Girlington family (continued...)

Thurland Castle was sold to John Girlington in 1605. Sir John, grandson of John, was a knight and Major-general in the Civil War, and surrendered the Castle to the Parliamentary forces. The interior of the Castle was burned and part of it destroyed. The present building is a reconstruction of the north and east wings. The south side is approached by a bridge over the moat and through the gateway.

Sir John Girlington was knighted by Charles I in 1642. He was the sheriff of Lancshire and a major general in Charles army. He became heir to the family fortunes after the death of his brother Josias in youth. Like all his predecessors, he was a Roman Catholic and therefore a staunch supporter of Charles I in the English Cival War.

Nicholas Gillington, born in 1676 in Thurland Castle, married Mary Eleanor Echols. They had one son John and four daughters: Ann, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Ellender. In Milner Echols' book, "History of Echols Family", he was described as 'outlandish'. It is probable that Nicholas was illegitimate, and that his parents wed after his birth (as his father was married once before). This would explain why he did not inherit any of his father's estate and his decision to migrate to the Americas.

Mary Eleanor Echols was the daughter of John Echols and Mary Sarah Cave. John Echols is mentioned in W.C. Stewart' book, "Gone to Georgia": "John Echols, according to the best history at my command, migrated to the US during Oliver Cromwell's time, because of some differences between Cromwell and himself. He is reputed to have had large poccessions in England, and to have sold same, turning the proceeds thereof into gold and brought with him. He settled in Viriginia, becoming a large planter and slave owner."