Relhan Collection : 215 Fen Ditton church. Monument to Colonel William Willys

Relhan, Richard, 1782-1844

Relhan Collection

<p style='text-align: justify;'><p>The drawing is of a black marble ledger slab in the chancel of Fen Ditton church, with the arms of Willys quartering Henmarsh. The transcript reads, ’Here lyeth the Body of William Willys Esqr youngest Brother of Sr. Thomas Willys of this Towne Barontt. He was Collonell of Horse in the service of King Charles the First During the late Civill Warr. he had to wife Katherine Daughter of Sir John Ofley of Maidley mannor in the County of Stafford Knight: By whom hee had noe Issue. hee departed this Life the 9 of August 1676 ~ Aged 61.~’. After the Civil War William pleaded that he had deserted but was still fined by Cromwell’s government. Their brother Richard (1614-1690) had a more colourful military life. He was already serving in the Dutch military before joining Charles I from 1640, was knighted and promoted Colonel of a Regiment of Cavalry, joined Prince Rupert and became a Colonel General and Governor of Newark. He was involved in quarrels between Prince Rupert and Charles I and was dismissed by the King. Later reconciled, he was created Baronet of Fen Ditton. After the Civil War he travelled in Italy but returned in 1652 to support the defeated Royalists underground. Although twice imprisoned by Cromwell, he was in contact with <a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell'>Cromwell</a>’s secret service and was accused of being a double agent, planning to lure Charles II back to England to be assassinated. He was later banned from Charles’ court. He married a rich wife, Alice Foxe, and retired in comfort to Fen Ditton.</p><p>RCHME 1972; Wikipedia </p></p>