Wills: 23 Edward I (1294-5)

Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 1, 1258-1358. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

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'Wills: 23 Edward I (1294-5)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 1, 1258-1358, (London, 1889) pp. 114-123. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol1/pp114-123 [accessed 20 April 2024]

ANNO 23 EDWARD I.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Edmund, King [20 Nov.].

Lovetot (Sir John de), Knt., sen.—To Johanna his wife all his houses in Timberhethe, (fn. 1) London, for life, with remainders to Margaret his daughter and Adam his son. No date.


Proclamation made, and no challenge.

Roll 24 (1).

Paneter (fn. 2) (Master Robert le).—His tenement in the parish of S. Michael Paternostercherch to be sold, and one moiety of the proceeds to be devoted to chantries in the churches of S. Martin in the Vintry, S. Michael Paternostercherche, and S. Antonin, and the other to providing tunics and shoes for poor widows and others in the City and neighbourhood. No date.
Roll 24 (3).

Rous (John le).—His tenement in the parish of S. Margaret de Briggestrete and his land in the parish of S. Botolph without Billyngesgate to be sold for the payment of certain charges, and for the maintenance of a chantry in the said church of S. Margaret. To Juliana his wife his capital tenement and rents in the said parish of S. Margaret for life, with remainder to Johanna his daughter; and in default of heirs the same to be sold for pious uses. No date.


And afterwards came John, son of William le Rous, and challenged the said testament, inasmuch as he claimed certain tenements mentioned in the said testament, and put in a plea of mort d'ancestor, as appears in the Roll of Pleas (fn. 3) for that day.

Roll 24 (4).

Toundur (fn. 4) (William le).—His houses in the parish of All Hallows de Berkincherche to be sold, and one third of the proceeds to go to Cristiana his wife, and the residue to be divided equally among his children. No date.
Roll 24 (5).

Vyel (Johanna), daughter of John Vyel, senior.—To William de St. Alban, clerk, who formerly was with Isabella her sister, rents near the church of S. Mary Magdalen at the Old Fish Market and in the Saddlery, Westchepe, (fn. 5) a portion of which formerly belonged to Isabella her sister, charged with providing a chantry for one year after her decease. To Sir John de Chyvele, chaplain, for life, rents in Bredstrete in the parish of S. Mildred, formerly belonging to William Vyel, her brother. To the Prioress and Convent of Stratford rents in the same street, and a pittance on the day of her anniversary and that of her father, so that they perform the service for the dead on the day of receiving the pittance. Should this legacy be opposed by the king or any one else by reason of any statute, (fn. 6) the said rent is to be realized and the proceeds given in its stead. No date.


Whereupon came Isabella de Basinges and Johanna her sister, and challenged the said testament, saying that the said Johanna Vyel had only a life interest in the above tenements.

Roll 24 (13).

Chalycer (John le), of the parish of S. Martin de Ludgate.—Bequest of two shillings rent of his house situate in the said parish for the maintenance of a wax taper to burn before the Cross in the said parish church. To Beatrice his wife houses without Ludgate so long as she remain a widow, otherwise she is to have her third part; remainder after her decease to Oliver and Roland his sons and their heirs in succession, and in default of such heirs to his three daughters. No date.
Roll 24 (15).

Bokerel (Theynot le).—His houses in Ismongerlane to be sold, and the proceeds to be given to the poor for the good of his soul. No date.
Roll 24 (16).

Tuler (Reginald le).—To Wymarkia his wife his messuage in the parish of All Hallows de Berkingecherch for life; remainder to the poor. No date.
Roll 24 (17).

St. Meynak (John de), of Engeleme. (fn. 7) —As he cannot himself write, Fretheric de Luka at his request writes this his last will as follows: His soul he commends to God, and his body to be buried by the Friars Minors (fn. 8) of London. All his goods, his choses in possession and in action, he leaves to Sire Iter Bochard, his uncle, with directions to recover all his goods and pay all his debts, as will be found in his book in his chest, the keys of which are in the custody of the Company of Luka. (fn. 9) This his last will and his testament he wishes to take effect by way of testament, or if not, by way of codicil or by way of last will, as it may best take effect. No date.


The above testament after examination was proclaimed in full Husting, and there being no claim or opposition administration was granted to the said Sir Iter.

Roll 24 (19).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Gregory, Pope [12 March].

Neve (William le), butcher.—Rents in the parish of S. Michael, London, to be sold for pious uses. To John his son his shop in the parish of S. Leonard de Estchep. To Sabine his sister his shop wherein he dwells. No date.


Gilbert Mulling and Gena his wife, who had brought a writ of right against the testator for one shop with appurtenances in London as belonging of right to the said Gena, challenged the said testament for that the said William had devised the shop aforesaid pendente lite.

Roll 24 (24).

Norwych (John de).—To Gonnora his wife houses in the parish of S. Michael de Hoggenelane in Wodestrate for life, with power of sale if necessary, subject to the maintenance of a chantry for two years. Certain houses in the parish of S. Nicholas Hakun in Candelwykstrate to be sold to pay his debts. To his mother other houses in the same parish for life, with remainder to his next heirs. No date.
Roll 24 (27).

Fitz Herbert (William).—To Margery de Thonderle, his sister, rents in the parishes of S. Andrew Hubert in Estchep and S. Martin Orgon (sic). To Christiana his sister the residue of his houses in the said parish of S. Andrew as devised to her by the testament of Herbert [de Winton] his father, proved in the rolls of the Common Hall of London, (fn. 10) which he owns to have unjustly acquired. To William, son of John le Seour, rents in the parish of S. Giles without Crepelgate, with cellars and solars in the parish of S. Laurence de Candelwykstrate. No date.
Roll 24 (39).

Jordan (Ralph).—To Alice his wife his house for life, and after her decease the same to be sold, and two thirds of the proceeds to be devoted to pious uses, and the residue to go to John his son. No date.
Roll 24 (40).

Cope (Walter).—Bequest for providing a light in the church of S. Botolph without Alegate. To Agnes de Wyteby, his wife, his tenement in the said parish of S. Botolph for life; remainder to pious uses. No date.
Roll 24 (42).

Chaundeler (John le), of the parish of S. Sepulchre without Newgate.—To Matilda his wife certain houses for life, with remainder to Hugh his son; to Petronilla his daughter houses formerly belonging to Nicholas le Chaundeler; remainder in default of heirs to pious uses. No date.


Whereupon came Peter de Wymburn and Matilda his wife, relict of the testator, and challenged the said testament respecting a certain tenement left to the said Matilda, inasmuch as the said tenement had been acquired conjointly by the said John and Matilda, so that the fee and right of the same ought to remain in the said Matilda.

Roll 24 (43).

Neuwerk (Richard de).—To Agnes his wife houses in Fletestrate in the parishes of S. Brigid and S. Dunstan. To Beatrix his daughter and to Matilda, daughter of Alexander de Neuwerk, certain rents. No date.


The said Agnes came and in full Husting renounced the fee of the said houses, and claimed only a life interest, and it was granted to her. Whereupon came Alexander de Neuwerk and challenged the testament of Richard his father as being contrary to the custom of the City, and even if it had been according to the custom, still it would be invalid for throughout that year the testator was non compos mentis. Moreover the tenements devised had been acquired to the said Richard and Beatrice, mother of the said Alexander, and their heirs, and he had himself afterwards acquired the same by a certain assize of the said Agnes. For these and other reasons he sought that execution of the said testament should be refused.

Roll 24 (44).

Sket (John).—His house and shop in the parish of All Hallows at the Hay to be sold by his executors for payment of debts, &c., and John atte Selde to be preferred as purchaser by half a mark of silver. No date.
Roll 24 (45).

Alan Pistor .—To Katherine his wife for life messuages in the parishes of S. Mary de Aldermarycherch and S. Mildred de Bredstrete, charged with certain payments to the rector, &c., of the church of S. Mildred and to John de Gysorz; remainder over. No date.
Roll 24 (46).

Somersete (Thomas de).—To Alice his wife for life houses in the parish of S. Botolph without Aldredesgate which he had by demise of the Abbot of Kyrkestede, as also certain rents in the same parish. His tenement without Barbekan in the said parish to be sold to carry out his testament. To Katherine his daughter in tail houses in the parish of S. Sepulchre without Neugate in Old Lane. (fn. 11) No date.


Whereupon came Thomas de Vernon and challenged the said testament, inasmuch as the testator devised his tenement in Smethefeld for the marriage of his daughter, whereas the testator held it only as a security (vadium) for raising forty shillings. (fn. 12) And this is open to verification, &c.

Roll 24 (47).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Gregory, Pope [12 March].

Cornhulle (Stephen de).3—To Mark de Christchurch, his servant, a seld near the church of S. Mary le Bow. To Johanna his sister, a nun of Scheppeye, one mark annual rent issuing from the corner of Walebrock for life. No date.
Roll 24 (49).

Fothot or Vothot (Matilda, late wife of Roger).—Her tenement in Menchenelane to be sold according to the tenor of the testament of the said Roger. (fn. 13) No date.
Roll 24 (50).

Wynton (Ralph de).—To Kastanya his wife his capital tenement in the parish of S. Andrew Huberd for life; remainder to Thomas his son in tail. To John and Robert his sons rents of three shops in the Shambles opposite the church of S. Nicholas without Neugate. Also to his said wife rents in Estchep, parish of S. Leonard, for life; remainder to Johanna and Isabella his daughters. Bequests to the church of S. Andrew for maintaining a lamp, for distribution to the poor, &c. No date.
Roll 24 (55).

Monday next after the Octave of H. Trinity [29 May].

Wandelesworthe (John de).—All his tenements in the parish of S. Andrew de Holeburne to be sold, and one moiety of the proceeds to go to Alice his wife and the other to be distributed among the poor. No date.


Proclamation made, and no challenge nor opposition.

Roll 24 (56).

Sirger (fn. 14) (William le).—His house in the parish of S. Mary de Aldermaricherche to be sold for payment of his debts. No date.


Proclamation made, and no challenge.

Roll 24 (58).

Evre (Robert de), ironmonger.—To Agnes his wife his tenement in the parish of S. Mildred de Bredstrate near Sporounelane (fn. 15) for life; remainder to Richard his son. No date.
Roll 24 (69).

Sprot (William), batur. (fn. 16) —His tenement in the parish of S. Michael de Basseyeshaghe to be sold. To Margery, wife of Adam Trug, two shops without Aldresgate in the parish of S. Botolph. No date.
Roll 24 (71).

Lung (Walter le).—His tenement in the parish of S. Magnus to be sold. No date.
Roll 24 (73).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Botolph [17 June].

Fulsham, (Robert de).—To Johanna, Matilda, and Juliana his daughters rents in the parish of S. Peter de Westchepe, and houses in the parish of S. Andrew de Castle Baynard. Thomas de Fulsham to have the wardship of his said daughters until they arrive at mature age. No date.
Roll 24 (81).

Hattere (Stephen le).—To Johanna his wife his house and four shops for life if she remain a widow, otherwise she is to have but one third part and no more. After the decease of his said wife the same to remain to William, Henry, and Johanna his children in equal portions. No date.
Roll 24 (82).

Monday next before the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.].

Donstaple (Thomas, son of Thomas de).—To Adam de Hallyngeberi his tenement in the parish of S. Michael de Hoggenelane for one hundred marks sterling, whereof forty marks he leaves to Emma his wife, and another forty marks for the maintenance of a chantry in the church of S. Botolph without Aldresgate for a term of eight years after his decease. No date.
Roll 24 (83).

Mareschal (Andrew le).—His house to be sold for pious uses. No date.
Roll 24 (84).

Elyot (Thomas).—The messuage which he inherited from Elyas his brother to be sold by his executors. To Johanna his wife his tenement in the parish of All Hallows de Berkyngecherche for life; remainder to pious uses. No date.
Roll 24 (85).

Hauteville (Walter de).—His large stone house near the [house of the] Abbot of Colecestre to be sold, and certain payments to be made out of the proceeds to Sir Thomas, the chaplain of the church of S. George. To Alice his daughter and her heirs, and to Alice de Sithingham, her mother, for life, certain houses, &c. No date.
Roll 24 (86).

Langeford (Ralph de).—To Agnes his wife his tenement in Manionelane for life; remainder to pious uses. No date.
Roll 24 (87).

Hakeburne (John de).—To Isabella his wife a messuage, seld, and shop in the parish of S. Matthew in Fridaystrate for life, and after her decease the same to be sold to pay his debts and the debts of John de Hakeburne, his brother. No date.
Roll 24 (97).

Blakene (Adam).—To Agnes his daughter his land with wharf and house towards the Thames in the parish of All Hallows de Berkingcherche, subject to a charge towards the maintenance of a chaplain in the said church of All Hallows. To Katherine his daughter a hall with chambers and house called "Wolhous" in Sporiereslane (fn. 17) in the said parish; and to Johanna his daughter a tenement in Crokedelane, parish of S. Michael, subject to similar charges towards the maintenance of the above chaplain. To William and John his children a house and shops in the street of Billingesgate in the parish of S. Dunstan, and other shops and a garden in La Tourstrate in the above parish of All Hallows. Alice his wife mentioned as one of his executors. No date.
Roll 24 (100).

Travers (Johanna).—Certain houses, wharf, and shops left for maintenance of chantries. Her big stone hall and little stone hall and two cellars called "Helle," (fn. 18) with wharf in the lane called "Fatteslane," parish of S. James in the Vintry, to be sold to pay her debts and funeral expenses. To John de Bloxham, her clerk, shops and rents in the parishes of S. Michael le Quern and All Hallows de Bredstrate. To Roger Cook (Cocus) for life her best shop in the said parish of All Hallows. To Dionisia, daughter of Stephen Aswy, and to William Viel, rents for life in the same parish; and to Matilda her maid for life a house in the parish of S. James aforesaid inhabited by Robert Oygnoun. No date.


Proclamation made, and the testament challenged by Stephen Aswy and Isabella his wife, who said that the tenements devised belonged of right and inheritance to the said Isabella.

Roll 24 (101).

Bokerel (Dionisius).—To William Viel, his servant, and to Dionisia, daughter of Isabella his daughter, rents of a house formerly belonging to Peter Gysors, his father, in Kironelane. (fn. 19) No date.
Roll 24 (102).

Norwis (Thomas de).—To John de Pesemers all his houses in S. Laurence Lane in the Jewry, charged with the maintenance of Juliana his wife. No date.
Roll 24 (103).

Norman (Hamo).—To Felicia his daughter for life, and to Geoffrey Norman, his brother, rents in Distavelane and in the parish of S. Mary de Abbecherch in Candlewystrate. Neither the said Felicia nor Robert his son and heir to alienate the said tenement in Distavelane before coming to the age of twenty-four years. No date.
Roll 24 (106).

Scheleford (Elyas de).—Two thirds of all his rents to be devoted to pious uses. To Margaret his wife the other third by way of dower for life; remainder to pious uses. No date.
Roll 24 (107).

Mountagu (Adam).—To Felicia his wife his dwelling-house for life; remainder to his right heirs. Edith his sister to continue to hold a certain house, paying rent to his said wife. His house in Carterestrate to be sold to pay his debts. No date.
Roll 24 (108).

Footnotes

  • 1. Timber Hith or Timber Street, so called from timber being brought to land and warehoused there, situate in the parish of S. Mary Somers Hith (i.e., Somerset).
  • 2. Or baker.
  • 3. Rotulo locutorio. The Rolls of Assize of Novel Disseisin and Mort d'Ancestor, preserved among the City archives, appear only to extend from A.D. 1330 to 1434.
  • 4. Or Shearman, one who shears the nap of cloth.
  • 5. In Seleria de Westchepe.
  • 6. Magna Carta, 9 Hen. III. c. 36, and the statute De Viris Religiosis, passed in 1279 (7 Edw. I.), prohibited Religious Houses and individuals buying, selling, or receiving under pretence of a gift or lease or any other title whatsoever, or from appropriating in any manner, any lands or tenements in mortmain, upon pain of forfeiture.
  • 7. Angoulême.
  • 8. Franciscans or Grey Friars.
  • 9. See note infra, p. 125.
  • 10. Enrolled supra, p. 62.
  • 11. In Viterilane (sic).
  • 12. See note supra, p. 109.
  • 13. This will is enrolled on a schedule annexed. A Stephen de Cornhill was alderman of Bishopsgate Ward about this time, and served the office of sheriff in 1284-5.
  • 14. Supra, p. 101.
  • 15. Wax-chandler.
  • 16. "Then is Spurenlane or Spooners lane, now called Huggen lane" (Stow's 'Survey,' Strype's ed., 1720, book iii. p. 208), to which statement Riley takes exception (Introduction to 'Memorials,' p. xx).
  • 17. See note supra, p. 113.
  • 18. Afterwards called Water Lane—Roll 196 (4), anno 6 Edw. IV.
  • 19. A house called Little Helle (parrum Helle) in Fatteslane occurs in a deed enrolled in 1343—Roll 70(130). It is not an uncommon name for a tenement in the City Records. There is also to be found among the archives of S. Paul's Cathedral a certificate of an admission to a chantry commonly called "Helle" (Hist. MSS. Commission, Ninth Report, p. 56 b).
  • 20. Adjoining Soper Lane, near the church of S. Michael Paternoster Royal.