A Biographical History of England From Egbert the Great to the Revolution Con

iam Paston, of Oxnet, or Oxnead, in Norfolk, was de- Created sccnded from Sir Clement Paston, an eminent sea-captain, who 8 June. signalized himself in the reign of Henry VIII. by taking the baron of Blancard, admiral of France, prisoner, and bringing him into England. He was the first, as Lloyd informs us, " that made the English navy terrible." Sir William was eminently a gentleman, and was also distinguished as a traveller. He not only made the usual tour, but was carried by his ardent curiosity, into Asia and Africa. Few men of his time were more esteemed for their general knowledge. He was generous, charitable, and loyal; and piqued himself upon keeping up the ancient hospitality of the family.f He died in 1662.J He was father to Sir Robert Paston, who, for his eminent services in the civil war, and his activity at the restoration, was created viscount Yarmouth, 25 Car. II. Fuller mentions a free-school, founded and handsomely endowed by Sir William Pas- ton, knight, at North-Walsam, in Norfolk. Quaere if by the same person. SIR ROBERT SHIRLEY, bart. (whose singular praise it is, to have done the best things in the worst times, and hoped them in the most calamitous.) J. Basire sc. In Nichols's " Leicestershire" " Worthies," 8vo. first edit. p. 203. t See the Dedication to May's " Accomplished Cook." ) Rev. Mr. Culluui. VOL. Iv. B Sir Robert Shirley, the fourth baronet of his family, and the only surviving son of Sir Henry, was an early and zealo...