| Background | Sir Peter de Stratelinges (? 1304), originally from Strattligen, near Thun, Switzerland, reputedly came to England and Wales with Sir Otto de Grandison who was returning from a crusade. Sir Peter married Joan de Hawey, heiress of the St Donat's estate. He also acquired estates in Somerset and Devon. By 1316, the head of the family was Edward Stradlyng, who was knighted in 1327. Edward was one of the chief patrons of Neath Abbey in the 14th century. The estate then descended in the male line; the last Stradling to live at St Donats was Sir Thomas Stradling, who died without issue in 1738. Following lengthy litigation, the estates were divided into three parts. The St Donats portion went to the Tyrwhitt family, by virtue of a deed made between Sir Thomas and Sir John de la Fountain Tyrwhitt whilst travelling abroad. The estate subsequently passed to the Drake family, and then by purchase to the Nicholl-Carne family. |