Family and Education

b. c.1516, s. of William Molyns of Sandall or Sandhills, Hants by his ?1st w. Evelyn, da. of William Walrond of Bovey House, near Seaton, Devon; half-bro. of Michael. m. Ellen, da. of Thomas Halworthie, s.p.

Offices Held

Bailiff, Bridgwater 1544-5, 1550-1; mayor 1555-6, 1566-7; controller of customs, Bridgwater 1554-aft. July 1572.

Biography

Though of a minor gentry family, references to Robert Molyns are connected with his activities in Bridgwater. Described as ‘gentleman’, there is no evidence of his engaging in trade. No record has been found of his owning land except in the town and he lived there some years before becoming a customs official. He was paid for unspecified ‘charges’ under Edward VI and in 1555. His receipt for his wages for 64 days at the 1559 Parliament and for the expenses incurred during the passing of an act concerning Bridgwater cloth, is in the borough archives.

Molyns made his will 22 Aug. 1574. The ‘son’ mentioned is presumably his son-in-law Robert Cuffe. He left £60 to the poor, made bequests to his servants and bequeathed the residue to his wife, the sole executrix. The will was proved 8 Oct. 1574.

Bridgwater archives, nos. 393, 804, 1456, 1698, 1916; Vis. Som. ed. Weaver, 51; S. Jarman, Hist. Bridgwater, 269; E122/28/16, 29/2, 8; Lansd. 14, f. 107; PCC 36 Martyn.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: Roger Virgoe

Notes