Gregory Bland

Gregory Bland was the son of Adam Bland, Skinner to the Queen, and wife Joane Atkyns. He was born c.1567 in London. His wife's name is unknown. He appears in the 1607 census for the Jamestowne Colony, Virginia. He did have children, some of whom emigrated to Virginia in the mid-1600's.

Gregory's father Adam was highly placed in the Skinners' Company, the medieval guild that prepared pelts brought in by hunters and trappers, which we would call a "furrier" today. In 1560 he was chosen Skinner to Queen Elizabeth I, a post he held until his death. He was succeeded by his son Peter, who held the position until 1618 when he was named Master Warden. Peter became "insane" from a stroke soon after and died. The position of Skinner to the Queen was passed to a son-in-law.

In addition to brother Peter, there was a brother John, who was a large-scale merchant and a backer of the Virginia Company. John was quite wealthy from his merchant activities.

When Gregory's brother Peter died, Peter's estate was contested by members of the family. Brother John inherited and immediately wrote his own will, leaving Gregory out. This is evidence of how acrimonious the fight over the estate became.

See also:

• http://www.blandheritage.org/GENEALOGY/Family_Lines/familylines1.htm