Samuel More

Samuel More (1593–1662) was at the centre of two historical incidents in seventeenth century England.

His father, Richard More, was master of Linley, an estate near Bishop’s Castle close to the Welsh border. Samuel More was the husband of Katherine More, whose father, Jasper More, was master of Larden, a 1000-acre estate between Much Wenlock and Ludlow in Shropshire, England. In 1959 the mystery of why Samuel More sent his children on the dangerous journey on the Mayflower was explained.

Jasper More, a descendant of Samuel More, prompted by his genealogist friend, Sir Anthony Wagner, searched his attic and discovered a 1622 document which detailed the adultery of the children's mother, Katherine More. That admission led the father, Samuel More, to believe that the children were not his offspring. In 1616, Samuel More accused his wife Katherine More of adultery and bearing four children with Jacob Blakeway, a neighbour. Samuel More, under his father Richard's direction, removed the four children from their home. Four years later, without their mother's knowledge, they were transported to the New World on board the Pilgrim Fathers' ship the Mayflower.

Jasper More's sons died, leaving no male heir. The estates were held in an entail whereby inheritance was restricted to male heirs, but Samuel father, Richard, in the marriage settlement paid 600 pounds to Jasper More, so there must have been clear title. It was arranged that Katherine would marry her cousin and indeed, on 4 February 1610, (old date style) Katherine, 25, the last unmarried daughter of Jasper, married 17-year-old cousin, Samuel More.

At some point during this time, Samuel began working in London as secretary to Lord Edward Zouche, privy councillor, diplomat and courtier. Over the next four years, Katherine bore four children: Elinor, baptised 24 May 1612, Jasper, baptised 8 August 1613; Richard, baptised 13 November 1614; Mary, baptised 16 April 1616. All were baptised at St. James parish church in Shipton, Shropshire. All were registered with Samuel More as their father.

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