HOPTON, Arthur (d.1607), of Blythburgh, Suff. and Witham Friary, Som.

In 1571, when Hopton was returned for Dunwich, his father was knight of the shire for Suffolk. His direct patron, however, may have been one of the Wingfields. By 1588, Hopton had himself sufficient standing to be elected to the county seat, though the family were gradually mortgaging and losing the greater part of their Suffolk property. Hopton himself removed to Somerset soon after this Parliament, troubled by litigation and burdened by debts. In his second Parliament he took charge of the bill dealing with Orford harbour (13, 14 Feb. 1589) and was on the committee of a legal bill (17 Feb.). He died on 20 Nov. 1607.APC, xv. 151, 311; xiii. 265; xvi. 45, 69, 73, 93, 232; svii. 314; xviii. 340, 361l; xxii. 243; xxviii. 410; xxix. 462; CSP Dom. 1547-80, p. 650; 1581-90, pp. 240, 390, 403; 1591-4, p. 178; 1595-7, p. 155; Hist. Colls. Suff. RO, Blois mss; Townshend, 17; D’Ewes, 433; C142/304/50.