I am trying to trace predecessors of a William Hollinshed who was born, it is believed, around 1651 and settled in Orford, Suffolk. It is known that he was adopted by an Uncle who had some kind of military background and is described as having been a governor at Landguard Fort. Although the reputed coat of arms is from the Staffordshire branch, it is quite possible that they came through London, although they were dispossessed of land during the Commonwealth.
It is also possible that another Hollinshed also of Orford of name Daniel (buried there 1748), was William’s brother or cousin, who with his wife Ann had a daughter Frances, a name passed on to William’s granddaughter. The two names William and Daniel together ought to pin down the parents, but success has so far evaded me .
The most likely names from the list of Governors or Deputy Governors of the fort, it would seem to me, would be Charles Rich, Henry Farr, Nathaniel Darell, Possibly Charles Lyttelton.
If anyone could assist with this I would be most grateful.
Mike Brady
