Family and Education

bap. 22 Apr. 1638, 2nd but 1st surv. s. of Edward Yarde of Churston Ferrers by Elizabeth, da. of Thomas Fownes of Plymouth. educ. Eton c.1652-6; King’s, Camb. 1656. m. 11. Oct. 1659, Anne, da. of Thomas Warre of Shepton Beauchamp, Som., 2s. 5da. suc. fa. 1658.1

Offices Held

J.p. Devon 1671-87, Oct. 1688-d., commr. for assessment 1673-80, 1689-90, recusants 1675, v.-warden of stannaries 1676-?86; capt. of militia ft. Ashburton 1676-?86; dep. lt. Devon 1676-86, 1701-2.2

Biography

Yarde’s family had held Churston since marrying the Ferrers heiress in the reign of Edward IV. His father fought for the King in the Civil War, and was fined a total of £530. As vice-warden of the stannaries, Yarde was probably a follower of the Earl of Bath and an opponent of exclusion. The first of the family to enter Parliament, Yarde was successful for Dartmouth at the second general election of 1679 and again in 1681, pointedly dissociating himself from his exclusionist colleague John Upton even though there was no contest. In 1685 he was returned for Ashburton, where he commanded the local company of the stannaries militia; but again he left no trace on the records of Parliament. He was one of the first Devonshire Tories to be removed from office by James II. In November 1688 William of Orange landed within a couple of miles of Churston, but it is not recorded that Yarde joined him. He accepted the Revolution and was restored to the commission of the peace. But he is unlikely to have stood again, though his son was elected for Totnes in 1695 and a cousin for Ashburton in 1705. He was buried at Brixham on 11 Aug. 1703.3

Ref Volumes: 1660-1690

Author: John. P. Ferris

Notes

• 1. Vivian, Vis. Devon, 831; Devon and Cornw. N. and Q. vii. 131.
• 2. Devon RO, 1392M/L1676/1; HMC 14th Rep. IX, 274.
• 3. Westcote, Devon Fams. 601; Cal. Comm. Comp. 1420; Prot. Intell. 28 Feb. 1681.