Will of Henry Thomelyn, 1452

Herts RO 1AR64

[translated from Latin]

On 11 May AD 1451 I Henry Thomelyn of Wynslow, of healthy mind and memory, make my will in this way. First I bequeath my soul to God the father almighty who created me, the Son who redeemed me, and the Holy Spirit who gave me life and at the day of judgment will give life, to the Blessed Mary and all the saints, and my body to be buried in the church of St Laurence of Wynselowe aforesaid next to my father there, and on that condition I bequeath to the light of the holy cross in the same church one quarter of malt. Item I bequeath to each of the four altars in the said church 2 bushels of dredge. Item I bequeath to decorate the high altar 12d. Item I bequeath to the light of the sepulchre in the chancel there 4 bushels of dredge. Item I bequeath to my 3 godchildren 3 sheep [bidentes]. Item I bequeath to the mother church of St Albans 12d. Item I bequeath to each of the sons and daughters of John my son 2 sheep [oves]. Item I bequeath to the five daughters of William my son ten sheep. Item I bequeath to my godson of Adyngton 2 sheep. Item I bequeath for one bell to be bought from new for the church of St Laurence of Wynslowe from my debts which John Hylle senior of Great Brighull owes me 40s. Item I bequeath for the same bell to be bought and made from new from the goods and chattels which William Pounteys of Schipton owes me as net debt 40s. Item I bequeath to William Lane my servant [serviens] one red heifer. Item I bequeath to each of the sons and daughters of Agnes my daughter one sheep. Item I bequeath for one canopy [canpeu(m)] to be bought from new in the chancel of the aforesaid church, to remain there in perpetuity one reasonable [r(acio)nabilis] sum of money. Item I bequeath to the four orders of friars of Oxon four trentals. The residue indeed of my goods not bequeathed above I give and bequeath to Alice my wife, John and William my sons, and I make, ordain and appoint them my executors by the present documents sealed with my seal. With these witnesses: William Wynslowe bachelor of laws, William Lane and William Kyng the Bailiff. Given the day and year stated above.

Proved etc. on 3 June AD 1452, and (administration) was granted etc. to John and William, executors hamed within, sworn in form of law, with right of administration however reserved for Alice the executrix named within if she wishes to take the administration of this will on herself.

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Notes

This Henry was the father of Henry Thomlyns the vicar who died in 1451. The lack of any reference to him may indicate that the will was really made on 11 May 1452.

Henry senior's death was recorded in the court books for 24 May 1452 (WMCB p.660). He made several deathbed surrenders for the benefit of his son John, including a messuage, virgate and two shops in the market-place. Alice held 2 messuages and a virgate to the end of her life. Henry and Alice were married before 1415, when Alice was said to have beaten and cursed Christina Clote (WMCB p.483).

Henry was one of the most substantial tenants in Winslow, but was constantly involved in disputes with other tenants about trespass, debt, and on two occasions assault.

father: probably William Tommes, who is stated to have been the previous tenant of Henry's holdings when Henry died. However, it seems more likely that the copyist made an error and Henry wanted to be buried next to his son Henry, who asked to be buried in the chancel.

four altars: there were more altars than this later.

godson of Adyngton: presumably the younger Henry's friend Richard Ardern.

Agnes: she was recorded as living at Sundon (Beds) in 1433 (WMCB p.548). Henry paid for licence to marry off Agnes and another daughter, Joan, in 1425 (WMCB p.485).