Precis of the wills of Takeley residents.
Q to Z
This document includes précis of the wills of Takeley people.
Wills marked E.R.O. are included by kind permission of Essex Records Office.
Wills marked New College are included by kind permission of the Warden and Fellows
on New College, Oxford
Wills marked P.C.C are from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury and are included by
kind permission National Archives
Notes by the compiler.
BR references are on microfiche from Essex Records Office.
BW references are on microfilm, or available in the original from Essex Records
Office.
The E.R.O. is continually updating the access to wills, so some wills with a reference
of D/ABR may now have a D/ABW reference.
“ ” indicates a direct quotation.
[ ] indicates a note by the compiler
….indicates that words have been left out, either because they are unreadable, or
because there is a gap or hole in the original document.
Some punctuation has been added to make the text easier to read.
? indicates that the compiler is uncertain of the reading.
A nuncupative will is one that was made by word of mouth only, and before credible
witnesses who later made sworn statements before the Probate Court.
The words God, Saviour, Redeemer etc. in the preamble have been given capital
letters throughout, even where they are not given in the original. As these are
standard in most early wills they are noted only when it is felt to be particularly
significant.
1/- and other money values have been given as 1s. etc.
Probate dates are given where they occur in the original. Not all wills have a probate
date.
All lands and people are in Takeley unless otherwise specified.
All personal names and place names have been given capital letters, even where they
are not given in the original.
The spelling has not been modernised. Proper names are as in the original.
Abbreviations have been extended.
“ by estimation” and “more or less” have been omitted as they are standard usage.
I am grateful to Pat Salmon for the additional material from the Takeley parish
registers, Marilyn Sayers for helping to check the references and to Phyllis Altham for
proof reading the work.
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Ramsey, Joseph, cordwainer, 24/03/1807, E.R.O. D/ABR 120/2/69.
Wife,Mary Ramsey and son, Daniel Ramsey equally :- houses, messuages,
tenements, barns, stables, outhouses, gardens, orchards, lands, grounds, fields,
crofts, meadows, pastures, hereditaments and premises.
Also stock in trade, moneys, securities, and personal estate whatsoever.
All share and share alike for the term of their lives, and then to the longest liver of
them.
He makes exception that no member, male or female of the family of Hampton is to
receive anything.
Executor and Executrix:- Son, Daniel Ramsey, wife, Mary Ramsey.
Witnesses:- John Pope, Peter Harris, John Rous.
Probate:=27/12/1814.
[This was compared with the original on 05/10/1836. Joseph Ramsey died 01/11/1814
aged 70 years. His son Daniel Ramsey died before his mother. Mary totally ignores
his wishes and left several bequests to her family the Hamptons.]
Daniel Ramsey died before his mother.
Page 2
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Ramsey, Mary, widow, 11/02/1833, E.R.O. D/DB/T 1372.
Cousin, James Stock of London, son of the late Samuel Stock of Dagenham,
Rippleside, farmer:= five acres of freehold ground with shares in Hatfield Forest, and
the house, outhouses with barns, stables, cow house, hog house, gardens. orchards
and shrubberies. All with the exception of two rooms in the house and two outhouse
which go to her sister.
Five acres of copyhold land called Chapmans, held of Warish Hall.
He is to paint and care for the post and rails of the tombs in Takeley church. All to
Stock and his heirs so long as the name continues. He gets nothing except for £10
yearly until he is twenty eight years old.
If he dies without heirs it all goes to William Crabb of Spellbrook on the same terms.
Sister, Lucy Crisp:= she inherits all the above if Stock and Crabb die without heirs.
She also inherits the Dicky and Dicky cart , her hay and 7s. a week. This is together
with the use of the parlour and the room above it, the use of the Dicky, stable, the cart
shed and the pond. Also her wearing apparel clothes and a pair of sheets marked
M.H.
Sister, Susannah Hampton:= 7s. a week.
Nephew, Joseph Ramsey Crisp:= £40.
Niece, Sarah Crisp:= £20 and her looking glass in a walnut frame wit a groove in it.
Niece, Elizabeth Crisp:= £40 and her small chest of drawers containing four drawers
with locks and keys.
Mary Lucy Crisp:= £40 and her largest painted clothes chest with iron round the
corners.
Nephew, William Crisp:= £8 and the same to his daughter Sarah Crisp.
Nephew, James Crisp:= £10 and her middle sized tea table.
Charles and Peter, sons of nephew James Crisp:= £8 each.
Brother, Jonas Hampton and wife Sarah:= ½ bushel of coal every week , winter and
summer for their lives and that of the longest liver.
Also her great wooden armchair and the use of her thirty four clocks for his lifetime
and then they go to his son. One pair of sheets with MR marked on them.
Nephew, Charles Hampton:= cradle and child’s chair, a looking glass in a walnut
wooden frame bowling out round .Also £10.
Great nephews and niece, Charles, Henry and Susannah, children of Charles
Hampton:= £20 each.
Niece, Lucy Poole:= £5.
Niece, Susannah White:= £5.
Susannah White’s son John, and his daughter Mary Ann:= £10 each.
William Crabb, senior, and his brother Joseph Crabb:= £5 each.
Nephew, William, son of brother Jonas Hampton. The thirty four clocks after the death
of his father and £10.
Niece, Sarah Hampton:= her oak drawers containing three drawers and the japanned
corner cupboard containing three men and a bird on it.
William Crabb junior’s son, James:= £5.
Catherine Crabb:= £1 a year for five years to be laid out for clothes for her.
Samson, son of Robert Garritt:= £5.
Robert Tweed, senior of Bishop’s Stortford, surgeon := £30.
John Tweed, surgeon of Bishop’s Stortford for their trouble := £30
Executors:= Robert and John Tweed , surgeons of Bishop’s Stortford.
Witnesses:= John Jaques, Parsons Little, John Haydon.
Probate := 11/02/1833.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 3
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
[the tomb of Mary Ramsey is in Takeley churchyard, but there is no visible grave for
Joseph and Daniel Ramsey. Her sister Lucy Crisp was a member of the Takeley
chapel, but Joseph and Daniel are not recorded there. It can be seen that Mary totally
disregarded the wishes expressed in her husband James’ will].
[Joseph and Mary Ramsey lived at Sparrows Hall, now called The Clock House in
Takeley Street]. .
Page 4
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Raven, Joseph, farmer. 06/06/1821, National Archives PROB 11/1709.
To be buried in Takeley churchyard as near to his wife as possible, in a grave bricked
over and a headstone with a suitable inscription to his memory. [There is a Raven
grave in the “East” section of the graveyard]
Nicholas and Susannah Patmore:= £10 each to be paid from the £50 that Nicholas
owes him. If the debt has already been paid then the legacy to come out of his
personal estate.
Joseph, son of William Pryor of Kings Hatfield otherwise Hatfield Broad Oak, farmer:=
£10
Jane, daughter of nephew Clement Hall, who dwells with testator:= the bed, bedding
furniture belonging which stands in the blue room of his dwelling house, all his bed
and table linen, his bureau, Pembroke table dressing glass, 2 pair of plated
candlesticks and bedside carpets.
She also gets a quarter share of all his monies, securities and personal estate.
Jane’s father, nephew Clement Hall of Maldon, taylor:= £20 on behalf of his daughter.
Clement Hall’s other children:= £100 to be equally divided among them. One son
William Hall is gone abroad. If he does not return within seven years, or is known to
have died then his legacy to be paid to his sister, Jane Hall.
Nephew, Edward Ellis:= his clothes, wearing apparel and linen, except for that already
given.
He gets a quarter share of all the rest of his monies, securities and personal estate.
Nephew, John Perry:= quarter share as above.
Nicholas Patmore;= quarter share as above.
Patmore receives money in trust for several family members as follows.
For nephew, Edward Ellis until his son William Ellis reaches the age of twenty one
years..
If William dies then the money becomes part of the main estate.
£200 in consolidated bank annuities with the Bank of England.
Nephew, John Perry of Harlow, breeches maker, for his son John Perry as above.
Neice, Jane Perry, daughter of John Perry senior, as above.
Executor:= Nicholas Patmore.
Witnesses:= Thomas Glew, J.W. Turgett.
Probate:= 04/02/1826.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 5
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Rayner, Elizabeth, widow, 01/10/1755, E.R.O. D/ABW 98/3/48 D/ABR/24/147.
She wishes to be buried privately and without pomp, with funeral charges not
exceeding £40. The directions for her funeral were given on a separate paper. [not
now extant]
The poor of Thaxted:= £5 to be distributed by her Executrix in three months after her
death.
Daughter, Mary wife of William Nicholson:= rest and residue of her moneys, plate,
rings, household stuff, goods, chattels, and personal estate after the payment of
debts, funeral charges and legacies.
Son, Smeeth Rayner:= 16 guineas to buy mourning.
Son in law, William Nicholson:= 10 guineas to buy mourning.
Grandsons, John and William, sons of her deceased son William Rayner:= £5 10s.
yearly to be paid half yearly, towards their respective educations and maintenance, or
for their benefits, or such occasions as the Executrix shall think fit.
Grandson, John Rayner:= £20 at twenty one years.
Grandson, William Rayner:= £15 at the age of twenty one years.
If the Executrix thinks fit then she shall lay out the above £20 & £15 for putting them
as apprentices for some trade and providing clothes & other necessaries for them
during such apprenticeship.
Sister, Elizabeth Stamences:= £5 for which she has Green Notes. Also 20s. yearly
during her life to be paid half yearly .The first payment to be made 6 months after the
death of the testator.
Executrix:= daughter, Mary Nicholson.
Witnesses:= Thomas Bridges, George William Nicholson.
Probate:= 10/06/1776.
Page 6
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Robe, William James Green, esquire, of Frogs Hall. 03/08/1847. National
Archives.PROB. 11/2075.
Friends Thomas Cocks the elder, Thomas Cocks the younger:= they are appointed as
Executors and Trustees of his will They are to sell for best profit all his assets in such
a way that they will provide a yearly sum of a clear £400 per annum.
Sophia Walters, now living with him:= the above £400 free from the debts and control
of any husband.
Ellen, daughter of the above Sophia Walters:= she is to have one third of the
remainder of the money. If she dies before the age of twenty one years then the two
Thomas Cocks will inherit.
Executors:= Thomas Cocks the elder, Thomas Cocks the younger.
Witnesses:= Thomas Unwin, solicitor, Sawbridgeworth, Frederick. George Unwin,
gentleman, Sawbridgeworth.
Probate:= 25/05/1848.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 7
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Rous, John, gent, 23/01/1849, E.R.O. D/ABW 139/2/47.
Son, John James Rous:= freehold messuage or tenement land and hereditaments,
and all real estate. His son also gets the interest on the money left to testator’s two
grandchildren until they are twenty one years old.
Grandchildren, Jane and Robert Abbott Rous:= £6 when they reach the age of twenty
one years.
Executors:= George Leech of Great Dunmow, draper, and testator’s son John James
Rous .
Witnesses:= William Robert Warren, clothier, Lydia Monk,
Probate:= 09/09/1850.
Page 8
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Russell, Mary, widow 06/06/1702, E.R.O. D/ABW 77/155.
Aged in body.
Son, James Russell := freehold cottage or tenement with the appurtenances, orchard
and backsides, now in the occupation of John Vale. He is to pay her grandson John
Everard £5 and her granddaughters, Anne and Elizabeth Everard 20s. within one year
after her death. be paid by her son James Russell
Daughter, Susan Russell:= her other freehold cottage or tenement appurtenances,
orchards and backsides in Takeley Street, now in the occupation of testator, paying to
Elizabeth, wife of Henry Collins of Much Hallingbury, husbandman £10 within in year
after the death of the testator.
All her linen and wearing apparel
Son, James Russell, Daughters Elizabeth Collin, Susan Russell, children of daughter
Anne Everard:= all her goods after the payment of her debts and funeral expenses,
share and share alike.
Executrix:= daughter, Susan Russell.
Witnesses:= John Nicholls, Henry Staines, Phillip Judd.
Probate:= 19/11/1702.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 9
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Rutterford/Rotherford, George, shoemaker, 12/05/1599, E.R.O. D/ABW 32/98.
First paragraph relates to Bishop’s Stortford only.
The poor of Takeley := 13s. 4d.
Wife, Margaret Rutterford := a messuage in Stortford where Joan Cass dwells with
houses, rooms, stalls, profits and commodities in the street called Fish Market towards
the north, the messuage called The Broad Arrow to the south, and the tenement of
John Hooth to the west.
After her death it goes to daughter Joan Rutterford’s issue, if she have any. Otherwise
it goes to his heirs
Also the messuage in Takeley called Forgers which he has on a lease of the
remainder of ninety nine years. This is now twenty one years, if she lives that long.
After her death it goes to Samuel Burles alias Spooner his son in law on condition he
does not trouble Margaret Rutterford for the £4 10s. the testator owes him and also
pays £20 to his other son in law Lawrence Gibbs.
His wife is to maintain his daughter Joan at his tenement where he lives during the
wife’s life time and provide her with all necessities so long as Joan remains unmarried.
All the rest of his goods, cattle, and wares.
Daughter of his wife, Cicely Mawnsfield:= 30s.
Servant, Robert Baylie of Takeley:= his buck leather doublet and hose. .
Joan Casse is to have the premises for the term of nine years, paying the legatee the
rent of 40s. which is what she has hitherto paid. She is also to have the shop and stall
for nine years paying the same rent. The Executrix is to reimburse her for the glass
window she has set up in his loft.
Executrix := wife, Margaret Rutterford.
Witnesses := Roger Smith, John Whyght, Nicholas Collin, William Burlyng, Thomas
Barnard, writer.
Probate := 26/06/1599.
[the will reads as if Margaret Rutterford is his second wife, and Joan Rutterford the
daughter of George’s previous marriage]
Page 10
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Sach, William, husbandman, 16/09/1723. E.R.O. D//ABW 94/1/69.
Somewhat infirm in body.
Mother [unnamed]:= all goods, chattels, and personal estate, after paying his debts.
Sister, Mary Sach:= 10s.
Brother, John Sach:= 1s.
Sister, Elizabeth Sach:= 10s.
Sister, Sarah Sach:= 10s.
All the above to be paid in half a year after his death.
William Sach makes a mark.
Executrix:= sister, Mary Jellis, widow.
Witnesses:= William Tucker, John Collier makes a mark, John Frankham.
[A Jos. Sach witnessed the will of John Gibbons of Takeley in 1739]
Probate: = 24/05/1742
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 11
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Salmon, Edmund the elder, yeoman, 17/10/1820. E.R.O. D/ABW 125/1/8.
Son, Edmund Salmon and son in law, Charles Bunting:= authority to sell all his
messuages and lands, free and copyhold.
Sons, George, Edmund, John, William and Jesse Salmon:= a fifth share in sale of real
estate and all other property If any one of them should be dead, then his share goes to
his children. The money owed to him by sons John and William is to be deducted from
their share.
Daughter, Ann, wife of Charles Bunting:= one fifth share as above. The debt of
Charles Bunting to Salmon is to be deducted.
Executors:= son, Edmund Salmon, son in law, Charles Bunting.
Witnesses:= Daniel Barthrop, John Yord, mark of John Rose.
Probate:=23/01/1824.
Page 12
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Saunders, Dorothy, widow, 27/09/1803, E.R.O. D/ABW 116/2/45.
Daughter, Lucy Smith at the White Hart, Moreton, widow:= equal share in all her
wearing apparel and linen.
Also £10 after all expenses are paid.
Daughter, Mary, wife of Thomas Savill of Takeley Street:= equal share in all her
wearing apparel and linen.
Children, Charles Saunders, Thomas Saunders, Mary Savill and Lucy Smith:= equal
shares in the residue of her estate.
Executrix:= daughter, Lucy Smith.
Witnesses:= Joseph Ramsey, James White.
Probate:= 01/08/1804.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 13
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Saunders, John, yeoman, 13/02/1777, E.R.O. D/ABW 106/1/38.
Wife, Dorothy Saunders:= all his freehold messuage or tenement, lands and personal
estate.
Executrix:= wife, Dorothy Saunders.
Witnesses:= James Russell, John Palmer.
Probate:= 24/05/1777.
[ John and Dorothy Saunders’ children:=
Lucy married ?? Smith of White Hart Moreton. Their daughter was called Sophia.
Mary married Thomas Savill of Takeley Street.
Charles and Thomas Saunders.]
Page 14
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Savill, Mary, widow, 31/08/1659, National Archives Prob. 11/296.
Daughter, Sara wife of Robert Barnard:= £20 . £10 in six months and £10 in one year
after testator’s death. One third of her pewter , one pair of flaxen sheets, and two pairs
of towen sheets, one long table cloth of flax, and one long linen table cloth , nine
flaxen napkins, three towen napkins, and one pair of pillow beeres.
Also one feather bed and two pillows at the discretion of her Executor.
Son, Henry Savill:= £20 to be paid within one and a half years after death of testator.
Grandchild, Elizabeth Savill:= £5 to be paid when she is twenty four years old.
Son, Edmond Savill:= all her other moveable goods and chattels, household stuff ,
bills, bonds, and ready money.
Executor:= son, Edmond Savill.
Witnesses:= Robert Lukin, John Jibyn.
Probate:= 30/12/1659.
At the side of the document is the mark of Mary Savill.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 15
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Savill, George, 18/04/1840, E.R.O. D/ABW 134/2/56.
Wife, Elizabeth Savill:= to live in his house rent free.
Sons, George, Benjamin and Charles Savill:= the house to be divided equally between
them.
Daughters, Mary Hockley, Sarah, Elinar, Milly (Charlotte):= the house contents after
their mother’s death.
Emmar Sevill:= 5s.
Executrix;= wife, Elizabeth Savill, after Samuel Clarke senior declined.
Witnesses:= Samuel Clarke, Samuel Clarke, junior.
A deposition is added by Samuel Clarke. He knew Savill and witnessed the will when
he went to the house with Peter Warren. Savill was ill, and died shortly afterwards.
Clarke declines to act as Executor. Savill then named his wife.
Probate: = 07/08/1840
[This is a very confused will with many repetitions.
The house was what is now called Rose Cottage at Mill End. George was a labourer].
Page 16
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Savill, Samuel, Farming Bailiff of Takeley Grange, 27/04/1837, E.R.O. D/ABW
137/1/86.
Wife, Martha Savill:= all his household goods, household furniture, books, plate, linen,
china and glass that is in his dwelling house at the time of his death, for her life.
She is to share with son in law, Thomas Clark all his ready money, securities for
money and the rest of his personal estate which is to go into a Trust and to be sold
immediately after testator’s death. They are to pay his debts, funeral expenses and
Testamentary expenses. The surplus is to be invested in Government, or good real
securities, dividends etc. and to be paid to Martha Savill.
After her death it is to be divided equally among the three children listed below. Any
money, settled or given to any of them before testator’s death is to be deducted from
their share.
Children, George and Elizabeth Savill, Hannah, wife of Thomas Clark of St. Aylotts
farm, Saffron Walden:= they inherit the above in equal shares after the death of
Martha Savill.
Executor and Executrix:= Thomas Clark, Martha Savill.
Witnesses:= John D. Taylor, Allen Hunell, W.M. Ley.
The mark of Samuel Savill.
Probate:= 15/07/1845.
Note made on 12/07/1845 that Savill’s goods and chattels etc. were valued as being
under £200.
[it is interesting that although a Farming Bailiff Savill apparently could not write his
name, but he left books in his will].
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 17
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Seale, John, yeoman, 18/04/1591, E.R.O. D/ABW 35/104.
Wife, Amy Seale:= all his goods.
Executrix:= wife, Amy Seale.
Supervisor:= son in law, Henry Birche.
Witnesses:= Nicholas Engolde, John Pawfelyn, Michael Warner.
Probate:= 08/09/1591 by Mr. Thomas Moore, proctor of the widow
Page 18
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Sering, Richard, husbandman, 25/04/1606 E.R.O. D/ABW 36/43.
Sick in body.
Sons, Thomas and George Sering:= one cow in the hands of Harry Payne.
Daughter, Ellin Sering:= two stools and a pewter platter.
Daughter, Margret Seering:= an old mattress.
Daughter, Elizabeth Seering:= his best coverlet.
He says he is loth to give any more away from his wife [not named].
The mark of John White.
The mark of Alse Batsford.
Probate:= 25/04/1606.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 19
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Skyngle, Baldwin, yeoman, 07/04/1750, E.R.O. D/ABW 99/1/54.
The poor of Takeley:= 40s. to be distributed in three months after his death.
Wife, Jane Skyngle:=she is to receive £5 quarterly free of taxes etc., and 10s. on 24 th
December for firing from Daniel Skyngle his brother, and she is allowed to live in
Tunnells which Daniel inherits.
She also gets 20s. yearly in equal annual shares, free of taxes etc. from his brother
Joseph Skyngle for his inheritance.
If either brother default then she can enter lands etc.
She shares with Daniel and Joseph equally all the rest and residue of his money,
goods, chattels, household stuff and personal estate.
Brother, Daniel Skyngle:= copyhold messuage or tenement called Tunnells with barns,
stables, outhouses, yards, gardens, lands and grounds, now or late in his occupation
and that of John Patmore.
Copyhold messuage or tenement called Blunts.
On condition that he pays Jane Skyngle as above.
Brother, Joseph Skyngle:=copyhold messuage or tenement, with barns, stables,
buildings, yards gardens, orchards, lands, grounds and tenements, at or near a place
called Morrells Green, and now, or late, in the tenure of Samuel Wrenn.
Condition to pay Jane Skyngle as above.
After the death of Joseph it reverts to brother Daniel.
Brothers, William and Simpson Skyngle:= 10s. each.
Sister, Sarah wife of Tomas Joslin:= 10s.
Three sons of late brother Thomas Skynge:= 1s. each.
Executors and Executrix:= brothers, Daniel and Joseph Skyngle, wife, Jane Skyngle.
Witnesses:= Mary Bridge, Thomas Bridge, George William Robinson.
Probate:=09/07/1757.
[Jane Skyngle buried 16/05/1754.
Baldwyn Skyngle buried 01/07/1757.
Daniel Skyngle baptised 04/09/1704, father Nathan Skyngle.
Daniel Skyngle buried 25/07/1760.
[Tunnells was a farm at Coopers End. Blunts was demolished during the expansion of
Stansted Airport]
[Morrells Green was another name for Mole Hill Green, and is not the present Morrells
Green at Brewers End].
Page 20
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Skyngle, John, labourer of Bambers Green, 25/03/1820, Warish Hall Manorial
records.
Grandson, Thomas, son of his son Thomas Skyngle:= copyhold cottage and tenement
with yard, garden, held of the Manor of Warish Hall, and in the occupation of himself,
his son Thomas, and John Cheshire.
Grandson, John Skyngle:= to inherit if his brother Thomas dies without heirs, and
under the age of twenty one years.
Son, Thomas Skyngle:= all household goods and personal estate.
Executor:= son, Thomas Skyngle.
Witnesses:= Thomas Crickmay, junior, J.W. Largett, William Vale.
[John Skyngle was born in 1748 and died 1820. He married Elizabeth Poulter, born
1750, died 1828.]
Their children were:=
Mary, 1769.
Elizabeth, baptised and died 1771.
John, 1772.
Thomas married Theodosia Kirkham.
Charlotte, Anne, David, Elizabeth.
Thomas’ children were Thomas and John as in the will.
[A Thomas Skyngle of 1885 was a chimney sweep].
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 21
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Skyngle, John labourer. 19/05/1810. Warish Hall Manorial records.
Son, Thomas Skyngle:= copyhold messuage and tenement now divided into two
habitations held of Warish Hall, with yard, garden, in the occupation of himself and
John Wite [White] grandson.
Also all his moneys, goods, chattels, and personal estate after paying his debts.
Grandson Charles, son of his son Thomas Skyngle:= to receive property after the
death of son Thomas Skyngle.
Page 22
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Smith, John, yeoman, 24/09/1678, E.R.O. D/ABW 70/20.
Aged.
The poor of Takeley:= 40s. to be distributed by the minister of the parish.
Poor of Sheering:= 20s. to be distributed by the minister and by Henry Kent.
Godson, John Williams:= his Bible.
William Loder of Broxted:= his messuage or tenement called Burgatto with free and
copyhold lands belonging to it, estimated at 20 acres. On condition that Loder pays for
his funeral and pays all his legacies within one year after his death.
William Leader/ Loder := £100 which William Banks owes to the testator on a
mortgage. With it Loder is pay out the various sums below.
Brother of his late wife:=£5.
Hellen Baker of Hertford:= 50s.
John and Hellen Williams of Takeley:= £5 each and 20s. more for Hellen to buy a ring.
James, brother of John Williams:= 40s.
Niece, Mary, daughter of brother Gabriel Smith:= £5.
Thomas, brother of John Williams:= £5.
Mary Carpenter of Matching:= £6.
James Campion of Sheering:= 20s.
James Casse of Hatfield:= 20s.
Anne Campion of Sheering:= 20s.
Hellen, wife of Henry Field of White Rothing:= £3 10s. Her children John and Jane get
20s. each.
Jane, daughter of Edwin Casse:= 40s.
Mary Kent of Sheering:= £5.
Mr. Carter := 20s. for a ring.
M??? wife of William Kendall:= 20s. for a ring.
Mrs. Rose Kendall:= 10s. more for a ring.
All the residue of the £100 to be disposed of as he will nominate to his friend
Mr.English, minister of Takeley.
Brother, Thomas Smith of Great Canfield:= £30.
Thomas, Gabriel and John Smith, sons of brother Thomas Smith:=£20 each.
Brother, Gabriel Smith:= £20 to be paid to him at the rate of £3 a year.
Mary Smith, daughter of Gabriel Smith:= £10.
Brother, William Smith:= £10. To be paid to his children if William is dead. It has to be
demanded within one year after the death of the testator, or it goes to Thomas Smith
the testator’s brother.
Sister, Mary, widow of Thomas Horsnail:= £20. If she died within one year after death
of testator, then it goes to her son, Robert Horsnail.
Godchildren, John Field of White Rothing, John Williams of Stansted, James Campion
of Sheering and Margaret Carpenter of Matching:= 20s. each.
John Williams of Takeley and wife Ellen, kinswoman of testator’s late wife:= £10 each
and an extra 10s. for Ellen to buy a ring.
Mary, wife of Henry Kent of Sheering:= £10 at her own disposal and her husband to
have no interest therein.
Friends, John Kendall and his son William Kendall:= 20s. each.
John English, Minister of Takeley:= 20s. to buy a ring.
Rose, daughter of John Kendall:= 10s. to buy a ring.
Edwin Casse of Takeley, servant to his kinsman John Williams:= 20s.
Mary Bathropp and Mary Burly, servants as above:= 20s. each
Executor:= William Leader.
Witnesses:= Thomas Wheeler, John Judd, Henry Prestland.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 23
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
The mark of John Smith.
Probate:=17/02/1681.
[John Smith buried 02/11/1680.
Ann Smith buried 29/11/1678.
Burgatto or Burgattes is now Warren Farm].
Page 24
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Smith, John the elder, butcher, 24/05/1657, National Archives Prob. 11/270.
Sick in body.
Wife, Margaret Smith:= £6 to be paid yearly by her son Gabriel Smith. 30s. next and
immediately after the death of the testator. If Gabriel does not pay them she can take
over his inheritance.
Also all his household stuff standing in the parlour, two kettles, one possett, and half
the pewter.
Son, Gabriel Smith:= house, lands and tenements and one acre of land in Hatfield. All
his other goods and chattels and cattle after paying his debts and legacies.
Son, John Smith:= £4 to be paid in three years after the death of the testator’s wife,
Margaret Smith.
Son, Thomas Smith:= £4 in two years after the death of Margaret Smith.
Daughter, Maria, wife of Thomas Horsnell:= £10 to be paid in four years after the
death of Margaret Smith. If Maria herself is dead, then it goes to her son Robert
Horsnell when he is twenty one years old.
Daughter, Elizabeth Hawes:= 10s. to be paid in half a year after the death of the
testator.
Grandchildren, Gabriel and Marie, children of his son Thomas Smith:= 20s. each to be
paid in one year after the death of the testator.
Son, William Smith:= 5s. to be paid after testator’s death.
Executor:= son, Gabriel Smith.
Witnesses:= Robert Lukin, Richard Calvert.
The mark of John Smith.
Probate:= 11/11/1657.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 25
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Snowe, Elizabeth, widow, 07/01/1567/8, E.R.O. D/ABW 34/71.
The poor of Takeley:= 5s.
Poor of Birchanger:= 5s.
Poor of Great Hallingbury:= 12d.
Son, Simon Whyte:= a cupboard and the hanging in the hall and the parlour at
Birchanger, two settles, a salt trough, a kneading trough, a moulding board, a quern, a
brewing tun, a cheese press, a half hundred lead weight, and the shelves in the same
house. Also a cow.
Her best coverlet of tapestry, 2 blankets, 2 feather beds, 2 of the best chests, a trivet,
the best turned chair, a round table, the old bedstead with a flock bed, a pan, a great
kettle, a skillet in his hands, a cauldron, 2 tables, a hand basket, half the candlesticks,
her best kerchief, a double rail, a flaxen table cloth, half the napkins, half the pillows,
and pillow beeres, half the pewter, half the cushions, a fire fork, a pair of tongs, a
bowl, a bill, a pease hook, with all the implements in Simon’s hands.
To the Vicar of Felsted:= a pewter dish.
William Whyte: son of her son James’ son:= a brass pot, and a brass pot called
gallipot, a small earthen ware pot.
Mary Whyte := her best sheet with an open seam, a pair of silver hooks, a worsted
kirtle, a silver pin, a posnet, and a chest.
John Whyte:= a great skillet with 3 feet.
Son, James Whyte:= all the rest of her goods.
John White:= the calf.
Executor:= son, James Whyte.
Overseer:= Robert Lukyn, who gets 3s. 4d. for his pains.
Witnesses:= Robert Lukyn, Vicar of Takeley, Robert Gainsford,
Probate:= 17/02/1567/8.
[Elizabeth Snowe appears to have been married twice, with no children of her second
marriage].
Page 26
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Speller, Elizabeth, spinster. 29/03/1831, National Archives Prob. 11/1789.
John Potter of Great Canfield, farmer to the use of her nephew John Speller Alger of
Harlow, surgeon, son of her sister, Ann Alger.
Nephew, John Speller Alger:= her best bed and bedding, her clock and best chest of
drawers, clothes chest or hutch, all which articles were in the house where she lived.
Niece, Mary Ann Alger:= all the rest of her household furniture, plate, linen, china,
effects, not consisting of money or securities for money, in and about her messuage or
tenement.
There is a complicated scale of offspring, but eventually in default it goes to her
nephew Albert Alger.
Nephew, John Booty Speller:= all the rest of her estate to be shared equally with the
seven children of her sister, Ann Alger.
Nephew, John Speller Alger’s share is to have £70 deducted from it, being the money
she advanced to him.
Executors:= Charles Henry Lovell of Sawbridgeworth, nephew John Speller Alger,
John Potter.
Charles Lovell and John Potter get £5 each for their pains.
She especially enjoins her nephew John Speller Alger to keep in good order and
repair the graves of her father and mother, and her own grave.
Witnesses:= Samuel Scott, John Potter junior, Armigel Wade.
Probate:= 04/08/1831.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 27
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Speller, John, shoemaker, 10/10/1832. E.R.O. D/ABR/33/555.
Wife, Ann Speller:= all his freehold estates for the term of her life.
Also all the use, interest and produce of his households furniture, goods, chattels,
personal estate and effects, for her life.
Sons, John and Robert Speller:= the freehold estates on the death of their mother to
sell at Auction for the most money that can be obtained.
Children, Mary Ann Pigrum, John Speller, Elizabeth Bentley, Thomas Speller, Robert
Speller, and Charles Speller:= the household effects etc. after the death of his wife,
Ann Speller.
Grandson, Joshua son of daughter Lucy Speller:= equal share in the above bequest.
Son, Robert Speller:= the goodwill of his present business.
Executor and Executrix:= son, John Speller, wife, Ann Speller.
Witnesses:= William Gee, William Robert Warren, Thomas Chopping.
Probate:= 11/12/1832.
Page 28
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Speller, John, farmer, 08/11/1809, National Archives Prob. 11/1592.
Wife, Ann Speller:= all his money in the public funds for her life.
Also all the farming stock and his other personal property for her life.
Son, James Speller of Hatfield Broad Oak, shopkeeper:= an equal share of all the
above.
Sarah, wife of Samuel Scott of Broxted, farmer:= the other equal share of the above
after the death of her mother.
If either of his children have died, then their share goes to their children.
Executor and Executrix:= son, James Speller, daughter, Sarah Scott.
Witnesses:=Joseph Raven, the mark of Newman Speller.
Codicil to the above will;= 03/02/1815.
Grandchildren, John and Sarah, children of son James Speller,
Also John and Susannah, children of Sarah and Samuel Scott.:= £100 each to be
given to them at the age of twenty one years. If any one has died before reaching this
age then their share to be divided amongst the remaining children.
John Speller makes a mark.
Witnesses:= Joseph Raven, the mark of Newman Speller.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 29
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Speller, Robert, victualler, 07/05/1791, E.R.O. D/ABW 111/3/45.
Wife, Ann Speller:= all his stock in trade, household goods, chattels, monies, debts,
for her life, after paying his funeral expenses.
If she remarries then she gets only one shilling. The business is to be carried on for
the benefit of bringing up and maintaining his younger children.
Children, John, William, Newman, Mary, Lucy, Rebecca Speller:= equal shares in the
above after the death of Ann Speller.
Executor and Executrix:= son, John Speller, wife, Ann Speller.
Robert Speller makes a mark.
Witnesses:= Robert Garret, William Guyver, William Spencer.
Probate: = 29/05/1792
Page 30
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Speller, Newman, farmer, of Sewers Hall, 18/11/1817, E.R.O. D/ABW 123/2/12.
Son, John Speller:= messuage or tenement and farm called Sewells Hall, with lands,
grounds and hereditaments. All other his real Estate free and copyhold not otherwise
disposed of.
He is to pay just debts etc.
In default of payment the legatees have the right to enter property to reclaim it.
Also all his money, securities for money, chattels, corn, farming stock, implements,
materials of husbandry, and personal estate.
Daughter, Elizabeth Speller:= tenement or dwelling house with yards, gardens,
buildings, in the occupation of William Loden. Also £1,200 to be paid within one year
after the death of the testator. If she dies before getting her legacy, then it goes to the
children of her sister, Ann Alger, to be paid them at the age of twenty one years or the
date of their marriage.
Also all his household goods, furniture, plate, linen, and all other effects except the
farming, dairy and brewing stock in his dwelling house.
Daughter, Ann, wife of Richard Alger of Sawbridgeworth, farmer:= tenement or
dwelling house commonly called Midners House, with yards, gardens, buildings, in the
occupation of William Simmons.
Also £800 to be paid in one year after the death of the testator. It is to be paid into her
hands and not liable to the control, debts of any present or future husband.
Executrix and Executors:= daughter, Elizabeth Speller, son, John Speller, Henry
Speller of Copthall, Little Canfield, John Speller of Canfield Park, Great Canfield,
farmer.
John and Henry Speller are to get £5 each for their pains.
The mark of Newman Speller.
Witnesses:= G.Wade, F.W.Target, Ann Reeve.
Probate:= 28/02/1821.
[Newman Speller was buried at Takeley on 22/12/1820, aged 74 years. Sewers Hall is
now known as Frogs Hall].
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 31
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Speller, Thomas, labourer, 16/09/1591, E.R.O. D/ABW 35/237.
[this is a nuncupative will].
Wife Johan:= all his goods and moveables whatsoever.
Witnesses:= Richard Pigott, John Barnard.
Probate:= 08/11/1597.
[If he was “on his death bed” in 1591, he took a long time to die. Probate in this period
was usually obtained very quickly after death].
Page 32
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Staines, Elizabeth, widow, 28/05/1655, E.R.O. D/ABW 61/105.
Aged, but sensible of my own mortality.
Son, William Stanes:= the great chest in the parlour.
Daughter, Susan Browne:= a pair of flaxen sheets, one linsey and one woolsey bolster
Grandchild, Elizabeth Browne:= one pewter platter.
Daughter, Rebekah Baker:= the table and forms standing in the hall, the feather bed in
the parlour and the bolster to it, a Holland sheet, and a bolster to it, a Holland sheet
and a pair of Holland pillow beeres, the warming pan and the mortar, and the wicker
chair in the parlour.
Grandchild, Elizabeth Halls:= one pewter platter.
Daughter, my grandchild:=one pewter platter. [this is obscure].
Grandchild, William, son of son William Stanes:= the bed above and all that belongs to
it.
Grandchild John Stanes:= the sum of [something missing]
John Stanes:= the press in the parlour.
Granddaughters, daughters of son John Stanes:= the chest above to Mary, the Box in
the parlour and the top shelf in the hall to Rebekah.
Grandchild, Henry Stanes:= a “goeing” bed in the parlour, a great tub, a great skillet, a
trow platter.
Grandchild, Elizabeth Wibord:= a pewter platter.
Daughters, all five:= all the rest of her goods and chattels to be equally divided
between them.
Executor:= son, Henry Eve of Morton.
Witnesses:= Gregory Newman, Elizabeth Newman.
Probate:= 20/03/1660.
[is the Executor, Henry Eve the son of a previous marriage?].
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 33
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stanes, John, yeoman 1684, E. R.O. D/ABW 71/47.
Weak in body.
Wife, Sarah Stanes:= £4 10s. annually, paid out of the freehold lands twice yearly. If
payment is not made she can enter the land to regain it.
All his goods and chattels, after paying his debts.
Son, John Stanes:= copyhold messuage and 7 acres of land called Blunts, held of the
Manor of Colchester Hall. All the freehold land left to him by his father being 16 acres
in Hatfield Broad Oak, late in the occupation of Robert Battyford.
Also a silver beaker, silver spoons and the “Briding” pen, to be given him at 12 years
old.
Henry Ewen, his loving friend:= to be Guardian to testator’s son John during his
minority. John is to be brought up out of the lands he has been given.
Executrix:= wife, Sarah Stanes.
Witnesses:= Sarah Stanes, Clement Hall, Daniel Walter, Thomas Cramphorn, Mary
Moore.
Probate:= 02/06/1684
[Blunts was demolished during the expansion of Stansted Airport].
Page 34
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Staines, James, farmer and publican, of Morrells Green, 20/02/1848, E.R.O.
D/ABR/36/60.
Grandson, John Simmonds:= his cottage. In the event of his death it goes to the other
children, except that John and the son of his daughter Sally Simmonds are to have the
cottage and garden now in the occupation of John and George Prior.
Son, Thomas Staines:= the rent of the cottage for three years, after paying 25s. out of
the last years rent. If he sells the house after the death of John and Sally Simmonds,
then the money is to divided between daughter Sally, and grandson James.
Also all the goods, stock etc. after paying the legacies etc.
His mother to take the remaining rents until Thomas reaches the age of 21 years.
Grandson, John, second son of his daughter Sally and John Simmonds:= to have the
other house with the proviso that his daughter and her husband can live there for their
lives.
The mark of James Staines.
Witnesses:= George Elliott, William Richardson.
Probate:= 20/04/1848.
George Elliott appeals, and swears on oath to the truth of this will.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 35
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stanes, Jane, widow, 20/11/1624, E.R.O. D/ABW 46/168.
Sick in body.
Son, William Stanes:= all her goods and chattels, in and out of the house within three
months after her death.
Daughter, Flaurances Stanes:= 20s. to be paid by son William within three months
after her death. Also her black gown, her best russet petticoat after her death.
Son, William Pery:= 2s. after her death.
George Clarke the younger:= 5s. after her death.
Son in law, William Hales:= 3s. 4d. after her death.
Mary Laver:= a good towen sheet, a flaxen pillow beere, with an open seam, after her
death.
Mathew Cookson:= one bushel of barley after her death.
Jane Stanes makes a mark.
Executor:= son, William Stanes.
Witnesses:= John Godfre, Wylliam Wylliams.
Probate:= 22/01/1624.
[a son called William Pery, suggests a previous marriage].
Page 36
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stanes, John yeoman. 02/04/1613. E.R.O. D/ABW 36/212.
“I Commytt my sawle into the hands of allmiyghtye god my maker redeemer &
Comforter Trustynge Assuredly in his death and passion to have for gyveness of my
synnes and soe by my faith to have eternall lyffe”.
His body to be buried in the Church yard.
The poor people of Takeley to be “ dystrybuted wheremost need” := £1 3s.4d.
Wife, Pernell Stanes:= freehold croft called Longe Croft of 5 acres, for her life. All his
household implements contained in his ?ardes Romes and dwelling house. She is to
have the use of his two “perralles” with the chamber above and at all times ingress
and egress to them and also to the chimney and fire in the hall of his dwelling house at
her will and pleasure.
She in to enjoy the two parlours with the chamber above the parlour, and the use of
the fire in the hall during her life. Also she has a half share with son Rychard of all his
corn and catttle, both in the barns and elsewhere, with all his corn growing on his
lands.
Son, Franncis Stanes := the above crofts after the death of his mother. A pewter
platter. Also all his carts and ploughs and ploughing irons, with the cart and plough
harness and all the “Collors” and ropes belonging to the carts.
Son, Henry Stanes:= the tenement and land in Little Warley. A pewter platter.
Son, Rychard Stanes := the freehold meadow called Elmor Mead. A pewter platter.
Daughter Susanna := a share in the four pewter platters which the testator inherited
from his father.£10 is to be paid to her in one year after the death of the testator.
Granddaughter Franncis, daughter of his son Franncis Stanes ;= his best sheep and
her lamb when it shall please God to send it.
Executors := wife, Pernell Stanes and son Rychard Stanes. They are to pay his debts
and his legacies.
Witnesses := Robert Haddesley, Edwin Lukin, John Collman.
The mark of John Stanes.
Probate:= 06/07/1613.
[there is a will of Pernell Stanes with almost identical dates suggesting that they both
died of some shared illness. Pernell’s will mentions family names not given by John
Stanes, and also more detail of household gifts. Unfortunately the parish registers
have not survived for this date.]
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 37
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stanes, Pernell, widow, 11/04/1612, E.R.O. D/ABW 36/213.
Sick in body.
Daughter, Susannah Stanes:= her feather bed where she lies with the bedstead and
all the furniture belonging to it. The table in the hall with a form. Her chest with all the
linen and the things contained therein which stands in the chamber over both the
parlours. Her greatest chest standing in the said chamber, one pewter platter, one
pewter dish, 11 pewter spoons, her best pewter candle, one candlestick, one brass
kettle.
Her best gown, her best hat, and all the gifts that her sister Holden did will and
bequeath to Pernell at the time of her death. Also her second wearing gown, her best
petticoat, and one brass posnet with a latten mark.
Daughter, Margarett Steavens:= two pairs of flaxen sheets, two Holland pillows beeres
on the chest standing in the new parlour, one pewter platter.
Daughter, Jhone Wallenger:= two pair of flaxen sheets, two pillow beeres, one chest
standing in the loft, one pewter platter.
Daughter, Agnes Yngold:= two pairs of flaxen sheets, two pillow beeres, one chest
standing at the bed, “Fytte” in the old parlour, one pewter platter. A joined stool of the
greatest sort. Her white russet gown.
All four daughters are to get the £4 which is in the hands of Mistress Wyberd. Her
wearing apparel is to divided equally amongst her four daughters.
Son, Fraunces Stanes:= one quern, her kneading trough, her “boul tinge “ form, one
brewing tub, her flock bed, bedstead and all the furniture belonging to it.
Granddaughter, daughter of son Fraunces Stanes:= two petticoats to be made out of
her new russet pep [or peste].
Son, Thomas Stanes:= her “Brasamer Furnysshe” the greatest brewing tub, one
pewter platter, a joined stool of the greatest sort.
Godson, Robert Stevens:= one feather bed, one pair of blankets, one pair of towen
sheets.
Granddaughter, Jhon Wallenger:= one chaffing dish with a “perfuyinge Bayse”
belonging to it.
Son, Henry Stanes:= one chest standing by the bed side in the chamber over the
parlours, one coverlet lying on the bed in the new parlour, one pair of towen sheets, a
joined stool of the greatest sort.
Goodwyffe Warren:= her worst gown.
The wives of Robert Wyllams and John Kynges := a petticoat each. Wyllams wife is to
have the best of the two.
Son, Rychard Stanes:= everything else of household goods not already bestowed,
after paying her debts.
The mark of Pernell Stanes.
Executor:= son, Rychard Stanes.
Witnesses:= John Whyte, Franncis Yngolde, Edwin Lyckyn.
Probate:= 07/05/1613.
Page 38
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stock, John, labourer, 06/02/1788, E.R.O. D/ABW 114/1/55.
Wife, Mary Stock:= the cottage or tenement now in two dwellings, yards, gardens,
outhouses, at Bamberers [Bambers] Green and now in the occupation of himself and
John Pigrum.
Also the use, but not the property of all his household goods, chattels and personal
estate for her life.
Nephew, James Stock := to be tenant in common of the part of the cottage or
tenement that is in the occupation of the testator.
John, younger son of his cousin John Baker of Little Canfield:= tenant in common with
James Stock as above.
John and William, sons of his brother in law John Collin:= equal shares in the cottage
occupied by John Pigrum as tenants in common.
The mark of John Stock.
Executor and Executrix:= brother, James Stock, wife, Mary Stock.
Witnesses:= Charles Clubbe, G, Wade, Nicholas Toke.
Probate:= 18/06/1798.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 39
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stock, Thomas, yeoman, 14/10/1756, E.R.O. D/ABR/25/255.
Directions as to the expenses and place of furnishings, his funeral and as to the poor
of Takeley being first added.
Nephew, John Guyver of Rumford, son of his sister Mary Guyver:= his freehold
messuage or tenement where he dwells with about 5 acres of land now in the
occupation of John White.
This is on condition that he pays to testator’s sister Mary Guyver £100 at the end of
twelve months after the death of the testator.
Should Mary Guyver not be living then the £100 is to be paid in equal portions to
testator’s sisters, Ann, wife of John Bass of Great Hallingbury, husbandman, and
Dorothy, wife of John Saunders of Takeley, husbandman and John Guyver himself.
In default of payment the legatees have the right of entry.
Niece, Ann Bass:= £50.
Niece, Dorothy Saunders:= £50.
Mary, wife of John Poole of Much Waltham, gentleman farmer:= £10.
Mary, daughter of Samuel Porter of Chickney, yeoman:= £10.
All at the end of twelve months after his death.
Children of John Guyver, Ann Bass, Dorothy Saunders or their survivors:= all the rest
of his personal goods and chattels and estate after paying his funeral expenses,
legacies and debts.
He wills that his funeral expenses shall not exceed £15 and shall be furnished from
the shop of Mr. John Wood, draper, of Stortford.
The mark of Thomas Stock.
Executors:= John Guyver, John Bass.
Witnesses:= John Usher senior, John Usher junior, Katherine Usher.
Probate:= 09/04/1763.
Page 40
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Stracey, Daniel, husbandman, 12/03/1676, E.R.O. D/ABW 70/23.
Son, Daniel Stracey:= his tenement called Gorefeild Cottage, goods and chattels. He
is to carry out the intentions of the will.
Daughter in law, Ruth Stracey:= she is given dwelling in Gorefeild Cottage for one
year after the death of the testator, or instead she can take a half years rent. Also £5.
The mark of Daniel Stracey.
Executor:= son, Daniel Stracey.
Witnesses:= John English, Henry Ewen. [they have written their own signatures].
Probate:= 18/02/1680.
[Gorefield Cottage is now Rose Cottage at Mill End].
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 41
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Taylor, Samuel, grocer, 07/09/1689, E.R.O. D/ABW 74/61.
Wife, Sarah Taylor:= he hopes she will be kind to his children during their minority &
puts out their respective portions as she thinks fit to purchase land. If she dies before
the children are 21 years old then his brother William Taylor, clothier of Dunmow is to
be Eexecutor.
Son, John Taylor, the elder son:= copyhold farm held from Warish Hall. 8 acres of
copyhold land called Great Cobbs in Broxted held of Takeley Grange, in the tenure of
John Wright.
He is to pay his sister Sarah the sum of £50 when she reaches the age of twenty one
years, or marries.
Son, William Taylor:= house called the Black House also The White Hart with 1 acre of
land in the occupation of John Judd.
Also £150.
Son, Thomas Taylor:= £5 which is in the hands of John White of Millers & secured by
mortgage on a croft of land called Church Croft of 6 to 7 acres.
Also £100 which is in a copyhold house & land of 5 acres called Calves in Little
Canfield in the tenure of James Blatch.
Also a house in Little Canfield in the tenure of Thomas Overill & John Nicholls.
Son, Samuel Taylor:= £50.
If any child is dead then the money to be shared amongst the survivors.
Executrix:= Sarah Taylor.
Witnesses:= John English, Kendall Heron.
Page 42
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Thornber, Robart/Robert, 06/12/1766, National Archives Prob. 11/931.
Wife, Grace Thornber:= all the stock of his two farms in Takeley.
Eldest son, Robert Thornber:= farm or messuage, freehold and copyhold in Hillgay,
Norfolk called Brand and Creek, in the occupation of Thomas Gotobed. Subject to the
payment of £200 to son, Thomas Thornber, when he is 24 years old.
Son, Thomas Thornber:= £300 which is on mortgage on an estate called Oakeith in
the County of York, when he is 24 years old.
Executrix and Executor:= wife, Grace Thornber, Mathew Woodley of Stansted.
Witnesses:= Robart Thornber, James Rous, William Franklen, Elizabeth Renn makes
a mark.
Probate:= 04/07/1767.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 43
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Thorowgood, Denys, 20/11/1605. E.R.O. D/ABW 38/96.
Sick of body.
Wife, Bregett Thorowgood:= residue of his goods & chattels whatsoever.
Godson, John, son of William Paumflyn:= 6s. 8d.
Godson, Jeames, son of George Coe:= 6s. 8d.
God daughter, Elizabeth, daughter of Anthony Handeskere:= 6s. 8d.
Susan, daughter of John Belchame:= 6s. 8d.
All the above four legacies to be paid after the death of Bregett Thorowgood, & when
all debts & funeral charges are paid.
Executrix:= wife, Bregett Thorowgood.
Witnesses:= William J????owland, Antony Handseker, George Belcham makes a
mark.
Probate:= 05/05/1612.
Page 44
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Thurgood, William, husbandman, 09/06/1635. E.R.O. D/ABW 53/25.
Sick & weak in body.
Son, William Thurgood:= messuage or tenement called Symonds & Knaresbrough,
with orchard, yards, & garden , on condition that William pays £12 3s. 4d. to the
following:=
James Thorgood:= 3s. 4d. in one month after the death of the testator.
Son, John Thurgood:= 3s. 4d. in two years after the death of the testator.
Daughter, Elizabeth Thurgood:= 3s. 4d. in two years after the death of the testator.
Daughter, Dorothie Thurgood:=3s. 4d. in two years after the death of the testator.
Daughter, Alse Thurgood:= 3s. 4d. in two years after the death of the testator.
William Thurgood also gets the messuage on condition that he shall bring up & keeps
with sufficient meat, drink, living, woollen & all other things necessary or belonging to
such, & one his daughters.
The mark of William Thurgood.
Executor:- not named but probably William Thurgood.
Witnesses:- Gabriel Thurgood makes a mark, Symon Wright makes a mark.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 45
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Towse, William. National Archives Prob 11/179.
Sick in body.
The poor of Takeley:= £10
The poor of Stansted:= £5.
The poor of Elsenham:= 40s.
Wife, Elizabeth Towse:= she is to sell the following properties to pay for his debts &
legacies, i.e.Parcel of wood called Prices Wood in Birchanger, of 16 ½ acres, three
crofts of ground called Petishoe alias Lixho?? in [Bishop’s] Stortford of 8 acres.
Also the farm in Bardfield called Darnane in the tenure of Oliver Brand.
This is to be done within 1½ years after his death.
If the testator’s sister Margaret Towse in any way attempts to disturb Elizabeth in the
enjoyment of his estate conveyed for her jointure, then she is to sell all the farm,lands
& tenements in Takeley, now in the occupation of Robert White.
Aunt, Dame Mary Elliott:= £50
Aunt Scott:= £10 to bestowed on a piece of plate.
Uncle, Richard Pepes, esquire:= £10 to be bestowed in plate.
Brother-in-law, Nicholas Lockyer:= £20, or plate to that value.
Mr. Wilson, incumbent of Elsenham:= £10
Cousin, Margaret, wife of George Poole of Takeley:= £5.
Servant, John Alecroft:= £10
Servant, George Browne:= £20.
Servant, Mary Bolnesse:= £5.
Executrix:= wife Elizabeth Towse.
Witnesses:= Thomas Bulstrode, John Woodward, William Hawes, the mark of John
Stephens.
Probate:= 15/01/1638.
Page 46
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Towse, William, 17/01/1558, E.R.O. D/ABW 37/124.
The high altar of Henham:= 3s. 4d. for tithes forgotten or withheld.
The steeples at Henham:= £20 for repairs.
Wife:= the occupancy of all his lands in Henham, Plegdon, Little and Great Bardfield
until his children reach the age of 18 years. She is to stay unmarried.
Son, John Towse:= all his house and lands, free and copyhold in Henham, except for
the house called Dreys in the hamlet of Plegdon. £50 at the age of 18 years.
Son, William Towse:= all the houses and land in Little Bardfield, 1 tenement called
Drets in Plegdon if John will not give up the title to the Bardfield land. If he does not
then he does not get the Plegdon land. £30 at the age of 18 years.
Daughter, Margaret Towse:= £20 at the age of 18 years.
Daughter, Joan Towse:- £20 at the age of 18 years.
If either daughter dies then the money goes to his sons.
Executors:= wife [not named], Rabard Wryght.
Witnesses:= William Haydon, John Corye/?Conye.
Probate:= 27/04/1559.
[this will is included because the son, William Towse was to buy and occupy
Bassingbourne Hall in Takeley. He very probably built a new house on the site.].
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 47
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Tucker, John, carpenter, 19/05/1750, E.R.O. D/ABW 96/3/96.
Wife, Elizabeth Tucker:= his copyhold messuage or tenement with houses, outhouses,
yards, gardens, orchards, lands, grounds and tenements of ten acres in his
occupation, and held from the manor of Saint Wallerice [Warish Hall]. She has this for
her life.
All his ready money, securities for money, credits whatsoever after paying his funeral
expenses and debts.
Niece, Bridget, wife of John Baylthrop:= the above for her life.
Son of his niece, William Baylthrop:= the above. If William leaves no heirs then the
above goes to his brother Daniel Baylthrop.
Sons of Bridget and John Baylthrop, John and Robert:= £5 in two years after the
death of Bridget Baylthrop, to be paid by either William or Daniel Baylthrop.
If payment is not made then they can enter land etc. until money is recovered.
He directs that the cupboard in the hall of his messuage, his lead and two bedsteads
are to stay with the messuage, whoever inherits.
Executrix:= wife, Elizabeth Tucker. If the rents and profits of his estate are insufficient
for her maintenance, then she may sell to make up the deficiency.
Mark of John Tucker
Witnesses:= Thomas Bridge, George William Robinson, William Jegon.
Probate:= 29/09/1750.
Page 48
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wallis, William, chapman, November 1602, E.R.O. D/ABW 41/12.
[A nuncupative will].
Wife, Constance Wallis:= all his goods not otherwise bestowed.
Brother in law, Michael Warren:= his wedding apparel.
Servant, Tabitha Myles:= 6s. 8d.
Gregory Randall:= his next suit.
Executrix:= wife, Constance Wallis.
Witnesses:= Edwin Lukyn, Gregory Randall, Mary Lowe, Anne Smythe.
Probate:= 02/12/1602.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 49
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, Anne, widow, n.d. E.R.O. D/ABW 90/2/51.
Weak and infirm in body.
Daughter in law, Margaret White:= the capital messuage or tenement where she
dwells, with a barn, stable, hoppet, orchard, garden, yards belonging to a certain
green called Morrell Green, and now in testator’s occupation. On condition that she
remains unmarried, if she does remarry then goes immediately to the next heir.
Kinswoman, Anne, daughter of William Thurgood:= all goods except those already
given, and remainder of goods, chattels, corn, hay, ready money, bills for money, rest
of her personal estate after paying her debts, and five closes of land, 4 acres, now in
the occupation of testator.
On condition that Anne Thurgood pays to her brothers and sisters, then living, £5 each
at the end of 12 months after the death of the testator.
If the lands are sown with corn at the time of testator’s death, then Margaret White
may quietly and peaceably take the crop from the ground without any let hindrance or
molestation from Anne Thurgood.
If any legacies are not paid, then the legatees may enter the closes until they are paid.
Sister, Jane, wife of William Thurgood:= 1s. if she demands it.
Sister, Alice Boyce:= 1s. if she demands it.
Kinsman, William, son of William Thurgood:= one joined bed and all the furniture
belonging, two hutches being in, or near the parlour, one long table, three joined
stools, a cup shelf, one mortar and pestle, two spits, one cleaver the same being in or
near the hall, one livery cupboard, a kettle in the dairy, a large kettle in one of the
chambers, two cushions in the hall.
Mark of Anne White.
Executrix:= Margaret White.
Witnesses:= George Pigram, mark of John Tyler, Joshua Aylesard.
Probate:= 08/06/1734.
Page 50
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, James, yeoman, 30/09/1829, E.R.O. D/ABR 33/356.
Wife, Mary White:= use of his household goods for her life She is to live in the house
rent free.
Grandson, John White:= the building standing on the East side of the house where he
dwells, with the garden and ground belonging to it, which he purchased of Mr.
Pernshaw.
Grandson, James White:= all copyhold lands held of the manor of Thremhall Priory
and any other manors, so long as his mother can occupy them for one year rent free,
so long as she does not remarry.
He is to pay his brothers and sisters £10 each. When Mary White dies he gets the
household goods, except for the bequests to grandchildren.
Grand daughter, Elizabeth Favell:= £100 to be paid after the death of testator’s wife
Mary, and the residue of the money in the hands of Nicholas Patmore, the residue
then to Charles Favell, Daniel Bartrop, William, John and Lydia Bartrop and his wife.
Friend, Nicholas Patmore:= £5.
He releases his daughter in law from her debts to him.
The mark of James White.
Executor:= Nicholas Patmore.
Witnesses:= John and James Rous, William Gill.
Probate:= 29/05/1830.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 51
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, John, yeoman, 30/06/1694, E.R.O. D/ABW 75/94.
Aged.
Wife, Winifred White:= all his moveables, goods, cattle, chattels, ready money, all the
debts owing to him, and all household stuff whatsoever.
Son, James White:= two crofts of land called Shepcornesfeilde, 3 acres of arable and
pasture, 3 acres.
After his death it goes to grandson, John White, second son of son James.
Grand daughter, Sarah, daughter of his son James White:= two messuages or
tenements, one in the occupation of Samuel Styles, the other of James Borden.
Grandchildren, John and Sarah, children of son, James White:= the house and land
“between my yard and Chase lane which leads to Takeley Street alias Stane Street,
with a way and passage.”
Executrix:= wife, Winifred White.
Witnesses:= Francis Dennis/?Dening. Sarah Mounford “hur marke” Thomas Ewen,
Probate:=21/11/1695.
Page 52
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, John, yeoman, 1767, E.R.O. D/ABW 102/2/60.
Wife, Mary White:= all his effects after paying his debts.
Sister, Elizabeth White, spinster:= to inherit the above if she survives Mary White.
Executrix:= wife, Mary White.
Witnesses:= Joseph Drywood, Sarah Smith makes a mark, John Usher, senior.
Probate:= 27/07/1767.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 53
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, John, yeoman, 1712, E.R.O. D/ABW 80/202.
Sick in body.
Daughter, Judith Roberts of Bishop’s Stortford, widow:= the cottage or tenement now
or late in the occupation of Edward Poecock, arable land of 3 acres belonging to it,
called Longcroft with a barn built on it.
Also Chauncell croft and five crofts called Churchfields, all held of the manor of
Waltham Hall. and in the occupation of Richard Banks.
After Judith’s death it goes to her lawful child or children.
Grandson, John Stock:= messuage in Takeley Street, now or late in the occupation of
Henry Coell, with backsides etc., 1 croft or close called Chalkes of 1 acre held of
Thremhall Priory.
The mark of John White.
Probate:= 1712.
Page 54
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, Robert, farmer, 19/02/1647. National Archives Prob. 11/294.
Sick in body.
The poor of Takeley:= 40s. to be distributed by his executors on the day of his burial,
or within one year after his death.
Wife, Joane White:= all the remainder of his goods and chattels unbequeathed, after
paying his legacies and debts. Also rents etc. as in the bequests to his children.
Son, John White:= £5 to be paid in one year after his death.
Sons, Robert and William White:= his freehold lands in Epping held of the manor of
Eppingbury, to be equally divided between them.
On condition that his wife Joane shall have the yearly rents to pay the fines to the Lord
of the Manor for the admission of her sons, and towards the good education and
bringing up of his two sons and other children
Also for the new building of a house in or by the place or room where the old stable
stands on copyhold ground.
If there is anything left over from this, then it goes to increasing the portions of his
children as his Executors shall think fit.
If Robert or William are dead, then their share to be divided among the other children.
Son, Thomas White:= freehold lands and tenements in Takeley after the death of
testator’s wife Joane White.
If he is dead then to be divided among the remaining children.
Daughter, Joane White:- £160 which is to be in her mother’s hands and put out to be
increased until she is 18 years old. If she is dead then it is to be divided amongst the
living children.
Executors:= father in law, John Fuller of Thorley, brother Henry White.
Witnesses:= John Stokes makes a mark, John Rayne.
Probate:= 13/06/1659.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 55
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
White, Thomas, yeoman, 21/01/1683, E.R.O. ABW 71/202.
Sick in body.
Brother, John White:= 1s. to be paid one month after his death.
Brother, Joseph White:= close, parcel of arable and pasture being customary land
held of Waltham Hall called Tunnells.
Brother, Stephen White:= three closes of land called Watland, held of the Manor of
Bassingbourne Hall. Also the freehold messuage or tenement, now in the occupation
of Joane White his mother, with yards, garden, orchard, barns, stable, outhouses and
buildings, and all freehold lands of arable and pasture after the death of Joane White
his mother.
Sister [in law], wife of Joseph White:= two closes of arable land called Bromecroft and
Carter Croft, held of the manor of Colchester Hall for her life, and then to her daughter
Joane White.
Nephews, sons of his brother Robert White:= 50s. each to be paid by testator’s
brother Joseph White when they are twenty one years old
Niece, Elizabeth, daughter of his brother William White:= £21 at twenty one years old.
The other four children of his brother William White:= £5 each to be paid by Joseph
White when they are twenty one years old.
Stephen White is to discharge all the legacies, and is to be paid by his brother Joseph
White.
Mark of Thomas White.
Executor:= Stephen White.
Witnesses:= William Leader, the wife of Thomas Stacey, Symon Hayward.
Probate:= 05/05/1685.
Page 56
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Whyte, James, 15/02/1568/9, E.R.O. D/ABW 39/275.
Wife, Rose Whyte:= free and copyhold lands .All the rest of his goods.
Son, William Whyte:= Chansell Croft.
Son, John Whyte:= tenement where he dwells, and the lands.
Daughter, Mercy Whyte:= £5 at 18 years old.
Daughter, Joan Whyte:= £5 at 18 years old.
Executrix:= wife, Rose Whyte.
Overseers:= George Kelsey, Robert Batsforde, who get 3s. 4d. each for their pains.
Probate:= 30/03/1569.
[Rose Whyte went on to marry John Skyngle]
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 57
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Whyte, Thomas, victualer, 10/01/1638, E.R.O. D/ABW 52/52.
Aged.
Wife, Jone White:= house where he now dwells with everything belonging for her life.
It is void if she remarries. Also a feather bed with the furniture belonging to it.
Son, John White:= the house and everything else after the death of Jone White, so
long as he pays £5 to testator’s daughter Jone. Also the joined bedstead in the
parlour.
Son, Richard Whyte:= £5.
Son, Thomas Whyte:= £5 one year after testator’s death.
Daughter, Margaret Whyte:= £5. Also a table and frame in the new chamber with a
chest.
Daughter, Mary White:= the end of the table, a table, a frame, and £5.
Daughter, Jone White:= a table and a frame in the new chamber, a great chest in the
chamber next to the parlour.
All the remainder of his goods are to be divided equally among his wife and children.
Will is signed by Thomas White.
Executrix:= wife, Jone White.
Witnesses.:= John White the elder, Henry Langley. [this signature is in the same hand
as the will]
Page 58
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Williams, William, weaver, 27/01/1653, National Archives Prob.11/235.
Very aged, sick and weakly in body.
Brother, Henry Williams of Hatfield Broad Oak, weaver:= 20s.
Sister, Anne, wife of Abraham Garret of Hatfield Broad Oak, husbandman:= 20s.
If either Henry or Anne are dead then it goes to their children within one year after
their deaths.
Sister, Martha, wife of Thomas Hunt of the City of London, sawyer:= 20s. to be paid
within one year after death of the testator. If she is dead it goes to her daughter
Martha Hunt, spinster, one year after the death of her mother.
Cousin, Mary, wife of Thomas Marden, yeoman:= one joined table, four joined stools
standing in the hall where he dwells, one great press standing in the parlour to hang
close, one great brass pot, one bolster.
Cousin, Anne Browne, spinster:= one joined bedstead standing in the parlour.
Anne, spinster, daughter of Ralph Browne, tailor:= £4 to be paid to her at twenty one
years. If she is dead, then to her sister Prudence Browne on the same terms. If
Prudence is dead, then the Executor is to pay the money to Angellete, wife of Ralph
Browne, one year after the death of Prudence.
Christopher, son of Thomas Mardon:= £4. If he is dead then it is to be distributed
amongst the other children of Thomas Mardon who are living, in one year after the
death of Christopher Marden.
Friend, Gregory Newman:= cottage where he now dwells, with orchard, yard
containing one rood, on condition that Newman pays all his legacies etc. All the rest of
his goods chattels, moveables, and other things not already bequeathed.
The mark of William Williams.
Executor:= Gregory Newman.
Witnesses:= Thomas Mownsedd, the mark of Jeremiah Nightingale.
Probate:= 30/05/1654.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 59
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Williams, John, button seller of London. 25/04/1662. New College, 3708.
Mother, Anne Williams, widow:= messuage called Hills with the lands belonging to it
for her life.
Nephew, Peter, son of his sister Mary Marden:= the above after the death of Anne
Williams. He is to pay his brother Christopher Marden £60 at the rate of £16 10s.
within one year after the death of the testator, for four years.
Niece, Sarah, daughter of Mary Marden := £60 to be paid at the same rate starting five
years after the death of Anne Williams. She is to have £4 a year starting within one
year “in case she survive her husband” and so long as she remains a widow.
Nephew Thomas, son of his sister Mary Marden := messuage called Tanners after the
death of Anne Williams. He is to pay her 40s. a year during her widowhood. A Bond
was bequeathed to her in August 1660.
Anne Williams came to Court and petitioned to be admitted to the tenement called
Hills with the crofts called Smithfeild, White Croft, Footeings Croft, Home Croft, Stable
Croft, Cole Mead, Le Long Valley, Le Round valley, and Le Little Wood extending as
far as the street called Nether Street or Nether Greene. 16 acres in all, at a rent of 4s
6d. Fine £4.
Page 60
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wright, Jone, widow, 12/09/1643, E.R.O. D/ABW 58/160.
Sick in body.
The poor of Takeley:= £2 to be distributed at her burial by her Executrix.
Eldest son, Thomas Wryght:= £15 within two years after her death, but as Thomas is
at the time of the will beyond the sea, if he does not come to claim the money in the
time specified it goes elsewhere, i.e. to daughter Margarett Notle £5, to grandson
Thomas Wright £5, and grandchild Mary Wright £5.
Also one standing bed in the great chamber, one feather bed in the little parlour, one
coverlid, one blanket, one bolster, one pillow, one table in the hall with a frame, form
and stole belonging to it, one small kettle, the great brass pot, one locked chest in her
chamber.
Son, Richard Wright:= £10 to be paid in two years after her death.
Also one borded bed with all that belongs to it where she usually lies, a trundle bed in
the great chamber, one little kettle, one little brass pot, the table in the little parlour,
and two joined stools.
Daughter, Jone Frost:= £2 to be paid within two years after her death.
Daughter, Margarett Notle:= £2 as above.
Daughter in law, Ellen Wright:= all the rest of her wearing apparel, not already
bequeathed.
Mildred, wife of Thomas Battfford:= her best gown.
Daughter, Mary Wright:= all the rest of her moveable goods and chattels,
Mark of Jone Whryght.
Executrix:= daughter, Mary Wright.
Witnesses:= John White makes a mark, Robert Lukin, George Holgate.
Probate:= 08/04/1645.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 61
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wright, Simon, husbandman, 30/07/1677, E.R.O. D/ABW 74/283.
Wife, Sarah White:= the house where he now dwells being a customary tenement,
and three acres of land called Symmonds and Knaresburgh, for her life. Also land in
Broxted called Leye Croft.
Son, George White and wife Anne:= to inherit the above after the death of Sarah
White. After their deaths it goes to their son George White. Also Packed? and Broxted
Croft , 9 acres, paying to Sarah White 20s. a year for her life.
Anne, wife of Thomas Richardson:= unreadable.
Anne, wife of Richard Hollingsworth:= 20s.
Lucy Baise:= 1 cow, 1 hog, corn, stock, rest unreadable.
Executor:= son, George White.
Witnesses:= John Kendall, William Kendall and John Kendall.
Probate:=30/05/1694.
Page 62
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wright, Thomas, victualler. 11/01/1633. E.R.O. D/ABW 52/53.
Aged.
Wife, Jone Wright:= the house where he dwells with the household goods for her life if
she is unmarried. Void if she marries. She is to keep the house in good repair. The
feather bed with the furniture belonging to it that is in the old chamber. All the rest of
his goods, moveable and unmoveable to be shared equally with children Jone, Mary,
Margaret and Richard. Any residue goods not already bequeathed.
Son, John Wright:= the above after the death of this mother on condition he pays £20
to brother and sisters between them. The bedstead in the parlour where it now stands.
Son Richard Wright := £5 from the above £20. Equal share in the house if John dies,
and after his mother’s death.
Son, Thomas Wright := £5 in one year after his death to be paid by the Executor.
Daughter, Jone Wright := £5 from the above £20. The table and frame in the new
parlour. 1 great chest in the chamber over the new parlour. An equal share of the sale
of the house with the other siblings after her mother’s death if brother John has also
died. Sale is to be made by Jone and Margaret Wright.
Daughter, Margaret Wright := £5 from the above £20. An equal share if John dies as
above. Table and frame in the new chamber with a chest at the end of the table.
Daughter, Mary Wright := £5 from the above £20. Equal share if John dies as above.
Table and frame and form in the same chamber [the new chamber].
Executor := wife, Jone Wright.
Overseer := John Whyte the elder. He is to get £s. for his pains.
Witnesses := John Whyte the elder, Henry Langley.
Probate := 22/07/1633.
[There is a will of Jone Wright dated 12/09/1643, D/ABW 58/160, that may be that of
Thomas’ widow. Some names are missing but many match]
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 63
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wright, Thomas, tailor, 11/01/1639. E.R.O. D/DB T15/21.
Joan Frost, widow, Mary Wright, spinster, both of Takeley and Margaret, wife of
Richard Oteley of Chelmsford, cook, all daughters of Thomas Wright, deceased.
Deed between Joan and Margaret concerning the house in Takeley Street to sister
Mary.
House abuts Takeley Street and lies between the property, late of William Towse on
the East and the property late John Morrell on the West, and then in the occupation of
Joan Frost and Mary Wright.
According to the will of Thomas Wright, tailor, the money is to be divided between
Joan Frost, Margaret Oteley, Mary Wright and Richard Wright, who is at present
serving in the Parliamentary Army.
[see also the wills of Jone Wright E.R.O. D/ABW 58/160. and Thomas Wright E.R.O.
D/ABW 52/53. The text suggests that the Wrights lived at what is now The Green Man
public house.]
Page 64
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wright, William, husbandman, ??/09/1609, E.R.O. D/ABW 41/126.
[Nuncupative].
Wife, Elizabeth Wright:= all his goods and chattels.
Executrix:= wife, Elizabeth Wright.
Witnesses:= Richard Ive, Anthony Amskr, W. Sellers.
Probate:- 09/1609.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 65
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wryt, Elizabeth, widow, 18/04/1626, E.R.O. D/ABW 47/39.
Sick in body.
Grandchild, Elizabeth Eve:= the best bedstead and the new teetl??
The best covering, one pair of flaxen sheets, one bolster, one bed blanket, one
hollane pillow beere, and the best joined chest, the little cupboard in the hall, one
brass pot, one pewter dish and one pillow.
Annis Eve:= the great cupboard, the second chest, one new bowl, one barrel, one
emnell? One alle, one bolster, one new blanket, one pair of sheets, with one hollow
pillow beere, one pillow, one pewter dish and one covering.
Ellen Eve:= one bedstead, with one flock bed and one new blanket, one bolster, one
pillow, one pair of sheets, one hollow pillow beere, the second covering, one kettle
without a band, one new barrel, one brewing tool, one new chest , one bowl, one
pewter dish and one measuring fork.
Henry Eve:= the quern, the souldering trough, the long plank, one pair of sheets and
one pewter dish.
Daughter, Elizabeth wife of Henry Staines:= one pair of sheets.
Susan Staines:= one pair of sheets with the long table in the solar, one new box, one
little tub, one bassell, and one table napkin.
Roberta Staines:= one pair of sheets, the long table with one table cloth, one chair,
the long form, one great postnet, one pillow, one towen pillowbeere, one shibl?, one
mortar with one kneading trough and one table napkin.
John Stanes:= one hutch, one little table in the solar, the grindstone, the bushel and
the mustard suarer
Henry Stanes:= the quern stone, the half bushel with one spit and tongs, one
cupboard, one wedge, one chair, one little table and one pewter candle stick.
Elizabeth Wryt makes a mark.
Executor:= James Kinge of Shearing. He gets her corn in the ground and all goods not
given. He pays her debts and discharges her funeral, bringing her body to the ground
decently.
Overseer:= Anthony Hansetter.
Witnesses:= Thomas Harries, Anthony Handzeker.
Probate:= 06/06/1626.
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TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wude, Thomas, 13/06/1542, E.R.O. D/ABW 39/52.
[William Wood in E.R.O. list]
Sick of body.
Soul to God his Maker and to our lady Saint Mary and to all the Company of Heaven.
Body to be buried in the church yard.
Son, Robert Wude:= 15s.
Daughter, Alyes Wude:= 40s.
Daughter, Mary Wude:= 40s.
John ???
Jhone Wylliams the younger:= a quarter of barley.
Mychaell Wylliams is to despose his legacy of £6 13s. 4d. that he owes as is specified
in a pair of Indentures made by them both.
Executor:= Mychaell Wylliams.
Witnesses:= William Abuforth, Vicar, John Lamberd, John P[ ]oear, and others.
Xis iid.[11s 2d] Sol xijd [12d] X [10].
[William Abuforth was Vicar 1535 to 1545. Presumably the money listed is the value of
the estate].
Probate:- 17/06/1542
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
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Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wyberd, Thomas, yeoman, 19/06/1598, E.R.O. D/ABW 40/291.
Body to be buried in the Chauncell of Takeley so near his son John’s children as may
be convenient.
To the poor and needy of Takeley and the other villages adjoining Takeley coming on
the day of his funeral, the sum of 26 shillings and eight pence. A further 40s. is to be
distributed by his Executors over the next two years.
Son, George Wyberd:= messuage or tenement known or called of the old time
Aylemers in the hamlet of Tye in the parish of Elsenham, and all edifices, houses,
building, yards, curtilages, gardens, orchards, lands, meadows, pastures, woods,
feeding commons, profits, commodities, and hereditaments.
The appurtenances etc. to the messuage or tenement lying in Elsenham and Stansted
Mountfichet, lately in the tenure of Fraunces Clerke or his assignes, and lately
purchased from Thomas Mead, late of Rayne, Essex.
Provided always that George pays out of two fields or crofts called Leye Hooke or Lye
Hook that lie together and are enclosed, the yearly annuity and rent charges of £5
6s.8d. to the testator’s son Thomas Wyberd on the Feast days of Saint Michael the
Archangel, and The Annunciacon of the Virgin Mary by equal portions.
Daughters, Johanne Gaynefford, Mary Wylmott, Fraunces Godfry and Mary
Rewast?:= £10 each to be paid out of his corn and moveables in one year after his
death.
Daughter, Jane Wyberd:= has received the same sum for her child’s part and portion
so he gives Jane 40s. more to be paid in one year after his death.
Grand daughter, Anne eldest daughter of son George Wyberd:= £6 13s. 4d. to be paid
in one year after his death.
Godson, Thomas Godfrey:= 16s. 8d.
[from this point there are several gaps in the will which will be marked with….]
……….his son
Agnes Whiskett and Margaret Hill……
Niece of his wife called ….Pickett, her son called:=…….
……moveables and unmoveables to…..George Wyberd part and part alike…..
Executors:= sons, John and George Wyberd.
Overseer:= son in law, Lawrence Gainesford, and he gets 10s. for his pains.
Witnesses:= Henry Ives, Thomas Pamphilon, William Saltmerche, Nicholas Mitchell,
senior.
Probate:= 19/02/1599.
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TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Wylliams, Wylliam, husbandman, 14/02/1616, E.R.O. D/ABW 41/273.
Sick in body.
Buried in the churchyard of Takeley.
The poor of Takeley:= 20s. to be distributed by his Executrix within one month after
his death.
Wife, Mary Wylliams:= his customary messuage or tenement where he dwells with all
the lands belonging to it.
She is to enter into a bond with his son, Wylliam Wylliams, for the payment of his
legacy.
She is also to pay to Peter Wylliams during the term of her life, 40s. starting twelve
months after the death of the testator.
Also all his goods, chattels, household stuff after paying his debts and funeral
expenses.
Eldest son, John Wylliams:=£20 at Michaelmas after the death of Mary Wylliams, and
£20 in twelve months of the same.
These amounts are to be paid to John or his heirs at, or within, the Church porch of
Takeley church.
Second son, Wylliam Wylliams:= £18 to be paid by Mary Wylliams as £6 at
Michaelmas after the death of the testator, and £6 in one year, and £6 in two years
after his death.
Son, Peter Wylliams:= the house after the death of his mother with Smyth Field, Home
Croft, Footynge Croft, and White Croft.
Also Stable Croft, Cole Mead, the long valley, the round valley, the little Perytle
[Pightle] that comes up a lane called Nether Streate, or Nether Streate Lane under
certain conditions.
In six months after the death of Mary Wylliams he is to go to a Court held at Waldryse
Hall [Warish Hall] and enter into a Bond with the Overseer of this will for the payment
of the various legacies etc. If he does not then the lands given to him are to be sold
and the money shared between John the eldest, Wynyffryd, Anne Burell, Mary,
Marheu, Wylliam, John the younger and Henry Wylliams.
Son, John Wylliams the younger:= £20 in five years after the death of Mary Wylliams
and to be paid in the church porch.
Son, Henry Wylliams:= £25 to be paid six years as above.
Daughter, Wynyffryd Wylliams:= £10 in three years after the death of Mary Wylliams
to be paid in the church porch.
Daughter, Anne Burell:= £10 as above.
Daughter, Mary Wylliams:= £10 in four years after the death of wife Mary Wylliams.
Daughter, Mathew [Maheu] Wylliams:= £10 as above, both to be paid at the church
porch.
Grandchildren, John and Mary Burell:=10s. in seven years after the death of Mary
Wylliams.
Executrix:= wife, Mary Wylliams.
Overseers:= friends, Benjamin Gommell, Samuel Gaynfford, Edwyn Lukyn, John
Howland.
Witnesses:= George Wrighte, Myheil Cawbecke, Robert Mal??, Robert Harvey, John
Green
?tornott?.
Probate:- 04/1617.
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Page 69
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Contents
Ramsey, Joseph, cordwainer, 24/03/1807, E.R.O. D/ABR 120/2/69. ........................... 2
Ramsey, Mary, widow, 11/02/1833, E.R.O. D/DB/T 1372. ........................................... 3
Raven, Joseph, farmer. 06/06/1821, National Archives PROB 11/1709. ..................... 5
Rayner, Elizabeth, widow, 01/10/1755, E.R.O. D/ABW 98/3/48 D/ABR/24/147. ......... 6
Robe, William James Green, esquire, of Frogs Hall. 03/08/1847. National
Archives.PROB. 11/2075.............................................................................................. 7
Rous, John, gent, 23/01/1849, E.R.O. D/ABW 139/2/47. ............................................. 8
Russell, Mary, widow 06/06/1702, E.R.O. D/ABW 77/155............................................ 9
Rutterford/Rotherford, George, shoemaker, 12/05/1599, E.R.O. D/ABW 32/98. ........ 10
Sach, William, husbandman, 16/09/1723. E.R.O. D//ABW 94/1/69. ........................... 11
Salmon, Edmund the elder, yeoman, 17/10/1820. E.R.O. D/ABW 125/1/8. ............... 12
Saunders, Dorothy, widow, 27/09/1803, E.R.O. D/ABW 116/2/45. ............................ 13
Saunders, John, yeoman, 13/02/1777, E.R.O. D/ABW 106/1/38. .............................. 14
Savill, Mary, widow, 31/08/1659, National Archives Prob. 11/296. ............................. 15
Savill, George, 18/04/1840, E.R.O. D/ABW 134/2/56. ................................................ 16
Savill, Samuel, Farming Bailiff of Takeley Grange, 27/04/1837, E.R.O. D/ABW ........ 17
Seale, John, yeoman, 18/04/1591, E.R.O. D/ABW 35/104......................................... 18
Sering, Richard, husbandman, 25/04/1606 E.R.O. D/ABW 36/43. ............................. 19
Skyngle, Baldwin, yeoman, 07/04/1750, E.R.O. D/ABW 99/1/54. .............................. 20
Skyngle, John, labourer of Bambers Green, 25/03/1820, Warish Hall Manorial records.
................................................................................................................................... 21
Skyngle, John labourer. 19/05/1810. Warish Hall Manorial records. .......................... 22
Smith, John, yeoman, 24/09/1678, E.R.O. D/ABW 70/20........................................... 23
Smith, John the elder, butcher, 24/05/1657, National Archives Prob. 11/270. ........... 25
Snowe, Elizabeth, widow, 07/01/1567/8, E.R.O. D/ABW 34/71. ................................. 26
Speller, Elizabeth, spinster. 29/03/1831, National Archives Prob. 11/1789. .............. 27
Speller, John, shoemaker, 10/10/1832. E.R.O. D/ABR/33/555. ................................. 28
Speller, John, farmer, 08/11/1809, National Archives Prob. 11/1592. ........................ 29
Speller, Robert, victualler, 07/05/1791, E.R.O. D/ABW 111/3/45. .............................. 30
Speller, Newman, farmer, of Sewers Hall, 18/11/1817, E.R.O. D/ABW 123/2/12. ...... 31
Speller, Thomas, labourer, 16/09/1591, E.R.O. D/ABW 35/237. ................................ 32
Staines, Elizabeth, widow, 28/05/1655, E.R.O. D/ABW 61/105. ................................. 33
Stanes, John, yeoman 1684, E. R.O. D/ABW 71/47. ................................................. 34
Staines, James, farmer and publican, of Morrells Green, 20/02/1848, E.R.O.
D/ABR/36/60. ............................................................................................................. 35
Stanes, Jane, widow, 20/11/1624, E.R.O. D/ABW 46/168. ........................................ 36
Stanes, John yeoman. 02/04/1613. E.R.O. D/ABW 36/212........................................ 37
Stanes, Pernell, widow, 11/04/1612, E.R.O. D/ABW 36/213. ..................................... 38
Stock, John, labourer, 06/02/1788, E.R.O. D/ABW 114/1/55. .................................... 39
Stock, Thomas, yeoman, 14/10/1756, E.R.O. D/ABR/25/255. ................................... 40
Stracey, Daniel, husbandman, 12/03/1676, E.R.O. D/ABW 70/23. ............................ 41
Taylor, Samuel, grocer, 07/09/1689, E.R.O. D/ABW 74/61. ....................................... 42
Thornber, Robart/Robert, 06/12/1766, National Archives Prob. 11/931. ................... 43
Thorowgood, Denys, 20/11/1605. E.R.O. D/ABW 38/96. ........................................... 44
Thurgood, William, husbandman, 09/06/1635. E.R.O. D/ABW 53/25. ........................ 45
Towse, William. National Archives Prob 11/179. ........................................................ 46
Towse, William, 17/01/1558, E.R.O. D/ABW 37/124. ................................................. 47
Page 70
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Precis of the wills of Takeley residents. Q to Z
Tucker, John, carpenter, 19/05/1750, E.R.O. D/ABW 96/3/96. .................................. 48
Wallis, William, chapman, November 1602, E.R.O. D/ABW 41/12. ............................ 49
White, Anne, widow, n.d. E.R.O. D/ABW 90/2/51. ..................................................... 50
White, James, yeoman, 30/09/1829, E.R.O. D/ABR 33/356....................................... 51
White, John, yeoman, 30/06/1694, E.R.O. D/ABW 75/94........................................... 52
White, John, yeoman, 1767, E.R.O. D/ABW 102/2/60................................................ 53
White, John, yeoman, 1712, E.R.O. D/ABW 80/202. ................................................. 54
White, Robert, farmer, 19/02/1647. National Archives Prob. 11/294. ......................... 55
White, Thomas, yeoman, 21/01/1683, E.R.O. ABW 71/202. ...................................... 56
Whyte, James, 15/02/1568/9, E.R.O. D/ABW 39/275. ............................................... 57
Whyte, Thomas, victualer, 10/01/1638, E.R.O. D/ABW 52/52. ................................... 58
Williams, William, weaver, 27/01/1653, National Archives Prob.11/235. .................... 59
Williams, John, button seller of London. 25/04/1662. New College, 3708. ................. 60
Wright, Jone, widow, 12/09/1643, E.R.O. D/ABW 58/160. ......................................... 61
Wright, Simon, husbandman, 30/07/1677, E.R.O. D/ABW 74/283. ............................ 62
Wright, Thomas, victualler. 11/01/1633. E.R.O. D/ABW 52/53. .................................. 63
Wright, Thomas, tailor, 11/01/1639. E.R.O. D/DB T15/21. ......................................... 64
Wright, William, husbandman, ??/09/1609, E.R.O. D/ABW 41/126. ........................... 65
Wryt, Elizabeth, widow, 18/04/1626, E.R.O. D/ABW 47/39. ....................................... 66
Wude, Thomas, 13/06/1542, E.R.O. D/ABW 39/52. ................................................... 67
Wyberd, Thomas, yeoman, 19/06/1598, E.R.O. D/ABW 40/291. ............................... 68
Wylliams, Wylliam, husbandman, 14/02/1616, E.R.O. D/ABW 41/273. ...................... 69
TAKELEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
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