Background
Leoline Jenkins was originally from Cowbridge in south Wales, son of Leoline (an anglicisation of Llewellyn) Jenkins, a small landowner.
Leoline Jenkins was originally from Cowbridge in south Wales, son of Leoline (an anglicisation of Llewellyn) Jenkins, a small landowner.
Leoline Jenkins was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, of which he was elected a fellow at the Restoration in 1660.
Leoline Jenkins was a clerical lawyer serving in the Admiralty courts, and diplomat involved in the negotiation of international treaties (eg Nimègue). He went to school in Cowbridge and then to Jesus College, Oxford. As Principal of Jesus College from 1661 to 1673, he was responsible for much construction work, including the college library. The position was one of several rewards he received from King Charles II of England for his loyalty to the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.
Leoline Jenkins was also created a judge. Jenkins was made a privy counsellor in February 1680. He served as Secretary of State for the Northern Department from 26 April 1680 to 2 February 1681 and Secretary of State for the Southern Department from 2 February 1681 to 14 April 1684. Whilst Secretary of State, he was served by the Welsh lawyer (and former student of Jesus College) Owen Wynne, who has been called "an early example of the permanent civil servant."
The last such fellow, Frederick de Winton, was appointed in 1876 and held his fellowship until his death in 1932. This category of fellowship was abolished in 1877 by the Oxford and Cambridge Universities Commission, without prejudice to the rights of existing holders such as de Winton.
Leoline Jenkins was an ardent royalist during the civil war and commonwealth.
Leoline Jenkins was never married.