.J.J