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Revision as of 08:12, 1 May 2009
Sir Nicholas Kemeys was a Welsh landowner and soldier during the English Civil War in South Wales and played a key part in events in the region during that conflict.
Lineage
The family claimed descent from a Stephen de Kemeys who held lands in the southern Welsh Marches, in Monmouthshire in the 1230s. A David Kemeys, the son of Ievan Kemeys of Began (near St Mellons) married Cecil, a daughter of Llewelyn ab Evan ab Llewelyn ap Cynfig of Cefn Mably in or around 1450.
David was succeeded by his son, Lewis Kemeys and his son and heir in turn was John Kemeys, succeeded by his son, also named David (possibly born 1564). David's eldest son Edward Kemeys was Sheriff of Glamorganshire 1574 to 1575, but died without issue, the estate passing to a nephew, another David Kemeys, the son of Rhys Kemeys of Llanvair Castle (Llanvair Discoed), who also became Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1616 to 1617. He was succeeded by his son Edward who had no issue. The estate passed to Nicholas Kemeys, the second son of Rhys Kemeys.
Nicholas Kemeys was MP for Monmouthshire 1628 to 1629 and Sheriff of Monmouthshire in 1631 to 1632 and Sheriff of Glamorganshire in 1638 to 1639.
English Civil War
At the outbreak of the English Civil War Nicholas Kemeys was created a Baronet by King Charles I of England.
He was a passionate supporter of the King and monarchy and as Custos Rotulorum of Monmouthshire played a leading and high profile part in the conflict in Monmouthshire. As an ally of Sir Trevor Williams, 1st Baronet of Llangibby, Sir Nicholas led the defence of Chepstow Castle and was killed there in combat on 25 May 1648. The location, within the castle, is marked by a plaque erected by members of the Kemeys family in the 1930s.
Sir Nicholas Kemeys, 1st Baronet was succeeded by his son, Sir Charles Kemeys, 2nd Baronet who also took an active role in the remainder of the conflict.