biography text
Settled in Devonshire since the twelfth century, the Bassets owned considerable property in the vicinity of Barnstaple,1Lysons, Mag. Brit. Devon, i. cxxxiii; ii. 18, 44-45, 64, 246. for which John Basset was returned unopposed at the by-election following the death of Sir Arthur Chichester. He voted against the Administration in all recorded divisions. In 1721 his name was sent to the Pretender as a probable supporter in the event of a rising.2Stuart mss 65/16. He died 5 Nov. that year, leaving his property in trust for his elder son John Basset, a minor.3PCC 89 Marlboro.