Margaret Jacobs 1570 of London, widow

Margaret Jacobs is the widow of Henry Lyvens (Will 1569). Her beneficiaries include a school mistress and her bequests include children's clothes, though neither she nor her husband mention having children of their own.  Summary Will date: 11 June 1570Executors: Melchior van As, Gyles van HieleWitnesses:Anne Gorret, the wife of Martin de Visser, Katharine the wife of John …

William Martyn 1537 of West Smithfield, London, gentleman

William Martyn's will has many interesting social, religious and linguistic details. His bequests to his wife are made 'as though she were a stranger and not my wife', and he suggests some of his books may 'be mete to lye in wyndows for comyn lernying of the lokers on them'. His daughter Isabel is the …

Charles Howard 1594 of Salisbury, Wiltshire, esquire

Charles Howard is the youngest son of Thomas, 1st Viscount Howard of Bindon. His wife Rebecca is the daughter of William Webb (Will 1585) and Katherine Tourney (Will 1607) and has links to many Salisbury merchant families. Charles dies young and his will includes touching personal elements.

Bridget Tashe 1609 of Hunstanton, Norfolk, widow

Bridget Tashe makes this nuncupative will from her sickbed. She rewards her daughter Elizabeth for caring for her, unlike her other children.

Amy Rolf 1522 of Langford, Norfolk

Amy Rolfe is presumably the widow of John Rolf of Ickburgh (Will 1520). She leaves bees to her sons and the church, and amends her Will after selling the chest she had bequeathed to her son.

Francis Cobb 1638 of South Lynn, Norfolk, gentleman

Francis Cobb stipulates that the properties he bequeaths must be well maintained and the land cared for with 'good husbandry' and the renewal of old fruit trees and plants. He leaves money to buy books for the library of St Margaret church Lynn. He is the brother of Edmond Cobb of Snettisham (Will 1608), Martin Cobb of Snettisham (Will 1642) and William Cobb of Sherford (Will 1626).

John de Conincke 1626 of London, minister

John de Coninck is a Minister in the Dutch Church and owns books and an 'Optike instrument'. His sister Leah marries Samuel Popular (Will 1651) and his brother-in-law id Jacques Jacobson (Will 1625). The Will illustrates how Dutch women retained their birth surnames and disposed of their own property.

Thomas Deke 1507 of Foxearth, Essex, husbandman

Thomas Deke is the son of William Deke of Long Melford (Will 1493). He provides housing for his wife, and, unusually, allows her to keep it if she marries again and her husband has no house. The bequests to his children are very modest.

Margaret Deke 1569 of Hundon, Suffolk, widow

Margaret Deke describes her personal effects which include a silk hat and adds a list of debts.

William Sole 1620 of Great Massingham, Norfolk, Clerk

William Sole is the Rector of Great Massingham. He is concerned about his son's behaviour and appoints his wife executrix despite her age. His daughter Jane initially married Robert Jenner and then Edmund Cremer of Heacham (Will 1632).