Giles Bland

Giles Bland was an English-born Virginia colonist during the 1670s. He was royal customs collector in the colony and an acting attorney for his family. His uncle was Theodorick Bland of Westover, which led to a drawn-out legal proceeding upon Theodorick's widow. An outspoken anti-authoritarian, Bland eventually rebelled against Governor William Berkeley and the Virginia General Assembly, joining Nathaniel Bacon in a revolt in 1676. He was captured and executed in 1677.

Early life and family Giles Bland was christened on October 26, 1647, in St Olave's Church, Hart Street, London, England. His father was John Bland (1612-1680) and Sarah Bland . He had an older brother, John (II).

Giles Bland married Frances Povey, daughter of Thomas Povey. Bland and Ludwell insulted one another, came to blows and exchanged gloves (as to duel later). The Virginia Governor's Council suspended his collector role and jailed him.

Rebellion and death

Giles Bland joined the forces of Nathaniel Bacon in 1676. The leadership desired to send Bland to England to lobby for the insurrection, but the effort was never acted upon. Instead, Bland was put in charge of capturing Governor Berkeley in an attempt to end the regime. Bland was captured by Berkeley's forces and he was imprisoned on a ship in the York River captained by a .

Bland was convicted of treason and "other misdemeanors". He was hanged in Jamestown on March 27, 1677. He was 29 years old.