The Early Milletts in England
There is much speculation as to when the Milletts arrived on the scene in England. There is documented evidence of the name appearing before the 16th century, but how and when they reached Marazion, nothing has been found.
It is generally agreed that the name is French though there are various spellings which help to muddy the fact.
In Collectanea Cornubiensia George Clement Boase asserts that in 1419, John Millett came to England from France as Ambassador and was a Privy Councillor in 1435.
In another record, it states: “John Mylet came to England in 1432 as an ambassador from John of Lancaster, First Duke of Bedford (1389-1435), son of King Henry IV and Regent of France for his nephew King Henry VI, who was technically also heir to the throne of France. It was agreed that 40 marks should be paid to the ambassador from the Duke of Bedford. See Proceedings and Ordinances of the Privy Council of England.” [3]
“The first publicly recorded instance of the [Millett] name in England is that of John Mylet, who came in 1432 as an ambassador from the regent of France, the Duke of Bedford, eldest uncle of Henry Sixth. It is thought that he never returned to his native country.” [2]
Sources:
- British History Online
- Stinchfield, John Clark. History of the town of Leeds, Androscoggin County, Maine, from its settlement, June 10, 1780. Lewiston, Me, Press of Lewiston Journal, 1901, p. 42.
- Millett, George Bown. Genealogical Memoranda as to the Millett Family. Penzance, March 1870 (manuscript), p. 1.