Wills: 26 Edward III (1352-3)

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.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

Citation:

'Wills: 26 Edward III (1352-3)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 1, 1258-1358, ed. R R Sharpe( London, 1889), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol1/pp656-667 [accessed 11 December 2024].

'Wills: 26 Edward III (1352-3)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 1, 1258-1358. Edited by R R Sharpe( London, 1889), British History Online, accessed December 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol1/pp656-667.

"Wills: 26 Edward III (1352-3)". Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 1, 1258-1358. Ed. R R Sharpe(London, 1889), , British History Online. Web. 11 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol1/pp656-667.

ANNO 26 EDWARD III.

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

Holegh (John de), hosier.—To be buried in the chancel of S. Nicholas the Bishop in the church of S. Mary le Bow in the tomb of Alice his late wife, over which tomb he wishes a marble stone to be placed, with two images of latone, (fn. 1) having letters written around asking for prayers for the benefit of their souls. Bequests to the new work of the belfry (cloace) of S. Mary le Bow and for the purchase of a bell for the same. A tenement in the parish of S. Pancras to be devoted to the maintenance of chantries in the same church for the good of his soul and the souls of Alice his late wife, John de Holegh, Gilbert father of the said John, John de Godeston, and others, for the service of which he also leaves money for the purchase of a missal, a silver cup weighing forty shillings (fn. 2) to be fashioned into a chalice, and divers sums of money for the purchase of vestments, towels, and other ornaments. Provision made for other chantries in the said church, and also in the church of S. Matthew de Fridaystrete, the churches of South Wokyngdon and Kyngeston-on-Thames, for the souls of Henry his father, Isabella his mother, John de Holegh his uncle, and others. A marble stone to be set up over the tomb of his father in the last-named church. Sir Thomas de Lisle, Bishop of Ely, to be forgiven a debt of fifty pounds, so that the said bishop have his soul in remembrance. Bequests to the eldest daughter and to the son of Edward de Holegh of certain sums of money, which are to be placed with some trusty merchant of the City of London, who will answer for the profit arising therefrom, according to the manner and custom of orphans in London; also to Matilda de Holegh and to Richard her son. To any one going a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and to the tomb of S. Katherine on Mount Synay, (fn. 3) he leaves twenty pounds, and to any one making a pilgrimage to S. James (fn. 4) in Galis (Galicia) seven pounds; and if his executors be unable to find any one to undertake such pilgrimages, then one half of the said legacies to be distributed among the poor, and the other to be devoted to the repair of roads within twenty miles of London. This his testament is to remain in the custody of four honest parishioners of S. Mary le Bow, and a copy of it is to be written in a missal which is to be used at the high altar in the said church, and for the purchase of which he leaves one hundred shillings. For painting an image of the Blessed Mary in the choir and for the purchase of a crown to be placed on her head he leaves sixty shillings. He wills also that all the articles of his testament affecting the church of S. Mary le Bow be written on a sheet of parchment and placed upon a tablet fixed at the foot of the image of the Blessed Mary aforesaid in the choir; and that a copy of his testament be entered in the Registry of the Dean of Arches. Bequests of various sums of money to the following (among others):—John de Beauchamp his apprentice, William de Copham, John de Woderoue, John de Bergh, Thomas le Taillour. To Thomas de Burton, mercer, he leaves twelve dishes and twelve salseres (fn. 5) weighing seventeen pounds, and a faldyng album. Of the residue of his vessels of silver he wills that three chalices be made and gilded, each weighing thirty shillings, one of which he leaves to the church of S. Mary le Bow, another to the church of S. Mary Magdalen de Milkstrete, and the third to the church of South Wokyngdon. To Isabella his wife a sum of money and four beds as complete as those which Thomas de Burton, her uncle, gave to her on her marriage, together with towels, &c., and four silver cups with covercles de Turro, vocato (sic) "Bikers" (fn. 6) a diamond ring, and others. To John de Beauchamp aforesaid his entire bed and his coat furred with Bevre; and to Thomas Taillour twelve silver spoons with akernes, (fn. 7) a cup of black mazer, and his girdle of Scaloppes. To John de Woderoue his term in his dwelling-house in Cordwanerstrete, parish of S. Mary le Bow. Pecuniary legacies to Nicholas de Mollond de Wokyngdon and John and Nicholas, sons of the same, on condition that they endeavour to recover the manor of Holegh; to every friar of London who is a chaplain, to wit, of the orders of Preaching, Carmelite, Minors, and Augustine Friars; to every poor prisoner in Neugate; to every leper around London; to every anchorite of London; to every one going with naked feet to offer a penny at the shrine of the Blessed Mary of Walsyngham, (fn. 8) and many others; to the old and new work of S. Paul's Church; to the work of the church of S. Thomas de Acon; to the work of London Bridge, &c. Dated London, 12 March, A.D. 1348.
Roll 80 (1).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Valentine [14 Feb.].

Doget (Thomas), vintner.—To be buried in S. Mary's Chapel in the church of S. Leonard de Estchepe. Bequests to the high altar, the fabric, and ministers of the said church. Provision made for funeral expenses, observance of his obit, and celebration of masses for the good of his soul and the soul of Leticia his late wife. To Thomas, son of Walter Doget his son, he leaves two best chalons, two pairs of best sheets, and two pieces of his best silver. To the said Walter his son in tail a tenement and shop in the parish of S. Leonard aforesaid, and other shops in the parish of S. Margaret de Breggestret; remainder in trust for sale for pious uses for the good of his soul and the souls of the aforesaid Leticia, the souls of the said Walter and of Alice wife of the same, John de Croydon, Cristina wife of the same, and John their son, and others. Also to the said Walter his estate in certain lands and tenements in the vill of Cantebrigge, to hold the same until the said Walter shall have raised sixty pounds, the amount of a recognisance in which Thomas de Cotenham was bound to the testator. Dated London, Saturday, 3 September, A.D. 1351.
Roll 80 (30).

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

Atte Welle (Richard), hurer. (fn. 9) —To be buried in the churchyard of S. Olave near the Tower. To Johanna de Leyton his mother the sum of twelve shillings in which Richard, son of William Heyward, is bound to him. To William de Leyton his uncle his messuage in the parish of S. Olave situate in Herthstrete. (fn. 10) To Walter and John his brothers, and Dymand and Margery his sisters, a rent-charge on the aforesaid messuage. Bequests to the aforesaid church of S. Olave and to the rector thereof. Dated London, Sunday, 8 March, A.D. 1348.
Roll 80 (91).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Margaret, Virgin [20 July].

Merwe (John de), skinner.—To be buried in the church of S. Mary atte Naxe. Bequests to the said church and to the high altar and ministers of the church of S. Stephen upon Walbrok. Provision made for a chantry in the first-mentioned church for the good of his soul and the soul of Beatrix his wife. To Isabella his daughter in tail his tenement, with all vessels and utensils appertaining thereto, in the parish of S. Swithun de Candelwykstrete; remainder to Walter and Nicholas his sons in successive tail; remainder to pious uses. Also to his said sons bequests of sums of money and of household goods, the same to be in the custody of Agnes his wife so long as she remain a chaste and honest widow. The residue of all his goods to his said wife. Dated London, 9 August, A.D. 1352.
Roll 80 (115).

Gentil (William).—To be buried in the churchyard of the Augustinian Friars. To Cecilia his wife all the utensils of his house and certain tenements, to hold the same until Juliana his daughter arrive at a marriageable age, when his said wife is to enjoy but one third of the same; remainder in trust for sale for pious uses for the good of his soul and the souls of Roger le Porser, John Gentil, and others. To Thomas le Dyer twenty shillingsworth of silver and clothes. Dated London, Thursday next before the Feast of Purification of V. Mary [2 Feb.], A.D. 1348.
Roll 80 (116).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Mary Magdalen [22 July].

Hothom (fn. 11) (Alan), Canon of S. Paul's Church.—To be buried in the new crypt of S. Paul's before or near to the altar of S. Sebastian. To his church of S. Nicholas de Estderham (fn. 12) he leaves his best vestment with entire apparel to match (de eadem secta), and his fair missal; and to the chaplains in the same and the poor of the parish certain sums of money. His third-best vestment he leaves to the church of his prebend of Dondene (fn. 13) in the Cathedral of Welles and Bath, and a sum of money to the poor of the parish. To the monastery of Wilbek in the bishopric of York a large silver cross, together with divers gilt images and a silver osculatory; (fn. 14) and to the churches of Somersham, Willyngham, and Schyre in co. Surrey divers sums of money and vestments. Bequest of twenty pounds sterling in aid of the building of a new common hall for the priests of S. Paul's Church, and a mazer cup for use of the chaplains of S. Paul's in common hall, as well as to the Commissary of the Dean and Chapter and the Penitentiary of the same church. Various bequests to religious orders, hospitals, &c., as well as to the following (among others):—the daughters of Benedict de Fulsham and Sir John Bygod, Knt., for their marriage; Roger Newbold de Coppegrave; Matilda, niece of the same, and Thomas her brother; Peter Newebold, father of the same. To William his brother his second — best horse. Bequests to chantries for the souls of Thomas Penk, John Mody, William de Burii, Robert and Agnes the testator's father and mother, Dyonisia his aunt, John and Thomas his brothers; also to divers persons for undertaking to act as executors of his testament, one legacy being that of a Gripesey (fn. 15) ornamented with silver and gold, together with a cup to match.—Also touching his lay fee in the City of London he makes his testament ad perpetuam rei memoriam for the good of his soul in manner following:—All his lands, tenements, and rents in the parishes of SS. Vedast and Amandus and S. Benedict Shorhog he leaves to the Dean and Chapter of S. Paul's and their successors for the maintenance of chantries at the aforesaid altar of S. Sebastian in the new crypt of S. Paul's. Dated London» 25 September, A.D. 1351.
Roll 80 (127).

Carleton (Alice, late wife of John de).—To be buried near her husband in the churchyard of S. Giles without Crepelgate, to which church and clerks thereof she leaves certain sums of money. All her tenements in le Redecrouchestrete to be in the custody of her executors during the minority of Thomas and Nicholas her sons. Dated 3 April, A.D. 1348.
Roll 80 (129).

Monday next after the Feast of S. James, Apostle [25 July].

Denmars or Deumars (fn. 16) (Bartholomew), corder.—To be buried in the chancel of the church of S. Laurence, opposite the tomb of Beatrix his late wife. Pecuniary bequests to the said church; to each order of friars in the City of London; to the work of the church of Southbeamflet, (fn. 17) where the testator was baptized; to John Handelaw his nephew; and to the work of the church of All Hallows the Less, of which he is a parishioner. His tenement and wharf to be sold for pious uses. To Laurence his son twenty pounds of silver. To Cecilia his wife one hundred marks of silver by way of dower and not otherwise, and one best bed with appurtenances. All his vessels of silver and brass, together with mazer cups (cum maseriis), to be sold, except a silver cup called "Biker," and a silver dish for spices, otherwise called "Spicedissh," which he leaves to the Abbot of Begham (fn. 18) for the time being, for prayers for the souls of the testator and Beatrix his former wife; the said cup and dish to be delivered to the abbot after payment of his debt to the testator and not before. Also to the aforesaid Laurence his son he leaves ten pounds of silver if his executors think that the said Laurence is willing to make a good use of the same, otherwise the money is to be devoted to pious uses. Other bequests to the new work and old work of the church of S. Paul, the work of London Bridge, the work of the church of S. Thomas de Acres, to John Irland and Pionisia wife of the same, John Polayn and Agnes wife of the same, and others. Dated London, Monday next after the Feast of Ascension [17 March], A.D. 1352.
Roll 80 (135).

Joye (Katherine, late wife of Walter).—To be buried in the church of S. Margaret Patyns, to the fabric and high altar of which church and ministers thereof she leaves certain sums of money. To Agnes her daughter, wife of Hugh Joye, Beatrice her daughter, and to John, Walter, Alan, Thomas, Johanna, and Katherine, children of the said Hugh, specific bequests of money and household chattels. Also to her aforesaid daughters Agnes and Beatrice she leaves her tenement in the street or lane of S. Margaret Patyn for their lives; remainders over. Dated London, Tuesday next after the Feast of Conception of V. Mary [8 Dec.], A.D. 1348.
Roll 80 (139).

Monday next after Feast of Translation of S. Edward [13 Oct.].

Beste (John le), homer.—To be buried in the church of S. Brigid in the suburb of London. Bequests to the said church; to the Preaching Friars, the Friars Minors, and the Carmelites for celebrating for the good of his soul; to Adam his brother and Malyna, wife of the same; to Cristiana le Hornere, senior, and others. Also to the said Adam his brother he leaves his best robe; to Thomas le Cook his second robe; to Henry de Waltham a surcoat of green colour with hood; and to Elena de Bauham a table of ewe. His tenement in Hollebourne in Cowebreggestrete (fn. 19) to be sold for pious uses and for placing his name upon the register in S. Paul's Church, (fn. 20) as is the custom. Dated in Fletestrete in the suburb of London, the morrow of S. Laurence the Martyr [10 Aug.], 26 Edward III. [A.D. 1352].
Roll 80 (141)

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

Ware (Thomas de), fishmonger.—To be buried in the chapel of S. Margaret de Briggestrete, to the fabric and ministers whereof he bequeaths certain sums of money. To Edmund his son a shop in Breggestrete. To John atte Nassh de Grenewych a moiety of a ship called "la Cristmasse," as well as of her outfit and apparel, in payment of all debts due to him from the testator; and similarly to William Mannyng he leaves a batel (fn. 21) with outfit and apparel. To Margery, daughter of William Malmayn de Berkyng, one hundred shillings of merchandise on board the aforesaid ship, when she shall have arrived at a port of safety; and also a basin and ewer and two beds. To Margery, daughter of John de Ware, certain sums of money, which are to be kept by Henry de Ware, the testator's brother, until she come of age. The residue of his goods to be sold for pious uses for the good of his soul and the soul of Margery his late wife. Bequest of sixty shillings to any one making a pilgrimage in his name to S. James, (fn. 22) which sum of money is to be raised on the merchandise in the aforesaid ship if she shall come safely to port, otherwise the said bequest to be null and void. Dated London, Tuesday next after the Feast of S. Bartholomew, Apostle [24 Aug.], 26 Edward III. [A.D. 1352].
Roll 80 (157)

Monday next after the Feast of All Saints [1 Nov.].

Atte Bataylle (John), weaver.—To be buried in the gang-way (in via processionis) of the church of S. Giles without Crepulgate. Bequests to the work of the said church, the high altar, the rood of the Blessed Mary in the body of the church, and ministers of the same. To Johanna his wife the remaining term of all his apprentices, and all his implements of trade; also his dwelling-house for life; remainder to the infant with which she is enceinteif so be God shall give it life and health, otherwise the same to go to John his son; also shops at le Barbecan for life, with similar remainders. Certain tenements to be sold for pious uses for the good of his soul and the souls of his father and mother, Agnea, Sarah, John, and Johanna [his children?], and all the faithful departed. He wills that his body be wrapped in a hair shirt (in cilicio), and that the usual funeral expenses be given to the poor. Dated London, Saturday next after the Feast of S. Bartholomew [24 Aug.], A.D. 1352.
Roll 80 (169).

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

Hunte (Richard le), "chaundeller."—To be buried in the church of S. Peter the Less, to which church and ministers thereof he leaves certain sums of money. To Johanna his wife, Johanna and Alice his daughters, and Richard his son bequests of money and household chattels, as also to John, son of Geoffrey de Helpeston, and Alice, sister of the said John. To John his son, called "Hunte," he leaves ten shillings, a second-best brass pot, and a second-best brass pan. Dated Saturday the vigil of H. Trinity [3 June], A.D. 1352.
Roll 80 (171).

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

Cros (Johanna, late wife of Henry).—To be buried in the churchyard of S. Dunstan towards the Tower near the tomb of her late husband. Bequests to the said church and ministers thereof of a chalice and vestments, with a large Flemish chest for keeping books, vestments, and other ecclesiastical ornaments, and also a chest with a certain bell (campana pendili) therein. Provision made for a number of squared (quadratos (fn. 23) ) wax tapers and others to burn around her corpse when lying on its bier on the day of her burial and of her anniversary, and before the images of S. Mary de Berkyngechapel and S. Katherine in the said church of S. Dunstan; also for the maintenance of chantries for the good of her soul and the souls of Robert and Henry her late husbands. Eleven thousand Paternosters and as many Avees to be said in honour of the eleven thousand virgins. (fn. 24) To Leticia her sister twenty shillings sterling and a red gown. To Geoffrey Patrik, clerk of la Riole, London, half a mark. Bequests also to hospitals, and to the work of the new sepulchre (nove sepulture) of the Blessed Virgin without Aldrechegate and to the like work of the H. Trinity towards the Tower; to Richard James, called "Greylond," fishmonger, and Elizabeth his wife; John de Bovyndon, apothecary, and Margery his wife. Also to the said John she leaves her tenement and wharf in the parish of S. Dunstan aforesaid, for which he is to pay the sum of fifty-five pounds sterling, to be expended in pious and charitable works. Dated London, Wednesday the Feast of S. Thomas, Apostle [21 Dec.], A.D. 1351.
Roll 80 (173).

Turk (fn. 25) (Walter).—His tenements and rents in the lane called "Dibleslane" and in the parish of S. Michael at Queneheth to be sold for pious uses. Provision to be made for the maintenance of chantries in the churches of S. Nicholas called "la Coldabbaye" near Oldefisshstrete and S. Martin le Grand out of the rents of tenements in the parishes of S. Nicholas Olof, S. Mildred de Bredstrete, and S. Mary Mountenhaut, which Nicholas Turk, his father, gave to him and to Cristina his wife. Dated London, 7 October, 26 Edward III. [A.D. 1352].
Roll 80 (177).

Monday next after the Feast of Conception of V. Mary [8 Dec.].

Rokyngham (Geoffrey de).—To be buried in the common churchyard of S. Paul's near the tomb of his wife. Bequests to the high altar and clerks of the church of S. Peter de Wodestrete. To Henry de Corby, his servant, he leaves the residue of his term in his dwelling-house and shop in Chepe; and to William atte Welle all his chests and utensils lying in the said shop. Dated London, 31 December, A.D. 1351.
Roll 80 (182).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Hilary [13 Jan.].

Swyneforde (Richard), woolmonger.—To be buried at the entrance to the church of S. Olave near the Tower. Divers sums of money left for the maintenance of torches and wax tapers for use at his funeral, and for other purposes, as well in the said church of S. Olave as in the churches of All Hallows de Berkyng and All Hallows de Stanyngcherche. Bequests to the four orders of friars within the City, to each of his four brothers and four sisters (not specified by name), to Henry Colle, William Whetelee, Sir Robert de Bampton, and others for their prayers and for assisting at his funeral. Provision to be made for chantries in the aforesaid church of S. Olave and the church of S. Mary de Kyngesswynforde. (fn. 26) To Margery his daughter a tenement in Chikenlane, parish of All Hallows de Berkyngcherche, and divers household chattels; but in the event of her marriage the whole of what is so left to her is to be devoted to the benefit of the testator's soul. Also to the said Margery tenements in Berwardeslane in the parish of All Hallows aforesaid, and in Est Smythefeld in the parish of S. Botolph without Algate. To Mariota his daughter tenements in Martelane, parish of S. Olave, and in Berwardeslane aforesaid, together with similar household chattels. Dated London, Saturday, VI. Kal. April [27 March], A.D. 1349.
Roll 80 (191)

Footnotes

  • 1. Latten, a hard, yellow, mixed metal, closely resembling brass.
  • 2. The shilling representing three fifths of an ounce (Riley's 'Memorials,' p. 360, note).
  • 3. It was a popular myth that her decapitated body was carried off by angels to Mount Sinai. Her head is shown at Rome, and her body in the monastery of Mount Sinai.
  • 4. Santiago of Compostella in Galicia, Spain, a favourite resort of pilgrims, who were especially allowed more than the usual time in an essoinat law owing to their being beyond the seas. Thus of one who has been disseised Bracton says, "if he be beyond the realm on a simple pilgrimage, as to St. James (of Compostella)......he shall have a delay of 40 days and two floods and one ebb, because he is beyond the sea" (Bracton, 'De Legibus Angliæ,' Rolls Series, vol. iii, p. 29).
  • 5. Salt-cellars.
  • 6. In 1339 a man was hanged for stealing a cup called "Tour de Verre," which Riley explains as a tall glass set in gold or silver ('Memorials,' p. 206). Possibly the silver cups here spoken of as beakershad chased covercles of Tours workmanship.
  • 7. Acorns.
  • 8. Co. Norfolk.
  • 9. See note supra, p. 97.
  • 10. Hart Street, near the Tower.
  • 11. See Hist. MSS. Com. Ninth Report, p. 45 b, and Newcourt's 'Repert.,' p. 209.
  • 12. East Dereham, co. Norfolk.
  • 13. Compton Dunden, co. Somerset.
  • 14. Or paxborde, a tablet of wood or metal, ornamented with some sacred device, and kissed by the faithful in the service of the mass.
  • 15. A cup supposed to be made out of a gripe's or vulture's egg, being probably made from the egg of an ostrich. In the will of Sir Ralph Rochefort, dated 1439 (printed in the 'Earliest English Wills' by Dr. Furnivall for the Early English Text Society), there is the following bequest: "Item lego domino Radulpho Cromwell domino de Tateshale, Thesaurario Anglie, meum ciphum vocatum 'grypysey'"; and in the will of Nicholas Sturgeon, dated 1454, of the same series: "Item y bequethe to my suster Bartrice my syluer pottes, And the beter cuppe of the grypes eye." It also appears as a vessel used in alchemy (Halliwell's 'Arch. Dict.,' s.v."Gripe's-egg").
  • 16. M.P. for City 1338; Sheriff 1340-1.
  • 17. South Benfleet, co. Essex.
  • 18. Or Beigham, in the parish of Trant, co. Sussex.
  • 19. So called from a bridge which spanned the River of Wells, as the stream was called which ran under Fleet Bridge, and, after receiving on its way the waters of the Old-bourn, became known as Fleet Ditch.
  • 20. It was customary in churches and religious houses to keep a register of the dead whose obit or anniversary was to be observed. This register or mortuary roll went by various names, being sometimes called "the Album" and sometimes "the Annal," but more often "the Book of Life" (Rock's 'Church of our Fathers,' bk. ii. pp. 339-342).
  • 21. See note supra, p. 474.
  • 22. See note supra, p. 657.
  • 23. Round ciergesand squared ciergesfor funerals are mentioned, with other kinds of tapers, in articles submitted by men of the trade of wax-chandlers for the approval of the Mayor and Aldermen in 1371. The squared tapers were also known as quariersor quarions.
  • 24. Martyred, according to the legend, with S. Ursula by the pagans at Cologne. Relics of them are recorded as having been found in the cross of the belfry of S. Paul's in 1313-14.
  • 25. A member of the Fishmongers' Company; Sheriff 1334-5; Mayor 1350.
  • 26. Co. Worcester.