John Chudleigh

John Chudleigh/Chidley of Stretchleigh, Ermington, Devon (c. 1584 - c. 1634) was an English privateer, captain, nobleman, knight, and member of Parliament for Lostwithiel. Origins John Chudleigh was the son of an unsuccessful privateer and nobleman named John Chidley (d. 1589) and Elizabeth, daughter of George Speake. His family was a family of ancient nobility whose first major member about whom much is known was James de Chudleigh (d. ~1401). The family had long been involved with local government having held the office of Sheriff of Devon 5 times and having produced several members of parliament. He was the brother of Sir George Chudleigh, 1st Baronet.