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Bequests/Address Changes
16 HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Another Richard Coffin of Portledge, in the mid-16th century, fought the Spaniards in Holland and was severely wounded. At that time he consorted with Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Philip Sydney, Sir Richard Genville, Sir Francis Drake, Sir Humphrey Gilbert and many other famous men of that time. Portledge resounded often to the sounds of music and merriment in the great octagonal hall as Richard Coffin entertained his distinguished guests.
The last male descendant, Richard Coffin of Portledge, died unmarried in December, 1766, at the age of 84. The estate ultimately was inherited by John Pine of East Down, a grandson of Dorothy Coffin and Edward Pine. By an act of Parliament in 1777, John Pine assumed the name and arms of Coffin.
Although the Coffins have lived at Portledge for the past 700 to 800 years, no evidence has yet been found that Tristram Coffin descended from the Portledge Coffins. However, if some one would devote the time to a thorough research into the ancestry of Tristram, the connection in all probability would be established. As only the first born of the Portledge Coffins inherited the property, the other sons and daughters would settle elsewhere-many in the various towns of Devon.
Tristram Coffin was born in the town of Brixton near Plymouth, about 50 miles from Portledge. To date it would appear, no one has apparently traced Tristram's ancestry further back than his grandfather, Nicholas Coffin. His father, Peter, lived at the family estate in Brixton. Since Peter was the eldest son of Nicholas he inherited the estate; as did Tristram when his father died.
It is to be hoped that the Coffins in America might consider helping the English Coffins save Portledge for the family. In any event, we recommend strongly Portledge as a delightful place to stay and a most convenient base for exploring the Devon and Cornwall countryside.
