Adam Kindt 1598 of Cley-next-the-sea, Norfolk, merchant

Adam Kindt is a merchant of Flemish origin with property in Norfolk and a brewing business. His first wife Elizabeth is mentioned by Francis van Beke of Norwich (Will 1587). She died in 1594 and Adam married Barabara Stebbard in 1596. Summary Will Date:    20 August 1597Executors:  Son Samuel Kindt and William Browne of Holt.Overseer:    George Leedes parson of …

Simon Delboe of London 1676, merchant

Simon Delboe makes his Will in preparation for travelling to the East Indies in connection with the East India Company. His wife Ann (Will 1676) has been dead 10 years and his three children are underage. Summary Will Date:22 Sep 1671Executors:Friends Thomas Breton and Thomas Browne.Witnesses: Francis Thornton, William Millett and Robert Dawson Servants to Thomas …

John Leemkuell 1684, of London, Merchant

John Leemkuell was a German merchant living in London and was married three times. His first wife was Ann Francken and the second Frances Wise, a widow. His third wife Elizabeth Beake (Will 1696) subsequently married Allen Catchpoole (Will 1706). He bequeaths money to the German Lutheran Church in Trinity Lane, but is not confident …

Allen Catchpoole 1706, of London, Merchant

Allen Catchpoole makes his will in 1699 prior to his departure to the Far East as Principal of the East India Company in China. In 1702 he took the decision to move the Company's factory from Chusan to the island of Condore off the coast of Vietnam. It thrived for a while but in 1705 …

Jonas Scott 1657 of King’s Lynn, Merchant

Jonas Scott belongs to the merchant class in Kings Lynn and has interests in both ships and property. He may have been born in London and he married his first wife, Margaret Lane in Cambridge where their children were born. His second wife Elizabeth is the daughter of Martin Cobb (Will 1642) and his daughter …

Thomas Bingley 1568 of Poole, Dorset

Thomas Bingley was well connected to prosperous families in Poole and was mayor in 1555. His wife was Katherine Webb, daughter of William Webb (1553 Will), and sister of Elizabeth Webb (1602 Will) who married Robert Rogers (1555 Will) and Giles Estcourt (Will 1587). He makes arrangements for his underage daughters, with only the youngest being left with Katherine, and for the son of Robert Rogers who has been left in his care. He gives money towards a school in Poole.

William Mesurer 1541 of Poole, Dorset

William Mesurer's will is written in 1519 and he provides for prayers and masses for the soule as was customary at that time. By the time probate was granted in 1541 all this was swept away by Henry the Eighth's break with Rome. He makes charitable donations and provides funds for the repair of the …

William Kent 1553 of Salisbury, Mercer

William Kent is well to do and and well connected and was Mayor of Salisbury in 1550. His possession of ducats and cruzados gives a glimpse of his overseas trading and the complexity of currency exchange. I also like his bequests of his 'second best gown' and his 'work days gown'. He mentions his cousin …

Robert Rogers 1555 of Poole, Dorset

Robert Rogers dies young before any of his eight children come of age. They are left in the custody of different relatives with only baby Katherine left with her mother. He wants his sons to complete their education overseas to learn the language, or at University. His bequests depend on the success of foreign trade …

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.