Wills

Richard Mede of East Claydon, Bucks 1524

Administration. Executor his son John Mede.

Wife Agnes (lay subsidy 1525)

Thomas Mede of Saunderton, 1538

In dei nomine Amen, anno domino 1538 & xii die mens Maii I Thomas Medde of Saunderton within the diocese of Lincoln and county of Bucks, whole of mind & of good remembrance, presently sick in my body make my testament and last will in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God & to our lady Saint Mary and to all the holy company of heaven & my body to be buried in the church (yard crossed out) of Saunderton aforesaid. Item to the mother church of Lincoln iid. Item to the high altar of our blessed lady of Saunderton for tithes negligently forgotten xiid. Item to iiii lights in foresaid church every light a bushel of barley. Item to the brotherhood of Jesus of Prince Risborough a bushel of wheat. Item to the same brotherhood to have a solemn dirige & mass xiiis. Iiiid. Item to every godchild a bushel of barley or else iiiid. in money. Item I will that Christian my wife have all such goods as she brought to me again and also for to have xx bushels of wheat & xx bushels of barley, x shee v hogs a cow and vis. viiid. in money. Item I give to John my eldest son a quarter of barley and another of wheat. Item to each of his children a sheep. Item to his daughter a bullock. Item to the children of Annes Dene each of them ii sheep and to her a quarter of barley. Item to Edmund my son and Robert a plough, a cart & plough gear & cart gear, ii oxen and iiii capills (?) and each of them xx bushels of wheat & xx bushels of barley. Item to Thomas Medd & Richard my sons a shod cart ii oxen, iiii horses and mares. Item to Jane my daughter's child a quarter of wheat & a quarter of barley, iiii sheep and a bullock. Item to the children of William Medde my son every child a sheep. Item to the same William Medde my son ii sheep. Item to the children of Edmund and Robert my sons each of them a sheep. Item to my tenant John Cooper a quarter of wheat & a quarter of barley, a coffer & ii sheep, a pair of sheets and a pewter platter and a server. Item to William Fellow my tenant ii sheep & a quarter of barley. Itm to Thomas my son a chest and a great pot & a pan. Item to Robert Medde my son the malt mill & a great pot. Item to Elizabeth Winter my tenant a sheet & a platter. Item to the mill highway and other ways about the town iiis. iiiid. Item I desire and make my executors Raffe Wheeler and Robert Medde my son and they to have for their pains taking vs. apiece. The residue of my goods not bequeathed, my debts paid & my will done and fulfilled and my body brought to the ground I give and bequeath to Christian my wife and to my executors they to dispose for the wealth of my soul and all Christian souls as they think best. Item to Thomas my son a featherbed. Item I give to John a (unclear) and Robert my son & Edmund my son & Richard my son each of them a stock of beasts. Item I desire John & Edmund my sons to be overseers of this my will. Hiis testibus Henry Wims, John Medd senior & Robert Mede et aliis. Item to Edmund my son a pan.

William Mede of East Claydon Bucks 1543

In dei nomine amen, the xiii day of January in the year of our lord God M ccccc xlii & in the xxxiii tear of the reign of our sovereign lord King Henry VIII king of England & of France & of Ireland, supreme head of the same church, (?) that I William Meyde of Claydon sick in body & whole of mind & memory & perfect (?) thanks be to God, do make my testament and last will in this manner following. First I giveth my soul to almighty God & to our blessed lady Saint Mary & to all the holy company of heaven & my body to be buried in the churchyard of East Claydon. Item I bequeath to the mother church of Lincoln vii d. I bequeath to the high altar one bushel of barley. Item I bequeath to John Mede my son my showed chest & ii mares & iiii sheep & a great brass pot. I bequeath to Johan my daughter a cow bullock of a year old & a brass pan next the best & iii platters & a little pot. Item I will that my children shall be at my wife's ordering till they be able & if it so fortune that John my son or Johan my daughter do depart so the longer liver of them to have all & if they both depart the whole to remain to Alice & all my timber to be sold & to be bestayed in a trental & Alice my wife to have the copyhold of my house & if it so fortune that she depart then to the oldest of my children. Item I bequeath all my goods moveable & unmoveable unto Alice my wife whom I make my full executrix & Thomas Meyde my brother overseer. Hiis testibus Rowell William miller, Thomas Miller, Thomas King, Thomas Hypworth et multis aliis.

John Meyde of Princes Risborough, 1546

In the name of God amen, the xth day of June the year of our lord God 1546, I John Meyde of Loosely Row within the parish of Risborough Prince, being sick in body and hath perfect remembrance, do make my testament or last will after this manner following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, to our lady Saint Mary and to all the holy company of heaven and my body to be buried where it shall please God. Item I give to the mother church of Lincoln iid. Item to the sacrament of the altar iid. towards a pair of sheets. Item I give a pair of sheets to John, Harry, Thomas, Symond, Edward & Margaret my children every one of them apiece. Item I will that John and Edward my children shall have a (unclear) of tools after my decease conditionally that the said John & Edward do apprentice themselves to the science or craft to be a carpenter. The residue of my goods not bequeathed, my debts paid and this my will to be performed, I give and bequeath to Elizabeth my wife whom I make to be sole executrix to this my will, to perform itor the health of my soul and all Christian souls amen. Also I order Harry Harris of the parish of Saunderton to be overseer and he to have for his iid. Witness to this will Thomas Smith, clerk, and Harry Harris.

John Meyd of North Crawly Bucks 1547

(damaged)

Item I bequeath to our mother church . . . and to the high altar of Northinston ii d. Item to the reparation of the same church ii d. . . Item to the rood light iiii d. Item I will that there be at my month mind v bushels . . . baking in small bread and there to be given at the church door. Item I give to any poor of the same town having no corn of their own half a peck of malt. I bequeath to the parish of Northinston xx s and it to be used as they rate of the other stocks of the town. Item I will that the same stock of xx s shall be kept a yearly obit for the health of my soul. Item I give to Jane my daughter v ewes and five lambs and they to be delivered into the hands of her grandfather at the sheer day next coming. Item I bequeath to the same Jane my daughter one coney and she to be no worse than the best in my yard was at the making of this my will and she to be delivered at the day of marriage (?) of my wife into the hands of her grandfather. Item I bequeath to the same Jane one red steer to be delivee at the same time. Item I give to the same Jane one quarter of barley and it to be delivered at the marriage of my wife as shortly as she may conveniently. Item I give to Eline my daughter v ewes and v lambs & three hogs and one cow and one black steer and one yearling calf, a quarter of barley and also I will that these ewes and lambs with these three hogs and (?) to be delivered into the hands of her grandfather. Item I will the cow, the steer and the quarter of barley to be delivered to the same Eline at the age of xii years and in case that my wife do marry with any man and do decease within the date of the same xii years, then I will that he that did marry with hew shall keep the stock and the child unto the same date and he to be bound to the overseers of this my will in three pounds sterling to keep the child sufficiently and to maintain the stock or else to deliver the stock and three pounds sterling to keep the child into the overseers' hands. Item I will that if God do his will by any of my childre that then the other shall have her part and if God do his will by them both that then their parts shall remain to my wife if the day be before the day of their marriage. Item I give to any godchild of mine within the same town ii d. Item I give to my brother's son of Grand Underwood my godchild one theyve (?). Item I give to Elizabeth Ingram my servant iiii d. Item I give to Bernard and Dudley iiii d. Item I give William Reyde a pair of hose and a . . . coat. Item I will that the said William Reyd if he do his diligent labour and be a good servant to my wife she shall mend his wages ii s. Item I will to be paid to Master Care for my rent xxx s. Item I will to be paid to Robert Clark xxii s viii d which I owe unto him. Item to my father-in-law xx s. Item I bequeath to Robert Clark and William Young whom I make overseers of this my will to each of them xx d and to John Stevens and John Hartnott whom I make my witness bearers to each of them iii d and also the rest of my goods unbequeathed I give and bequeath o Elizabeth my wife which I make my full executrix to this my last will and testament charging her to observe the same as witnesseth Harry Crouchbert clark, William Young, John Stevens John Hortnott

John Meade of East Claydon 1557

In the name of God amen, the year of our lord God M vc liiii the ix day of the month of July that I John Mede husbandman being sick in my body & perfect of memory maketh my last will & testament in this manner & form following. First I do give & bequeath my soul to almighty God my body to be buried in the parish churchyard of East Claydon. Item to my mother church of Lincoln iiii d. Item to each of my parishes the both xii d. Item to any altar in my parish church xii d. Item to the maintenance of the light in the rood loft xii d. Item to maintenance of the sepulchre light xii d. Item to any one of my godchildren iiii d. Item I do give to the poor half a quarter of bread corn to be made in bread & my wife & Thomas my brother to give it at their discretion. Item I will that Alice my wife shall have my free land during her life, paying no rent, making no waste & she to pay the lease to the lord, keeping the repairs (??). Item to Richard my son my copyhold that I do dwell in. Item to Alice my wife I will that seshall have the whole crop of corn & to give to Richard my son half a quarter of wheat & half a quarter of barley & half a quarter of beans to be delivered at said time. Item I will that Richard my son shall have (?) at my wife, half my team with plow & plow gear & cart & cart gear. Item I will that Alice my wife shall have iiii kine & George my son-in-law one calf & my son Richard Mede to have a yearling bullock & the other bullock to George my son-in-law & ii calves to Alice my wife. Item to John Howe the son of William Howe a wether sheep (?) the residue of William Howe's children a ewe & a lamb. Item to Denise Mathews' children a ewe & lamb & to Denise my daughter a bushel of barley. Item to Richard Mede's children a ewe and a lamb. Item to Annis Simson the daughter of Thomas Miller a lamb. Item to Annis Howe my daughter a wether sheep. Item to Elizabeth Taylor a lamb. Item to Roger Gybbes a ewe and a lamb. Item to Annis my sister a ewe and a lamb. The residue of my sheep unbequeathed I do give to Alice m wife. Item I will that Richard my son shall have all my working tools that is to my occupation & also the which was my father's & Richard my son to have all the timber ready hewed & all the (?) as they now stand at the (?). Item to John Mede, Richard Mede's son a violet coat & to Richard my son a russet coat. Item to my brother Thomas my best coat & my best doublet. Item to y daughter Joan Gurney the best platter. Item my daughter Denise shall have for a debt I do owe unto her xv s to be paid within a quarter of a year after my departing. The residue of my goods unbequeathed I do give and bequeath to Alice my wife whom I do ordain & make to be my faithful executrix & my brother Thomas Mede to be the overseer, they to see my last will & testament truly performed & my debts paid. These being witnesses John Holland vicar, William King, Thomas Miller, Edward King the elder, William Rayner with others.

Thomas Meade of East Claydon 1557

In the name of God amen, in the year of our lord God M vccccc lvii the viii day of September I Thomas Meade of East Claydon, being of perfect remembrance make this my last will and testament in form & manner following. First I bequeath my soul to God almighty & lady Saint Mary & to all the company in heaven, my body to be buried in the churchyard of East Claydon. Item I bequeath to the mother church of Lincoln ii d. (Much unclear) Item to Richard Colcotte the elder ii ewes & ii lambs. Item to Richard Colcotte a coat & a doublet which was my brother's. Item to any of my godchildren ii d. The residue of my goods unbequeathed I being buried I give to Isabel my wife whom I make my sole executrix. These being witnesses . . . Item I give to Agnes Colcott a colt. Item to Joan my daughter a ewe & a lamb.

William Meade of Ilmer, 1557

In the name of God amen, in the year of our lord God 1557 the xx day of January I William Mede of Ilmer being of good memory order, ordain and make my will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, my body to be buried in the churchyard of Ilmer. Item I bequeath to the mother church of Lincoln ii d. Item to the church of Ilmer a bushel of wheat. Item to Richard Mead my son a cow, ii quarters of barley & vi s viii d. item to James my son a quarter of barley & vi viii d. Item to William my son a quarter of barley, a bullock & vi s viii d. Item to Joan my daughter a quarter of barley, a quarter wheat & a bullock. Item to Marian my daughter ii quarters of barley, a cow, & vi s viii d. Item to Annes my daughter ii quarters of barley & a bullock. Item to Thomasin a quarter if barley & a bullock. Item to Elizabeth my daughter a quarter of barley & a bullock. The residue of all my goods unbequeathed, my debts paid & legacies fulfilled & performed, I give and bequeath themt Annie my wife whom I do ordain and make my executrix, she to dispose part of them for the health of my soul, my friends and all Christian souls. These being witnesses John Palmer vicar, Edmond Goodwyn, Thomas Goodwyn & William Pane.

William Meade of Bragenham, Soulbury, Bucks, 1558, PCC

In the name of God, Amen, the xxx day if March in the year of our Lord God a thousand five hundred fifty and eight and in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord and lady Philip and Mary by the grace of God king and queen of England, Spain France both & Wales and Ireland, defenders of the faith, the fourth and fifth, I William Meade of Bragnam in the parish of Soulbury in the county of Buck, sick in body but of perfect mind and of good remembrance, thanks be to God, do make and declare this my testament and last will in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God & blessed lady saint Mary and to all the holy company of heaven and my body to be buried within the parish church of Soulbury aforesaid. Item I give to the mother church of Lincoln iii d. Item I bequeath towards the maintenance of good service within the parish church of Soulbury iii d. Item I bequeath to Sir Andrew Corbet knight my landlord my best horse colt. Item I bequeath to Mr Robert Corbet Esquire son and heir to t said Sir Andrew my second horse colt. Item I give and bequeath to Richard Meade my eldest son thirty pounds of lawful money of England. Item I do bequeath to Walter Meade my second son thirty pounds of lawful money of England. Item I do bequeath to Henry Meade my third son thirty pounds of lawful money of England. Item I bequeath to Agnes Meade my daughter twenty marks of lawful money of England and one coffer and ten pairs of sheets contained therein and one pot & one pan of brass, the said pot and pan to be appointed to her by my wife. Item I bequeath to Alice Meade my daughter twenty marks of lawful money of England. Item I will that if any of my said sons happen to die within age that then that part or portion of him or them to remain to my other son or sons then surviving. And if it happen that all my said sons decease before they come to years of discretion, then I will that twenty pounds parcel of their said legacies do remain to my two daughters and the rest or residue of their parts of their said eacies to be distributed amongst my brothers' children by the discretion my mine executors. Item I will that if my said two daughters happen to die within age that then their said legacies and bequests to remain to my said sons. Item I bequeath to any of my godchildren xii d apiece. Item I give to John Meade my cousin x s. Item I will and bequeath to be distributed amongst the polity of the parish of Soulbury xx s. Item I give amongst the polity of the parish of Great Brickell x s. Item I give amongst the polity of Stoke Hamon v s. Item I do give amongst the polity of the parish of Lyncheland iii s. Item I do bequeath to my servant Doddesley one lamb. Item I give to my servant Coney xii d. Item I give to Katherine my maid one lamb. The residue of all my goods and chattels as well moveable as immovable unbequeathed I give and bequeath to Elizabeth my wife. Item I will that Elizabeth my said wife have the custody and bringing up of my said children until they shall come to the full years of discretion and for te better bringing up of my said children I ill that Elizabeth my said wife shall have, hold and enjoy the lease of the farm that I now dwell in fir term of sixteen years next ensuing the date hereof, and after the said xvi years the said lease to Richard Meade my eldest son. And if the said Richard die then to remain to Walter Meade my second son, and if the said Walter die then the said lease to remain to Henry Meade my third son during the years then to remain upon the said indenture. Item I do ordain and appoint my loving brothers Richard Meade of Brickill and James Meade of Stoke to be my true and faithful executors, to see this my testament and last will truly performed, fulfilled and kept in all things in manner and form aforesaid and they to have for their painstaking xx s apiece and their charges borne in travailing about the same. Also I will that my said executors have the custody of my said children's legacies and bequests until such time as they shall come to lawful ages. These being witnesses Si Jeffrey Davis, clerk, curate of Lynchelande, William Downe of Lyncheland and Anthony Harte of Soulbury with others.

James Mede of Stoke Hammond 1558

In the name of God amen, the xxxi day of May anno domino 1558 I James Mede of Stoke Hammond in the county of Bucks, smith, sick in body but thanks be given to almighty God hole & perfect of remembrance, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, our blessed lady saint Mary the virgin & to all the holy company of heaven, and my body to be buried within the parish church of Saint Swythins in Stoke Hammond aforesaid against the pulpit. Item I give to the high altar of Stoke Hammond aforesaid iiii d. Item to church of Stoke Hammond iii s iiii d towards the maintenance of good service there. Item I give to the mother church of Lincoln ii d. Item I will that my executors shall give to any poor household in Stoke Hammond ii d at my burial. Item I will also that my said executors shall give to the poor people at my burial half penny dole and so likewise my months mind & also at my years mind likewise. Item I give and bequeath unto Johane my wife iiine, a yearling and a (?) of this year, iiii hogs, ten stokes and seven of (?) and half of all kind of grain in the field. Item I give unto her also vi li xiii s & iiii d to be paid to her by my executors immediately after my burial. Item I give and bequeath unto my said wife all my household stuff whatsoever it be, except one featherbed and a bedstead and one great brass pot and a chest which I will that my son Thomas shall have. Item I give unto my said wife a tenement in Stoke Hammond aforesaid with all manner of lands, meadows and pastures with the appurtenances thereunto belonging for term of her life and after her decease unto William my son and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten and for lack of such issue to Richard his brother and so from one of my sons to another for and which tenement with the appurtenances is now in the term and occupation of one William Philips. Item I give unto my said wife vi years rent of my house with the appurtenances in Hollingen in the parish of Soulbury in the cony of Bucks to be paid to her at two usual feasts in the year that is to wit at the feasts of the annunciation of our lady and Saint Michael the archangel by even portions by Thomas Mede my son, his heirs or assigns. Item I will that if the said rent of the said house, which is xx s by the year, be behind & unpaid in form aforesaid, that then the said Johane my wife to distrain in & upon the said tenement with the appurtenances and the distresses there so taken to keep and withhold until the said rent of xx s with the arrearage of the same, if any such be, be fully satisfied, contented and paid. Item I give unto my said son Thomas the aforesaid tenement in Hollyden with all manner of lands, meadows, closes, pastures & commons with the appurtenances to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten and for lack of such issue to the right heirs of the said Thomas forever. Item I give to Thomas my son all mine iron ware in Buckingham Layghton and Bourne whatsoever there be and all the iron and colls (?) at my house in Stoke Hammond aforesaid and all my shop gear except one whole shop gear which I give to Richard my son. Item I give to my said son Thomas vi li xiii s & iiii d of good and lawful money of England. Item I give to William my son vi li xiii s & iiii d of good and lawful money of England to be paid to him by my said son Thomas immediately after my decease. Item I give to Richard my son vi li xiii s & iiii d to be paid to him by my said son Thomas at the age of xxi years. Item I give to my son James Mede vi li xiii s iiii d of good and lawful money of England to be paid to him by my said son Thomas at his age of xxi years. Item I give to my son Matthew Mede vi li xiii s iiii d of good and lawful money of England to be paid to him by my said son Thomas at his age of xi years. Item I give to John my son vi li xiii s iiii d of good and lawful money of England to be paid to him by my said son Thomas at his age of xi years. Item I give to my son Bartholomew vi li xiii s iiii d of good and lawful money of England to b pad to him by my said son Thomas at his age of xi years. Item I give to Anne my daughter vi li xiii s iiii d of good and lawful money of England to be paid to her by Thomas my son at the day of her marriage. And I will that if my said sons or daughter do die before they come to the said age of xxi years that then his stake that shall die to remain to the others that shall then be alive and so one of them to be survivor to the other in form aforesaid portion like. Item I give to John Norman my son-in-law a tie and walls for a cart. Item the rest of my goods and cattle unbequeathed I give and bequeath unto Thomas and William my sons whom I ordain and make my whole executors for this my last will and testament & to see debts paid and to see my legacies performed in all points according to the true meaning thereof. Item I ordain and appoint my brother Richard Mede and John Ironwood overseers of this my last will and testament desiring for God's sake to be assisting unto my executors as my trust is in them and I gie them for their pains and service therein a set of harrow tines apiece. In witness whereof the said James Mede have subscribed this will in the presence of Richard Ironwood, William Simpkins, Andrew Hocland and Edmond Warren.

Richard Meade Chilton 1558

In the name of God amen, I Richard Meade of Chilton in the county of Bucks, yeoman, make my last will of this manner the xi day of March in the year of our lord God 1558. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, our Lady Saint Mary & to all the holy company of heaven, & my body to be buried in the churchyard of Chilton aforesaid. Moreover I will that my wife and Charles Mead my son shall be mine executors. Also I give to Nicholas Mead my son my best brass pot & a swarm of bees, his bed & a coffer, and Alice my daughter shall have a pan, a coffer & chafing dish, a platter & a parser (?); also Richard Mead my son shall have a pot, a swarm of bees & a coffer; and I give to our mother church of Lincoln iid & to our church of Chilton I do give iiiid; and I will that Henry Saunders shall be overseer of my will. Written before these witnesses Rayffe Cromwell curate, Henry Sanders & Thomas Chilton with others more

John Meade of Dunton 1559

In the name of God amen in the year of our lord God 1559 and the iii day of August I John Meade of Dunton sick of body but whole in mind & of perfect remembrance thanks be to God, do ordain & make this my last will and testament in manner & form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, my body to be buried in the churchyard of Dunton. Item I give to William Meade, John Meade, Katherine Meade, George Meade & Richard Meade my children to every of them a young cow or heifer having her calf by her side, all which kine or heifers I will to be delivered to Robert Wells of Wing to the use of my said children in such order & form following viz. when the beast shall be of age and grown with calf (unclear) William my eldest son first & then John Meade my second son & so onward until all my said children be satisfied. Item I will that if Margaret my wife be at any time disposed to have or retain any of the said kine or heifers to hire them she to have them (unclear) giving for the use thereof with the increase & to make this account therefore unto the said Robert during the time that she shall hire any of the said kine or heifers. Item I give to any of my said children one wether lamb to be chosen & taken out from the rest of my flock between the feast of Pentecost & the feast of St John the Baptist next coming, having thick wool on their backs, all which lamb & lambs so taken out I will immediately thereupon to be delivered to the said Robert Wells and he to employ them to the best profit of my children at the sight & disposition of mine overseer. Item I give to every of my said children vii bushels of corn, that is to say iii bushels of wheat & iiii bushels of barley, all which wheat & barley I will that Margaret my wife shall deliver to the said Robert Wells within the space of five years next after my decease, delivering yearly vii bushels during the said term of years until all my said children be satisfied thereof, giving my eldest son first & then the others orderly as they shall be of age. Item I will ha the said Robert Wells shall redeliver all the stock or stocks of my children with the increase thereof unto my said children when they shall accomplish the full age of xviii years and if it fortune any of my said children to depart this present life before the age aforesaid (which God forbid) then I will all his or her part so departed to remain unto the rest then surviving, provided always that if it fortune the said Robert Wells to die before my children or any of them shall be of the age aforesaid then I will all such stock together with the increase thereof as shall remain in his hands at the time of his death to be redelivered to Margaret my wife or to her assigns to the only use of my said children. The rest of all my goods & cattle not bequeathed my debts being paid I give & bequeath to Margaret my wife whom I ordain & make my sole executrix. Also I constitute & make Richard Jakeman of Stewkley & Richard Corbie of the same town my trusty & faithful overseers. These being witnesses Richard Meade my brother & Richard (-) clerk with others.

Richard Mead of Ilmer 1560

In the name of God amen, in the year of our lord God 1560 the iiiith day of February I Richard Mead husbandman of the parish of Ilmer, which is indifferently in health of body and of perfect mind, thanks be given unto almighty God, may this my testament and last will in this manner and form following. First I give and bequeath my soul unto Jesus Christ my saviour and my redeemer and my body to be buried within the churchyard of Ilmer. Item I give unto the maintenance of my parish church of Ilmer a bushel of wheat. Also I give unto the maintenance of the high way in the street of Ilmer xiid. Also I give unto my brother James Mead half a quarter of barley. Also I give to my brother William half a quarter of barley and a pair of sheets. Also I give unto my sister Agnes half a quarter of barley and ii pewter platters. Also I give unto Thomasine half a quarter of barley and a pewter platter and a server. Also I give unto my sister Isabel half a quarter of barley and a pair of sheets and ii pewter platters, a kett and a brass pot. Also I give unto my sister Jane half a quarter of barley. The residue of my goods both moveable and unmoveable that is unbequeathed I give it unto Jane my wife whom I ordain and make my executor and I will this said Jane my wife shall see that my debts be paid and all legacies discharged and my body honestly brought unto the ground and I desire my brother John Whit and Matthew Young to be witnesses and overseers unto this my last will and to see that this will be well and truly performed and they shall have for their pains xxd. apiece.

Agnes Meade of Bragenham, Soulbury, Bucks, 1561

In the name of God amen, the xiith day of February in the year of our lord God 1561 I Agnes Meade daughter of William Meade of Bragenham in the county of Buckingham, sick in body but of whole and perfect memory, make my last will & testament in manner & form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God my creator and redeemer trusting through his merit, death & passion I shall inherit the fruition of his godhead amongst that holy & blessed company in heaven in joy & peace perpetually and secondly I bequeath my body to the earth to be buried at such place where it shall please God to call me out of this (unclear) Item I give & bequeath to my uncle Richard Meade of much Brickhill one great pot of brass, one pan & a pair of sheets in the custody and keeping of my mother in law with all of my goods, in whose hands it and they be, to do with the same as he best shall see, whom I ordain & make the whole & sole executor of this my last will & testament. These being witnesses William Barrowbell, Alice Mallon,homas Nodall & Isabel Barrowbell.

Thomas Mead of West Wycombe 1561

In the name of God Amen the xx day of the month of April in the year of our lord God 1561, I Thomas Meade being whole mind & in good & perfect remembrance, laud & praise be unto almighty God, make & ordain this my present testament containing herein my last will in manner & form following, that is to say first I commend my soul to almighty God my maker & redeemer & my body to be buried in the churchyard of West Wycombe. Item I bequeath unto Thomas my son a great brass pot & a cow bullock. Item I bequeath to Isabel my daughter a great pan & a ewe & a lambe. Item I bequeath to Anne my daughter xd. Item I bequeath to Prudence my daughter xd. Item I bequeath to Jane my daughter xd. Item I do make Isabel my wife full executor of all my goods movable & unmovable & my wife to have the goods of my children until they come to xviii years of age. Item I will that Lawrence Wright my brother in law to be overseer that my will be fulfilled & he to have xiid for his labor. In witness hereof Thomas Robinson & Christopher Hnt & Henry Hunt.

William Mede of Whiteleaf, Monks Risborough, will made 1556, died 1561

In the name of God amen, the 21 day of March in the year of our lord God 1556, I William Mede of Whiteleaf of Barton, otherwise called Monks Risborough in the diocese of Canterbury and in the county of Bucks, being of good mind and perfect memory, thanks be to God, do make my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, to our lady St Mary and to all the celestial company of heaven, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of St Dunston's in Barton of Monks Risborough aforesaid. Item to the high altar thereof for my tithe and oblation negligently forgotten 2d. Item to William Mede my son a ewe and a lamb. Item two brass pots, the best one and the other the third best. Item my best brass pan. Item a laten basin and of pewter three pieces, that is to say two of my best platters and a pewter dish. Item a pair of sheets to be delivered at his mother's discretion. Item a couple of candlesticks. Item to Ann Mede my daughter the second best brass pot with the fourth brass pot. Item two pans of brass the second best. Item the second best four platters and two ewers. Item a pair of sheets, a pair of candlesticks. Item to my wife's daughter by her first husband a pewter platter and a pewter dish. Item to Ann my daughter the best whith (wether?) and my son the second whith. Item I will that my son William Mede shall pay to Anne my daughter 26 shillings 8 pence conditionally that if my wife do live at the age of 16 years of the said Anne that then my wife to pay the said 26s 8d and if she die before that my said daughter come to the age of 16 years that then my said son to pay the said sum of 26s 8d. And if he do not pay the said sum or cause to be paid that then I will that my daughter to enter upon one acre of land lying at John Payne's close during her natural life, it to enjoy without any trouble or vexation of my said son or of any other in his name. Item I will that Agnes (Annes) my wife shall have and occupy and enjoy all my lands and tenements during her natural life so that she keep herself sole and not marry, and also I will that William my son shall occupy half of my said lands and tenements with my said wife at the age of 21 years. The residue of all my goods not bequeathed I give and bequeath to Anysse (Agnes) my wife, whom I make my sole executrix and she to see my debts paid and my funeral discharged and the rest to bestow as it shall like her best. In witness whereof William Caly vicar of Haulton, John Mede, William King and Thomas King.

Alice Mead of East Clayden 1562

In dei nomine amen & the xxiiii day of February in the year of our lord God 1562 & in the iiii year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of God queen of England, France & Ireland, I Alice Meade the elder of Craydon, being of whole mind & good memory (lauded be God) make & ordain this my present testament containing therein my last will in manner & form as followeth. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God & my body to be buried in my parish churchyard of East Claydon. Item I bequeath to the mother church of Lincoln ii d. Item I bequeath to Roger my eldest son one land of wheat at the water furrows & one milch cow the which he hath already. Item I bequeath to Roger my son one ewe & a lamb, one brass pot & a kettle & one coffer & one sheet. Item I bequeath to my sister Meade half a bushel of wheat. Item I bequeath to John Meadman the tailor one peck of wheat & one peck of malt. Item I bequeath to John Boston's wife one peck of wheat & one peck of malt. Item I bequeath to Katherine my maid ne teg (?) Item I bequeath to Richard Colsel's wife a bushel of malt. Item I bequeath to King's wife the widow half a bushel of wheat. Item I bequeath to Margaret Colsel one kerchief. Item I bequeath to Alice Gemins one kerchief. Item I bequeath to Besse Sheffield one kerchief. Item I bequeath to Jane King one pewter dish. Item I bequeath to Annes Webb one pewter dish. Item I bequeath to Pilkeron's wife one peck of malt. Item I bequeath to William Wilson one peck of malt. Item I bequeath to Robert Johnson one peck of malt. Item I bequeath to Roger my son his wife one kirtle and one smock. Item the residue of my goods I give to George my son saving that I do give & bequeath to the church house out of this my will one bushel of wheat & my son George to be my full & sole executor of all my goods both moveable and unmoveable, my debts & legacies to be paid out of the residue of my goods. Witnesses of this my present testament containing my last will William Rose vicar, Edward King the elder, John Meadman & Richad Colsell with others.

Richard Meade the younger of Little Brickhill Bucks 1567

(damaged)

In the name of God amen I Richard Meade of Brickhill parva in the county of Bucks, yeoman, being sick of body but thanks be to almighty God of good & perfect remembrance doth ordain and make this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say, First I commit my soul to almighty God who hath made me and all the world, and my body to be buried within the church of the said parish near unto the (?) of John Reynold my predecessor. I give and bequeath unto my brother Robert Meade xx s (…) paid within one whole year after my (…) I give unto Thomas Meade my (…) John Meade (…) to be delivered within one whole year after my decease and if it happen the one to survive the other then the other part to be divided amongst them. Item I give to Ralph Raynold's children every one a sheep and so to pass as is above specified. Item I give to Elizabeth Lawson's children a ewe sheep to be delivered within one year after my decease. Item I give unto Simon Greymes (…) one a sheep and so to be ordered as is aforesaid. Item I give unto the poor men's box of this parish xx d. (…) within one month after my decease. All the rest of my lands and goods both moveable and unmoveable I give and bequeath (both my debts and legacies discharged) unto Joane Meade my wife whom I make my whole executrix. And also I appoint to be overseers of this my last will and testament Thomas Geaville alias Cossins, Ralph Raynold & John Raynold and any one of them to have for their pains iii s iiii d. Witnesses to this my last will & testament George (…)

William Mede of Wing, husbandman 1568

In the name of God amen, the xxx day of June in the year of our lord God M ccccc lxviii I William Mede of Crafton in the parish of Wing in the county of Bucks, husbandman, being at this present sick of body yet notwithstanding (God therefore be praised) whole in mind & of perfect memory, doth institute, ordain & make this present testament containing therein my last will in manner & form as followeth. First & before all other things I bequeath my soul unto the goodness & mercy of our lord Jesus Christ (unclear) and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Wing aforesaid. Item I give to the mother church of Lincoln iiii d. Item I give to Thomas Meade my son in money v li. Item to my daughter Mary v li. & my best coffer save one. Item I give to Johan my daughter in money v li & one ewe with her lamb. And I will that the said legacies (both in money & goods) be delivered unto them at their lawful ages or marriage. And also if any of them depart this life before they come to the said age or marriage, that then their portion or portions to be equally divided between those that shall live, and if ii of them so depart the third to have the whole. Whereas (by the issue of a letter of administration) I did minister the goods & chattels of John Meade my brother (sealed ten years ago more or less) & became bound in obligation to keep ii children of his, Benedict & Johan, for the space of six years (as I took it) which are expired long ago as may appear by the said administration, and to give to either of them in money three pounds, I will therefore that immediately after my departing (in full satisfaction & discharging of me & mine executors of, for & concerning the said administration) they have paid to them in money vi li, and further I give either of them of mine own goods an ewe & a lamb, a pair of indifferent sheets to either of them also and ii coffers to either of them, one which was their father's. Item I give to my mother Johan Winchester one quarter of barley, one flitch of bacon the best that I have, in money xii s iiii d, and every year so long as she yet lives, a bushel of wheat at Christmas to be delivered unto her by my executrix herself or her assigns or successors, and my white russet cloak. Item I give to the church of Wing xx d and to the poverty of the said Wing iii s iiii d. Item to William Philbowan of the same a flitch of bacon. To Richard Gery of the same a flitch of bacon. To William Hannell of the heath a stock of bees. And to my sister Helen one hive of bees. Item whereas I sold a calf for my sister Helen Hopkens of Harley in Berkshire & received therefor v s iiii d remaining yet in my hand, I will that she have for the same one bullock being the least of my two pied ones. Item I give to my brother-in-law Henry (unclear) my russet hosen. And to Richard Pitken mine old russet jerkin. Finally I give to my godchild Robert Holden iiii d. The residue of all & singular my goods & chattels moveable & unmoveable not before given, willed not bequeathed I give & bequeath to Johan my well-beloved wife, whom I make my sole & full executrix of this present testament containing my last will (so that she will enter in sufficient bonds with ii honest & able men with her to my overseers hereof before she contract herself or marry within anyone, for the assurance of my children's legacies above specified, otherwise I give her the third of the same and the rest to my three children above mentioned). And I ordain my neighbours Richard Chapman & William Seare to be the overseers of all the premises and either of them to have for their pains iii s iiii d.

Thomas Meade of Stewkley, Bucks, 1569

In the name of God amen in the year of our Lord God 1569 and the ii day of February I Thomas Meade of Stewkley in the county of Bucks being sick in body but whole of mind thanks be unto almighty God, do ordain & make this my last will & testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God my body to be buried in the churchyard of Stewkley. Item I bequeath to William my eldest son vi £ xiii s iiii d. Item after the decease of his mother I will him my copy ground. Item I bequeath to John my son all my free land after the decease of his mother. Item I bequeath to Alice my daughter iii £ vi s viii d. Item I bequeath to Elizabeth my daughter iii £ vi s viii d. Item I will that these stakes be paid when they come to age. Item I will that if God do his will by either of them their stakes to remain to the rest of them. Item I give to Richard Clark half a quarter of wheat and rye and half a quarter of barley. Item I give to Alice Clark and Margaret Clark vi s viii d. Item I give to every of my godchildren iiii d. Item I give to Isabel my wife all the residue of my goods, whom I make mine executrix. These being witnesses Richard Condly, Michael Stapp, with others more.

Isabel Mede of East Claydon 1573

In the name of God amen, the xxii day of March in the year of our lord 1572 I Isabel Meade of the parish of East Claydon in the county of Bucks, widow, being sick in body but of good & perfect remembrance, thanks be to God, make this my last will & testament in form following. First I bequeath my soul to God, my body to be buried in the churchyard of east Claydon aforesaid. Item I give to the poor men's box there ii s, to the repairing of the bells there iiii s & to the high altar there ii s. Item I give my mare to Richard Colsett & Robert Webb, my colt I give to Ralf and Edward Colsett sons of the said Richard. Item I give to Joan Colsett my best brass pan, the other brass pan I give to Thomas Webb to whom also I give a brass pot, my mattress & best coverlet. Item I give to each of Joan Colsett's children viz. Margaret, Mary & Katherine, a pewter platter & a pair of sheets. Item I give to Margaret Colsett & Katherine Colsett to each of them a blanket & to Mary Colsett I give a brass pot & a tablecloth & to argaret Colsett a towel & to Katherine Colsett a tablecloth. Item I give to Elizabeth Webb my best towel, a bolster, a pair of sheets, a kettle, a brazen ladle & a sucking calf to be raised by Robert Webb of her use. Item I give to Ralph Coilsett a platter, a cauldron, a pair of sheets & ii sheep to be paid unto him by Richard Colsett. Item I give to Agnes Webb my greatest cauldron & to Margaret Corsett the next cauldron. Item to Richard Webb I give a (?). Item I give to Thomas Colsett iii sheepor x s in money to be paid unto him by Robert Webb. Item I give to Deanes Montcaster my russet petticoat and an apron. Item I give to Agnes Colsett commonly so called my white petticoat & (?). Item I give to William Parker ii s. The residue of my goods unbequeathed I give to Richard Colsett & Robert Webb hom I make mine executors. Witnesses to this my last will & testament are Edward King, Richard Edmonds, Agnes Lyines & Elizabeth (?) with others

Jane Mead of Little Brickhill 1576

In Dei Nomine amen, the eleventh day of June in the year of our lord God 1576 I Jane Meade of Little Brickhill in the county of Bucks, widow, being sick in body but of good and perfect remembrance, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say first I bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty God my only maker and saviour and my body to be buried in Christian burial in the church of Little Brickhill. Item I give unto the mother church of Lincoln ii d. Item I give to the Church of Little Brickhill xii d. Item I give and bequeath to Ralph Reynold my oldest (unclear) six sheep, a featherbed, ii pairs of sheets, half a dozen pieces of pewter, one chair, one candlestick, a quarter of rye and barley and a grey mare with her colt. Item I give unto Robert Wynold the young black cow, iii bullocks, three sundry young (-), half an acre of every kind of grain, iii sheets, a (-) hog, half a dozen of pewter, one candlestick, ii pairs of sheets, one featherbed, one table,ix sheep and xl s in money. Item I bequeath unto Margaret Watt my daughter one pied cow, half an acre of rye, one featherbed, half a dozen of pewter, one pan the best, ii pillows, one candlestick, a table, a beast, one tablecloth, ii pairs of sheets and a brass pot. Item I give to every one of grown children now at the date off these presents being unmarried one bullock and one brass pot and to every one of the wenches iiii pieces of pewter and to the boys iii pieces of pewter. Item I give unto Joan Willet half an acre of rye and iii s iiii d in money. Item I give unto Elizabeth Reynold one bullock, iii sheep, one pair of sheets, one pot, a frying pan, one pewter platter and a pewter dish. Item I give and bequeath unto Ellen Goringam one cow bullock. Item I bequeath unto Peter Depam one quarter of wheat and rye. Item I give and bequeath unto William Reynold the son of Ralph Reynold one sheep. Item I give and bequeath to every one of my children one sliver spoon. The residue of all my goods and chattels moveal and unmoveable not given nor bequeathed, my debts being paid and my funeral discharged I give and bequeath unto John Reynold my son whom I do make and ordain my only and whole executor of this my last will and testament. Item I do make and appoint Ralph Reynold and William fast to be overseers of this my last will and testament and I do give unto either of them ii s vi d to see this my last will and testament to be truly performed. Item I will that all these legacies and bequests given and bequeathed I will that they shall be delivered within one month after my funeral. In witness that this is my last will and testament I have set my hand and seal to these presents the day and year above written. Sealed and delivered in the presence of William Watson, Thomas Hamarland, Henry Burell.

Robert Mead of Princes Risborough 1578/1580

In the name of God amen the xith day of May anno 1578 I Robert Mead of Princes Risborough in the county of Buckingham, husbandman, being sick in body but of good and perfect remembrance, laud & praise be given unto almighty, do make and ordain this my last will in manner form following that is to say first I bequeath my soul unto almighty God my maker & redeemer and my body to be buried in the parish church of Princes Risborough aforesaid. Item I give to the poor of the town of Risborough iis. Item I will that Alice my wife shall dwell in my house so long as she liveth. Item I bequeath unto Alice my wife a cow which she will choose & xls. of money & of all my household stuff. Item I bequeath to Alice my wife vi wether sheep not of the best nor of the worst. Item I bequeath unto Edward Rance, Katherine Rance, Thomas Rance, Annys Rance, & Richard Rance the other of all my goods & cattle to be equally divided amongst them. Item I bequeath unto Thomas Butler & Anne Butler my daughter's children xxs. apiece to bedelivered unto them when they come to the age of xxi years, and James Stevens of Bledlow to have the money in keeping until they come to the said age of xxi years. Item I bequeath to every one of my godchildren iiiid. The rest of my goods not bequeathed, my funeral expenses performed, I leave & bequeath to my wife & Thomas Rance whom I make executors of this my last will. Item I bequeath unto Matthew Owen ii ewes & a lamb. These being witnesses Nicholas Clark, Thomes Neell, Thomas Winnet, Christopher Fullwell with others.

Thomas Mead of Saunderton, 1582

In the name of God Amen, the xxii day of July 1582 I Thomas Mead of Saunderton, sick in body but of good & perfect remembrance, do make my last will & testament in manner & form following. First I betake myself wholly unto almighty God & will my body to be buried in the churchyard of Saunderton. Item I give to my daughter Jane Mead a bullock of one year old, iiii quarters of barley, my best brass pot, six pewter platters, six pewter dishes, my (unclear), a flock bed, iiii pairs of sheets, a coverlet white & black, a table with a frame, all the said legacy to be delivered unto her at the age of xviii years. Item I give unto my said daughter Jane Mead half a quarter of wheat to be delivered at the day of her marriage. All the rest of my goods and chattels I give & bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth Mead whom I make my whole executrix and I appoint Richard Rich of Charbrich in Chesham parish & John Wingrave of Saunderton overseers of this my last will & testament. Witnesses John Wingrave, Thomas Holbon, Richard Raold.

Richard Meade the elder of Great Brickhill 1585

In the name of God amen, the vii th of November 1585 I Richard Meade the elder of Great Brickhill in the county of Bucks, yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect mind and memory (thanks be to God therefor) do make this my last will & testament in manner & form following. First & principally I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God my creator & to Jesus Christ his son my redeemer & saviour & my body to be buried in the church of Brickhill aforesaid. And as touching my worldly goods I give & bequeath them as followeth. Item I give and bequeath to every one of my daughters that now are married vi d apiece. Item I give to every of their children iiii d apiece. Item I give & bequeath to William my son's son iiii d to be paid to every of them aforesaid within one year within one year next after my decease. Item I give & bequeath unto Richard my son my best cupboard, the standing bed in the parlour & the joined table in the parlour & I will that he never sell them nor give them nor any of them. Item I giv and bequeath unto Richard my son my two houses or tenements with their appurtenances lying & being in Great Brickhill aforesaid which I late purchased of William Jackman deceased and of Hodgkin to have and to hold the said two houses or tenements with their appurtenances unto the said Richard my son & to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten & for lack of such heirs male of his body then to remain to Thomas my son and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten & for lack of such heirs of his body then to remain to Jerome my son & to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten & for lack of such heirs of his body then to remain to the next heirs male of the said Richard Meade forever. And furtherI will that the said Richard my son & the heirs male of his body or such person or persons whomsoever the inheritance of the aforesaid two tenements shall come unto according to the devise of this my present testament & last will, shall pay unto Thomas, Jerome & Mary my children which I have by this my wifevi £ xiii s iiii d apiece and to Susan my daughter v £ to be paid to these my children when they shall accomplish their several ages of xxi years or before that if they should marry. And if it fortune that any of these my four children do depart this life before the days of payment of these aforesaid legacies to them before bequeathed, that then their part or portions of them or any of them so dying shall remain unto them that be living to be equally divided amongst them, provided always I further will by this my present testament & last will that Elizabeth my wife shall have and enjoy the tenement near unto Jacob's close wherein George Davis now dwelleth, with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging during her widowhood & that Richard my son shall keep the same tenement in sufficient repair during her widowhood. Item I give & bequeath unto the said Elizabeth my wife all the household stuff which she brought with her which is in my house or in my custody at the time of the making of this my last will & testament. Item I further give & bequeath unto my said wif three of my best milch kine and I will that Richard my son, his heirs, executors & assigns shall keep these milch kine for my said wife during her widowhood & during the term of years that I shall have to come at the time of my decease in the Hanchurch lease, and that he shall keep them so well as he doth his own, both with summer meat & winter meat at his expense, cost & charges & that he shall keep them in the town fields of Great Brickhill aforesaid & further I will that the said Richard my son, his heirs, executors or assigns shall pay & deliver to my sai wife during the continuation of the said Hanchurch lease (if she keep herself widow) yearly six bushels of wheat, six bushels of rye, twelve bushels of malt, twelve bushels of beans, peas or fitches & that the said wheat, rye, malt, beans, peas or fitches shall bee good clean & merchantable ware. Item I give & bequeath unto my said wife four bacon flitches & two hogs & that that they shall not be of the best nor of the worst. Item I give unto my said wfe & son half of all my hosen to be equally divided between my son Richard and her. Item I give & bequeath to my said wife & son half of all the poultry in the yard. Item I further will that my said wife shall keep my daughter Susan during her nonage at her own cost & charges. The rest of all my goods & cattle not before bequeathed, my debts being paid & my body honestly brought to the earth, I give & bequeath to Richard my son, whom I make & appoint my full and whole executor of this my last will & testament and I will that my loving friends Richard Meade ofBragna (Brickhill Magna) & Henry Honor of Stabridge shall be my overseers of this my present testament to see it truly performed as my trust is in them. And I give to them for their pains taking xii d apiece. These being witnesses Richard Meade of Bragna, William Wodell, Edward Hearing.

Jane Meade of Stoke Hammond 1592

In the name of God amen the xii th day of June anno domino 1592 I Jane Meade of Stoke Hammond in the county of Bucks, widow, being sick in body but of whole & perfect memory (praise be unto almighty God) do make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following viz: first I bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty God my maker & redeemer & my body to be buried in the parish churchyard of Stoke Hammond aforesaid. Item I give & bequeath to my son William all the tools & implements belonging to the shop, to be delivered to him immediately after my decease. Item I give to every of my daughters Isabel & Elizabeth xx apiece to be delivered to be delivered to them each at the day of their marriage or when they shall accomplish the age of eighteen years, which shall first happen. Item I give & bequeath to Thomas my son a pair of sheets. All the residue of my goods not bequeathed, my debts paid and my funeral, I give and bequeath to Thomas Parrie my brother whom I make my executor of this my last wl & testament in consideration that he shall bring up in the fear of God my son James, finding unto him meat, drink & clothes sufficient unto him until he come to the age of xvi years or else be able to provide for him (unclear) to the said James the sum of forty shillings when he shall come to the age of xx years. And of this my last will and testament I make and ordain William Meade & John Ashby overseers to see that all things herein be satisfied & performed & for their pains I give to each of them vi d. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year first being written. These being witnesses John Fowler, Richard (-)

Robert Mead of Saunderton, 1594

In the name of God amen, the vii day of September in the year of our lord 1493, I Robert Meade of Saunderton in the county of Buck, being of good & perfect remembrance (God be praised therefore), do make this my last will & testament in manner & form following. First I commit my soul to almighty God my maker & redeemer & will my body to be buried in the parish church of Saunderton aforesaid. Item I give & bequeath to my son Ralph Meade iii bushels of wheat & a bushel of barley. Item I give to my daughter Anne Woodbridge, widow, half a quarter of wheat. Item I give to John Meade, Robert Meade & Thomas Meade, the children of my son John Mead, to each of them a bushel of barley. Item I give to Elizabeth Mead the daughter of my son Edmund Meade iiii £ of lawful money off England. Item I give to Alice Mead the other daughter of the said Edmund Meade iiii £ of lawful money of England. The rest of my goods and chattels I give to my son Edmund Meade whom I make my whole & lawful executor to execute this my last wil & testament. Witnesses William Newman, John Baldwin.

John Medes, Westbury, Bucks, 1616

In the name of God amen, I John Medes of Westbury in the county of Bucks, being sick in body but perfect in mind, God be thanked therefore, do constitute and ordain this for my last will and testament. Inprimus I give and bequeath my soul to God that gave it and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Westbury. Item I give and bequeath unto the church of Westbury xxs to be paid at my burial. Item I give and bequeath unto the poor people of Westbury xls to be distributed to them at my burial by the executors of this my will and testament. Item I give and bequeath unto William Mede and Nicholas Mede in Norfolk to be disposed amongst the rest of that kindred x£. Item I give and bequeath unto William Mede the son of Thomas Mede of Berkly x£. Item I give and bequeath unto Richard Newman's wife one bond wherein Robert Norman and Rowland stand bound for the sum of thirty four shillings and no more. Item I give unto John Coleman's wife the worser pot of four brass pots which are mine. Item I give and bequeath untoevery godchild in this town and one in Tingwick called John Perkins to every of them iiis and to my godchild Alice Aires of Tingwick iis. Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Coleman xls. Item I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Neele of Galrott v£. Item I give and bequeath unto all the children of Robert Minne to every of them x£ apiece. Item I give unto Minne and his wife x£ to be at their disposal the whole x£ to be distributed amongst their children at their death. Item I give and bequeath unto John Coleman the younger xiii£ due to me upon a bond wherein John Coleman his father stands bound to me the bond to be all to John Coleman the elder. Item it is my will that Robert Minne and his wife and children shall have presently all into their handsso many bonds as shall sufficiently pay unto them the said three score pounds. Item I appoint and constitute Mr Henry Wallis the elder and Richard Jakeman to be overseers of this my will and testament. Item I appoint and my will is that Margaret Coleman shall be whoe and sole executrix. And in witness that I do hereby recall all former wills and testaments and do hereby confirm thids to be my last will and testament I have set to my hand and seal in the presence of these whose names are under written. Item I give unto the minister of the parish as a legacy xs. To Edward Coleman xs. To Judith White iiis iiiid. To John Woodrose xis. John Medes his mark. Henry Wallis, Edward Harcott, Thomas Panor vicar.

George Meade, of Monks Risborough, husbandman, 1640

In the name of God, amen, the fourth day of November, anno Domino 1639, I George Meade, of Wytlefe in the parish of Monks Risborough, in the county of Bucks, husbandman, being sick in body but of whole and and perfect remembrance, thanks be to God for the same, do ordain this my last will and testament inn manner following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God my maker and to Jesus Christ my savior and redeemer, by whose death and passion I trust to be saved, and my body to be buried at the discretion of my executors. Item I give and bequeath to my son Richard Meade the sum of 12 pence. Item I give and bequeath to my eldest daughter Edday Bonsay or Bousay(?) the sum of 12 pence, and to her son Richard Bonsay the sum of 12 pence. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Alice Meade one flock bed, one pair of sheets, one brass pot, one blanket, and two coffers. Item I give and bequeath to my two daughters Alice and Margaret my messuage or tenement that I bought of Thomas Deanes, except one little plot next the street according as it is hedged out, but the rest aforesaid to be to them and their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to Christopher Meade my son one messuage or tenement with the appurtenances thereunto belonging with the lay or lea(?) that I bought of Thomas Deanes, with the little ploy next the street, and all the rest of my free ground whatsoever lying and being in the parish of Monks Risborough to be to him and his heirs forever, but my wife Katherine to hold the same free land during her natural life. Item all the rest of my goods, chattels and cattle whatsoever unbequeathed I give to Katherine my wife and Christopher my son, whom I make and ordain to be my sole executors to this my last will and testament. To pay my debts and legacies and to discharge my funeral expenses. These being witnesses Thomas Kinge, Edward Nayburn. George Meade his mark.

Inventory sum total £23, but being indebted £13.

Richard Mead, Soulbury, 1645

The fourth day of August 1642, In the name of God Amen, I Richard Meade of Bragnam in the parish of Soulbury in the county of Buck, yeoman, being in health of body and in perfect memory, praised be God, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God my maker, hoping assuredly through the merits of Jesus Christ my redeemer to be made partaker of everlasting life, and my body to be buried at Soulbury aforesaid. Item I give to Richard Meade my eldest son and to his heirs forever all those houses, lands and leases with the rights, members and appurtenances belonging to them or any of them lying in the parishes of Totterhoe, Eaton, Dunstable or elsewhere in the county of Bedford which I bought of William Welch. And I do also give to my son Richard and his heirs forever all those lands with the appurtenances which I bought of Thomas Stevens lying in the parishes of Soulbury & Linslade when he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years. And I give to my son Richard also and hi heirs forever all other my lands whatsoever when he shall accomplish the age aforesaid. Also I give to my son Richard six hundred pounds of current English money to be paid him at the age aforesaid. And if it fortune that my son Richard shall depart this life before he shall accomplish the age aforesaid, then my will is that my next son at the age aforesaid shall have all those lands and leases formerly bequeathed and pay unto every of his brothers and sisters then living a hundred pounds apiece. Item I give to my son William when he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty nine hundred pounds. Item I give to my son Mathew at the age aforesaid nine hundred pounds. Item I give to my son Samuel at the age aforesaid nine hundred pounds. Item I give ro my son John at the age aforesaid nine hundred pounds. Item I give to Elizabeth my daughter five hundred pounds to be paid her at her day of marriage if she marry with the consent of her mother. Item I give to Rebecca my daughter six hundred pounds to be paid he at her day of marriage. Item I give to Joan my daughter six hundred pounds to be paid her at her day of marriage. Item I give to Sarah my daughter six hundred pounds to be paid her at her day of marriage. All these my daughters' portions to be paid if they marry with the consent of my wife. And if it fortune that any of these my sons or daughters to whom I have given money do die before they have received their portion, that then my will is that portion of him or her so dying shall be equally divided betwixt my other children then living, the eldest son then living only excepted. Item I give to my sister Willis ten pounds. Item I give to her daughter Susan five pounds to be paid six months after my death. Item I give to the poor of Soulbury twenty shillings. Item I give to the poor of Bragnam twenty shillings. Item I give to the poor of Brickhill Magna twenty shillings. These gifts to be at my wife's discretion. Item I give to every of my now servants five shillings apiece. All the rest of my good and chatts I give to Joan my wife whom I do make my sole executrix to perform this my last will and testament. And I do entreat my brothers Gilbert Stoughton and Harry Pedder (?) to see my will performed, and I give either of them twenty shillings apiece to buy a ring. In witness whereof I have put my hand & seal the day & year first above written. Richard Meade. In the presence of the mark of Mark Baylie, Thomas Bush.

Elizabeth Meade of Stewkley, widow of William Meade, 1654 (PCC)

In the name of God, amen, I Elizabeth Meade of Stuckley in the county of Bucks, widow, knowing that it is appointed for all to die and after to come to judgment, but the time and manner only known to God, by whose providence all things have their being, continuance and end, and foreseeing that the days of my pilgrimage to be few and wearisome, do therefor this twelfth day of January 1653, revoking all former wills, make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First and principally I commend my soul to the mercy of my heavenly father in Christ, hoping assuredly by the merits of my savior and redeemer Jesus Christ to be partaker of his heavenly kingdom. Also my mind and will is that my body be buried in decent manner according to my calling. And for my worldly goods which God hath made me a steward of, I dispose as followeth. Item I give and bequeath to my son John Meade ten pounds to be paid unto him within one whole year then next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Colles, wife of William Colles, one black cope and one brass kettle, one brass sosnet and two joined stools. Item I give and bequeath unto my grandchild Elizabeth Colles, daughter of William Colles, one joined bedstead and one flock bed and one feather bolster and one pair of sheets. Item I give and bequeath unto my grandchild Joan Colles, daughter of William Colles, ten shillings and one pair of sheets, Item I give and bequeath unto Katherine Meade my grandchild, daughter of John Meade, ten shillings and one pair of sheets. Item I give and bequeath unto my grandchildren Anne Meade and Elizabeth Meade, Joan Meade, daughters of William Meade, twenty shillings apiece to be paid unto them at their several days of marriage. Item I give unto Mary Meade my grandchild, daughter of William Meade, my best coverlet. Item I give unto William Meade son of Nicholas Meade my grandchild twenty shillings. And unto Mary Meade daughter of Nicholas Meade twenty shillings. Item I give unto my grandchildren William Meade, John Meade, Richard Meade, Nicholas Meade, Thomas Meade, Joseph Mead, sons of John Meade, five shillings apiece to be paid unto them within one whole year then next after my decease. Item I give unto Thomas Colles, John Colles, William Colles, Joseph Colles, sons of William Colles, five shillings apiece to be paid unto them within on whole year after my decease. All the rest of by goods, chattel and cattle, my funeral discharged and debts paid, I give unto my son Thomas Meade of Stuckley, whom I make my sole executor of this my last will and testament. In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. The mark of Elizabeth Meade. Signed, sealed, pronounced and declared in the presence of the mark of Bennett Pitkin and William Burton.

Thomas Meade of Stewkley, 1659 (PCC)

The thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and eight, I Thomas Mead of Stewkley in the county of Bucks, being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, blessed be God, do make and ordain this my present will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, first I give and bequeath to my sister Elizabeth Colet so much of the best goods as shall be worth five pounds. Item I give to my four kinswomen, the daughters of my brother, William, deceased, twenty shillings apiece. Item I give to my sister Bridget and to her son and her daughter each of them twenty shillings. Item I give to me cousin William Mead, the son of my brother Richard, deceased, twenty shillings. Item I give and bequeath to all the children of my brother John Mead twenty shillings apiece. Item I give and bequeath to all the children of my brother William Roales twenty shillings apiece. Item I give unto my brother William Roales five pounds. Item I give to my brother John Mead five pounds. Item I give to Sarah Bandner my maid ten shillings. Item I give to the poor of the parish of Stewkley fifty shillings. Item all my lands and the rest of my goods unbequeathed I give unto John Mead the son of my brother John Mead, to him and his heirs forever, whom I make the whole executor, to discharge my debts and legacies and funeral expenses. I likewise appoint my brother William Roales and my brother John Mead overseers of this my will, to see all things performed according to the true intent and meaning hereof. In witness whereof I the said Thomas Mead have put my hand and seal the second day of October in the year above written, Thomas Mead, signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of John Mead, Thomas Mead, William Roales.

Joane Meade, widow, Bragenham in Soulbury, 20 February 1670/1.

Appraisers: Thomas Turner, John Tilbury, Matthew Mede.

£ s d

Imprimis hir wareing Aparrell 10 0 0

Item mony in hir purse 10 16 0

Item in the halle Two Tables Two Carpetts 5 Chares six Joyne

stooles one screne 6 cushings and other things 3 0 0

Item the little Parlor one Table five Chairs and six Cushings 2 0 0

Item six Chaires and Two stooles Bedsteed Curtaynes and

valients and blanketts and some other things in the Inner

Parlor 5 0 0

Item in the sellers fower Hogsheads barells tubs and other

bruing vessells 2 10 0

Item Peuter and Brasse 5 16 8

Item in the Kiching driping pans spitts handirons hangars and

other things 1 0 0

A Table and other lumber 0 5 0

Item in the Milkhouse Chees vessell and other lumber 0 13 4

Item in the Bruhouse Tubs and other lumber 1 0 0

Item in the Bruhouse chamber Two bedsteeds and beding and

other smale things 6 0 0

Item in the Kitching Chamber one bedsteed a press 2 Chest

and other things 2 0 0

Item in the mens Chamber 2 bedsteeds and beding and other

lumber 0 14 0

Item in the Cheesloft bords and Cheesrack and other lumber 0 13 4

Item in the hale Chamber one bedsteed one fetherbed pillowes

and bolsters curtaynes and valients and old chayres 5 0 0

Item in the Chamber att stairhead one bedsteed one fetherbed

and one flockbeed one blankett curtaynes and valients and

Rug and other lumber 3 0 0

59 8 4

Item plate 6 0 0

Item in the yard two carts and three payre of wheeles 3 10 0

Matthew Mead of Stepney, 1699, PCC

I Matthew Mead of Stepney in the county of Middlesex, gentleman, finding myself infirm in body but of sound disposing mind and not knowing how soon or how suddenly the great God, in whose hands my time is, may by death call me out of this world, and being sensible how much it is my duty to set my house in order while I live, for preserving that peace and love among my dear children which they have to my great comfort excelled in hitherto, do therefore make, appoint and ordain this to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at any times heretofore made. Imprimis I will and appoint that all my debts be truly paid and what remains I dispose thereof as followeth. I give to my eldest son Matthew Mead to bar him from claiming any share in my estate, for that he hath formerly received what I thought fit to give him, the sum of ten pounds. Item I give to my son Samuel Mead and to his heirs forever all my land with the appurtenances commonly called or known by the name of Smevins lying a being in the parish of Soulbury in the county of Bucks, now in the tenure or occupation of Mallard, to descend and come to him after the death of my wife. And I do also give to him in money seven hundred pounds. Item I do give to my son Robert Meade ten pounds, I having already paid to him his portion. Item whereas i have by lease and release bearing date the twenty fifth and twenty sixth days of July last past settled all that my house wherein I now dwell with the appurtenances on my son Richard Mead and his then intended wife Ruth and the heirs of my said son Richard forever, now I do hereby ratify and confirm the said settlement and I do give to my said son Richard my iron bell belonging to the garden and all the water tubs and brewing vessels as now standing in and about the said house, and I do also give to him and his said wife twenty pounds. Item I give to my son James Mead nine hundred and fifty pounds. Item I give to my daughter Elizabeth Mead nine hundred to be paid at the age of twenty years or a of marriage, which shall first happen, provided she shall marry with the consent of her mother, and until the day of her attaining the age of twenty years or marrying as aforesaid, I do give to her to her the interest thereof to be for her board and maintenance. Item I do give to my son-in-law James Rolleston all my interest, right and title of, in and to the lease of the house in Friday Street in London called by the name of the Starr wherein he now dwelleth, he paying the ground rent as it shall grow due from time to time and also paying to my wife fourteen pounds yearly and every year during all the rest and residue of the term of years granted by lease whereby the said house is held that shall be to come and unexpired at the time of my decease if my said wife shall so long live. And it is my mind and will that the said fourteen pounds a year be paid to my said wife by quarterly payments clear of all taxes, charges, impositions and assessments whatsoever. And I do hereby declare my will to be that my sidwife shall out of the said fourteen pounds a year pay unto my said son Samuel Mead ten pounds yearly and every year in such manner as she shall receive the same. Item I give to my daughter Rebecca Shrimpton now in New England ten pounds and not more, she having at her marriage received what I allotted to her. And I give to my granddaughter Elizabeth Shrimpton fifty pounds and no more to be paid at the age of twenty years or day of marriage, which shall first happen, provided she marry with the consent of my wife. Item I give to my grandson Matthew Mead if he shall live to the age of sixteen years fifty pounds. Item I give to my grandson Matthew Rolleston and my granddaughter Deborah Rolleston twenty-five pounds apiece. Item I give fifty pounds to be distributed to such poor persons of the church of which I am pastor as my dear friends Capt. James Conway, Mr Joseph Welby and my dear son-in-law Mr James Rolleston shall appoint to receive the same. My stock in the East India Company and my four houses in Blakhose Alley in Fleet Street and my part and share in the ship or vessel called the Matthew of which Mr Cross is now commander, being of uncertain value my will is that they shall be sold and the money to be equally divided between my dear wife and six of my children namely Samuel, Robert, Richard and James Mead and my two daughters Anna Rolleston and Elizabeth Mead. And if they shall not think fit to sell one or all of them I leave it to them to agree the matter among themselves provided each one of them have an equal share. Item I give to all my children what I have given to them as abovesaid with this condition, and it is my will that if it shall appear after my decease that by losses or otherwise my estate should not be sufficient to pay each child so much as I have willed to each of them, reserving to my dear wife my houses and rents in Lyme Street and the rent of may lands at Smevins and the fourteen pounds a year to be paid by my son James Rolleston as abovesaid, that then each and every of my said chldre shall bear an equal share in the loss by a proportionable deduction from each of their portions and legacies, that so the burthen and loss may not fall upon any one of them more than upon another. Item I give to such manservants as shall be living with me at the time of my decease and to my two maidservants forty shillings apiece. Item I give to Mr Thomas Simonds my assistant in the ministry my Calvin's works in nine volumes in folio being gilt on the back. All the remainder of my books I give to my four sons Samuel, Robert, Richard and James Mead to be equally divided among them or the money shall be sold, excepting such English books as my wife shall choose out for her own use. Item I give to my most faithful friend Madam Elizabeth Sheppard one guinea to buy a ring to wear for my sake. All the rest and residue of my estate undisposed of by this my will whether real or personal I give devise and bequeath unto my loving wife Elizabeth Mead. And in trust and confidence that she will fulfil my mind and will i all things as abovementioned I do hereby nominate, make and appoint her the said Eizabeth Mead my loving wife the full and sole executrix of this my last will and testament, solemnly charging all my sons to assist her therein to the utmost and to show her all respect and duty as long as she lives. And I do hereby declare my mind and will to be that whatsoever money I have already advanced and paid to y said children or any of them, such moneys shall not be reckoned as part of the legacies hereby given to them or any of them, it being my mind that the legacies I have by this my will given to my children should be paid to them respectively over and above what I have already given them. Item I give to my loving brother James Blaicon twenty shillings to buy a ring to wear for my sake. And lastly I do hereby declare my mind to be that my said wife shall out of the said rent and sums of money I have bequeathed to her as abovesaid pay and discharge the ground rent of the houses in Lyme Street from time to time as he same shall become due and payable. In witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the twenty-eighth day of September in the eleventh year of the reign of our sovereign lord William the third by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith &c anno domino one thousand six hundred ninety nine Matthew Mead signed, sealed, publihed and declared by the said Matthew Mead as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who subscribed our names in the presence of the said testator, John Harrison, Richard Coligran, Thomas Cicalidge, Lydia Crastwick.