Wills: 11-20 Elizabeth I (1568-78)

Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 2, 1358-1688. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1890.

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'Wills: 11-20 Elizabeth I (1568-78)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 2, 1358-1688, (London, 1890) pp. 683-697. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol2/pp683-697 [accessed 12 April 2024]

In this section

ANNO 11 ELIZABETH.

Monday the Feast of S. Lucia Virgin [13 Dec.].

Crymes (Richabd), haberdasher.—To be buried in the church of S. Laurenoe in the Old Jewry before his pew door. Bequest of one hundred pounds for two hundred poor maidens' marriages, and a similar sum for the repair of the highways in the City of London or within ten miles thereof. To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London, Governors of Christ's Hospital, Brydewell, and S. Thomas's Hospital, he leaves forty pounds. Bequests also for coals for the poor of the parish of S. Laurence aforesaid and prisoners in the Compters. To the churchwardens and parishioners of the parish of Wytton, (fn. 1) co. Chester, one hundred pounds towards the maintenance of "the Crymesethe" and the bridge (fn. 2) of the town of Northewiohe in the said parish of Witton, and a like sum for those of his own surname dwelling in and about Northewiche. To the sons of his son Ellys he leaves one hundred and twenty pounds. To Katherine Longe his granddaughter three hundred pounds, on condition she does not marry without first obtaining the assent of certain parties. To the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers of London the sum of twenty pounds to provide a dinner or repast for them. To the aforesaid Ellys he leaves his manor of Buoklande Monachorum, co. Devon, with rectory, advowson, &o., to hold the same in tail; remainder to Thomas his son in tail; remainder to Mary his daughter, wife of Thomas Chester. Also to the aforesaid Thomas his son the parsonages of Lubbenham and Sylbye, (fn. 3) co. Leicester, with advowsons, &c, in tail; remainders over. Also to Mary his daughter lands and tenements in Iseldon, alias Islington, in special tail; remainders over. Dated 12 September, A.D. 1565.—By schedule annexed to his testament he solemnly protests that he never received a casket containing five hundred pounds which was alleged and supposed to have been left in his hands by John Predyaux, late serjeant at law, notwithstanding his having been found guilty by a jury in an action brought against him by the administrators of the goods of the said John, in which action for trespass he was most falsely found guilty of five hundred marks of the said five hundred pounds.
Roll 256 (7).

Monday next before the Feast of Purification of V. Mary [2 Feb.].

Noke (William), goldsmith.—His goods and chattels to be divided into three equal parts, according to the laudable custom, whereof he gives one part to Margaret his wife, a second part to John, William, and Thomas his sons, and the third part he reserves to himself for legacies, &c. Bequests to various indi viduals of sums of money and gold, &c, rings, and also to the poor children being nourished in Christ's Hospital. His wife to enjoy a life estate in his four messuages lately known as the "Kounde Howse," otherwise the "Backehowse," in the parish of S. Andrew Hubberde; remainder to John his son. Also to his said wife for life a tenement in the parish of S. Dunstan in the East, subject to certain charges; remainder to Thomas his son. Dated 26 August, A.D. 1568.
Roll 256 (26).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Chad, Bishop [2 March]

Sturgeon (John), haberdasher.—To William Waiger, parson, and the churchwardens of the church of S. Benedict Gracechurche, an annuity or yearly rent of forty shillings issuing out of a tenement formerly belonging to Edward Clervaulx, citizen and writer of the court-letter, in the parish of S. Benedict aforesaid, the same to be employed by them according to the terms of a recent indenture between the testator and the aforesaid Edward. Dated 22 January, 11 Elizabeth [A.D. 1568-9].
Roll 256 (30).

Monday next after the Feast of S. George, Martyr [23 April].

Thomlynson (Thomas), otherwise called "Towreson," citizen and "merchauntayler."—To be buried in the church of S. Mildred in the Poultry. His goods and chattels to be divided into two equal parts, one of which he leaves to Elizabeth his wife, and the other he reserves to himself. Bequests to the aforesaid church and to poor householders within the parish, to the children and poor people in Christ's Hospital, the inmates of prisons and "counters," to the poor of his native parish of Cleyture, (fn. 4) co. Cumberland, &c.; also to Nicholas Towerson his brother, Thomas Crouche of Stondon, co. Herts, Margaret his sister-in-law, wife of John Bonde, and others. To the Right Worshipful the Master and Wardens of the Company of "Merchauntaylers" in London he leaves six pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence for a recreation in their Common Hall at his burial or at any other time; and to the Wardens Substitutes and sixteen men of the "Bachelers" Company of the "Merchauntaylers" forty shillings towards a recreation on the day of his burial or the day following. Bequests for repair of highways, more especially between Ware and Puckeridge, between the City of London and St. Albans, between Barnett and Baldocke, and between the City of London and Ware; also for sermons to be preached in the church of S. Mildred afore said. Also to Elizabeth his wife he leaves his messuage in the parish of S. Mildred for life, charged with supplying two cartloads of coal, at the price of sixteen shillings per load, to the poor of the said parish yearly in the coldest time of winter; remainder to the Master and Wardens of the "Merchauntaylers" of the Fraternity of S. John Baptist in the City under like condition, and further charged with the payment of twenty shillings yearly to Christ's Hospital for the maintenance of the children there. (fn. 5) Dated 6 April, A.D. 1567.
Roll 256 (38).

Clarke or Clerke (Thomas), draper.—To be buried in the church of Ware under the stone where lies Thomas Clerke his grandfather. To Kose Clerke his maiden he leaves, among other things, a "bedstede "which he had new bottomed with sackcloth, a feather bed, platters, dishes, "sawcers," a "chaffinge dishe," a "cobarde," &c. His house called the "horse shewe" to be sold as soon as Elizabeth Turke, his wife's daughter, shall come of age; a certain recognizance which is in the Chamber of London to be discharged out of the proceeds and the surplus divided between his wife and children. William Sherman, his wife's father, appointed his overseer. To Jone his wife his house called "the Cheke" in Ware, with all his freeholds in the lordship of Ware, Amwell, and Thundrige, for life; remainder to Raffe his son. Dated 6 October, A.D. 1558.
Roll 256 (40).

Monday next before Feast of S. Edmund, K. and Conf. [20 Nov.].

Petyngar or Pettenger (John), clothworker.—To the Master and Wardens of the Guild or Fraternity of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady the Virgin of the Art or "Mystery" of Cloth-workers in the City of London certain lands and tenements in Fanchurchestrete in the parish of All Hallows Stanyng, towards the maintenance and relief of the poor almsfolk of the said company. (fn. 6) Dated 20 July, A.D. 1566.
Roll 256 (52).

ANNO 12 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before Feast of S. Edward, K. and Conf. [5 Jan.].

Rixman (William), clothworker.—Bequest of three pounds to the Company of Clothworkers for the good will he bears to them. His goods, after payment of certain specific legacies and debts, he leaves to his wife and children. Bequests to his mother "Milner," his brother Thomas Browne, his brother John Milner, and others. Dated 6 October, A.D. 1568.
Roll 256 (101).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Luke, Evangelist [18 Oct.]

Rowe (Thomas), Alderman. (fn. 7) —To Mary his wife lands and tenements in the parishes of Leighe and Chiddingstone, co. Kent, for life; remainders to William and Robert his sons in successive tail. To the Master and Wardens of the Merchaunttayllors of the Fraternity of S. John Baptist all his lands and tenements in the City of London, in trust to distribute yearly forty pounds among ten poor men of the Companies or Misteries of Clothworkers, Carpenters, Tylers, Playsterers, and Armorers within the City, to wit, to each person the yearly sum of four pounds, the residue to be employed at the company's disc Retion. (fn. 8) in default of fulfilling the terms of the devise remainder over to the mayor, aldermen, and citizens of london, governors of the hospitals of edward vi., viz., christ's hospital, bridewell, and s. Thomas's hospital, upon like condition, and to apply the residue to the use of christ's hospital. His lands and tenements in the county of bedford, which in value surmount the third part of all his lands, tenements, &c., are to go to his heir-at-law, for livery and primer seisin thereof to be had and sued according to statute. (fn. 9) to henry his son his lands and tenements not otherwise disposed of to hold in tail male; remainders to william and robert his sons in tail male. Dated 11 august, a.d. 1565.
Roll 256 (105).

ANNO 13 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before F. of SS. Perpetua and Felicitas [7 March].

Laylonde (Thomazine), widow, citizen and freewoman of the City of London.—To the parson and churchwardens of the parish church of S. Michael le Querne and their successors a certain messuage in the said parish, in trust for poor householders of the said parish, (fn. 10) subject to the payment of an annuity to Edward Potter her late servant, citizen and minstrel. Dated 23 January, A.D. 1570.
Roll 256 (122).

Walker (Thomas), "merchaunte Tailor."—To the parson and churchwardens of the parish church of S. Michael le Querne and their successors certain messuages in the parishes of S. Mildred in "Brodestreete" and S. Thomas the Apostle, in trust for poor householders of the parish of S. Michael aforesaid. Dated 16 December, A.D. 1550.
Roll 256 (123).

Monday the Feast of S. Gregory, Bishop [12 March].

Donkin (Robert), "merchaunttayllor."—To the parson and churchwardens of the church of S. Michael in Cornhill and their successors a certain messuage which he formerly purchased of the Company of Waterbearers (fn. 11) in London, so that they distribute every Sunday one dozen of "peny breade with the vantage" to poor householders of the parish. To the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Company of Merchaunttaillors in the City a certain tenement called "Bell Alley" in the parish of S. Botolph without Busshopesgate, so that they provide gowns of "Wellshe fryze," shirts, shoes, &c, for twelve poor men dwelling within the City, and cassocks of "fryze," smocks, shoes, &c., for a like number of women, every year at Christmas. (fn. 12) The residue to be devoted to keeping the tenements in repair. (fn. 13) The Chamberlain and Town Clerk to see to the application of the trusts, and to receive ten shillings apiece yearly for their pains. (fn. 14) In case of default remainder over to the parson and churchwardens of the church of S. Michael aforesaid. Dated 1 December, A.D. 1570.
Roll 256 (127).

ANNO 14 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before the Feast of S. Andrew, Apostle [30 Nov.].

Middelton (Thomas), skinner.—To be buried in his parish church of S. Pancras. Bequests to those of the livery of the Company of Skinners attending his burial. To Alice his wife two messuages in the parish of S. Stephen in Colmanstrete in fee. Dated 28 March, 9 Elizabeth [A.D. 1566-7].
Roll 256 (160).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Lucia, Virgin [13 Dec.].

Starre (Richard), "cowper."—To Ellen his wife one third of his goods; to Baptist his son another third; and the residue he reserves to himself according to the laudable custom of the City. To the Company of Cowpers he leaves twenty pounds for the "seelinge" of their hall, and forty shillings for a dinner. Bequests to the poor of the parish of All Hallows Steyninge and in the almshouses at Ratcliff, to his servants, and others. Also to his aforesaid wife his lands and tenements for life; remainder, as to his inn called "the Crosse Keyes" in Holborne, to Jane his daughter, charged with the payment of thirty pounds to Richard Heathe, Thomas Heathe, and Tobie Heathe her children, and to Baptist his aforesaid son twenty shillings yearly. To Ellen his daughter, wife of Anthony Duffeld, mercer, the reversion of his messuage in Frydaye Street, subject to similar payments to Ellen, Jane, and Anne her children, and to Baptist his son. Also to Baptist his aforesaid son a tenement in Marke Lane. Dated 17 October, A.D. 1571.
Roll 256 (164).

ANNO 14 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before Feast of S. Edward, K. and M. [18 March].

Wotton (Christopher), "merchaunttaylor."—To Joan his wife all his lands and tenements in the City of London and its suburbs in fee, together with all his goods and chattels. Dated 20 Decem ber, A.D. 1562.
Roll 257 (16).

ANNO 15 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before the Feast of S. Scolastica, Virgin [10 Feb.].

Parrot (John), gentleman.—To be buried in the church of S. James at Grarlick Hithe, to the parson and churchwardens of which and their successors he leaves a certain messuage situate within the parish, to the intent that they yearly distribute the rents and profits thereof among the poorest of the said parish and the parish of All Hallows Stayning, "parte and parte lyke either parisshe." (fn. 15) His leasehold interest in the manor of Bynsey near Oxford is to be divided in specific portions among the Fellows and Scholars of Mary Magdalen College in Oxford, the poorest people of S. Martin in Oxford, his brother Leonard Parrot, William Abraham, vintner, and others. Dated 31 October, A.D. 1572.
Roll 258 (11).

[Roll 259 contains no enrollment of wills.]

ANNO 17 ELIZABETH.

Monday the F. of Trans, of S. Edward, K. and Mar. [20 June].

Chapman(Robert), of Stone near Dartford, co. Kent, gentleman.—To Anne his daughter, wife of William Carewe, draper, one moiety of his manor of Stone Castell in the parishes of Stone and Swannescombe, co. Kent, except his house called the "Castell of Stone," with gardens, &c.; and to "Ellen" his daughter, wife of Frauncys Rogers of Dartford, gentleman, the other moiety. To Ellen his wife he leaves the "Castell of Stone," &c., aforesaid for life or until marriage, with remainder to Anne his aforesaid daughter; and also an annuity of forty pounds. Provision made for Guy Chapman his brother. To Robert and Ellen, children of Barbara his deceased daughter, late wife of William Lewson, mercer, fifty pounds apiece. To poor householders of Stone twenty shillings yearly, charged on his daughters' estates. Dated 20 February, A.D. 1570.

A codicil by which his legacies to his son-in-law Fraunceys Rogers and to "Helene" his daughter, wife of the said Fraunceys, are revoked if at any time they molest Anne his daughter and William Carewe her husband in their enjoyment of the house aforesaid called "the Castell of Stone," or if they fail to pay within six months after his decease to his son-in-law William Lewson, mercer, the sum of twenty pounds. Dated 24 October, A.D. 1572.
Roll 260 (8).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Scolastica, Virgin [10 Feb.].

Blackwell (George), butcher.—A nuncupative will, whereby he leaves to Katherine his wife for life a messuage called "the signe of the three Kinges" in S. Clement's Lane in the parish of S. Clement near Great Eastcheap; remainder to his children. The will was made, according to the testimony of certain witnesses upon oath, the 22nd of September, A.D. 1569.
Roll 260 (38).

Mason(William), "merchaunttaylor."—To be buried in the parish church of S. Botolph without Bishopsgate. To Joane Colye, widow, his mother, his copyhold lands and woods in the parish of Sutterton, co. Suffolk. To Jane his wife a certain messuage in the borough of Bungay, co. Suffolk. To his cousin John Katcher, pewterer, the reversion of certain houses in the parish of Aldermarye, formerly belonging to Sir William Laxton, charged with the payment of one third of their rent to the aforesaid Jane. Further bequests of twenty pounds to Joane Colie aforesaid, and of five pounds each to Edward Colye, Johan Colye, wife of Thomas Gillette, Osey Coley, wife of Thomas Boyton, Adrey Colye, wife of William Androwes, Mary Colye, wife of Lewes Sympson, Martha and Sarah Colye, children of the aforesaid Joane; the said sums to be also paid by John Katcher aforesaid. Among other bequests he leaves to Martha and Sarah Colye "halfe a garnyshe of pewter." Dated 7 March, A.D. 1569.
Roll 260 (40).

ANNO 18 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before the Feast of S. Andrew, Apostle [30 Nov.].

Cony (William), carpenter.—To the Master and Wardens of the Freemen of the Carpentry (Carpentrie)of the City of London and commonalty of the same mistery a messuage called "le Bere," and certain tenements and gardens situate near "le Carpenters Halle," in the parish of All Hallows in London Wall, for the relief and better maintenance of the mistery; also a silver cup with covercle parcel gilt, commonly called "a Groblett," having a silver-gilt coney on the top, weighing by Troy weight 253/8 ounces. Dated 1 September, A.D. 1517.
Roll 261 (4).

Smarte (Thomas), carpenter.—To the Master and Wardens of the Craft and Fellowship of Carpenters of London certain lands and tenements in the parish of All Hallows beside London Wall, held and occupied by the master, wardens, &c., to the intent that he may be the better remembered and prayed for in the said fellowship. Also to the same he leaves a cup of silver and "clene gilt" with his name and "tymbre merk" in it, weighing 273/8 ounces. Dated 17 March, A.D. 1519.
Roll 261 (5).

Monday next before F. of Trans, of S. Edward, K. and M. [20 June].

Bromwell(William), mercer.—To Johan his wife a tenement and parcel of void land in the parish of S. Thomas the Apostle for life, subject to certain charges; remainder to the parson and churchwardens of the church of S. Thomas aforesaid for pious and charitable uses among the poor of the parish. The churchwardens to find yearly the Paschal light of the said parish church, so that all the parishioners may be discharged of contributing to the same; they are also to provide certain tapers at Christmas to stand on the great candlesticks before the high altar, there to burn before the Sacrament on festival days as of old time hath been accustomed. In case of default, remainder over to the Wardens of the Worshipful Mistery and Fellowship of Mercers of London, on condition they pay forty shillings yearly to the poor honest of the fellowship. The residue of the issues and profits to be devoted to necessary repairs of the property to the use of the fellowship. Dated 25 November, A.D. 1536.

A codicil giving permission to the parson and churchwardens aforesaid or any others to build upon the ground of the garden contained in his testament. Dated 28 November, 28 Henry VIII. [A.D. 1536].
Roll 261 (25).

ANNO 21 (fn. 16) ELIZABETH.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Katherine, Virgin [25 Nov.].

Pelter (Richard), brewer.—To be buried in the choir of the church of Our Lady Woolchurche. A marble slab to be placed over his tomb, having the arms of his company engraved thereon, and pictures of himself, Katherine and "Eme" his wives, and of his five (sic) children, viz., Mark, Richard, Agnes, and Blanche. Bequests of a gown to each of twelve poor men mentioned by name, and to Grawyn Pelter his kinsman, Francis Kidd, scrivener and writer of this his will, and many others. Pecuniary legacies to the poor in Scaldinge Alley in the parish of S. Mildred in the Poultry, and in Nonne Alley in the parish of S. Christopher and elsewhere; also for poor maidens' marriages, to poor prisoners in Ludgate, Newgate, and the Compters, &c., as well as to Morgaine Richardes, husband of Blanche his daughter, their children, and numerous other individuals. To every one of his customers a barrel of ale. Among other bequests he leaves to his daughter Agnes, wife of John Roote, sixty pounds, a standing cup of silver gilt, a towel of damask work, and eighteen napkins. His lands and tenements in Outer Lane in the parish of S. John Zachary, and in the parish of S. Andrew Undershaft, the parish of Stebunhith, co. Middlesex, and elsewhere, he leaves to Blanche his daughter for life; remainders over. Also to Agnes Roote his aforesaid daughter an annuity of twenty pounds, charged on all his lands and tenements. Dated 28 October, A.D. 1574.
Roll 262 (1).

Nicholas (Sir Ambrose), Knt., Alderman of London.—To the Keepers or Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or Mistery of Salters in London and their successors he leaves twelve small tenements in Mugwell Street in the parish of S. Olave within Cripplegate, to serve as dwellings for twelve poor men or women being free of the City, preference being shown to Salters. (fn. 17) Also to the said keepers or wardens, &c., aforesaid other lands and tenements in the parishes of S. Alphege and S. Olave, to the intent that out of the issues and profits they pay to each of the said almsfolk sevenpence a week at their Common Hall, situate in the parish of All Hallows in Breadstrete, and provide for them three hundred "westerne Fagates," of good and lawful assize and mark, every year at Christmas. The residue to be devoted to the poor of the company. In default remainder over to the Mayor and Commonalty and citizens of London for like purposes. Dated 28 April, A.D. 1578.
Roll 262 (2).

ANNO 20 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before Feast of S. Dunstan, Archbishop [19 May].

Bowes (fn. 18) (Sir Marttn), Knt., Alderman.—To be buried in the "highe quier" of the church of S. Mary Wolnoth, where lie the bodies of Cecilley and Anne his late wives. To Elizabeth his wife one third of his goods and chattels, and to William and Cherity his children another third of the same. Appoints guardians over his said children, he having already compounded with the Mayor and Aldermen for the use and bestowal of the said two orphans, (fn. 19) for which he presented them with a goodly cross of gold set with "perell" and stone to hang at the collar of gold which the Mayor wears at high feasts, as appears in the Repertory. (fn. 20) To Martin his son he leaves his leasehold mansion house wherein he dwells, together with its reversion, to hold the same in tail male, with remainder to Thomas his son; also his lease of "Morefeild" and of the bridge entering into his gardens, and his household stuff at Wolwiche, Northcrey, and Mylende. To the Wardens and Commonalty of the Art and Mistery of Goldsmiths within the City the sum of thirteen pounds six shillings and eightpence, to pay for an honest dinner for them at Goldsmiths' Hall on the day of his burial. Bequests to twenty parish clerks attending his funeral in their surplices; also for a dinner in his house to the Mayor and Aldermen and the parishioners of S. Mary Wolnoth; for the relief of poor prisoners, the poor of Woolwiche and Plumsted, for maidens' marriages, for the repair of highways between Whitchapell and Yelford, &c. Among other bequests he leaves to Sir Percyvall Harte, Knt., his daughter Cisceley, wife of Henry Harte, and others, a ring of gold "with two Bowes bente and a deathes hed graven betwene them upon it," according to a sample left with his executors, with this Scripture about it, "Remember thy ende," of the value of three pounds. Also to William his youngest son his double cup all gilt, being of a mulberry fashion, called a "brid cupe"; to Cherity his daughter and to Thomas his son gilt cups made like acorns. The sum of forty pounds to be distributed among poor householders in the Ward of Langborne upon the day that he shall be in peril of death, whilst yet alive and before the bell toll for him, the said sum lying ready for the purpose in "newe mylle mony" in a bag in his iron chest. Twenty-four poor men to have a gown apiece of such "culer" as of late has been used and accustomed to be given at burials, that is to say, "Eattes Culer" or "Shepes Culer," or such like. Fifty-two sermons to be preached in the church of S. Mary Wolnoth by the "precher parsone" of S. Michael's in Cornhill, the parson of S. Peter's in Cornhill, and the parson of S. Peter's the Poor, in turns; the sermon to commence immediately after one of the clock in the afternoon, and to continue by the space of an hour or thereabouts. The preacher to exhort his hearers to repentance and a new life, and to receive six shillings and eightpence for each sermon. Dated 10 August, A.D. 1565.


Certificate of probate in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, dated 21 January, A.D. 1566.

Roll 262 (19).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Petronilla, Virgin [31 May].

Johnes (Edward), cutler.—To Margaret his mother the sum of five pounds if alive; if dead the said sum to go to the children of his sister Margaret, and other sums of money he leaves to Elizabeth Basse his mother-in-law and Richard Coulson his brother-in-law. To Elizabeth his wife a tenement called "Doddes" in Chegwell, co. Essex, and two messuages in Alder-manbury in fee. Dated 17 October, A.D. 1576.
Roll 262 (21).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Barnabas, Apostle [11 June].

Domela alias Doumbelowe(Thomas), skinner.—To Rachel Bates and "John" Bates, the "base daughters" of William Bates, "coper," the sum of five pounds apiece. To John Coller, draper, Richard Beanam, and others, he leaves various articles of apparel, comprising gowns furred with budge afore and a cassock of "Tawney Mocaddowe." (fn. 21) To William Tedcastell, cutler, and to Agnes, wife of the same, and to John Dixston he leaves his three messuages in Marke Lane in the parish of All Hallows Steyninge, formerly belonging to the dissolved Monastery of Graces near the Tower. Dated 31 July, A.D. 1564.
Roll 262 (24).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Luke, Evangelist [18 Oct.].

Rychemonde (John), gentleman, citizen and "armorer" of London.—To the Master, Wardens, Brethren and Sisters of the Fraternity or Guild of S. George of the men of the Mistery of Armorers of the City of London certain lands, tenements, &c., called "Christofer Alley" in Secolelane, otherwise called" Secowlane," in the parish of "St Edmond Sepulcher" without Newgate, charged with the payment of an annuity to Isabel his wife, and also with the yearly payment of three pounds to the poor and needy brethren and "system" being free of the craft. The said master, wardens, &c., are further charged with providing at a cost of thirty shillings one good and honest breakfast at their Common Hall upon the Feast of S. Greorge [23 April] for the freemen of the clothing or livery, and with housing ten poor folks, men or women, free of the craft in ten of the small tenements here devised, (fn. 22) or, in the alternative, paying to each one of them yearly eight shillings. Releases the aforesaid master, wardens, &c, from a debt of sixty pounds which they owe him. Dated 14 July, A.D. 1559.
Roll 262 (61).

Footnotes

  • 1. 1 Witton-cum-Twambrooks, a parochial chapelry near Northwich.
  • 2. 2 Probably a bridge spanning the river Weaver.
  • 3. 3 Sileby.
  • 4. 1 Cleator.
  • 5. 1 It appears from Mr. Hare's Report on the Company's charities made in 1861 that the property here devised was situate in S. Mildred's Court, Poultry, and had then recently been sold to the Goldsmiths' Company, who were the reversioners of a long lease of 999 years. The Company continue to pay yearly the sum of 2l. 12s., viz., 1l. 12s. to the churchwardens of S. Mildred and 1l. to Christ's Hospital (Appendix to Report Livery Companies Com., 1884, vol. iv. p. 386).
  • 6. 1 No mention of this charity appears to have been made either by Mr. Hare or by the Company itself in its Return to the Livery Companies Commission, 1880.
  • 7. 2 Of Portsoken and Bishopsgate Wards. Besides benefactions under this will, he walled in a burial-ground for Bethlem Hospital (Stow).
  • 8. 1The Company, says Mr. Hare in his Report in 1862, hold property in Thames Street under the testator's will, and apply 40l. a year, in pensions of 4l. each, to two members of each of the companies named. On the occasion of any vacancy two candidates are chosen by the particular company, who attend before the Charity Committee with the beadle of the Company, and the Committee select one as the new pensioner (Appendix to Report Livery Companies Com., 1884, vol. iv. p. 384).
  • 9. 2 Primer seisin was a feudal burden only incident to the king's tenants in capite, and not to those who held of inferior or mesne lords. It was a right which the king had, when any such tenants died, to receive of the heir, pro. vided he were of full age, one whole year's profits of the tenant's estate if in immediate possession, and half a year's profits if in reversion. In cases where the heir was under age, the superior lord exercised wardship over him until he arrived at the age of twenty-one if a male, and sixteen if a female. Upon arriving at these ages, the male or female heir might sue oat his or her livery or ousterlemain, that is to say, the delivery of their lands out of their guardian's hands. The incidents of tenure in capite and by knights' service were abolished by stat. 12 Car. II. c. 24.
  • 10. 3 This charity as well as that under the will of Thomas Walker (see next will) were made the subject of an information ex offieio, filed by the Attorney-General in 1840; and in 1854 a scheme was prepared for the administration of both charities and approved, the costs of obtaining which practically extinguished the charities for a period of about fifteen years. (See Mr. Hare's Report on the charities of the parish of S. Michael le Quern, 1854, in Appendix to Report City Paroch. Charities Com., 1880, vol. iii. pp. 286-8.)
  • 11. 1 See note Part I. p. 509.
  • 12. 2 The Company purchase annually 72 ells of Irish linen, 120 yards of cloth or brown stuff, and 24 pairs of hose. The gifts are divided between twelve men and twelve women, being either freemen of the Company or freemen's widows, each receiving 3 ells of linen and 5 yards of cloth, and each also having 5s. in money.
  • 13. 3 There being some doubt as to the construction of the residuary clause of the will, the question was formally raised by the Company taking proceedings against the Attorney-General in 1870 (Merchant Taylors' Company v. Attorney-General, Law Rep., 11 Eq. 35 and 6 Ch. Ap. 512). It was held by the Master of the Rolls, whose decision was confirmed on appeal, that the Company were not entitled to the surplus for their own benefit, but were bound to apply it to charitable purposes. It is now devoted to the support of the Company's Convalescent Home at Bognor, under an order of the Board of Charity Commissioners, dated 26 March, 1872.
  • 14. 4 The sum of 1l. 1s. is still paid to the Town Clerk when demanded, and in one case, when not demanded, was carried to the poor account.
  • 15. 1 It appears from Mr. Hare's Report on the charities of the parish of S. James Garlickhithe in 1860 that the churchwardens of that parish were in the habit of taking the issues and. profits of the messuage here devised, subject to a rent-charge of 40s. a year, which they paid, "according to the trust," to the churchwardens of All Hallows Staining for the poor of that parish. No such rent-charge is mentioned in the testator's will as enrolled (Appendix to Report City Paroch. Char. Com., 1880, vol. iii. pp. 18, 197).
  • 16. 1 The membranes in this Roll are in reverse chronological order.
  • 17. 1 The property here devised formed nearly a square plot, bounded on the north by Hart Street, on the-west by Monkwell Street, and on the south by Fell Street, the eastern boundary being at the back of premises north of Wood Street. The Company's almshouses in Monkwell Street were occupied up to the year 1802 or 1863, when the almsfolk, eighteen in number, were removed to Watford, where houses had been erected for their reception under the sanction of the Charity Commissioners, at a total cost, including the site, of upwards of 11,000l. Mr. Hare reported in 1863 that "the expenditure has immemorially exceeded the income of the endowment" (Appendix to Report Livery Companies Com., 1884, vol. iv. p 504), and the Company in their own Return to the Commissioners of 1880 state that up to 1866 they had expended a sum of 8,837l. beyond income (id. vol. ii. p. 526).
  • 18. 2 Citizen and goldsmith. Alderman of Aldgate, Farringdon Within, and Langbourn Wards in succession; Sheriff, 1540; Mayor, 1545-6. A generous benefactor to the Goldsmiths' Company, in whose court - room hangs his picture. He is believed to have died 4 August, 1566.
  • 19. 3 As to guardianship of orphans within the City, see Introd., Part I. pp. xlvi, xlvii.
  • 20. 4 Probably refers to the collar of SS given to the City for the use of the Mayor by Sir John Alleyn twenty years before, which gift is recorded as follows:
  • 21. 1 Or mock velvet, a woollen stuff made in imitation of velvet (Halliwell).
  • 22. With reference to this charity, Mr. Hare reported in 1860 that the Company furnished almshouses for the reception of these ten poor folks adjoining other almshouses belonging to the Company in Britannia Place, Bishopsgate Street; and that the specific payments made by the Company on account of the charity were only 4l. 5s.. per annum, viz., to four poor people 5s. each a quarter, and a quitrent of 5s. per annum to S. Sepulchre's parish; but the ten almsfoik received (from the general funds of the Company) two guineas a quarter, 5s. each after three livery dinners, and 13s. 6d. for coals. The 30s. for the breakfast and the reserve of 5s. had not been set apart for many years (Appendix to Report Liv. Comp. Com., 1884, vol. v. p. 9).