Family and Education

b. c.1546, 2nd s. of John Stampe of Newnham Murren, Oxon. by Elizabeth, da. of John Plotte or Platte of Hanney, Berks. educ. L. Inn 1561, called 1570. unm.

Offices Held

Master of Christ’s Hospital and legal counsel to Abingdon by 1578; butler, L. Inn 1583, pensioner 1585; steward (recorder), Wallingford Mar. 1584-Mar. 1607, auditor c.1589; j.p.q. Berks. from c.1593.

Biography

Stampe was a younger son from a family of minor gentry, the several branches of which all resided in the vicinity of Wallingford. His father left him a mere £20 in his will, and he and two of his brothers made their way in the law. It was presumably his appointment as steward (recorder) of his native town which brought him his return to Parliament, a position usually reserved at Wallingford for more eminent local gentlemen. The only mention found of Stampe in the journals of the House is to leave of absence granted him 8 Mar. 1587.

Stampe resided mainly at Lincoln’s Inn, and any money he acquired he seems to have sunk in trading ventures. When he made his will in August 1612, he had recently invested £300 in a voyage to the Guinea coast; and his whole fortune, indeterminate in size till his ship came in, he left to be administered by his ‘best friend’, Richard Martin of Tottenham, and his brother, Zachary Stampe. The will was proved on 13 Oct. 1613.

Vis. Berks. (Harl. Soc. lvi), 52-3; Vis. Oxon. (Harl. Soc. v), 121; Berks, RO, Wallingford minute bk. ff. 68, 93; bailiffs’ accounts; D’Ewes, 413; PCC 16 Ketchyn, 90 Capell.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: Alan Harding

Notes