Wills: 1-10 Elizabeth I (1558-68)

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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Citation:

'Wills: 1-10 Elizabeth I (1558-68)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 2, 1358-1688, ed. R R Sharpe( London, 1890), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol2/pp668-682 [accessed 11 December 2024].

'Wills: 1-10 Elizabeth I (1558-68)', in Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 2, 1358-1688. Edited by R R Sharpe( London, 1890), British History Online, accessed December 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol2/pp668-682.

"Wills: 1-10 Elizabeth I (1558-68)". Calendar of Wills Proved and Enrolled in the Court of Husting, London: Part 2, 1358-1688. Ed. R R Sharpe(London, 1890), , British History Online. Web. 11 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/court-husting-wills/vol2/pp668-682.

In this section

ANNO 1 ELIZABETH.

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

Ettys (Alexander), clothworker.—To Margaret Ettys his mother all his goods, movable and immovable, and his messuage in the parish of S. Matthew in Frydaystrete. Dated 13 March, A.D. 1557.
Roll 250 (9).

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

Judde (fn. 1) (Sir Andrew), Knt. and Alderman.—To be buried in the parish church of S. Helen near Busshopesgate, near Agnes his late wife. To Dame Mary Judde his wife he leaves, in satisfaction of jointure or dower, his manors of Esshetisforde, otherwise Asshford, and Esture, co. Kent, his manor of Bardon, co. Herts, and his messuages, &c., in the town, parish, and fields of Barons, co. Surrey, to hold the same for life; remainders to John and Richard his sons in tail. Also to John his son lands and tenements in the parishes of Spenshurste and Spellyurste, co. Kent, known by the name of "Coddes," certain others in Bydborough, co. Kent, his manor of Downe, co. Kent, and lands and tenements in Cowdame, co. Kent. To the Master and Wardens of the Fraternity of Corpus Christi of the Craft or Mistery of Skynners of the City of London he leaves his close of pasture called "Sandehilles," (fn. 2) situate on the backside of Holbourne in the parish of S. Pancras in co. Middlesex, being of the value of thirteen pounds six shillings and eightpence; his messuage in the "olde Swanne Alley" in Thames Street in the parish of S. Laurence Pultney, divers messuages in the parishes of All Hallows in "Graces strete," S. Mary Axe, S. Peter in Cornhill, and an annuity of ten pounds issuing from his tenement called "the Bell" in "Graces strete" aforesaid, to hold the same in trust for the maintenance of a free grammar school at "Tonbridge," (fn. 3) co. Kent, lately erected and founded by the testator, paying to the schoolmaster twenty pounds and to the usher eight pounds yearly, and charged with the payment of eightpence weekly to each of six poor almsmen living in his almshouses within the close of S. Helen's aforesaid, and with the distribution of coals yearly to the same to the value of twenty-five shillings and fourpence. The "overplus," after payment of all charges, expenses of keeping the premises in repair, &c., is to be to the use and behoof of the said company, "to order and dispose at their wills and pleasures." Dated 2 September, A.D. 1558.
Roll 250 (20).

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

Horne (Robert), "bruer."—To Beatrix his wife his lands and tenements in the parish of S. Giles without Crepulgate and within the lordship of "Walkham stowe," (fn. 4) co. Middlesex, for life; remainders, as to his freeholds in the City, to Robert his son and to his child en ventre sa mère, with further remainder to the Master and Wardens of the Mistery of Bruers, charged with the maintenance of a chantry. His copyholds in "Walkham stowe," after the decease of his wife, are to go to his child en ventre sa mère, and, under certain circumstances, to Agnes his daughter. Dated 30 August, A.D. 1517.—The above is immediately followed by a will disposing of his goods and chattels, including a velvet "dublett," which he leaves to John Sadler his brother-in-law. Dated 30 August, A.D. 1517.
Roll 250 (23).

Monday next before F. of SS. Tiburcius and Valerian [14 April].

Hastinges (Richard.), wax-chandler.—To Rubyn his "baze" son, begotten and born of the body of Margaret Clerk, late of Fevershame, certain tenements in S. Swythune's Lane in the parish of S. Swythune at London Stone in tail; remainder to his cousin John, son of Andrew Jucent of Halden, co. Kent, husbandman, one of the "proctors of tharches," in tail male; remainder to John Hornby the younger, the "baze" son of John Hornby the elder, "merchaunttaillor," in tail male; remainder to the poor in the almshouse at Croydon called "the lyttle almes howse." Also to the aforesaid John Jucent a certain tenement in the town of Fevershame, co. Kent. His wife Mary to enjoy the issues and profits of his messuages in London so long as she remain unmarried. Among other bequests are the following:—To James Ryvers, of the Custom House, London, he leaves his gown of "peuke" lined with buckram and faced with "tawnye Taffeta," also his bows and arrows with "tyllers cases," and all manner of necessaries to them. To Mark Lake, one of the Queen's "wallter-men," his gown of "browne blew" with long sleeves lined with black cotton and faced with black fur. To Mary his wife a "neste of Bowelles" with a cover, or else a "neste of Goblettes gylte" with a cover, whichever she may choose. To Richard Hudson's wife the lease of her house which he had in pawn, she to pay twenty shillings. Dated 10 January, A.D. 1558.
Roll 250 (30).

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

Nuttall (William), "marchaunte Taylor."—To be buried in his parish church of S. Sepulchre. To Matthew Parcyvall, Hugh Welshe, and others, various articles of apparel, comprising his best velvet nightcap, his nightgown and "workedaie Jackett," his velvet "doblett," single gowns, and his "foxe furred" gown. To John, son of George Depup, "inholder," he leaves all his tenements in "Holbourne crosse streete," charged with the payment of twenty pounds for the repair of the highway from "grayes ynnelane unto Battyll brydge" where necessary. Dated 30 December, A.D. 1549.
Roll 250 (44).

Monday the Feast of S. Leodegarius, Bishop [2 Oct.].

Southwood (William), goldsmith.—As feoffee in trust of certain lands and tenements formerly belonging to Sir Martin Bowes, and situate in the parish of S. Mildred in the Poultry and in S. Matthew's Alley, Westchepe, in the parish of S. Matthew in Friday Street, and in execution of the will of the said Martin, he leaves his said lands and tenements to the Wardens and Commonalty of the Art and Mistery of the Goldsmiths, to hold the same in trust for a sermon to be preached in the church of S. Mary Wolnoth on S. Martin's Day [11 November] or thereabouts, and for certain pecuniary payments and entertainments to those present on that day; for the support of an almsman at Goldsmiths' Hall, to be called "Sir Martin Bowes's almsman," for whom a blue gown is to be provided every third year, according to the custom of the said company; for the distribution of bread every Sunday at the church of S. Mary aforesaid, and the churches of Our Lady at Wolwich and S. James at Northcrey, co. Kent. The residue to be devoted to the repair of the tenements aforesaid, and for the relief and maintenance of the almsmen and the poor of the said commonalty. (fn. 5) Dated 23 October, A.D. 1557.
Roll 250 (61).

Southwood (William), goldsmith.—To the Wardens and Commonalty of the Mistery and Company of the Goldsmiths within the City of London he leaves his tenements in S. Matthew's Alley in the parish of S. Matthew in Friday Street, to the only use of the said wardens and commonalty and their successors for ever. Dated 27 January, A.D. 1555.
Roll 250 (62).

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

Robiout (fn. 6) (Laurence), girdler.—To the Company of Girdelers in London an annual rent of four pounds, issuing from lands and tenements in the borough of Southwark, so long as the said Company of Girdelers shall remain still girdelers and be not transported to any other "Company of Felowshipp"; the same to be bestowed in specified sums in relief of the poor of the company, upon the general great dinner, &c. Also to the said company he gives his piece of silver and gilt with a "B" upon it, and his black "nutt" garnished with silver gilt, upon condition that if they have occasion to dispose of the same, and there be any person of his name in the company, such a one is to have the refusal of the said piece and "nutt" before any other. To Jone his wife his dwelling-house so long as she remain unmarried or marry a "mere girdell Cutter" and exercise the occupation or "mystery" of girdle-cutting whilst living therein; remainders over to John Robiout, John Leach, and others. Bequests to Agnes Robiout and Jone Robiout his servants, charged on his tenement called "the Cocke and the Key" in the parish of S. Dunstan in the West. Among other bequests are the following:—To Geffrey his brother his "cassocke of Worsted," his new "tawny Satten doublett," and his best pair of hose; to Roger Rastell his second livery gown faced with" foynes," with the "whoode"; to Humfrey Androwes his "holyday cassocke of clothe"; to Nicholas Grene his late apprentice his "workeday cassocke" and his doublet of worsted; and to Roger Rastell one of his "Bowes." To others he leaves white and tanned hides, "anvildes" and hammers, his "graven pounces," a scouring knife, and lead pieces. The reversion of his tenement in Ludgate he leaves to Agnes Robiout. Mention made of "the Swanne" at Ludgate Hill. Dated 8 October, A.D. 1558.
Roll 250 (64).

Bowier (Robert), citizen and "Bowier."—To be buried in the parish church of S. Mary Matfellon, otherwise called "Whitchappell," without Algate in the county of Middlesex. Bequests to the furniture of the said church; to his cousin Letice, wife of John Blooke, grocer; his cousin Helyn, wife of Robert Collis, grocer; his servants and others. To William his son he leaves messuages situate within the great gate of the late house called "the Minoras" (fn. 7) without Algate. To Margery his daughter, wife of John Hardinge, salter, messuages in Estham, co. Essex, Hakeney marshe in the parish of Hakeney, co. Middlesex, and in the Highstrete in the parish of S. Mary Matfellon. Also to his said son and daughter other tenements in Grubstrete in the parish of S. Giles without Creplegate. Dated 17 October, A.D. 1557.
Roll 250 (65).

ANNO 2 ELIZABETH.

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

Clarvaux or Clervys (Ralph), grocer.—To the poor of Gracechurch parish forty shillings yearly for coals, charged on his house called "the Bell howse" in the parish of All Saints in Lumbardstrete and being in Gracestrete. After the decease of his wife a further sum of fifty shillings yearly, charged on the same tenement, is to be expended upon the maintenance of one poor man's child at S. Nicholas's Hospital (fn. 8) at Cambridge, with the view of becoming a preacher of God's word. Bequests to his sister's children and others of his relations. He also wills that Thomas Grene, a child which he had kept out of charity, be provided for until fit to be put out as an apprentice. The residue of his goods he leaves to Annes his wife. Dated 2 August, A.D. 1551.
Roll 250 (87).

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

Nicolson (Thomas), cordwainer.—To the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Craft or Mistery of Cordwayners within the City of London an annual rent of ten pounds out of his "Key," commonly called "Smartes Key," in the parish of S. Mary at Hill, towards the relief of the poor of the craft, charged with the yearly payment of five pounds to the parson and churchwardens of the church of S. Clement by Estchepe (fn. 9) to distribute among the poor of that parish and to pay certain sums thereout to the Chamberlain of the City for seeing that his will is properly carried out. To Ide his wife he gives a life interest in the above "Key"; remainder to the master, wardens, &c., aforesaid, subject to charges, for the purchase of "a more apte and better common howse or hall" than that which they then possessed. To William and Thomas Smyth, sons of Margery his daughter, and to Margery, wife of William Mayre, his daughter, he leaves annuities. To the newly erected Hospital of Christ's Church five pounds. Also to the master, wardens, &c., aforesaid he leaves the sum of forty pounds, to be lent on good security to poor young men of the mistery to occupy withal, those that have been his apprentices to have the preferment. Dated 29 July, A.D. 1559.
Roll 250 (89).

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

Legat (Isabella, widow of John, baker), formerly wife of John Newton, citizen and "Pulter."—To be buried near the said John Newton in the north chapel of the church of All Hallows in Lombard Street. Certain tenements formerly belonging to her first husband in the parish of All Hallows aforesaid to be sold, and the proceeds devoted to providing coal called "Cart coles" for the poor of the aforesaid parish, and gifts to inmates of certain hospitals and prisons, &c. To Agnes Aired her leasehold dwelling-house called "the Cardinalls Hatt" in the parish of All Hallows aforesaid. Bequests to the poor of the parish of S. Botolph without Bishopsgate out of her leaseholds in Checker Alley in the said parish; to "the Company of London" and the Company of Bakers for recreations at her burial. Her customary lands and tenements, meadows, &c., in the manors of Hakeneye and Stebunheth, co. Middlesex, to be sold, and the proceeds devoted to the repair of highways between Hakeney and London, between Busshoppeshatfeld and Barnet, and between the "Ringe Crosse" there and Islyngton, also to the relief of the poor of Hakeney and other charitable objects. Dated 25 July, A.D. 1554.
Roll 250 (90).

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

Whetstone (Robert), haberdasher.—To Robert his son and heir all his lands and tenements in co. York in tail; remainder to Barnarde, his eldest son by Margaret his present wife, in tail; remainder to George, brother of the said Barnarde. Also to the said Barnarde his manor of Woodford, co. Essex, in tail; remainder to John and Francys his sons. Also to George his son his tenements in Cheapeside and Gutter Lane in tail; remainder to his other sons. To John his son his lands and tenements in Ratebye (fn. 10) and Isylye "Walton, (fn. 11) co. Leicester, and other property in the county of Stafford. To his child en ventre sa mère he leaves divers estates in co. Kent, as well as at Bristowe, Taunton, and Frome, co. Somerset. Also to Frauncys his aforesaid son his lands and tenements in the parish of Stokegurssye, (fn. 12) co. Somerset. To James his brother his lands and tenements in the parish of Hanneworth, co. Middlesex. Notwithstanding the above devises, his wife Margaret is to enjoy a life estate in those lands and tenements left to Barnard, George, John, Frauncys, and to his infant en ventre sa mère. Dated 9 August, A.D. 1557.
Roll 250 (160).

ANNO 3 ELIZABETH.

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

Staveley (James), vintner.—To be buried in the church of S. Mary Wolnoth. To the Master and Wardens of the Mistery of Vinteners within the City of London he leaves twenty pounds, to be bestowed on some house or land for the use of thirteen poor people belonging to the almshouse in Vinteners' Hall. (fn. 13) Bequests for recreations on the day of his burial, and to poor prisoners in Newgate, and the compters of the Poultry and Bread Street. To twelve poor men out of the parishes of S. Mary Wolnoth and S. Michael in Crokedlane he leaves black gowns of "Bristowe freese." To Elizabeth Jake his sister, Anne, daughter of his brother Allen, and others, he leaves divers sums of money and goods, comprising his great "Turkas rynge." To Johanne his wife all his lands, tenements, &c, in the City of London for life. To Leonard Jake his "nevey" the reversion of a tenement in Crokedlane called "the Swanne" in tail; remainders over. To Robert Diconson the reversion of his dwelling-house and house adjoining called "the Sonne" in Lumberdstrete in the parish of S. Mary Wolnoth, charged with the payment of fifty pounds to William Staveley. Also to the aforesaid Leonard Jake he leaves the reversion of his interest in the demesnes, &c., of the late dissolved abbey called "Eccleston Abbey," (fn. 14) co. York, together with lands, tenements, &c., in Arkyngarth Dale, (fn. 15) Stratford Mylles, Barnardes Castell Milles, and the little mill belonging to the said late abbey. To William Staveley his apprentice the reversion of his term of years in the "Blacke Egle" in Thamistrete in the parish of All Hallows the Little for life; remainders over. Dated 7 November, A.D. 1551.
Roll 250 (182).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Wulstan, Bishop [19 Jan.].

Awsten (Kobert), the elder, grocer.—Bequests to Christ's Hospital, to the Company of Grocers in London for a dinner, to his servants and others. To Elizabeth and Dorkes his daughters divers chattels, including goblets, a gilt "sault," and all his "pillowebere"; (fn. 16) also leaseholds in Little Morefeld. To George [blank], one of the Saunder-beaters (fn. 17) at Grocers' Hall, ten shillings. To Eichard his son twelve spoons with gilt "knoppes," one spoon "clene gilt," and three stone pots garnished with silver; and to Robert Ms eldest son three "hanse pottes" (fn. 18) parcel gilt with covers. Also to the said Robert certain messuages in the parish of S. Mary Colchurch which he purchased of the late King Henry VIII. to hold in tail; remainders over to Richard, Elizabeth, and Dorkes aforesaid, and others. Also to his son Richard his dwelling-house, &c, in the parish of S. Stephen, Colmanstrete, and a messuage called "the black Swanne" in Lothbury, in tail; remainders over. Dated 6 January, A.D. 1558.—Bequests for sermons at his burial and other times.
Roll 250 (184).

ANNO 4 ELIZABETH.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Brigid, Virgin [1 Feb.].

Hill (Rowland), Knt. and Alderman.—His will as feoffee in trust of the capital messuage wherein Sir Richard Gresham and Isabel, wife of the said Eichard, lately dwelt, situate in Mylkstrete in the parish of S. Laurence in the Old Jewry, as well as of other messuages in Lade Lane, otherwise Ladde Lane, in the aforesaid parish and the parish of S. Michael in Woodstrete. Appointment, under the trust, of a life estate in the above property to Dame Isabel Gresham aforesaid; remainder to the Wardens and Commonalty of the Mistery of Mercers of the City of London, charged with the distribution of a sum of nine pounds ten shillings, or its value in coals, to poor householders dwelling in the parishes of S. Laurence Jewry, S. Mary Alder-manbury, and S. Foster in Foster Lane, in manner as directed, the renter warden receiving yearly out of the said sum six shillings and eightpence for his pains, and the clerk three shillings and fourpence. (fn. 19) In case of default the property to go over to the Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or Mistery of Goldsmiths of the aforesaid City. Dated 10 December, A.D. 1560.
Roll 251 (98).

Monday next after the Feast of S. Alphege, Bishop [19 April].

White (fn. 20) (Sir Thomas), Knt. and Alderman.—To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of the City of London he leaves six and a half acres of land in Wildmershe in the parish of Westham, co. Essex, of which he had been jointly seised with others; to hold to the said Mayor and Commonalty, &c., and to their successors for ever, to their only and proper use. Dated 17 March, A.D. 1561.
Roll 251 (126).

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

Sturgeon (John), haberdasher.—To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London a parcel of land in a field called "Fynnesbury fielde," in the parish of S. Giles without Creplegate, to their only and proper use. Dated 17 March, A.D. 1561.
Roll 251 (129).

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

Wileoekes (John), citizen and cook of London.—His goods and chattels to be divided into three parts, according to the laudable custom of the City, whereof one part he leaves to Mawdlyne his wife, another to be divided among his children, viz., Richard, Peter, Elizabeth, Sarah, Maudelyn, and John, and the third part he reserves to himself, to be expended in gifts to the poor of the parish of S. Bennet Fink and others, as directed. Bequests to the Master and Wardens of his Company of the Mistery of Cooks within the City for a dinner in their common hall; also to Johan Dobbyns his "naturall" (fn. 21) sister, and others.

Touching his tenements, he leaves all his tenements in the parish of S. Bennet Fink to Richard his eldest son in tail, saving to Mawdelyn his wife her dwelling within the same rent free; remainders to his other sons and daughters. To his cousin Stephen Trigell, citizen and cook, he leaves a tenement in the town of Estloo, (fn. 22) co, Cornwall. Dated 16 January, A.D. 1561.

Memorandum that on the 20th April, A.D. 1562, the testator further left to his aforesaid wife one hundred pounds in gold, and a nest of goblets with a cover of silver all gilt, which he before had given to her as a new year's gift.
Roll 251 (143).

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

Swane (John), of the town of Bromley, co. Kent, draper.—To be buried in the parish church of S. Peter, Bromley. To John his eldest son his mansion house and tenements in the parish of S. Mary Abohuroh in S. Laurence Pownteney'Lane, and his leasehold farm called "Shorams" in the parish of Beckenam, co. Kent, in tail; remainder to Edith and Agnes his daughters. To Anne his wife his house at Bromley called "the taberde" fox life, with similar remainder; and a field called "Barnet." Bequests to his daughters' children, his servants, and others. Dated 13 February, A.D. 1557.
Roll 251 (166).

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

Mundy (fn. 23) (Roger), goldsmith.—His will as feoffee in trust of Sir Martin Bowes. To the Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or "Mystery" of the Goldsmiths in the City of London and their successors he leaves a certain great messuage with twenty-two gardens, &c., in the parish of S. Botolph without Bishopsgate, (fn. 24) so that out of the issues and profits they relieve the Ward of Langborne from payment of the sum of twenty pounds ten shillings, with which the ward is charged for every fifteenth granted to the king; (fn. 25) one half of the residue being distributed among the poor of the said Company of Groldsmiths, and the other half devoted to the maintenance of their hall. Dated 12 August, A.D. 1562.—By codicil he leaves to the wardens and commonalty aforesaid certain tenements adjoining the above great messuage for similar uses.
Roll 251 (171).

ANNO 5 ELIZABETH.

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

Garrat (Henry), haberdasher.—To Roger Trigg, gentleman, a messuage in the parish of S. Andrew in Holborn, saving a right of way for his tenants to a well in "Rylondes alley"; the said Roger paying to Margaret his wife an annual rent of four pounds, and to the testator (fn. 26) or his executors the sum of fifty pounds. Also to his aforesaid wife other tenements in the same parish for life; remainder to Alice, wife of Ralph Broke, for life; remainder to the Company of the Haberdashers of the City of London, that is to say, to the Bachelors of the company and their successors, by whatever name they be incorporate, upon condition they pay to the churchwardens of the parish church of S. Sepulchre without Newgate the sum of fifteen shillings towards the glazing of the middle aisle, and other sums for the poor in Flete Lane and the Old Bayly quarter, the repair of Clerkenwell Church, &c. Dated 14 January, 5 Elizabeth [A.D. 1562-3].
Roll 252 (30).

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

Sturgeon (John), haberdasher.—To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London and their successors a piece of void ground in the parish of Christchurch within Newgate, lately called the "Graye fryers," and two little houses called "the sheddes" near the said church, to their only use and behoof. Dated 14 Novem ber, A.D. 1562.
Roll 252 (51).

ANNO 6 ELIZABETH.

Monday next before F. of SS. Tiburcius and Valerian [14-April].

Sturgeon (John), haberdasher.—To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London a parcel of land in a field in the parish of S. Giles without "Crepull gate," in the county of Middlesex, called "Fynnesburye feilde," to their only use and behoof. Dated 7 March, A.D. 1561.
Roll 252 (71).

Sturgeon (John), haberdasher.—To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London a piece of void ground lately converted into gardens in the parish of Christchurch within Newgate, to their only and proper use and behoof. Dated 8 April, A.D. 1563.
Roll 252 (72).

ANNO 7 ELIZABETH

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

Botill (Richard), "merchaunttaylor."—To the Master and Wardens of the Merchaunt Taylors of the Fraternity of S. John Baptist in the City of London and their successors certain lands and tenements in the parish of S. Laurence Pountneye, parcel of the great messuage formerly belonging to John Heathe, esquire, to hold the same to their own use and behoof for ever. Dated 1 May, A.D. 1561.
Roll 253 (69).

Waddington (Richard), merchant.—To the Master and Wardens of the Merchaunttaylors of the Fraternity of S. John Baptist an annual rent of four pounds, which he held as grantee in trust of Margaret Parson, widow, issuing out of tenements in Cornhill in the parish of S. Christopher. The said rent to be disposed of as follows:—Sixpence apiece to twenty poor people of the parish of S. Christopher aforesaid, and to forty poor people of the parish of S. Michael, Cornhill, at Christmas; seven shillings and sixpence to each of four maidens for their marriages, they being children or servants of some of the Mistery of Merchaunttaylors; thirteen shillings to as many poor freemen of the said art or mistery; five shillings to the clerk of the same, and two shillings to the beadle. Dated 10 December, 5 Elizabeth [A.D. 1562].
Roll 253 (70).

ANNO 8 ELIZABETH.

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

Lawrence (Thomas), skinner.—To be buried in the church of S. Christopher at the Stockes. To his fellowship and company of Corpus Christi twenty shillings. To his daughter Jacomine, wife of Christopher Perte, "merchaunttaylor," he leaves his "nutt with a greate Lydde and bounde aboute with sylver," and nothing more, as she had already been advanced. Bequests of several rings. One half of the residue of his goods he leaves to Alice his wife, reserving the other half for himself. Dated 18 May, A.D. 1566.
Roll 254 (62).

ANNO 10 ELIZABETH.

Monday next after the Feast of S. Lucia, Virgin [13 Dec.]. (fn. 27)

Nycoll (John), "Gryrdeler."—To the Mayor, Commonalty, and citizens of London his new house situate within the precinct of the late house of the Grey Friars, to their only and proper use and behoof. Dated 28 December, A.D. 1567.
Roll 255 (121).

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

Lewen (Richard), brewer.—To be buried in the church of S. Ethelburga within Bysshopesgate. His goods and chattels to be divided into three equal parts, according to the laudable custom, one of which he leaves to Johan his wife, another to John and William his sons, Margery, Sarah, and Agnes his daughters, and to his child en venire sa mere, and the third part he reserves to himself. To Cuthbert and Jane Currell, his wife's children, he leaves five pounds respectively. Also to his aforesaid wife he leaves his brewhouse called "the Vyne" for life; remainder in trust for sale for the benefit of his children. Dated 25 November, A.D. 1558.
Roll 255 (144).

Monday next before the Feast of S. Faith, Virgin [6 Oct.].

Bucklande (Richard), haberdasher.—To the Master and Wardens of the Art or Mistery of Haberdashers in the City of London certain lands and tenements in the parish of S. Andrew in Holborn, to their own use and behoof for ever. This devise not to be set aside by any subsequent will unless expressly so declared therein. Dated 29 January, A.D. 1567.
Roll 255 (171).


a pilwebeer Which, that he saide, was our lady veyl. Prol. 'Cant. Tales,' 694-5.

Footnotes

  • 1. 2 Citizen and skinner; Alderman of Farringdon Without and Bridge Wards; Sheriff, 1544; Mayor, 1550-1.
  • 2. 3 It appears from Mr. Hare's Report to the Charity Commissioners in 1864 that this estate was situate on the south side of the New Road (now the Euston Road) in the parish of S. Pancras, and extended from Tonbridge Street on the east to Burton Street on the west and Leigh Street on the south (Appendix to Report of Livery Comp. Com., 1884, vol. iv. p. 327).
  • 3. 1 This grammar school was founded by letters patent of 7 Edward VI. (1553), to be called "the Free Grammar School of Sir Andrew Judd." Particulars as to its foundation, endowment, &c., are set out at some length by Herbert ('Livery Companies,' 1836, ii. 332-46), and also in Mr. Hare's Report to the Charity Commissioners already mentioned.
  • 4. 2 Walthamstow.
  • 5. 1 This endowment and those of Sir Martin Bowes and Roger Mundie were the subject of an information filed in 1832 against the Company. The matter was referred to the same Master to whom the charity of Thomas atte Hay (supra, p. 377) had been referred, and he certified his approval of the application of the rents and profits of the property devised, and of the manner of keeping separate accounts opened to the several testators, which the Company had then only recently introduced (Appendix to Livery Companies Com. Report, 1884, vol. iv. pp. 287-9).
  • 6. 2 In the record of probate the name is twice spelt "Robiohn."
  • 7. 1 The Minories, so called from the Abbey of the Nuns Minoresses, or Poor Clares, situate near Tower Hill; surrendered to Henry VIII. in 1539 (Stow).
  • 8. 1 Probably refers to what is now King's College, Cambridge, within the precincts of which there formerly stood the churches of S. Nicholas and S. John Baptist or Zachary. In the Statutes of Eton College (circa 1446), King's College is styled "the Kyng's College of Owr Ladye and Seynt Nicholas in Cambridge" (Le Keux's 'Memorials of Cambridge,' 1847, ii. pp. 2, 3, note); and the letters patent 21 Henry VI., p. 2, m. 4, granting a charter to this college, have as a marginal note "pro collegio Sancti Nicholai Cantebrigg'" ('Documents rel. to Univ. and Colleges of Camb.,' 1852, vol. ii. p. 471).
  • 9. 2 Mr. Hare reported in 1860 to the City Parochial Charities Commissioners that the Commissioners of Customs were in the habit of paying 5l. a year, without deduction, to the parish, and this sum was disposed of in Christmas gifts to the poor.
  • 10. 1 Ratby.
  • 11. 2 Isley-Walton.
  • 12. 3 Stogursey.
  • 13. 4 The almshouses established under the will of Guy Shuldham, dated 7 Nov., 1446. Shuldham's will is not enrolled, but the terms of it are set out in the will of John Porter, Roll 224 (17).
  • 14. 1 Egglestone Abbey in the North Riding of Yorkshire; an abbey of Premonstratensian Canons, dedicated to S. Mary and S. John Baptist.
  • 15. 2 Or Argengarthdale.
  • 16. 3 "Pillow-beres (cases) of Reynes" occur in the 'Ceremonies and Services at Court, temp. Henry VII.,' cited by Riley ('Liber Alb.,' Anglo-Norm. Glossary, s.v. Reynes). Among the so-called relics with which Chaucer's Pardoner endeavoured to impose upon the credulous was
  • 17. 4 Beaters of sandal-wood.
  • 18. 5 Can these be handled pots?
  • 19. 1 The Company reported to the Livery Companies Commission of 1880 (Appendix to Report, 1884, vol. ii. p. 109) that it came into possession of the premises in 1560, and the rental was then 14l. Is. 8d., out of which the sum of 9l. 10s. was paid to the poor of the three parishes here mentioned, and 6s. 8d. to the renter warden and 3s. 4d. to the clerk, making 10l. and leaving a balance of 4l. 1s. 8d.; and further, that the sum of 3l. is now paid annually to the overseers of each of the three parishes about Christmas, and distributed by them among poor persons, the renter warden and clerk receiving also their specific sums.
  • 20. 2 Said to have come from Rickmansworth; Alderman of Cornhill Ward; Sheriff, 1547; Mayor, 1553-4. A member of the Court of the Merchant Taylors' Company. In anticipation of the foundation of the Company's school in the City of London, he founded S. John's. College, Oxford.
  • 21. 1 See note supra, p. 651.
  • 22. 2 East Looe, on the south coast.
  • 23. 1 An abstract of his will is printed in Mr. Hare's Report on the charities of the Goldsmiths' Company (Appendix to Report Livery Comp. Com., 1884, vol. iv. pp. 288, 290).
  • 24. 2 The property consisted of Primrose Street and Primrose Court, Bishopsgate. In 1870 the trustees were authorized to sell eleven houses, numbered from 25 to 35, both inclusive, situate in Primrose Street, for 9,325l. One moiety of this sum was invested in Consols, in the name of the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds.
  • 25. 3 Originally the amount of the tax of a fifteenth was uncertain, being levied by assessments new made at every fresh grant of the Commons; but it was at length reduced to a certainty anno 8 Edward III., when, by virtue of the King's commission, the fifteenth part of the value of every borough, township, and city in the kingdom was assessed and recorded in the Exchequer for future occasions. Thenceforth, whenever the Commons granted the Crown a fifteenth, every parish at once knew the proportion it had to pay of the assessment as made in the year mentioned.
  • 26. 1 This payment to the testator seems to show that the devise was to take effect immediately after the execution of the will. This will and a few others were presumably enrolled during the lifetime of the testators.
  • 27. 1 There is some uncertainty as to the date of the enrolment with respect to the following will. There is probably an omission of the date of one session.