JEPHSON, Sir William (c.1565-1615), of Froyle, Hants

Froyle, an ex-monastic estate acquired by Jephson’s grandfather in 1542, was rebuilt by Jephson’s father, who made over the estate to him in 1599, reserving to himself an annuity of £100. Jephson, 17; Add. 22949, f. 16. On the accession of James I Jephson accompanied a ceremonial mission to Denmark led by the 5th earl of Rutland, from whom he had recently bought further estates in Hampshire. C66/1628; HMC Rutland, iv. 418, 447. He was also on friendly terms with the 3rd earl of Southampton, who supported his election for the county in the following year. HMC Hatfield, xi. 20. The first of his family to sit, he seems to have been a largely inactive Member, receiving only three committee appointments, all in the opening session of the first Stuart Parliament. On 2 Apr. 1604 he was appointed to consider three bills for the restitution of Southampton and others. CJ, i. 162a. His other committees were for an estate bill of the 1st earl of Hertford (12 June) and a bill to regulate the finances of the royal Household (18 June). Ibid. 237b, 241b. During the fourth session one of Jephson’s constituents attempted to have his seat declared vacant on the grounds that he was blind. The case was referred to the committee for privileges on 16 May 1610, but never reported. Ibid. 429a; ‘Paulet 1610’, f. 10v. Jephson drew up his will on 3 Oct. 1614 when he was ‘sick and weak in body’, increasing his father’s annuity to £120. PROB 11/128, f. 329. He died on 16 Nov. 1615, and was succeeded by his brother, Sir John, who represented Hampshire in 1621. C142/352/144.