Perogative Court of Canterbury Wills: nos 232-254

Perogative Court of Canterbury Wills: nos 232-254

Wills for the parishioners of St Andrew Hubbard, London, enrolled in the registers of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, from c. 1450 to c. 1570.

232. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/6, ff.70–70v) GERARD MORYS. 9 May 1473. [Latin]
1. I, Gerard Morys, citizen and barber of London, being in sound mind and good memory, give, make and order my present testament in the form following. First, I leave and commend my soul to Almighty God, my creator, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, His mother, and to all the saints.
2. My body is to be buried in the church of St Andrew Hubbard next to Eastcheap, London, according to the discretion of my executors.
3. I bequeath to the high altar there for tithes forgotten or withdrawn, 2s.
4. I bequeath to the fabric of the body of the said church to have my burial there, 6s. 8d.
5. I bequeath to each of the 2 priests in the said church to attend at the time of my exequies and to pray for my soul, 12d.
6. I bequeath to Richard Morys, my son, 5 marks sterling to be given to him when he comes of age or marries. Should he die before this, the said 5 marks is to be distributed for my soul and the souls of all the faithful departed.
7. To William Bacon, my servant, my furred russet robe.
8. To Robert Sumpter, citizen and barber of London, my blood coloured robe and my second best hat [unam hatte peiorem].
9. The true residue of all and singular of my goods and chattels, movable and immovable, wheresoever they are after my debts have been paid, I give and bequeath to Joan, my wife, who is to do with and dispose of them according to her own free will.
10. The same Joan I make and ordain executrix of this my testament.
11. I appoint as supervisors of the same testament Thomas Carter, waxchandler, and John Hapham, tailor, citizens of London, and to each of them I bequeath 3s. 4d. for their labour faithfully done.
Seal attached. Given in London the day and year aforesaid.
Proved 3 August 1473.

233. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/6, ff.284–84v) JOHN BRUGGE. 23 September 1476.
1. I, John Brugge, citizen and draper of London, of whole mind and in good memory, make, ordain and dispose this my present testament of all my goods, movables and immovables, containing my last will in the following form. First, I bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my creator and saviour, to His glorious mother and Virgin, Our Lady Saint Mary, and to all the company of heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried in the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard where I am a parishioner.
3. I bequeath to the high altar of this church for my offerings forgotten or negligently withdrawn in discharge of my soul, 6s. 8d.
4. I bequeath to the use of the said church towards a new cope to be bought and to serve there, £6 13s. 4d.
5. I will that my executors are to find with my goods an honest priest to sing and say Mass and other divine services continually in the said church for my soul for the 3 years after my decease, the same priest taking yearly for his salary, £6 13s. 4d.
6. I will that my executors are to pay and content my creditors of all and every such duty as I owe and am bound to pay.
7. I give and bequeath to Thomas Brugge, my brother, all my lands and tenements in the parish of Plumstead in the county of Kent, willing and requiring my feoffees enfeoffed in the same that they make and give to the said Thomas sufficient and lawful estate in the same whensoever he requires it.
8. I bequeath to Thomas, my brother, all the timber I have there in the same parish.
9. I bequeath to John, eldest son of the same Thomas, £10 and a gilt cup with a cover weighing 29½oz, to be delivered to him when he reaches lawful age.
10. I bequeath to the use of Thomas, my brother, £3 6s. 8d.
11. I bequeath to each of his children now alive, except his aforesaid eldest son, 5 marks sterling. If any die before reaching lawful age, their share is to go to be divided among those surviving.
12. I bequeath to Joan Huntley, my sister's daughter, 10 marks, to be delivered to her when she marries. Should she die unmarried, her sister, Margery, is to have the said 10 marks at the time of her marriage.
13. I bequeath to John Huntley, my sister's son, 40s., and to William Huntley, his brother, 40s., to be delivered to them when they reach lawful age. Should either die before this, his share is to go to the other.
14. I bequeath to Joan, my sister's daughter, my second gilt cup weighing about 24 oz, to be delivered to her when she marries.
15. I bequeath to Elizabeth, my mother, £20.
16. I bequeath to William Langour, son of Walter Langour, sometime draper of London, £5 sterling and my best Paris cup, to be delivered to him when he reaches lawful age.
17. I bequeath to Emmote Beynson, my servant, 40s. and my dozen best spoons.
18. I bequeath to Rowland Broughton, my apprentice, 40s.
19. I bequeath to Lawrence, my servant, 10s.
20. I bequeath to Emma, servant of John Lockton, 40s. to be delivered to her when she marries.
21. I bequeath to the same John Lockton's wife, my best coverlet and my best ring apart from my signet.
22. I bequeath to Hugh Colscombe, fuller, my second feather bed and a pair of sheets.
23. I bequeath to William Baker, draper, my servant, 20s.
24. I bequeath to be distributed among his children, 20s.
25. And the residue of all and singular of my goods and chattels, after my debts have been paid, my aforesaid bequests fulfilled and my burial duly and honestly done, I wholly bequeath to the disposition of my executors who are to ordain and dispose of the same in deeds of charity and mercy most pleasing to God and most profitable to my soul.
26. And of this my testament I make and ordain Thomas Brugge, my brother, John Aishh squire, Richard Annsham and Reynold Aissh, citizens and mercers of London, my true and lawful executors to do and execute duly and truly everything contained therein; and I bequeath to each, £3 6s. 8d.
In witness to this my testament I have put my seal. Given in London the day and year above said.
Proved: 12 July 1478.

234. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/8, ff.71–72) THOMAS ROGERS. 25 February 1487.
1. I, Thomas Rogers, citizen and vintner of London, being in good mind and of good memory, make and ordain my present testament containing my last will in the manner and form following. First, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my maker, and to Our Blessed Lady, His mother, and to all the saints.
2. And my body is to be buried in the north side of the church of the friars preachers of London, beside the burial of Mistress Lytton there.
3. I bequeath to the altar of the church of St Andrew Hubbard beside Eastcheap, London, for my offerings forgotten in discharge of my soul, 12d.
4. I bequeath to the house of friars preachers aforesaid to pray for my soul, 5 marks.
5. I pardon and forgive the same friars preachers the £10 that they owe me.
6. I bequeath to Joan Coyse, my god-daughter and a servant with me, if she be ruled and governed according to the discretion and guidance of Joan, my wife, £10, to be delivered to her by my wife when she comes to her full lawful age or [when] she marries. If she should die before this, then the same £10 is to be disposed by my said wife as she thinks best to please God and for the health of my soul.
7. The residue of all my goods, movable and immovable, wheresoever they be after my debts have been paid and my legacies fulfilled, I wholly give and bequeath to the said Joan, my wife, and to John Mone, her son, to be divided equally between them.
8. And I make and ordain the said Joan, my wife, Ralph Osery, alderman and citizen and fishmonger of London, and John Mone executors of this my testament; and I make and ordain William Maryner, salter, overseer of the same. And I bequeath to the same Ralph for his labour, 100s. and my best ring of gold; and I bequeath to the same William Maryner for his labour, 40s. and my hope [ring] of gold.
9. Furthermore, as to the disposition of all my lands and tenements, rents and services with appurtenances within the City of London as well as within the parishes of East Greenwich and Charlton in the shire of Kent, I will that my feoffees, who have been enfeoffed to my use of and in all the same lands and tenements after my decease, should make or cause to be in the law (by wise and learned counsel) a sufficient estate to the said Joan, my wife, of and in all the said lands and tenements, rents and services with appurtenances. [She is] to have and to hold [this] to her and to her assigns for the term of her life and without impeachment of waste by the chief lord of the fee for the service due thereof. During her life the same Joan, my wife, is yearly to bear and pay 5 marks sterling at the feast of Easter to the prior and convent of the house of friars preachers in London; they are to find a friar priest to sing daily in their church during her life for the soul of King Edward IV, and for my soul, my father and mother's souls and all Christian souls. And in the same estate a clause of distress is to be made to the same prior and convent and to their successors for any default of payment if the yearly payment of 5 marks be in arrears during Joan's lifetime.
10. And I will by this my testament that, advised by licenced counsel, my feoffees [are to ensure] that after the decease of the said Joan all the said lands and tenements, rents and services with appurtenances in the said City of London as well in the said parishes of East Greenwich and Charlton are wholly to remain to the said John Mone, who is to have and to hold them to him and the lawfully begotten heirs of his body. [He is also] to bear and pay yearly thereof for evermore £5 at the feast of Easter to the said prior and convent of the said house of friars preachers of London and to their successors for evermore; [and they are to] find a friar priest to sing daily in the said church and to pray for the soul of Edward IV, and for my soul, my wife's soul when she is dead, my father and mother's souls and all Christian souls. [And there is also to be] a clause of distress for as often as the said yearly £5 is in arrears, unpaid. [And] if it happens that the same John Mone dies without heir of his body lawfully begotten, then I will that thereafter all my lands, tenements, services and appurtenances in Kent and in London in the parish of All Hallows the Less in Thames Street should be sold by my executors, or their executors, for as much as possible, and that therewith they are to buy a suit of vestments, 2 copes, 2 tunicles and a chasuble, with all the apparel, to the value of £100, to serve in the parish church of the said friars preachers, and [in this eventuality] the prior and convent are to have the following souls in remembrance for evermore, King Edward IV's soul, my soul, my wife's soul, the soul of the said John Mone, [the souls of] my father and mother and all Christian souls. And I will that the remainder of the money coming from the said sale should be disposed among poor people and used in amending highways near to London, and in other deeds of charity as [my executors] think best to please God and for the health of my soul and the souls aforesaid.
11. And as for lands and tenements, rents and services I have in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard, I will that [in the event] of the decease of Joan, my wife, and of John Mone without lawfully begotten heir of his body, that these shall remain to the master and wardens of the craft of vintners, London. [They are] to have and to hold to them and to their successor masters and wardens of the same craft, the which for the time shall be for evermore of the chief lord of the fee by service thereof done and by customary right, to the intent that the master and wardens of the said craft for the time being [shall] for evermore pay or cause to be paid 5 marks sterling yearly and also 6s. 8d. to the said prior and convent of the said friars preachers, and to their successors, [from] the issue and profits of the same lands and tenements, rents and appurtenances in the said parish of St Andrew; the said prior and convent and their successors are to dispose of the said 5 marks to a friar priest of the said house to sing and pray daily for evermore in the said church for the said souls of King Edward, my soul, my wife's soul, and the said John Mone's soul, my father and mother's souls, and all Christian souls. And the said 6s. 8d. [is] for an obit to be kept yearly for ever more in the said church of friars preachers by the master and wardens of the said craft for the time being, according to their discretion, for the soul of King Edward IV, my soul, my wife's soul, John Mone's soul, my father and mother's souls and for all Christian souls.
12. And I will by this my testament that my said feoffees, which to my use have been enfeoffed of and in all my said lands, tenements, rents, services and appurtenances make a provision of learned counsel in the said devise if the said Joan take a husband after my decease: then one half of all the said lands, tenements, rents and services in East Greenwich, Charlton and London shall rest and abide with the said Joan my wife for the term of her life and the other half of all the said lands, tenements, rents and services in East Greenwich, Charlton and London shall remain to the said John Mone and to his lawfully begotten heirs, the said 5 marks always being paid in her life to the prior and convent of the said house of friars preachers according to the intent aforesaid, that is that Joan, if she has a husband, shall pay 33s. 4d. for her life, and John Mone and heirs 33s. 4d., with clause of distress for non payment thereof to be made to the prior and convent of the said house of friars preachers for the time being during her life.
In witness whereof to this my present testament I have set my seal. Given the day and year abovesaid.
Proved 16 June 1487.

235. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/10, ff.239–39v) JOAN ROGERS. 14 March 1495.
1. I, Joan Rogers of London, widow, late the wife of Thomas Rogers, citizen while he lived and a vintner of London, whole of mind and in good memory, thanked be Almighty God, make and ordain this my present testament containing my last will in the manner and form following. First, I humbly give, bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my creator and saviour, to Our Blessed Lady, Saint Mary the Virgin, His glorious mother, and to all the holy and blessed company of heaven.
2. My body is to be buried in the conventual church of the friars preachers within Ludgate of the City of London, in or by the place where the body of the aforesaid Thomas, late my husband, lies buried.
3. And I bequeath to the prior and convent of the same place to have my burial there and for prayers for my soul, £5 and my great mazer with the image of St James in the bossell thereof.
4. I will that 6 friars of the same place bear my body from my dwelling to my sepulture and I bequeath to them for their labour, 10s. to be evenly divided between them.
5. I bequeath to the high altar of the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard beside Eastcheap of the City of London where I am parishioner for my tithes and offerings forgotten and negligently witholden in discharge of my soul, 3s. 4d.
6. I will that I have a trental of Masses said and done for my soul in the said church of St Andrew in all goodly haste after my decease, for the which trental I bequeath 10s.
7. I will that I have an honest priest of good and sad conversation to sing in the aforesaid church of St Andrew by the space of 3 whole years following my decease and he is to pray for my soul and the souls of John and Thomas, late my husbands, and for all Christian souls, and I will that the said priest should aid and help in the said church on all festival days at divine service done there, and I will that the same priest shall have yearly for his salary and wages, 10 marks.
8. I will that I have 12 new torches and 4 new tapers of wax to burn about my body at my dirige and Mass of requiem and they are to be held by poor people. Of the 12 torches I bequeath 7; that is to say, 2 torches are to go to the parish church of St Leonard in Shoreditch beside London where I was born, 2 other torches to the parish of St Botolph without Bishopsgate of London, another 2 torches to the church of St Andrew abovesaid, and the seventh torch to the fraternity of the blessed Trinity held and kept in the said parish church of St Andrew.
9. I bequeath to Clemence Holwey, my sister, my little bell standing cup with cover, gilt and weighing 18¾oz troy, my salt cellar of plain silver, a flat bowl of silver, 6 spoons without ends weighing 9¼oz, my round hope [ring] of gold, my furred violet gown, my best black furred gown, my girdle of red with gold trimmings, my embroidered girdle with 2 kirtles, one crimson and the other violet, my beads of silver, a table cloth of diaper, a towel of cross damask, a dozen napkins of cross damask, a pillow, a pair of sheets, a feather bed and a coverlet.
10. I bequeath to the aforesaid parish church of St Andrew Hubbard to pray for my soul and the souls abovesaid, a new cope to be made of white or blue silk as best suits the said church, to the value of 20 marks and to serve in the said church to the honour of God as long as it will endure.
11. I bequeath to William Mone, my brother, 20s.
12. I bequeath to William Newarke, gentleman of the King's chapel, my gilt goblet with the cover weighing 21 oz.
13. I bequeath to Agnes Mone, daughter of John Mone my son, towards her marriage my cup called the Kateryn with cover of silver and gilt, weighing 46¾oz, my best standing nutte with gilt cover weighing 31¼oz, 6 silver spoons, my best ?dymyssary, my best coral bead, my wedding ring with a diamond, a table cloth, a towel, a dozen napkins and a pair of sheets. And if the said Agnes dies before she marries, I will that all the said plate and stuff shall remain to the children of the body of my son, the aforesaid John Mone, to be equally divided between them by my executor as he will answer before God.
14. I bequeath to Christine Mone, daughter of the said John Mone, my son, my flat hope [ring] with a ruby, and a pair of sheets.
15. I will and ordain by this my present testament that my executor deliver to Joan Coyse, my god-daughter, on the day of her marriage, £10, which the aforesaid Thomas Rogers, my husband, bequeathed towards her marriage in his testament; and if the said Joan dies before that day, I will then that my executor is to find with the said £10 an honest priest to sing in the said church of St Andrew by the space of a year and a half next after her decease, and he is to pray for her soul, the souls of my aforesaid husbands, my soul and for all Christian souls.
16. I bequeath towards the marriage of the said Joan Coyse, my god-daughter, my ring with the amethyst, my embroidered girdle with the red plain corse, [word indecipherable] with the harness enamelled, my mazer with Jesus in the bossell, my white amber beads, a table cloth, a towel, 2 pairs of sheets, my green gown lined with buckram, a plain basin of latten with a ewer, a brass pot of 4 gallons, and a kettle. If the said Joan dies before her marriage, then I will that all the stuff shall remain to Margaret, sister of the said Joan, to the intent that the same Margaret shall pray for the soul of the said Joan and for all the souls aforesaid.
17. I bequeath to Thomas Bekett, skinner, my mazer with the dragon, a feather bed and a bolster.
18. I bequeath to the wife of the said Thomas Bekett, my little coral beads.
19. I bequeath to Margaret, sister of the said Thomas Bekett, my mazer with the flower of 7 leaves in the bossell, a feather bed with a bolster, a brass pot of 2 gallons and 2 latten basins.
20. I bequeath to Robert Stovve, 20s.
21. I bequeath to William Joyse, 6s. 8d.
22. I bequeath to the wife of Ralph Clerke my russet gown furred with budge.
23. I bequeath to Marion Cross my russet gown furred with black lamb.
24. The residue of all and singular of my goods and debts not bequeathed after my debts have been paid, my burial made and this my present testament fulfilled, I give and bequeath freely to the aforesaid John Mone, my son, and he is to do and dispose therewith at his will and pleasure without any condition.
25. And of this my present testament I make and ordain the said John Mone, my son, my sole executor.
26. And I make and ordain William Maryner, citizen and salter of London, supervisor of the same testament; and I give and bequeath to the said William for his labour and his good counsel to be had and given in that part, 40s.
In witness whereof to this my present testament I have set my seal. Given the day, month and year abovesaid.
Proved 19 April 1496.

236. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/16, f.246) JOHN GYSORS. 14 August 1510.
1, I, John Gysors, of Bermondsey in the county of Surrey, gentleman, being in my good and whole mind, thanked be God, make, ordain and dispose this my present testament containing my last will in the form following. First, I bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my maker and redeemer, to his most glorious mother of mercy, Our Lady Saint Mary the Virgin, and to all the holy company of heaven.
2, And my body is to be buried in the body of the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard near Eastcheap, London, in or next to the place where the body of John Gysors, my father, was lately buried.
3, I bequeath to the high altar of St Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, where I am now a parishioner, for my tithes and oblations forgotten or negligently withheld, in discharge of my soul, 12d.
4, The residue of all my goods, chattels and debts whatsoever they be after the cost of my burial is done and this my present testament fulfilled, I wholly and freely give and bequeath to Anne, my wife, and she is therewith to do, ordain and dispose of it on her own free will; which Anne, my wife, I make and ordain my sole executrix of this my present testament.
[In margin:] Ultima voluntas eiusdem Johannis
5, This is the last will of me the aforesaid John Gysors, made the day and year abovesaid, concerning the disposition of all the lands and tenements which I have within the City of London or elsewhere in the county of Middlesex, that is to say:
6, First, I will, desire and charge all such persons as stand and be enfeoffed to my use of and in all my said lands and tenements when and as soon after my decease as they shall reasonably be required by the aforesaid Anne, my wife, that they and every [one] of them make and deliver or cause to be made and delivered to the same Anne, my wife, or such other as she thereto will name and assign, a sufficient and lawful estate of and in all these my tenements following, that is to wit the tenement wherein William Rogers and Richard Crayford, turners, now dwell, the tenement wherein I, the same John Gysors, late dwelt, the tenement now in the tenure of Maryn Garre, blacksmith, with the back side of the same tenement now in the tenure of Thomas Pecok, pewterer, set in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard aforesaid, and the two tenements lately built, one of which is in the parish of St Andrew and now vacant and the other of them is in the parish of St Margaret Pattens, London, and now in the tenure of John Wright, to have and to hold the same tenements with appurtenances to the said Anne, my wife, and to her assigns during her natural life.
7, And after her decease, I will that all my said tenements willed to her above shall remain to the right issue of me, the same John Gysors, for ever.
8, And also I will that the same Anne, my wife, should have and [word indecipherable] all the issues, revenues and profits of all my other lands and tenements not willed to my wife in this my last will until such time as she shall have paid and contented all such debts as I owe on the day of my decease, and also be restored of all such sums of money as she shall pay about my burial, my testament before not withstanding.
In witness whereof to this my present testament and last will I have set my seal. Given the day and year abovesaid. These witnesses [being present]: Sir Geoffrey Peper, curate of the aforesaid church of St Mary Magdalen, Richard Marble, William Barnworth, and Sir William priest of the same parish.
9, Also I will that immediately after my decease John Gysors, my son and heir, who is in the keeping of Master Mowyer, is to be delivered to Master Cavannell, and also my daughter. He is to have the keeping of them until they come of their lawful age [and they are] to be kept with the residue of my lands.
Proved 28 September 1510.

237. [It proves convenient to note at this point that the Commissary Court records [GLMS., 9171/8, f. 19] contain a realty will made by one John Gysor, citizen and salter of London, presumably father of the above and grandfather of the below, dated 2 April 1491. It concerns the disposal of all lands, tenements, rents and reversions in Pudding Lane and Philpot Lane in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard, and also in the parishes of St Margaret Pattens and St Mary at Hill, London, in which various persons had been enfeoffed to his use. After his decease, the use of the property in Pudding Lane and Philpot Lane in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard was to revert to his widow, Joan; and, for as long as she remained unmarried, she was also to have the use of the tenements in Smith's Lane in the parishes of St Andrew Hubbard, St Margaret Pattens and St Mary at Hill. The rent from these properties was to be used to pay off John Gysor the elder's debts; the feoffees were also to ensure that his son, John, and daughter, Alice, were properly cared for and adequate payment made for Alice's marriage. Various contingencies were made in case either the widow remarried or the children died; but the most important was that on the death of his widow Joan, all properties in St Andrew Hubbard, St Margaret Pattens and St Mary at Hill were to revert to his son, John, and the lawfully begotten heirs of his body, with reversion, should he die, to Alice and her heirs. The witnesses of the devise were Henry Hunt his curate, John Brewster, John Dawson, Ralph Clerk and others. The will was proved on 9 April 1491.]

238. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/21, ff.288v-89) JOHN GYSORS. 22 October 1524.
1. I, John Gysors, of London, gentleman, being somewhat diseased and sickly but nevertheless whole of mind and in good and perfect remembrance, laud and praising be to Almighty Jesu, make and ordain this my present testament containing my last will in the manner and form following. First and principally, I bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my maker and redeemer, to His glorious mother, Our Lady Saint Mary, and to all the holy company of heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried within the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard, London, as near the burying place there of my father and mother as conveniently may be done; and since I have no manner of goods nor chattels but only the apparel of my body, I bequeath all the same apparel to John Jakelyn and John Hone, servants to my cousin Thomas Mower of London, skinner, to be divided and distributed among the two of them by the discretion of the same Thomas.
3. Where John Prest, John Jakeman, Roger Pynchester and John Wenden, citizens and grocers of London, stand now enfeoffed and seised in their demesne as of fee to the use of me, the said John Gysors and my heirs, and to the performance of my last will, of and in my messuages, lands and tenements with the appurtenances set lying and being in the parish of St. Andrew Hubbard aforesaid and St Margaret Pattens of London in the ward of Billingsgate, by this my present testament and last will I will and bequeath to my said cousin, Thomas Mower, all and singular of my said messuages, lands, tenements and appurtenances [and he is] to have and to hold immediately after my decease all the said messuages, lands and tenements with their appurtenances to himself and his heirs and assigns and to his and their proper use for ever.
4. And for as much as of late the said Thomas Mower has spent and laid out of his own proper [cost] divers sums of money for and about certain reparations of divers of the said messuages, lands and tenements and as yet the greater part of them are in decay and will cost much more money before they can be made substantial and tenantable, I will, require and charge the said Thomas Mower, as he will answer before God at the dreadful day of general judgement, that at the end of 4 years next ensuing after my decease he or his heirs shall provide and find a priest of good and honest conversation to sing divine [service] in the aforesaid parish church of St Andrew and pray for my soul and for the souls of my said father and mother and all Christian souls from the end of the said 4 years to the end of 7 years then next ensuing and fully to be ended, and of the issues and profits coming from the said messuages, lands and tenements the said Thomas or his heirs shall pay yearly during the said 7 years to the said priest for his salary, £7 sterling.
5. And of this my present testament and last will, I make and ordain the said Thomas Mower my sole executor.
These being witnesses Nicholas Rutland, notary public, Thomas Bennett, tailor, Thomas Crawley, gentleman. Given the day and year abovesaid.

This codicil was made by me, John Gysors of London, gentleman, being in perfect memory laud be to God, on the last day of August 1525, added and annexed to my testament heretofore made. Witness that I, the said John, give and bequeath to my cousin Thomas Mower, my executor named in my said testament, all such sums of money as John Carnanell clerk owes me at this present day of and for the issues and profits of all my lands and tenements with appurtenances within the parish of St Andrew Hubbard and St Margaret Pattens in the City of London, for and during the times that the same John Carnanell had the oversight, letting and guiding of my said lands, and had and received the issues and profits of the same for which he never yet accounted. I will that my said cousin, Thomas Mower, my executor, shall dispose and bestow these sums of money in deeds of charity by his good discretion. These being witnesses, that is to say Sir William Aldrich, clerk, my curate and ghostly father, John Abraham poulterer, Richard Mylles grocer, and John Ryan parish clerk. Written the day and year abovesaid.
Proved 15 September 1525.

239. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/21, ff. 171v-72) WILLIAM CHILDERLEY. 1 May 1524.
1. I, William Childerley, citizen and turner of London, being in good and whole mind and perfect memory, laud, honour and praise to Almighty Jesus, make, ordain and dispose of this my present testament containing therein my last will in manner and form ensuing. First, I give, bequeath and commend my soul to Almighty Jesus, my maker, saviour and redeemer, and to His glorious mother, Our Blessed Lady Saint Mary the Virgin, and to all the saints in heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried within the church of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard in Eastcheap, London; and after my body is honestly buried then I will that all such debts and duties as I owe to any person or persons of right or of good conscience be well and truly contented and paid by my executrix, written below, in convenient time after my decease.
3. Also I give and bequeath to the high altar of the said church of St Andrew Hubbard, whereof I am now a parishioner, for my tithes forgotten, if any such be, in discharge of my soul, 3s. 4d.
4. I will that my said wife and executrix shall cause to be done for my soul and all Christian souls within the church abovesaid 2 trentals of Masses, one at my burial if it can be conveniently done or said, and the other trental of Masses within the month next ensuing, and I bequeath for the same 2 trentals, 22s.
5. Also I give and bequeath to my son-in-law, Thomas Wady and Joan his wife, my daughter, £10 for their full and whole part and portion of all my goods over and above all other gifts and goods that I have heretofore in my life time given and delivered them at sundry times; to the intent that they shall hold them contented, and not trouble, sue nor vex my said wife for any more or other part or portion of my goods or movables than for this £10 I have given them.
6. Also I give and bequeath to my brother, John Childerley of London, joiner, 40s. in money, my best gown as it is and doublet of tawney damask, to pray for me.
7. Also I give to John Childerley, the younger, my cousin, £3 6s. 8d. in money, and another £3 6s. 8d. of and in such wares as I shall leave in my shop of my occupation indifferently valued, and he is to pray for my soul.
8. Also I give my brother, Peter Childerley, to help him, 40s.
9. I bequeath to Joan Lee my tawny gown lined with satin of Cyprus to pray for my soul.
10. Also I give, remit, pardon and forgive freely to Christopher Barres, turner, my servant, all such debt and duty as he owes me, to the intent that he be true to my said wife in the business of my said occupation.
11. Also I bequeath to Elizabeth Jenkyn, my maidservant, towards her preferment, 20s.
12. Also I give and bequeath to each of my god-children, being only to pray for my soul and all Christian souls, 2s. apiece.
13. Also I bequeath towards the battlements of the said church of St Andrew, 10s.
14. Also I bequeath to Margaret Tailor my russet gown with fox as it is, to pray for me.
15. Also I will and bequeath among and to the poor young men of my occupation of turners to help them towards their living, 53s. 4d., to be given by my said executrix and by the wardens of my fellowship for relief and comfort as they shall think best.
16. I bequeath to the new works of the Crossed Friars in London, 13s. 4d.
17. I give and bequeath to my good lover and friend, Geoffrey Hughes, 40s. to help and cause my wife to have into her hands such debts and duties as to me are owing for certain stuff and wares, that she may therewith perform and fulfil my legacies and debts.
18. Also all my other apparel or clothing belonging to my body and not given or bequeathed I will that my said wife dispose at her discretion among my said brothers, John and Peter, at her pleasure.
19. Also I will and charge my said wife and executrix that after my decease she honestly keep and find, or cause to be kept and found, Emma Green, widow, during her natural life, in meat, drink, washing and bed, just as I have provided until the time of making this my last will, in discharge of my conscience and to the intent that she shall have cause to pray for me.
20. The residue of all and singular of my goods, chattels and debts, movable and immovable, whatsoever they be unbequeathed, after my body has been honestly buried, my debts paid, my funeral expenses done and this my present testament or last will in all things performed, done and fulfilled, I wholly give and bequeath to Marian, my well beloved wife. She is to do therewith [according to] her own free will and pleasure to the laud of Almighty God and for the consolation of my soul.
21. And of this my present testament and last will I make and ordain the same Marian, my wife, my sole executrix.
22. Also I constitute, ordain and dispose the said John Childerley, my brother, the supervisor or overseer of the same my present testament and last will to see the supervision of the premises, and he to be loving, kind and favourable to my wife as I trust he will be in that behalf.
In witness whereof to this my present testament or last will I have set my seal. In the presence of these honest persons and recorders, Sir Thomas Kent clerk, Everard Effamat scrivener, John May dyer, John Williamson tailor, Christopher Tailor turner, and divers others especially called and desired to the premises.
Proved 14 June 1524.
[N.B. Marion Childerley's will survives in the Commissary Registers, see 288.]

240. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/23, ff.28v-29) GEOFFREY BELL. 18 March 1528.
1. I, Geoffrey Bell, of London, woodmonger, being of whole mind and in good memory, thanks be to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my present testament and last will in the manner and form following. First and principally, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my maker and saviour, and to the glorious Virgin, Our Lady Saint Mary, and to all the holy company of saints in heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried in the east end of St Andrew's church in Eastcheap, London, in which parish I am a parishioner.
3. And I bequeath to the high altar of the parish church for my tithes forgotten or negligently withheld, if any such be, in discharging my conscience, 12d.
4. I give and bequeath to the repair of the same parish church of St Andrew, 13s. 4d.
5. I will that my executors hereunder specified shall buy a stone of marble 18 inches long to be laid on my grave and a scripture made and graven in it of my name and the town where I was born.
6. I give and bequeath to the two sons of my brother, James Bell, 40s., to each of them 20s. if they will come to London to fetch it.
7. I give and bequeath to my cousin, Matthew Hall, 20s.
8. I bequeath to Isabel Gibson, my cousin, 20s.
9. I give and bequeath among my poor neighbours where as most need is, 6s. 8d.
10. And I will that if the 2 sons of James Bell, my brother, will not come or send to London for their legacies aforesaid within the term of 2 years next after my decease, then the said legacies shall be void and my executor hereunder written shall bestow their said legacies in deeds of pity and charity for the weal of my soul where he shall think most convenient.
11. I will that at my burial there shall be a dirige and a Mass of requiem by note and a trental of Masses within St Andrew's church aforesaid.
12. I give and bequeath to Thomas Gybsonne, citizen and grocer of London, my cousin, £4 sterling and a cyprus chest an ell long and more.
13. I give and bequeath among Thomas Bell's children, 6s. 8d. to be divided equally among them.
14. I give and bequeath to Robert Longe, citizen and fishmonger of London, a cyprus chest a yard long.
15. I give and bequeath to Humphrey Rogerson, skinner in Southwark, 3s. 4d.
16. I will that my executor hereunder written gives by the space of 16 years next after my decease to an honest priest to say Mass and dirige for my soul every year during the 16 years, 8d.
17. The residue of all my goods, movable and immovable, wheresoever they be or may be found after my debts have been paid, my funeral expenses done and these my legacies performed, I give them to the said Thomas Gybsonne, my cousin, citizen and grocer of London, to the intent that he bestows them according to his discretion.
18. And I make and ordain the same Thomas Gybsonne my sole executor of this my present testament and last will.
19. And I make overseer of the same John Hogge, citizen and cutler of London, and will that the same John Hogge has for his labour in that behalf, 26s. 8d.
In witness whereof to this my present testament and last will I have set my seal the day and year above specified. Witnesses to these premises Robert Wylkyns, Thomas Clerk and Henry Rowet.
Proved 5 April 1529.

241. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/22, ff.261v-62) MATTHEW INGLISSHE. 14 May 1508 [recte 1528].
1. I, Matthew Inglisshe, whole of mind and memory, make this my last will and testament in the manner and form following. First, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, to Our Lady Saint Mary and to all the court of heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried in the church of Louth if I chance to die there, and for my mortuary [payment shall be made] as the law or custom will require.
3. I bequeath to Our Lady of Lincoln, 12d.
4. To the Holy Rood of Surwell, 4d.
5. Also I will that my executors make 3 trentals to be said for me, one in Greenwich, another in Louth, and the third in St Andrew Hubbard my parish church.
6. Also I bequeath to my child that my wife is with, £10.
7. Also to my brother, Richard, £6 13s. 4d., which sum I will is to be in the custody of Master Kendall until such time as he shall think it necessary to be put into my brother's hands.
8. Also I forgive him the whole sum for which he is bound to me by obligation; also 2 other parcels that he owes to me which come to the sum of 33s. 4d.
9. The residue of my goods ungiven and unbequeathed I give to Ellen, my wife, whom I make my executrix, and Master Kendall [I make] the supervisor of my testament.
10. Witness hereof the said Master Kendall and Sir Richard Daddy, parson of Stewton.
11. Memorandum 15 May 20 Henry VIII [1528], the said Matthew Inglisshe, citizen and ironmonger of London, and of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard, London, being sick at Louth in the diocese of Lincoln, being of good mind and memory, remembering that his wife whom he had made and constituted his only executrix was then great with child, wherefore, and for divers other causes, made and named Master Thomas Kendall, clerk, to be co-executor with his said wife; then and there being present William Barton, priest, John Shill senior, and Joan Mareburn.
Proved in London 3 June 1528.

242. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/25, ff.131v-32) THOMAS MAWER. 12 August 1534.
1. I, Thomas Mawer, skinner and citizen of London, of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard of Eastcheap in London, whole of mind and of good remembrance make this my last testament in the form following. First, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and His mother, Our Blessed Lady Saint Mary, and to all the holy company in heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried in the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard near to the holy water stock where my cousin John Gyzardes lies.
3. To the high altar of St Andrew's for my tithes negligently forgotten, 3s. 4d.
4. To the brotherhood and to the lights there, 12d.
5. To the church of St Paul, our mother church, 4d.
6. To Elizabeth, my wife, 8 score pounds and 18 sterling [£178] to be received of Master John Carwenill, Dean of Warwick [Werivyke].
7. Also all my other movable goods neither given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath to Elizabeth, my wife, whom I ordain and make my executrix; she is to pay my debts to such as I owe any money and is to dispose for me as she thinks best to the pleasure of God for the health of my soul.
8. And Master Henry Saye is to be supervisor with her, and he is to have £10 sterling out of my tenements at times convenient for taking pains. Date as above written; these being witnesses: John Bust curate, Bartholomew Watson shoemaker, Richard Gregby, with others more. [A marginal note reveals that this testament was declared null and void. A realty will follows directly].
9. On the year and day above said, I, Thomas Mawer, skinner and citizen of London of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard in Eastcheap, make this my last will.
10. First I will and give to Elizabeth, my wife, all the houses and tenements with appurtenances set and being together within the said parish of St Andrew, now in the custody of Thomas Clerke, pewterer, that is to say 2 houses he has for lease and the yearly rent of them, £4 6s. 8d.; a house that Maryon Garret holds, yearly rent 40s.; also a house that Jasper Arnold holds, yearly rent 46s. 8d.; also a house that Bartholomew Watson holds, yearly rent 40s.; also a house that Gudrych holds, yearly rent 26s. 8d., with the house that the Frenchman dwells in. The aforesaid Elizabeth, my wife, is to have and to hold all the aforesaid houses with the appurtenances thereto belonging for the term of her natural life, and she is to keep them in repair and is not to be wasteful concerning them.
11. After her decease all these houses are to remain to the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard in Eastcheap aforesaid, and there [I will] have an honest priest to sing perpetually and to help 'godservice', for my soul and the soul of John Gyzard and all Christian souls, and he is to have for his yearly stipend £7 6s. 8d., to be paid quarterly by the hands of the churchwardens.
12. I will that the churchwardens shall give in alms to poor people within the aforesaid parish, 6 cartloads of coals at 3 times in the year, 1 load against Christmas and another against Shrovetide and another against Easter.
13. I will that the churchwardens keep a yearly mind for me and for my cousin John Gizarde with an honest drinking in the church, with a solemn dirige and Mass or Masses as shall be thought [fit] by the churchwardens and honest men within the parish, and to have at dirige and Mass with the whole choir of St Andrew's. The overplus of the rents is to remain to the repairs of the aforesaid church where needs most require, and the churchwardens are to have apiece thereof for their pains, 3s. 4d. yearly.
14. I will and bequeath to my cousin, Dorothy Ferrer, 2 tenements with appurtenances, that is to say the house next to John Smith and the house that Richard Schurlye dwells in, for ever to her, her heirs or assigns.
15. I will and bequeath to Roger Metcaffe, citizen and skinner of London, to his heirs or assigns for ever, all that tenement with the shop, cellars or solars, with the appurtenances belonging thereto, and set within the aforeaid parish of St Andrew, that William Airdeley did sometime dwell in.
16. I will and bequeath to Nicholas Mawer, my brother, the house that Richard Whitte dwells in and the house that Martyn Dorant dwells in for ever to him, his heirs, executors and assigns.
17. As [to] all other manner of goods, tenements, rents, whatsoever they be neither given nor bequeathed, I do will and bequeath [them] to Elizabeth, my wife, whom I ordain and make my executrix, and out of the aforesaid tenements she is to see [that] my debts be paid as to such as I owe any money.
18. And Master Henry Saye is to be overseer with her to see this my last will fulfilled.
Given the day and year abovesaid, with these witnesses John Bust curate, Bartholomew Watson shoemaker, Richard Gregby tailor, with others more. Proved 5 November 1534.
[N.B. PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/37, ff. 190–190v. On 12 May 1555, William Cook, doctor of law in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, pronounced concerning the testament of Thomas Moyer of London, who had given his goods to his relict Elizabeth Kelly alias Moyer, and declared Thomas intestate and ruled that the estate was to go instead to Nicholas Moyer of London, his natural brother.]

243. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/30, f.130v) RALPH BILBY. 13 October 1544.
1. I, Ralph Bilby, of St Andrew Hubbard in London, of good remembrance, make my last will and testament in the manner and form following. First, and before all things, I bequeath, will and give my soul to God Almighty, to whom I give thanks for my creation and most especially for my redemption through His most holy precious blood.
2. My body to the Christian burial.
3. I will my debts be paid and I then give to my mother, to be delivered where she dwells, 20s. sterling; and if she have not the 20s. within a year, I will that 20s. be made £3 sterling.
4. I give to the high altar a ?pillow [bellow] of cloth of gold and red velvet.
5. The residue of my goods that remain I will and give them to Mary, my wife, whom I make my sole executrix to do for me as godly love bind her to the wealth of my soul and honour of God. So be it. Witnesses: Thomas White, Thomas Grene parson of St Andrew Hubbard. Proved 4 November 1544.

244. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/30, f.181) THOMAS PERRY. 24 October 1544.
1. I, Thomas Perry, of St Andrew Hubbard in London, make my last will and testament in the form following. First and most principally before all things, I bequeath and give my soul to God Almighty, to whom I give thanks for my creation and most specially for my redemption through His most holy precious blood.
2. My body to the Christian burial.
3. I will and give all my goods, my debts paid, to Alice my wife whom I make my sole executrix.
4. I beseech Master Henry Fyssher, Merchant of the Staple, to be overseer to her aid and comfort, to my soul's health and the glory of God. Amen. Witnesses: Sir Thomas Green parson, Harry Fisher.
Proved 28 February 1544/5.

245. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/30, f.229v) THOMAS GRENE. 25 May 1545.
1. I, Thomas Grene, priest, parson of the church of St Andrew in Eastcheap and also of ?Poringland in Norfolk, whole of mind and good remembrance, lauded be God in Christ. I make my testament and last will and write the same with my own hand in the manner and form following. That is to say, first, as I do always so now also, I do bequeath, give up or betake my soul to the hands of Almighty God, my lord and maker, and Jesus Christ, my saviour and redeemer, and the Holy Ghost, my comforter, my guide and my instructor.
2. And my body, earth, I bequeath to the earth, and my sins I bequeath to the devil, the prince of this world, which through Christ's merits towards me has no hold over me.
3. And the earthly goods in my custody I give and bequeath to my brother, John Grene, and his wife.
4. And I will that my brother, John Grene, deliver to Sir Thomas Goule, priest, such books as he will have of all that I have in London.
5. To my brother, Robert, 20s.
6. To Cecily Grene, 5s.
7. The rest of my goods, the funeral charges paid, I give and bequeath to John Grene, my brother, and his wife, dwelling in Poringland in Norfolk, whom I make my whole executors to use and dispose them for their souls' health as they shall think best.
That this is my testament and last will written with my own hand.
Witnesses Thomas Goule priest, Robert Grene, and John Parkyng.
Proved 9 June 1545.

246. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/33, ff. 54v-55) THOMAS CLERK. 27 March 1548.
1. I, Thomas Clerk, citizen and pewterer of London, sick in body nevertheless whole of mind and being in good remembrance, thanked be Almighty God, make, ordain and declare this my present testament containing in it my last will in the manner and form following. That is to wit, first, I bequeath and recommend my soul to Almighty God, my creator and redeemer, and to the most glorious Virgin, Our Blessed Lady Saint Mary, and to all the celestial company in heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried within the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard in London where I am a parishioner, in such place within the same that my executors underwritten shall find convenient.
3. And I will that all such debt as I of right owe on the day of my decease shall be truly content[ed] and paid.
4. And, further, I will that all and singular of my goods, chattels and debts of whatever kind, nature or condition they be, shall be indifferently appraised and after such appraisal I will that the same goods, chattels and debts shall be divided into three equal parts or portions: whereof one part I give or bequeath to Joan, my wife, in the name of the part and portion of my goods belonging to her according to the ancient and laudable custom of London; and the second part thereof I give and bequeath to my child or children lawfully begotten then living, to John my son, Joan and Frances my daughters, equally divided according to the laudable custom of the City of London; and, my debts paid and my legacies fulfilled, the residue of my goods then remaining is to be distributed to my said wife and children, or the longer living of my children then being alive (and each of my children to be the others' heirs); and if any goods of mine remain, my debts [having been] paid and my legacies fulfilled, then the overplus of my said goods is to be given to the use of John Clerk, my son.
5. I bequeath for a recreation to be had among the livery of my company on the day of my burial, 13s. 4d.
6. I will and bequeath to Ellen Bowers as much pewter as shall come to the sum of 7s.
7. I give and bequeath to Robert Lucas's wife a charger of pewter, 5 lb in weight.
8. Also I give and bequeath to her neighbour, the goodwife Joan Nettells, another pewter charger of 5 lb weight.
9. I give and bequeath to the poor people's box of the parish where I dwell, 2s.
10. To the poor people of the parish where I was born, 3s. 4d.
11. I give and bequeath to John More of Epping in the county of Essex, labourer, 13s. 4d. in lawful money, a jacket and a doublet to be delivered to him at the discretion of John Clerk, my son.
12. And further I will that in case my said third part will not extend to fulfil and perform my said legacies, that then whatever is lacking to perform and fulfil my said legacies [is] to be diminished and taken out of the said two parts assigned to my wife and children.
13. And of this my testament and last will I make and constitute Henry Clerk and William Clerk, my brothers, my faithful executors, [and they are] to have for their pains 10s. apiece in money; and John Clerk, my son, [is to be] overseer and he is to have my best gown and best jacket and best doublet for his pains.
Given the day and year abovesaid, these witnessing that this is his will and mind, Richard Bromley parson of St Andrew Hubbard, William Ryland clerk, and Arthur Devenysch.
Proved 22 March 1549.

247. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/35, ff.131v-32) JOHN WENFORDE. 8 October 1551.
1. I, John Wenforde, citizen and mercer of London, being in whole and good memory, laud and praise be to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following. First, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and to all the holy company of heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried in St Andrew's church in Little Eastcheap.
3. I bequeath to Thomas Wenforde, my last son at the coming out of his years, 40s.
4. I bequeath to Alice, my maid, 5s.
5. I will my house with the appurtenances lying and being in ?Much Horsey in Essex should be sold by my executrix for the most that can be got for it, and of the money proceeding from it I will my brother-in-law, Bartholomew Parratt, should have £12 for the space of 11 years for the behoof of George Gonby, for his portion which I have put in surety in the Guildhall that they may be discharged.
6. I will that my wife [Elizabeth] be sole executrix; and, having paid my debts and seen my legacies fulfilled, I give all to my wife, my sole executrix. I make and ordain two overseers, Bartholomew Parratt, clothworker, and William Gemem, draper.
Proved 8 June 1552.

248. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/38, ff.86v-87) MICHAEL MYLES. 26 August 1556.
1. I, Michael Myles, of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard in Little Eastcheap in London, cobbler, sick in body, whole in soul, to God be praise, and of perfect remembrance, make and ordain my last will and testament in the manner and form following. First, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my creator, redeemer and saviour, to the holy and blessed Virgin Mary, His mother, and to all the blessed company of heaven, humbly desiring them all to pray for me that it might please Our Lord to accept the same as he of his ?keen mercy has died to redeem it.
2. And my body I do bequeath to the churchyard of St Andrew aforesaid, there to be buried like a Christian with such charge and expense as shall be thought good to my executors and overseers.
3. I bequeath to the high altar of St Andrew, 3s. 4d. for tithes by me at any time neglected and forgotten.
4. I bequeath to Henry Myles, my son, the house wherein I do now dwell, to enjoy the same when he shall accomplish the full age of 22 years; and I will that Elizabeth, my wife, shall enjoy and keep it wholly and clearly to herself without interruption or let all the time of the said Henry's nonage; and if she be so disposed she is, during her natural life, also to enjoy and possess the same as before if that she live after the said Henry comes to his full age of 22 years, there for yielding and paying yearly to the said Henry, her son, the old rent, that is to say 26s. 8d.
5. I bequeath to the said Henry Myles, my son, £20 of lawful English money to be delivered to him at the said age of 22 in full recompense and discharge of his patrimony and of the child's part pertaining to him at my death.
6. I bequeath to Beatrice Myles, my daughter, the house wherein Geoffrey Mathew, pewterer, now dwells, and that she shall enter the said house and enjoy the same full and whole at the age of 18 years. And I will that Elizabeth, my wife, during the nonage of the said Beatrice shall take and receive the whole profit and rent of the said house.
7. I bequeath to the said Beatrice, my daughter, £20 of lawful money to be delivered to her at the full age of 18 years aforesaid; and if the said Beatrice chances to marry before that age, she is to enter the aforesaid house and also receive the said sum of £20 at the day of her marriage without any interruption or let in full recompense and discharge of the child's part due to her by my death.
8. I will that the two children's parts and portions of money should remain and continue in the hands and custody of my brother, Adrian Heartane, for the time of their nonage.
9. I will that if it chance or fortune either of my said two children to depart or decease before they be at the full age before spoken, then I will that the part of him or her so departing be made to him or her which survives, and to be delivered to the longer liver when he or she accomplishes the said years or is married as aforesaid, and the one to be heir to the other.
10. And if it chance and fortune, which God defend, that both children, that is to say Henry and Beatrice, decease before they accomplish the said ages or years and before they be married, then I will and bequeath all and singular the aforesaid parts of my goods pertaining to my children, such as the said 2 houses, to Elizabeth my wife. The houses are hers for her natural life only, and after her decease I do bequeath the said 2 houses to the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard in Eastcheap, to the parson and the churchwardens there for the time being and their successors, the said parson and churchwardens paying out of the revenues thereof 26s. 8d. yearly if it be lawfully asked in St Andrew Hubbard to the children of my sister, Joan Myles; and if it is not demanded, [then it is] to remain to the church of St Andrew, to be disposed of and distributed there in the parish at the discretion of the parson, churchwardens and other honest persons of the parish as they shall see fit, as shall be agreed and concluded at a vestry to be kept for the same purpose for ever.
11. I do bequeath to Henry Myles, my brother, the best of my apparel as he shall choose.
12. The residue of all my goods, movable and not movable, my debts paid, the charge of my burial discharged and my will fulfilled, I give wholly to Elizabeth, my wife, whom I make and ordain my sole executrix of this my last will and testament. And for the execution of this my last will and testament I make Henry Myles, my brother, Richard Adams and Adrian Heartane overseers and supervisors, and I bequeath to each of them an angel of gold. I utterly revoke and annul all and every will and testament made by me heretofore, willing this only to stand in effect for my last will and testament.
These being witnesses: William Swift parson of St Andrews, Richard Adams, Adrian Heartane, Robert Carter, Gilbert Coste.
Proved 13 September 1556.

249. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/38, f.69v) HENRY BATEMAN. 2 August 1556.
1. I, Henry Bateman, of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard by Eastcheap in the City of London, draper, sick and diseased in my body but, to God be praise thereof, whole and perfect in memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form hereafter ensuing. First, I do give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my creator and redeemer and saviour, and to Our Blessed Lady Saint Mary, His mother, and all the holy company of heaven.
2. And my body is to be buried in the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard aforesaid, in the place and form and manner as shall please my executors and overseers.
3. Also I give to the poor of the hospital of Christchurch to their relief, the sum of £5.
4. I give to the poor of the parish church of St Andrew Hubbard aforesaid, £5, to be distributed there at the discretion of my executors and overseers.
5. To Henry Batemen, whom I have kept since 3 years of age to this day, now being of the age of 8 years, the sum of £10 in lawful money, to be paid to him at such time as he shall come to lawful years of age.
6. I do give to my apprentices William ?Gremsfred and Richard ?Herne and Henry Feary and Thomas Seland, to each one of them £5 in lawful money, to be paid to them by my executors within one quarter of a year after coming out of his apprenticeship and term of years.
7. I give and bequeath to the parson and churchwardens of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard, the sum of £3, to be bestowed upon the necessaries of the said parish church.
8. I will and in God's behalf straightly charge my executors or assigns to discharge my neighbour Thomas Lydstare of the sum of £4 that he owes to Robert Hays, for the which I am surety for the true payment thereof.
9. The residue of all my goods and debts, movable and immovable, whatsoever they be, my burial, funeral charges, legacies and debts discharged, I do give to Elizabeth Bateman, my loving wife, whom I do make my full and sole executrix; and I make my loving neighbours George Richards and John Wilson the supervisors of this my last will and testament, and either of them are to have a black gown and 20s. for their pains. These being witnesses of my last will and testament, William Swift parson, Richard Adams, George Richards, John Wilson, Thomas Lydstare and others. By me John Wilson; by me Thomas Lydstare.
Proved 13 August 1556.

250. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/47, ff.42v-43) WILLIAM DOBSON. 30 September 1563.
1. I, William Dobson, citizen and draper of London, being whole in mind and of good and perfect remembrance, praised be Almighty God, but sick and diseased in body, declare, ordain and make this my present testament and last will in the manner and form following. First and principally, I bequeath, will and commend my soul to Almighty God, my maker, redeemer and saviour.
2. And my body is to be buried where it shall please God to call me to his mercy, at the will of my undernamed executors to whose good discretions I remit the charges of my funeral.
3. Also, all and singular of my debts, duties and sums of money as I do owe of right or conscience to any person or persons shall be well and truly paid or else ordered to be paid by my undernamed executors within convenient time after my decease.
4. I give and bequeath to William Grenehouse, porter, my second coat and my best shirt, and to Thomas Bradforthe, scrivener, my best gown.
5. And the rest of all and singular of my goods and chattels and debts whatsoever they be, after my debts have been paid and my funeral expenses discharged, I give and bequeath to William Noke and my loving cousin, Margaret, his wife, which William and Margaret I make, ordain and constitute the full and lawful executors of this my present testament and last will, and I desire and pray my loving cousin, Thomas Lancaster, citizen and grocer of London, to be supervisor and overseer of the same my present testament and last will, to whom I give £6 13s. 4d. of lawful money out of the rents and profits of my lands and tenements hereunder mentioned.
6. And as to the disposition of all and singular of my lands, tenements, rents, reversions and hereditaments with all their appurtenances which I have or ought to have in the City of London or elsewhere within the realm of England in use, possession, reversion, remainder or otherwise, I make and declare my will thereof in the manner and form following. First, that my cousin, Thomas Lancaster, or his assigns, should have the said £6 13s. 4d. from the tenement now or late of Nicholas Wylforde in Botulph Lane in St Andrew Hubbard next after the decease of the said Katherine Dobson; and after the said £6 13s. 4d. shall be levied, received and taken, I give and bequeath the said tenements to my father, John Dobson, husbandman, of Patterdale in the county of Cumberland. After his death the said great messuage or tenement is to go to my brother, John, and his heirs; if the said John should die without issue, the said great messuage or tenement is to go to my brother, Thomas; if he should die without issue, then to my brother, Richard; and thereafter to my brother, Rowland.
7. Also I give and bequeath to my said cousin, William Noke, all that great messuage or tenement in the occupation of Stephen Pecock in Thames Street in the parish of St Dunstan in the East; and he shall have it as long as he pays to John Robynson, citizen and draper of London, the sum of £13 6s. 8d. that he the said John Robynson stands surety for, in that he discharged me of an action which Christopher Pepper has against me now pending in the counter in the Poultry in the City of London upon an obligation wherein I am bound to him, and £3 6s. 8d. residue I had and borrowed of him. If William Noke refuses payment upon reasonable request, then I will bequeath the said messuage to John Robynson and his heirs for ever.
8. I give, will and bequeath to William Noke and Margaret, his wife, the one of my tenements next to Candlewick Street in St Swithin's Lane in the parish of St Mary Woolnoth in Lombard Street, London; after their death this is to remain to their son, William, and his heirs, with remainder to his brother, John, and his heirs, and remainder to his brother, Thomas, and heirs.
9. Also I give and bequeath to Agnes Rookyn, sister of Margaret Noke, the other tenement in St Swithin's Lane, with remainder to her brother, Robert Rookyn, and his heirs.
10. Also to William Noke, a tenement called the Round House, otherwise called the Black House, being in [the parish of] St Andrew Hubbard, tenanted and occupied now by Richard Bolton, to have and to hold it to himself and his heirs on condition that he or his heirs shall cause to be paid to Agnes Rookyn, late the wife of William Rookyn, late citizen and cooper of London, and to Joan their daughter, £4 yearly during their lives. In witness whereof I have put my hand and seal. Given the day and year first above written; also I utterly revoke and renounce all and every former will, legacy and bequest which I have made before. My mind is that this shall stand and remain as my very true testament and last will.
[Witnessed] By me William Dobson the younger. By me Gabriel Newman.
By me Robert Wood.
Sealed by William Dobson in the presence of John Robynson, Thomas Dungaster and Thomas Bradford.
Proved 18 February 1564.

251. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/51, f.95v) JOHN HEMYNGE. 17 February 1568.
1. I, John Hemynge of London, plumber, being sick in body and whole in mind and memory, make my last will and testament. First, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my saviour and redeemer.
2. My body is to be buried in the parish church of St Andrew in further Eastcheap as near to my first wife as I may.
3. I give and bequeath to my natural mother, Emma Hemynge, widow woman, dwelling in Droitwich in Worcestershire, £10 in ready money.
4. I give and bequeath to my sister, Isabel Hemynge, £8 in ready money.
5. I give and bequeath to my brother, Edward Hemynge, £5 in ready money, also I give to him all my towel and other necessaries at my other shop.
6. I bequeath to my wife's 3 children, £3 apiece in ready money.
7. I give and bequeath to my wife if she be with child, and that if it lives and comes to age, £20 in ready money.
8. And if God does His will and it does not live to lawful age, I give and bequeath to my brother, George Hemynge, £10 of the same £20.
9. I give and bequeath to the masters of the parish where I am buried, 30s. to make them a dinner the same day I am buried.
10. I give to my wife 10s. in ready money.
11. I give to Master Burgers 6s. in ready money.
12. I give and bequeath to my wife's sister and her husband 10s. in ready money.
13. I give and bequeath to the maintenance of the free school where my mother dwells 40s. in ready money.
14. I give and bequeath to Richard Rudd, my servant, 5s. in ready money.
15. I give and bequeath to my servant, John Richards, 5s. in ready money.
16. All the residue of my goods I give to my wife, my debts and legacies being paid.
Witness hereof Edmund Burgers and George Hemynge.
Proved 16 June 1569. [Dorothy Hemmyng executrix.]

252. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/51, ff.3v-4) WILLIAM NOKE. 26 August 1568.
1. I, William Noke, citizen and goldsmith of London, the unprofitable servant of God, being sick and weak in body but quite perfect and strong in mind, praised be God, do make and ordain this my testament containing therein my last will in the manner and form following. That is to say, first, I do willingly and with a free heart render and commit my spirit to the hands of my lord God, which He of His fatherly goodness did give to me when He fashioned me in my mother's womb, by that means making me a living creature. And I doubt not that but my lord God of His mercy through the merit of the precious blood shedding of His dear son, Jesus Christ, my saviour and redeemer, will receive my soul and place it in the company of His heavenly angels and blessed saints.
2. And my body with a good will and a free heart I commend to the earth in hope of a joyful resurrection, the burial whereof I commit to the discretion of my executrix hereunder named.
3. And as to the distribution of my goods and chattels wherewith God has blessed me, first, my will and mind is that all such debts as I owe to any person or persons shall be duly and truly paid, or else order taken for the payment thereof without delay by my said executrix.
4. And after my debts have been paid and my funeral discharged, then I will that all my goods, chattels and debts remaining, according to the ancient and laudable custom of the City of London, shall be divided and apportioned in 3 equal parts indifferently.
5. The first I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Margaret, for her part and portion that she by the custom aforesaid or otherwise can or may claim of, in or to my said goods, chattels and debts, or any part or parcel thereof.
6. The second part thereof, I give and bequeath to John, William and Thomas, my sons, equally to be distributed amongst them, and to be paid to them at the age of 24 years. If any should die before this age, then their portion is to be redistributed among the survivor and survivors; and if all die and none accomplish the said age of 24 years, then I give and bequeath all the said parts and portions to the next of my kin and consanguinity that be then living.
7. And the third equal part of my chattels and debts I reserve to my executrix, therewith to perform the legacies and bequests hereafter specified.
8. That is, I give and bequeath to John Kyell, goldsmith, and Helen his wife, and to Christopher Ringsbed, goldsmith, and Eleanor Pennyngton, to every one of them a ring of gold of the value of 13s. 4d.
9. And to my cousin, Thomas Coke's wife of Shaftisbroke, a hope ring of gold of the value of 20s.
10. And to my friend, Edmund Flicke of Ipswich, a ring of gold of the value of 13s. 4d.
11. I give and bequeath towards the relief of the poor children being nourished within Christ's Hospital within the City of London, [blank].
12. I give and bequeath to my friend, William Poredge, clerk, a black gown, and I will and require him to make 6 sermons for me, whereof the one to be at my burial and the other at convenient times at his discretion.
13. I give and bequeath to my sister, Frances Jermayne, the ring of gold that I have which was my father's.
14. The residue of my goods, chattels and debts whatsoever after my debts have been paid, my funeral discharged and these my legacies and bequests performed, I give and bequeath to the said Margaret, my well beloved wife, whom I do make and ordain my sole executrix of this my present testament, desiring and charging her duly to perform the same; and the overseers of this my said testament I do make and constitute my said cousin, Thomas Noke, and my loving friend, Andrew Palmer, requiring them and either of them and giving to them and either of them full power and authority to see and cause the same, my said testament, to be duly performed; and I give to either of them for his pains, a black gown.
15. And as touching the disposition of my lands, tenements, reversions and hereditaments situated, lying and being within the City of London, first I do give, grant, transfer, will and bequest to the said Margaret, my wife, full and lawful power, right, title, interest and authority that she shall or may at all times within one year next after my decease by the advice and counsel of my said overseers for and towards the payment of my debts, bargain, alienate, sell, convey and assent by all and every lawful way and means to any person or persons and their heirs in fee simple absolutely, without any condition, all those my four messuages and tenements lately called and known by the name of the Round House alias the Black House, with all and singular of their appurtenances sometime in the tenure of Eliza Carmynall and now being in the tenure of Richard Martyn, citizen and goldsmith of London, situated in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard, London, and also all other of my lands and tenements being in the same parish and the reversion thereof. And I do further will, mean and devise that if the said Margaret do not bargain, alienate and sell the said messuages and lands &c. in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard within 1 year next after my decease, according to the intent and meaning before specified, then the said Margaret shall have, hold and enjoy all the same messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard and all commodities, profits and advantages thereof, for and during the term of her natural life only. And after her decease, all the said messuages, lands, tenements &c in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard shall revert, remain and come to the said John Noke, my son, and his heirs and assigns forever without any condition.
16. I do give and bequeath to the said Margaret, my wife, all my messuage and tenement with appurtenances, reversions and rent thereof situated in the parish of St Dunstan in the East, now or late in the tenure of Stephen Pecock, to have and to hold for her natural life only, she the said Margaret or her assigns paying to Agnes, now the wife of William Marshall, citizen and cooper of London, to Joan Rowken, her daughter, and to the survivors of them during their lives, yearly one annuity of £4, which I, William Noke, by my deed indented and bearing the date 9 December in the 7th [sic] year of the reign of our sovereign lady, Queen Mary, having given and granted to the said Agnes and Joan upon divers considerations therein mentioned in manner and form as the said deed is contained and specified. And after Margaret's death, the property in St Dunstan in the East is to revert to Thomas Noke, my son, and his heirs and assigns for ever, the same Thomas and his heirs paying the annuity to the said Agnes and Joan, and to the longer liver of them, in the manner and form aforesaid.
17. And I do utterly revoke all former wills and testaments by me heretofore any wise made or declared, and this shall be my very last will and testament; in witness whereof I have put my hand and seal on the day and year above written.
These being witnesses whose names are hereunder written: by me William Poredge, by me William Hanbery, Gabriel Newman, Robert Wood, Richard Collyns servant to Andrew Palmer scrivener.
Proved [blank] day of January 1569.

253. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/55, f.183v) JOHN WILSON. 12 March 1572.
1. I, John Wilson, citizen and draper of London, sick in body but in good and perfect remembrance, [and] I praise Almighty God therefore, do make my last will and testament in the manner and form hereafter following. First and principally, I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my creator, and to Jesus Christ, my only saviour and redeemer, by whose blood shed I believe verily to have forgiveness of my sins and life everlasting after this painful life wherein I now am shall have an end.
2. And my body is to be buried in such place in the church whereas the churchwardens of the parish of St Andrew Hubbard in London, wherein I now do inhabit, shall think most convenient.
3. I will that on the day of my burial 10s. in bread shall be given to the poor by my executrix hereunder named. And moreover my said wife shall give every year 10s. in money at Christmas to the poor in the same parish during my lease in St Martin's, if she shall so long live.
4. I give to John Buffin, our minister, my black cassock of cloth fringed with silk.
5. I give to Christopher Holmes, draper, my gown faced with budge and edged immediately after my decease.
6. I give to Adam Wilson, haberdasher, my black gown furred with budge.
7. I give to my cousin Katherine Williams my small ring with a green stone.
8. I give to my own mother my ring of gold with my mark upon it, desiring her to be so good to my poor children as she minded to be to me.
9. The rest of all my goods unbequeathed I will to be divided into 3 parts according to the custom of the City of London, and as touching my 7 children my mind is to have their part to be equally divided among them, the one to be the others' heir in the same goods as they decease.
10. The residue of all my goods, my debts paid and my funeral discharged, I give and bequeath to Isabel my wife, whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament; and thereof I do ordain and make my brother, John Brook, citizen and leatherseller of London, overseer, and do give to him for his pains one black gown of 10s. a yard.
11. In witness whereof I have caused my brother, John Buffin, our minister, to write this present, my last will and testament, and to the same I myself have set to my hand and seal in presence of Edward ?Nonire, citizen and cordwainer, and Thomas Haddon, citizen and merchant tailor of London, the day and year above written.
Witnessed by me John Wilson, by me Edward ?Nonire, by me Thomas Haddon.
Proved 9 July 1573.

254. (PRO, PCC, Prob. 11/57, f.109v) RICHARD ADAMS. 3 October 1574.
1. I, Richard Adams do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the manner and form following. First, I give my soul to God the Father, who has made me, and to Jesus Christ, who with his precious blood redeemed me, and to the Holy Ghost who comforts me, three persons and one immortal God to whom be praise and glory for ever.
2. My body I yield to the earth from whence it came in hope of the resurrection to life everlasting by the merit of Christ only.
3. As concerning the worldly benefits wherewith God has endued me, I do commit and bestow them in the manner and form following, that is to say:
4. First, I bequeath to James Redmar, the elder, the rest of the years that shall be to come in a lease of certain ground that I hold of Master Wilcox, which ground was late in the tenure of Nicholas Wyatt, deceased. The said James Redmar is to enter upon it after the death of Joan, my wife, and not before.
5. And the said James is to give Margaret Sheppard £10 of [word indecipherable] within 1 year after entering upon the said ground.
6. I give to William Redman the lease of the ?vinery that I hold of the heirs of James Woodcock, after the death of Joan, my wife, and not before.
7. I give and bequeath to my brother, William Adams, my best gelding which I shall have at the time of my death.
8. I give and bequeath to my cousin, Richard Adams, and his wife, 40s. apiece.
9. I give and bequeath to Robert Adams, the son of Richard Adams, £20 in ready money.
10. I give and bequeath to the wardens for the time being of the butchers in Eastcheap, 40s. towards the repair of the barrowe house when need is.
11. I give and bequeath to the wardens of the butchers, 40s. towards a recreation for the livery of the company.
12. I give and bequeath to the hands of 6 honest men in the parish, £4 of good lawful money of England towards the maintenance of the ?shooting feast in the said parish of St Andrews to be employed by their discretion to ease poor men that are chosen.
13. I give and bequeath to every one of my cousin William Redmar's children, as well boys as wenches, £10 apiece within 2 years of my departing. And if any of them dies before the said time, the others that be living be their heirs.
14. I give and bequeath to Adam Redmar, my godson, my house that I do now personally dwell in after the decease of my said wife, Joan Adams, and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for lack of such issue, I give and bequeath the said house to my cousin, his younger brother, William Redmar, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten; and for lack of such issue to my cousins, their sisters for ever.
15. I give and bequeath to my cousin, William Redmar, citizen and butcher of London, my tenement or house in the which he now dwells, lying in the parish of St Andrew Hubbard, London.
16. I give and bequeath to Jane, my maid servant, 40s.
17. And the residue of my goods unbequeathed I wholly give and bequeath to Joan, my well beloved wife.
These being witnesses, James Redmar, William Redmar with others more.
Proved 23 April 1575. [Joan Adams executrix.]