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 …

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 …

Adam Boddens 1628 of London, weaver

Adam Boddens first wife was Sarah de Backer daughter of John de Backer (Will 1611) and sister of Susan de Backer who married John van Brugg. Sarah de Backer's brothers are Toby (Will 1603), Abraham, John and James (husband of Sarah Van Damme (Will 1625)). Adam's second wife Anne Oudart was the widow of Ezekias LeRoy. These …

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 …

Melchior Van Asse 1582 of London, merchant

Melchior Van Asse (also Ashe, Hasse, Asch) is a Dutch merchant, born in Geldermalsen, who has lived in London over 30 years. He agrees his Will with his wife Mary Obry and leaves her in charge of his estate and his children. She was previously married to Thomas Soennen (Will 1573) and acted as his …

James Gresham 1526 of Little Walsingham, Norfolk

James Gresham is the son of William Gresham of Little Walsingham and Agnes Porter (Will 1520). His children are all under age and he appoints his wife and her brother executors. Summary Will Date:  6 November 1523Executors:Wife Agnes and brother Nicholas MynneOverseers:  Cousin Thomas GreshamWitnesses: John Gillis, John ColettePeople: Wife AgnesSons Paul (eldest), GilesDaughter AnneSisters Margere and SusanneUncle …

Edward Hodges 1651 of Sherborne, Dorset

Edward Hodges leaves property in Somerset to his daughters and wife Elizabeth, nee Eyre (Will 1654). He appoints his wife guardian of his nephew Henry Hodges whose financial affairs lead to several court cases. Summary Will Date: 20 September 1651Executor: Daughter Jane HodgesOverseers:Wife Elizabeth Hodges and brother-in-law Christopher EyreWitness:  Edward PenneyPeople:  Daughters Elizabeth Mompesson, Ellenor Hodges and Jane HodgesWife …

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 …

Thomas Beckingham 1596 of Tolleshunt Major, Essex

Thomas Beckingham is the son of Stephen Beckingham of Bygrave (Will 1558 and 1562) and brother of Stephen Beckingham (Will 1611). His will contains interesting details such as the education of his younger son, the bequest of his artillary to his elder son, and the names of the horses and cow left to his wife. …

Johanne Beckingham of Bygrave, Hertfordshire 1558, widow.

Johanne Beckingham is the widow if Stehen Beckingham (Will 1558) and this transcript includes both her Will and a subsequent Sentence. She has children by her previous husband Lawrence Warren of Bygrave, and is pregnant when she writes her Will. Her Sentence says that she gave birth to a son, John Beckingham, and makes arrangements …