Sampson Hele

Sampson Hele ( – ) of Gnaton and of Halwell, Devon, was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1614 and 1624.

Early life Hele was born into the junior line of a minor gentry family which had settled in Devon since at least the twelfth century. He was the son of Walter Hele of Lewston, Devon and the former Elizabeth Strode, daughter of William Strode of Newnham, Devon. He matriculated at Broadgates Hall, Oxford on 6 May 1597, aged 15.

Career Upon his father's death in 1609, he inherited around 850 acres, including three manors, most of which was located in the south-west of the county, near Plymouth and Plympton. and then elected MP for Tavistock in 1624 on the interest of his brother-in-law, Sir Francis Glanville.

Personal life Hele married Joan Glanville, eldest daughter of Sir John Glanville of Killworthy, Devon. Together, they were the parents of eight sons (two who died young) and five daughters, including:

Hele died before 4 December 1655 when his will, made on 10 October 1653, was proved. In it, he bequeathed more than £6,000 to his wife and children, in addition to lands he had already bestowed on them.