Robert Nixon (prophet)

Illustration of an 18th century chapbook.

Robert Nixon was a legendary prophet of Cheshire. Many accounts about him appear to be in conflict with each other.

At least one account has Robert Nixon being born in c. 1467. In this account, he is the son of John Nixon during the time of Edward IV, who leased a farm in the parish of Over from Vale Royal Abbey. Another account of Nixon states that he was born during the reign of James I (1603–25) and that he was for some time in the service of Thomas Cholmondeley, master of Vale Royal after 1625.

There are also two claimed homes for Robert Nixon: one says he was an illiterate boy who was born in Bark House on a hill between Over and Whitegate. Alternatively, another source claims Robert Nixon lived at Bridge House near the Forest of Delamere.

He is the claimed source of various prophecies circulating in the early 18th Century and published in leaflet form.

Some of his prophecies relate to Vale Royal Abbey.

Prophecies

  • The last Abbot was named John Hareware
  • Sir Thomas Holcroft acquired the buildings of Vale Royal Abbey and some of the estates
  • The crest of Sir Thomas was a raven
  • The Battle of St Albans, 1461 took place between Elstree, Edwinstree and Rickmansworth. However, this was probably before Robert Nixon was born and therefore could hardly be a prophecy.
  • Napoleon was sent to St. Helena in 1815
  • The island has plentiful rare flora
  • Helen of Troy was indeed a "lady fair"
  • Cigarettes

Summoned to the court of King Richard III, he refused saying he would be "clemmed death", that is, starved to death. The King ordered him to be kept in the kitchen but, because he was always picking at food he was locked in the cupboard. The cook was called away and he starved to death.

A man for all seasons?

Many of the prophecies relate to the family living at Vale Royal Abbey mansion at the time of the 1714 and 1745 Jacobite rebellions. It seems the prophecies of Robert Nixon were invented or modified to suit the political situation at the time.

Sources

External links

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