Anthony Poyntz

Sir Anthony Poyntz (1480? – 1532) was an English diplomat and naval commander.

Arms of Poyntz: Barry of eight or and gules

Life

In 1507-1508, Poyntz served as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire.^[1] He was knighted in 1513, when he commanded a ship in Thomas Howard's expedition against France.^{[2][better source needed]} In September 1518 he was sent on an embassy to the French king, and was present at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in July 1520.^[3] One of his daughters was a lady in waiting to Catherine of Aragon at the Field of the Cloth of Gold.^{[4][5][non-primary source needed]}

Poyntz's father died in November, and he inherited Iron Acton, which his family had held since the mid-14th century.^[6] In 1521, he was one of the jury at Bristol before whom Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham was indicted.^{[7][better source needed]}

In 1522 Poyntz joined in the expedition to France of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk in command of the Santa Maria.^[8] In the following year he became vice-admiral, and was employed in command of some twelve or fourteen sail in preventing the return of John Stewart, Duke of Albany to Scotland.^[8] In 1522-1523 and 1527-1528, he again served as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire.^{[1][better source needed]} In 1529 he was a witness in the proceedings for the divorce of Catherine of Aragon^{[7][better source needed]} and in 1530 was on a commission to inquire into Thomas Wolsey's possessions.^[8]

Poyntz died in late 1532.^{[9][non-primary source needed]}

Family

Poyntz was the son of Robert Poyntz, and Margaret Woodville, an illegitimate daughter of Anthony Woodville, 2nd Earl Rivers.^{[10][non-primary source needed]}

Poyntz married by 1510 Elizabeth Huddesfield, daughter of William Huddesfield (d. 1499). Their children were:^{[11][better source needed]}

• Nicholas Poyntz
• Margaret, who married John Newton of Barrs Court, Gloucestershire and East Harptree, Somerset^{[11][better source needed]}
• Mary who married Edward Gorges of Wraxall, Somerset^{[11][better source needed]}

After Elizabeth's death Poyntz married Joan, widow of Richard Guilford.^{[1][better source needed]}