Career
A Recorder of Monmouth and agent to the Duke of Beaufort, he was one of the most important magistrates of Monmouthshire. Milbourne hailed from Wonastow, near Monmouth, South Wales and reportedly had his seat at Wonastow Court. He is also linked to the village of Clytha.
He was the uncle of William Milbourne (c1633–1660), also of Wonastow, and in 1658, William is recorded as entering his uncle"s chambers at the Middle Temple.
During this period, Milbourne probably lived in nearby Hilston House, a few miles away across the border in Monmouthshire. Arnold reportedly gave some of his harshest criticism to Milbourne, describing him as an "undoubted Papist" who only "held lands wirth £100 per annum in one county, but is made justice of the peace in four".
He denounced Milbourne in the House of Commons but with little success. Several MPs believed Arnold"s report was poorly constructed and some believed that the lord-lieutenant was a Catholic activist in South Wales.
Milbourne is said to have "laid violent hands on the chief constable so that the servant could escape" and was fined a shilling per Sunday, which Milbourne refused to levy.
Milbourne was then involved in the Wentwood Case along with the Deputy Governor of Chepstow. Milbourne assisted John Aubrey and Thomas Fuller with research for their works.
