SAVAGE, Edward I (c.1560-1622), of Beaurepaire, Sherborne St. John, Hants and The Savoy, Mdx.

As the younger son of a prominent Cheshire family, this Member was appointed to a minor office in the duchy of Lancaster before he had attained his majority or completed his education. He retained this position for life despite moving south after his father, Sir John, took as his second wife the widow of Sir Richard Pexall, and so acquired Beaurepaire in Hampshire.17 M. Burrows, Brocas of Beaurepaire, 211, 218, 222. Savage himself married his stepmother’s niece, and lived at Beaurepaire, though his claim to the estate was disputed by Pexall’s heirs, the Brocas family, resulting in lengthy litigation which proved a serious drain on Savage’s finances.18 STAC 8/260/11; 8/276/3. He also became embroiled in lawsuits with his neighbours, suing the tenants of Sir Richard Paulet* in 1606, and assisting Sir William Kingswell* to win a Chancery case in 1612.19 STAC 8/204/13; 8/270/15; C78/146/2. By 1614 he was in desperate need of parliamentary privilege, and was returned for Petersfield to the Addled Parliament. His only committee appointments were to consider a bill to confirm a Chancery decree (18 May), and to report on the constitutional position of baronetcies (23 May), one of which had been granted to his elder brother.20 Procs. 1614 (Commons), 280, 323.

Savage was outlawed for debt in 1615, and finally lost his claim to Beaurepaire after the death of his stepmother in 1618.21 VCH Hants, iv. 166, 203; E178/3510; E134/21 Jas.I/East 22. However, he refused to move out, and on 17 May 1621 one of the sons of Sir Pexall Brocas†, accompanied by the sheriff of Hampshire, attempted to seize Beaurepaire by force. Savage had recourse to both Star Chamber and Chancery, and took sanctuary in The Savoy, leaving his furniture with his old neighbour Lord Sandys at the Vyne.22 STAC 8/260/11; C2/Jas.I/S18/10. He tried to retrieve his fortunes by selling off lands entailed to his eldest son, Sir John, resulting in further litigation.23 STAC 8/242/4; 266/14. Before the outcome of these legal battles had been decided Savage died intestate in August 1622, and his son filed for administration shortly afterwards.24 PROB 6/10, f. 208. His widow entrusted her grandson’s upbringing to another Hampshire man, Sir Benjamin Rudyard*.25 PROB 11/122, f. 260; 11/142, f. 483.