Wills relating to Grey Friars, London: 1374-1430

I. Extracts from Wills Relating to Grey Friars, London.

The great majority of these Wills come from those registered in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.). These Wills are noted simply by the name of the volume with the number of the quaternion in which the Will is to be found. The next in order are the Wills proved in the Court of the Commissary of London; these Wills are noted Comm. Lond., with the name of the volume and the number of the folio. Between 1395 and 1414 some Wills are given from the Register of the Archdeacon of London; noted Archd. Lond., Reg. I, with the number of the folio. There are very few Wills from other sources. Amongst the numerous Wills registered in the Court of Husting which contain references to the Grey Friars (chiefly bequests for masses) there are only six instances where the testator desired to be buried at Greyfriars. It has not appeared necessary to include these here, but it may be useful to give the names and dates. 1286 John de St. Meynak; 1389 John Philpot; 1425 John Basset; 1436 Guy Terry; 1439 John Barre alias Markeley; 1466 William Burton. Of these Philpot, Basset, and Barre (or Barowe) appear in the Register, and Wills of Basset and Barre are given below.

Biographical notes which appear in the Grey Friars of London are not repeated here.

Note. Names which do not appear in the Register are marked*. The names of persons who were not buried at Greyfriars are marked †.

1374. * Thomas Peccherone, merchant of Dynant. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors of London, and payment made at the discretion of his executors.

Will dated 1 June, 1374. Proved 15 June, 1374 Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 8.

1377. * Hugh atte Hall. To be buried "apud ratres minores London."

Will dated 2 May, 1377. Proved 13 July, 1377. Comm. London, Courtney, f. 48.

1382. * Paschasius de Ilardia, procurator Regis Naverre. To be buried in the Friars Minors, London, and left 4 marks for his burial. Left "fratri Egidio confessori suo" 13s. 4d.

Will dated 22 July, 1382. Proved same day. Comm. London, Courtney, f. 89.

1384. * Peter atte Lane, baker, of S. Ewen's. To be buried among the Friars Minors of London. To the work of the church and houses of the said Friars, 20s. To each of the four Orders and to the Crutched Friars, 30d. for placebo and dirige.

Will dated 5 May, 1384. Proved 9 May, 1384. Comm. London, Courtney, f. 118.

1385. * Hugh Mason, butcher, of S. Nicholas Shambles. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left the Friars 60s. "Lego fratri Willelmo Browe et fratri Waltero Spenser de ordine fratrum Minorum, cuilibet eorum x.s., sub condicione quod quilibet eorum celebret pro anima mea trigintale Sancti Gregorii . . . Lego fratri Henrico Stanyng de ordine Minorum, iij s. iiij d."

Will dated 5 Dec., 1385. Proved 10 Dec., 1385. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 146.

Hugh Mason was one of the masters of the Mistery of Butchers of the Shambles in Nov. 1378 (Letter Book, H, p. 96).

1386. Edward Burnell, Rector of the Church of Cotenham. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left the Friars 40l. Left Sir Hugh Burnell, his brother, all his vessels of silver.

Will dated 30 March, 1386. Proved 4 May, 1386. Ely Consistory Court, Arundel, f. 56.

Buried in the midst of the Choir and described in the Register as "venerabilis Magister et dominus Edwardus Burnell, filius domini de Burnell" (Grey Friars, p. 75). He occurs as Archdeacon of Ely in 1373 and 1380 (Le Neve, Fasti, i, 351). The lords Burnell had a residence near Holborn Bridge, within a short distance of Greyfriars (Cal. Letter Book, H, p. 372).

1390. * William Ramundi. "In domo suo habitacionis in carreria Douegate nobilis et potens Baro, dominus Willelmus Ramundi de Madelhano, miles, dominus de Rosano, patrie Acquitanie." (fn. 1) To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors of London, but afterwards his body was to be removed for burial at S. Marie de Puyolys with his ancestors. He left 10 marks to the Friars for his first burial and exhumation. "Frater Guillelmus Fabri, conventus Fratrum Minorum" was an executor.

Will dated 10 Sept., 1390. Proved 19 Dec., 1390. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 221.

1393. Sir John Devereux. "Mon corps destre enteres a les freres menours en Londres. Item ieo devyse cynq taperes de syre entour mon corps en le quyze dune Croyse et vj torches par vj homes tenantz les ditz torches, checun vestu en blanc drap et eyant checun xi d. pur leur travayl, et checun poure home qui vyent le iour de mon sepulture j d. en almoyngne pur prier pur mon alme et de touz cristienes. Item ieo diveyse a les ditz freres pur mon sepulture xl marcs."

Will dated 5 June, 1390. Proved 24 Feb., 1392–3. 3 Rous.

He was buried "coram altaribus" in a raised tomb between the Common and Jesus Altars. Grey Friars, p. 106. See also Testamenta Vetusta, p. 134.

1393. * Maud Organ, late wife of Hugh atte Stone. To be buried at Friars Minors, London, and left 10s. for her sepulture. Two torches were to burn about her, and one was left to the Friars and the other to S. Michael Bassynghawe. "Lego fratri Johanni Bauel dicte ordinis fratrum Minorum ad celebrandum et exorandum pro anima mea, ij s. Lego fratri Johanni Leghes, eiusdem ordinis, ad celebrandum pro anima dicti Hamonis nuper viri mei et anima mea, etc., v marcas."

Will dated 19 Aug., 1393. No Probate. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 284.

John Bavell was buried in S. Mary's Chapel, and is described as "valens pater" (Grey Friars, p. 85); his date was not known. John Leghes is new. Maud Organ or Atte Stone was, according to her will, sister of John Organ (sheriff in 1385–1386).

1395. * Robert Clopton, carpenter, of London. To be buried "in domo Fratrum Minorum."

Will dated 21 May, 1395. Proved 15 Sept., 1395. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 30.

1396. * John Punchon, brewer. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors within Newgate.

Will dated 19 Oct., 1395. Proved 26 Jan., 1395–6. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 360.

1396. * John de Sancto Gracio, merchant of Genoa, son of Stephen de Sancto Gracio. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors of London, who are to be remunerated as his executors think fit. "Datum in domo habitacionis Reginaldi Grelli in parochia sancti Swythini, London."

Will dated 23 July, 1396. Proved 12 Aug., 1396. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 372.

1396. William Kyngman, vintner. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left the friars 20s. for his sepulture and for his soul to be had in remembrance. Mentions his tavern "le Holebole" in Cheap.

Will dated 31 Aug., 1396. Proved 18 Sept., 1396. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 379.

Buried in the second bay of the South Aisle of the Nave. The Register gives no date. Grey Friars, p. 124.

1398. * Alice atte Water, widow of William atte Water. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left the Friars 10s.

Will dated 4 March, 1397–8. Proved 4 April, 1398. Comm. Lond., Courtney, f. 411.

1400. * Richard Bole, citizen of London. To be buried "in domo Fratrum Minorum."

Will dated 5 Jan., 1399–1400. Proved 12 Jan., 1399– 1400. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 42.

1401. * John Huggford. Nuncupative Will made "in quodam hospicio vulgariter nuncupato the Kyngeshed in suburbio de Fletstrete." Son of William Huggford, of Shropshire. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors.

Will dated 3 May, 1401. Proved 15 November, 1401. 1 Marche.

1401. John Viaunde. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left the Friars 100s.

Will dated 7 Oct., 1401. Proved 21 Oct., 1401. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 9.

Buried in the second bay of the Choir in the All Hallows Chapel. The date "1410" in the Register is an error for 1401. Grey Friars, 78.

1402. * Parnell Katerinton, wife of John Katerinton, of S. Faith's. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London.

Will dated 31 Jan., 1401–2. Proved 3 March, 1401–2. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 16.

1403. Nicholas Uske, late Treasurer of the Town of Cales (Calais). To be buried in the Conventual Church of the Friars Minors at the discretion of his executors. John Norbury, esq., father of his wife, was overseer of his will, and Richard de Lodelowe, Rector of S. Mary Somerset, one of the witnesses. Dated "in curia sua," in the parish of S. Mary Somerset.

Will dated 1 Feb., 1402–3. Proved 10 Feb., 1402–3. 3 Marche.

He was buried "under the cross" before the Altar of the Holy Cross, close to the tomb of John Norbury. Grey Friars, pp. 109 111.

1404. * Thomas Horwell or Orwell, "Episcopus Aladene." To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors of London, if he happened to die there. Left 10s. to the Friars and a chalice to the Church of Killala.

Will dated 20 March, 1401–2. Proved 2 July, 1404. 7 Marche.

He was bishop of Killala 31 Jan., 1389, and suffragan of Ely from 1389 to 1404. Cf. Franciscan Province of Ireland (B.S.F.S. IX), p. 165.

1404. Thomas Fovent or Favent. To be buried in the Friars Minors. Left 6s. 8d. to the Friars of the Holy Cross, London, for masses; and 40d. to the sub-prior. His will was dated in S. Mary Hospital beside London.

Will dated 6 April, 1404. Proved 7 June, 1404. 6 Marche.

Buried in the fifth bay of the Choir in the Chapel of S. Francis. Grey Friars, p. 96.

1404. Walter Malet. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left 40s. to each of the Orders of Friars in London.

Will dated 2 Nov., 1404. Proved 30 Nov., 1404. 7 Marche.

Was Rector of S. Mary-le-Bow. Buried in the centre of the fourth bay of the Choir in the Chapel of S. Mary. Grey Friars, p. 82.

1405. * William Gele. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left 3s. 4d. for his sepulture and their prayers.

Will dated 22 Dec., 1404. Proved 28 Jan., 1404–5. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 58.

1405. William Marchall. To be buried within the house of the Friars Minors, London. Left much armour to friends.

Will dated 12 Feb., 1404–5. Proved 11 March, 1404–5. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 61.

Buried "sub parvo lapide" in the centre of the Nave. The Register gives no date. Grey Friars, p. 122.

1406. * Richard Barton. To be buried "in cimiterio Fratrum Minorum, London, coram ymagine sancti Francisci." Left 20s. to the Convent.

Will dated 9 Jan., 1405–6. Proved 25 Jan., 1405–6. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 152.

1406. * Richard Covyntre, skinner, of S. Ewen's. To be buried "in ecclesia Fratrum Minorum juxta ymaginem sancti Christofori . . . Lego ffratri Waltero Spenser et ffratri Edmundo Rous ad celebrandum trentale sancti Gregorii" [no amount given]. To the Convent, 6s. 8d. Mentions wife, Maud.

Will dated 1405. Proved 26 Jan., 1405–6. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 152.

The Image of S. Christopher is mentioned in the Will of James Gyfford in 1473. It was very probably in the fifth bay of the North Aisle of the Nave, where was the window of S. Christopher. Friar Walter Spenser is mentioned in the Will of Hugh Mason in 1385. Friar Edmund Rous is a new name.

1406. * William Asshe, salter, of S. Sepulchre's. To be buried "in ecclesia Fratrum Minorum ex parte australi extra barras." Left 20s. to the Friars.

Will dated 4 July, 1406. Proved 21 July, 1406. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 158.

The "bars" may be the same as the "valve" or "valence," which means the screen between the Altars and the Nave proper.

1407. * Simon Frenssh, baker, of S. Sepulchre's parish. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London.

Will dated 1 Nov., 1407. Proved 23 Nov., 1407. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 107.

Possibly father of Friar John Frensche. Simon Frensshe was a representative of the Mistery of Bakers in the Common Council in 1376. Letter Book, H, p. 41.

1408. * John Gawt, baker, of S. Ethelburga. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left 20s. to the Friars.

Will dated 22 March, 1406–7. Proved 4 March, 1407–8. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 170.

1408. Richard Gest. To be buried at the Friars Minors, "secundum disposicionem Magistri Roberti Chamberleyn, fratris." Chamberleyn was witness to a Codicil on 7 Jan.

Will dated 2 Jan., 1407–8. Proved 23 Jan., 1407–8. 15 Marche.

He was buried "coram altaribus" near the Jesus Altar. Robert Chamberleyn occurs as Guardian of the London house in 1403. Grey Friars, pp. 57, 109.

1409. * John Wynchecombe, of S. Nicholas Oloff. To be buried in the Conventual Church of the Friars Minors. Left 10s. to the Friars for a trental.

Will dated 10 July, 1407. Proved 8 Feb., 1407–8. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 210.

1409. * Walter Elys. To be buried "in cimiterio Fratrum Minorum, London." Left the Friars to pray for him, 20d.

Will dated 20 April, 1409. Proved 20 April, 1409. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 212.

1410. Thomas Cornton. To be buried in the midst of the North Aisle of the Nave of the Church of the Friars Minors, London. A marble stone with sculpture was to be put on his tomb at a cost of not more than 26s. 8d. Left the Friars 40s. for masses, and to be remembered amongst their benefactors for a whole year. To each of the Friars that bore him to the Church 12d. Left two torches to the Friars.

Will dated 28 June, 1408. Proved 2 May, 1410. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 171.

Clearly to be identified with the Thomas Comton of the Register, who was buried in the fourth bay of the North Aisle. Grey Friars, p. 121.

1410. * John Castre, of S. Mildred Poultry. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left the Friars 20s. for his sepulture and their prayers.

Will dated 31 May, 1410. Proved 25 Aug., 1410. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 232.

1410. * William Conynggrove. To be buried "in claustro Fratrum Minorum, London." For his sepulture and their prayers, 20s. Bequests to the Church of S. Mary, Northall, and to the works of S. James, Clerkenwell.

Will dated 8 June, 1410. No Probate, probably 1414. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 289.

1411. * David Bardevyle, of S. Olave, Silver Street. To be buried "in ecclesia Fratrum Minorum coram imagine beate Marie in parte australi dicte ecclesie."

Will dated 1 April, 1411. Proved 3 May, 1411. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 244.

This Image seems clearly to have been in the South Aisle of the Nave. The Will of Joan Golding in 1464 mentions an Image of Our Lady, but again we do not know the position of the tomb. William Gee in 1485 mentions an Image of the Virgin in the Nave; but he was buried in the North Aisle. There was an Image of the Virgin in the Chapel of S. Mary: see Joan Elveden, 1420.

1412. * William le Howe, citizen and clothworker. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left the Friars 100s.

Will dated 12 May, 1412. Proved 17 May, 1412. Archd. London, Reg. I, f. 262.

1412. * Alice de Northfolke. To be buried "in ecclesia Fratrum Minorum vel in claustro ejusdem ecclesie." Bequests to the high altars of S. Olave, Silver Street, and S. Mary, Stanynglane.

Will dated 14 Oct., 1411. Proved 3 Sept., 1412. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 268.

1412. * William Ekynton. To be buried "in domo vel ecclesia Fratrum Minorum, London."

Will dated 23 Aug., 1412. Proved 1 Oct., 1412. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 269.

1413. * Gaillard Denbidan, merchant of Bordeaux, "in domo habitacionis Thome Couston in parochia sancti Martini in Vinetria." To be buried in the Conventual Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left "fratri Geraldo de Crugiacha, ordinis Minorum, meo confessori," 1 mark of English money, to pray for him. Friar Gerald was an executor, and Friar Thomas Wolor, "ordinis Minorum," a witness.

Will dated 5 Sept., 1413. Notarial. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 262.

Friar Gerald de Crugiacha (Croisic?) was clearly resident in London, perhaps as a confessor for foreign visitors. A Thomas Wollore, Carmelite, occurs in 1399 (Cal. Pap. Reg., v, 212, 235).

1414. * Alice Creke, widow of Geoffrey Creke, citizen and physician. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Left the Friars 20s. to be divided equally amongst them, to pray for her and her husbands Elys Weston, William Bromtholme, John Heure, and Geoffrey Creke. Left 3s. 4d. to each of the five Orders of Friars and two torches to the Friars Minors. Amongst numerous bequests occurs a "pouder box scriptum cum istis verbis Anglice Strawe on pouder enough."

Will dated 10 Dec., 1413. Proved 28 April, 1414. Archd. Lond., Reg. I, f. 313.

Not in the Register, unless she may be identified with Alice Croker, for whom there is no date (Grey Friars, p. 116). Elys Weston occurs 1370–88; he was a butcher of S. Nicholas Shambles (Cal. Letter Book, H); "Geffrey Creek, ffesicien" was party to a suit in Chancery which can be dated between 1391 and 1396. Early Chancery Proceedings, 7/283.

1414. John Tibbay, Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Chancellor of the Queen. To be buried in the Conventual Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left John Langthorn, priest, his book "Pupilla Oculi." His Will was made in the hall of the dwelling-place of Thomas Tykhull, in S. Lawrence Jewry.

Will dated 24 July, 1414. Proved 28 July, 1414. 29 Marche.

Tybbay died of a murderous attack made on him in Lad Lane (which was close to S. Lawrence Jewry) on 22 July, 1414. He was buried in the fifth bay of the Choir in the Chapel of S. Mary, "sub longo lapide et lato." Grey Friars, p. 81.

1417. * Lawrence Gorlefen, citizen and pynner. To be buried "in cimiterio Fratrum Minorum, London." To the Friars, to pray for him, 6s. 8d.

Will dated 17 Aug., 1417. No Probate: probably Aug. 1417. Comm. Lond., Brown, f. 370.

1418. Sir John Assheley, Knight. To be buried in he Conventual Church of the Friars Minors, London.

Will dated 12 Jan., 1417–18. Proved 25 Feb., 1417–18. 40 Marche.

Buried in the sixth bay of the Choir in the Chapel of S. Mary. Grey Friars, 84.

1419. Richard Hallam. To be buried at the Friars Minors "ex opposito fenestre Sancti Christofori ex parte boriali." Left 40s. to the Friars to pray for his soul.

Will dated 20 Nov., 1419. Proved 19 Nov., (fn. 2) 1419. 46 Marche.

Brother of Robert Hallam, bishop of Salisbury. Was buried before the fifth (fn. 3) window from the east in the North Aisle of the Nave. Grey Friars, p. 122.

1419. * Agnes Fereby. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London. Left the Friars 20s.

Will dated 11 March, 1418–19. Proved 7 April, 1419. Comm. Lond., More, f. 25.

1420. * John Beke. To be buried in the Conventual Church of the Friars Minors. Left 20s. for his sepulture. Bequeathed 6s. 8d. "for the sustentacion of the Porters Light" in S. Michael, Queenhithe.

Will dated 27 Apr., 1420. Proved 23 May, 1420. Comm. Lond., More, f. 54.

1420. Thomas Coule. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors, London, after the ordinance of Anne, his wife, in an humble and honest manner without pomp.

Will dated 5 Aug., 1420. Proved 7 Oct., 1420. 54 Marche.

He was buried in the seventh bay of the Choir in the Chapel of S. Mary. The date given in the Register—August 20, 1422— may be that of his wife's death. Grey Friars, pp. 87–8.

1420. John Bailley or Bayly. To be buried "coram imagine Salutacionis beate Marie in ecclesia Fratrum Carmelitarum in Flete-strete," and 6s. 8d. was left for that purpose. If this could not be obtained he was to be buried at the Friars Minors "coram altari vocato Hatton Aweter," paying 6s. 8d. General mass was to be celebrated at all Orders of Friars in London and suburbs on his burial day.

Will dated 6 Nov., 1420. Proved 11 Nov., 1420. 49 Marche.

Died on 6 November, 1420, and was buried in the seventh bay in S. Francis' Chapel, i.e., near the west end of the Chapel. The altar may have been endowed by Thomas Hatton, "qui multa bona fecit in conventu." Hatton died on November 20, 1419, and was buried in the fifth bay in S. Francis' Chapel. Grey Friars, pp. 95, 99.

1421. Joan Elveden. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors beside Newgate at the discretion of her executors. Bequests to her dread lady the Duchess of Clarence and her daughters. Left the Friars Minors "a 'cerkle' of silver gilt with divers gems, to be used on the head of S. Mary the Virgin when my body is buried, at the discretion of my executors; and I will that the said 'cerkle' be in no wise sold by the Friars." Bequests to the Carmelites of London 40s., to the Austin Friars 20s., and to the Friars Preachers 20s.

Will dated 4 Sept., 1421. Proved 18 Oct., 1421. 52 Marche.

Buried in the fifth bay of the Choir in S. Mary's Chapel. In the Register her name is given as Elvenden, and the date of her death as 13 Oct., 1400. Grey Friars, p. 83.

1426. John Basset, brewer, of S. Ewen's. To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors. Master Thomas Cotyngwyth was a witness.

Will dated 29 Dec., 1425. Proved 5 March, 1425–6. Comm. Lond., More, f. 152.

He was buried in the middle of the Nave. Cotyngwyth, who was a proctor of the Court of Canterbury, was buried near Basset in 1428 (Grey Friars, pp. 114–15). See also Cal. Wills Husting, ii, 447, where the Will was not proved till 1428.

1426. * Joan de Tybbay. To be buried at the Friars Minors. Bequeathed two nobles to be distributed amongst the Friars on the day of her burial. Mentions her sons, Thomas—clerk, deceased—and John de Tybbay, and her daughter, Agnes Wynslaw.

Will dated (at London) 12 July, 1426. Proved 20 July, 1426. 6 Luffenam.

Probably connected with John Tybbay, who was buried in 1414 in the Chapel of S. Mary. Agnes Wynslaw is the Agnes Wynsley of 1444, and may be mother of John Wydeslade (or Wynslade), who died in 1468. Grey Friars, pp. 81, 101.

1429. * John Halman, of Patryngton, York, "valectus equorum domini Comitis Warrewyc." To be buried in the Church of the Friars Minors of London, "secundum disposicionem fratris Johannis Geffrey, eiusdem ordinis," if he died in London; in that case he left 20s. to the Friars for his sepulture and their prayers.

Will dated 28 Jan., 1428–9. Registration cancelled and administration granted 4 Feb., 1428–9. Comm. Lond., More, f. 215.

1429. * John Bungay, of Bungay, Suffolk. To be buried in the Conventual Church of the Friars Minors if he died in London: in which case he bequeathed 40s. to the Friars to pray for his soul.

Will dated 17 July, 1428. Proved 6 March, 1428–9. 15 Luffenam.

1430. William Battisford, clerk, of Balsham, Cambridge. To be buried at the Friars Minors, London; left the Prior and Convent 6s. 8d. for his burial.

Will dated 15 March, 1429–30. Proved 21 March, 1429–30. 13 Luffenam.

Possibly to be identified with the William Batux who was buried in the fourth bay in the centre of the Nave. Grey Friars, p. 113.