Sir John Acland MP

Family and Education b.c.1552, 2nd s. of John Acland of Akeland by Margaret, da. and coh. of Hugh Radcliff of Stepney, Mdx. educ. L. Inn 1573. m. (1) Elizabeth, da. of George Rolle† of Stevenstone, wid. of Robert Mallet of Wooleigh, 1da. d.v.p.; (2) Margery, da. of Henry Portman of Orchard Portman, Som., wid. of Sir Gabriel Hawley of Buckland, Som., s.p. Kntd. 1604.

Offices Held

J.p. Devon from 1583, sheriff 1608-9.

Biography Of a family established in Devon during the Middle Ages, Acland inherited considerable property near London from his mother, and his two fortunate marriages brought him estates in Devon and Somerset. His residence of Broad Clyst was, however, purchased. How he came to be returned for Saltash has not been ascertained; perhaps there was an arrangement with his brother-in-law James Dalton. Acland was a man of standing, several times chosen by the Privy Council to inquire into trade disputes. In December 1600, and again in 1601, he was told to supervise the shipment of troops for Ireland from Barnstaple. He was to achieve knight of the shire status in the Stuart period, and was a benefactor of Exeter school and Exeter College, Oxford. He died 14 Feb. 1620 and was buried at Broad Clyst.

Vivian, Vis. Devon, 3-4; C. Worthy, Devonshire Wills, 468-71; St. Ch. 5/A51/2, A46/6, B84/37; APC, xvii. 151; xxv. 412; xxxi. 14; xxxii. 262; 1615-16, p. 506; HMC Exeter, passim; Rep. Charity Commrs. Devon (Exeter 1826-30), passim; C. W. Boase, Reg. Exeter Coll.; PCC 76 Soame; C142/392/101.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603 Author: R.C.G. Notes 1. Did not serve for the full duration of the Parliament