Hanmer family, of Bettisfield

Family

Hanmer family, of Bettisfield

The Hanmers claimed descent from Sir Thomas de Macclesfield, an officer of Edward I, who settled in Flintshire. The estate was forfeited to the Crown following the family's support for Owain Glyn Dwr's rebellion (Owain had married Margaret, daughter of Sir David Hanmer, who was a justice of the King's Bench). John Hanmer was pardoned for his role in the rebellion in 1411 and he subsequently divided the estate between his four sons. His eldest son was awarded Hanmer and the others received Halton, Fens in Norfolk, and Bettisfield respectively. The male line of the Halton Hanmers ended with Sir Edward Hanmer in the early 16 cent.; the Bettisfield Hanmers ended in 1623. Both estates reverted to the senior line. Sir Thomas Hanmer of Hanmer acquired the manorial rights of Maelor Saesneg in 1651. All of the Hanmer estates were settled in 1746 in the Fens branch of the Hanmer family. The family continued until at least the eighth baronet who was alive in 1977. Various members of the family served as MPs for Flintshire or Flintshire boroughs; Sir Thomas Hanmer (1677-1746) was elected speaker of the House of Commons in 1713.

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