John Byrd was born say 1620 in London, England.¹ He was the son of Thomas Bird and Elizabeth Bird.^2,3 He married Grace Elizabeth Stegge, daughter of Thomas Stegge and Elizabeth (?).⁴ He died circa 1677 in London, England.¹

     John Byrd was a goldsmith and/or banker in London, England.⁵

     Grace Elizabeth Stegge was born say 1630 in London, England.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Stegge and Elizabeth (?)² She married John Byrd, son of Thomas Bird and Elizabeth Bird.¹ She died circa 1690 in London, England.¹

     Thomas Stegge was born say 1610 in England.¹ He married Elizabeth (?)¹ He died in 1651 in at sea between England and Virginia.¹

     Thomas Stegge Captain Thomas Stegge lived in Charles City County, Virginia and engaged in trading activities along the James River. Captain Stegge was a man of importance, being elected Speaker of the Virginia Assembly in 1643 and member of the Council in 1644. He was one of the leading merchants of the Colony of Virginia. Upon his death, his property in Virginia was bequeated to his son, Thomas Stegge II who was also a member of the Virginia Council and later Auditor-General. In 1671 Thomas Stegge II died without heirs, leaving the Virginia property to William Byrd, I, son of his sister, Grace Stegge Byrd, of London. The records of his life denote the following:

On 26 May 1637 RICHARD MILTON filed a land patent being at Westover, south upon the main river, east upon JOHN CLAY, west upon WILLIAM THOMASON and north upon Herring Creek, which land is half of a plantation formerly belonging to JOHN DAVIS & JOHN CLAY in equal portions with all buildings etc. which said Davis sold to THOMAS STEGG, Merchant, and due by deed of sale from said STEGG.

On the 18th of ___ 1640 Thomas Stegg, Merchant, patented 1,000 acres in Charles City County being at a neck of land between the old mans Creek & Queens Creek on the Sly. side, etc, 200 acres beng formerly granted unto Thomas Wheeler & later assigned unto Patrick Kannaday, Mariner, by James Turner and Thomas Harris, assisgnees & attorneys of said Wheeler & Kannaday to Stegg. Due by order of court dated October 15, 1640 and for transport of 8 persons.

On 23rd or 28th August 1644, John Watson patented 1 acres in James City near the Brewere poynt, near the land of Mr. Thomas Stegg & Isaac Wattson, due by virtue of an Act of Assembly.

On July 3, 1650 in the commission issued by the King from Breda, Thomas Stegge was appointed a memer of the Virginia Council. In August 1651 as he was evidently friendly to the Parliament, he was sent to reduce Virginia and Maryland. He embarked on the frigate John and was lost at sea together with Captain Denis, another commissioner. He was lost at sea while returning from a government mission to Virginia on 6 October 1651.² He left a will dated 6 October 1651. According to the will, "Thomas Stegge, now bound forth in a voyable to Vergenia 6 Octover 1651, proved 14 July 1652, by Elizabeth Stegg, relict and sole executrix. To sister ALICE ten pounds per annum during her natural life to be paid her every half year. To my brother CHRISTOOPHER's two daughters, twenty pounds apiece, to be paid them within two years after my decease. To my wife's sister EMELION READE one full sixteenth part of the good ship now called the Seven Sisters, with all the provits, etc. I give to my son THOMAS STEGG in Virginia all my whoe estate in Virginia, as also one quarter part of the Seven Sisters now bound to Virginia and all goods and apparel I have in that ship or any other servants and ought else belonging to me; as also one quarter part of the ship Increase and all that shall accrew her for the voyage now at sea; and for more I leave it to the coniseration of his mother. To my daughter GRACE BYRD and her children the houses I bought of Mr. Neale in Bedlam, as also, after the decease of my wife or at the next marriage of my wife, I give her and her children my houses in the cloisters at St. Katherines that I bought of Mr. Tokely; also in like kind and case, I give her and her children my annuity at Elinge, if it so long continue, until the death of my said wife or her second marriage. To ELIZABETH BYRD, my daughter's eldest daughter, 100 pounds if she live until the age of fourteen years. To wife ELIZABETH STEGG, during her natural life or widowhood, my whoe estate, after debts and legacies are paid, excepting what is directly given away before to my said wife should marry again I giver he out of my estate 800 pounds; and the rest to be equally divided between my two children. Wife ELIZABETH to be executrix and loving friend Mr. ___ Loton, Mr. Roger Draiton and Mr. Robert Earle to be overseers, and ten pounds apiece to buy them each a cloak. Bowyere, 202."³

     Elizabeth (?) married Thomas Stegge.¹ She married Thomas Grendon.² She was still living in December 1678 when her second husband Thomas Grindon wrote his will in London, England.²

     Thomas Grendon married Elizabeth (?)¹

     Thomas Bird was born on 16 January 1598/99 in London, England.¹ He married Elizabeth Bird on 18 September 1617 in London, England.² He died circa 1623.¹

     Thomas Bird was a vintner, apprenticed for Henry Sacheverill and admitted to the Freedom of Vintner guild on 3 July 1616.³ He and Elizabeth Bird were to have been cousins.²

     Elizabeth Bird married Thomas Bird on 18 September 1617 in London, England.¹

     Elizabeth Bird and Thomas Bird were to have been cousins.¹

     Thomas Stegge was born say 1632 in London, England.¹ He was the son of Thomas Stegge and Elizabeth (?)¹ He died circa 1671 in Henrico County, Virginia.¹

     Thomas Stegge left a will dated 31 March 1670. According to the will, Thomas Stegge of the county of Henrico in Virginia Esq. 31 March 1669-70, proved 15 May 1671. To beloved wife SARAH STEGGE, for ornaments for her person and as a toke of my loving remembrance of her affectionate and tender care of me in sickness and in health (sundry personals) and more one Indian girl named _____ And if she resolve to go to England my will is that she is to have free power to accommodate herself with bedding, provisions, and other necessaries for her voyage without the contradiction of any person whatsoever. And further she is free power to bestoe upon her friends at her departure the value of twenty pounds sterling. I desire MR. THOMAS GRINDON of London to pay unto my said wife or her order as soon as conveniently he may after her advice received all such sums of money as are due, belonging or appertaining to me in his hands or custody. To my dearest mother ELIZABETH GRINDON, wife of MR. THOMAS GRINDON, citizen of London, twney pounds sterling yearly etc. during her natural life. To my loving sister. MRD. GRACE BYRD wife of Mr. JOHN BYRD, citizen and godsmith of london, 240 pounds due to me in the hands of her said husband, as by his account sent me last year doth appear, and to my sister one diamond ring given me by my mother when I was last in London, which I promised to give my sister if I died before her. To every child of my sister and brother Byrd of London now living 100 pounds sterling to each of the sons at the age of 21 years respectively and to the daughters at the age of 21 or day of marriage. I give and bequeath all the right, title and interest I at present have or hereafter shall have to part of a house bought by the HONORABLE THOMAS LUDWELL ESQ. and myself of HENRY RANDOLPH and now in the possession of us together with all my interest in the furniture in the house and all lands, etc thereof belonging to him the said Thomas Ludwell and his heirs forever, requesting him to pay out of the same to the Right Honorable SIR WILLIAM BERKELEY, Knt., Governor, 50 pounds sterling within 6 months after my decease, as a toke of that unfeigned respect I am and ever shall be obliged to pay his Honor for his many graces and favors.
"All other lands, messuages, tenements, etc in Virginia or England to WILLIAM BYRD, eldest son of the aforementioned JOHN & GRACE BYRD in London, to him and his heirs forever. But because my cousin is yet young and not so well experienced in the transactions of the world I desire my loving wife, for a year or two that she continues in the country, to continue the managing of the estate, etc. charging my cousin not to be led away by the evil instructions he shall receive from others but to be governed by the prudent and provident advice of his aunt; further desiring and charging my cousin in all matters of moment and bargains of consequence to make his address to the Honble. the Secretary for his assistance whom I earnestly entreat, for the dear friendship we have so long enjoyed that he will please to continue his kindness to my Remains and accept the trouble of being overseer to this my last Will and Testament." His will was witnessed by "HENRY RANDOLPH, EDWARD HILL & JOHN KNOWLES. The will was proved by the oath of SARA STEGGE, relict and executrix. Duke, 69."¹

     Elizabeth Byrd was born in England.¹ She was the daughter of John Byrd and Grace Elizabeth Stegge.¹ She died circa 1678 aboard the "Hopewell", bound for Virginia from England.¹

     Elizabeth Byrd left a will probated 1 February 1678. According to the will, Elizabeth was described as "late of Edmonton, in the County of Middlesex." Elizabeth died on the voyage to Virginia or shortly after her arrival. Her will was proved in Henrico County February 1768.
To my honored mother Mrs. Grace Byrd, 5 pounds;
To my sister Mrs. Grace Richards, 3 pounds;
To my brother Thomas Byrd and to two sisters Sarah and Mary, 20 shillings each;
To my loving sister, Mrs. Mary Byrd, my brother's wife, of Virginia, my goods I have on board the ship Hopewell bound now for Virginia;
To loving brother William Byrd of Virginia all the rest of my estate and to be executor.
Wit: Wilbert Daniell, Charles Dyose, John Wynn, Hugh Davis; probated 1 Feb. 1678 by John Wynn & Hugh Davis.¹

     Thomas Byrd was born in England.¹ He was the son of John Byrd and Grace Elizabeth Stegge.¹ He died on 12 March 1709/10 in Henrico County, Virginia.²

     Sarah Byrd was born in England.¹ She was the daughter of John Byrd and Grace Elizabeth Stegge.¹

     Grace Byrd was born in England.¹ She was the daughter of John Byrd and Grace Elizabeth Stegge.¹

     Mary Byrd was born in England.¹ She was the daughter of John Byrd and Grace Elizabeth Stegge.¹

     William Byrd II was born on 28 March 1674 in Henrico County, Virginia.¹ He was the son of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden.¹ He died on 26 August 1744 in Westover Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia, at age 70.¹

     William Byrd, II (1674-1744) was born on 28 March 1674 near the Falls of the James River in Henrico County, Virginia, to William Byrd I of England and Charles City County and his wife, Maria (Mary) Horsmanden. It is unlikely that he was born at Westover as his father did not acquire the property until fourteen years after his birth. BEfore age ten, he was sent to the Horsmanden family in England for his education. Grandfather Horsmanden, who lived at Purleigh in Essex, placed him under the instruction of Christopher Glassock, who made good reports on his project. He went to oHolland to further his business education. In 1690 he returned to London and read law in the Middle Temple for 3 to 5 years, during which time he made many valuable friendships. He formed a contact with Sir Robert Southwell in Holland and became a boon companion of Benjamin Lynde, later Chief Justice of Massachusetts. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in London. Upon completeing his education, he returned to Virginia and entered political life, an easy task due to his father' s influcence. In 1696 he was a member of the Assembly from Henrico County. He soon returned to England and in 1698 was appointed Agent for the Colony by the Virginia Council, which he held for 4 years. In 1704 upon the death of his father, he returned to Virginia to see to the estate as it was mostly bequeathed to him. He obtained the offices of Auditor and Receiver General of Virginia, held by his father. Soon the offices were separated and he retained the position of Receiver General. In 1708 he was appointed to the Council where he served until his death in 1744. In 1710 Alexander Spotswood came to Virginia as Lieutentant Governor under the Earl of Orkney and much friction passed between he and Byrd. Spotswood attempted to have Byrd removed unsucessfully from the Council. The result is that in 1716 he sold his position as Receiver General to James Roscow for 500 pounds. He and Spotswood became friends after Spotswoods' retirement as Byrd visited him in his journey to the mines in 1732. After 1716 he returned to England where he stayed for about 10 years, causing a recommendation to be sent to England in 1719 asking for his removal from the Council, but they were circumvented by his returning to Virginia for a time. In 1720 he returned to England returning in 1726. In 1726 he was selected leader of the VA Commission to cooperate with the North Carolina Commission for surveying the disputed boundary between the two. In 1743 upon the death of Blair he became President of the Council and died the following year.¹

     Susan Byrd was born in 1676 in Belvidere Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia.¹ She was the daughter of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden.¹ She married John Brayne.¹ She died in 1710 in London, England.¹

     John Brayne married Susan Byrd, daughter of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden.¹

     Ursula Byrd was born circa 20 November 1681 in Belvidere Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia.¹ She was the daughter of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden.¹ She married Robert Beverley Jr.¹ She died on 31 October 1698 in Beverley Park, King and Queen County, Virginia.¹

     Robert Beverley Jr. married Ursula Byrd, daughter of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden.¹

     Wareham Byrd was born circa 1685 in Westover Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia.¹ He was the son of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden.¹ He died in June 1689 in Charles City County, Virginia.¹

     Warham Horsmanden was baptized on 5 September 1628 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹ He was the son of Daniel Horsmanden and Urusla St. Ledger.^2,3 He married Susanna Beeching, daughter of William Beeching and Elizabeth Stone, on 27 February 1650/51 in England.¹ He died on 10 November 1691 in Purleigh, Essex, England, at age 63.¹

     WARHAM HORSMANDEN was a Cavalier who fled to Virginia with his wife and family when Cromwell was in power. HE was the only one of his direct line who was not in holy orders. He emigrated to America, became a member of the Council of Virginia, returned to England and settled in Lenham and later Purleigh, where he was buried in 1691. He maintained his connection to America with the second marriage of his daughter, Mary Horsmanded, to William Byrd of Westover, Charles City County, Virginia, some time after 1670. Administration was granted to Warham Horsmanded in that year for the estate of Samuel Filmer, Mary's first husband, was was then described as "of East Sutton and formerly of Virginia but died in the City of Westminster.

In a land patent made 25 February 1653 MR. HORSMANDIN is named in the patent of 1200 acres of FIRDINANDO AUSTIN for 1200 acres in Chares City County, Patent Book 3, paage 369, on N side of James River & E side of Queens Creek, Ely. on Moses run, "S. on Mr. Horsmandine & Mr. Hamblin" for the transport of 24 persons. (Cavaliers & Pioneers, Vol 1, p 314)

On 3 January 1655 Robert Nicholson entered a patent for 500 acres, Charles City County, Patent Book 4, page 8, on N side of James River, opposite to Tapahana marsh, bounding S & E on Col. Melsworth's land, N on Moises run, WNW on WARHAM HORSONDENS (HORSMANDIN'S) land & c. 300 acres granted unto David Jones & purchased by said Nicholson of Roger Lucas, assignee, 200 acres for transport of 4 persons; renewed 18 March 1662. (Cavaliers & Pioneers, Vol 1, p 323)

The Early Records of Charles City County indicated that on 17 September 1655 that Mr. WARHAM HORSMANDEN was a County Commissioners or Justices of the Peace.

On 15 March 1658 MR. HENRY CORBYN & MR. GERRARD FOWKE entered 3000 acres in Patomeck freshes between the two main branches, Patent Book 4, p 264 (365) extending towards Herne Island. Transport of 60 persons to include SUSANNA HORSMANDINE AND MR. HORSMANDINE (twice). (Cavaliers & Pioneers, Vol 1, p 388)

On 18 March 1662 Fardinando Austin entered a patent for 1200 acres, Charles Citiy County, Patent Book 5, p 230 (142) N side of James River, E side of Queens Creek bounded Ely. on Moses run, S on MR. HORSMANDINE & Mr. Hamlin & wly. on said Creek run &c. Renewal of patent dated 25 Feb 1654. (Cavaliers & Pioneers, Vol 1, p 469)

On 5 January 1664 Fardinando Austin patented 1500 acres in Charles City & James City Counties, Patent Book 5, p 528 (646) on N & S side of the head of Moyses Run, bounding S on Henry Cantrell's land now in possession of MR. HORSMANDEN, S on Mr. Hamlins Land, Wly. on Queens Creek run & Nly. on the head of Pease hill Swamp. 1200 acres by pattent 25 Feb 1653 & 300 acres for transport of 6 person, John Roberts, Wm. Thoomas, Evan Davis, John Hogg, Wm. Frisell, John Morecroft. (Cavaliers & Pioneers, Vol 1, p 564)

In a will dated 17 July 1667, WARHAM & SUSAN HORSMANDEN were named in the will of their son-in-law, SAMUEL FILMER, who was married to their daughter, MARIA HORSMANDEN, who later married William Byrd, I. Samuel Filmer made his will on July 17th, 1667, and bequeathed mourning rings to his "friends and cousins" to include Warham Horsmanden and Susan his wife, etc; and he gave to "my friend and cousin Mrs. Mary Horsmanden, eldest daughter of the aforesaid Warham and Susan Horsmanden of Ham, in the parish of Lenham, County Kent (between whom and myself is an agreement of marriage", the whole of his real and personal estate, provided they had no children, who otherwise were to share in the estate.

The Horsmanden coat of arms are recorded on page 83 of the Visitation of Kent, 1613-1668, published by the Harleian Society in 1906 in recording a pedigree of Horsmanden of Goudhurst; and have been quartered by the Morrice family in thei boodplates. Also in Sir A. Tudor Craig's Armorial Porcelain (1925) is a reference on page 74 to the sale in 1923 of Khag-he China, of about 1720 bearing the arms of "Horsemonden."³

     Susanna Beeching was born in 1627 in Lenham, Kent, England.¹ She was the daughter of William Beeching and Elizabeth Stone.¹ She married Warham Horsmanden, son of Daniel Horsmanden and Urusla St. Ledger, on 27 February 1650/51 in England.¹ She died on 24 August 1691 in Purleigh, Essex, England.¹

     William Beeching was baptized in 1591 in Lenham, Kent, England.¹ He married Elizabeth Stone, daughter of Thomas Stone.¹

     Elizabeth Stone was the daughter of Thomas Stone.¹ She married William Beeching.¹

     Thomas Stone was a clergyman in Saltwood, England.¹

     Daniel Horsmanden was baptized between 16 March 1582 and 1583 in Lenham, Kent, England.¹ He was the son of Richard Horsmanden.² He married Urusla St. Ledger, daughter of Warham St. Ledger and Mary Heyward, circa 9 August 1627 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.³ He died circa 1656 in Maidenstone, Kent, England.¹

     Daniel Horsmanden entered St. John's College, Cambridge in 1596. In April 1603, Daniel earned his B.A., St. John's. In 1617, he earned a Doctor of Divinity from Oxford and in 1627 received a Doctor of Divinity from Cambridge.
     He was Rector of Whipsnade, Bedfordshire, England in 1622. In 1625, he was Vicar, St. Mary's Church, Goudhurst and in 1627 he succeeded his father as Vicar or Rector of Ulcombe, Kent.
     In 1643, Daniel was removed from his ministry and severely punished by Parliamentarians for being a cavelier or a support of the King Charles I. He was forced to sell greatest part of his Paternal estate. He and his family were forced almost to starve on the small remainder until 1655 when he died at age 73.
     Daniel wrote his will on 27 January 1655 and is was proved on 24 June 1656.

DANIEL HORSMANDEN, of Maidstone, County Kent, England, Doctor of Divinity being weak and aged.
Will written January 27, 1655 and proved June 24, 1656
To: URSULA, my wife, over and above her joynture, all furniture, bedding, etc, to furnisher he one chamber.
Whereas I have a judgement against my brother SIRS ANTHONY ST. LEGER my will is that whatsoever masy be received, my daughter CHAPMAN shall have three parts thereof and my son WARHAM the remainder.
To my son WARHAM HORSMANDEN and his heirs forever, all my messages, lands and tenements whatsover.
To my son ANTHONY HORSMANDEN 200 pounds.
To my son RICHARD HORSMANDEN 10 pounds a year.
Residuary legatees and executors: my two sons WARHAM and ANTHONY
To my sister ELIZABETH COBHAM, widow, ANNE SMITH, wife of BRYAN SMITH "clerk". REBECCA ST. LEGER wife of JOHN ST. LEGER, gentleman, My friend WILLIAM COOPER, Esq. and NICHOLAS BEAVER, 20 shillings each to buy them rings.
Witnesses: WILLIAM COOPER and NICHOLAS BEAVER
Proved 24 June 1656 by the Executors named
Berkeley, 227.¹

     Urusla St. Ledger was born in 1609 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹ She was the daughter of Warham St. Ledger and Mary Heyward.^2,3 She married Daniel Horsmanden, son of Richard Horsmanden, circa 9 August 1627 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹ She died on 18 August 1672 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹

     Urusla St. Ledger descends from a prominent English family who were well-known enough to have a classic horse race named for the. The line went back to the EARL OF WESTMORELAND, who married the daughter of JOHN, DUKE OF LANCASTER, who was a descendant of KING EDWARD III of England. From there its ancestry through the female line goes back to KING CHARLES II of Naples and many kinds of Hungary, and through them to BALDWIN III, Emperor of the East, various kings of France, and finally to CHARLEMAGNE. As such her descendants would be kin to practically every royal family in Europe. "The Byrds still like that idea."⁴

     Richard Horsmanden was born say 1552 in Goudhurst, Kent, England.¹ He died in 1627 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹

     Richard Horsmanden was Rector of All Saint's Parish in Ulcombe, Kent, England, from 1578 to 1627.²

     Warham St. Ledger was born in 1581 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹ He was the son of Sir Anthony St. Ledger and Mary Scott.² He married Mary Heyward, daughter of Rowland Heyward.² He died on 11 October 1631 in Ulcombe, Kent, England.¹

     Warham St. Ledger was a friend of Sir Walter Raleigh and accompanied him on the fatal boyage to Guiana in 1617, commanding his own ship, the Thunder, with 76 men and 20 guns. After their return, Raleigh wrote of the misconduct of his subordinates; he staed that they all wished to turn thieves (pirates) except St. Leger. The losses incurred in this expedition compelled Sir Warham to sell Leeds Castle. He married Mary, daughter of Sir Rowland Hayward, Lord Mayor of London.
     According to Rosemary St. Leger-May, Researcher, "Sir Warham was induced to give considerable financial support to Raleigh's ill-fated expedition to Guiana in search of Eldorado. The fleet which set sail from Cork Harbour consisted of the Admiral's ship and 13 others. The first ship was the Destiny of 440 tons, 36 pieces of ordnance and 200 men. Sir Walter Raleigh took command and his son was the captain. The second ship was commanded by Captain John Pennington and the third, the Thunder, by Sir Warham St. Leger. It was 150 tons 20 pieces or ordnance, 6 genelemen, 60 soldiers and 10 landsmen. Sir Warham and Raleigh were both ill at Cliana and returned to England. Raleigh ordered Keymiss, a Captain of the Fleet, to sail into Oronoko with five small ships to discover a mine. Keymiss failed to find it and the Fleet dispersed having achieved nothing. On his return to England empty-handed Raleigh was executed to appease the Spaniards and Sir Warham, financilly ruined, was forced to sell Leeds Castle to Sir Richard Smyth 1618. Leeds did not stay in the hands of Sir Richard long before it changed hands again and was sold to Sir Thomas Culpepper (Sir Warham's son-in-law). (Moya Frenz St. Leger, 1986.)¹"

     Mary Heyward was the daughter of Rowland Heyward.² She married Warham St. Ledger, son of Sir Anthony St. Ledger and Mary Scott.¹

     Rowland Heyward was born in 1540 in Shropshire, England.¹ He died on 5 December 1593 in London, England.¹

     Sir Rowland Heyward was the Lord Mayor of London and a Knight. The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London is the Mayor of the City of London and head of the Corporation of London. The Lord Mayor of London is to be distinguished from the Mayor of London; the former is an officer only of the City of London, while the Mayor of London governs a much larger area known as Greater London. Within the City of London, the Lord Mayor has precedence over other individuals and has various special powers, rights and privileges. The Lord Mayor is elected each year at the end of September or the beginning of October, and takes office in November. On the day after taking office, the Lord Mayor's Show is held; the Lord Mayor, preceded by a procession, travels to the City of Westminster to swear allegiance to the Sovereign in the presence of the judges of the High Court. The Lord Mayor's role is primarily ceremonial and social, rather than political, although he does promote London's business credentials abroad.¹