John Shurley 1568-1631

Sir John SHURLEY 1568-1631

Biographical Note

Son of Thomas Shurley of Isfield, Sussex, a member of a long established gentry family with several manors in Sussex; he inherited the family estates on the death of his father in 1579. Matriculated at Hart Hall, Oxford 1582, but did not graduate; entered at the Middle Temple 1591. MP for East Grinstead, Sussex 1593, and sat in several Parliaments thereafter; JP from ca.1597, sheriff for Surrey and Sussex 1616, knighted 1603.

Books

The armorial bindings database records two early 17th century books with the Shurley arms attributed to Sir John's ownership, one at Parham House and one sold at Sotheby's in 1968. His will, which is extensive and refers to many kinds of goods as well as property holdings (including pewter, plate, bedding, furniture, jewellery, clothing and a rapier) has no mention of books; his goods were divided amongst members of his family.

Sources

• Will of Sir John Shurley, The National Archives PROB 11/159/788.
• John Shurley, British Armorial Bindings.
• History of Parliament.
• Foster, J. Alumni Oxonienses. London, 1888.