MySource:Dennischap/http:/www.tacrocker.com

http://www.tacrocker.com/Website/p60.htm#i3421 Sir William Heyricke (M) b. c 1557, d. 02 Mar 1652/53 Pedigree

    He married Joan May William was born circa 1557 at county Leicester, England. He was the son of John Heyrick and Mary Bond. William died on 2 March 1652/53 at London, county Middlesex, England.1
    
     Sir William Heyricke, who was born at Leicester about the year 1557, removing to London, in 1574, to reside with his brother Nicholas, then an eminent banker in Cheapside, attached himself to the court, and for a considerable time " resided constantly there." He was a man of great abilities and address; remarkably handsome, as appears by a small picture still preserved of him in his younger days; was high in the confidence of Queen Elizabeth, as well as of King James, and by honourable service to both, acquired large property. In the reign of the former sovereign he was despatched on an embassy to Ottoman Porte, and on his return rewarded with a lucrative appointment in the Exchequer. In 1594-5, he purchased from the agents of Robert, Earl of Essex, the nobleman's estate and interest at Beaumanor and soon after selecting that delightful spot for his residencce, bought in all the different outstanding leases, and, in 1598, obtained from Queen Elizabeth, by letters patent under the great seal, a grant of the manor of Beaumanor. In 1601, he was returned to parliament by the borough of Leicester, but retired upon the demise of her majesty. In 1605 he received the honour of knighthood, was appointed a teller of the Exchequer, and chosen alderman of Farringdon Without; from the civic office he was excused however, on agreeing to pay a fine of 300£. Shortly after, Sir William was a second time elected M.P. for Leicester, and for many years devoted his time and abilities to the promotion of the interest of his constituents. During the civil wars he suffered severly, and his fortune was much impaired in that calamitous season. He died 2nd March, 1652-3, and was buried on the 8th in St. Martin's Church, at Leicester, where against the north wall of the choir his gravestone still remains. His picture at Beaumanor exhibits him with a picked beard, a large ruff, and in a white satin doublet, which he used on Christmas day, attending Queen Elizabeth. He wears a sword and over his dress hangs loosely a large black cloak. His plaited fuffles are closely turned back over his sleeves. In one hand are his gloves, the other, elevated to his breast, holds the stump and tassells of his ruff. On one side, within a wreath, is the motto "Sola supereminet virtus." On the other, " Anno Dom. 1628, Aetatis suae 66." Lady Herrick is dressed in a close black gown richly ornamented with lace a nd fine ruffles turned up close over the sleeves; a watch in one hand, in the other a prayer book, and at her side a feathered fan. This portrait is dated "July 27th, 1632, aetatis suae fifty-four."

"Art may hir outsid thus present to view, How faire within no art or tongue can show."

By this lady, (whose christian name was Joan, and who was daughter of Richard May, ESQ of London, and sister of Sir Humphrey May, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.).

    Children of Sir William Heyricke and Joan May:
   Roger Herrick
   William Herrick
   Robert Herrick
   Richard Herrick
   Thomas Herrick
   John Herrick 

  1. [S145] Landed Gentry, Burke's, pg 1101. 

[S145] Burke, Sir Bernard, Burke Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry, Including American Families with British Ancestry, (1939) Burke's Peerage, Limited, Tracy Ashley Crocker, 3410.