William Gilbert 1496 of Norwich, Norfolk, draper

William Gilbert may be the son of John Gilbert (Will 1466) and his wife Annor (Will 1466). He makes specific instructions for his burial and only charitable bequests. Summary Will Date: 13 October 1493Executors:Wife Alice, Robert Ferrour, Jeffrey Styward GrocerPeople: Friars of Norwich and Nuns of CarrowWife Alice, Robert Ferrour, Jeffrey Styward GrocerRobert EstProbate: 16 July 1496 The …

Christopher Crowe 1560 of Wendling, Norfolk

Christopher Crowe is the son of Robert Crowe (Will 1542) and Margaret (Will 1545). He leaves his underage children in the care of the parish priest to whom he has sold most of his property and who acts as executor. He tries to preempt complications that may arise. Summary Will Date:  29 March 1558Witnesses:  Robert Howell yeoman, …

Benjamin Lany 1603 of Mileend, Stepney, Middlesex, gentleman

Benjamin Lany is the son of John Lany of Cratfield (Will 1602). The date of his Will is lost, but he says he is in good health. He was buried on 25 September 1603 at St Mary Stratford Bow and the entry says he died of the plague and was brought from Milend. He specifies …

William Flowerdew 1536 of Wymondham, Norfolk

William Flowerdew makes bequests to charity and the church and appears to be well disposed towards his neighbours, giving money to every household in town. This seems in contrast with his son John who was instrumental in the destruction of Wymondham Abbey following the dissolution and whose high-handed behaviour was a factor in triggering Ketts …

Sir Giles Eyre 1695 of London, Justice of the Court of the Kings Bench

Sir Giles Eyre is more prominent and richer than most of those represented here. He appoints his wife executrix and custodian of their underage daughters and the main beneficiaries are his sons John (Will 1715) and Henry (Will 1704). He mentions his books and asks for his legal reports to be edited and published. In …

John Eyre 1715 of Brickworth, Wiltshire

John Eyre is the son of Giles Eyre (Will 1695) and brother of Henry Eyre (Will 1704). He asks to be buried in Whiteparish next to Henry at little expense. Summary Will Date:10 Oct 1715Executors:Nephews Giles and John Eyre, sons of his brother Giles EyreWitnesses:Philip Gower, Henry Hillier, Thomas Husten, W MartynPeople:Nephews Giles and John …

John Cobbe 1486 of Babingley, Norfolk

John Cobbe specifies various religious observances typical of the time, including prayers for the souls of several generations of forebears. He provides for his wife and underage children and appoints his cousin William Cobbe of Sandringham (Will 1493) executor. The style of writing and condition of the document make this Will hard to read so …

John Webbe 1571 of Salisbury

John Webbe is the son of William Webbe (Will 1553). He leaves instructions for a family vault and gravestone in St Thomas church in Salisbury and a dinner for all his relations and friends. He is only 40 years old and makes arrangements for the care and education of his children and his ward Amy …

Thomas Fasshin / Fouaschin 1558 of Southampton, Merchant

Thomas Fasshin / Fouaschin had close links with the Isle of Guernsey and with other Guernsey families such as the Havilands, Samares / Sausmarez, and Delisle. He describes his outrage and bitterness at the actions of his brother-in-law, accusing him of an 'evill demeanor', and forbidding his children to have anything to do with him.