Appendix 1 Pinners' and Wiresellers' Wills

APPENDIX 1

Pinners' and Wiresellers' Wills

67. (GL MS 9051/1 f. 5) RICHARD ALEYN
Pinner 1372 (listed only)

68. (GLMS 9051/1 f.15) STEPHEN CHILD
Citizen and pinner 1384 (listed only)

69. (GLMS 9171/1 f.342) JOHN atte HILLE 9 June 1395 [Latin]
1. I John atte Hille, citizen and pinner of London, being of good memory write my testament in this manner. First I commend my soul to Almighty God, my creator, to the Blessed Mary his mother and to all the saints.
2. My body to be buried in the cemetery of the church of St. Bride's in Fleet Street, in the suburbs of the city where I am a parishioner, outside the north part of the church next to the tomb of Alice, my wife.
I leave 6s. 8d. to the high altar of St. Bride's for oblations forgotten and not paid.
I also wish that all my debts shall be faithfully paid from my goods.
5. I bequeath 12d. to whoever is chaplain to celebrate [mass] daily in the church and for a sermon next to my body.
6. I bequeath 6d. to whoever is parish clerk of the said church.
7. I leave to John Ayleston, my kinsman, two of my best pieces of silver except one piece and twelve silver spoons.
8. Also to John Ayleston my kinsman I leave all the remaining term which I have in the tenement with its appurtenances in which I live in Fleet Street aforesaid with all the remaining terms of all my apprentices, to have and to hold the remaining term of the said tenement with appurtenances to the said John Ayleston my kinsman and his assigns.
9. I give 6s. 8d. to John Bilton.
10. And I leave 8 marks to my executor for the funding of one honest chaplain to celebrate mass for my soul for one whole year after my death in the aforementioned church and for the soul of Alice my wife and for the souls of those I hold dear.
11. The residue of all my goods not previously bequeathed I give and leave to the said John Ayleston that all my said debts be acquitted and to dispose for my soul and the burial of my body, as it shall please God and for the salvation of my soul.
12. I make and declare John Ayleston my executor.

70. [GLMS 9051/1 f.148] JOHN DAWNTRE 31 October 1405
[Latin]
1. I John Dawntre, citizen and pinner of London, being of sound mind and in good memory do write, ordain and make my present last will and testament in this manner. First I leave and commend my soul to Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, his mother and to all the Saints.
My body to be buried in the cemetery of the church of St Martin Pomeroy in Ironmonger Lane, London.
3. I desire that, first and foremost after my burial, all and singular the debts for which I am responsible be paid.
4. I leave to the high altar of the said church for my tithes and oblations overlooked, withheld or kept back 20d.
I leave towards the stipend of a certain chaplain of this church, to pray for my soul on the day of my obit 2d.
I leave to Walter, the parish clerk of the church 8d.
7. The true residue of all my goods and chattels, wherever they may be, after the payment of my debts and my legacies, I give and leave to Joan, my wife, for her to do with and dispose of by her free will, to provide prayers for my soul and also for the distribution of my goods and chattels among my sons, as she pleases.
8. And I make and constitute my faithful executors, viz. my said wife, Joan the principal executrix, John Stodely, tailor, and Laurence Gorlefen, citizen and pinner of London, to whom I entrust the faithful execution of this present testament.
Witnesses: Thomas Cave, joiner, John Howell, John Becleton, pinner and John Cadyn, purser and William Goddishall, needler.
Probate granted 9 November 1405

71. (GLMS 9171/2 f.79) JOHN STOKES 6 October 1406
[Latin]
1. I John Stokes, citizen and pinner of London, in healthy mind and good memory make, ordain and constitute this my present testament in this fashion. First I leave my soul to Almighty God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother and all the saints.
2. My body to be buried in the great cemetery of St Paul's cathedral London where my executors choose and I desire that the expenses thereof be at the wish and disposition of Agnes, my wife.
3. And I leave to the high altar of St Peter in Westcheap London for tithes and oblations forgotten and unpaid 2s.
I leave towards the fabric of the nave of the said church 3s. 4d.
5. The true residue of all and singular my goods and chattels, moveable and immoveable, wherever they may be, not bequeathed, my debts having been paid, I give and bestow on Agnes, my wife, to dispose of for me and for the good of my soul, as seems best to her, and for the sustenance, training and upbringing of John, my son, and also asking her to do all she can for the support of Alice, my daughter, now remaining in Coventry.
6. And I declare the said Agnes, my wife to be my principal executrix and also Laurence Gorlefen, pinner and Walter Prendretas, fruiterer and citizens of London to be executors of this testament. For their labours in this part I wish them to have 6s. 8d., that is to each of them 40d.
Probate granted 9 December 1406

72. (GLMS 9171/2 f.103) WILLIAM UPTON 27 August 1407
[Latin]
Died intestate, apparently without family, of the parish of St. Lawrence, Jewry, at a time of plague. Administration granted to the vicar of his parish church, Robert Winbwell. (fn. 1)

73. (GLMS 9051/1 f.271) JOHN STANES 10 December 1411
[Latin]
1. Memorandum that John Stanes, being in good and sound mind, spoke and declared his testament orally in the following way. First he bequeathed his soul to Almighty God, to St Mary the Virgin and all the Saints.
His body to be buried in the cemetery of his parish church, St Mary Somerset in London.
He left 4d. to Master John, chaplain in the said church of St Mary.
4. He also bequeathed all his goods, moveable and immoveable, wherever they might be, to Alice his wife for the payment of his debts, for the salvation of his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed.
5. To ensure that his will is faithfully observed, he made and constituted his wife, Alice, his executrix.
6. Witnessed by John Wayte, Thomas Clerk and John Dalby.
Probate granted 15 October 1412

74. (GLMS 917112 f.325v) JOHN CHESTER 18 November 1415
[Latin]
1. I John Chester, citizen and pinner of London, sound in mind and memory, write, make and ordain this my present testament in this way. First I give and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my Creator, and to the Blessed Mary his mother and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the church of St Martin Pomeroy in Ironmonger Lane, London.
3. I leave to the high altar of the said church, for my tithes and oblations forgotten 15d. I give to whoever is chaplain of the same church to pray for my soul and for the souls of those I hold dear and for all the faithful departed 4d.
4. I leave to Alice, my wife, £20 and all my jewels.
5. And to John Chester, my son, I leave 10 marks, six silver spoons and my best furred gown.
6. To my craft of pinners in London I leave 6s. 8d.
7. I bequeath to Laurence Proute, citizen and pinner of London, a quarter die to draw wire pertaining to his craft
8. I leave the residue of all my goods and chattels, after the settlement and payment of all my debts and my legacies fully paid, to Alice my wife, for her to sell and I desire that the money arising shall be disposed of in pious uses and charitable works for my soul and for those souls aforementioned, as she thinks best.
9. And I make executors of this my testament the aforementioned Alice as principal executrix and William Grymmsby, girdler, and Laurence Gorlefen, citizen and pinner of London: each to have for his labours 10s. Probate granted 24 November 1415

75. (GLMS 9171/2 f.370v) LAURENCE GORLEFEN 17 August 1417
[Latin]
1. I Laurence Gorlefen, citizen and pinner of London, sound in mind and memory do write, make and ordain this my present testament in this form. First I give and recommend my soul to Almighty God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the cemetery of the Friars Minor in London and I leave the same friars 6s. 8d. to celebrate [mass] for my soul.
3. I also leave to Master John, as parish chaplain of the church of St Matthew in Friday Street London, to celebrate [mass] for my soul 3s. 4d.
4. All the residue of my goods after the payment of my debts and my legacies fulfilled I give to my executors, written below, to dispose for my soul as they see best.
5. And I make Elena, my wife, my principal executrix and Richard Maidstone, citizen, my executor.
6. Witnessed by Laurence Proute, pinner, Richard Moore, tailor and William Nicholl, tallow chandler.

76. (GLMS 9171/3 f.153B) THOMAS UNDERHILL 11 September 1422
[Latin]
1. I Thomas Underhill, citizen and pinner of London, of sound mind and good memory, praise to the Almighty, do make my testament in this form. First I bequeath and commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator and to the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the body of the nave of the church of St Mary Magdalene in Milk Street, London, and for my funeral and special prayers for my soul 10s. to the said church.
3. I leave 3s. 4d. to St Mary Magdalene in Milk Street for my tithes and oblations forgotten or withheld and for the rector of the said church to pray for my soul.
4. I leave 8d. to whoever is chaplain in the same church to pray for my soul and 8d. to the other clerks of the same church to pray for my soul.
5. I leave 3s. 4d. towards the maintenance of the fabric of the church of St Augustine in the parish of Kingston on Thames.
6. I leave to Stephen, canon of Tybere (fn. 2) in county Essex, my relative, six silver spoons to pray for my soul.
7. And I leave to John Underhill, my brother, of Kingston 6s. 8d., a gown with a hood from my own clothes, following the discretion of my executors, to pray for my soul.
8. I leave each of my sons and daughters in the city of London and elsewhere within the realm of England, 12d.
9. I leave to Dionisia, daughter of John Underhill, who resides with me, one pair of linen sheets, one blanket, one coverlet of a bed, my second best brass pot and 6s. 8d. to pray for my soul.
10. I leave to Roger Underhill, my brother, 6s. 8d. and a robe with a hood from my own clothes following the good discretion of my executors to pray for my soul
11. To the community of the Fraternity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary de Rouncivall, near Charing Cross, (fn. 3) of which fraternity I am a member, 6s.8d. for gowns for each of the brothers so that they recommend my soul to God in their prayers.
12. I leave to the fraternity of my craft of Pinners 20s. for gowns for each of them who come to my funeral and to do for my soul as they do for the other brothers and to recommend my soul to God in their prayers and, at the discretion of my executors, I do release and pardon all those who are indebted to me and by the fortune of the world have lost their goods and have nothing from which to pay the debt.
13. And I give to John Stanes of London, pinner, my kinsman who is staying with me, that he will be my executor with Margaret my wife, one bed with coverlet, one pair of blankets, one pair of sheets and six silver spoons: one pair of mazers decorated with silver, half a dozen of my pewter vessels, one brass pot, one brass bowl, a hundred of wire and half of all the tools of my trade for his good labour and diligence in this matter.
14. My debts and funeral expenses paid, all my [remaining] goods to Margaret, my wife, to dispose of as she thinks best to please God and for the good of my soul.
Probate granted 10 March 1425

77. (GLMS 9171/3 f.315v) WILLIAM REDGATE, pinner, 6 November 1432
[Latin]
Administration granted to John Colzon, girdler and William Studell, pinner.

78. (GLMS 9171/3 f.376) ALICE BYSET 10 April 1434
[Latin]
Administration of the goods of Alice Byset granted to Thomas Byset, pinner

79. (GLMS 9171/3 f.376) STEPHEN DRAX, pinner, 13 April 1434
[Latin]
Administration granted to widow whose name is lost in the binding [Alice?].

80. (GLMS 9171/4 f.63) JOHN TAYLOR 19 December 1436
[Latin]
1. I John Taylor, citizen and pinner of London, being of sound mind and good memory, set down, make and ordain my present testament in this manner. First I commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator and to the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the cemetery of St Mary [recte Martin] Pomeroy in Ironmonger Lane, London.
3. I desire that all my debts be paid at once after my burial.
4. I leave 12d. to the High Altar of the church of St Martin for tithes and oblations forgotten and unpaid.
5. I leave to Robert, the son of my sister Agnes 20d.
6. I leave to William, the son of my sister Margaret, 12d.
7. The true residue of all my goods wherever they may be after the payment of all my debts and funeral expenses I give and bequeath wholly to Emote, my wife, for her to spend and distribute for the benefit of my soul.
8. I declare and ordain as my executors the said Emote and John Milford, citizen of London, and I give to the said John Milford 6s. 8d. for his labour.
Probate granted 19 June 1441

81. (Husting Roll 170/64) JOHN HILL (senior) 7 October 1437
[Latin]
1. I John Hill senior, citizen and pinner of London, being in good memory, do ordain and make my present final testament in this manner, viz. I give my lands, tenements with shops, solars and cellars, with all their appurtenances, situated in the parish of St Bride Fleet Street, in the suburb of London, between Bride Lane in the parish aforesaid to the west, the tenement held of late by Adam Carlill on the east, and up to the house of the abbot and convent of Winchcombe on the south, and the King's highway of Fleet Street to the north, which was lately held by the gift and enfeoffment of Roger Sapurton, esquire, warden of the King's prison of the Fleet, John Ullesthorp, citizen of London, master William Prys, priest, Robert Croke and John Hill, junior, citizens of this city, as is made clear in a certain deed of mine.
2. Firstly I leave to Thomas Franks, rector (fn. 4) of the said parish of St Bride Fleet Street and to Richard Skerning and Thomas Tryll, his churchwardens, all those lands, tenements with shops, solars and cellars, except 3 shops with their solars and appurtenances situated in Bride Lane and closely adjacent to the gate of the hospital or house of the abbot and convent of Winchcombe to the north, which are reserved for John Hill, junior, citizen and esquire, his heirs and assigns; to have and to hold all the said lands and tenements with shops, solars and cellars, except those aforesaid, to Thomas Franks, rector and his successors and Richard Skerning and Thomas Tryll, churchwardens and their successors of the said church, for ever, under the conditions below.
3. That every year, forever, after my decease, on the eve and day of St Mary Magdalene, they hold a special anniversary, specifically celebrating the service of the dead with three sung masses, including one for the Holy Trinity and another for the Blessed Virgin Mary, for my soul and for the soul of Joan, late my wife, and for the souls of all the faithful departed, particularly for the souls of those most dear to me. To each one of the chaplains who takes part in these services 4d., and the said anniversary to be accompanied with torches and the ringing of bells. And if the rector and his chaplains take part in the service and mass then the rector to receive 12d. and the chaplains 6d. And the clerks of the parish for their labour and bellringing to have 18d., viz. 12d. for the bell-ringing and 6d. for the service and mass
4. Also I will that 5s. 6d. from the profits of the said lands, tenements and shops be distributed to the poor, weak and greatly needy by the rector and churchwardens and their successors
5. And also to the honour of God and that the chaplain who lately celebrated in the chantry in the church of St Bride for the souls of John Wygan and Joan his wife (fn. 5) be well and sufficiently supported, I will that Thomas Franks, rector and the churchwardens and their successors pay annually to the chaplain 20s. from the profits of the said lands, tenements and shops, forever, at the four terms of the years according to the customs of the city of London. And the chaplain should celebrate and hold divine service as is written below: viz. within the octave of the feast of Christmas there should be three full masses including the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, a special collect of St Gregory, and the service of the dead. The said chaplain should also perform the antiphon of the blessed Mary in the said church in his vestments unless he is not able because of troubles or infirmities. And finally the said chaplain should hold a full service within the octave of nine other feasts, namely Epiphany, Purification, Annunciation, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary following the customs of those feasts just as was celebrated and done in the aforesaid octave of Christmas, for my soul and the soul of Joan my late wife and all the faithful departed.
6. And should the said lands fail to produce 20s. p.a., wholly or in part, then the chaplain may, at his discretion, distrain on the annual rents of the lands, tenements, shops, solars and cellars aforesaid to meet the deficit and to cover any costs and expenses he incurs. Or if it is not possible for this or some other chaplain to perform the services as described then the rector and churchwardens to retain the 20s. and distribute one half to the poor and greatly needy of the parish for my soul, the soul of Joan my late wife and all the faithful dead and I leave the other half to the fabric of the church of St Bride.
7. To this my present testament I affix my seal, John Michell then being Mayor of London and William Hales and William Chapman then being sheriffs of London
Witnesses to the will: William Venour, Robert Byston, Augustine Hawkins, Henry Longope, Henry Ragle and others
Probate granted 16 July 1442

82. (GLMS 9171/4 f.23) JOHN HILL 7 July 1439
[Latin]
1. I John Hill, citizen and pinner of London, being of sound mind and good memory, do make my testament as follows. I leave and commend my soul to Almighty God, my Creator and Saviour, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his mother, and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the tomb next to my late wife, Joan, in the chapel of St Anne, under the parish church of St Bride's in Fleet Street, in the suburbs of London.
3. I leave to the high altar for tithes and oblations overlooked 40d.
4. I leave 20d. for the maintenance of a light in the chapel of St Mary the Virgin in the same place
5. I leave 20d. to the maintenance of the light of St Cross in the same place
6. I give to the fabric of the [cathedral] church of St Paul's 40d.
7. I leave to the church of St Bride's one iron chest
8. I leave to John Hill my kinsman my best large mazer.
9. And I leave Alice, lately the wife of John Hill, my brother, my second best mazer.
10. I leave to John Wells my best gown.
11. I leave to John Bulcell my second best gown.
12. The true residue of all my goods not bequeathed above I leave to the disposal of John Wells, pinner, and John Hunt, tailor and citizen of London. I desire and require that they may act according to my will and dispose of a pair of bed-hangings and my vessels of copper and brass only, as well as they can, for the profit and benefit of John Hill, my aforesaid kinsman.
13. I make the said John Wells and John Hunt executors of my present will; to apply the money raised from my goods for the soul of Joan, my late wife, and for those souls I hold dear. And I leave each of them 20s. for their labours.
Probate granted 21 July 1439

83. [GLMS 9171/4 f. 195] JOHN WELLS 18 June 1446
[Latin]

1. I John Wells, citizen and pinner of London, in good memory, praised be the Almighty, do make, ordain and constitute my present testament and last wishes as follows. First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my Creator, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his mother, and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the burial ground of St Bride the Virgin in Fleet Street London, near Alice, my former wife, and my son.
3. I desire that all my debts, whether [enforceable] by law or [good] faith, shall be paid completely.
4. The true residue of all my goods and chattels, after my said debts are paid, I leave and give to Margaret, my wife, freely to dispose of as she thinks best for my soul in charitable works best pleasing to God and for the health of my soul.
5. And I declare and ordain the said Margaret principal executrix of this my will and Thomas Hatfeld, citizen of London, supervisor.
Probate granted 13 August 1446

84. [GLMS 9171/4 f.243v) JOHN EDRYCH 1 February 1443
[Latin]
1. I John Edrych, citizen and pinner of London, sound of mind and in good memory do write make and ordain this my last will and testament in the following manner. First I bequeath to Almighty God my Creator and Saviour and to the Blessed Mary his mother and to all the saints.
2. My body to be buried in the church of St Botolph without Aldersgate in London at the discretion of my executors written below.
3. And for the works on the body of the said church and my burial there I leave 6s. 8d.
4. I leave to the high altar of the church in exoneration of tithes and oblations overlooked 12d.
5. And I desire that all my debts be settled immediately after my burial and my funeral expenses to be paid by my executors.
6. The true residue of all my goods, after my debts legacies and burial have been settled, I leave totally to Emma, my wife, for her and Thomas Plot to dispose of for my soul as seems best to them.
7. I make and ordain the said Emma, my wife, and the said Thomas Plot my principal executors and John Joye, citizen of London. And I leave to John Joye 20s. for his labours.
Probate granted 29 September 1448

85. (GLMS 9171/5 f.286v) ROBERT VICARY 25 October 1459
[Latin]
1. I Robert Vicary, citizen and pinner of London, of sound mind and healthy memory, praise be to the Almighty, do write make and ordain my present testament in this way. First I leave and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my Creator and Saviour, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his mother, and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the church of St Sepulchre, wherever God, in his supreme grace, wishes to put me; and I desire that my body be honestly buried with the minimum of pomp.
3. I wish that my debts, all and singular, wherever and to whomever they may be owed, be faithfully and wholly met,
4. I leave to the high altar of St Matthew Friday Street, London, for tithes and oblations forgotten and unpaid and in exoneration of my soul 12d.
5. And I leave two torches, at the discretion of my executors and to the same high altar, for the veneration of Corpus Christi, and for as long as they last.
6. I also leave to each of the orders of the Austin Friars, the Carmelites and the Friars Minor of London 6s. 8d., that they may celebrate a trental mass and will sing by note that my soul be specially recommended to God.
And I leave to the prisoners of Ludgate and Newgate, London, 3s. 4d. in bread.
I leave to Isabel my servant 6s. 8d.
9. I leave to John Vicary, my son, 40 pounds sterling made up of 20 pounds in good legal money of England, and goods and materials of my trade to the value of 20 pounds, to be given and delivered to him without question, at the discretion of my wife.
10. The true residue of my goods and chattels, after the payment of my debts, my aforementioned funeral expenses and of this testament, I give and leave wholly to Alice, my wife, that she may dispose of it for the good of my soul and for the souls of those I hold dear, in pious uses and charitable works.
11. I make, ordain and constitute the aforementioned Alice my principal executrix and William Michell, citizen and pinner of London, and John Jenkyn, citizen and mercer of London, as co-executors. And I leave each of them 20s. for their labours in this matter.
12. I also leave my Antiphoner, (fn. 6) for the praise and honour of God in the chancel of the church of St Matthew aforesaid, that is to say in the north part of the chancel, so that the parish may pray especially for me, for as long as it lasts.
Probate granted 8 November 1459

86. (GLMS 9171/5 f.296v-97) WILLIAM STODELL 20 May 1460
[Latin]
1. I William Stodell, citizen and pinner of London, sound of mind and in good memory, make, write and ordain my testament and will in this manner. First, I leave and commend my soul to Almighty God, my Creator and Saviour, to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the great cemetery of the church of St Paul's London, in the place where my sons lie buried.
3. I leave to the high altar of the parish church of St Michael in Wood Street, where I am a parishioner, 12d. for tithes and oblations forgotten and withheld.
4. I leave to Robert Page, citizen and embroiderer of London, and to Anabel, his wife, 10 marks.
5. And I leave to Letitia Page, daughter of the said Robert, 6s. 8d. and to John Page son of the said Robert 6s. 8d.
6. I leave 18 marks for one suitable, good and honest chaplain to be found to celebrate [mass] for the next two years at the altar of the chapel of St Mary in the aforesaid church of St Michael, for my soul and for the souls of Roger Stodell, my father, and Anabel, my mother, and all my friends and benefactors and all the faithful departed, immediately after my death; the chaplain to be paid at the four terms of the year by the hand and discretion of my executors.
7. I also desire that my executors well and faithfully following their good and sensible discretion, give, dispose and distribute to twelve paupers and women in great need, by their hands, in the parish of St Michael Wood Street, aforesaid, twelve quarters of coal at the feasts of All Saints and the Annunciation, for the term of 10 years following my death.
8. I also desire my feoffees who with me and Margaret my wife, in great confidence have been enfeoffed with a certain tenement with its appurtenances situated in the town of Ware in the county of Hertford, which was lately held and occupied by Annabel Vynde, my mother, now dead, immediately after my death to make, or cause to be made, to the said Margaret my wife a good, true and legal document of release from all the interest which they have in the said tenement and appurtenances; all of this to be done and performed without delay by anyone and according to my will and pleasure as written in this present testament.
9. I desire that all my debts which I owe to anyone be settled and satisfied, and, at the discretion of my executors, my funeral expenses and legacies fulfilled.
10. The residue of all my goods after my debts paid, funeral expenses and legacies fulfilled I give and leave entirely to Margaret, my wife, for her to dispose of freely and at her discretion for ever.
11. I hereby make and ordain my executors, Margaret, my wife, Robert Page aforesaid and William Michell, citizen and pinner of London, and Nicholas Bynde, citizen and currier of London, to be supervisor. And I give William Michell 20s. for his labour in this matter and to Nicholas Bynde 20s.
Probate granted 27 June 1460

87. (GLMS 9171/5 f.392–92v) GEOFFREY PRANY 30 August 1466
[Latin]
1. I Geoffrey Prany, citizen and pinner of London, of sound mind and good memory, compose make and ordain my present testament and last will in this way. First I give and recommend my soul to Almighty God my Creator and to St Mary the Virgin and to all the Saints.
And my body to be buried in the cemetery of the cathedral church of St Paul's London.
3. I leave 2s. to the high altar of the church of St Magnus on the Bridge, of which I am a parishioner, in payment of tithes and oblations omitted.
4. I also leave 12d. to the high altar of the church of St Vedast in Westcheap, London.
5. I leave 12d. to the fraternity of the Holy Cross in the church of St Peter in Westcheap.
6. I leave to Robert my son 40s., a dublet de defence, one axe isalet, one pair of gauntlets, a pair of good linen sheets, 1 pair of blankets, a coverlet and one good mattress, to be delivered to him when he comes of age.
7. I leave the custody of these goods and money to Joan my wife for so long as she does not marry. And should it happen that my wife Joan die or remarry before Robert is of age, then I wish my brother, Thomas Prany, the supervisor of this testament of mine, to have the custody of the said money and goods belonging to Robert when he comes of age. And should he die, then I wish Henry Felde, fletcher, and Henry Somer, pinner, citizens of London and supervisors of my present testament, to arrange for the custody of the money and goods for the profit of the said Robert and answering to him when he comes of age
8. And should the said Robert die before coming of age, then I leave the said money and goods for disposal, for the good of my soul, the souls of my wife, and son, Robert, and all the faithful departed
9. I leave to the said Thomas Prany, my brother, my dark red gown lined with marten fur
10. I leave to Richard Andrew, lately my master, my murrey gown lined with black sheepskin and 1d. each week for the rest of his life
11. I leave to Thomas Boges, pinner, 5s.
12. The rest of all my goods, chattels and debts, my debts and funeral expenses being paid and this present testament fulfilled, I give entirely to Joan, my wife, whom I do make and constitute the executrix of this testament, and as supervisors of this testament I appoint the aforesaid Thomas Prany, Henry Felde and Henry Somer, to each of whom I give 3s. 4d. for their labour.
Probate granted 6 October 1466.

88. (GLMS 9171/5 f.388–88v) GEOFFREY WADE 12 September 1466
[English]
1. I Geoffrey Wade, citizen and pinner of London, of the parish of St Katherine's Christchurch, being in whole mind, ordain and make this my present testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and to the most Glorious Virgin his mother, St Mary, and to all the Saints of Heaven.
2. My body to be buried where God will dispose best for me, at the discretion of my executors.
3. I give to the high altar of the parish church of St Katherine's Christchurch 3s. 4d.
4. Also, if it can be met, I will that a priest of honest conversation pray for me devoutly for a whole year, or to have a trental to the sum of 10 marks for his salary.
5. I give and bequeath my grayle (fn. 7) to the said parish church of St Katherine, for evermore.
6. I give and bequeath to my son, Thomas Wade, and equally to everyone of my daughters, 5 marks of my silver plate or in other of my goods.
7. I give my son William Wade 20s.
8. I give my wife's best gown and best girdle to Alison Wade, my daughter.
9. The second best girdle and gown to my daughter Joan Godewyn.
10. And the third gown and girdle to my daughter Katherine Stanmpe
11. I also give and bequeath to William Herbert 10 marks in money and his terms [of apprenticeship?] to be disposed of by my executors underwritten.
12. I give to John, my apprentice, 20s.
13. I give and bequeath to Alison Wyndham 20s. in money.
14. And I straightly require and charge each of the said children, as they shall answer at the High Day of Judgement, that none of them sue, trouble or vex any of my executors, in so much that I have given and bequeathed unto each and every of my said children their portions of their goods before this time except to my son, Thomas Wade, who never received his part of my goods, to whom I give and grant, by the present writings, all my goods and debts not bequeathed in this my present testament, my own debts paid first and my legacies carried out.
16. I ordain and make my chief executor the said Thomas Wade, my son, he only to dispose, administer and fulfil my testament and last will in all things.
17. And I ordain and make his co-executors Richard Froste, fruiterer, and Thomas Godewyn, girdler and citizen of London, to support my said son in his disposition of all my goods, and if there are any challenges to this my testament and last will.
18. I give and bequeath to the said Richard [Froste] and Thomas Godewyn 20s. to each of them for their labour in this matter.
Probate granted 18 September 1466

89. (GLMS 9171/6 f.24v-25) RICHARD HUGHIS 29 April 1468
[Latin]
1. I Richard Hughis, citizen and pinner of London, being of sound mind and good memory, Almighty God be praised, write, make and ordain my present testament in this manner. First I give and commend my soul to Almighty God; my Creator and Saviour, to the Most Blessed Mary, his mother, and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried next to the tomb of John St John, in the north cemetery of the parish church of St Bride the Virgin in Fleet Street, in the suburb of London.
3. I desire, first and foremost, that all and singular my debts, which I owe to anyone, be settled in full.
4. I leave to the said church for my tithes and oblations overlooked 5s.
5. I desire that 30 masses be celebrated for my soul as soon as possible after my death.
6. I remit, pardon and release John Davell from the two final years of his term of apprenticeship, on condition that the said John remains the faithful and obedient apprentice of Margaret, my wife, and that the said John faithfully serves the said Margaret or her assigns during the remainder of his apprenticeship after my decease, except for the final two years, and that he pays the said Margaret for all the care and expenses that I Richard paid and incurred when John left my service and had to be re-apprenticed.
7. I leave to my apprentice John Foster 26s. 8d., to be delivered to him at the end of his apprenticeship, on condition that he continues to serve Margaret, my wife, or her assigns, for the whole of the rest of his apprenticeship after my death.
8. I leave to my apprentice John Leche 6s. 8d., to be delivered to him at the end of his apprenticeship, on condition that he serves the said Margaret faithfully to the end of his apprenticeship.
9. The true residue of all my goods, after my legacies and debts are paid, and my funeral covered, I leave wholly to Margaret, my wife, to do with freely as she wishes, to use and dispose of them, for the good of my soul, as seems best to please God,.
10. I make and ordain Margaret, my wife, principal executrix of my present testament and William Almer, citizen and haberdasher of London, and Thomas Vaux, of London, sergeant, co-executors.
11. And I leave to each of them, William and Thomas, for their labours 6s. 8d.
Probate granted 4 July 1468

90. (GLMS 9171/6 f.130) JOHN CADMAN 2 April 1472
[Latin]
1. I John Cadman, of sane mind, sick in body, commend my soul to Almighty God, to the Blessed Mary and all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the church of St Sepulchre.
3. I leave to the high altar in my parish church for tithes forgotten 16d.
4. I leave to William, my son, 20s.
5. And to Robert, my son, 20s. and my best gown.
6. The residue of all my goods I bequeath to Alice, my wife, for her to dispose of for the good of my soul, as she thinks best.
7. I make my wife my sole executrix of my will and Edmund Legge to be supervisor: he to have 10s. for his labours.
Sealed in the presence of Master William Clerk, chaplain of the parish, William Crendon, Edward Sulby and others.
Probate granted 22 July 1472

91. (GLMS 9171/6 f.122–22v) JOHN RONELL 7 October 1472
[Latin]
1. I John Ronell, citizen and pinner of London, and of sound mind and of good memory, Almighty God be praised, do write, make and ordain this testament in the following manner. First I give and commend my soul to Almighty God, my creator and saviour, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his mother and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the cemetery of St Paul's cathedral in London, if possible, where the body of Joan, my late wife, lies buried.
3. I desire that my debts should be truly settled.
4. I leave to the high altar of the parish church of St Mary Magdalene in Milk Street London, where I am a parishioner, 12d. for my tithes and oblations forgotten.
5. The true residue of all and singular my goods and chattels not already bequeathed, the cost of my burial met and the whole of this testament fulfilled, I leave wholly to Isabel my wife and also to my children, Thomas and Alice, to be divided between them, in the manner and custom of the city of London.
6. I make, ordain and name the said Isabel the sole executrix of this my present testament and John Vicary, citizen and pinner, to be supervisor.
I leave the same John Vicary 6s. 8d. for his labour in this matter.
8. And finally to all and singular I give notice by this my present testament that, on account of the sound choice and great confidence which I had in Edmund Legge, citizen and pinner of London, a certain Edward Lunsey, lately of Shinglewell in the county of Kent, esquire, John Charlton, of the same place, yeoman, and Henry Dannell, of the same place, husbandman, who owe me £8, and Geoffrey Craft of Shinglewell, aforesaid, husbandman, and John Crower, husbandman of the same place, who also owe me £10, have been bound and held by their two bonds in the said sums to me and the said Edmund for my use only and not for the use of that Edmund, on account of which I will, require and desire through my present testament that the said Edmund Legge, at no time in the future, invoke any legal action through my executrix or her executors against my said debtors or to seize any of them for non-payment of the sums aforesaid or any part thereof, nor make any acquittal or discharge of the same or any part thereof without the consent of my executrix or her executors. And finally the same Edmund should not meddle with the receipt of the aforesaid sum or any part thereof.
Probate granted 12 November 1472

92. (GLMS 9171/6 f.220) MARGARET STODELL 23 December 1477
[Latin]
1. I Margaret Stodell, widow of London, being in clear mind and good memory make my testament in this manner. First I give and commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator and Saviour, to St Mary the Virgin his mother and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the cemetery of St Paul's cathedral, London, next to where the body of William Stodell, citizen and pinner of London, my late husband, lies.
3. I leave to the altar of the church of St Michael in Wood Street London, where I am a parishioner, 6s. 8d. for tithes and oblations forgotten.
4. And I leave 3s. 4d. for the high altar of St Peter's in Westchepe.
5. I leave to the fraternity of St Cross in the same church 3s 4d.
6. I give to the fabric of the said St Paul's cathedral 6s. 8d.
7. The true residue of all my goods, chattels and debts, wherever they may be, after my debts are settled, my funeral paid for and the legacies of this testament fulfilled, I give and bequeath wholly to Robert Page, citizen and broiderer of London, and to Anabel his wife, to share with the children of their daughters, and for distribution in works of charity and mercy for the good of my soul as they wish
8. I ordain Robert Page and Anabel his wife my just and faithful executors. Probate granted 12 February 1478

93. (GLMS 9171/6 f.257–57v) JOHN VICARY 1 March 1478
[Latin]
1. I John Vicary, citizen and pinner of London of sound mind and in good health and memory, thanks be to the Almighty, do compose, make and ordain my present testament in the following manner. First I give and recommend my soul to God Almighty and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his mother, and to all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the cemetery of the church of St Matthew the Apostle in Friday Street, London, next to the body of Robert Vicary my father.
3. I leave to the high altar of the said church, for exoneration of tithes and oblations forgotten and unpaid 3s. 4d.
4. The true residue of all and singular of my goods and chattels, not bequeathed and after the payment of all my debts, the legacies of this testament fulfilled and my funeral expenses fully paid, I give and leave in full to Isabel, my wife, and I make and constitute her my sole executrix of this testament of mine, and Peter Walpole and Thomas Wymark co-executors: and I leave to each of the said executors 6s. 8d. for their labours in this matter. And James Terumbere of Bradford in the county of Wiltshire, clothman, to be supervisor of this testament.
Witnesses: Nicholas Edwards, chaplain, John Worlych, Thomas Colard.
Probate granted 26 April 1479

94. (GLMS 9171/6 f.332) ROBERT RUMBOLD 7 April 1482
[Latin]
1. I Robert Rumbold, citizen and pinner of London, of sound mind and healthy memory, thanks be to the Almighty, compose, make and ordain my present testament in the manner following: first, I leave and commend my soul to Almighty God my creator, to the Blessed Virgin, Mary his mother, and all the Saints.
2. My body to be buried in the nave of the parish church of St Peter in Westcheap, London.
3. I leave for the fabric of the nave of the church towards my burial 6s. 8d.
4. I leave to the rector of the said church in compensation for tithes forgotten and withheld 3s. 4d.
5. I leave to the fraternity of the Holy Cross in the same church that the brothers and sisters of the same may pray for my soul 3s. 4d.
6. The true residue of all my goods and chattels not bequeathed above, my debts resolved, my funeral paid for and my testament performed, I wish to be distributed and disposed of by Christina, my wife, and Thomas Rumbold, citizen and mercer of London, for the good of my soul and the souls of my parents, of my friends and all the faithful departed, in the celebration of masses and in other pious uses and charitable works, at the discretion of Christina, my wife, and Thomas Rumbold whom I name and constitute my executors.
7. I leave to Thomas Rumbold 13s. 4d. for his labour in this matter.
8. I desire that my executors shall sell all my lands and tenements, called Soward and Fronde, which I hold by a copy of the roll in the lord's court of Southminster in the county of Essex; my son, Thomas Rumbold, to have 5 marks of the money from their sale, to be given him at the age of 21.
9. And if the said Thomas should die before that age, then I leave the said 5 marks to Edmund Rumbold, my son, if he is still alive then, otherwise I wish the said 5 marks to be divided equally between his children. And if both Thomas and Edmund and all his children die, the said 5 marks should be distributed in pious uses and charitable works.
10. I leave to Isabel Smyth, daughter of John Smyth, 20s. towards her marriage, from the aforementioned sale of lands and tenements.
11. And I desire that all the rest of the money from the sale should be distributed and disposed of by my executors as they see best for my soul and to please God.
Probate granted 20 March 1482

95. (GLMS 9171/8 f.224) WILLIAM PARKER 3 August 1500
[English]
1. I William Parker, citizen and wireseller of London, in whole and good mind, laud and honour be to Almighty God, make and ordain this my present testament, containing my last will, in manner and form following. First I bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my Saviour, and second to Our Blessed Lady St Mary, his most glorious mother, and to all the holy company of Heaven.
2. And my body to be buried in the church of the Whitefriars in London, before the image of St Alban, on the south side of the said church.
- 3. I bequeath to the high altar of St Alban [Wood Street], for offerings which were behindhand, withheld or forgotten 3s. 4d.
I leave to Alice, my sister, John Benet's wife, 20s.
5. I also wish that my executors, written below, dispose in bread at the time of my burial 6s. 8d. and a barrel of good ale.
I give to all those who have been and who are my apprentices 6s. 8d. each.
7. I give my executors full power to sell all such plate as I have for the best price they can and with the money thereof to fulfil my will in every particular.
8. I bequeath to Stephen Palow a riding gown of tawney lined with deep tawney.
9. I give to Isobel Quille, widow, in ready money 3s. 4d.
10. I give to John Alsop, citizen and wireseller of London, after my decease, a close of land and wood, called Coldwater, within the lordship of Harringay, containing 3 acres and a rod, in the county of Middlesex.
11. I bequeath to William Benet, after the decease of Emma, my wife, one cottage with a curtilage and a garden, late of William Frend, and two acres of land lying in Highgate in the said lordship of Harringay. And if it turns out that the said William Benet is not virtuous and good, and of good guidance and rule, then I wish my executors to sell it, as well as they can; half of the money to be disposed in charitable works and mercy, as they think most fit for the good of my soul, and the other half to go towards the mending of the highways between Highgate and St John's corner where is most need.
12. I bequeath to Emma, my wife, for her life, a cottage with a curtilage in Highgate, within the lordship of Harringay. And after her decease, it is to pass to my sister Alice, the wife of John Benet, and after his decease, to go to William Benet, her son, if he be of good rule and good guidance. [If not,] to my said executors to sell and to dispose of the money ensuing for my soul and the soul of Emma, my wife, and for all true Christian souls.
13. I leave to the said Emma, my wife, a cottage with a curtilage called Sitwells in Highgate Green Lane; John Barret and Margery, his wife, and their assigns to have it for ever.
14. The residue of all my goods to my wife, for her to dispose of as she thinks best and needful, for the good of both our souls and all Christian souls.
15. I ordain and make John Alsop, wireseller, and Henry Hill, haberdasher, executors of this my last will and testament and I leave each of them 20s Witnessed by: the parson of St Alban [Wood Street], (fn. 8) William Founteyn, Richard Surcock, leatherseller.
Probate granted 12 November 1500

96. (GLMS 9171/9 f.89v) JOHN WEKYS 26 May 1518
[English]
1. I John Wekys, citizen and pinner of London, being sick in my body and whole in my mind, thanks be to God, make and ordain this my present testament in form following. First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God my maker and to Our Lady St Mary and all the Holy Company of Heaven.
My body to be buried in St [Bride's] church before the north door and nigh to the holy water stoop.
3. I bequeath to the brotherhood of Our Lady in the said church of St Bride £10, which [was given by] Thomas Wyson, groom of the chamber to our lord King Henry VIII, now being with his Grace, if the said brotherhood will sue for it; as will be shown in a good obligation, which shall be delivered by my overseer for me, so that the said brotherhood will pray for me.
4. I bequeath to John Hyams, my servant, his freedom, he to pay the fee to the Chamber [of the Guildhall].
5. I also bequeath to Thomas Petre, my servant, his freedom, he to pay the fee to the Chamber [of the Guildhall].
6. I give Joan, my maid, 5s.
7. I bequeath to my lad Raphael 5s.
8. All the residue of all my goods, moveable and immoveable, my funeral paid and my body buried, I freely give to Jane, my wife. I make and ordain her my sole executrix for the performance of my will
9. I make and ordain John Johnson my overseer, for the performance of my will and I bequeath him for his labour my best furred gown with a hood. Witnessed by: Sir Humfrey Towne, my spiritual father, Edward Tate and Master Sympkotte
Probate granted 5 June 1518.

97. (GL MS 9171/9 f. 181) ROBERT DRURY 5 May 1521
[English]
1. I Robert Drury, citizen and wireseller of London, sick in body nevertheless whole in mind and in perfect remembrance thanks be to God, make and ordain this my last will and testament as follows. First I bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my maker and redeemer, to his glorious mother Our Lady St Mary the Virgin and to all saints.
2. And my body to be buried in the church yard of St Benet Gracechurch as near as possible to the grave of John Wheler.
3. I bequeath to the high altar of St Benet for forgotten or withheld tithes, 12d.
4. I leave to Elizabeth Drury, my daughter, 53s 4d. when she reaches lawful age or marries. If she dies before this, then the 53s. 4d. to remain to my wife Agnes to dispose of in deeds of charity for my soul as she thinks best.
5. I wish my executors, immediately after my death, to have five masses of the five wounds sung and said at the Scala Coeli within the Convent Church of the Crossed Friars.
6. I leave to Nicholas Capper my best bow.
7. I leave the residue of all my goods, chattels and debts, after my debts have been paid and my testament fulfilled, to Agnes my wife whom I appoint as my sole executor.
8. I leave to Thomas Notte, grocer and to John Shepard, waxchandler, 3s. 4d. each, desiring them to help my executor.
9. Witnessed by: Thomas Notte and John Shepard and Henry Standish, notary.
Probate granted 15 June 1521

98. (GL MS 9171/10 f.174) WILLIAM FREBRIGE 21 January 1529
[English]
1. I William Frebrige, citizen and wireseller of London, being in good health and whole mind, laud and praise unto Almighty God, make and ordain and dispose this my present testament and last will in manner and form following. I give and recommend my soul to Almighty God my maker and redeemer, and to the most glorious Virgin his Mother, Our Lady St Mary, and the whole company of heaven.
2. And my body to be buried in an honest manner within the parish church of St Stephen Coleman Street, London, where the body of Margery, my wife, lies buried, or as near to the same place as may be conveniently done.
3. I give and bequeath to the high altar of the church of St Stephen Coleman Street for my tithes and oblations forgotten or withheld in discharge of my soul 20d.
4. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Howman, the wife of Richard Howman, shearman, a house at a rental of 6s. 8d. or else 6s. 8d. yearly to be paid by my son John Frebrige, or his assigns, for the term of my daughter Ann Howman's life.
5. I leave the residue of my goods, movable and immovable after my debts are paid and the costs of my burial done and my testament fulfilled, to John Frebrige, my son, and to Richard Howman my son in law, whom I make and ordain my executors.
Witnessed by: Richard Ketyll, vicar of the aforesaid parish church, James Hill, Thomas Serle and diverse others.
Probate granted 23 October 1531

99. (GL MS 9171/14 f.85–85v) WILLIAM EDGEBOROW 1 September 1558
[English]
1. I William Edgeborow of the parish of St Sepulchre without Newgate, pinner, diseased and sick in body, but of good and profitable memory and remembrance, laud and praise to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my present testament and last will as follows. I give and commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, in whom and by whom and in whose merited and precious death, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I trust and believe assuredly to be saved and to have full and clear remission and forgiveness of my sins
2. And I commit my body to the earth to be buried in Christian burial at the discretion of my executors.
3. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Edgeborow, all my lease, interest and term of years of my dwelling house where I now dwell, for the rest of the term of years now to come, to have and enjoy the same to him, and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. And if the said Thomas, my son, should die without issue, then I will that the remainder of the same lease shall go to my daughter Joyse Huwe and to her children lawfully begotten. And if the same Joyse shall die without issue, then the remainder of the lease shall go to my cousin Margaret Grove, now the wife of Nicholas Grove, and the issue of her body, if the term of years contained in the said lease shall so long continue.
4. I give and bequeath to Thomas Taylor, my son in law, my gown furred with fox fur, a platter and a dish of pewter, and a candlestick of latten, and also the third part of my moulds of my occupation of pinner that I cast with.
5. I give and bequeath to the said Joyse, my daughter, a great kettle and an iron pot.
6. I will that my executors shall pay every year after my decease to Margaret Grove, my cousin, 3s 4d. out of [the income from] my dwelling house during the continuation of the said lease, provided always that if my said son Thomas, after my decease, shall not be minded to dwell in and occupy my said house himself, but be minded to sell or otherwise do away with the said lease given to him, then I will that the said Joyse shall immediately enter into my said house and enjoy the same lease according to the gift made to her.
7. The residue of all my goods and other things not already bequeathed, I will shall remain to my son Thomas Edgeborow, whom I make my sole executor.

8. And to see my will truly accomplished, I ordain and make my trusty friend John Starkeford, salter of London, overseer to see that right may be done to my said children as my trust is in him. I give to him for his pains, two platters of pewter.
Sealed on the day above written in the presence of Morgan Lydde, scrivener.
Probate granted 1 January 1559