Family and Education

b. 20 Apr. 1648, 3rd but o. surv. s. of Walter Bocland (Bockland)† of Standlynch by Helen, da. of Hubert Hacon of Norwich, Norf.  educ. Magdalen Coll. Oxf. 1664; I. Temple 1667; M. Temple 1669; Padua 1669.  m. (1) 10 Feb. 1673, Joan (d. 1689), da. of John Penruddock of Compton Chamberlayne, Wilts., sis. of Thomas Penruddock†, 3s. d.v.p. 6da. (1 d.v.p.); (2) by 1695, Mabel (with £2,000), da. of Sir Robert Dillington, 2nd Bt.†, of Knighton, I.o.W., sis. of Sir Tristram Dillington, 5th Bt.*, 2s., 1da.  suc. fa. 1670.1

Offices Held

Freeman, Salisbury 1680–4, Oct. 1688–d.2

Biography

Bocland was able to return himself again at Downton in 1690 unchallenged by the other principal families who usually contended for the borough. Classed as a Whig by Lord Carmarthen (Sir Thomas Osborne†), on 24 Apr. 1690 he was nominated to prepare the bill for an oath of abjuration. Although marked by Robert Harley* as a possible supporter of the Country party in April 1691, he was described as ‘Court’ by the time Grascome drew up his list in 1693. In the 1692–3 session he reported from the committee on the bill dealing with the will of Henry Bayntun* and his estates in north Wiltshire (12 Jan.), and was named to the drafting committee on the bill to continue the Acts prohibiting trade with France (11 Feb.). On 6 Mar. he spoke against the bill to set aside amendments to the records of a fine and two recoveries in Glamorgan, brought in on behalf of Lord Pembroke (Thomas Herbert†). He was persuaded to step down at the 1695 election in favour of Charles Duncombe*, much to the chagrin of Lady Ashe, widow of Sir Joseph Ashe, 1st Bt.†, Bocland reappeared briefly in the Commons in 1698, being chosen at a by-election after Duncombe had been expelled. He was listed as a Court supporter in a comparative analysis of the old and new Parliaments in September 1698 but did not stand again, having been pushed aside at Downton by more powerful interests.3

Bocland made his will on 2 May 1710. The extensive coalmines, leadmines and quarries centred upon Shepton Mallet, Somerset, were settled on trustees, including his ‘nephew’ Thomas Freke*, to pay off his debts and secure £2,200 on his four younger daughters, who were also given the annuities of £800 invested in the Exchequer. He left £1,000 to his eldest daughter, Jane, and a similar sum together with the profits from the Shepton Mallet estate to his younger surviving son, Maurice†. Bocland had died by 28 Nov. 1710, when his will was proved. The Standlynch estate was sold by Maurice in 1726, who then migrated to Hampshire.4

Ref Volumes: 1690-1715

Author: D. W. Hayton

Notes

• 1. Hoare, Wilts. Downton, 50; Misc. Gen. et Her. ser. 2, ii. 125; ser. 5, ix. 110–11.
• 2. Hoare, Wilts. Salisbury, 477, 480, 487.
• 3. Luttrell Diary, 469.
• 4. Hoare, Wilts. Downton, 48; PCC 238 Smith.