Arthur Champernowne

Who was Arthur Champernowne?

Sir Arthur Champernowne was an English politician, high sheriff and soldier who lived at Dartington Hall in Devon, England.

Champernowne belonged to a large Anglo-Norman family that originated from Cambernon, in Normandy. Following the Norman Conquest of the 11th century, members of the family acquired estates in Devon. Their surname was originally spelt Champernon, and Sir Arthur Champernowne has sometimes been referred to by that spelling; he was also known by at least two other surnames: Chamborne and Chamberlain.

Other members of the Champernowne family were prominent in court, political and military circles during the 16th century: Arthur Champernowne's aunt Lady Kat Ashley was governess to Queen Elizabeth I, and Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert were his nephews.

Sir Arthur Champernowne is sometimes confused with relatives also christened Arthur, including Arthur Champernowne, an emissary of Elizabeth I.