LEIGH, John (c.1651-89), of Northcourt, Shorwell, I.O.W.

Leigh probably belonged to the Green Ribbon Club like his brother-in-law. He replaced the courtier Sir Robert Holmes at Newport, five miles from Shorwell, in the second Exclusion Parliament, no doubt as a country Member, and also represented the borough at Oxford; but he made no speeches and was appointed to no committees. He gave way to Holmes in 1685. He drew up his will on 23 Jan. 1689 (and hence without a regnal year), and was buried at Shorwell shortly afterwards. Provision for his debts and his large family gave him much concern, and the will was left unproved during the lifetime of the principal executor, Sir Robert Henley. His widow then undertook the administration, and apparently cleared the Northcourt estate by selling off her own inheritance. His son was returned for Newtown in 1702.2PCC 10 Coker; VCH Hants, v. 283; Hutchins, Dorset, iii. 743.