Family and Education

b. c.1526, 1st s. of Francis Pigott of Stratton by his 1st w. Elinor, da. and h. of John Enderby of Stratton; half-bro. of John. m. (1) Anne, da. of Sir Richard Rich^†, 1st Baron Rich, 3s. 5da.; (2) Elizabeth, da. of William Thynne of Erith, Kent, 2s. 3da. suc. fa. c.1552.

Offices Held

J.p. Beds. from c.1552; sheriff, Beds. and Bucks. 1552-3, 1557-8, Mich. to Nov. 1572; escheator, Beds.1554-5.

Biography

Pigott’s father’s second wife was a St. John, and no doubt this helped Pigott to be elected for the county in 1559. Still, he had excellent estates at Stratton and Edworth, the manor of Kingworth, Hertfordshire, and also lands in Northamptonshire which he sold off in the 1560s, partly to the Cave family. Despite his having held a local office in the previous reign, Pigott was classified in 1564 as ‘earnest in religion’. His will was dated 15 Mar. 1579 and proved on 31 Mar.

C142/95/1, 160/11, 193/90; Vis. Beds. (Harl. Soc. xix), 47; CSP Dom. 1547-80, p. 374; Feet of fines, Beds., Trinity, 2 and 3 P. and M.; Wards 7/20/294; CPR, 1558-60, pp. 364-5; 1563-6, p. 128; Cam. Misc. ix(3), p. 28; PCC 13 Bakon.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: N. M. Fuidge

Notes