Wills: Charles I (1625-49)

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: Charles I (1625-49)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 2, 1358-1688, (London, 1890) pp. 751-766. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol2/pp751-766 [accessed 24 April 2024]

In this section

ANNO 1 CHARLES I.

Monday next after Feast of Annunciation of V. Mary [25 March].

Jackson (Joseph), clothworker.—Certain tenements near "the ould Swanne" in the parish of S. Laurence Poultney, which he had purchased as surviving executor of Sir James Lancaster, Knt., and by direction of the will of the said James, dated 18 April, 1618, he leaves to the Masters, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Mistery of the Skynners of London and their successors, to the intent and purpose that they dispose of the issues and profits of the same to the uses declared in the will of Sir James Lancaster aforesaid, viz., fifteen pounds per annum to be given to the poor of Basingestocke, so as to increase the sum of thirty pounds per annum bequeathed by the said will to forty-five pounds per annum, and also fifteen pounds per annum to be paid in addition to a former sum of forty-five pounds bequeathed for the maintenance of three poor scholars, so as to raise the number of scholars to four. (fn. 1) Dated 31 December, A.D. 1623.
Roll 302 (3).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Mildred, Virgin [20 Feb.].

Beamond (Margaret), of the parish of S. Alphege near Cripplegate, widow.—To be buried in the said parish church. Pecuniary legacies to the daughter of her late sister Isabel, her servants, and others; also to the poor children harboured in Christ's Hospital, the poor of the parish of S. Alphege, the poor prisoners in the Poultry Compter, &c. To Judith Wordsworth and to Judith Neale, daughter of the same, she leaves a tavern formerly called "the Bores head," and now "the Salutacion," near Mooregate in the parish of S. Stephen in Colemanstreete, for their lives; remainder to Humfrey Lee. Dated 19 January, A.D. 1624.
Roll 302 (12).

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

Ayseoughe (James), of the parish of S. Laurence in the Jewry.—To be buried in Nuthall Church, co. Notts, in the "Closset" belonging to the manor of Nuthall, his body being "embalmed ceared and encoffined or any other way soe as it may be carried safely in good sorte to Nuthall aforesaid wth out feare or danger of burstinge open or other disgrace in the way And in a Coache or otherwise as shalbe more fitt." His house in Milkestreete to be sold, and the proceeds added to his estate for the benefit of his wife and his legacies. Dated 16 September, A.D. 1618.
Roll 302 (24).

ANNO 2 CHARLES

Monday next after the Feast of S. Martin, Bishop [11 Nov.].

Gomersall (Thomas), of the parish of S. Sepulchre without Newgate, brewer.—Pecuniary legacies to his brother John, to the sons of his late brothers William and Richard, and others. The residue of his goods and chattels he leaves to Grace his wife, together with his freehold lands and tenements absolutely. Dated 4 September, A.D. 1625.
Roll 303 (23).

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

Mercer (John), haberdasher.—Pecuniary bequests to Izan, Grace, and Mary his daughters, to Elizabeth Sharpe his daughter and John her son, and other friends and relatives. To the poor in the alley in Lumbardstreete in the parish of All Hallows forty shillings. To Mr. "William Heynes his ring with the "Pawnsey," (fn. 2) and to his cousin Edward Siddall his "Gymball ringe" (fn. 3) of five nobles price. To Elizabeth his wife his household linen, plate, &c., and his messuage called "the Roe Bucke" in Lumbardstreete for life; remainder to his daughters. Dated 14 October, A.D. 1625.
Roll 303 (34).

[Roll 304 contains no enrolment of wills.

ANNO 4 CHARLES I.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Benedict, Abbot [21 March].

Pywell (Sarah).—A will nuncupative. Memorandum that about the 4th day of June, 1624, she being in the house of Roger Hurst in the parish of East Greenwich, co. Kent, and sick in body though of sound and perfect memory, the said Roger came to her in the kitchen where she sat, three or four days before her death, and said unto her, "Sistar Sarah I see you are very ill. I would wishe you to dispose of yor parte of the Rammes Head to whome you please. Whereuppon shee answered I knowe none fitter then you. Therefore I will that you and your wife have it dureing your lives and after yor decease yor daughter Sarah."
Roll 305 (9).

[Roll 306 contains no enrolment of mills.]

ANNO 6 CHARLES I.

Monday next before F. of Trans, S. Edward, K. and C. [13 Oct.].

Buntinge (Robert)," whitebaker."—To Phillippe his wife certain tenements in Iremongerlane in the parish of S. Martin Pomerye, charged with pecuniary legacies to Phillippe his daughter and Robert his son. His dwelling-house, whereof his said wife has a jointure for life, he leaves to John his son. Dated 18 March, A.D. 1621.
Roll 307 (24).

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

Bushell (John), cutler.—To Elizabeth his wife certain tenements and leaseholds for life; remainder to John and Joseph his sons. Also to his said sons other tenements in Harpe Alley, Curriers Alley, Vine Court, and elsewhere. Forgives his brother Richarsby all such debts as are due to him; and to Elizabeth, wife of the same, he leaves a piece of gold of the value of twenty-two shillings for to make her a ring. Dated 2 May, 6 Charles I. [A.D. 1630].
Roll 307 (29).

[Roll 308 contains no enrolment of wills.]

ANNO 8 CHARLES I.

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

Clement (Robert), butcher.—To the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art and Mistery of Butchers of the City of London and their successors the reversion of two messuages in the parish of S. Leonard on Fishestreete Hill, after his decease and the decease of Priscilla his wife, in fee. Pecuniary legacies to his sister Joane Longyer, widow, to his brothers Richard and William, and other relatives. Dated 15 May, A.D. 1632.
Roll 309 (35).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Mathias, Apostle [24 Feb.].

Locke (John), of the parish of S. Martin.—Declaration made in the month of November following the sealing, signing, and publication of his will dated 20 October, A.D. 1632, as to devise made in the said will of certain tenements to his nephews John and Thomas Locke and Francis Moore, to wit, that he devised the same to his said nephews and their heirs equally; and if his personal estate were not sufficient to pay the legacies given by his last will, then his lands should be sold for the purpose.
Roll 309 (40).

ANNO 9 CHARLES I.

Monday next before the Feast of SS. Philip and James [1 May].

Parris (Christofer), girdler, of the parish of S. Peter in Westcheape, alias Cheapeside.—To be buried in the said parish church. To William his son a moiety of his goods and chattels. Out of the other moiety he makes bequests to the parsons of the several churches of S. Michael at the Querne, S. Mary le Bowe, and S. Matthew in Friday Street, as well as to divers relatives and friends. To his godson Christofer Wren (fn. 4) a piece of gold of twenty shillings. Bequests also to S. Thomas's Hospital, poor prisoners in the Compter in Woodstreete, the poor of the parish of Bearden, (fn. 5) co. Essex, where he was born, and to the Master, Wardens, Assistants, and Company of Girdlers of the City of London for a dinner. To his son-in-law John Straunge, "merchantailer," who married Elizabeth his daughter, a messuage called "the three Nuns" in the parish of S. Peter aforesaid, charged with the payment of six hundred pounds to William Parris his son. Dated 30 January, A.D. 1632.
Roll 310 (5).

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

Bateman (Robert), esquire, Chamberlain of the City of London. —To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London and their successors a parcel of ground used for a cellar in the parish of S. Katherine Christ Church or "Chreechurch," which he lately purchased of Nicholas Gryce, "merchanttailor," and of Joane, wife of the same, by deed dated 7 June, A.D. 1633, and enrolled (fn. 6) in His Majesty's Court of "Hustinges," London; to have and to hold the same to their own proper use and behoof for ever. Dated 18 November, 9 Charles I. [A.D. 1633].
Roll 310 (31).

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

Meredeth (John), skinner.—To the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mistery of Skynners of the City of London and their successors the reversion of a messuage called "the Ramme," in or near West Smithfield in the parish of S. Sepulchre without Newgate, (fn. 7) after the decease of Elizabeth his wife, in trust to pay to three poor aged freemen of the Company of Skynners, and to two poor aged widows of freemen of the same, more especially those poor freemen who shall have been "uphoulsters," the weekly sum of fifteen shillings, to wit three shillings apiece, &c.; to the renter warden ten shillings yearly on taking his account; to the clerk of the company six shillings yearly; and to the two beadles three shillings each yearly. (fn. 8) The residue of the issues and profits to be disposed of at the discretion of the said master, wardens, and assistants without any further limitation. A similar reversion of a close or pasture ground commonly called "Clarkes Close," in the parish of S. James at Clarkenwell, he leaves to trustees, citizens and skinners, upon trust to pay yearly to the renter warden the sum of twenty pounds, who shall thereout pay ten pounds yearly, to wit five pounds apiece, to two unbeneficed preachers until they shall be better provided for four pounds ten shillings yearly to the poor of the parish of S. Sepulchre for coals; twenty shillings to the poor of the parish of S. Bartholomew the Less near West Smithfield; eight shillings yearly for coal for the poor prisoners in the four several prisons in London, viz., to the prisoners of the "Hole" and "two penny ward" in the Poultry and Wood Street Compters respectively, and those in Ludgate and Newgate. The residue of the issues and profits of the aforesaid close to be delivered to the renter warden of the company, to be disposed of as the master, wardens, and assistants may think fit. (fn. 9) To his aforesaid wife he gives a moiety of his goods and chattels, according to the ancient and laudable custom of the City of London; out of the residue he leaves fifty pounds to Christopher alias Cadwallader Meredith his brother, if his said brother be alive at the end of six months after his decease, otherwise the money is to be bestowed upon the new building of the north "Ile" of the parish church of Myvod, (fn. 10) where he was born. Bequests also to the children of his late brother Robert and others, and the hospitals of S. Bartholomew and Bridewell. Dated 16 April, 6 Charles I. [A.D. 1630].


Memorandum that on 21 May, 1630, the testator caused the following words, viz., (and my wife) to be interlined in the eighth sheet, (freelie to be interlined in the ninth sheet, and (to buy foure chaldrons to be struck out of the tenth sheet of this his present last will and testament, and then did ratify the same as amended to be his last will and testament in the presenoe of Humfrey Dyson, notary public, and others.

Roll 310 (39).

ANNO 10 CHARLES I.

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

Ardington (William), butcher.—To the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mistery of Butchers of the City of London and their successors a certain messuage in the parish of S. Andrew Hoberd, to have and to hold the same to their own proper use and behoof for ever. Dated 4 July, A.D. 1632.
Roll 311 (26).

ANNO 11 CHARLES I.

Monday next after F. of S. John ante portam Latinam [6 May]..

Lese (Samuel), clothworker.—Bequests to poor prisoners in Newgate and Ludgate and the two compters, to S. Paul's Church for pious uses, to the chief parishioners of the church of S. Andrew in Holborn towards a friendly meeting of the said parishioners within the freedom at a supper, to Robert Nixon dwelling in Norwich, and others. To Isabel Harrison his servant he leaves his dwelling-house called "the Rainebowe" near Holborne Bridge for a term of ten years; remainder to the Worshipful the Master, Wardens, and Society of the Clothworkers of London and their successors, together with a tenement in Mutton Lane in the parish of S. James, Clarkenwell, for ever. Dated 26 April, A.D. 1634.
Roll 312 (10).

ANNO 12 CHARLES I.

Monday next before the Feast of S. Boniface, Bishop [5 June].

Bonham (William), vintner.—To Thomas and Edward his sons all his tenements, &c. (with certain exceptions), in co. Suffolk, in successive tail; remainder to his daughter. Bequests to the poor of the parishes of Ashbockinge and Swilland. (fn. 11) Also to his aforesaid sons his lands and tenements in Paternoster Row in the parish of S. Michael at Querne in London. To Anne his wife one third part of his goods and chattels; to his aforesaid sons, being yet unadvanced (all his daughters having been already preferred in marriage and fully advanced), he leaves another third; and the residue he leaves to numerous friends and relatives and to Christ's Hospital. Also to Edward his son his leaseholds in or near Hart Street in the parish of S. Olave, and a parcel of ground called "Blaunch Chappleton" (fn. 12) in their vicinity. To Mary Downes his daughter his leaseholds in or near the Old Change. To Hellen his daughter, wife of Henry Proby, one hundred ounces of white silver plate. Mention made of Fraunces his daughter, wife of John Sidwaie; Anne his daughter, wife of Benjamin Henshawe; and Elizabeth his daughter, wife of Thomas Dilke. Dated 31 January, A.D. 1628.
Roll 313 (5).

[Roll 314 contains no enrolment of wills.].

ANNO 14 CHARLES I.

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

Chappell (Stephen), of the parish of S. Sepulchre without Newgate, vintner.—Memorandum that, having been desired by Alice A.D. his wife to make his will, he, being sick in body and having taken the Holy Sacrament, answered that he had already made his will divers years since, which he said remained in his study. Having caused the same to be brought, the same was opened and publicly read to him; which being done, he the said Stephen did again acknowledge and publish the same to be his will. There upon being further moved by a friend and neighbour then present to say how he would dispose of certain lands and tenements which he had purchased five years after the date of his then pub lished will, (fn. 13) he answered that his children should have the same, share and share equally, which words or words to that effect were spoken and uttered by the said Stephen Chappell in the month of July, A.D. 1637.
Roll 315 (15).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Benedict, Abbot [21 March]

Chislett (William), tallowchandler.—Bequests for a funeral sermon, also to the poor of the parish of All Hallows in the Wall, the poor of the Company of Tallowchandlers, the poor of the parish of Sandhurst, co. Berks, the children of Christ's Hospital, and numerous friends and relatives. To Emmett his wife messuages in Marklane, in the parishes of All Saints Barking and S. Olave in Hartstreete, for life; remainders over. Dated 5 May, A.D. 1630.
Roll 315 (26).

[Roll 316 contains no enrolment of wills.]

ANNO 16 CHARLES I.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Mark, Evangelist [25 April]

Charley (Edward), barber-surgeon.—To Dionezia his wife all his personal estate, messuages in the parish of S. Michael Basseishawe, and a leasehold house in Petty France. (fn. 14) To George Stanton a messuage in Colbrook, (fn. 15) co. Bucks, called "the Pye," for life; remainder to Charles, the eldest son of the same. Among other bequests he leaves to his wife's son William his silver "plaister Box" and all his instruments, with books, &c., in his chest of surgery. Bequests also to the poor of Colbrook, co. Bucks, and for and towards a new bridge there which parts the two shires, (fn. 16) to the poor of Standwell (fn. 17) if he be buried there, but not otherwise, the Company of Chirurgeons for a supper, the poor of the parish of S. Michael Basseishaw, &c., Also to his aforesaid wife a messuage in Phillipp Lane, and another in "St Mary Acts" (fn. 18) in the parish of S. Andrew Undershaft. His wife to forfeit all legacies if she claims any thirds or title of dower according to the custom of the City of London. Dated 26 January, A.D. 1639.
Roll 317 (4).

ANNO 17 CHARLES I.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Leonard, Abbot [6 Nov.]

Lownes (Thomas), of Wansworth, gentleman.—To Thomazine his wife houses, &c., in Hempsteed, Radwinter, and Walden, co. Essex, also in Swann Alley near East Smithfield, in Fetterlane, Old Fishstreete, and in Mere Meade, and the rents and profits of his houses in Ratcliffe high way, together with household stuff, bed linen, &c., all of which he gives her in lieu of her thirds of lands, chattels, and goods, desiring her to let his three daughters, Elizabeth, Susan, and Anne, have all his Baid household stuff, &c., after her decease. To William his son his leasehold interests near Fleetbridge and in Holborne; and to Robert and A.D. John his sons his leaseholds in Westminster and Whitechappell, and the reversion of other property left to his aforesaid wife for life. To Anne Hunt his daughter the reversion of his houses and gardens in "Meremead." Bequests to the poor of the parishes of Wannsworth and of S. Bride. Dated 4 January, A.D. 1638.
Roll 318 (17).

ANNO 18 CHARLES

Monday next after the Feast of S. Dunstan, Abp. [19 May].

Martin (William), of Lindridge. (fn. 19) —His feoffees of all his lands and tenements to sell the same for providing portions to the value of seven or eight hundred pounds for each of his children. If Thomas his son die his daughters are then to have each of them one thousand pounds. Mention made of Richard his brother and of George Wescombe his father-in-law. Dated 1 March, A.D. 1640.
Roll 319 (6).

ANNO 19 CHARLES I.

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

Bowyer (William), tallowchandler.—To Thomasine his wife certain messuages in Fanchurchstreete, in the Poultry, and in Frydaystreete already settled upon her for life. To William Ms son the reversion of tenements in Fanchurchstreete, together with others in Marke Lane, a messuage called "the Sunne" in Frydaystreete, and another called "the Bell" in Distaffelane. To John his son the reversion of tenements in the Poultry and Frydaystreete, a leasehold tenement in S. Mary Axe, and his land called "the Crosse Keyes" in co. Essex. Bequests to the poor brethren of the Company of Tallowchandlers, the poor of Christ's Hospital, &c., and to divers friends and relatives. His executors not to sue or molest his wife for any money she may have in her hands for "vailes" or otherwise beyond the sum of eighty pounds, and she is to be allowed to remain in his dwelling-house for the space of a year and a day after his decease if she shall so please. The livery of his company to follow his corpse to church. Dated 4 November, A.D. 1643.
Roll 319 (44).

ANNO 20 CHARLES I.

[Date of Session of Court omitted.]

Lovett (Margaret), of the parish of S. Michael, Wood Street, widow.—To her daughter Clare Trumper, widow, a tenement in the parish of S. Nicholas Coleabby in Old Fish Street, charged with the payment of an annuity to her daughter Anne, wife of John Thomas, apothecary. To her sister Hellen Banes of Shrewsbury one half of her wearing apparel. Dated 21 June, A.D. 1638.
Roll 320 (12).

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

Morgan (Griffith), grocer.—To Thomas Edmondes his son the rents and profits of his several tenements in Bell Yard and in [the parishes of] S. Peter and S. Bennett by Pauleswharfe. His goods, chattels, &c., to be divided into three equal parts, whereof he leaves one part to Rachel his wife, and another to be divided between Susan and Anne his daughters; the residue to be devoted to his burial. Also to his said daughters he leaves the reversion of his dwelling-house after the decease of his wife, charged with the payment of five pounds to their sister Margaret Edmondes and ten pounds to Elizabeth and Susan, daughters of the said Margaret. Dated 6 May, A.D. 1636.
Roll 320 (13).

ANNO 21 CHARLES I.

Monday next after the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul [29 June]

Hardwen (Thomas), citizen and cook.—To Thomas Powis of Newbold Pacy, co. Warwick, gentleman, and Elizabeth, wife of the same, all his freehold lands and tenements in and about the City of London and in Whitechappell, co. Middlesex, and all his copyhold lands in the parishes of Wormley and Cheston, co. Herts, to hold the same in tail on condition they pay his debts, &c., To his grandchildren James Sill and Hardwen Ailworth fifty shillings respectively; and to Hanna his wife ten pounds and a bed and fittings. Dated 2 February, A.D. 1641.
Roll 321 (7).

ANNO 22 CHARLES I.

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

Manwaring (Richard), of the parish of "Yeatby," (fn. 20) co. Southampton, gentleman.—To Mary his wife all his goods and chattels and his lands and tenements in Fleet Lane in the parish of S. Sepulchre absolutely; also the rents of tenements in Seacoale Lane, George Alley, and Peacocke Alley in the same parish until Matthew his son shall come of full age of twenty-one years, when his said son is to enjoy one half of the said rents. A bequest of four pounds per annum to John his brother in certain events. Dated 11 April, A.D. 1643.
Roll 321 (33).

ANNO 23 CHARLES I.

Monday next after F. of S. John ante portam Latinam [6 May].

Bell (Alice, widow of Robert), of Colchester, co. Essex.—Her copyhold messuage where she lately dwelt, as also her freeholds in Wimbledon, co. Surrey, to be sold by her executors for payment of legacies as set out. To Katherine, widow of John Potter and sister to her late husband Robert Bell, the sum of three hundred pounds conditionally. Bequests also to Walter, son of Sir William Walter, of Sarsden, Knt., Mary, wife of Sir Thomas Clarke, of Putney, Knt., and many others; also to the poor of Leonard's parish in Colchester, and the poor prisoners in the King's Bench, White Lyon, and Marshallseas. To John Vickers and Katherine his wife certain tenements in Leadenhall Street in the parish of S. Peter in Cornhill, charged with the payment of certain annuities. To Olive and Katherine Vickers her goddaughters a silver basin and ewer and a silver chafing dish. Dated 8 September, A.D. 1646.
Roll 322 (12).

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

Hawes (Thomas), citizen and salter.—Certain lands, parcel of the Great Breach near Erith, co. Kent, to be reconveyed to a Mr. Cropenbergh on payment of six hundred and fifty pounds, or else sold. Out of the proceeds he leaves divers sums to Nicholas his brother and to his sister. Certain leasehold houses in London and copyhold lands in Enfeild to go as John Shipton, grocer, shall appoint. Anne his wife to enjoy a life estate in Leesney Abbey and the manors of Leesney and Fauntes, co. Kent, and to receive the sum of one thousand pounds out of the said manors, charged with two annual payments of five pounds to the parishes of S. Mildred in Bredstreet and S. Mildred in the Poultry towards providing bread and wine for the communion table; remainder to Christ's Hospital (fn. 21) for the relief of the poor there, subject to the same charges. Also to his said wife he leaves a messuage in Bredstreet in fee, and the residue of his goods after discharge of certain legacies. Dated 12 September, A.D. 1633.—Two codicils, by the first of which he wills that the sum bequeathed to his sister shall be deposited with the Company of Scriveners, his sister to enjoy the interest thereon at the rate of six per cent.; by the second he leaves thirty pounds to the poor.
Roll 322 (30).

Hawes (Anne), widow, of the parish of S. Mildred, Bread Street.—To be buried in the church of S. Bartholomew near the Exchange. (fn. 22) Among other bequests she leaves to Anne, daughter of Thomas Tewson her cousin, her red silk quilt and one of her small gold chains or necklaces; to Mary, another daughter of the said Thomas, one of her gilt silver cups; to her cousin Margaret Tewson her first wedding ring; to her sister Mary Cout (Cont ?) the elder her second wedding ring; to her cousin Jane Browne her third wedding ring; and to Sarah, daughter of the said Jane, her grandmother's wedding ring. To her cousin John Hodges her dwelling-house in the parish of S. Mildred aforesaid, charged with certain annuities. Also to her cousin Jane Browne a tenement adjoining her dwelling-house, called "the three Bowles," for life; remainder to Anne Tewson aforesaid. Dated 27 August, A.D. 1646.—A codicil of the same date, whereby, among other bequests, she leaves to Margaret Tewson a red cloth mantle and a set of gold hat buttons.
Roll 322 (31).

ANNO 24 CHARLES I.

Monday next before F. of S. John ante portam Latinam [6 May].

Fetherston (Henry), of London, esquire.—To be buried in the porch of S. Ann Blackfryers beside his late wife. His leasehold messuage called "the Three Pigeons" in Paules churchyard to be held in trust for Heneage his son and Grace his daughter and the heirs of their respective bodies. Also to his said daughter two thousand pounds in money, all his plate, jewels, and linen in Mr. Fulwell's trunk, and his "quilted taffatie coverlett." To his nephew George Thomason his quarter part of the ship called "the Phillip." Bequests to the poor of the parish of S. Ann aforesaid, the poor of Bridewell, poor men and women of the Company of Stacioners, &c., and to numerous relatives, friends, and servants. Also to his daughter Grace he leaves tenements in High Holborne in lieu of her customary portion of his personal estate. His manors of Hassingbrooke and Cabbournes in the parish of Stan ford le Hope, co. Essex, his farm called "Stewards" in Much Stanbridge, co. Essex, lands and tenements in South Shoberry, East and West Tilbury, Hornedon on the Hill, Burstead, and Canedon in co. Essex, as well as within the precinct of Blackfryers, London, in Beare Courte in the parish of S. Andrew in the Wardrobe, in Whitecrossestreete in the parish of S. Giles without Creplegate, in Sempringham Courte in S. Sepulchre's parish, and on Newfishstreete Hill, and elsewhere in the realms of England and Ireland, except those already devised to his daughter, he leaves to his executors for a term of four years in trust for the maintenance of his daughter, payment of legacies, &c.; remainder to Heneage his son, on attaining the age of twenty-one years, in tail; remainder to his daughter Grace in tail; remainders over to his brother Edward for life, and others. Dated 1 March, A.D. 1646.
Roll 323 (5).

Monday next before the Feast of Conversion of S. Paul [25 Jan.].

Boylson (Thomas), clothworker.—To the Master, Wardens, Assistants, and Commonalty of the Mistery of Clothworkers he leaves the sum of eight hundred pounds in trust for a weekly lecture at Burton on Trent, co. Staff.; the preacher to receive yearly the sum of thirty-one pounds four shillings, and the clerk sixteen shillings; (fn. 23) and in case of discontinuance, a moiety of the dividends is to go to Christ's Hospital, and the other moiety to be retained by the Clothworkers' Company, during the discontinuance, and no longer. To his nephew John Boylson his lands and tenements in Ansley in the parish of Rolleston, co. Staff.; to Henry, brother of the said John, lands and tenements known by the name of "Lawrence Hey" in the same parish; and to Eichard Boylson his dwelling-house in Fanchurchstreete in London. Bequests to his sisters Jane Cotchete and Katherine Jackson, to the sons of his late brother John, to Thomas, son of his brother Edward, and others. To the parish of S. Gabriel Fanchurch, where he then lived, the sum of fifty pounds for the increase of their stock, and a like sum to the poor of Christ's Hospital. Dated 1 July, A.D. 1648.
Roll 323 (36).

Footnotes

  • 1. 1 These trusts, as well as others under the will of Sir James Lancaster, which will be found set out in a Report made by Mr. Hare to the Charity Commissioners in 1864, appear to be regulated by a decree in Chancery dated 10 July, 1713 The decree is summarized by Mr. Hare in his Report (Appendix to Report Livery Comp. Com., 1884, vol. iv. p. 340).
  • 2. 1 The flower pansy; or perhaps the ring was a "posy" ring, i.e., engraved with a motto or poesy.
  • 3. 2 A "Gimmal" or double ring; connected with "gymmew" (Fr. gemaux, twins), a term which applied not only to a hinge composed of two parts of similar form and size joined together, but also to anything else formed of twin pieces of like dimensions united in any manner, as a hinge or otherwise. Cf. "Gimow (or gemoll), a little rynge to weare on. the finger," Higgins's edition of Huloet's Dictionary, quoted by Way ('Prompt. Paw.').
  • 4. 1 Possibly the great architect himself, who at the date of the will was about three months old.
  • 5. 2 Berden or Berdon.
  • 6. 3 Roll 310 (23).
  • 7. 4 In 1866 this property was, pursuant to the Metropolitan Meat and Poultry Market Act, sold to the City for 10,000l. The purchase money was paid into the Court of Chancery, and was afterwards invested, with the sanction of the Court, in the purchase of freehold premises— Nos. 8 and 9, Well Court, Queen Street —in the City of London. During the interval between the payment into Court of the above sum and the reinvestment thereof (in 1872) the money was invested in 3 per Cent. Annuities by the Accountant-General, and the dividends were received by the Skinners'Company(Appendix to Report Livery Comp. Com., 1884, vol. ii. p. 395, note).
  • 8. 1 Payment of 3s. weekly is still made to five poor women, whilst the sum of 1l. 2s. distributed among the renter warden, clerk, and two beadles.
  • 9. 2 From the Return made by the Company of their charitable accounts for the year 1881 it appears that the various bequests to poor widows, poor preachers, the poor of the parishes of S. Sepulchre and S. Bartholomew the Less, &c., continue to be strictly paid, the whole charge on the property devised amounting to 55l. 12s. The Company seem, however, to have dealt more liberally with the estate at the time when Mr. Hare reported to the Charity Commissioners in 1864, for the sum then expended on the specific objects mentioned in the testator's will amounted to no less a sum than 203l. 6s. The residue, moreover, of the issues and profits of the premises devised, Mr. Hare states, was dealt with by the Company as a fund for general charity at their discretion, without any legal obligation in that direction whatsoever (Appendix to Report Livery Comp. Com., 1884, vol. iv. p. 341).
  • 10. 1 Myfod, co. Montgomery.
  • 11. 1 Both these parishes are in co. Suffolk.
  • 12. 2 The name of a manor situate at the north-east corner of Mark Lane (Stow's 'Survey,' Thoms's ed., 1876, p. 57).
  • 13. 1 Prior to the Wills Act (7 Will. IV. and 1 Viet. c. 26) a testator could by will dispose only of such lands and tenements as he was possessed of at the time of making his will, so that lands purchased after the date of the will could not be affected by any of its dispositions, but descended to the heir at law. It was enacted, however, by the Act mentioned (sec. 24) that every will should be construed, with reference to the property comprised in it, to speak and take effect as if it had been executed immediately before the death of the testator, unless a contrary intention should appear by the will. So that a man may now dispose by his will, not only of all such real estate as he is, at the time of making his will, possessed of, but also of all he may subsequently acquire.
  • 14. 1 A name given to a quadrant in the parish of S. Botolph without Bishopsgate, from its being the resort of Frenchmen (Stow's ' Survey,' Thoms's ed., 1876, p. 62). Cf. Petty Wales and Little Britain.
  • 15. 2 Colnbrook.
  • 16. 3 The bridge spanning the river Coln at Colnbrook, dividing the counties of Middlesex and Bucks.
  • 17. 4 Stanwell, situate between Colnbrook and Staines.
  • 18. 5 "In St. Marie street had ye of old time a parish church of St. Marie the Virgin, St. Ursula, and the eleven thousand Virgins, which church was commonly called St. Marie at the Axe, of the sign of an axe, over against the east end thereof, or St. Marie Pellipar, of a plot of ground lying on the north side thereof, pertaining to the Skinners in London. This parish, about the year 1565, was united to the parish church of St. Andrew Undershaft, and so was St. Mary at the Axe suppressed and letten out to be a warehouse for a merchant" (Stow's 'Survey,' Thoms's ed., p. 61).
  • 19. 1 Co. Devon,
  • 20. 1 Afterwards written "Yeatlie," now known as Yateley, co. Hants.
  • 21. 1 The validity of the testator's will is said to have been long disputed, and the hospital did not obtain possession of the property to which it was entitled till 1652. The manors of Leesney and Faunts appear to have been lost by non-user since the year 1700. The charges of 5l. to each of the parishes of S. Mildred, Bread Street, and S. Mildred in the Poultry are regularly paid, the residue of the rents being carried to the general account of the hospital (Report of Commissioners forinquiring concerning Charities in England and Wales, 1837, No. 32, part vi. p. 123).
  • 22. 2 The first instance of the parish being thus described in the Husting wills.
  • 23. 1 The testator's name is given as "Boylston" in the Company's Return. The sum of 32l., says Mr. Hare, is still paid annually to the lecturer at Burton-upon-Trent (usually the vicar of the parish), upon a certificate that the lecture has been delivered (Appendix to Report Liv. Comp. Com., 1884, iv. 573).