Re being an MP for West Dean.

Was there a "government" area/district here called "West Dean" in the 1600s ? If so would it be sufficiently populated to have an MP ?

Are you sure you're not thinking of the other West Dean in Sussex, or even Wiltshire ?.

Hoping I'm wrong (likely!) but just a thought ??

This website may help clarify, there was a Wm Cooke at Highnam nr Gloster, and yes he was involved with the Forest etc too. Don't think it's "your" William tho.

http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/search/site/cook%20dean
http://www.histparl.ac.uk/volume/1690-1715/member/cooke-william-i-1620-1703