VIVIAN, John (c.1526-77), of Trelowarren, Cornw.

A member of a local gentry family connected with the duchy of Cornwall and the stannary courts, Vivian, who lived about four miles from Helston, can have had little difficulty in gaining a seat there. Nothing is recorded of him in Parliament, and he died before the third session began. Little is known of his life. He may have hoped at one time to succeed his father, the legitimacy of his namesake and elder brother being doubtful, but after a lengthy dispute the elder John was declared his father’s lawful heir, and although he died young in 1564 he already had twin daughters, aged 2, who inherited most of the property. However, it seems that Vivian was recognized as de facto head of the family from 1564 until his death, 24 July 1577. He was buried 1 Aug. at Mawgan in Meneage, Cornwall.2Vis. Cornw. (Harl. Soc. ix), 252, 257-9; Vivian, Vis. Cornw 497, 528-9; CPR, 1557-8, pp. 6-7; 1560-3, p. 401; C142/180/22; Wards 7/19/139.