James Basset

For other people with similar names, see James Bassett (disambiguation).

James Basset
Member of Parliament for Devon
In office
1554
1555
1558
Member of Parliament for Downton
In office
1554
Member of Parliament for Taunton
In office
1553
Personal details
Born1526 (1526)
Died21 November 1558 (aged 31–32)
SpouseMary Roper
Parents
RelativesBasset family
George Basset (brother)
John Basset (brother)
Katharine Basset (sister)
Anne Bassett (sister)
Thomas Grenville (grandfather)
Robert Basset (grandson)
Henry Ashley (nephew)
Arms of Basset (ancient) of Umberleigh, Devon and Tehidy, Cornwall: Barry dancetty of seven or and gules. The family's later "modern" arms were: Barry wavy of six or and gules, as visible in Heanton Punchardon Church and at Watermouth Castle, Devon

James Basset (1526 – 21 November 1558) was a gentleman from the ancient Devonshire Basset family who became a servant of Stephen Gardiner (c. 1483–1555), Bishop of Winchester, by whom he was nominated MP for Taunton in 1553, for Downton in 1554, both episcopal boroughs.[1] He also served thrice as MP for Devon in 1554, 1555, and 1558.[2] He was a strong adherent to the Catholic faith during the Reformation started by King Henry VIII. After the death of King Edward VI in 1553 and the accession of the Catholic Queen Mary I, he became a courtier to that queen as a gentleman of the Privy Chamber and received many favours from both herself and her consort King Philip II of Spain.

  1. ^ Virgoe
  2. ^ Biography in History of Parliament