Note 170 — Chapter XIX

Sir Anthony Shirley, the original proprietor of Oathall, was one of the gallant adventurers who went to annoy the Spaniards in their settlements in the West Indies. He afterwards travelled to Persia, and returned to England in the quality of Ambassador from the Sophi, when he published an account of his travels. The Emperor of Germany raised him to the dignity of a Count, and the King of Spain made him Admiral of the Levant Sea. He died in Spain. A spirit of adventure ran through the family of the Shirleys. Sir Anthony had two brothers, who were noted adventurers. Sir Francis, the elder brother, was unfortunate. Sir Robert was introduced to the Persian Court by his brother, Sir Anthony, and was also sent Ambassador from the Sophi to the Court of England. According to some accounts, he married a near relation of the Sophi of Persia; according to others, a Circassian. Lady Shirley was confirmed in England, to whom the Queen stood godmother and Prince Henry godfather. Her portrait was painted by Vandyck, from which a print was taken, that is now very scarce.

William Shirley, of Oathall, emigrated to America, and was Governor of the province of Massachusetts Bay and of the Bahama Islands. He visited England in 1760, where he remained some years, but returned to America, where he died in 1771. His only surviving son was Governor of the Leeward Islands, a Major-General in the army. He was created a Baronet in 1786. His son was named Sir William Warden Shirley, on whose death, in 1815, the title became extinct.