TURPIN, William (c.1558-1617), of Knaptoft, Leics.

On succeeding his father Turpin assumed the usual responsibilities of a country gentleman, including a turn as knight of the shire. His election for the county seat in 1588 may have had the support of the Hastings family. His contemporaries considered Turpin a lettered man well versed in the humanities, but as so often in this period, no trace of any formal education has been found. In 1599 his life was despaired of, but he survived another 18 years, continuing active in county affairs to the last. He died on 20 July 1617 and was buried with his ancestors. His estates had prospered and, with his acquisition of the freehold of Horninghold manor, their annual value reached nearly £1,000. He left his younger sons £400 apiece and his unmarried daughter £1,000.1Nichols, Leics. iv. 218, 225; Leicester Recs. iii. 227; iv. 76, 98; APC, xx. 179, 301; xxv. 216; xxx. 437; 1615-16, p. 281; HMC Hatfield, ix. 378; xiv. 148; xvi. 168; CSP Dom.1603-10, p. 251; C142/367/99; Cal. Pleadings Duchy of Lancaster, ix. 213, 230, 333; ms cal. pat. rolls, 30-7 Eliz. PRO 34(8), p. 17; 37-43 Eliz. PRO 40(3) p. 6; PCC 106 Weldon.