I am trying to confirm a link which I beleive exists between the Pestell family of Colmworth, Beds., the Reverends Thos Pestell of Packington, Leics., and Captain William Pestell of Ratcliffe, London.
In the 1660s the Rev. Pestell (sen), who was a minor English poet, had in his possession a coat of arms which he described as being derived from the Pestells of Colmworth. His son states that the Arms were sent to them by a "kinsman" who was a captain of one of his Majesty's ships, and that the Arms were recorded at the Herald's office upon the restoration of Charles II. Burkes Armoury refers to such arms being granted in 1648 to a Captain William Pestell.
Capt. William seems to have had quite a colourful career in the interregnum and restoration navy and to have profited well from prize ships taken during the Anglo-Dutch wars, apart from being a paid government informer on the Fifth Monarchy movement. He eventually met his end during a raid on the Dutch forts on the Island of Goree, off Senegal, 1664/5

If any one is researching this family and period and can offer any help I would be most grateful.

Ken