JENNENS, William II (c.1666-1709), of Long Wittenham, Berks.

Jennens was descended from a Berkshire yeoman family which was established at Harwell by the end of the 16th century, but played no known part in the Civil War. His grandfather, who died in 1667, described himself as a gentleman in his will, though his property at Harwell and Long Wittenham was only leasehold. Jennens was involved in a double return for Wallingford, five miles from his home, at the general election of 1689, and was not seated until after the division on agreeing with the Lords that the throne was not vacant. He left no trace on the records of the Convention, but was undoubtedly a Tory under William III and Anne, refusing the Association in 1696. He died heavily in debt and was buried at Long Wittenham on 9 Feb. 1709, the only member of his family to sit in Parliament.1VCH Berks, iii. 491; PCC 169 Carr, 77 Lane; CJ, x. 11, 32; Salisbury Dioc. RO, Long Wittenham bishops’ transcripts.