MARTYN, Christopher (c.1617-78), of Plympton Erle, Devon.

Martyn came from an obscure branch of a widespread gentry family of 14th century date, one of whom sat for Plympton in 1363. He served with distinction in the Civil War, and was elected to the Long Parliament as a recruiter for the borough. ‘Of known integrity and good affection to Parliament’, he resumed his seat in the Rump after some hesitation, and was selected to represent the county in Barebones Parliament. He did not sit with the secluded Members, but was re-elected to the Convention for Plympton. He was named to no committees and made no speeches. Presumably an Independent and an opponent of the Court, he was removed from the commission of the peace and did not stand again. He appears to have engaged in the Newfoundland trade after the Restoration. He was buried at Plympton St. Mary on 26 Jan. 1678. His son was living in 1693, but nothing further is known of the family.1Western Antiquary, viii. 48; Vis. Devon, 553; D. Underdown, Pride’s Purge, 218, 316; Cal. Comm. Comp. 152; Jnl. of James Yonge ed. Poynter, 112; Eg. 2764, p. 55; Plymouth City Lib. MTD3/92.