Thomas Kervile 1476 of Wiggenhall, Norfolk

Thomas Kervile appoints his wife Margaret joint executor and puts her in charge of property left to his under age sons. Summary Will Date: April 1476 - (the Saturday after the feast of St George the Martyr – probably April 29)Executors: Wife Margaret, Brother Robert Kervile, Simon Bachecroft, and John Howson Vicar of TylneyWitnesses:William Elwyn, Simon Stone …

Edmund Jenner 1641 of Heacham, Norfolk

Edmund Jenner leaves his estate to his wife and mother, with bequests to brothers and sisters. His mother is Jane Sole daughter of William Sole (Will 1620) who outlived both her first husband Robert Jenner and second husband Edmond Cremer (Will 1632). Summary Will Date:    21 April 1641Executor: Wife MaryWitnesses:  Oliver Calvert clerk, Thomas Cramp, Thomas …

Thomas Rolfe 1599 of Tuttington, Norfolk

Thomas Rolfe is the son of Robert Robert Rolfe of Sporle (Will 1559) and his wife Margaret Crowe, and brother of Edmund Rolfe of Narford (Will 1618) and Henry Rolfe of Kelvedon (Will 1602). He makes provision for his wife, son and daughter. Summary Will Date:  26 April 1599Executors: Son Clement RolfeWitnesses: Christopher Knolles, William Neve, Robert Bernye, …

William Crowe 1614 of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, merchant

William Crowe is the son of John Crowe of Great Yarmouth (Will 1565). He built a splendid house on Hall Quay in Yarmouth, the paneling of which is now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. His Will gives details of other property he acquired in the area. He alludes to ill-feeling between his sons …

John Crowe 1565 of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, merchant

John Crowe is father of William Crowe (Will 1614). He leaves property in the Yarmouth 'Rows' and fishing equipment to his wife and son. The Will includes many unusual terms - you may need the Glossary. Summary Will Date:  2 August 1564Executor:  Son William CroweSupervisor:Son-in-law Thomas SmytheWitnesses: William Burywey script., Richard Fletcher Curate, Nicholas Ken, John ParfayeBeneficiaries: Wife KirchianSon …

Richard Barowgh / Barrow 1552 of Downton, Wiltshire, gentleman

Richard Barrow is probably the son of Maurice Barrow (Will 1521) and his wife Dorothy (Will 1531). He leaves his daughter in the custody of his executor rather than her mother. His witnesses include Anthony Barrow (Will 1600), John Gauntlett (Will 1558), John Gauntlett (Will 1559) and William Furseby (Will 1554). Summary Will Date:   25 …

Dorothy Barrow 1531 of North Charford, Hampshire, widow

Dorothy Barrow is the widow of Maurice Barrow (Will 1521). Her will contains the unusual bequest of swans. All unmarked mute swans belonged to the crown, but land owners could be granted the privilege of owning and marking swans. The birds were marked on their beaks and registers of kept. Summary Will Date:10 December 1531Executors:      …

Maurice Barrow 1521 of St Ives, Dorset, knight

Sir Maurice Barrow is the husband of Dorothy Barrow (Will 1532). His daughter Margaret and her husband Thomas Elyot both have portraits by Hans Holbein. Margaret's second husband was James Dyer, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. Maurice mentions his niece Katherine Abarrow who was to marry William Webb (Will 1553). Anthony Barrow (Will 1600) …

William Coke 1510 of Salisbury, Wiltshire, merchant

William Coke outlives his father Thomas and makes many charitable bequests. John Stone (Will 1535) is a witness and husband of Joanne Coke, William's niece. Summary Will Date:   1 February 1509Executors:  Father Thomas Coke and brother John ComptonWitnesses:Robert Sanders priest, Henry Petipace priest, John Stone merchant, Humfrey GeslingPeople: Wife ElizabethChildren Thomas and KatherineFather Thomas CokeBrother John Compton …

Marion Spilman 1510 of Norwich, widow

Marion Spilman makes a brief will leaving all to her son to be helped by her brother. She mentions the church of St Audrey which maybe an alternative name for St Etheldreda. Summary Will Date: 22 March 1509Executors: Brother Richard HamsPeople:  Husband deceasedSon John SpilmanBrother Richard HamsInstitutions:Austin Friars of NorwichChurches: St Audrey, St ClementsProbate: 12 June 1510 The Will …