Biography of James Bassett 1526-1558

Paternal Family Tree: Basset

In 1515 [his father] John Bassett of Tehidy and Umberleigh (age 53) and [his mother] Honor Grenville Viscountess Lisle (age 21) were married. The difference in their ages was 32 years.

In 1526 James Bassett was born to John Bassett of Tehidy and Umberleigh (age 64) and Honor Grenville Viscountess Lisle (age 32).

In 1529 [his step-father] Arthur Plantagenet 1st Viscount Lisle (age 64) and [his mother] Honor Grenville Viscountess Lisle (age 35) were married. She by marriage Viscountess Lisle. The difference in their ages was 29 years. He the illegitmate son of King Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Waite.

On 31 Jan 1529 [his father] John Bassett of Tehidy and Umberleigh (age 67) died.

In 1538 James Bassett (age 12) entered the household of Bishop Stephen Gardiner (age 55).

In 1553 James Bassett (age 27) was elected MP Taunton. Nominated by Bishop Stephen Gardiner (age 70).

In 1554 James Bassett (age 28) was elected MP Downton.

In 1554 James Bassett (age 28) was elected MP Devon.

In 1555 James Bassett (age 29) was elected MP Devon.

Before Jun 1556 James Bassett (age 30) and Mary Roper (age 33) were married.

In or before 1557 [his brother-in-law] Thomas Roper (age 25) and Lucy Browne (age 18) were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In May 1557 [his son] Philip Bassett was born to James Bassett (age 31) and [his wife] Mary Roper (age 34). He was named after Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain (age 29) who was godfather by proxy to Philip Basset at his christening at which he gave a great gilt cup.

In 1558 James Bassett (age 32) was elected MP Devon.

On 21 Nov 1558 James Bassett (age 32) died. On 26 Nov 1558 he was buried at St Ann Blackfriars Church Farringdon Within.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26 Nov 1558. The xxvj day of November was bered at the Blake Frers in Smythfeld master Bassett (deceased) sqwyre, on of the [privy] chambur with quen Mare; and he had ij whyt branchys, and xij torchys, and iiij gret tapurs, and a harold ... a cote armur, a penon of armes, and ij dosen of [shocheons.]

In 1559 [his son] Charles Bassett was born to James Bassett and [his former wife] Mary Roper (age 36) posthumously.

On 20 Mar 1572 [his former wife] Mary Roper (age 49) died.