John Marvyn

He was the son of John Marvyn, head of a family which had been settled at Fonthill Gifford for generations, and Elizabeth Green.

From 1547 on he engaged in a bitter feud with Sir Thomas Arundell, a Cornishman who became a rising power in Wiltshire, Marvyn's home county, through his purchase of Wardour Castle.

Arundell, unlike Marvyn, was a considerable figure at Court, but his intrigues led to his execution for conspiracy to overthrow the Government in 1552.

Marvyn played no part in Arundell's downfall, but turned it to good advantage by purchasing from the Crown the forfeited manor of Compton Bassett, adjoining Fonthill.

Marvyn's widow received a life estate in much of his property, and there was provision for younger sons and daughters, while the manor of Compton Bassett passed to the eldest grandson.