Matthias Vander Beke alias Pappott 1603 of London

Matthias Vander Beke describes himself as 'Post', which according to his records in the parish registers of St Botolph Aldgate means a Messenger or postman. He wrote his will in Dutch and is probably from Zeeland as he describes their custom of making a collection for deceased Posts. He has connections with both the Dutch and French churches in London, but does not seem to be particularly puritan in his beliefs as he wants his fellow Posts 'to be merry together' with part of the collection money.

Christopher Eyre 1624, of London, merchant adventurer

Christopher Eyre is a wealthy merchant who leaves a substantial amount of money to charity. He was born in Salisbury, the son of Thomas Eyre and Elizabeth Rogers, and was apprenticed to his uncle, Robert Rogers a London leather seller (Will 1601) on whom he modelled his career and charitable works. The death-bed codicil to …

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 …

John Gauntlett the elder 1558, of Pensworth in Downton, Wiltshire

John Gauntlett's Will gives a picture of the relatively sparse possessions he shares out to his family without forgetting the poor. He is clearly a man who liked a celebration as he makes arrangements for a 'drynking' the month after his death for all his neighbours, friends and the poor involving a fat ox, 2 sheep and 2 porkers and other provisions. He was the head of a large family. He had 9 children of his own and also brought up the 4 children of his wife Ellyn's first marriage to John Hussey. The Inventory, which is incomplete, covers property at Pensworth and Landford. The items reflect small scale husbandry and include basic household goods. Some of the terms are unfamiliar today and where possible I have put definitions in the glossary, but a few still elude me.