WILCOCKS, Robert (1575-1619), of New Romney, Kent

Wilcocks’ family had lived at Lydd, a member of the port of New Romney, since the early fifteenth century. His grandfather and great-uncle represented the port in 1572. Wilcocks himself inherited lands in Lydd, Dengemarsh and Tenterden, but had settled at New Romney by 1602.4 E. Hasted, Kent, viii. 23; Cent. Kent. Stud. PRC32/38, ff. 11v-12v; E. Kent Archives Cent. NR/ACo1, f. 20v.

Wilcocks was allowed wages of 3s. a day by the corporation for his parliamentary services, plus 4s. a day for the four days it took to travel to and from Westminster.5 E. Kent Archives Cent. NR/AC 1, f. 210v. He left no trace on the records of the Addled Parliament, but presented a bill for 41 days’ attendance.6 Ibid. f. 212 In 1616 he was one of the solicitors who attended the lord warden about the grievances of the Cinque Ports.7 Cal. White and Black Bks. of Cinque Ports, 414. In February 1619, during his second mayoralty, he was among those sent by the Cinque Ports to Lord Zouche, the new lord warden, to obtain free trade for the members. Shortly after, ‘sick in body’, he drew up his will. He was dead by 22 Apr. 1619, when the will was proved, the last member of his family to sit in Parliament.8 HMC 13th Rep. IV, 154; Cent. Kent. Stud. PRC32/45, ff. 69v-72.