Henry de Bracton, a 13th-century English cleric and jurist lived in the town. Sir John Arundell was born in the town in 1421 – his father John Arundell, knight of the shire for Devon and Cornwall, lived in the town for some time. Sir Richard Grenville was born in Bideford in 1542. His servant Raleigh was one of the first Native Americans to be brought to England. He died in 1589 and is buried in the churchyard of St Mary's church in the town. Richard Vines a colonist was born in the town in 1585. Francis Small, a landowner and trader who immigrated to New England was born in the town. Tobacco merchant John Davie was born here in 1640.