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 …

Agnes Segrym 1474 of Norwich, widow

Agnes Seagrym is the widow of Ralph Segrym and survived him by nearly 20 years. She and her husband are commemorated in a monumental brass in St John Maddermarket in Norwich, and panels from the Rood screen he commissioned are now in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Agnes leaves further items to St John Maddermarket …

Joan Underwood 1473 of Norwich, widow

Joan Underwood is the widow of William Underwood, brazier. She mentions no other relatives and leaves everything to charity and religious institutions. Her Will uses interesting terminology. Her executors may be the Sir William Swetman the elder (Will 1504) who was appointed in 1460 rector of All Saints, Timberhill, otherwise known as All Hallows, and …

William Tashe 1552 of Whaplode, Lincolnshire

William Tashe leaves his son to be brought up by his executors rather than his second wife or his brother. Unusually, he leaves money for needy 'strangers' as well as poor householders. He has connections to many local families. Summary Will Date: 30 December 1552Executors:    Richard Ogle of Pinchbeck and Thomas Wilby of MoultonWitnesses: Thomas Fleete gentleman, John Manne …

Margaret Furbisher 1466 of Norwich, Norfolk, widow

Margaret is probably the widow of Robert Furbisshor, citizen and alderman of Norwich (Will 1463). She owns property and her will focuses on charitable bequests. Summary Will Date: 10 November 1466Executors: Nephew John Furbisshor of Norwich, grocerSupervisor: Edward Cutteler Citizen and Alderman of NorwichPeople: Late husband Robert FurbisshorGoddaughters Margaret Furbisshor  Goddaughters the daughters of Nicholas Pygon and AlyardesElizabeth SybbysInstitutions:St …

Thomas Aylemer 1500 of Norwich, Norfolk, grocer

Thomas Aylmer is the son of Robert Aylmer (Will 1493) and brother of Richard Aylmer (Will 1514). He appoints his mother Elizabeth Thursby (Will 1518) one of he executors. His religious and charitable bequests are similar to the other members of his family, including payment for pilgrimages to Walsingham and Camber, the former to be …

Annor Gilberd 1466 wife of John Gilberd of Norwich, Norfolk

Annor Gilberd (Anna Gilbert) make her will the day before her husband John Gilbert (Will 1466). She mentions a wide circle of relatives and friends and details of her possessions, including many now unfamiliar words (see the Glossary for help). She makes her brother Robert Aylmer an executor, but it is unclear whether this is …

John Gilbert 1466 of Norwich, Norfolk

John Gilbert makes his will the day after his wife Annor (Will 1466) and they both die soon after. He makes bequests to many churches and institutions and provides for his children. The Robert Aylmer he appoints executor is presumably his wife's brother, mentioned in her will. It is unclear whether this is the Robert …

Elizabeth Thursby 1518 of Norwich, Norfolk, widow

Elizabeth Thursby has outlived three husbands - Robert Aylmer (Will 1493), John, and Thomas Thursby. She makes elaborate provision for religious observance after her decease and makes charitable bequests, including a cart for cleaning the streets of Norwich. Her sons Richard (Will 1512) and Thomas have predeceased her. Summary Will Date: 13 December 1518Executors: Thomas Alderich, Leonard …

Robert Aylemer 1493 of Norwich, Norfolk

Robert Aylmer leaves a substantial part of his estate to his wife Elizabeth (Will 1518), and requires his sons to be courteous towards their mother. He has been mayor of Norwich and supports both religious and civic institutions. He bequeaths a property called the Bell in the parish of St Peter Mancroft which had been …