The Wyndham FamilyThe history of the Wyndham family was one of riches to rags. The early Wyndhams, came originally from Somerset. It was Sir John Wyndhams marriage to The first Duke of Norfolk's daughter that brought that branch of the family so close to the royal Court. Sir Edmund Wyndham was standard bearer to his great uncle, Thomas 2nd Duke of Norfolk when he died. The funeral procession left Framlingham and ended in Thetford, a distance of 24 miles. Edmund acted in the affairs of his cousin the Earl of Surrey as deputy High Steward of the Kings Haven Courts in Norfolk. It was the marriage of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour that brought him a knighthood. During the dissolution of the monasteries, Edmund became the owner of Beeston Priory and some of it's manors. It was not all favouritism for Edmund at court, whilst playing tennis, he is reputed to have lost his temper with a servant of the Earl of Surrey and struck him. The penalty for a breach of the peace within the Palace precinct was the loss of the right hand. The following royal staff were summoned to carry out the sentence:- Serjeant Surgeon with his instruments Serjeant of the Woodyard with mallet and block Master Cook with the knife Serjeant of the Larder with the searing iron to stop the bleeding The Serjeant of the Poultrie with a cock - to test the sharpness of the knife The Yeoman of the Chandry with sear cloths The Yeoman of the Scullery with a pan to heat the irons in Serjeant of the Cellars for the wine The Yeoman of the Ewery with basin, ewer and towels. Edmund threw himself on the mercy of the King and was pardoned. In 1547 he became High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk and was in office during the Kett Rebellion during Edward VI's time. When the Ketts were finally rounded up, they were taken to Edmund who sent them to London for trial. They were returned to Norfolk and one was hung outside Norwich Castle, the other outside Wymondham Church. Edmunds sons, Roger and Sir Francis were noted for their dislike for each other, one incident which caused Roger to end up in court involved the wreck of a Scottish ship on it's way home from France. By law, anything washed ashore froma wreck was the property of the Crown. Roger did a deal with the Scots (who at the time were considered enemies of the English) that he would shelter the goods at Felbrigge and be paid a reward. The wreck lay within the bounds of Sir Francis's property at Beeston Priory and ordered the rest of the cargo to his house and a search was undertaken for the rest. When it was discovered in Roger's hands he was prosecuted. It was Edmund's brother Sir John who's descendants carried on living at Felbrigg Hall (the Windhams)and Cromer hall (the Wyndhams). Ashe Windham Esq of Felbrigge Hall 1672-1749 was one of the Pier Reeves for Cromer, William Windham stood for parliament around 1786 - 1806 and the last in the family line - Mad Windham became bankrupt and was employed to drive a coach from Norwich to Cromer. In May 1863, Lt Colonel Slade of the Irish Lancers, brought him to court for obstructing the free passage on a turnpike road. He was convicted and fined five pounds with costs.
Sheila Bell from Norwich tells me that the Wyndhams have connections with our current Royal Family. William Windham (formerly Lukin) of Felbrigg Hall was grandfather of William Frederick "Mad Windham". William snr. was great (4) grandfather to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
His daughter Cecilia Anne (1803-1874) marr. Henry Baring of Cromer Hall.
This information was compiled by Penny Ling |