Eyre (Sir Samuel, judge, purchaser of Newhouse, Redlynch, Wiltshire, bap. 1638, d. 1698) Marriage indenture, Samuel Eyre agrees to marry Martha Lucy, daughter of Francis Lucy, D.s. "Sam: Eyre", "Mar: Lucy" & 2 others, manuscript on vellum, 2 sheets and a small note, folds, slightly creased, 3 red wax seals in fine condition and 1 remains of seal, 610 x 740mm., 13th October 1661.

⁂ Samuel Eyre was the son of Robert Eyre (c. 1610-55) and his wife Anne Eyre (1612/13-1681), account book keeper. Samuel married Martha Lucy, and received her £1800 marriage portion. They lived at Newhouse Redlynch, a few miles from Salisbury, which Eyre had purchased in 1660, and had four sons including Sir Robert Eyre (1666-1735), judge of the queen's bench, and two daughters.

"In February 1698 the House of Lords asked Eyre and Chief Justice Holt to give reasons for the decision they had made... in the case of the earl of Banbury; both courageously refused and were threatened with the Tower... . Eyre's speech to the House of Lords committee... included the following: 'The King intrusts me with the administration of justice. I have ever given my opinion upon the greatest consideration and upon my conscience' (State trials, 12.1180). We can accept this as a true statement of how he approached his judicial duties, and indeed his whole life, reflecting his early upbringing and his honesty and integrity." - Oxford DNB.