PENHELLICK, Alexander (c.1632-c.61), of Helston, Cornw.

Penhellick, a merchant, came from a cadet branch of a minor gentry family that had been prominent in the mercantile and municipal life of Helston since Tudor times. His father was mayor in 1638. In 1652 Penhellick and Peter Ceely were granted a commission for a privateer. After a double return at Helston at the general election of 1660, he was seated on the merits of the return, and classed as a friend by Lord Wharton; but he lost his seat when the election was declared void next month. He was appointed to no committees, and made no speeches in the Convention. His will, drawn up on 12 Oct. 1660, was proved on 12 Feb. 1662. No other member of the family ever entered Parliament.1Vivian, Vis. Cornw. 363-4; Gilbert, Paroch. Hist. Cornw. i. 209; CSP Dom. 1651-2, p. 577; W. P. Courtney, Parl. Rep. Cornw. 44; Add. 34550, f. 108.