Will of John Kirkman of East Keal, 1557
(part one, with notes to part one appended)
In the name of God, Amen, the 15th day of May in the year of our Lord God a thousand five hundred fifty and seven and the third and fourth years of the reign of our sovereign lord and lady Philipp1 and Mary, by the grace of God King and Queen of England, France, Spain, both Sicilies (?), Jerusalem and Ireland, Defenders of the Faith, Archdukes of Lustridge2, Dukes of Myllayn2, Burgundy and Brabanuve2, Counties of Haspurge2, Flanders and Tiroll2:
I John Kirkeman of Easterkeale3 within the County of Lincoln, being of perfect and whole memory, make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
First I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty God, to our Blessed Lady and to all the holy company of Heaven. And I will that my body be buried within the church of Easterkeale, paying therefore according to the custom of the same.
Item: I give to Our Lady’s Church of Lincoln 3s 4d.4
Item: I give to every household in East Ingoldmells5 being needy and indigent 12d, and to every household of West Ingoldmells5 having need 6d.
Item: I give to the poorest of Hogsthorpe6 6s 8d.
Item: I will that there be given amongst the poorest of Mumby’s Chapel7 3s 4d.
Item: I give to the town of Brough8 3s 4d.
Item: I give to the town of Winthorpe9 3s 4d.
Item: I give to the use and profit of Easterkeale’s church 6s 8d.
Item: I will that there be given to the church of Easterkeale 6s 8d.10
Item: I give to every one of my maiden servants and men servants now being within my house, and to each of them, one lamb over and above their wage.
Item: I will that Annie Kyrkeman11 my wife and Leonard my son, being appointed mine executors, shall for the years of 2112 at times convenient (that is, from Lammas13 to Martinmas14), when they think meet help with their carriage and draught the most needy and poor of Easterkeale to the bringing home of their winter fuel; that is, from the east fen side into their yards.
Also I give George and John Parsoll, and to either of them, ten ewes to be delivered after they be shorn. I give to Thomas Alcocke my brother-in-law forty shillings. Also I will that Father William Gibson, priest, have so long as he pleaseth here in my house his table and his lying15. Also I will that every household …. of Ormesby16 have 12d. Also I will that every child of my brother17 William Bonde have 10s. Also I will that every one of my godchildren have 8d.
Item: I will that Librous Alcock my brother-in-law have my sword girdle and my velvet night cap. Also I will that James Parsoll have two quys18.
Item: I give to master Richard Skipwith (my youngest master) my bald19 mare. Also I will that John Fulstone, Gentleman, have my velvet hat.
Item: I give to Father Peter Tailor, the parson of Easterkeale, 10s.
Item: I give to my sister Elizabeth Bonde a double ducat20.
Item: I give to John Egre and Elizabeth his wife, and to every one of their children, one lamb.
In witness whereof I have set my seal and written my name with mine hand the days and years above written.
Notes to part one:
(1)Philip the Second of Spain, whom Queen Mary married.
(2)All as spelt.
(3)Apparently the original name of the East Keal, often separated in this will into two words.
(4)A quarter of a mark, a medieval accounting unit.
(5)Now simply Ingoldmells, on the coast about 12 miles north-east of East Keal.
(6)About two miles north-west of Ingoldmells. It seems to have been spelt “Hogstroppe”.
(7)Mumby is about 1.1/2 miles north of Hogsthorpe.
(8)Almost certainly now Burgh le Marsh (mentioned in the second part of the will), about 8 miles east of East Keal.
(9)About 2 miles south of Ingoldmells.
(10) The difference between this and the previous item is obscure.
(11) Forename spelt “Annye”. In the second part of the will it appears as Ann.
(12) “the years of 21”: that’s what it says, but I haven’t a clue what it means. It doesn’t
appear to have anything to do with age.
(13) A feast day (1st August), celebrating the first fruits of the harvest.
(14) The feast of St. Martin (11th November).
(15) “his table and his lying”: board and lodging?
(16) Presumably now South Ormsby, about 7 miles north of East Keal. I am not sure of the word after “household”.
(17) Presumably for brother-in-law (see “my sister Elizabeth Bonde” further down).
(18) Young heifers.
(19) Probably piebald, but could also mean barren.
(20) A gold coin.
Will of John Kirkman of East Keal, 1557
(part two, with notes to part two appended)
N.B.: spellings ofnames vary throughout and have mostly been followed.
(Written in margin in partially abbreviated Latin: “Ulterior voluntas eiusdem Johannis” – further will of the same John).
This is the last will of me John Kirkeman of Easterkeale in the County aforesaid, Gentleman, made the day and years above specified in manner and form following, after the custom and manner of the Lordship of Ingoldmells afore Thomas Everade in the name of Grane and other of the homage (that is to say) Robert Rutter, Nicolas Thorpe, Anthony Orbye, John Palmer, John Gibson and Alan More, surrendered into the King’s hands at Easterkeale to the use of this will, after the custom of the Manor of the Lordship of Ingoldmells.
First I will after my death one house called Spencer Garthe and all other houses thereto depending, and 15 acres of pasture thereunto adjoining,and one cote1 and 15 acres of pasture therewithal occupied which I purchased of Maude Palmer (late Richard Thorpelands),and one acre of pasture and one rod of pasture being at William Thorne’s gates now in the tenure of the said William, and 6 acres of pasture called Belcrofte, two acres and three rods of pasture which I purchased of Robert Write als Bostone lying at Duddick Bancke - all the which tenements and lands aforesaid beholden of the Lordship of Ingoldmells by copy2 after the custom and manner thereof; and furthermore I will that ten acres of arable land and pasture called Coup Lands, 6 acres of pasture which I purchased of Gailebye and 4 acres of pasture which I purchased of John Hittoft, Gentleman - freehold lands:
All which lands afore, free and copy, I will and bequeath to Anne my wife for the bringing up of my children and paying my debts, unto such time as John Kirkeman my second son come to the age of 21 years. And then I will that my said son John Kirkeman have the said lands and tenements,as well free as customary3, to him and his heirs.
And if it shall chance my said son John to die without issue of his body before they4 shall accomplish his said age of 21 years, then I will all the same lands and tenements shall remain to Lione5 Kyrkeman my son and his heirs, saving I will that Anne my wife shall have the same for the considerations aforesaid unto such time as my said son Lyone5 shall accomplish his age of 21 years.And if my said son Lyone chance to die without issue of his body before he shall accomplish his age of 21 years, then I will that the same shall remain to William my son and to his heirs, saving I will that Anne my wife shall have the same for the considerations aforesaid unto such time as my said son William shall accomplish his age of 21 years.And if it shall chance my said son William to die without issue of his body before he shall accomplish his age of 21 years, then I will that all the foresaid lands and tenements shall remain to Leonard Kyrkeman my son and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten forever; and for lack of such issue to remain to the right heirs forever.
Also I will that Leonard Kirkeman my son, immediately after my death, shall have one messuage and all the houses thereupon builded together, with all the lands, meadows, feedings16, pastures, commons and commodities thereunto belonging or with the same occupied, which I purchased of Robert Wright als Boston6 - parcel thereof been7 holden of the Lordship of Ingoldmells after the custom and manner there(of) and the residue holden of the Lordship of Willoughby8, now in the tenure of William Walker; and also 8 acres and three rods called Little Medlands9 Addlethorpe10; and 4 acres of pasture, parcel of home (?) lands lying in Burgh-in-le-Marsh11, holden of the said Manor of Ingoldmells by copy, except two acres and three roods12 of pasture out of the said lands (late Write als Boston) which lieth at Dudick Banck13; also all other my freehold lands and tenements with the appurtenances in the said town of Burgh; and also all my lands and tenements in Hogsthorpe and Mumby called Damesell Lands, with the appurtenances; and also 48 acres of pasture holden of my Lord Sheffield14by copy - all which lands and tenements to him and to the heirs of his body, and for lack of such issue to remain to my right heir forever.
Also I will whosoever it shall please God to have the said lands purchased of Write to pay yearly to Robert Grayn and Anthony Orbye five pounds, as doth appear by a pair15 of indentures thereof made betwixt the said parties.
Also I will that Anne Kirkeman my wife have my house that I dwell in with all other houses thereupon builded, with the appurtenances, with all my lands, meadows, feedings16, pastures, commons, profits and commodities thereunto belonging lying in Easterkeale, Westerkeale17(see also footnote below), Keale Coots18, Toynton and Butterwick19 during her life natural, in full recompense of her jointure20; and so she to keep and leave the said houses with all other thereupon builded and all the tenements aforesaid in sufficient repair like as she enters thereof, except the two patronages21 of the church of Easterkeale that I will Leonard Buckman22 (??) my son have the gift thereof when they fall void by the admise (?)23 of my said wife.
Footnote to this page: the following note was written in the margin against the insertion of ‘Westerkeale’ (see also note 17): “Memorandum that this word Westerkeale, being interlined, was written the 26th of March 1580, at what time the original and this were examined together.” This is followed by a signature commencing “Jo.”, the rest being illegible.
And after her death all the said houses and other the premises in Easterkeale, Westerkeale, Toynton, Butterwick and Keale Coots to remain to Leonard Kirkeman with the said two vowsons24 and to his heirs males of his body lawfully begotten; and, for the lack of such issue of the body of the said Leonard, to remain to the same John Kirkeman my son and the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten; and, for lack of such issue, to remain to Lyone Kirkeman and to the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten; and, for lack of such issue of the said Lion Kyrkeman, to remain to William Kirkeman and to the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten.
Also I will that my said wife and Leonard my son have the moiety of my term to the lease and interest which I have in the parsonage(s)of Brough25 and Winthorpe, paying the half-yearly rent and bearing the charges accordingly, unto such time as Lion Kirkeman my son come to his age of 21 years. And then I will that my said son Lione shall have all the said moiety during the years then to come.
Also I will that my executors shall purchase the other moiety and term in the said parsonages of Mr. Launde26 of London, if the same may be gotten at any reasonable price, to the use of my son William.And if the said Lyon die before he shall accomplish his age of 21 years, then I will the whole to remain to William Kirkeman and his assigns. (Added in margin: And if he die before the age of 21 years, which (?) remain to Leonard Kyrkeman and his assigns).
Also I will that all my copies27 that I have of Sir William Skipwith my master28, with all my whole stock, to remain to the said Anne my wife and Leonard Kirkeman my son, to occupy it jointly together unto such time as they may levy, take, receive and pay out of the same to John Kirkeman £20 and to Lione Kirkeman £20, to William Kirkeman £20, to be paid at their several ages of 21 years; and, if they or any of them die before payment thereof be made as before is said, that the parts and portions of the same money of him or them so dying to remain to the survivors; and also to pay out of the same copies and stock to Elizabeth Kyrkeman and Cicely29 Kirkeman my daughters, either of them, one hundred marks30 to be paid them at the days of their several marriages or else at their several age of 18 years; and, if the said Elizabeth or Cicely Kirkeman or either of them die before the day of their marriages or before the said age of 18 years, the said money to her so dying to remain to William Kirkeman wholly, my youngest son.
And,when the said 200 marks and all other my debts be paid out of the stock and leases, to be equally divided betwixt the said Anne my wife and Leonard my son; the whole goods of my dwelling-house both within and without notwithstanding being excepted, which I give wholly to Anne my wife, saving that I will that my said wife at her discretion shall appoint and give certain and proper heirlooms to my dwelling-house at Easterkeale.Also I will that Anne my wife have two copies which belonged to Robert Lanerock (?) of Ingoldmells late deceased. And after the bequests above-said be fulfilled and paid, then the term of years that is to come in the said leases holden of the said Sir William Skipwith to remain wholly to the said Leonard Kirkeman and his assigns.
Also I ordain and make Anne Kyrkeman my wife and Leonard Kirkeman my son mine executors to see this my will performed, and Rauf Persall my son-in-law, Gentleman, William Bonde and John Launde of London, butcher, to be aiders and counsellors to my saidexecutors; and every one of them to have £3.6s.8d31 for their pains taken in the premises when they shall be thereunto called, they to have their costs allowed at my executors’ hands.
And further I make the supervisor of this my last will Sir William Skipwith, Knight, my master; and he to have for his pains taking one of my best horses, the best he will choose after my Lord Sheffield14 be answered his heriot32; and my Lady Skipwith to have my young bayed33 horse being three years old.
Also I will that Mr. Pope, Chancellor of Lincoln, have at his pleasure and when he pleaseth the grazing34 of a gelding at mine executors’ hands from Mayday to Michaelmas, from year to year his life during, in token of the zeal and love that I bear unto him.
Provided always, and notwithstanding the premises, that if Leonard Kirkeman my eldest son resist Annie35 my wife (his mother) or Mr. Raaf Persall, William Bonde and John Launde in any one thing appertaining to the full accomplishment of this my last will and testament, that then he to lose the profit to the said Anne his mother of stock and lease until such time as the said Leonard will be reformed by the said parties aforesaid. I will that the rest of my children, in like manner misusing or going about to trouble any part or party in any one behalf of this my last will, to lose the profits of their bequests to their mother Anne Kirkeman my wife, except otherwise they will be reformed by the sober and discreet counsel of them whom in this my last will I have appointed their counsellors.
In witness whereof and of all the premises I have set my seal and my name the day and year above written with mine own hand: by me
John Kirkemane36
Witness: Sir Peter Tailer, Walter Woodroff, Sir William Gibson, priest, cum multis aliis37
Probate: at London the 16thNovember 1557.
Notes to part two:
(1)A shelter for livestock or storage (here spelt “coote”).
(2)Copy of the court roll, i.e. copyhold (repeated later).
(3)Subject to the customs of the manor.
(4)A clear clerical error for “he”.
(5)Spelt several ways in this will. It was probably derived from Lionel, but I have a “Lion” in my Goodliffe ancestors.
(6)Wright also spelt “Write” in this will.
(7)Looks like a clerical error for “being”.
(8)Eight miles north-east of East Keal.
(9)Capital letters added by me.
(10) Spelt Ardelethorp. Addlethorpe is ½ mile west of Ingoldmells.
(11) Today “in” is omitted.
(12) Possibly interchangeable with “rod” in the area.
(13) See second paragraph for alternative spelling.
(14) Spelt Sheffeld here, and later as Sheffeeld.
(15) Spelt “payer” - say it out loud!
(16) According to Chambers, an old meaning was “pastures” – it is in the
plural, ruling out “feeding pastures”.
(17) Now West Keale, about a mile west of East Keal – as with Easterkeale, often (as
here) separated in this will into two words.
(18) Now Keale Cotes, about two miles south-west of East Keal.
(19) Toynton is about ½ mile east of East Keal. Butterwick is about eleven miles south,