[27]Sir Lleuellin Jenkins, knight, was borne at Llantrithid in the countie of Glamorgan, anno domini....
His father (whom I knew) was a good plaine countreyman, a coppyholder of Sir John Aubrey, knight and baronet (eldest son of Sir Thomas), whose mannour it is.
He went to schoole at Cowbridge, not far off.
David Jenkins, that was prisoner in the Tower (maried a sister of Sir John Aubrey), was some remote kin to him; and, looking on him as a boy towardly, diligent, and good, he contributed something towards his education.
Anno Domini 164<1>, he was matriculated of Jesus College in Oxford, where he stayed till (I thinke) he tooke his degree of Bac. Artium.
About that time Sir John Aubrey sent for him home to enforme his eldest sonne Lewis Aubrey (since deceased, 1659) in grammar; and that he might take his learning the better, he was taught in the church-house where severall boyes came to schoole, and there were 6 or 7 gentlemen's sonnes (Sir Francis Maunsell, bart.; Mr. Edmund Thomas; Mr. ... ...) boarded in the towne. The young gentlemen were all neer of an age, and ripe for the University together; and to Oxford they all went under Mr. Jenkins' care about anno 1649 or 50, but by reason of the disturbances of those times, Sir John would not have his sonne of any college. But they all studyed at Mr. (now Sir) Sampson White's house, a grocer, opposite to University College. Here he stayed with my cosen about 3 yeares or better, and then, in anno 165- (vide Mr. Hobbes' de Corpore, 'twas that yeare), he travelled with my cosen and two or 3 of the other gentlemen into France, where they stayd about 3 yeares and made themselves masters of that language.
He first began[28] the Civill lawe, viz., bought <Arnold> Vinnius on Justinian, 1653[29].
When he brought home Mr. Lewis Aubrey, he returned to Jesus College (quaere, if he was of the foundation).
After his majestie's restauration Dr. <Francis> Maunsell was restored to his principallship of that house, but being very old and wearie of worldly cares, he kept it not long, before he resigned it to Mr. Jenkins.
Gilbert Sheldon, archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir John Aubrey were co-etanei, and contracted a great friendship at Oxon in their youth, which continued to their deaths. In the troublesome times after Dr. Sheldon was expelled, he was a yeare (I thinke) or two with Sir John at Llantrithid, where he tooke notice of the vertue and assiduity of the young man Mr. Jenkins. After the king's restauration Sir John Aubrey recommended Mr. Jenkins to him; made him. Anno <1668> he was archbishop of Canterbury: Sir <William> Meyric, LL.D. and Judge of <the Prerogative Court of Canterbury>, dyed, and the archbishop conferred that place on Mr. Jenkins.
Anno ... he had the honour of knighthood.
Anno 1673, <he> was sent with Sir Joseph Williamson, plenipotentiaries, to Nemeghen: I remember that very time they went away was opposition of Saturn and Mars. I sayd then to the earl of Th<anet> that if that ambassade came to any good I would never trust to astrologie again.
Anno 167- sent ambassador to ..., from whence he returned anno 16[79/80].
March 25, 1680, he was made Principall Secretary of Estate.—When I came to wayte on him to congratulate for the honour his majestie had been pleased to bestowe on him, he recieved me with his usuall courtesie, and sayd that 'it had pleased God to rayse-up a poore worme to doe his majestie humble service.'
He haz a strong body for study, indefatigable, temperate and vertuous. God blesse him.
When Mary the queen-mother dyed at Paris, the king of Fraunce caused her jewells and treasures to be locked up and sealed. His majestie of Great Britaine sent Sir Llewellin (which is Leoline in Latin) to Paris concerning the administration [1668[30]].