SANDYS, SIR THOMAS, KNIGHT
Arms.—Or, a fess dancetty between 3 crosses crosslet fitchée gu., a fleur-de-lys for difference. Sandys.
[Jacobus de Voragine. Legendario delle vite de' Santi. Venetia, 1607.]
Edwin Sandys (born 9th December 1561, died October 1642) was the sixth son of Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York. He was educated at Merchant Taylors' and Oxford, and in 1589 entered the Middle Temple as a student. In 1586 Mr. Sandys represented Andover in Parliament, and afterwards sat for Plympton. He wrote some books on religious subjects during a visit to Paris. In 1603 he received the honour of Knighthood, and was Member of Parliament for Stockbridge.
Sir Edwin Sandys was conspicuous in Parliament, and got into trouble about his views as to the succession to the throne, and had to appear before the Council, but nothing was done further than that he had to give security for his appearance if wanted. He was an active member of the East India Company, and the Sandys group of islands in the Somers Islands was named after him. He also took a prominent part in the affairs of the Virginia Company, of which he was elected Treasurer in 1619, in succession to Sir Thomas Smythe. His administration, however, in the long-run, was no better than that of his predecessor, and in 1621 he was imprisoned in the Tower, but soon released.
Sir Edwin was returned to Parliament as Member for Sandwich, and afterwards for Penrhyn, but soon afterwards left public life, and devoted himself to his favourite East India Company. His political career was of much interest and importance.
