Sir John Hele (c. 1542 - 1608)

Sir John Hele (c. 1542 - 1608), appointed Queen's Serjeant by Elizabeth I, silver counter, 1602-3, shield of arms, DIEV ET SA MAIESTIE, rev., an eagle, sread wings on cap of dignity, IOHANNES HELE SERVIENS, 28mm (MI 191/10). Very fine and excessively rare.

Hele was a lawyer and money-lender: Justice of the Peace for Devon, c.1577 and Cornwall, c.1591; Bencher, Inner Temple, 1586; Lent reader 1591; recorder, Exeter 1592-1605; serjeant-at-law 1594; Queen's serjeant 1602; King's serjeant, 1603; recorder, Plymouth and Plympton Erle, c.1604.

Provenance: Bt. T. Millett, 2001.