Henham History - Wills part 1
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| - | Wills pt 2 | Wills pt 3 | Wills pt 4 | Wills pt 5 | Wills pt 6 |
Although most of the following records appear on the SEAX pages elsewhere on this website, I think it will help family-history researchers to have this transcribed modern English listing.
Name |
Probate Date |
Name |
Probate Date |
| Kendlm Bartaph | 1 Oct 1634 | Thomas Reynolds | 25 Jun 1811 Henham |
| Catherine Parker Elliott (Miss) of Elthorn Cottage, Henham | 5.7.1931 to Dr. Gilbert Elliott & Miss Ethel Rose Thorn | ||
| Mary Ann Godson Sams | 20 Mar 1813 Henham | ||
| Name | Death Date | Death Duty Date | Location |
| George King of Henham | Abt 1803 | 21 Apr 1803 | London |
| James Stallibrass of Henham | Abt 1804 | 15 Feb 1804 | London |
Immediately below is a short table explaining the meaning of some of the unusual legal words you might find in a medieval/Elizabethan will.
| appurtenances | pertaining to something that attaches |
| behoof | benefit or advantage |
| bequeath | to leave or give personal property or money by will, to hand down or pass on after your death |
| copyhold | copyhold tenure was as form of feudal tenure of common land in England from the Middle Ages until the 19th century although surviving in a residual form until 1922. The land was held according to the custom of the manor and the mode of landholding took its name from the fact that the 'title deed' received by the tenant was a copy of the relevant entry in the manorial court roll. |
| devise | a gift or disposal of real property |
| messuage | a dwelling house with outbuildings and land assigned to its use |
| moiety | the half of anything; as, if a testator bequeath one moiety of his estate to A, and the other to B, each shall take an equal part. Joint tenants are said to hold by moieties |
| nuncupative will | a 'deathbed' will that must be made in the presence of two witnesses who usually write the document. |
| ordain | to set something that will continue in a certain order |
| pightle | a small field, paddock or enclosure |
| tenement | a building for human habitation, especially one that is rented to tenants. Also a property of a permanent nature that is possessed or owned such as land or a building, together with the rights associated with such possession or ownership |
| viz | medieval abbreviation of 'viderlicet' from Latin 'videre licet' - 'permitted to see') - especially in written English when you want to give more detail or be more exact about something you have just written |
All SEAX records can be searched on the internet HERE
The table below is the first of six webpages listing all of the 252 Henham-related Wills held on the SEAX computer database at Essex County Council archives at Chelmsford. The images of each page of the Wills are hyperlinked to the SEAX reference number in the left-hand column in the table. The images are the property of Essex Record Office and are reproduced by courtesy of ERO to whom we are very grateful.
SEAX ref. no. & creation or probate date |
testator |
| D/ABW 2/8 1572 21st Dec | Alice Abraham of Henham, widow. In ye name of god amen: ye 16th day of January in ye year of our lord god in ye 11th year of ye reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by ye grace of god of England,France and Ireland queen, defender of ye faith I Alice Abraham of Henham in ye countie of Essex and in the diocese of London..being of good mind and in good and perfect remembrance ...and grace unto almighty god make, ordain and declare this my last testament and ..in manner and forme...to say:...my soul unto almighty god my maker, saviour and redeemer and my body to be buried .. churchyard of Henham aforesaid: also I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Garret (?) my daughter...my other goods....my last will and testament...Elizabeth...my death...Simon Smyth of Plegeden ..my executor and I give him for his pains..of Henham John..of Henham and Thomas Archer of ye ....... |
| D/ABW 2/112 1595 7th Apr | Thomas Archer of Henham. In the name of god amen. The 22nd day of July 1594 and in the year of ye reign of our Sovereign Ladie Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland 36. I Thomas Archer of Henham in ye countie of Essex, Clerke, being sick in body but in good and perfect memory, lord and praise be unto Almighty God for ye same (?), I do make, ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul into ye hands of almighty God ye father, son and holy ghost and my bodie to be buried in ye churchyard of Henham aforesaid. Item I will ye Margaret my wife shall have ye house wherein I now dwell, also my garden, and all ye appurtenances unto belonging to her and her during her natural life. Item ..my said wife during her natural life shall ....ye sum of twenty one pounds of lawful money, paid unto her quarterly by ye executor of this my last will. Item I give unto my said wife all my debts and monie that is owing unto me whatsoever. Item I will that after my said wife's decease ye said house wherein I now dwell, also ye garden, and all ye appurtenances..thereunto belonging shall..unto my son Robert Archer and to his heirs forever. And in consideration thereof shall pay unto his brother Thomas Archer twelve pounds of lawful money of England after one month after ..executor(?) paid Robert by good and sufficient allowance ..owing all ye promises. But if it fall out afterward, ye cannot enjoy ye house, but if by law or by order of ye Lords Court he must depart from.., and if it come to pay his said brother Thomas..., ..I will if..paid Thomas shall pay unto ye foresaid Robert ye like sum of twelve pounds of good and lawful money of England ..in one month next after ye paid his possession. Item I give unto Agnes Wateresse my daughter the sum of six pounds of lawful money of England ..to be paid unto her by my executor within two years ..after my wife's decease. Item I give unto Susanna Stanes my daughter twenty pounds to be paid unto her by my executor within ..years after my wife's decease. Item I give unto the said Susanna after my wife's decease my black..., a stool, a p...platter, a .....Item I will Katherine Parnell ..occupying of my house ..during her life, and after her decease I give ye said house unto Thomas Parnell, and to his heirs for ever. Item I give unto ye said Thomas Parnell twenty pounds to be paid unto him by my executor having attained twenty fours years. Item I give unto Thomas Archer my godson thirteen pounds Item I give unto Robert Archer my godson eight pounds. Item: I give unto the repairing of Henham church three pounds to be paid by my executor at the day of my burial. Item I will ye my wife (during her life) ...occupying of all my moveables..before named...of ye moveables (not before given to Susanna) to help her Item I will all my moveables.. my...not my wife..before bequeathed shall be distributed among my foresaid children Robert, Thomas, Katherine and Agnes, equally divided by my ... Item I will...All the rest of my goods...I do ordain and constitute Robert Archer my son as the Supervisor of this my said last will I request..ye Minister of the parish of Henham.......Making of this my last will, it intended a sale and bargain of my house wherein now dwelling my my son in law John Parnell, that he should have the same house paying for it ye sum of five pounds of lawful money of England upon the last day of St Michael ye.....Katherine Parnell my daughter as my..bequeathed unto her, ye sums of three pounds six pounds eight pounds within two years after my wife's decease. and all my Testament in all other respects to stand as it afore written without alteration |
| D/ABW 2/132 1597 12th. Aug | William Askewe of Henham. In the name of God Amen, the thirtie day of July in the year of our Lord god 1597 and in the 39th year of the reign of our sovereign Ladie Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland queen, defender of the faith I, William Askewe of Henham in the county of Essex and in the diocese of London being in good mind and perfect memorie thanks be given to god therefore do ordain and make this my present testament containing in it my last will in such manner and form as hereafter shall be .. first and principally I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty god my ...saviour, and redeemer and my bodie to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid Item: I give and bequeath unto Margaret my wife All that my free tenement, orchard and garden with the appurtenanaces in Henham aforesaid to have and to hold the aforesaid tenement, orchard and garden with all and singular their appurtenances unto the said Margaret my wife and her heirs for ever and it shall be lawful for the said Margaret my wife at her discretion either to give or to sell that my tenement, orchard and garden with all the appurtenances in Henham aforesaid as...may or shall ..her there unto, Item I give and bequeath unto the said Margaret my wife all and singular my goods, debts, moveables and unmoveables whatsoever: my bodie being brought to the earth in decent and s..tly manner, and I do make and ordain Margaret my wife my sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament. These being witnesses there unto whose names are here under written George Cleye, William Smyth senior James Harwood, William ..., |
| D/ABW 4/404 1580/1 20th Feb | Thomas Bothomley of Henham. In ye name of god Amen: ye nineteenth day of November in ye year of our lord god... and in ye twenty third year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by the glory of god of england, France and Ireland queen, defender of the faith...I Thomas Bothomey of Henham in ye county of Essex and in the diocese of London being sicke in body and in good and in perfect remembrance....make order and declare this my last Testament and last Will in manner and form following: that is to say: first and principally I commend my soul unto almighty god my maker, saviour and redeemer and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid Also I shall give and bequeath unto Mary Bothomley my wife all my houses and lands both free and copyhold lying and being in ye parish of Henham for the term and ..of her natural life and after her decease I give..and bequeath unto Thomas Bothomley my son all my said houses, yards and orchards alland singular ye appurtenances thereunto belonging and also my close on ye back side of my land.... to him and his heirs and assigns for ever to have and to hold all ye aforesaid houses, yard and lands copyhold Thomas Bothomley my son and to his heirs and assigns for ever Also I give and bequeath unto Richard Bothomley my son my croft called Longe Crofte and all singular ye appurtenances thereunto belonging lying in Henham After my mortgage decease paying my debts and other legacies...Thomas Bothomley give bequeath in this my last Will and Testament. Also I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Botomley my daughter...and a ..to be paid unto .. Richard Bothomley my son had or his heirs..administrators and assigns after...my daughter shall give ..my copyhold land I have in Henham..my last will and testament...of all my other goods..Mary my wife....order and make my executive. And I ..order and make Thomas Botomley my son executor...Made ye day and year ...in ye presence of Robert Wright the elder and John Smith the elder and Thomas...other .. Also mentioned: William Gamonde, John Clerke, Henry.., William Wright (?) for ploughing, Robert Wright for malt |
| D/ABW 5/260 1592 14th Dec | John Banckes of Henham, labourer. In the name of God Amen. the 21st day day of February 1590 I John Banckes of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, labourer, being of good health and sound mind and perfect remembrance (and glory and praise be given to God therefore) to make this my Testament containing in it, my last will in manner and form following First and before all other things, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and to his mercy,..and almighty...I do ordain, will and bequeath my tenement that I now dwell in.. of a tenement that I lately purchased of Richard M...situate in Henham aforesaid to my two daughters Agnes Banckes and Mary Banckes and to their heirs and assigns for ever. And I give and bequeath to the said Agnes and Mary all my goods, moveables, imoveables, debts and money, my funeral charge and all other ordinary expenses...I do make my daughters Agnes and Mary my executrixes And I ordain and ernestly ..John Clerk of Old Mead in Henham aforesaid yeoman ..to be executor of this my last will to see it performed And I give and bequeath to him for his pains therein...to be paid him by my executrixes and all his...to be allowed him. Witnessed: Nicholas Mirgell of Stortford, John Clerke and Nicholas Mirgell senior |
D/ABW 6/31 1598 28th July |
Richard Botomley of Henham, bricklayer. In the name of God Amen. The seventh day of June in the fortieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Ladie Elizabeth by the year of God, of England, France and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the faith I, Richard Botomelye of Henham in the countie of Essex and diocese of London, bricklayer, being of whole mind and perfect remembrance Lord glory and prayer ...to God therefore I do make this my Testament containing in it my last will in manner and form first and before all other things I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and to his mercy, trusting and....believing that by his grace and by the merit of the death, passion and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ, I shall have full remission, pardon and foregiveness of my sins and resurrection of my bodie and soule and that I shall see my saviour on the last day..of him life everlasting. Item I give and bequeath unto Agnes my wife this my mansion or dwelling house in the which I now dwell situate and being in Henham aforesaid with the orchard adjoining there unto for ..of her life natural and furthermore I grant and give unto the said Agnes my wife free ..and liberty by the ..of this my last will..., for her better help and furtherance in the education and bringing up of my children, at her will and pleasure, either to let or leave this my said messuage or tenement with the orchard thereunto belonging as occasion may or shall move her there unto, for the space and term of eight years and do grant .. it for term or those years before expressed to be or ....after her death as by the time of her life Item I give and bequeath unto Steven Chandler of Henham in the countie above named...and to his heirs...all that part or parcel of my tenement with all the offices and buildings standing and being on the most part of my ..dwelling house eastwards ye church from my..abutting upon the south ..along straight ..to the farthest part of these buildings butting upon the north with the orchard and ye ..yard being .....unto the premises of Smiths with sufficient ground for the ......upon condition that the aforesaid Steven Chandler or his assigns shall paye unto me the above named Richard Botomleye, my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns the sum of twelve pounds of lawful English monie twentie days before the feast day of Michael the Archangel next..ye day of the date hereof, Item after the..or natural life of Agnes my wife and the lease or leases....by her made or granted for the term of the years above mentioned ..shall..to be made or granted being fully... I give and bequeath my said messuage or tenement unto Richard Botomley my ..son, with the orchard thereunto adjoining upon condition that he shall pay ..legacies or dues to my other and hereafter hath by me, unto them..given and bequeathed Item: I give and bequeath unto John Botomley my youngest son four pounds of lawful English money to be payed unto him or to his assigns within one year next coming after the death of Agnes my wife Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Agnes Botomlye fortie shillings of lawful English money to be paid unto her by my son Richard Botomlye within two years next coming after the death of Agnes Botomye my wife Item: I give and bequeath unto Agnes Botomye my wife all my moveables and imoveables not as yet given or bequeathed my funeral charges and all other extraordinary expenses ..and my debts paid of this my last will I do ordain and make Agnes my wife my sole executrix and I do earnestly request Henry Storke of Henham to see my Will performed according to the..true memory thereof In the presence of witnesses Richard Muncke, Richard Miller and James Harwood |
| D/ABW 6/159 1603 9th Nov | John Baltripe of Pledgdon, Henham. In the name of God Amen, the twelth day of Januarie in the foutieth and four years of the reign of our Sovereign Ladie Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the faith I John Baltripe of Pledgdon in the parish of Henham being of whole mind and perfect remembrance lord praise and honour be unto god..do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in such form and manner as hereafter... before all other things I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty and his mercie and my body to be buried in the parish churchyard of Henham Item I give and bequeath unto John Baltrip my son this my tenement in the...which I now dwell..with all and singular the offices and buildings thereunto belonging with all my free (faint line inserted above: .... and being..Thomas Baltrip) land situate and being in Pledgdon in the parish of Henham to have and to hold the said tenement and free land to him and his heirs ...begot of his bodie for ever or if it shall happen the said John Baltrip to decease without issue, I give and bequeath my said tenement with all my land before mentioned unto Thomas Baltrip and George Baltrip my son Thomas Baltrip his heirs and ..other heirs for their life my Will ..and I do also ..my son John Baltrip by the ..to keep Joan Baltrip my wife with sufficient of meat.., apparel and lodgings with all other..things with ...my tenement by all the term of her life natural and also three shillings..of lawful English money yearly during her life natural and if Joan Baltrip my wife shall be..or not like hereof or herewith she shall depart ...my son John Baltrip his heirs or assigns shall..Joan Baltripe my wife or to ..assigns the sum of three pounds six shillings and eight pence of lawful English money yearlie during her natural life at...feasts or terms in the year by equal ..that is at..term or quarter in the year sixteen shillings and eight pence of lawful...my will.that.. hand..this my tenement with all my free land with...unto Joan my wife..by all the term of her life natural...I give and bequeath unto Thomas Baltrip my son paying unto my son John Baltrip forty shillings of lawful English money within one year next..after my decease and after the decease of my son Thomas Baltrip I give and bequeath the said half unto George Baltrip my son..Thomas Baltrip his heirs ....I give and bequeath unto Thomas Baltrip my son my tenement called Hamstalls (?) with all singular the appurtenances situate and being in Pledgdon in the parish of Henham with all my..land belonging unto.. containing by estimation three acres be it more or less to have and to hold the said tenement and land to him and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body forever ...that the said Francis Baltrip shall pay or raise to be paid unto Joan Horkly my daughter five pounds of lawful English money in form and manner as followeth that is to say five pounds of lawful English money yearlie in and.. the feast day of ...Lord God next..after my decease I give and bequeath unto William Horke..my daughter Joan Horke her son forty shillings of lawful English money to be paid unto him by my son Thomas Baltrip when he shall attain unto the age of one and twenty years Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Baltrip my son one cupboard one ..with all thing belonging thereunto one..being but one to be devised unto him by my executor within one month next..after my decease Item I give and bequeath all my ..to be equally divided among my other children namely John Baltrip, Thomas Baltrip and Joan Horkly Item all my goods not ..I give and bequeath unto John Baltrip my son to see my debt paid and my body brought orderly unto the earth and of this my last will I do ordain ..and make him my only executor and I do earnestly request Nicholas Collin of Broxted to see my will performed and I do allow him three pounds for his pains |
| D/ABW 8/65 1541 17th Oct | Thomas Colvilte of Henham, no occupation given. In the name of god almighty. The ..day of the month of October the year of our lord god one thousand five hundred and ..I Thomas Colvilte of Henham in the countie of Essex being of whole mind and in perfect remembrance (lord and praise be unto almighty god) make and ordain this my last testament containing herein my last Will in manner and form following. First and principally I commend my soul unto almighty god my maker and saviour to our blessed ladie queen Mary the...and to all the holy company of painters in heaven and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid..unto the..Item I bequeath to the high alter of my parish church for my offering forgotten or negligently. .in ..of my soul Item I bequeath to Master the ....of the high..Item I bequeath to my daughter Joan Clerke...of my other daughter..here under written..me honestly buried and my....with in my parish church of Henham...the last will of me the said Thomas Colvilte and Elizabeth my wife have and enjoy the rents of all my houses and lands....as well in the parish of Henham for the term of her natural life.....make and ordain my executors my sons John and Thomas and the overseers of the....make and ordain John Clerke the younger and Robert Pennington and I bequeath to either of them to see that my..interment performed and executed..... |
| D/ABW 8/228 1556/7 9th Feb | John Clerke of Old Mead, Henham. In the name of God amen ye 9th day of February in ye year of our lord god one thousand five hundred fifty and six and in the second ..year of ye reign of Philippe and Mary by the grace of god of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem and Ireland King and Queen Defender of ye faith..I John Clerke of Old Meade in the parish of Henham and in the county of Essex being sick in body and in perfect remembrance...praise and glory be unto almighty god I make, ordain and declare this my present Testament and last will in manner and form following: that is to say: first and principally I commend my soul unto almighty god my maker, saviour and redeemer..my body to be buried in ye parish church yard of Henham aforesaid Item: I give...for my tithes..gently forgotten...Item: I will ..shall be bestowed in mending of ye high way is to pay from...Green unto my house ..Item: I will my executor and..shall be ..ye day of my burial...twenty... to pay ten pounds in money..in bread and ale Item: I give unto Geoffrey my son ..of m..Item: I give to Robert Clerke my son...my executor to begin to pay ye said money ..ye space of a year next after my decease is to pay unto Geoffrey ye first year sixteen pounds second year to Robert fifteen pounds ..from year to year in order until time ye paid legacies be fully contented and paid Item: I give unto John Clerke my son my houses and my lands set, lying and being in ye parish of Hatfield Broad Oak to him and to his heirs for ever Item: I give unto my three daughters that is to pay Joan, Agnes and Mary unto every one of them ..a piece, a bed feathered Item: I will unto my son John....next after my decease Item: I will John my son....and Ellen my wife Richard my son to .. pay .. belonging unto them Item: I will and give unto Elen my wife and Richard all my moveable goods equally to be divided between them both except my horse: only to be..unto Richard my son Item: I will Richard my son shall have after the death of Elen my wife all my tenements and land in Henham to him and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten. If...cannot(?) heirs of his body lawfully begotten Item: I will the said lands and tenements unto Geoffrey my son and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten Item: I will ye said lands and tenements unto Robert my son to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten and if he did not heirs of his body lawfully begotten then I will the said lands and tenements ... heirs of me the said John Clerke Item: I will the decease of Richard and my son Geoffrey to have two acres of free land in Cotnamfield ...said Geoffrey be disposed to sell ye said two acres be ye .. time of ye paid Richard then I will that he shall sell ye said two acres to Richard my son and to none other: And if Richard my son... ....confirming my houses and lands set, lying and being in Hatfield Broad Oak and Henham aforesaid then I will that he shall lose my legacy or gift before named Item: I will ye Richard my son shall have Cangell lying in Pledgdon during his life time. And after his decease I will ye said land called Cangell to John my son and to his heirs and assigns. And if ye said John be disposed to sell ye said Cangell then I will John shall sell .. unto Richard my son...Item: I will that Elen my wife and Richard my son shall occupy to ..peaceable all my houses and lands set, lying and being in ye parish of Henham during ye life time of Elen my wife and .....I constitute , ordain and make Elen my wife executrix and Richard my son and William Colfield my executors... |
| D/ABW 8/329 1564 5th Dec | John Clerke, of Pledgdon, Henham, yeoman. Mentions his son Robert and John's wife Joan; 'the manor of Pledgdon Hall'; 'Thomas, his heirs or assigns', his son John Clerke; his son Thomas Clerke; 'my Manor of Pledgdon Hall aforesaid'; 'distribution of alms to the poor'; 'Stansted Mountfitchet'; 'and being in the copyhold field..'; 'Clement Buck of Manuden'; 'Elizabeth Clerke my daughter'; 'witnessed: Richard Stanes of Henham, Richard Storke, Thomas Stork..' |
| D/ABW 9/43 1568/9 19th Jan | Henry Cocke of Henham. In the name of God amen ye seconde day of December in ye year of our Lord God...and in ye 11th. year of ye reign our Sovereign of Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God amen of England, France and Ireland Defender of .. I Henry Cocke of Henham in ye county of Essex and in the Diocese of London being good of mind and in ..remembrance praise and honour be unto almighty god most ..I declare this my present testament and last Will in manner and form following that is to say first ....I bequeath my soul unto Almighty God my maker saviour and redeemer and my body to be buried in ye church yard of Henham aforesaid. Also I bequeath after my ...forgotten x11. Also I give and bequeath unto Jone my wife my house, all my ..and lands both free and copyhold situate, lying and being in ye parish of Henham until time that John my son shall on to ye full age of twenty years and one years ye said John shall on to ye full age of twenty years the ...Jone my wife and John my son shall have and occupy the said houses and lands....Jone my wife do marry ..John my son shall enter upon all ye said houses and land in Henham aforesaid and to paye unto the said Jone his mother or to her assigns yearly the sum of ...lawful money of England............. Henry was buried 12th April 1568/9 |
| D/ABW 9/50 1569 13th Dec | Robert Clerk of Henham ...this 10th (?) day of October....to the dispositions of all my lands and said goods and ..I give and bequeath unto my wellbeloved mother ...pounds of lawful money and all my household stuff Item: I give and bequeath...all these parcels of land and wood...of the manor of Pledgdon Hall and their appurtenances...five acres in Claypit Field...and five acres of wood..in the hamlet of Pledgdon in the parish of Henham ...unto my brother John Clerke...and I will that my said brother John shall not enter upon the said lands before Michaelmas next coming. Item: I give and bequeath, will and devise unto my brother Thomas all that my messuage called Motte..,.all the land, meadows and pastures both free and copyhold..thereto belonging, set, lying and being in the..and parishes of Henham and Stansted Mountfitchet...I give and bequeath unto my sister Elizabeth twentie pounds...Thomas Godfrey..my brothers Item: I give to Agnes Peak (?)...witnessed: John, Richard Stork, Thomas Mott the.. |
| D/ABW 9/73 1571/2 14th Jan | Richard Clerke of Greenwall, Henham. In the name of god Amen the second day of December in th eyear of our Lord god a thousand five hundred .. and eleven... Bequeaths four shillings to the poor people of Henham......John Clerke my brother and to his heirs forever...Lawrence (?) Clerke my brother...... |
| D/ABW 9/166 1581/2 12th Feb | Joan Cole of Henham, widow. In the name of God Amen the 26th day of November in the 20..year of the reign of our sovereign ladie Elizabeth ..being sick in body but ...of remembrance..do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following...I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth..all my goods ...I make and ordain the said Elizabeth.. as...and Thomas Meade ..for his....witnessed: Thomas Mead, Robert Wryght..... |
| D/ABW 10/107 1600 9th April | George Claye of Henham, keeper. In the name of God Amen the 10th day of March in the fortieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Ladie Elizabeth by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith I George Claye of Henham in the Countie of Essex and London Diocese being sick in bodie but of whole and perfect mind Lord praise and glory be unto Almightie god therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last Will in such form and manner as hereafter shall follow viz: first and principally before all other things I give and bequeath my soul unto Almightie god and his mercie, trusting and..beloving that by his death, passion and resurrection...and that I shall see my saviour in the last day...Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Claye my son to be paid unto him by my executor within one whole year after my death Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Alice Claye six pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by my executor within one whole year next ..after my death Item: I give and bequeath other five pounds of lawful English money unto Joan Claye my daughter to be paid unto her by my executor within one whole year next ..after my death Item: I give and bequeath unto Richard Claye, my daughter Joan Claye the sum of forty shillings of lawful English money to be paid unto him by my executor when he shall attain the age twenty one years Item: the rest of my moveables and immovables and goods whatsoever not as yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto William Claye my son this my last Will I do ordain and make him my sole and only executor ....for my bodie brought orderlie unto the earth and to see my funeral expenses allowed and for the.... that this is my will...witnessed: Richard Murke and James Harwood |
| D/ABW 10/157 1603 25th May | Lewis Coefield senior, of Elsenham and Henham. In the name of God Amen the 9th day of May 1603 I Lewis Coefield being sick in bodie but of good and perfect remembrance I give god thanks for it..make my testament containing my last Will in manner and form..after following. That is to say first and before all other things I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty god the father,... Item: I give and bequeath unto Joan my wife for the term of twelve years all my copyhold lands now in my occupation...of the manor of Elsenham and after her..or twelve years I give and bequeath the same lands copyhold to my son Thomas Cofield and to his heirs for ever, id he lives to the age of twentie six years and if Thomas Cofield do not live to reach the said age, and if William Cofield my son be then living, my Will is that the said William shall have all the same copyhold land to him and his heirs for ever....to his brother John Cofield and...to his brother Edward Cofield,...same to be paid unto him ..in one month next after the decease of the said Thomas Cofield his brother And also I give and bequeath to Joan my wife for term of her natural life one year of free land lying in Common.., belonging to the same manor of ...And I further give and bequeath unto Joan my wife for the term of her natural life, one slope or field called Ruffe field , one...or abutting on a ...lane leading out of Outfield onto Pledgdon Green on the north, the other..abutting upon ..closes now in the tenure and occupation of Andrew Foster, and also one other slope or pasture called Catsland Croft, and one other parcel of ground called...a tenement...other being upon ...of the manor of Pledgdon Hall...And after her decease to Thomas Cofield my son and to his heirs for ever. ...to accomplish the age of twenty five years...I give and bequeath the same to my son William Cofield and to his heirs for ever...and if my wife do not live to accomplish the aforesaid age of twelve years.....Item: I give and bequeath to the poor of people of Elsenham twenty shillings to be paid unto them within two months of my decease And I also give and bequeath unto the poor of people of Henham twentie shillings to be like wise paid unto them in two months next after my decease...And I do ordain and make Joan my wife my sole executrix of this my...Witnessed: John Tuer, Robert Pennington, Ronald Storke, Thomas Clark, Thomas Drydale senior |
| D/ABW 10/240 1608 27th July | Thomas Clerke of Pledgdon, Henham. ..18th day of May 1608.....I give and bequeath unto Thomas Clerke my nephew, one of the sons of my late brother Samuel Clerke all that my..messuage or tenement..and all the land, meadow, pasture and hereditaments to the said messuage belonging...John Clerke my brother...being in Pledgdon aforesaid and also one rood of parkland in Outfield I bought of Robert Pennington, farmer and one ..of customary land lying in Outfield..younger daughter of the said Simon Clerke brother...Thomas Clerke, son of John Clerke...Mary the wife of Thomas Scott, the sum of twenty pounds...Grace the wife of Robert Cork...and to George Mead...Richard Clerke, brother..John Meade..Alice my wife...and I do make,..ordain the said Thomas Clerke, the son of Richard Clerke my one and only executor. Witnessed: Josiah Clerke, ..Storke, John Clerke and Richard... |
| D/ABW 12/146 1574 25th May | William Day of Henham. Mentions Elizabeth Day his eldest daughter, Mary Day his daughter, Anne Day his daughter, Robert Day his son, Clemence Day his wife who is made sole executor |
| D/ABW 134/1/104 1839 24th Oct |
Thomas Day [the elder] of Henham, yeoman. This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Day the elder of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman. First I give and devise unto my three sons Thomas Day of Haydon in Essex, farmer; James Day of Henham yeoman and John Day of Chrishall farmer All and every my household messuages, cottages or tenements, lands and hereditaments whatsoever ,,,,,To hold to them and their heirs Upon trust...And I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah the wife of James Day the sum of fifty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain I likewise give and bequeath unto her my said daughter the debt or sum of three hundred pounds due and owing to me from her son in law Thomas Nottage of Henham, farmer and also the debt or sum of one hundred pounds due and owing to me from her son Thomas Day together with all interest that may be due to me. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas the sum of fifty pounds of lawful money aforesaid. I likewise give and bequeath unto my grandchildren Charles, Thomas, John, Joseph, Martha and Emma the children of my said son Thomas the sum of fifty pounds each of lawful money. .......Testator died 26th April 1839, the value of the goods, chattels and credits were under two thousand pounds. |
| D/ABW 137/1/134 1845 7th Nov | John Barker of Henham, alehousekeeper. Appoints Elizabeth his wife as executrix and Joseph Bacon Heard and Thomas Heard both of Henham, wheelwrights as executors. Bequeaths £100 to William Barker his only son. Bequeaths the possession and use of his household furniture, plate, lien, china, books and other household effects to Elizabeth and after her death he bequeaths these items to be equally divided amongst all his children. He gives and devises to Joseph Bacon Heard and Thomas Heard all the freehold and copyhold messuages, lands, tenements etc to hold the same in trust. He bequeaths all his stock in trade, monies, securities all other personal estate to his wife Elizabeth and Joseph Bacon Heard and Thomas Heard in trust. Will dated 2nd September 1837. Codicil dated 14th March 1843. John Barker died in Henham on the 15th Aug 1845. Administration granted 1st Nov 1845. Proved 7th Nov 1845 by Elizabeth & Thomas Heard, the surviving executor. The whole of the effects of the deceased are under £100 value. |
| D/ABW 138/1/68 1846 1st Aug | Elizabeth Titchmarsh of Henham Lodge, Henham, widow. This is the last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Titchmarsh of Henham Lodge in the parish of Henham in the county of Essex, widow. First I direct that I may be decently buried with my late husband and that my funeral and Testamentary expenses may be paid as soon as conveniently may be after my decease. I give and bequeath all my plate and china unto and to be equally divided between my five dear children Thomas, Mynott, John, Charles and Emma Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Emma the bedstead, bed and all other the furniture in the bed room which she occupies for her own use. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Charles the bedstead, bed and all other furniture in the bed room he occupies for his own use. I bequeath unto my son Charles all those my copyhold cottages with their appurtenances situate at or near Wood End Green in the parish of Henham aforesaid to hold the same unto my said son Charles his heirs and assigns for ever And I direct that the fine and fees payable on his admission thereto shall be paid by my executors out of my personal estate. I also give and bequeath unto my said son Charles the sum of sixty pounds. Item I give and bequeath to my said daughter Emma the sum of two hundred pounds and I direct that the said two last mentioned legacies shall be paid within twelve calendar months next after my decease. I direct my executors hereinafter named as soon as they conveniently can after my decease to relinquish and give up the farm and lands which I may occupy And as to all my household goods and furniture, linen, books and other household effects not hereinbefore specifically bequeathed and also my implements of husbandry, crops of corn and grain, live and dead stock and all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said executors their executors and administrators Upon Trust as soon as conveniently may be after my decease to sell dispose of and convert the same into money...And upon further trust to pay and divide the surplus of the same money unto and equally between all my before mentioned children who shall be living at the time of my decease and the issue of any deceased child or children share and share alike... And I nominate constitute and appoint my said son Thomas and my friend John Mumford of Pledgden Hall in the parish of Henham aforesaid, farmer, executors of this my Will...Dated 19th September 1842. This Will is revoked on the 12th April 1845 when a codicil then gave all her copyhold cottages, appurtenances and gardens belonging, situate at or adjoining Wood End Green to her daughter Emma. Charles is to receive one hundred and forty pounds. Emma and Charles (the youngest son) are to share the residual estate. Thomas and John Mumford were appointed executors. Witnessed: Susan Lyles spinster and Mary Prior, widow. Dated 12th April 1845. At her death her goods, chattels and credits were valued at being under £450. |
| D/ABW 15/74 1603 23rd Feb | Helen Fleminge of Henham, widow. To her son John Fleming she bequeaths an iron bedstead standing in her parlour and one featherbed she lies on, one bolster, one pillow, her home made coverlet (?) .. two blankets, the pillow ,, two pairs of sheet, one flaxen one towel, her best table cloth save one, her pewter platters ... To her daughter Elizabeth twenty shillings ... her grandmother ... her best cupboard standing in her parlour ..grandfather .. one iron bedstead standing in the chamber over the parlour, one featherbed, one bolster, two pillows, two blankets a pair of pillowcases, three pairs of sheet, .., her best table cloth, her best towel, three table napkins, two pewter platters, spoons, her best brass pot, her best great kettle, her warming pan and all her apparel. To her son Leonard Fleminge .. one bolster, one pillow, two blankets, one towel of damask, two pairs of sheet.. one little brass pot three kettles nas her pewter platters. To her son Henry Fleminge one bedstead, one bolster, one pillow, two blankets, one towel of damask, two pairs of sheet ... four pewter platters. She makes her son John her executor and Francis Lyndsell her brother..... Dated Feb. 1603. |
| D/ABW 16/15 1532 21st Sept | John Goddard (Godarde) 'dwelling in the towne of Henham' ... 'for me and my friends' ... Bequeaths to John Wollys (Wallace?) his bedstead, bolster ... Wills his tenement to be sold by his executors to perform the legacies of his testament and last will .. ordains and makes John Pennington and Thomas Abraham his executors ?...... |
| D/ABW 16/139 1558 3rd Nov | William Gatward of Henham |
| D/ABW 16/161 1564 24th Oct | Alice Gatward of Henham, widow (of William Gatward above) gives ...to the poor of Henham...bequeaths to John her eldest son, her best bolster and platter...unto..my daughter..unto my daughter Margaret Lambert...unto Thomas Mott my son I do appoint to being executor..... |
| D/ABW 16/211 1571/2 18th Mar | John Glascocke the elder of Henham, butcher. Bequeaths to his wife Elizabeth the tenement or tenement called (?) where he now dwells .. bequest to Richard Horkley of Ugley of his best featherbed |
| D/ABW 17/51 1604 June | William Glascock of Henham, labourer. Bequeaths to his son John Glascock the sum of ten shillings of good and lawful money of England. Bequeaths to Richard Glascock my ...the sum of ten shillings of good and lawful money of England. Bequeaths to James Porter his son in law thirty shillings of good and lawful money of England. Bequeaths to James Porter his son in law ...? Several bequests to his daughter Amy. Bequest to Margaret ..? his daughter the sum of twenty shillings of good and lawful money of England. Residue of his effects to be equally divided between Mary Porter and his daughter Amy. Bequest to Anne Br..my daughter(?) the sum of ten shillings of good and lawful money of England. Dated 13th June 1569. Appoints his daughter Amy Glascock as sole executrix. Witnessed: John Collin, Philip ..signed by William Glascork (?) |
| D/ABW 17/71 1606 25th May | Samuel Giffine of Henham, weaver. Bequeaths his tenement to his son Robert Giffine and bequeaths to his wife Mary (?) one room, the parlour, to her for her natural life (?) pounds of lawful money and four pounds to his daughter Mary. Bequests of money to his daughters Jane Giffine, Susanna Giffine, Alice Giffine, Sara Giffine. Mentions his brother James Giffine. Dated 21st May 1606 |
| D/ABW 18/121 1551 17th Sept | William Hale of Henham....my executors John Clerke of Pledgden Hall and John Wryght |
| D/ABW 19/262 1595 4th June | John Haydon of Henham, yeoman. Bequeaths all his homes and lands in Henham to be equally divided between his two daughters Joan and Mary. Bequeaths twenty pounds of good and lawful money to his daughter Katherine..appoints James Hebarde and his daughter Joan his executors. Appoints his brother George Haydon to be overseer of this last will and testament and for his pains George is to receive eleven pounds |
| D/ABW 19/266 1595 30th June | Thomas Havers, yeoman of Pledgden. Bequest of forty shillings to Thomas Shipman, his daughter's son. Bequest of forty shillings to Richard Shipman, his daughter's son. Bequest of forty shillings to Margaret Shipman, his daughter's daughter. Bequest of forty shillings to Elizabeth Shipman her mother. Bequest of forty shillings each to his son's daughters Mary Havers and Elizabeth Havers. Bequest of shillings to his son John Havers. Bequest of forty shillings to John Shipman. Bequest of forty shillings to John Havers his son....Appoints Richard Shipman and his wife Joan as executors. |
| D/ABW 19/348 1600 9th April | Thomas Harte, of Henham, husbandman.... I bequeath this my tenement in which I now dwell with all and singular the ......unto Agnes Harte my ..wife...as my son Thomas Harte shall accomplish the age of twenty six years and after that my son Thomas Harte shall accomplish the age before mentioned I give and bequeath this my tenement with all the lands and appurtenances unto him and his heirs forever,...always that Agnes Harte my wife shall have, hold and enjoy, that...her life natural my....Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Harte my daughter the sum of five pounds of lawful English money to be paid by Agnes my wife.... Dated the 13th March |
| D/ABW 20/55 1604 14th Mar | In the name of god Amen the seventh day of May and in the second year of the reign of... and Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God of England, France, Ireland and Scotland king, defender of the faith. I, Thomas Humphrey of Pledgdon in the parish of Henham in the county of Essex, husbandman being of whole mind and perfect remembrance......Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Humphrey my wife this my tenement in the which I now dwell called Ham Hall with all the edifices and buildings thereunto belonging, with the...orchard, garden and all other the appurtenances for the term of her life natural. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Elizabeth my wife one parcel of land lying and being in a field called Outfield containing by estimation one acre be it more or less and also one other parcel of land containing by estimation one half acre lying and being in the field aforesaid by all the term of her natural life. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wife one acre and a half of wheat being already sown and growing upon the land before mentioned . Item: all my moveable goods...chattel or.. whatsoever not as yet given nor bequeathed i give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wife to see my debts paid, my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral expenses aforesaid and of this my last will i do ordain and make the said Elizabeth and Thomas Robson of Chickney, my son in law, my executors. In the presence of John Baltrupe and James Harwood. |
| D/ABW 25/63 1546 11th May | John Motte of Henham...Mentioned are Joan his wife, Joan Wood, John Clerke, Alexander Turner (?)Witnessed Thomas Abraham, Robert Wryght and Thomas Archer (?)....seventy acres of copyhold land more or less called Pease Stake Field set and lying within the parish of Henham...Appoints John Wright as executor. |
| D/ABW 25/220 1567 8th July | Richard Mylles of Henham |
| D/ABW 25/275 1578/9 18th Jan | Joane Munshaw of Henham, widow. Dated 18th Jan. 1578. Mentions her daughter Mary and appoints her as the only executor. |
| D/ABW 26/101 1599 30th Oct | Robert Moore of Henleys, Henham, poulterer. In the name of god Amen the 14th day of August in the year of our Lord God 1599 and in the fortieth and one year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith, I Robert Moore of Henham in the County of Essex and in the Diocese of London, Poulterer being sick in body but whole in mind, laude and praise be unto Almighty god therefore, revoke all former wills and testaments hereforeto by me made I do ordain and make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First and before all other things, I give my soul to Almighty god my maker, saviour and redeemer trusting by his death and passion to give free remission for all my sins and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto Joan Moore my wife those pieces of arable land to be sold by the said Joan Moore and the ..thereof applied and ..unto the payment for my debts whereof for one of the said pieces or parcels of land being in a field called Henny (?) Hill containing by estimation one half acre and one other piece of land lying and being in Copperton Field containing by estimation one half acre. Item: I give and bequeath unto William Moore my son all this my tenement in ..which I now dwell called Henleys with three orchards and three closes containing by estimation seven acres be it more or less upon condition that the said William Moore doth pay such legacies unto my other children as hereafter shall be..by me given and bequeathed. Item: I give and bequeath unto Robert Moore my son forty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto him...(crease in the paper) ..the death of Joan Moore my now wife by those payments viz twenty pounds of lawful English money..in one year next ..after the death of Joan Moore my wife and after twenty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto him with...after the death of Joan Moore my now wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto Alice Moore my daughter five pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by William Moore with in one year ensuing after the death of Joan Moore my wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mercie Moore five pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by the said William Moore within three years next ensuing after the death of Joan Moore my now wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto Marie Moore my daughter five pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by William Moore within three years next ensuing after the death of Joan Moore my now wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Moore my daughter five pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by William Moore with in four (?) years next ensuing after the death of Joan Moore my wife. My will is that if the said William Moore refuse to make payment or ...that my son Robert Moore shall have this my tenement, with the appurtenances above mentioned paying unto William Moore thirty pounds of lawful English money within one year next ensuing after the death of Joan Moore my now wife and..,,all the residue or ..legacies as before expressed and by me in this my last will ..and bequeathed. Item: that if the said Robert Moore my son shall decease before his age of twenty and six years my will is that my son William Moore shall pay unto my daughter Margaret Jagger..children ..five pounds of lawful English money to be equally divided among them with in one year next or after the death of Joan Moore my now wife and other five pounds of lawful English money unto the children or my daughter Joan Longe by equall........my will is that if the said William...to my son Henry Moore..my son John Moore...my tenement now in the occupation of John Cater in Henham...I give and bequeath unto Joan my wife all my goods, chattels, residue money not as yet given or bequeathed, my debts paid and my funeral charges..of this my last will and testament I do make her my sole and only executrix. Witnessed: John Wright, John Moore and Benjamin Messant. |
| D/ABW 26/140 1602/3 8th Feb | Thomas Moot of Henham, yeoman. Bequeaths to John Meassant, son of Benjamin(?) Meassant of Henham, husbandman, five and thirty shillings of lawful English money when he reaches twenty one years of age. Bequeaths to Thomas Meassant, son of the said Benjamin(?) Meassant of Henham, husbandman, five and thirty shillings of lawful English money when he reaches twenty one years of age. Bequeaths to Lidea, the daughter of the aforesaid Benjamin(?) Meassant, five and thirty shillings of lawful English money when she reaches twenty one years of age or at the date of her marriage which shall first happen. Bequeaths to Grace Meassant, daughter the said Benjamin(?) Meassant, five and thirty shillings of lawful English money when she reaches twenty one years of age or at the date of her marriage which shall first happen...The residue of his goods not bequeathed are bequeathed to Benjamin Meassant who is made his sole executor. |
| D/ABW 26/189 1608 15th June | Anthony Mudge of Henham, blacksmith. Bequeaths all his tools and implements belonging unto smiths work, six pounds of lawful English money to his son John Mudge after the decease of Anthony's wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths one flock bed, four pounds of lawful English money to his daughter Jane after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. Bequeaths to his daughter Elizabeth four pounds of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Presland my son in law the sum of forty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth...give and bequeath unto Thomas Presland the son of the said Thomas Presland the sum of forty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Dennis Presland the daughter of the said Thomas Presland the sum of forty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Richard Presland, the son of John Presland his son in law the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Elizabeth Presland the daughter of the said John Presland the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Agnes Presland the daughter of the said John Presland the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Dorothy Presland the daughter of William Presland my son in law the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Daniel Stanes the son of Edward Stanes the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Thomas Grosse, the son of John Grosse, the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money after the decease of his wife Elizabeth. He bequeaths all his moveable and immoveable goods to Elizabeth his wife. Philip Collin of Chickney and Michael Gray of Henham are mentioned. Elizabeth, his wife, is appointed sole and only executor. |
| D/ABW 31/159 1565 30th Oct | Richard Rowley of Henham. In the name of god Amen the 21st day of February in the .........Bequest to his daughter Joan, to his son Thomas...... |
| D/ABW 33/33 1533 20th Oct | John Starrys of Henham...Alice Starrys my wife who I make sole executor...and she shall have my tenement..and all my copyhold and freehold land lying and being in the parish of Henham...and my brother Richard Starrys and John Mottlley the younger..James Lamb..Richard Starrys, John ..Richard Starrys the younger, Henry..John Pygott (?), Thomas Perry, .... |
| D/ABW 33/163 1549 15th June & 16th July | Alice Seryche of Wimbish, widow of John Seryche the younger and Robert Bothomleye of Henham. Two Wills, one written on the back of the Will of Robert Bothomley |
| D/ABW 33/195 1551 | Robert Smythe of Pledgdon, Henham mentions his sons John, Symon, William, Thomas, Richard and John the younger also his daughters Margaret, Joanna, Agnes; John Smythe of Sybyll Heddingham. He appoints his wife, his son John the younger and his brother John executors. ...after my decease John Smythe the younger my son shall enter into the house I dwell in, its appourtenances and the to occupy and enjoy..house my wife his mother..sufficient meat and drink during her natural life..Witnessed: John Clerke of Pledgdon Hall, John Clerke, Robert Pennington, Simon Jacob and Thomas Abraham, John Wright, Thomas Stock, John .., Richard Abraham, William Colfield.. |
| D/ABW 33/298 1556/7 11th Jan | Richard Stanes (senior) of Henham. 'Bequeaths to my ...William Thake ye younger...I will ye Henry my son..I give and bequeath unto A..Savell (?) my daughter..Richard my son...Richard and Henry are made executors. |
| D/ABW 34/118 1570/1 16th Feb | John Stocke of Henham, tailor makes his sons Nicholas and George his executors. Makes bequests to the poor. |
| D/ABW 34/154 1573 23rd Nov | Richard Stanes of Henham, no occupation given. Makes a bequest to Henham church and to Richard his son he bequeaths his free land. Bequeaths his copyland to his son John Stanes. Other sons named are Thomas Stanes & Edward Stanes and Lawrence Stanes. Robert Wright and John Woodley are mentioned. ..in the presence of Thomas Orger ye..day of November in ye fourteenth year (1572) of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth |
| D/ABW 35/37 1588 14th Nov | Margaret Saxie now living at Great Dunmow but of Henham, widow. In the name of god Amen the nineteenth day of July 1584. Mentions her son William Saxie and her brother Richard Saxie. |
| D/ABW 35/38 1588 11th Dec | John Smith of Pledgdon, Henham. In the name of god Amen the second day of February in the year of our Lord God one thousand five hundred eighty and eight and in the thirtieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, I John Smith of Pledgden in the parish of Henham in the County of Essex and Diocese of London...Item: I give unto Joan my daughter one brass pot ...Joan my wife who I make executrix of this my last will and testament. Witnessed: John White, John Hardy (?), John Kippin(g) and John Gynne |
| D/ABW 35/43 1588/9 15th Jan | Richard Stock of Woodden Green, Henham, husbandman. Bequeaths all his moveable goods to his son William Stock. Bequeaths to his son John Stock forty shillings of good and lawful money of England. Bequeaths to his daughter Alice, the wife of Richard Ducket, forty shillings of good and lawful money of England. Bequeaths to his son Thomas Stock forty shillings of good and lawful money of England. He appoints his son William as sole executor. Witnessed: Thomas Woodly, Thomas... |
| D/ABW 35/86 1591 14th April | Richard Smythe of Henham, fanwright. In the name of god Amen the 11th day of October in the thirtieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth. He bequeaths to Joan his daughter his .., osier garden in called 'Lane ground"(?) also a parcel of ground in Can..called Nufthill (?) also be it more or less... ..I give unto my daughter Joan one of my..with all that belongs thereunto and also one...and all things that it ...belonging thereunto. Item: I also give unto my said daughter Joan one..at the sixteen year of her age or at the day of her marriage... I give and bequeath unto Margaret my wife my house wherein I now dwell ..all other houses ..belonging and also I give unto the said Margaret my wife all my copyhold lands by what name or title .. they be called lying or being within the hamlet of Pledgdon that is to say during the natural life of Margaret my wife and after her decease I give and bequeath them unto Joan Smythe my daughter....I make and ordain the said Margaret my wife as my sole and only executor And also John Clerke of Pledgdon shall I make and ordain..of this my last testament the.. |
| D/ABW 35/208 1596 8th Oct | Memorandum of Will of John Stanes of Henham. Gave his brother Robert Stanes twenty pounds of good and lawful money of England...immediately after his decease also gave unto Thomas Stanes all his..Item: he gave unto William Stanes his brother one 'chest' (?) Item: he gave to Richard Stanes a table stand. Anne Stanes his ...of all his goods he gave to Thomas Stanes and William Stanes his brothers ..paid to Elizabeth Stanes and to Amy Stanes his sisters ..appoints Thomas Stanes his father to be his executor |
| D/ABW 35/211 1596 17th Dec | In the name of god Amen the 10th day of September in the eight and thirtieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith I, Nicholas Stock of Henham in the county of Essex, tailor being sick in body but of good and perfect memory thanks be to god, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following. First and principally I give my soul into the hands of Almighty god and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto Amy my wife one of my tenement called Braggs and all my free and copy hold land ..containing by estimation one rood more or less during her natural life and after her decease I will the same shall remain to John Lord my widow's son and to his heirs for ever..one little tenement or cottage....late in the occupation of one Thomas Woolward...I give and bequeath unto Amy my wife to her heirs for ever, Item: I give unto only one of my ..Robert Stock ten pounds of lawful money of England....all the rest of my goods and chattels not bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Amy my wife whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do revoke ...Also I give unto the poor people of Henham aforesaid eight(?) pounds of lawful money of England to be paid at the day of my burial by my executrix. Witnessed: Richard Stork, John & Henry..and John Allyn |
| D/ABW 35/275 1600 10th Mar | William Skollyng of Henham, husbandman. In the name of God Amen the 28th December 1599. Bequeaths five pounds..shillings and ..pence to his son John Skollyng . Bequeaths five pounds..shillings and ..pence to his son Robert Skollyng. Bequeaths seven pounds to his son William Skollyng. Bequeaths seven pounds to his daughter Margaret Skollyng. Bequeaths seven pounds to his daughter Dorothy Skollyng. Appoints his sons John and Robert as executors. Witnessed: Henry Collin and Philip Collin. |
| D/ABW 35/278 1600 9th April | William Smyth of Henham - wishes to be buried in Henham church yard; leaves his tenement to his wife Margaret and that after thirteen years the said tenement is bequeathed his son William Smyth forever; mentions his father John Smyth, brother Thomas Smyth and sister Agnes. Made in the presence of William Wright, Thomas Messant & James Harwood. |
| D/ABW 35/284 1600 30th April | Margaret Smyth of Henham, widow - mentions her sister Margrit (?) Messant, son William Smyth, sisters-in-law Margaret Page and Jhone Wright, brother-in-law Thomas Smyth. Made in the presence of William Wright, Thomas Messant and James Harwood. |
| D/ABW 35/294 1600 30th July | John Staines/Stanes of Henham. Makes a bequest to the poor people of Henham. Bequest of ..pounds of lawful English money to his daughter Anne......Bequests money to his daughter Elizabeth Wright. Mentions his son Richard Staines. Bequest of money to John Wright the son of his daughter Elizabeth. Bequest of money to Anne Wright the daughter of his daughter Elizabeth. Bequest to Lawrence Staines of one half quarter of wheat and half quarter of malt. Appoints his son Richard as executor........? |
| D/ABW 36/22 1605 2nd May | William Stocke of Henham, husbandman. In the name of god Amen the first day of April 1603. Bequeaths to Margaret Stocke his wife and to Daniel Stocke his son his messuage or tenement in which he dwells called Hoys (?) with my...called Woodgates and my orchard called Wrights Tenement (?) with the term of years or ..being meadow and pasture equally to enjoy....of his natural life or Margaret my wife...After the death of Margaret my wife I give and bequeath the said tenement called Hoys my..called Woodgates my orchard called Wrights Tenement (?) with all and singular the edifices and buildings thereunto belonging unto Daniel Stocke my son.....being a cottage...of Hoys with a part of the ..called the wheat house adjoining unto the cottage being a ..of Hoys .....which cottage being in the tenure and occupation of James Harwood ..with the orchard abutting ..Wood End Green on the west part and my orchard abutting upon the said Wood End Green which orchard and .....called by the name of the green yard all the which cottage with the part of the wheat house as it before mentioned with the foreyard and orchard called by the name of greenyard after the decease of Margaret my wife. I give and bequeath unto Thomas Stocke my son and his heirs for ever, paying unto Mary Stocke my daughter forty shillings of lawful English money within one year next ensuing after the decease of Margaret my wife if the said Thomas Stocke shall refuse and not pay unto Mary Stocke my daughter the sum of forty shillings before mentioned.... I give and bequeath unto Joan Stocke my daughter forty shillings of lawful English money to be paid unto her by Daniel Stocke my son...I give and bequeath other forty shillings of lawful English money unto Mercie Stocke my daughter |
| D/ABW 36/132 1610 | Nuncupative Will ('deathbed will") of Josias Savell of Henham, husbandman etc...where he suffered? in the house of Richard Stork of the same town and county, yeoman and Catherine the wife of the said Josias Savell. He gave 26 .. to Thomas Porter of Thaxted, son of William Porter 26..to Margaret .. of Wimbish 26. He gave another 26 to be equally divided among the children of Thomas Hedland of Dunmow in the county of Essex Then he gave another 26 to be equally distributed among the children of Thomas.... of Thaxted in the county of Essex. Signed: Richard Storke |
| D/ABW 37/124 1559 17th April | In the year of god amen ye 17th day of January in ye year of our lord god a thousand, five hundred and fifty and eight and in ye year of ye reign of Elizabeth by ye grace of god queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith I William Towse of ye parish of Henham and in ye county of Essex and in ye diocese of London being poor in body and in perfect remembrance...almighty god make ...this my..testament and last will in manner and form following that is to say First and principally I commend my soul unto almighty god my maker, saviour and ...and my body to be buried in the parish church yard of Henham aforesaid...Item: I give and bequeath unto John my son all my ...and lands being freehold and copyhold lying and being in Henham aforesaid unto ye said John and to his heirs for ever except one tenement called D.eys lying in ye hamlet of Pledgedon. Item: I will ye de.. lands unto John my son and ...according as ye lords will admit and my executor to..ye charge thereof. I give and bequeath unto William my son all my ..and lands set, lying and being in Little (?) B..field and Great C..field to him and to his heirs for ever and also one tenement called Dro.s...appurtenances ye unto belonging, set, lying and being in ye hamlet of Plegedon...John my son will not...his..in ye copyholds at great ...to his brother if ....I will ye said John my son shall have no part of.......... my son for to have ye said house and to enter upon it and to have it to him and to his and to his heirs for ever. Item: I will ye Anne my wife shall have ye occupying of all my houses and lands and lands ...free and copyhold being in Henham, Pledgedon, Little Bishops Stortford (?) and Great Bishops Stortford (?) ...so long as my wife...Item: I give to Margaret my daughter twenty ..of lawful money of England. Item: I give unto Joan my daughter twenty ..of lawful money of England and the said legacies unto us paid unto Margaret and Joan my daughters by my executors at ye age of eighteen...also I give to....Wryght twenty..also I give to the poor people in Henham twenty...also I give unto Thomas Towse ...also I will ye Anne my wife shall have my tenement called Staines..unto belonging for the end of her natural life..Also I give and bequeath unto John my son fifty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executors at ye age of twenty one years. Item: I give and bequeath unto William my son fifty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executors at ye age of twenty one years. Also I will that...my houses and my lands called..of Henham...and make Anne my wife my executrix and Richard Wryght executor..and make Richard Mead my brother witnesses of this my last will and testament and I..... Haydon, John Towse and Thomas..... |
| D/ABW 37/307 1596 8th Sept | In the name of God Almighty And in the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and ninety six I Richard Turner of Henham being sick and weak in body but ..perfect remembrance...And also I give unto Joan my wife the occupancy of all my houses and lands with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging..her life and then after my wife's decease I give ye..unto my son John Turner and his heirs with all thereunto belonging so that my son John Turner afore said ..lands unto my other children as hereafter following. ..pay..legacies unto my other children namely unto my son Thomas Turner forty pounds of good and lawful money of England within ..twelve months days after my wife's decease. And also I give unto my son Henry Turner forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto my son Henry Turner by my son John Turner two years next after my wife's decease. Item: I give unto my son Richard Turner twenty pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto my said son Richard three years after my wife's decease. Item: I give unto my two daughters namely Mary Turner and my daughter Margaret Turner one acre of wheat unto ...paid..the next year after my decease. Item: I make and ordain my son John Turner my whole and only executor 29th day of July in the year of our Sovereign Lady and Queen Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland and the thirty eighth year ...of Henham and one Richard Stocke of Woodend.. |
| D/ABW 38/1 1598 23rd July | In the Name of God Amen the three and twentieth day of July Anno Domini 1598 I Ellen Turner of Henham, in the countie of Essex and London Diocese, widow, being sick in bodie but as yet of good and perfect remembrance, Lorde, Glorie and praise ..to God thereforeto, do make this my Testament containing in it my last will in manner and form following. First and before all other things I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and to his mercy trusting and assuredly believing that by his grace and by the merit of the death, passion and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ I shall have full remission, pardon and forgiveness of my sins and resurrection of my bodie and soul and that I shall see my saviour in the last day and ..of his life everlasting: Item: I give and bequeath unto Ellen Lord my daughter all my goods and moveables, my funeral charges and all other ...expenses allowed and my debts paid And of this my last Will I do ordain and make Ellen my daughter my sole and only executrix in the presence and witness of those whose names are underneath written. Richard Brode, Samuel Giffine, Thomas Woleward, Alice Hayward, Thomas Glascoke and James Harwood senior |
| D/ABW 38/14 1600 8th July | Henry Thake of Henham, husbandman. In the name of God Amen the fourteenth day of June in the fortieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland Queen, defender of the faith. I, Henry Thake of Henham in the countie of Essex and London Diocese husbandman being sicke in bodie but yet of whole mind and perfect remembrance Lord, praise and glory be unto almighty God therefore, do institute, ordain and make this my Testament containing in it my last Will in ..forme and manner as hereafter shall follow. Viz. First and before all other things I give and bequeath my soul unto almighty God and his mercy, my maker, redeemer and saviour and my bodie to be buried in the parish church yard of Henham, trusting and...believing that by his death, ... and resurrection I shall rise again in the last day and see my saviour and ..of him....Item I give and bequeath unto Auderie Thake my now wife my house in which I now dwell with all my land thereunto belonging with all ..the appurtenances situate being in Henham during her natural life. I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Thake..lawful English money to be..Henry..by my executor between and after his decease I give it unto Henrie Thake my brother's son being my godson Item I give and bequeath unto my said wife Auderie Thake one acre of free land being in Copertonfield during her life natural and after her decease I give it unto the above named Henry Thake my godson and his heirs for ever Item I give and bequeath unto Auderie Thake my wife all my moveables, those things only excepted namely one roberd, one houseboard (?), a table, with all the painted robes in the hall, and one kneading ..quern one stall one other table with the ..thereunto belonging which shall continue in this my house to the ..of Henry Thake my godson Item I give and bequeath unto Richard Thake my brother twenty six.. to be paid unto him within three years next .. after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto H .. Mayes six pounds (?) Item I give and bequeath unto Auderie Thake my wife all my moveables and imoveables whatsoever not as yet given or bequeathed, my debts paid by (?) being brought orderly to the .. and my funeral charges..this my last Will and Testament I do make Auderie Thake my ..wife my sole and only executrix ...Anthony Mudge....for his ..I have put unto my hand and seal. Witnessed: Richard Broad, Anthony Mudge & James Harwood |
| D/ABW 38/72 1608/9 19th Jan | In the name of God Amen the nineteenth day of Januarie in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of god king of England, Scotland, France and Ireland defender of the faith and king of England, France and Scotland, the fifth year and of Scotland the forty and four, I Audrey Thake of Henham in the Countie of Essex, widow...Item: I give and bequeath unto Steven Hall my brother dwelling i.. in the countie of Essex, four pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor within one whole year next ensuing after my decease. Item:all the residue of my goods.. chattel....not as yet given or bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Bridget Hall daughter of my said brother Steven to see my bodie brought orderlie ....I do ordain and make the said Bridget Hall my sole and only executrix. In the presence of John Greene, James Harwood I have put unto my hand and seal unto my last will and testament... |
| D/ABW 39/210 1558 21st Oct | In the name of God Amen the twenty five day of October in the year of our Lorde god a thousand five hundred and..I Thomas Woode of the parish of Henham. Item: I bequeath to John Wood my son my house I bought last paying to John Wright the....The residue of all my goods I give and bequeath to Margaret Wood my wife..of my children..I do constitute and make Margaret sole executrix....And of this my last testament and last will I make and ordain John Wilde overseer of the... |
| D/ABW 39/333 1574 21st June | In the name of god Amen in the eighth day of May and in the year of our Lord God one thousand five hundred seventy and four I, John Wrighte of Henham in the Countye of Essex and Diocese of London being sick in body but whole in mynde and of good and perfect remembrance Laud and praise be unto almighty god do make constitute and ordain this my last testament containing herein my last will in manner and form following that is to say first and principally I bequeath my soul to Almighty god my maker, saviour and redeemer...I give and bequeath unto Mary Wrighte my eldest daughter five pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto the said Mary my daughter by my executors at the age of twenty one years or at the day of her marriage..of the times doth soonest happen then and at that time to be paid. Also I give and bequeath unto Martha my younger daughter five pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by my executors at the age and time aforesaid. Also I give unto my said daughters pieces of my best brass that is to pay to either of them a house of the best that I have to be...unto them at the age and time aforesaid. Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughters forever (?) pair of my best sheets to be equally divided between them also if it shall...unto Agnes my wife bringing my body home...and payiing my debts and also fullfil ling and performing this my testament and last will ..I make my executors Agnes my wife and John..my brother in law. These being witnesses Thomas Meller, John Cocke and John White |
| D/ABW 40/82 1587 10th Feb | In the name of god Amen the twentieth day of December in the (missing) thousand five hundred ..and six...Lady Elizabeth Queen of England, France and Ireland defender of the faith I Robert Wryghte of Henham in the County of Essex and Diocese of London, yeoman, being in good and perfect remembrance thanks be ..unto the Almighty and ..god....this my last will and testament in manner and form hereafter First and principally I will and bequeath my soul unto the Almighty and ..god..and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto Margaret my wife all those copyhold lands and ..and all other situate lying and being in Henham aforesaid, to have and to hold the same messuages, lands ..pastures..and other..unto the said Margaret my wife and unto her heirs and assigns the whole life naturally of the same Margaret...John Wryght my son one table being in the house where I now dwell one little spitt also I give unto Richard my son one great spitt and one other..I give unto John Wryghte the younger one great cloak Also I give unto Mary my daughter one ....and my body being brought orderly to earth I give and bequeath the same Margaret my wife I will, make and appoint the same Margaret Wryghte my wife my sole executrix of this my last will and testament and to William Nole (?) of Thaxted my hand and seal ..to my last will and testament Witnessed: Thomas Maysant, William Nole (?)................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| D/ABW 40/216 1595 30th June | Nuncupative Will of Agnes Wateresse of Henham, widow. In the name of god Almighty the ? day of June in the year of our lord god one thousand five hundred and ninety five Agnes Waterresse of Henham in the County of Essex and Diocese of London, widow being sick in body but in good and perfect remembrance...and bequeath to our son Richard this house.....all that ..belonging, ...to our son William...pounds of lawful money to be paid ..Also ..all our goods and moveables unto ....our daughter, in the presence..of Thomas Mylles and Agnes Warde (?) |
| D/ABW 40/235 1597 21st Jan | In the Name of god Amen I, Margaret Writte widow, of Henham, do make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following that is to say that of the aforesaid Margaret Writte being now sick in body but whole and perfect ...be given to Almighty god therefore, that is to say,. First I bequeath my soul unto almighty god my maker and my redeemer and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham as aforesaid as wherefore ..it shall please god to call me. I give and bequeath unto my two daughters namely Joan Writte and Mary Writte my two daughters sixteen pounds equally to be divided unto them namely eight pounds... Item: I give unto Mary Writte my daughter one pound and one featherbed in that chamber where I now lie. Item: I give unto Joan Writte my daughter one pound and one feather bed. Item: I give unto Mary one ....in that chamber wherein Mary lies. Item: I give unto Joan Writte my daughter that ..in the hall. Item: I give unto Richard Writte my son one featherbed with ..of...and one blanket. Item: I give unto my my son Richard Writte one....Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid two daughters namely Joan and Mary all those kind of moveables within this my house equally to be divided..Item: I give unto the said daughters of my late husband Robert Writte namely Joan Writte....and Mary Writte unto them after my decease. Item : I give unto William ..otherwise Johnson one quarter of barley and one quarter...belonging. Item: I give unto Robert Writte my son two ...of barley. Item: I give unto Mary Measant my daughter my best gown. And also I give unto William Writte...shilling And of this my last Will and Testament I make and ordain one John Writte my son to be the sole and only executor 1596 in the year of our most ..sovereign ladie Elizabeth Queen the thirty ninth year of her reign the eighth day of December the day and year aforesaid. Witnessed by Josias Fleming and William Wright. |
| D/ABW 40/271 1598 13th July | In the Name of god Amen the twentieth day of January Anno Domini 1598 I, William Wood of Henham, in the county of Essex and London Diocese, yeoman being sick in body but as yet of whole mind and perfect remembrance Laud be unto god therefore, do ordain and make in this my Testament, containing in it my last will, in form and manner following viz First and before all other things I bequeath my soul unto almighty god and his mercy trusting and assuredly believing that by the merit, death and ressurrection of his son Jesus I shall see my saviour in the last day..of his life everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath unto Edward Wood my son and his heirs for ever all my ..acres of arable land be it more or less lying and being in the parish of Wendon Magna and in the county of Hertford, being called ...Item: I give and bequeath unto John Wood my son all that my tenement with one acre of land thereunto belonging standing and being in Wendon Magna in the county of Hertford called Mondies at the age of twenty and one years upon condition that the said Edward Wood my son shall offer into sufficient land unto my son Thomas Wood for the payment of the sum of ten pounds of lawful English money unto the Thomas Wood my son within the year next and immediately ensuing after the death of Catherine Wood my now wife and if the said Edward Wood my son shall refuse to enter.. for the payment th...my will is that my son Thomas Wood shall have my ...arable land called Limisted (?) to him and his heirs for ever and if it shall happen that the said Thomas Wood shall decease before ..to the age of twenty and one years I will that my son Edward Wood shall..the sum of ten pounds of lawful English money within five years next or immediately ensuing after the death of Katherine my now wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Wood my son all that my tenement called Mondies with one acre of land thereunto belonging, standing and being in Wendon Magna the ...shall enter into at the age of twenty and one years. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Wood my son twenty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto him by my executrix at the age of twenty and one years. Item: I give and bequeath unto William Wood my son thirty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto him by my executrix at the age of twenty five years. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Wood my daughter twenty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by my executrix at her age of twenty years Item: I give and bequeath unto Susanna Wood my daughter twenty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto her by my executrix at her age of twenty years. My will is that if any of my said children shall decease before they shall accomplish their several ages..namely Thomas Wood, William Wood, John Wood, Elizabeth Wood and Susanna Wood that the other of my children shall have his or her portion be equal division. Item: I give and bequeath unto Katherine Wood my now wife all my goods, chattels whatsoever my legacies, debts, funeral, and all other ordinary expenses..charged and allowed and of this my last Will I do ordain and make her my sole executrix. Item: my will is that Katherine my wife shall enter and... unto John of Wenon Magna in the county of Essex for his pains in form of two hundred marks of lawful English money by virtue of ..bond of obligation for the ..of such legacies as are expressed in this my last will. |
| D/ABW 40/293 1600 9th April | In the name of God Amen the fourteenth day of March in the fortieth and two years of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith. I, John Wright of Henham in the county of Essex and London Diocese, yeoman being sick in body but of whole and perfect remembrance Laud praise and glory be unto Almighty god therefore did institute and ordain and make this his last Testament and Will containing in it my last will in form and manner He did give and bequeath his soul into Almighty god and his mercy, trusting and assuredly believing that by the death, passion and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ I shall have full remission and forgiveness of his sins and that he shall see his saviour in the last day ..of his life everlasting. Item: He did give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Wrighte his wife all his moveables and goods whatsoever towards the education and bringing up of his children and ..further condition that she shall pay his debts and other legacies which ..by him given and bequeathed . Item: He gave and bequeathed unto Richard Wright his brother forty pounds of lawful English money. Item: He gave unto Richard Wright his said brother his ..and books. Item: He gave and bequeathed unto Richard Stanes his brother in law his black cloak. Item: he did institute ordain and make Elizabeth Wright his wife his sole and only executrix. In the presence of John Stanes and William Woolfe (?) |
| D/ABW 44/107 1621 19th Nov | Daniel White, yeoman. In the name of God Amen the second day of November in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lorde James by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith...of England, France and Ireland the..and of Scotland the fiftieth and five I Daniel White of Pledgdon Hall in the parish of Henham in the county of Essex, being sick in body but as yet whole mind and perfect remembrance Laud praise and honour be unto Almighty god..do make this my last will and testament in form and manner following. First and before all other things principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty God my maker and redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish wherein if shall please god to take me out of this .. of trusting and assuredly believing that I shall arise out of the earth again in the last day and my body and soul being...life everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath unto John White my son the sum of forty four pounds of lawful money of England and my best bed with the bedsheet there unto belonging, one covering, one blanket of colour white..further two pillows and one linen cupboard, one chest all which ..are standing in the great chamber in my habitation and shall ..and..unto my said son by my executor and executrix or by one of them their heirs or other of their former executors or administrators in or at the married house of John Meade my father in law situate in Berden called or known by the name of Barkers or by what other name or title it is known or called by when my said son John White shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years. Item: all the residue of my goods not yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Sara White my wife to pay my debts to for my body brought orderly to earth and my funeral charges, expenses allowed and paid and of this my last Will I do ordain and institute and make my said wife and my father in law John Meade of Hallingbury Magna my executor and executrix..together..and I do..of James Bowtell of Shelford in the county of Essex..of this my last will and I do ordain and make him..In witness thereof I ..hereunto ..my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid written. Also witnessed by Richard Halls and James Harwood |
| D/ABW 56/288 1639 25th May | In the name of God Amen the four and twenty day of August in the year of our lord god one thousand six hundred thirty and seven I John Banson of Henham, in the county of Essex,yeoman being sicke in body but of a perfect memory Praise be to god the..make and ordain this my last will and testament in...and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham and for my...good the which the lord hath blessed me withall I bequeath then in manner and form following. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susan the wife of Richard Cantor of Stebbing the sum of five pounds paid to her, her heirs or assigns within twelve months after my decease if she then being otherwise I bequeath it unto her children Elizabeth and William equally to be divided betwixt them..if they then be living I give and bequeath unto my daughter June the wife of Richard Wallis the sum of five pounds to be paid within twelve months after my decease if she then be otherwise I bequeath it unto her two daughters Mary and Joan equally to be divided betwixt them if they then be living. I bequeath unto my son Samuel Banson the sum of two shillings to be paid unto him within twelve months after my decease. I give and bequeath unto the four children of my said son Samuel Banson the sum of forty shillings to be paid unto them when they shall accomplish the years of twenty and one or at the day of their marriages equally to be divided among them. I give and bequeath unto my son Peter Banson, the sum of six pounds conditionally that he shall discharge my executrix from one being or obligated wherein...with him to Henry Denniss of Stansted Mountfitchet to be paid within one year and a half after my decease if he then be living otherwise I give and bequeath it unto my executrix. I give and bequeath unto my son William Banson the sum of twelve ..to be paid immediately after my decease. I give and bequeath unto the three children of my said son William Banson thirty shillings equally to be divided among them when they shall accomplish the years of seventeen and all the rest of my moveables and immovables, chattels, bonds, debts ..owing to me my debts being paid and my funeral expenses discharged I give and bequeath them unto my now wife Elizabeth whom I nominate and appoint executrix of this my last will and testament and I entreat Edward Eltonhead to be overseer of..my last will and testament. Signed: John Banson in the presence of John Wa.. and Hugh Ratcliff |
| D/ABW 58/192 1644 Dec | In the name of God Amen the five and twentie day of December anno domini 1644 and in the twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign lord Charles by the grace of god King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith I, Samuel Mortlocke of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being of perfect mind and memory thanks be unto god I do hereby make and ordain this my last testament containing herein my last will in manner and form following List: First and principally I commit my soul into the hands and protection of almighty god my lord having and steadfastly beloving that through the bitter death and passion of Jesus Christ my only lord and saviour I shall have from redemption of all my sins and my body to the ground to...buried and..all my personal estates, lands, goods, chattels, monies and whatsoever it hath..god to make me a.. I give and bequeath in manner and form following. Imprimis ('in the first place') I give and bequeath unto my welbeloved wife Barbara Mortlocke all my lands both copy and free lying and being in Howfield, Platsfield and Hide and one hundred pounds of good and lawful money of England and also the house I bought of Robert Wright withall the appurtenances and..croft. Item: to my son John I do give and bequeath one hundred and fifty and five pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid within one year after my decease. Item: to my son Thomas I do give and bequeath three hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be paid when he ..of one and twenty years of age. Item: to my son Edward I do give and bequeath two hundred pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid when he ..of one and twenty years of age. Item: to my daughter Margaret I do give and bequeath five pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid within one year after my decease. Item: to my daughter Mary Dove (?) I give and bequeath twenty pounds and twenty pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid in all forty pounds to be paid within one year after my decease. Item: to my grandchild Mary Mortlocke I do give and bequeath twenty pounds to be paid at her day of marriage. Item: to the poor of Henham I give forty shillings. Item: to James William Clarke I give and bequeath five pounds. Item: to my son Samuel I do give and bequeath forty shillings. Item: I do hereby appoint and nominate, ordain and make my loving wife Barbara Mortlocke and my son John Mortlocke executrix and executor of this my last will and Testament and revoke all other wills by me made. Witnesses hereunto: James Hellam and Barbara Mortlocke the Executrix |
| D/ABW 60/229 1650 6th Aug | In the name of God Amen on the eleventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and fifty, I John Payne of Henham in the county of Essex being of sound and perfect memory do make.. and ordain this my last testament wherein it contains my last will in manner and forme as followeth. First I Commit my spirit into the hands of God my maker and redeemer and my body to be buried where my executrix shall appoint. Item: I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Payne my wife all that my copy hold messuage or tenement with outhouses, yards, orchards .. houses, parcels of land more or less thereunto belonging, lying and being in W... in the county aforesaid to have and to hold to her ..for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease then I do give and bequeath it to Thomas my son and his heirs lawfully begotten for ever And whereas I have made expenses to give jointer (?) to the wife of Thomas my son of my ..and...of land joining to my house to his not yet done my will and money is that if god takes me away before it is done that Thomas my son shall do it having the position that for him I promise him I had ..always that if my son lawfully begotten and...and for want of..then to the next ..of my body lawfully begotten. Item: I do give and bequeath unto John Payne my son ten pounds to be paid unto him by Thomas Payne my son within one year next after my wife's decease and to Edmund Payne my son ten pounds to be paid unto him by Thomas my son within two years next after my wife's decease..to..Payne my son ten pounds of ..lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my son Thomas Payne...then my will and message is that Edmund Payne my son shall enter upon that croft of mine called B...Croft and hold it to him and his heirs till the said sum of ten pounds be fully paid and ..and if Thomas my son shall refuse to pay unto 'Isack ' (?) Payne my son the foresaid sum of ten pounds...then my will and is that 'Isack ' (?) Payne my son shall enter upon that croft of ground called Pumfrett Croft and hold it to him and his heirs.... to be paid the day before or the day after Michaelmas And I do constitute, ordain, make and appoint Elizabeth my loving wife sole executrix of this my last will ....... |
| D/ABW 60/235 1652 7th Sept | Edward Savell of Henham, yeoman. In the name of God Amen the sixth day of December in the year of our Lord God one thousand and six hundred and fifty one I Edward Savell of Henham in the county of Essex yeoman being sick of body but of perfect mind and memory pray ..go to God for the ..and knowingly that this life upon Earth is ...I do hereby make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following..and principally I give and ..my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker, saviour and redeemer and my body I commit to the earth from where it was taken to be buried at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named And I give and bequeath unto Ann my wife all that my ..house, lands and tenements with appurtenances where in I now dwell shall the buildings there unto belonging, situate within the parish of Henham aforesaid during her natural life and after her decease unto my daughter Ann Savell and to her heirs for ever. And if it shall happen my daughter Ann to depart this life without issue then I give and bequeath all my said house, lands, tenement and buildings with appurtenances thereto belonging situate within the parish of Henham aforesaid unto my brother Thomas Savell and to his heirs forever. After the decease of Ann.....is now with child and shall be delivered of a son and he liveth then I give and bequeath the said freehold house, lands, and tenement with appurtenances which I before bequeathed unto my daughter Ann Savell unto that son and to his heirs for ever. After the decease of Ann my wife upon condition that he shall pay unto my daughter Ann Savell the full and whole sum of one hundred pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto her when she shall accomplished the age of one and twenty years and if my said son shall refuse to pay the said sum of two hundred pounds as aforesaid then I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Ann Savell and to her heirs forever the aforesaid house, lands, tenements with appurtenances. After the decease of Ann my wife and for want of heirs I give and bequeath the aforesaid freehold house, lands, tenements unto my brother Thomas Savell and to his heirs for ever, after the death of Ann my wife And if my wife shall have a daughter I then I give and bequeath the aforesaid freehold lands and tenement with appurtenances to be equally divided between them after the decease of Ann my wife And if it shall happen my sons daughter or daughters to depart all of them this life without issue then I give the said freehold lands and tenement unto my brother Thomas Savell and to his heirs for ever after the decease of Ann my wife. And if it shall happen that my sons daughter or daughters to depart all of them this life without issue then I give the said freehold house, lands and tenement unto my brother Thomas Savell and to his heirs for ever after the decease of Ann my wife. And if it shall happen my sons daughter or daughters to depart this life without issue then I give and bequeath all that my freehold house, lands and buildings with appurtenances within the parish of Stansted Mountfitchet (?) unto my brother George Savell and to his heirs for ever upon condition that my said brother George Savell shall pay unto my brother John Savell or his heirs the full and whole sum of sixty pounds of good and lawful money of England within one year after the deaths of my children And for the want of payment I give and bequeath the said freehold lands and buildings with appurtenances containing by estimation six acres more or less unto my brother John Savell and to his heirs for ever. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann Savell the sum of fifty pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto her within twelve years after my decease by my executrix hereafter named all the rest of any moveable goods and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto Ann my wellbeloved wife whom I make sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills by me formerly made ..witnessed thereof whereof I the said Edward Savell have hereunto put my hand and seal. Witnessed: ..Woods, ..Griggs |
| D/ABW 60/253 1653 4th Jan | John Meyzant (the Elder) of Henham, bricklabourer. In the name of god Amen I John Mezzant the elder of Henham in the county of Essex brick labourer do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following Imprimis I humbly intreat the lord my god to forgive me all my sins and to him I bequeath my soul. Item pray for ..hath done me any wrongs as ..as I firstly forgive them Item .. is any way..to me I freely forgive them from the ...charitable....Item I give and bequeath to my brother and his heirs and assigns...one.. late house garden or orchard in Henham aforesaid by ... or otherwise I give it to my wellbeloved Anne of Henham aforesaid spinster.... as my brother Meyzant shall think well. Item I give my ...And I make my brother Thomas Meyzant my executor...fails to undertake for me then I instruct my wellbeloved Anne aforesaid to be my executrix in his stead....the last will I the said John Meyzant..set my hand and seal..day of August in the year of our lord god one thousand six hundred and five and fortieth..... Witnessed: John Willey (?) & Thomas Meyzant |
| D/ABW 92 1 102 1737 5th Nov | Revd. Samuel Smith, clerk, vicar of Henham. As to what little I have of this worlds goods, I leave it to be equally divided between my two daughters Sarah Sainsbury and Elizabeth Stacey. Rev. Hopkins and Revd. Melvil are asked to 'take care of my funeral'. Will dated June 24th 1736 and witnessed by Mr Melvil, Mr Hopkins, John Newland and John Dixon. |