Gelli Meyrick
Encyclopedia
Sir Gelli Meyrick (1556?-1601) was a Welsh supporter of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
, and conspirator in Essex's rebellion. He was executed for his part in it.
, bishop
of Bangor
(Gwynedd), by Katherine, daughter of Owain Barret of Gelliswic. After his father's death in 1565 he spent his youth with his mother on the family estate of Hascard in Pembrokeshire. At an early age he became a soldier and served in the Netherlands, receiving in 1583 the grant of a crest.
He soon became acquainted with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex who owned property in Wales. He attended the Earl at Flushing
in 1585, and joined in the campaigns under Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester
in the Low Countries in that and the following year. On returning to England Essex conferred on him the office of steward in his household. Meyrick went with Essex on the expedition to Portugal
in 1589, and two years later accompanied him to Normandy
, but sickness prevented him from taking much part in the campaign which Essex conducted on behalf of Henry of Navarre. In 1595 he and another of Essex's followers, Henry Lindley, were jointly presented by the crown, at Essex's suit, with nine parks in the duchy of Lancaster
and one in the duchy of Cornwall
, besides the manor and castle of Wigmore, Herefordshire and the forest and chase of Bringwood. He thenceforth made Wigmore Castle
his chief country residence; his London house was in the parish of St Clement Eastcheap
.
The death of Sir Roger Williams
gave Meyrick the opportunity to become the most influential of the Earl's supporters. In 1596 Meyrick accompanied Essex on the expedition to Cadiz
, serving as lieutenant-colonel in Sir Conyers Clifford's regiment, and also acting as commissioner of stores. Essex knighted him at Cadiz after the capture of the city. On his return in August, Meyrick was officially reported to have brought home as prize some India hides; charges of pilfering in connection with the goods captured from the enemy were brought against him by Sir Anthony Ashley, and he retaliated by accusing Ashley of far more serious peculations. The quarrel ended in Ashley's committal to prison.
In 1597 he took part with Essex in the Islands Voyage
, and was in command of the Swiftsure. In the Earl's disputes with Walter Raleigh
in the course of the expedition, Meyrick strongly supported his master, and is credited with embittering the relations between the two leaders. In the spring of 1599 Meyrick went to Ireland with Essex, who was then lord-deputy, and he returned with messages from his master in August, a few weeks before Essex himself arrived in London to meet the charges preferred against his Irish administration.
In July 1600 Essex was induced to dismiss Meyrick from his office of steward by friends who represented him as a dangerous counsellor, but he was soon reinstated at Essex House
. A month later Essex, once more at liberty, was considering suggestions of rebellion with a view to regaining his hold on the government, and Meyrick entertained in his master's mansion potential supporters. When in January 1601 Essex had decided on raising an insurrection in the city, Meyrick armed many of his country friends with muskets and invited them to London; and he gave £40 to the actors of the Globe Theatre
on condition that they performed, on the night (Saturday, 6 February) before the day fixed for the outbreak, the play of Richard II
representing the abdication of an English sovereign on the stage (according to many accounts), or (as has been argued) John Hayward
's Henry IV. On Sunday (7 February), when Essex left for the city at the head of his armed followers, the defence of Essex House was left in Meyrick's hands, and he acted as gaoler to the members of the privy council (Thomas Egerton
, the Earl of Worcester
, William Knollys and Lord Justice John Popham) who had arrived earlier in the day in order to inquire into Essex's movements and had been locked up in the house. Meyrick defended the house when attacked by the royal troops in the afternoon, and only surrendered at Essex's bidding.
He was held in the Tower of London
, but, unlike his fellow-prisoners, when examined by the council disclosed little. Brought to trial on 5 March, with Sir Charles Danvers, Sir Christopher Blount
, Sir John Davis, and Sir Henry Cuffe
, he declined to admit his guilt, but was convicted and sentenced to death. He declared himself willing to die, and explained that he merely acted under his master's orders. He was hanged at Tyburn
on 13 March, together with Cuffe. In a short speech at the gallows he expressed the hope that others might receive a pardon.
, and widow of John Gwyn of Llanelwedd
; she inherited the estates of both her father and first husband. By her Meyrick left a son, Roland, and a daughter, Margaret, wife of John Vaughan, 1st Earl of Carberry. Both children were subsequently restored in blood, and seem to have been granted out of their father's confiscated estates lands at Lucton
and Eyton in Herefordshire. Lady Meyrick died in 1625.
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, KG was an English nobleman and a favourite of Elizabeth I. Politically ambitious, and a committed general, he was placed under house arrest following a poor campaign in Ireland during the Nine Years' War in 1599...
, and conspirator in Essex's rebellion. He was executed for his part in it.
Life
He was the eldest son of Rowland MeyrickRowland Meyrick
-Life:Born at Bodargan in the parish of Llangadwaladr, Anglesey, in 1505, he was the second son of Meyric ab Llewelyn ab Heylin, by Margaret daughter of Rowland ab Hywl, rector of Aberffraw in the same county. He was named after his maternal grandfather, and educated at St Edward Hall, Oxford. He...
, bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of Bangor
Bangor
- United Kingdom :* Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland** Bangor ** Bangor , until 1800* Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, after which most of the ex-colonial Bangors are named....
(Gwynedd), by Katherine, daughter of Owain Barret of Gelliswic. After his father's death in 1565 he spent his youth with his mother on the family estate of Hascard in Pembrokeshire. At an early age he became a soldier and served in the Netherlands, receiving in 1583 the grant of a crest.
He soon became acquainted with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex who owned property in Wales. He attended the Earl at Flushing
Flushing, Netherlands
Vlissingen is a municipality and a city in the southwestern Netherlands on the former island of Walcheren. With its strategic location between the Scheldt river and the North Sea, Vlissingen has been an important harbour for centuries. It was granted city rights in 1315. In the 17th century...
in 1585, and joined in the campaigns under Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester
Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester
Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, KG was an English nobleman and the favourite and close friend of Elizabeth I from her first year on the throne until his death...
in the Low Countries in that and the following year. On returning to England Essex conferred on him the office of steward in his household. Meyrick went with Essex on the expedition to Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
in 1589, and two years later accompanied him to Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
, but sickness prevented him from taking much part in the campaign which Essex conducted on behalf of Henry of Navarre. In 1595 he and another of Essex's followers, Henry Lindley, were jointly presented by the crown, at Essex's suit, with nine parks in the duchy of Lancaster
Duchy of Lancaster
The Duchy of Lancaster is one of the two royal duchies in England, the other being the Duchy of Cornwall. It is held in trust for the Sovereign, and is used to provide income for the use of the British monarch...
and one in the duchy of Cornwall
Duchy of Cornwall
The Duchy of Cornwall is one of two royal duchies in England, the other being the Duchy of Lancaster. The eldest son of the reigning British monarch inherits the duchy and title of Duke of Cornwall at the time of his birth, or of his parent's succession to the throne. If the monarch has no son, the...
, besides the manor and castle of Wigmore, Herefordshire and the forest and chase of Bringwood. He thenceforth made Wigmore Castle
Wigmore Castle
Wigmore Castle is a ruined castle which is barely visible from the village of Wigmore in the northwest region of Herefordshire, England.- History :...
his chief country residence; his London house was in the parish of St Clement Eastcheap
St Clement Eastcheap
St. Clement Eastcheap is a Church of England parish church in Candlewick Ward of the City of London. It is located on Clement's Lane, off King William Street, and close to London Bridge and the River Thames....
.
The death of Sir Roger Williams
Roger Williams (soldier)
Sir Roger Williams was a Protestant Welsh soldier of fortune.Born in Penrhos, Monmouthshire, Williams was said by Anthony Wood to have attended Brasenose College, Oxford. He spent most of his life soldiering, mainly on the continent...
gave Meyrick the opportunity to become the most influential of the Earl's supporters. In 1596 Meyrick accompanied Essex on the expedition to Cadiz
Cádiz
Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain. It is the capital of the homonymous province, one of eight which make up the autonomous community of Andalusia....
, serving as lieutenant-colonel in Sir Conyers Clifford's regiment, and also acting as commissioner of stores. Essex knighted him at Cadiz after the capture of the city. On his return in August, Meyrick was officially reported to have brought home as prize some India hides; charges of pilfering in connection with the goods captured from the enemy were brought against him by Sir Anthony Ashley, and he retaliated by accusing Ashley of far more serious peculations. The quarrel ended in Ashley's committal to prison.
In 1597 he took part with Essex in the Islands Voyage
Islands Voyage
The Islands Voyage was an English campaign against the Portuguese colonies in the Azores in 1597 as part of the Anglo–Spanish War. It was led by Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex with Sir Walter Raleigh as his second in command - other participants included Jacob Astley and Robert Mansell...
, and was in command of the Swiftsure. In the Earl's disputes with Walter Raleigh
Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh was an English aristocrat, writer, poet, soldier, courtier, spy, and explorer. He is also well known for popularising tobacco in England....
in the course of the expedition, Meyrick strongly supported his master, and is credited with embittering the relations between the two leaders. In the spring of 1599 Meyrick went to Ireland with Essex, who was then lord-deputy, and he returned with messages from his master in August, a few weeks before Essex himself arrived in London to meet the charges preferred against his Irish administration.
In July 1600 Essex was induced to dismiss Meyrick from his office of steward by friends who represented him as a dangerous counsellor, but he was soon reinstated at Essex House
Essex House (London)
Essex House was a house in London, built around 1575 for Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and originally called Leicester House.The property occupied the site where the Outer Temple, part of the London headquarters of the Knights Templar, had previously stood , and was immediately adjacent to the...
. A month later Essex, once more at liberty, was considering suggestions of rebellion with a view to regaining his hold on the government, and Meyrick entertained in his master's mansion potential supporters. When in January 1601 Essex had decided on raising an insurrection in the city, Meyrick armed many of his country friends with muskets and invited them to London; and he gave £40 to the actors of the Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613...
on condition that they performed, on the night (Saturday, 6 February) before the day fixed for the outbreak, the play of Richard II
Richard II (play)
King Richard the Second is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to be written in approximately 1595. It is based on the life of King Richard II of England and is the first part of a tetralogy, referred to by some scholars as the Henriad, followed by three plays concerning Richard's...
representing the abdication of an English sovereign on the stage (according to many accounts), or (as has been argued) John Hayward
John Hayward
Sir John Hayward , English historian, was born at or near Felixstowe, Suffolk, where he was educated, and afterwards proceeded to Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he took the degrees of B.A., M.A. and LL.D....
's Henry IV. On Sunday (7 February), when Essex left for the city at the head of his armed followers, the defence of Essex House was left in Meyrick's hands, and he acted as gaoler to the members of the privy council (Thomas Egerton
Thomas Egerton, 1st Viscount Brackley
Thomas Egerton, 1st Viscount Brackley PC was an English Nobleman, Judge and Statesman who served as Lord Keeper and Lord Chancellor for twenty-one years.-Early life, education and legal career:...
, the Earl of Worcester
Earl of Worcester
Earl of Worcester is a title that has been created five times in the Peerage of England. The first creation came in 1138 in favour of the Norman noble Waleran de Beaumont. He was the son of Robert de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester, by Elizabeth of Vermandois, and the twin brother of Robert de...
, William Knollys and Lord Justice John Popham) who had arrived earlier in the day in order to inquire into Essex's movements and had been locked up in the house. Meyrick defended the house when attacked by the royal troops in the afternoon, and only surrendered at Essex's bidding.
He was held in the Tower of London
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
, but, unlike his fellow-prisoners, when examined by the council disclosed little. Brought to trial on 5 March, with Sir Charles Danvers, Sir Christopher Blount
Sir Christopher Blount
Sir Christopher Blount was an English soldier, secret agent, and rebel. He served as a leading household officer of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester. A Catholic, Blount corresponded with Mary, Queen of Scots's Paris agent, Thomas Morgan, probably as a double agent...
, Sir John Davis, and Sir Henry Cuffe
Henry Cuffe
Sir Henry Cuffe was an English author and politician, executed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, for treason.-Family connections:...
, he declined to admit his guilt, but was convicted and sentenced to death. He declared himself willing to die, and explained that he merely acted under his master's orders. He was hanged at Tyburn
Tyburn
Tyburn is a former village just outside the then boundaries of London that was best known as a place of public execution.Tyburn may also refer to:* Tyburn , river and historical water source in London...
on 13 March, together with Cuffe. In a short speech at the gallows he expressed the hope that others might receive a pardon.
Family
Meyrick married about 1584 Margaret, daughter of Ieuan Lewys of Cladestry, RadnorshireRadnorshire
Radnorshire is one of thirteen historic and former administrative counties of Wales. It is represented by the Radnorshire area of Powys, which according to the 2001 census, had a population of 24,805...
, and widow of John Gwyn of Llanelwedd
Llanelwedd
Llanelwedd is a village near Builth Wells, in Powys, Wales. It lies within the historic boundaries of the former county of Radnorshire.-Location and geography:...
; she inherited the estates of both her father and first husband. By her Meyrick left a son, Roland, and a daughter, Margaret, wife of John Vaughan, 1st Earl of Carberry. Both children were subsequently restored in blood, and seem to have been granted out of their father's confiscated estates lands at Lucton
Lucton
Lucton is a village near the town of Leominster in the county of Herefordshire, England. It is best known for being the location of Lucton School, an independent, mixed-gender day and boarding school....
and Eyton in Herefordshire. Lady Meyrick died in 1625.