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 …

Edward St Barbe 1617 of Whiteparish, Wiltshire

Edward St Barbe is the brother of Thomas (Will 1610). There is a detailed inventory which includes weaponry, household / farming items and a few books and pictures, but little finery. Plenty of new words - you may need the Glossary. Summary Will Date:   7 April 1617Executor: Wife Christian and son EdwardOverseers:Cousin SadlerWitnesses:William Parkes, Richard Wooles, Joane Woodes …

Margery Langrich 1471 of London, widow

Margery Langrich is the widow of Walter Langrich (Will 1465). She describes her valuables and furnishings using many interesting words of the time. She owns a primer book and some of the items given to her children are marked with their initials. Summary Will Date:  19 November 1470Executors: Son John Langrich and William Yorke of London, …

Elizabeth Vansoldt 1665 of London, widow

Elizabeth Vansoldt (nee Elizabeth Bonnell) is the widow of Abraham Vansoldt (Will 1662). She was born in Norwich in 1595 and married in the Dutch Church, Austin Friars, London in 1623. She bequeaths pictures and fine furnishings. Her husband was the son of John Van Soldt (Will 1603) and his wife Ann Wygans (Will 1615). …

John Gauntlett 1633 of Downton, Wiltshire, Innholder

John Gauntlett is the son of Thomas Gauntlett (Will 1606) and his wife Margaret (Will 1619). His sister Elizabeth married John Snelgar (Will 1638). His children are very young (6 and 4) and are given the choice of beds or money for their inheritance. Summary Will date: 24 December 1633 [apparent error as after the date …

John Lany 1602 of Cratfield, Suffolk, gentleman

John Lany is well off and makes particular provision for his second wife Elizabeth Aslack and for their son Aslack Lany to continue his Law studies. He is father of Benjamin Lany (Will 1603). Reference books say he is the son of John Lany of London and his wife Margaret Cooke/Coke, but it seems unlikely …

Jane Ducker 1660 of Haxey, Lincolnshire, widow

Jane Ducker (nee Taylor) is the widow of William Ducker, brother of Thomas Ducker (Will 1658). She dies at the age of 40 leaving a few household items to her teenage son and unsure whether her debts can be readily paid. Summary Will Date:NoneWitnesses:William Coggan, Christopher BateExecutor:Brothers James Ducker and George TaylorSupervisors:Brother William Coggan, Friend …

Thomas Ducker 1658 of Haxey, Lincolnshire, husbandman

Thomas Ducker uses some northern dialect to describe his possessions and gives a detailed picture of who farms the local land. His brother William is married to Jane Taylor (Will 1660). Summary Will Date:6 January 1657Witnesses:Thomas Read, Henry Newborn, Richard HarrisonExecutor:Brother-in-law William HarrisonSupervisors:Henry Newborn, ThomasBequests to:Wife AnnThomas, John, William, Elizabeth and Ann Harrison the children …

John Burden 1563 of Semley, Wiltshire

John Burden has few possessions and little money to leave to his large family. Summary Will date:18 March 1562/63Executor:Wife Anne BurdenSupervisors:John Wyld the elder and William BlanfordWitnesses:Walter Blanford, Thomas Wyld, and George RussellPeople:Wife AnneSons William, John the elder, John the younger, Stephen.Daughters Isabell, Jone, Margaret, Elizabeth.Nicholas Lushe.John Lushe and Alice Lushe.The wife of Christopher Dykes.Probate:22 …

Susan Flowerdew 1660 of Hethersett, Norfolk, widow

Susan Flowerdew, nee Susanna Hunt, is the widow of Ralph Flowerdew (Will 1658) and had earlier been married to Francis Williamson of Lincolns Inn. Her Will shows her to be comfortably off and mentions many personal and household items (for which you may need the Glossary). Summary Will Date:23 June 1658Executor:Kinsman Henry LuceWitnesses:Henry Bedingfield, Richard …