LAKE, Bibye, Sir, 3rd Baronet [?-?] -- English nobleman

He was a governor of the African Company. Previous to his Governorship, the various Companies, started when Elizabeth I granted the Charter in 1588, had all been unsuccessful, but he appears to have aroused the attention of Parliament to the necessity of maintaining forts and factories which they recognised by an annual grant of so many thousand of pounds.

The Lakes were anciently of Yorkshire, and afterwards of Lincolnshire. Their characteristic features have been sons as Admirals and Generals.

Sir Bibye obtained his baronetcy in rather a singular manner. His great-uncle, Sir Edward Lake, Knight and Doctor of Laws, used both sword and pen in defence of Charles I. He was at the battle of Edge Hill, where, his left arm being shot, he put the reins of his horse between his teeth and fought on, till he fell from exhaustion, covered with sixteen wounds. He eventually recovered, and Charles I gave him a baronetcy, (which never passed the Great Seal) with the privilege of nominating his successor. At the Restoration he petitioned for his forfeited lands and promised title. His answer was the Chancellorship of Lincoln, though he assumed the title. He died in 167? without issue.

Thirty-seven years afterwards, Sir Bibye laid the matter of the baronetcy before Queen Anne, who granted the patent. It is still borne by his descendants.