Person:Edward Strode (4)

Edward Strode who gave Monmouth one hundred guineas and provided shelter while he was on the run, was granted a pardon, solely through his ability to pay for it (reportedly 40 Pounds). Perry (Octavia J. Perry in A Saga of Strouds and Strodes, Deford and Co., Baltimore, Maryland, 1966, p 45) says: 'Bernard Strode, the fifth son of William and Joan Barnard Strode, was beheaded in the Bloody Assize.' There is American tradition that Barnard was beheaded but full substantiation is lacking. On 10th March 1686 an amnesty or proclamation of pardon was issued for all those involved in the rebellion led by Monmouth.

"Obviously, Edward Strode of Downside was heavily involved in the Monmouth led rebellion of 1685. But he survived the times and remained at Downside, undoubtedly because of his wealth. This is contrary to information in the book by Perry and perpetuated by other Strode descendants. She suggests that he fled to France and/or Holland with his children and sickly wife and eventually to the colonies. Elston does not make this error.

"Photos taken in the Rectory of St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Shepton Mallet in 1986 provide proof to the contrary. There are numerous plaques and busts of the generosity of the Strodes. Two in particular are important in tracing Edward's (1630-1703) family. The first is a plaque in the Rectory stating 'Memory of Joan (Goninge) Strode, wife of edward Strode. Mrs. Joan Strode of Downside, England who had by him 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters of which 4 of them lyeth here underneath intered by her to wit: William, Edward, Edward, and Mary. The other six children are now living with their father to wit: Edward, John, Elizabeth, Johanna, Jane and Mercy. She (Joan) died 1st of April 1679 in the 40th year of her age.'

"There is another important plaque in the Shepton-Mallet parish church that says 'Here Relieth Edward Strode of Downside -- he departed this life the 23rd of October 1703 at the age of 73 years.'

"Still another plaque states 'Strode Bread Charity Jan. 23, 1699. Edward Strode by his will established the charity and Elizabeth, his daughter, by her will added to the fund; Rents of Farms at Winsor Hill (Downside), Sun Inn and Cottage, Townsend, Mendip and the annual dividend of L1407.16.11 at Consolidated Bank

Buried on 2 April 1629 at the Rectory of the Parish Church, Shepton Mallet, England

Line 8330 from GEDCOM File not recognizable or too long:

 DEAT PLAC , Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire, England, (Tombstone)

1. ↑ A. Donovan Faust (Foust). A Family History: The Ancestors of Thomas Wilson Faust. (1997).
2. ↑ Brad Atherton web page, February, 2000.