1550-1600

Laurence Meade of Ugley, Essex, 1550/51

In dei nomine, amen, the 26th day of January in the year of our lord God 1551 and the fifth year of the reign of Edward by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith and in earth immediately under God supreme head of the church of England and of Ireland, I Laurence Meade of the parish of Ugley in the county of Essex, husbandman, being sick and feeble in body and yet, thanks be to God, being of good mind and memory, make this my last testament and will in form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God and to all the holy company of heaven and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Ugley aforesaid. Also I will that John Meade my son have all my houseling and copyhold land situate and being within the said parish of Ugley when he shall come at 24 years of age and at the same time of his first entrance into the said land to have 4 acres of wheat, 4 acres of barley, two acres of peas and two acres of oats. Also I will that the same John my son shall have four horses, the price of any horse 26s 8d, four beasts good and able, one shod cart being able and sufficient, and one able plough with all that shall appertain thereto, with four harnesses to the horses and all other necessaries that shall be belonging to the premisses. Also I will and bequeath to Joan, Margaret and Agnes my three daughters at the day of their marriages, to each of them five marks in money. Also I bequeath unto the poor men's box (unclear) to be distributed at the discretion of the honest men of the parish of Ugley as they shall think most necessary, either to the church or else to the poor. Also I will that Margaret my wife shall have the occupying of all my houseling and land within the said parish of Ugley until my aforenamed son John come to the full age of 24 years, and to have the full profit thereof during all the said season or time of non-age of my said son John. And I will also that if it fortune the same John my son to decease afore he do come to the age of 24 years as is above expressed, that then I will that the said tenements with all my said lands being within the said parish of Ugley shall remain to the said Joan, Margaret and Agnes my three daughters to be divided equally among them, and that the said Margaret my wife during her natural life to enjoy and to have all my said tenements and lands with all the profits coming and growing of the same, if it shall fortune my said son John decease afore he come to the said age of 24 years. And also I will that Margaret my wife have all my goods and chattels, moveable and unmoveable not bequeathed, my debts and funeral discharged and paid, with (unclear) with John Meade my brother mine executors. And I do ordain (unclear) John Savell of Ugley to be overseer and supervisor of this my last will and testament and he the same John Savell with my said brother John Meade for their pains taken in this behalf to have either of them 6s 8d. These being witnesses Richard Stanes younger of Little (unclear), John Cakebread and John Ive with others more.

Agnes Mede of Clavering, 1555

In dei nomine Amen, the xth day of February in the year of our Lord God 1555 I Agnes Mede of Clavering make this my testament. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God and my body to be buried etc. Item I give to any of my godchildren viii d. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes Mede my youngest daughter my best kirtle. Item I give and bequeath all the oxen being in my yard to my sons Richard Mede and Robert Mede to be divided between them. Item I give one cow to Richard Mede my son and one cow to John Mede my son and a cow to Agnes Mede my said youngest daughter. Item I give and bequeath to Anne Harrold, Agnes Okeman, Margaret Folsted and Elizabeth Corrot any of them one bushel of wheat. Item I give to John Okeman vi s. viii d. Item I give to John Woodcock v s. Item I give to John Luter my servant iii s. iiii d. Item I give to the poor people of Clavering vi s. viii d. Item I give to Agnes my daughter the youngest my great hutch and my settee. And all the residue of my goods unbequeathed, my debts, legacies, crges of my burial and the execution of my will being fulfilled I will shall be equally divided and given among all my children by the discretion of my executors, whom I ordain and make James Parish of Stocking Pelham and John Parish of Berden my brothers to whom I will for either of their labours iii s. iiii d. and their reasonable charges, provided always and my mind & will is the table in the hall & the bench board shall stand still & go with the house. In witness whereof I have caused this my present testament & last will to be written, read & declared in the presence & hearing of Thomas Barnard, Richard Rombold, William Bell, & Richard Hunt of Clavering the day & year above said.

Robert Mede of Clavering, 1556

In the name of God amen the one & twentieth day of July in the year of our lord God a thousand five hundred and fifty six and in this the fourth year of the reign of our sovereign lord and lady Philip and Mary by the grace of God king and queen of England, France and Ireland, defenders of the faith, Archdduke of Anstrith, Duke of Milan & Burgundy & Brabant, Count of Haspenrge (?) & Flanders & Tyrol, I Robert Mede of Clavering in the county of Essex and diocese of London, of good mind and excellent memory, laud be to God, thus do order and make my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul to almighty God my maker and redeemer and only saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Clavering aforesaid. Item I will my wife to have my house that I now dwell in and all my land for the term of her life and after her decease I will it remain to my child, whether it be man child or woman child. If it chance the said child to depart this world without issue lawfully begotten for lack of issue I will the said house with my land to Richard Mede my brother and his issue and the said Richard Mede and his issue to pay yearly forever at the lent time in the parish church of Clavering six shillings & eight pence amongst the poor people. The residue of my goods not bequeathed, my debts paid and legacies fulfilled, I will and bequeath to Joane my wife whom I ordain and make by this my present will and testament to be my executrix. In witness whereof I have caused this to be written and read in the presence and hearing of William Dyer, William Bell, Richard Rombold, Thomas Browt of Clavering.

Memorandum the said xxi day of July in the said year in the said third and fourth years of our said sovereign lord & lady King Philip & Queen Mary, the said Robert Mede willed that if his child that his wife is great with should chance to decease without issue of the body lawfully begotten, then in consideration of the house, land and tenement by his aforesaid testament willed and bequeathed to Richard Mede his brother, he willed his said brother and issue should pay to his three sisters Agnes Harrolde, Elizabeth Agotte and Margaret Felstod any of them xx s in this form following, that is to wit, within one year next after the entrance of the said Richard or his issue then upon the said house and land to any of them vi s. viii d. and so yearly then next ensuing to any of them vi s. viii d. until the said several sums to the said sisters be fully contented and paid. In the presence and hearing of William Bell, Richard Rombold and Thomas Browte of Clavering.

Thomas Meade of Stapleford, Cambridgeshire, Abt 1505 - 1558

Yeoman. Married first Joan Crawley, second Avice

Sons: Thomas Meade, Reginald with Joan, Thomas with Avice

Daughters: Agnes, Mary

Prerogative Court of Canterbury

Jn the name of god amen The XX=th= daye of Septemb~ in the yere of our lorde god a thousande five hundred fiftie and seaven J Thomas Mede of Stapleford in the countie of Cambridge yoman and in the dioces of Ely being hole of mynde & of good memory praise be unto allmighti god doo ordayn and make my testament & last will in manner and formme following that so to say, ffirst J bequeathe my soule to allmighti god my maker and to Jesu Christe my redemer and to god the holly gooste whiche hathe been from tyme to tyme in all goodnes my comforte three p~sonnes and one god and to o=r= ladie Saincte Marye the mother of o=r= Savio=r= Jesu Christe and to all the hollie companny of heavyn, and my bodie to be bured in the p~ishe churche of Saincte Andrew in Stapleford even befor my Seate wheare J was wonte to sitte there and to playe for the breaking of the grounde vi s viii d according to the custome used there. Jtem J bequeath to the hie aulter ther for my tithes negligentlie forgotten xii d. Jtem I geve to the rep~acions of the same churche xx s, and to ev~ye poore housholde within the towne that hathe no parte of a ploughe xii d. Jtem J will that my executours shall bring me honnestlie in erthe and also to kepe anonest monnethio day for my soule my freende soules and all christen soules. Jtem J give to the vicar of Elmedon for my tithes negligentlie forgotten ii s. Jtem J give to the poore men of the said towne x s and to the poor people of Christhall vi s viii d. Jtem J give to the p~ishe churche of Elmedon toward the rep~acionnes ther x s. Jtem J give to Avis my wif my best cow in my yarde and a younge bullocke. And also I will that she shalhave all such covenntz as are contayned in a payed of Jndentures and an obligacion of the same as in the same covenntes more at large dothe appear. Jtem J bequeath to Reginald Meede my sonne all that land in Elmdon whiche J bought of William Strete and of John Moore bothe free and coppie, paying the rent to the lorde of the fee according to the custome, Also that he shall insure his wif in three pounds by the yere for terme of her life according to my promise w=t= M=r= Aspelonde. Jtem J bequeath to the said Reginald Meede my sonne the moitie of my farme in Elmedon called Elmedon burye for that parte the whiche J holde of maister Henry Cutter esquire. Jtem J bequeath to Thomas Meede my yonger sonne thothe~ moitie of Elmedon burye the whiche J holde of maister Richard Cutter w=t= all the corne and cattall that J have there and other moveables, that is to say horses and cartes, ploughes and all that to them bilongith and also corne and tilth of ground and saffron ground and iiii=x= of sheepe as they shall come w=t= all my beestis ther, and also one bedd w=t= all that bilongith to it and in money XX=ti= nobles. Jtem J bequeath to the saide Thomas my yongest sonne all my houses land and pastur w=t= thappurtenances that J bought of M=r= Cranley to him and to his heires in fee symple forev~ no~i~ated and called the gentilmans in Christhall. Jtem J bequeath to Agnes my daught~ xl li to be paid her when she cometh to thage of xviiii yeres. Jtem J bequeth to to Mary my daughter xl li wherof J wille that mestres Peppes or M=r= Birde shalhave xx li in one of their hands so long as any of them be dispoased to kepe her or so longe as she shall tarrye ther to be paid w=t=in a yere after my deceace. And also xl shylings by year out of my lande till she cometh to thage of xviii yeres to helpe to bringe her up. Jtem J bequeath to the children of John Hamond and of Johane late my wif, that is to say to Alice Hamond and to Richard Hamond her brother xx li that J stande bounde to pay them as in the said obligacion it dothe appere. Jtem J bequeath to the said Alice and Richard other xx li of myn owne gift to be paid them at the daies of either of their marriage as in the said obligacon dothe appere. Jtem J give to Thomas Meede my youngest sonne part of my rayment at y=e= discreacion of myn executours. And also J will that Thomas my sonne and Agnes my daughter shalhave parte of my houshold at Eedon at the discreacion of myn executours. Jtem J geve to Thomas Rande my godsonne vi s viii d and to either of Reynold Meede children vi s viii d. Jtem J bequeath to Roged Newman one of my cootes and in mony vi s viii d. Jtem J bequeath all the rest of my lands and moveables to Thomas Mede my eldest sonne to take up my dettis and to pay my dettz whome J doo ordayne and make my soole executo=r= except he will take anye of his brethern to him and doo charge him to see this my last will to be perfourmed and doon. Jtem J will that Joane Symond shalhave forty shilling. And to fulfill this my last will J will that Thomas my eldest sonne myn executo~ shall sell asmuche lande as shall fulfill and discharge this my testament and last wille. Jtem J give Susanne Suell vi s viii d. By me Thomas Meede. Thies being witnes Thomas Henre William Barnes Alexander Calson and Robert Samon et alies.

Joane Meade of Berden, will made 1557, probated 1558

In the name of God amen the XXVIII day of March in the year of our lord God 1557and in the fourth and fifth years of the reigns of our sovereign lord and lady King Philip & Queen Mary by the grace of God of England, Spain, France etc. I Joane Meade of Berden in the county of Essex and diocese of London, widow, being of good whole mind and perfect memory, laud be to God, thus do ordain & make this my present testament & last will in this manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul unto almighty God my maker & redeemer and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Berden aforesaid. Item I give & bequeath unto John Meade & Edward Meade my two sons my cups to be equally divided between them. Also I give & bequeath to Thomas Meade & Richard Meade my sons my silver salt to be equally divided between them. And also I will to the said Thomas & Richard to any of them III silver spoons. Item I give & bequeath unto Thomas Meade my son my bed that I lie on with all that belongs thereunto to be delivered unto him within one month next after my decease. Item I give unto Elizabeth Wright my daughter my best kirtle, my best caul & a kerchief to be delivered unto her immediately after my decease. Item I will to Agnes Goodaye my daughter my best petticoat & my kerchief the which she has desired so long & a caul to be delivered unto her immediately after my decease. Item I give & bequeath to Joane Pelham my daughter my little hutch & my ____ gown, a caul, a kerchief and my best white cap to be delivered unto her immediately after my decease. Item I give & bequeath unto the poor people of Berden XXII s to be distributed unto them at the discretion of my executors where most need is. Item I give and bequeath to my son John Meade's eleven children to every of them VI s VIII d of lawful money of England to be paid to them at their several days of their marriages. If it fortune any of them to decease before the said days of their marriage then I will the legacy or gift of them or any of them so deceased shall be equally divided mong the residue of they then being alive. And I will also to my son Edward Meade's seven children to every of them VI s VIII d of lawful money of England to be paid to them every of them at their several days of their marriages and if it shall fortune any of them to decease before the said days of their marriages then I will the legacy or gift of them or any of them so deceased shall be equally divided among the residue of them being alive. Item I give & bequeath unto my son Richard Bennett's seven children to any of them VI s VIII d of lawful money to be paid to any of them at the days of their several marriages and if it shall fortune any of them to decease before the said days of their several marriages then I will the legacy or gift of them or any of them so deceased shall be equally divided among the residue of the said children then being alive. Item I will unto my daughter Goodaye's six children to every of them VI s VIII d of lawful money to be paid unto them & every of them at the days of their sevral marriages and if it fortune any of them to decease before the said days of their marriages then I will the legacy or gift of them or any of them so deceased shall be equally divided between the residue of the said children then being alive. Item I will unto my daughter Wright's two children to every of them VI s VIII d of lawful money of England to be paid to them at the days of their marriages and if it fortune that any of them to decease before the day of marriage then I will the legacy or gift of her so deceased shall remain unto the other then being alive. Item I will unto my son Richard Meade's daughter VI VIII d of lawful money to be paid unto her at the day of her marriage. Item I give & bequeath unto Thomas Pelham & John Pelham my daughter Pelham's children every of them one cow and I will unto the eight residue of my said daughter Pelham's children to every of them one quarter of barley, the which beasts and barley to be delivered to them & every of them by Thomas Pelham their father at their seeral days of marriage. Item I give and bequeath unto Joane Pelham my daughter Pelham's daughter my black kirtle. Item I give and bequeath unto Agnes Meade my son Richard Mead's daughter my bed in the parlor with all the things thereunto belonging to be delivered unto her at the day of her marriage. Item I give & bequeath unto my sons' wives, that is to say John Meade's wife, Edward Meade's wife, Thomas Meade's wife, Richard Meade's wife & Richard Bennett's wife to every of them a caul and a kerchief to be delivered unto every of them immediately after my decease. Item I give & bequeath unto every of my godchildren XII d to be delivered to them within one half year next after my decease. Item I will it be remembered in this my last will & testament that I have surrendered my copyhold tenement with the appurtenances lying in Berden aforesaid after the custom of the said manor by the hands of Edward Meade in the presence of John Meade & Thomas Meade unto the use & behove of Richard Bennett my son and Joane Pelhm my daughter and to their heirs forever to be equally divided between them. The residue of all my goods, moveables & unmoveables not in this my present testament or last will given or bequeathed I wholly give & bequeath them to Richard Meade my son and I ordain & make Thomas Meade my son & Richard Meade my son my faithful executors, paying my debts & fulfilling my legacies, and John Thorgood & John Meade my son to be my supervisors to so look & call upo that this my present testament & last will be done to the effect. In witness whereof I have caused this my last will to be read & declared in the presence of John Thorgood and Sir Richard ____ present with others.

John Meade of Mill End, Great Easton, 1558

In the name of God Amen, the second day of September in the year of our lord God 1558 I John Meade of the Mill End in the parish of Great Easton in the county of Essex and diocese of London, being sick in body and whole in mind, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul to almighty God my maker and saviour, to our blessed lady Saint Mary and to all the holy company of heaven, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Easton aforesaid. Item I give and bequeath to the high altar of the said parish of Easton for my tithe negligently forgotten or unpaid XII d. Item I give and bequeath to Robert Meade my second son all that my tenement which I now dwell in with all that belongs unto it, of old called Neede and now called Mead, to him and to his heirs male of his body lawfully begotten according to a surrender which I have made into the hands of John Meade of the hall, bailiff, and William Purcas of Lyndseth and Robert Pycott, tenant of the manor othe said Easton Hall ________ that the lord of the said manor will be contented therewith upon condition that the said Robert pay or cause to be paid unto John Meade and William Meade my other two sons or to their assigns to each of them twenty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to the said John and William or to their assigns within the space of three years next after my decease, provided always that if the said Robert Meade depart this world without heirs male of his body lawfully begotten that then my will and mind is that my said tenement with all that belongs unto it shall go to the next heir male that is next of the blood and so one to another as long as the name do continue through any of the stock of any of my three sons, that is to say John Meade, Robert Meade and William Meade. And for lack of such heirs male to remain to the heirs female which shall follow to be next of the blood and to their heirs forever. Upon condition that if the said Robert Meade fortune to depart this world withot eirs male of his body lawfully begotten that then the next of the blood being heir male shall enjoy the said tenement with all the appurtenances and shall pay or shall cause to be paid to the said Robert Meade's wife and children or to their assigns thirty pounds of lawful money of England. Item my will is that if the said Robert my son fortune to die without heirs male as is above said, then I will that the said Robert's wife shall have the occupying of my said tenement to her and her assigns during the term of three years next after the decease of the said Robert to the nourishing and bringing up of the said Robert's children. Item I give and bequeath to Robert Pycott five pounds of lawful money of England to the comforting of him, his wife and his children. Item I give and bequeath to John Meade my son's four children five pounds of good and lawful money of England to be distributed and divided amongst them all by even portions to every child when they shall enter to the age of twenty years. And if any ofthem do marry before the said age then I will the said party or parties have his or her portion at the day of his or her marriage. And if any of the said children depart out of this world before they enter to their said age of or their said marriage, then the others that be living to have their part equally divided amongst every child, and so forth as long as any of them be alive. Item I give to Henry Loder twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be delivered to him when he shall enter to the age of 24 years. Item I give and bequeath to the 2 daughters of Robert Meade my son, that is to say Bridget Meade and Katherine, four marks of lawful money of England to be distributed between them by equal portions when they shall enter to the age of twenty years twenty years and if any of them die before they enter to the said age then one of them to be the other's heir. Item I give and bequeath to William my son five pounds of good and lawful money of England to be delivered to him or to his assigns immediately after my decease. Item I give to John Eniver my godson iii shillings iiii d to be delivered to him at the day of his marriage. Item I give and bequeath to all my other godchildren to every one of them xii d. Item I give and bequeath to Richard Pycott thirty shillings of lawful money of England to be delivered to him within three years next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to the poor people of Great Easton XX shillings of lawful money of England to be delivered to them within one year next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to the poor people of Thaxted ten shillings. Item I give and bequeath to the poor people of Dunmow six shillings viii d. The residue of all my moveable goods, corn, cattle and household stuff whatsoever it be which is unequeathed I will it be divided amongst all my three sons equally, that is to say John Meade, Robert Mede and William Meade, upon condition that every one of my said three sons shall pay or cause to be paid twenty shillings of lawful money of England, the which sum of three pounds to be distributed among all my children's children, to every child equally. Item my will and mind is that William my son shall have the first choice of all my said moveable goods when it shall be divided among my said three sons. Item my will is that John Meade, Robert Meade and William Meade my three sons shall see that my body is brought honestly to the earth and to bear all the charges that shall go unto it at my burial day, every one of their portions alike. And to this my present last will and testament I do ordain and make Robert Meade my son my executor. And John Meade my son to be executor with him the said Robert. And also to pay my debts and to fulfil all my legacies contained in this my will and testament. And also I ordan and make my well loved Robert Amos of this parish of Great Easton to be overseer of this my will and I will that the said Robert Amos to have for his pains and labour three shillings and four pence. Those being witnesses John Horkley, John Cassott the writer of this my will.

William Meade of Clavering, 1559

In the name of God Amen, the first day of June in the year of our lord God 1554 I William Meade of Clavering etc. make this my testament. First I bequeath my soul to God and my body to be buried etc. In primis I bequeath unto the poor people of the said parish at the discretion of my executors the value of viii s. viii d. in money. Item I bequeath unto Agnes my wife my house that I dwell in with xviii acres of copy land arable for the term of her life and after her natural life I give the same house with the land unto Robert Meade my son. Item I bequeath and give to my son Richard my tenement called Small James with xiiii acres of arable land be it less or more. Item I bequeath and give to my wife another house of mine for the term of her life and after her decease I will the said house to Robert before named. Item I give and bequeath to my sons Michael Meade and Nicholas Meade Stocking field containing iii score acres of arable land be it less or more equally to be divided. Item I bequeath to Agnes my wife or her lifetime an acre and a rood called Berden Mill field belonging to Cawles and after her decease to Richard my son. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my wife for her lifetime half an acre of copyland more or less as it lieth in Stutfield and after her decease to Robert my son. Item I give and bequeath unto Agnes my said wife an acre of freeland for term of her life and after her decease to Robert my son, so that he do pay or cause to be paid unto William Meade my son or his assigns xxvi s. viii d. wen he hath possession after his mother or within half a year after and for lack of payment lawfully asked the aforesaid William to enter to the foresaid acre as if his own and according to the custom of the manor. I William Meade hath made surrender (?) into the hands of Richard Hunt for my wife's commodity and Robert my son and to William Bell for the commodity of Richard my son and to Richard Rombold for the use and commodity of Nicholas and Michael. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my daughter iii £ vi s. viii d. Witnesses of these presents and having the same read and delivered before the said testator the foresaid day and year, Thomas Dambigh (?) curate of Clavering, Richard Rombold, Richard Hunt and William Bell of Clavering that the said first day of June in the first year of the reign of our sovereign lady Mary by the grace of God etc. the said William Meade willed and bequeathed all his moveable goods to Agnes his wife and furthermore he willed that if his wife should chance to marry again that then he willed ii parts of all of his moveable goods to be equally divided and parted among all his children, any one of them like portions, and the third part to his said wife. And he ordained and made Agnes his said wife and Richard Meade his son his executors and Michael Meade his son his supervisor in the presence of William Bell, Richard Hunt and Richard Rombold of Clavering.

Robert Meade of Great Easton, 1560

In the name of God amen, the xxi day of September in the year of our lord 1560 I Robert Meade of Much Easton in the county of Essex and diocese of London, being in body sick & whole of mind & perfect remembrance, do ordain and make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul to almighty God my maker and saviour and my body to be buried within the churchyard of Easton aforesaid. Item I give and bequeath all my moveable goods that I have within the house where I now dwell unto John Meade my well loved father desiring him to distribute and give unto my children what that it shall please him to every child of them part & part like when they shall come to their several ages of xx years or at the days of their several marriages if they or any of them do marry before they come to their said several ages of xx years. Item I give and bequeath unto my children all such money and goods as Mr Thomas Wiseman does owe unto me to every one of my children part & part like when they all come to heir several ages of xx years or at the days of their several marriages if they happen to marry before their said several ages of xx years, to be delivered unto them in form aforesaid by the hand of my executor as hereafter shall be named. Item I will that each if my said children to be the others' heirs, as long as any of them be left alive, of all such gifts and legacies as I the said Robert Meade have bequeathed and given unto them. Item I give and bequeath to the use of All Hallows in Long Stanton xx s, and unto Matthew Rowley and Johane Gibbs to either of them a russet frock, and to Thomas Mayes a white cow and to William Giles my servant a jerkin, a pair of hosen and five shillings, and to William Ward a (unclear) black cow and the beast which I should receive in Royston to go to the performance of King's will of Chawreth until the said King's will be performed to be delivered by the hand of my executors. Item I forgive (unclear)men all such debts as they do owe unto me. Item I will that althe rent of all my lands shall go to the bringing up of all my children and unto this my present last will and testament I make and ordain John Meade my brother, John Melborne, William Collyn & George Meade my brother mine executors, these being witnesses Richard Strachie, Thomas Mayes and John Tassell the writer hereof.

Robert Meade of Great Easton, 1561

In the name of God Amen, the XXIII day of April in the year of our lord God 1561 I Robert Meade in the county of Essex and in the parish of Great Easton make my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God and my body to be buried in the parish churchyard of Great Easton. I bequeath to my daughter Bridgett iii £ xii s viii d and to my daughter Katherine iii £ xii s viii d and to Joan my daughter iii £ xii s viii d, and each of my daughters to succeed one another. And also I will that if my daughters die that then my wife Alice to have use to and my brother William to have the residue of the goods of my said daughters. Also I bequeath to my son John Meade from age XI years to XXI years XX sh a year so that he will be raised by his mother and to pay for his keeping. Also I will that my son John shall have my house and land at the age of XXI years old after the custom of the county. The residue of my goods I do give to Alice my wife, paying my debts and legacies Also I make my executors my wife and William Meade my brother. In witness James Watson curate of Great Easton, and George Meade, John Horkly, Robert Piccotte with others. Also I will that William Meade my brother have for his pains X s. Also I will that Alice my wife have my son John Meade in governance until he come to XXI years of age.

William Mead of Great Chishall, 1562

In the name of God Amen, the xxi day of July anno 1562 I William Mead of Much Chishall make this my testament & last will. First I commend my soul unto almighty God. And I give vi s. viii d. to the church and xiii s. iiii d. to the poor of the same town. Also I give to my sister Elizabeth Holgat (?) xx s. & besides iiii £ to be divided among the children of my brother John Holgat to be distributed equally within one quarter of a year after my decease by my executor hereafter named. And further I will that any servants which shall then be in the house (?) at my decease dwelling with with the said John Holgat shall have x d. Also I give to Joan Williams of Brent Pelham my sister xx s. Also to her children to be equally divided amongst them iii £ to be paid as afore within one quarter of a year after my decease. Also I give to Agnes Mead my sister xx s. to be paid as aforesaid. Also I give to Michael Mead's children my brother of Barkway ten shillings to be paid as aforesaid. Also I give to any of Richard William's servants of Pelham any of them x d. Also I give to my sister Ann Harrold of Chrishall iii s iiii d. And to her daughter Clemens Harrold xx d. Also to John Ockman servant to my wife of Chrishall x s. Also I give to my brother in law John Holgat my red cow which hath had two calves and so to pay for the same my debt of xxxiii s iiii d to any of the youngest children of Henry Ockman of Clavering deceased which I owe them. Also I make and ordain Mary Mead my wife my sole and only executrix of this my last will and testament. The rest of my goods remaining, my debts and legacies paid, I give to my said wife to use as shall seem best to her discretion. And I ordain and make my brother John Holgat of Littlebury supervisor to see this my last willerformed in all points. And I will that he shall have for his pains in that behalf iii s iiii d. Also I will to my sister Elizabeth Holgat such raiment as I have now at Littlebury. These being witnesses John Holgat and John Larret of Littlebury with others.

John Meade of Great Easton, 1565

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at two terms usual in the year, that is to say at the feast of Saint Michael the archangel and at the feast of the annunciation of saint Mary, by even portions in the hand of George Meade my son, his heirs, executors or assigns and so to continue the term of six and twenty years next and immediately following, when the said Robert Meade the son of Robert Meade my son shall come to the full age of XXI years. Item I will that if so fortune that the said Robert to die at any time before he has lawful heirs of his body begotten, then my will and mind is and I give and bequeath the aforesaid six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence fully to remain and to be paid as is aforesaid unto Robert Meade the son of John Meade of Debden my son and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten, and for lack of such heirs I give and bequeath the aforesaid six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence unto the youngest son of the said John Meade my son. Item I give and bequeath unto Robert Meade the son of Robert Meade my son that certain piece of ground and pasture called Little Bushwood, set, lying and being within the parish of Easton aforesaid which I bought and purchased of Gyles Bourne gentleman to have and to hold all the said the certain piece of ground and pasture called Little Bushwood with all and singular the appurtenances unto the said Robert Meade and to his heirs male of his body lawfully begotten when the said Robert shall come to the age of four and twenty years. And if the said Robert shall happen to die without heirs male of his body as is aforesaid, then I will the said piece of ground or pasture with all and singular the appurtenances thereof to remain unto George Meade my son and to his heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, and for lack of such issue I will the said piece of ground and pasture to remain wholly unto John Meade the second son of John Meade of Debden my son and to his heirs as is aforesaid and for lack of such issue to remain wholly unto the next heirs of the said John Meade forever. Item my will and mind is that George Meade my son his executors or assigns shall have the using of the said piece of ground or pasture from the time of my decease until such time as the said young Robert Meade shall come to his age of four and twenty years as is aforesaid, paying therefore yearly four pounds of lawful money of England after this manner as hereafter follows, that is to say four nobles of lawful money of England to the maintenance of a school within the parish of Easton aforesaid for the space of five years to be paid and delivered at such time as when the gift of one Robert Newman shall be given for the maintenance of the said school and another four nobles of the said four pounds I give and bequeath to Katherine Reador my daughter to be paid unto her yearly next after my decease until such time as young Robert Meade the son of Robert Meade my son shall come to his age of XXIIII years as is aforesaid and the other four nobles of the said four pounds to be distributed yearly among the poor marrigesthat shall happen to be within the parish of Easton aforesaid by the discretion of my executors unto such time as the aforesaid young Robert Meade shall come to his age of ten years and then the said four nobles to cease from that year and from that time forth to go to the schooling and other ______ of the said young Robert. Item whereas I have given and bequeathed four nobles yearly to the maintenance of a school for the space of five years as is aforesaid my will and mind is that when the said five years be expired that then the said four nobles to be distributed to the poor marriages and other deeds of charity yearly within the said parish of Easton aforesaid likewise by the discretion of my executors, where most need shall appear until the said younger Robert Meade shall come to his full age of four and twenty years as is aforesaid. Item I give and bequeath unto every one of my children's children five shillings and eight pence apiece to be paid unto them immediately after my decease by the hand of my excutor. Item I give and bequeath unto every godchild that I have twelve pence. And furthermore, whereas Robert Meade my son late of Easton aforesaid deceased has in his last will and testament willed and bequeathed unto me the said John Meade all such moveables and goods as were remaining and being in and upon the said farm called Easton Hall where I the said John Meade dwell now, I will which was the said Robert's at the time of his decease which goods and moveables specified in a pair of inventories thereof made whereof one of them does remain with me, the second with the Ordinary and the third with the executor of the said Robert, all which goods the said Robert did give and bequeath unto me as is aforesaid, desiring me to distribute and give unto his children what that it shall please me to give at such days and times as are declared in the said will of the said Robert as therein does more plainly does appear, my will and mind is that all such debts as the said Robert did owe at the time of his and all suh legacies as are given and bequeathed out of these said goods by the said Robert and all other reasonable charges concerning the said Robert and his said last will and testament first deducted out of these said goods, the residue of all those said goods remaining I give and bequeath all the balance thereof as then are priced in the same inventories to the children of the said Robert equally to be distributed an divided among them all by even portions at their several ages of XXI years or at the days of their several marriages if they or any of them shall happen to marry before their several ages by the hand of my executor, and if it fortune any of the said children do die before their said legacies be due as is aforesaid, then I will that his, her or their part so deceased be equally divided among them that then be living at such days or times as the partiy or paries so deceased should have received the same legacies if they had lived. And if it happen that all those said children do die before their said legacies are due as is aforesaid then I give and bequeath all those said goods unto all my children and my children's children then living, to be equally divided among them by the hand of my executor, provided always that my will and mind is that all such brass or pewter ______ that was the said Robert's which is contained & specified in the said inventories I will that my executors shall the said stuff in keeping ____ nor break any parcel thereof but shall deliver all the said stuff even as it is in the same kind unto all the children of the said Robert at such days as it shall be due unto them to be equally divided among them. Item the residue of all my goods unbequeathed, my funeral expenses performed and these my legacies in this my testament fulfilled I give and bequeath them equally unto my four children that is to say John Meade, George Meade, Julian Brown and Katherine Reador to be equally divided and distributed. I make and ordain John Meade and George Meade my two sons and Thomas Brown my son in law y executors and they to have for their labours and pains taking about this my said will and present testament every one of them ten shillings over and above their charges and I utterly revoke and annul all my other former testaments and wills, legacies, bequests, executors and overseers be me in any ay before this time made, named or bequeathed. In witness whereof I have to this my present testament and last will put my hand and seal in the day and year above said, they being witnesses Thomas Cotton, clerk, Nicholas Robert, and William Stroling with others.

John Mede of Elsenham, 1565

In the name of God Amen, the xvi day of July in the year of our lord God a thousand five hundred fifty and three, I John Mede of Elsenham in the county of Essex and diocese of London, being in good health and memory, laud be unto almighty God, ordain and make this my present testament and last will in manner and form following. First I commend my soul to be in the hand of almighty God my maker and redeemer and my body in his holy will. Item I give to Agnes my wife my meadow called Appleton Mead lying in Eastamstead (?) with (unclear) and a pasture called Dames by estimation ten acres and my land in Braye (?) field containing by estimation sixteen acres and my pasture called Wikeridge (?) by estimation xiiii acres lying in Elsenham aforesaid, one acre and a half of meadow in Takely, one acre of land in the field called Rowley lying next (unclear), two acres of land in long field lying nearest long field gate, one acre of land in bedel field against short croft, three acres of land in the field called Barley lng on the right hand of the gate coming into the same field, and my tenement called John Williams with the out yard thereunto belonging with all other appurtenances in Elsenham aforesaid to have and to hold to the said Agnes for the term of her natural life and after her decease I will all the said meadow called Appleton Mead and all other the premises with the appurtenances to Edward Meade my son to his heirs and assigns forever. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my said wife my tenement and orchard in Elsenham aforesaid called Monses, two acres and a half of land in short croft, one acre of land in Bedell field lying between the land of Thomas Godfrey on both sides, one half acre of land in long field lying on the other side of Thomas Godfrey's land, one acre of land with a perch (?) of meadow at the end of the same perch lying in the field called Rowley, three roods of land lying in the field called Barley abutting upon Yard land, and my two crofts called Gallows croft containing every of them four acres,ne croft therof lying on this side of the high way and the other lying on the other side of the same way that leadeth towards Hatfield, one acre of pasture at Green Street (?) and one rood of meadow lying in the common meadow and my several meadows called Bedwell Mede with the appurtenances in Elsenham aforesaid, to have and to hold to the said Agnes for term of her natural life of her natural life and after her decease to Samuel Mede my son and to his heirs and assigns forever. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my wife all my land, tenement and hereditaments with the appurtenances lying and being in Berden in the county of Essex to have and to hold to the said Agnes for term of seventeen years next after my decease, the remainder thereof to Nicholas Mede my son to his heirs and assigns forever. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my wife my messuage that I now dwell in Elsenham aforesaid with the appurtenances and all the residue of my lands, tenements and hereditaments not before given and bequeathed to hav nd to hold to the said Agnes my wife during the term of her natural life and after her decease to Thomas Meade my son and to his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my wife my lease of Elsenham so that she live during all the years of the same lease or else after her decease I will Thomas my son shall have it. Item I give to Richard Mede my son forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to him at his age of xxi years and if it so fortune the said Richard to decease before his age of xxi years that then I will the said xl£ to be given to the residue of my said sons then being alive, every of them like portionsof the same at their several ages of xxi years. Item I give and bequeath to Ellen my daughter ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to her at her age of xxi years and if she marries before the said age of xxi years that then ito be paid to her at the time of her marriage. Item to Blanche my daughter ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to her at her age of xxi years and if she marries before the age of xxi that then to be paid to her at the time of her marrage. Item I will to Agnes my daughter x £ of lawful money of England to be paid to her at her age of xxi years and if she marries before her age of xxi that then to be paid her at the time of her marriage. The residue of all my goods unbequeathed, my debts paid and my legacies fulfilled, I give and bequeath to Agnes my wife, to the said Agnes my wife whom I ordain and make my sole executrix. In witness whereof I have caused this testament and last will to be written and also the said day and year to be read and declared in the presence of Thomas Barnard of Clavering, Thomas Wrenson of Henham, William Wright of Hatfield, Richard Meade the elder of Berden and Edward Meade of the same town, and also in their presence have set my seal, by me John Meade with mine own hand.

John Meade of Great Easton, 1566

In the name of God Amen, the xi day of July in the year of our lord God 1566 I John Meade of Easton Magna otherwise called Much Easton in the county of Essex and diocese of London being sick in body and whole in mind thanks be to God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul to almighty God my saviour and redeemer and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Easton aforesaid. Item I give and bequeath to William Meade my son all that my lease of Clausewood with all the years therein contained yet to continue to him and his assigns forever conditionally that the said William and his assigns shall pay or cause to be paid to my iii daughters, that is to say Anne Meade, Katherine and Bridgett to every one of them x £ of lawful money of England as here follows, that is to say Anne x £ within one year next after my decease and unto Katherine my daughter another x £ in ii years next after my decease and unto Bridgett my said daughter another x £ withi iii years next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to Anne my said daughter iii pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within one year next after my decease by the hand of my executor. Item I give and bequeath to the said Anne one mattress, a pair of blankets, a pair of sheets, a covering, one bolster. Item I give and bequeath to Katherine Meade my daughter iii £ of lawful money of England, a pair of sheets, one covering, one bolster, a mattress, a brass pan unbound, to be paid and delivered to the said Katherine at her several age of xx years. Item I give and bequeath to Bridgett my daughter iii £ of lawful money of England to be paid unto her when she shall come to her several age of xx years. And if it fortune that any of my ii daughters, that is to say Katherine and Bridgett do die before they come to their ages as is above said then I will the one of them to have the other's part of this that I have given and bequeathed them and if they do die both before their ages as is above said then I will that William my son to have their parts & if the said William die before their said ages I will that Joan my wife to have the said parts if the said my daughters die as is aforesaid. Item my will and mind is that John Eniver the younger brother in law shall take up and receive all such rent and profit as shall and may grow from Eversee Wood yearly to the behoof and use of William my son from the time of my decease until he come to his several years or age of xx years deducting out thereof yearly the lord's rent and other charges as is before said, and at the said age of the said age of the sad William to reer up to the said William a just account thereof for so receiving thereof, and also to pay yearly during the said time to the said William x s. to be paid to the said William quarterly, that is to say ii s. vi d. out of the rent and profit to have in his (unclear) and if it happen the said William to die before his said several age the said rent an profit to be divided equally amongst all my children then living, and if they or any of them be not then living, the said rent and profit to remain to Joan my wife and her assigns forever. Item I will that all such goods and legacies as Agnes Meade daughter of William Meade my brother late deceased has willed and given her by his last will and testament be delivered and paid unto her at such days and times as is specified in the said will and testament according to the true meaning thereof by the hand of my executor. The residue of all my goods unbequeathed my debts paid, my legacies fulfilled and all other reasonable charges discharged I give and bequeath them to Joan my wife whom I make my only executrix of this my last will and testament. And if the said Joan hereafter happen to contract matrimony with any man I will the said Joan shall be bound to John Eniver the younger my brother in law whom I make my supervisor of this my said will to perform all such legacies as it contains in this my last will and testament and my said supervisor to have for his pains in this behalf iii s. iiii d. over besides his charges. These men being witnesses John Eniver, Robert Pyckett, John Cassell the writer hereof with others.

Agnes Mede of Elsenham Essex 1568 (Consistory Court)

In the name of God amen I Agnes Mede of Elsenham in the county of Essex, widow, being of whole mind and memory, God be praised therefore, this present second day of March in the year of our lord God 1568 do make and declare this my present testament in form following, that is to say, first I commend my soul into the hand of almighty God, believing assuredly to have everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven through the only dessert of my only saviour and redeemer Christ Jesus, and the burial of my body I commit to the discretion of mine executor, and as to the disposal of all my goods and chattels I will first that the last will and testament of my late husband John Meade be duly and truly performed and next that my debts be truly paid. Item I do give and bequeath to my son Thomas Meade my brewing lead and a great brass pot and a cooler (?), my great table in the hall and all the wainscot and sealing of my house, and I will that my said son Thomas, his heirs, executors and administrators shall so soon as coneiently may be discharged of that bond wherein he standeth bound for the payment of lxx li for the legacy that was appointed by him to be paid to vi of my children after my husband's decease. The residue of all and singular my goods, chattels, debt & ready money (three of my best beds excepted) I will shall be equally and indifferently parted to the best value and price which may be made thereof, and after the said testament and last will of my said husband performed, my debts paid and funeral discharged, I will that the price and value arising of the said premises shall be equally part and part like apportionately for and among all my children, my said son Thomas and my two sons Edward and Samuel, only exception saving that the said Edward and Samuel shall have the part of the surplus of the seal of the lease land, my said husband's will performed and my debts paid and that every of my children shall finally receive his portion at his age of xxi years and that any of my daughters shall receive her portion at her age of xx years or day of marriage if it happen sooner. And I give and bequeath to Blanch my daughter my second best bed in the hall, the furniture belonging to the same and also my best chest. Item I give and bequeath to Ellen my daughter my second best bed in the hall, the furniture belonging to the same and also my best chest. Item I give and bequeath to Agnes my daughter my third best bed with all the furniture belonging to the same to be delivered immediately after my decease. And I will that if any of my said children do decease before his or her full age or receipt of his or her portion that then the part and portion of the deceased of them shall equally part and part like remain and be among the survivors of them. Item I give and bequeath to Joan Burling xx s. And I do make my son Edward executor of this my present testament and with Richard Martin of London goldsmith overseer thereof. In witness whereof to this my present testament and last will I have put my seal. These being witnesses Thomas Gofrey, Thomas Eve, and others.

John Meade of Farnham, 1569

In the name of God amen, the XVIII day of October in the year of our Lord God 1568 I John Meade of Farnham within the county of Essex and diocese of London, whole of mind and memory thanks be given to God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul into the hands of God my maker and redeemer and my body to Christian burial within the churchyard aforesaid. Item I will it be remembered that I have surrendered according to the custom of the said manor all my customary lands and tenements unto the use of Johanna my wife to have and to hold to her and her assigns during the term of her natural life and after her decease to John my son and his heirs forever, and in consideration that the said Johanna shall not claim her dower a third of certain lands that I have sold, I give and bequeath unto the said Johanna my wife all my free lands and estates to have and to hold to her and her assigns during the term of her natural life, and after her decease to Jonmy son and to his heirs forever, provided always that if Johanna my wife fortune to die before John my son come to his full age of XXI years then I will the profits of all my lands and tenements to go first unto the executors and assigns of the said Johanna to bring up my children until John my son come to his full age of XXI years. Item I will to either of my two daughters Mary and Elizabeth forty shillings upon their several ages of twenty years. And I will to the child that my wife goes withal forty shillings at twenty years of age if it lives so long, and if either of my daughters or that my wife goes withal die before their several ages of twenty years, then I will that that part shall be equally distributed among the rest except John. The residue of all my goods and chattels unbequeathed I give to Johanna my wife whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament, she to pay my debts and to fulfil this my last will and testament. There being witnesses John Rainlyn clerk, John Marshall, icard Allis the elder, Thomas Bayford, William Barnard and others.

Edward Meade of Berden, 1577

In the name of God Amen, the tenth day of December in the nineteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of God England, France and Ireland queen, defender of the faith, I Edward Meade of Berden in the county of Essex, yeoman, being of good and perfect remembrance thanks be given to almighty God, do make and ordain my last will and testament in writing in manner following. First I bequeath my soul unto almighty God my maker and redeemer and my body to be buried in the parish churchyard of Berden aforesaid. Item I give and bequeath unto Margaret my daughter fifty pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto her at the day of her marriage or at the age of XXI years the which shall happen first, with a featherbed and mattress with all the furniture thereunto belonging, three pairs of linen sheets and one great kettle, a little kettle and one dozen of pewter and two candlesticks. Item I give unto Elizabeth my daughter fifty pounds of good and lawful money of England to beaid unto her at the day of her marriage or at the age of XXI years the which shall happen first, with a featherbed and mattress with all the furniture thereunto belonging, three pairs of linen sheets and one great kettle, a little kettle and one dozen of pewter and two candlesticks, and if it shall happen that any of my daughters do decease before the day of her marriage or before the age of XXI years then my will is that the one half of the portion of her so deceasing shall be divided to the other daughter remaining and not married and the other half amongst the wives of my children, John and Edward my sons only excepted, and if it shall happen that both of my said daughters do decease before the day of their several marriages or before they shall accomplish the age of XXI years, then my will is that their portions shall be equally divided amongst the rest of my said children, John and Edward excepted. Item I give and bequeath unto William my son all my lands and meadows both free and copy lying and being nthe parish of Thacksted in the said county of Essex, late purchased of Poole of Lynsell to have and to hold the said meadows and lands with the appurtenances unto the said William my son and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto Agnes my wife all that messuage or tenement called Arnolds & Myles lying and being in Berden and Manuden in the said county of Essex with all the lands, tenements and hereditaments both free and copyhold to and with the same occupied and used to have and to hold the said messuage, lands, tenements and hereditaments unto the said Agnes for term of her life, and after her decease to the use of Nicholas my son and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to William my son and Richard my son all my lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever situate lying and being in the parishes of Little Barston, Lytcham and Bildston in the county of Suffolk to have and to hold to them and to their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto Reynold my son all my lands, tenements ad hreditaments in White Roding in the said county of Essex called Mawde End now in the occupation of Robert Tavener, and one tenement with certain lands thereunto belonging lying in Berden aforesaid called Sybbes and Deeres now in the occupation of Oliver Spratt to have and to hold the said messuages and other premises with the appurtenances unto the said Reynold and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas my son all that my messuage or tenement with all my lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever lying and being in Newport Pond in the said county of Essex, and all my messuages or tenements with all my lands, tenements, meadows and all other hereditaments whatsoever lying and being in Stafford in the county of Hertford now in the occupation of one Woode, to have and to hold the said messuages and other premises with the appurtenances unto the said Thomas my son and his heirs forever. Also I give unto Reynold my son my copyhold land and tenement called Wayte and one tenement and certain andscalled Gardeners lying in Berden aforesaid to the use of the said Reynold and his heirs forever. Item I give unto Agnes my wife my tenement and certain lands thereunto belonging lying in Berden aforesaid now in the occupation of Robert Wanthett, to have and to hold the said tenement and other premises with the appurtenances unto the said Agnes for the term of her life and after her decease to the use of Richard my son and his heirs forever. Item I will that Agnes my wife shall receive all the profit of my lands, tenements and hereditaments which I have given to my said children, that is to say Richard, Nicholas, Reynold and Thomas, until they shall accomplish their several ages of XXI years if she do so long live and keep herself sole and unmarried for and toward their bringing up and if she do happen to marry or decease before they shall accomplish their several ages of XXI years then I will that John my son shall have the one moiety of the profit thereof toward the bringing up of my children and the kepingof the reparation of the said houses during the said term, and the other moiety of the profit thereof to be distributed severally to the said children at their several ages of XXI years. Item I give and bequeath to Nicholas my son my lease and term of years which I have in Takely called Little Park for and during all the number of years as are yet to come of and in the same in as ample manner as I have in the same. Item I give and bequeath unto Richard my son one hundred pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto him the one half at the age of XXI years and the other half at the age of XXIII years, and if it happen the said Richard to decease before he shall come to the age of XXI years then my will is that the said sum of one hundred pounds shall be divided amongst the rest of my sons, John and Edward excepted. Item I give to my daughter Mary Perry ten pounds to be paid unto her within one year after my decease. Item I give unto John Perry son of the said Mary Perry five pounds to be pid unt him at the age of XXI years. Item I give to Jane Hamon my daughter twenty pounds which is in the hands of Thomas Hamon her husband. Item I give to each of the children of Agnes my daughter, that is to say Agnes, Mary and John, five pounds to be paid unto them at their several ages of XXI years. Item I give unto Agnes Hamon and Margaret Hamon my daughter's daughters four pounds to be divided between them at their several ages of XXIII years. Item I give unto Henry Meade my godson five pounds. Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas King and John King my servants either of them a quarter of barley, and to John Wanthett a ewe and a lamb, and to the wives of my household servants three shillings four pence apiece. Item I give to my brother Richard's children three shillings four pence apiece and to my godson Thomas Meade six shillings eight pence, and to my brother Wright's children three shillings four pence apiece and to my godson Edward Wright six shillings eight pence. Item to my brother Richard Bennet's childen three shillings four pence apiece. Item to my sister Jane Pelham half a quarter of wheat and half a quarter of malt. Item I give to the poor people of Berden XX shillings to be paid unto them within two years after my decease. Item to Richard Barber a bushel of wheat and a bushel of malt. Item to Thomas Dun half a bushel of wheat and half a bushel of malt. Item to Thomas Reynolds, John Cakebread, Edward Luck, Robert Wanthett and Oliver Spratt every one of them half a bushel of wheat and half a bushel of barley. Item to the poor of Clavering six shillings eight pence. Item to the poor of Manuden six shillings eight pence. Item to the poor of Stansted Mountfitchet six shillings eight pence. Item to the poor of Farnham three shillings four pence. Item too the poor of Stafford six shillings eight pence. Item I give to the poor people of the parish of Berden twelve bushels of wheat and twelve bushels of malt to be distributed unto them by my executors. Item I give unto Edward my son four horses and on cart, a lough with cart harness and plough harness necessary for the said four horses, and also I give unto the said Edward Mead my son two beafs, four hogs, four pigs and a sow to be appointed unto him by the discretion of Thomas Meade, Richard Meade Nicholas Wright and John Perry or two of them. Item I give unto the said Edward three score wether sheep and twenty quarters of barley and five quarters of rye, & twenty bushels of wheat. Item I give to my cousin Thomas Meade sergeant at the law one grey colt now going in Stansted Park. Item I give to all my godchildren eight pence apiece. Item I give unto Nicholas my son three score sheep with the pasturing and feeding of the same upon the manor of Chrishall Grange during the term of XXI years if the said Nicholas live so long, also I give to the said Nicholas ten quarters of barley. Item I give to John my son three beds whereof one to be a featherbed and two mattresses with the furniture and six pairs of sheets and a dozen and a half of pewter to be deliverd unto himby the discretion and appointment of my wife. Item I give to Agnes my wife all the residue of my household stuff not bequeathed. Item I give and bequeath unto Agnes my wife the one moiety of my lease with the number of years and the moiety of all the lands, meadows, pastures, commons and hereditaments whatsoever I have of the manor of Berden Hall in as large manner and form as I have and hold the same and I will that John my son shall have the use and occupation of the other moiety of my of my land lease of the said manor of Berden Hall during the term of years that I have in the same if he so long live, and if it shall happen the said John do decease before the end of the said term of years then I will that Nicholas my son shall enter immediately after the decease of the said John and he to have the said moiety during the said term in as large manner and form as I have the same now at the day of my death. Item the residue of all my goods moveable and unmoveable not bequeathed I give and bequeath o Agnes my ife and John my son for and toward the performance of this my last will and testament, and of this my last will and testament I make and ordain the said Agnes my wife and John my son my sole executors, and I do ordain and appoint my cousin Thomas Meade sergeant at the law and my brethren Thomas Meade, Richard Meade and Nicholas Wright, and John Perry my son in law, overseers of this my last will and testament, and they to have forty shillings apiece, and also those reasonable charges and expenses at all times when they or any of them shall have about the performance of this my last will and testament. Item my will is that if any ambiguity, doubt or question shall hereafter arise or come by any legacy or any other thing contained in this my last will and testament between any person or persons that shall claim to have or demand any thing by this my last will and testament, that then my cousin Thomas Meade sergeant at the law and the rest of my overseers or two of them whereof the said Thomas Mead sergeant at he law to be of this my last will and testament shall have the hearing and determining of all such causes as is aforesaid and the party or parties granted to stand to their order. By me Edward Meade witnesses hereunto Thomas Meade, Richard Meade, Nicholas Wright, John Perry and John Wright.

John Meade of Great Easton, 1570

In the name of God, Amen. The first day of October in the year of our lord God one thousand five hundred three score and ten and in the twelfth year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth, by the grace of God of England and Ireland queen, Defender of the faith, I John Meade of Duton Hill within the parish of Much Easton in the county of Essex and within the Diocese of London being feeble in body and in good and perfect remembrance, laud and praise and honour unto almighty God, make, ordain and deliver this my present testament and last will in manner and form following, that is to say. First and principally I commend my soul unto Almighty God my maker, saviour and redeemer and my body to be buried within the parish churchyard of Much Easton aforesaid near unto my father and mother. Also I give and bequeath unto Elenor my wife my tenement or tenements set, lying & being in Duton Hill within the parish of Much Easton within the Manor of Blanster Hall which I do now dwell in, with all the land, meadows d pastures thereunto belonging during the time of her natural life, making no scrimp nor waste, and for keeping the said tenement or tenements in good and sufficient repair. Also I give and bequeath unto the said Elenor my wife iii £ vi s viii d out of my tenement called Kingstone lying, standing & being in Matching within the county of Essex in full consideration and satisfaction of her full dower for the term of her life. Also I give unto John my son iiii £ out of the aforesaid tenement during his mother's life. Also my wish and will is that John my son, which shall be one of my executors, that and if my debts annuities do not discharge all my legacies, that then I will that John my son shall have full power and authority to sell so much of my tenement called Kingstone aforesaid as shall fully discharge my legacies within written, he the said John Meade making offer thereof first unto the said Thomas Meade his brother and his heirs. Also I give and bequeath unto Thomas Meade my son of Henham all my tenemets and lands both free, copy, _____ and leases whatsoever that I have lying, standing & being within the parish of Henham to him and to his heirs for ever. Also I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Meade my son the residue of my tenement called Kingstone unbequeathed being in Matching aforesaid to him and to his heirs for ever. Also I give & bequeath unto John Meade my son my tenement or tenements with all the land, meadows and pastures thereunto belonging,what name or names so ever they be or are called, which I now dwell in, in Duton Hill in the parish of Much Easton being within the Lordship or Manor of Blanster Hall to him and to his heirs for ever after the decease of Eleanor his mother. Also I give unto the said John my son all my copy land belonging to the manor of Tylty called Mills Meade, and Phampholow after the custom of the manor to him and to his heirs for ever. Also I give unto Robert Meade and William Meade my sons all my lease land and lease which was for a thousand years which I late had of my brother George Meade of Much Easton, called Bronands Field, Fishers Fens, and Handly lying within the parish of Much Easton, and also three acres of meadow lying in the common mead of Thaxted as more plainly appears in a paper of indenture made between George Meade and John Meade his brother, bearing date the XVI th day of October in the eleventh year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth, and all such covenant and grant which be in the aforesaid ndenture I give and bequeath unto the aforesaid Robert Meade and William Meade my sons conditionally that that the aforesaid Robert Meade and William Meade do pay unto John Meade their brother the sum of X £ a year of lawful money for the space of twenty years if their mother lives so long, or else not. Also I give unto John Meade my son XX £ of lawful money to be paid unto him within one year after my decease. Also I give unto Robert Meade my son XX £ in lawful money to be paid unto him within two years next after my decease. Also I give and bequeat unto William Meade my son XX £ of lawful money when he comes to the full age of one and twenty years. And if the said William Meade happen to depart the world before he comes to the full age of XXI years, then I will that the said XX £ shall be equally parted between John Meade and Robert Meade my sons. Also I give unto Johanna Meade my daughter forty pounds of lawful money, twenty pounds to be paid unto her at the day after her marriage and the other twenty pounds to be paid unto her at the same day two years. Also I give unto Elenor my daughter forty pounds of lawful money to be paid unto her at the day of her marriage and twenty pounds to be paid unto her that same day two years. And also I will and my mind is, that if Elenor my daughter happen to die before she do marry, then my will and wish is that the legacies to her before given shall be equally divided among all my children then living. Also I bequeath unto John Meade my son my gelding. Also I give unto Robert Meade my son my grey nag. Also I give nto John Meade my son my silver salt to be delivered unto him at his mother's death or else at the day of his marriage, which so ever do happen first. Also my mind is that Elenor my wife shall have the occupying and keeping of the said slt until the day which shall first happen as is before mentioned. Also I give unto my six children, that is to say Thomas Meade, Robert Meade, William Meade, Margaret Newman, Joan Meade and Ellen Meade, unto either of them a silver spoon to be delivered unto them at their mother's death, or at the day of their marriage, which so ever shall happen first. Also my mind & will is that the said Elenor my wife shall have the occupying and keeping of the said spoons until either of the days before mentioned, or which shall happen first. Also I give unto Margaret Newman my daughter all the debt which her husband does owe me. And also I do give unto the said Margaret Newman the third obligation which I have of John Marten and Thomas Marten of Newport Pond, which comes to the sum of ix pounds, thirteen shillings four pence of lawful money. And also I give the other two obligations which I have of the said John Marten and Thomas Marten of Newport Pond unto Robert Meade and William Meade, which comes to xiii £ vi s viii d to the building of a house at Menders Moate, and the timber lying in the street. Also I give unto Johanna Meade my daughter my standing bed in the guest cellar, with the featherbed, bolster, mattress, covering, two pillows and ii pairs of sheets, and my cupboard standing in the hall to the delivered unto her at the day of her marriage. Also I give unto Elenor Meade my daughter a featherbed, a mattress, a covering, a bolster, two pillows and iii pairs of sheets, and a close shut table of the old fashion, to be delivered unto her at the day of her marriage. Also I give and bequeath unto Thomas Meade my son my best coat and my best fustian doublet, and the white cap thereunto belonging. Also I give unto John Newman my black gown which was my father's. Also I give unto William Byrd my servant my doe leather jerkin. All the residue of my wearing gear I will that it shall be given unto the poor people at the discretion of my executors, except ii gowns. Also I give unto Elenor Grace a yellow bullock to e delivered unto her immediately after my decease. Also I give unto William Byrd my servant two sheep to be delivered unto him immediately after my death. Also I give and bequeath unto my executors all my money, debts, annuities, obligations, bills of debt, to the payment and discharging of my father's will and my brother Robert Meade's will, and the vicar of Henham's will and my legacies also. Also I will that Elenor my wife shall not make nor meddle with my hutch nor with my toffer under the hutch nor with the two hutches which were my brother Robert Meade's but my executors only. Also I will that all my children shall have all those _____ and leases belonging to the said land before to them bequeathed to be delivered unto them immediately upon my decease. Also I make Eleanor my wife guardian unto William Meade my son until he comes to the age of XXI years. Also I give and bequeath unto the said Eleanor my wife xii beasts and a black bull, iiii horses, xvi sheep, & all my carts and ploughs, cart harness an plough harness and all my corn threshed and unthreshed and all my hay and all my hogs and all my pullen [chickens] about my house whatsoever they be and all my implements of household of what kind so ever they be within the house and without and also half my wheat which are unbequeathed to bring me honestly in earth upon condition that if the said Eleanor my wife do marry that then she shall deliver the said moveable goods or the value thereof late before unto her given unto my executors and the said goods to be equally divided amongst all my children thenbeing alive. Of this my present testament and last will I constitute, ordain and make Thomas Meade and John Meade my sons my executors, and I constitute, ordain and make Robert Meade my son my supervisor, and I give him for his pains taken a sovereign of xx s. Made the day within written in the presence of John Newman & William Byrd & John Meade. Also I will & mind is that John Meade my son shall be bound unto Thomas Meade in a recognizance of two hundred ounds that he shall not retain any debt, annuities, statutes, recognizance or money, nor acquit without the consent of Thomas Meade and his heirs. Also my will and mind is that Thomas Meade my son shall be bound unto John Meade my son in a bond obligation of two hundred pounds that he shall not receive any debt, annuities, recognizance, statutes, or money, nor acquit without the consent of John Meade and his heirs. By John Meade, they being witnesses George Meade, Thomas Brown.

Michael Mede of Clavering, 1575

Son of William 1559

Wife: Elizabeth

Children: Michael, Thomas, Anne

Jn the name of god Amen the XXX=ti= day of September anno 1575 J Mychaell Med of the p~ryshe of Claveryng in y=e= countye of Essex god be praysed p~fyt in memorye do make this my last wyll & testament geveng my sowl into the hands of almyghty god and my body to buryal after the ordre of [unclear] crystyans. Jtem J do geve unto y=e= pore wythin y=e= p~rysh of Claveryng vi s viii d. Jtem J do geve and bequeth unto Elyzabeth my wyf all my occupyyng and all my moveable goods and cattells y=t= ys wythin the p~ysh of Claveryng and y=t= my sayd wyfe Elyzabeth shall paye unto Anne Med my daughter X =L= at the adg of xxiiii=t= yeres or at the day of mareag w=c= tyme cometh fyrst. Jtem J wyll y=t= Elyzabeth my wyf shall have the occupyyng of all myne owne land w=th=in the p~ysh of Claveryng bothe free and copye dewryng her wydohed. Jtem J wjll y=t= Thomas Med my sonne shall have my howsses & lands sett lyyng & beyng in Mested in the p~rysh of Barkway. Jtem J wyll that Mychaell Med my sonne shall have all my fre lande lying wythin the p~rysh of Claveryng and J do mak Elyzabeth my wyf my sol executrys and to resave all the depts owyng unto me and also she shall paye my depts y=t= J do ow unto other men and she to se by body honystly brought to the buryall and J do mak my kensma~ Rychard Woodook my over seer of thys my last wyll and he to have for hys paynes vi s viii d. Wyttnes Thomas Sympson vicar, Rychard Woodoock, Alexand~ Feltsted and John Lanchett.

John Mede of Ugley, abt. 1525 - 1578

In the name of God amen, the XVI th day of November in the year of our lord God a thousand five hundred three score and sixteen I John Mede of the parish of Ugley in the county of Essex and the diocese of London, being of whole mind and perfect remembrance, laud and praise to almighty God, make this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows, that is to say first and principally I bequeath my soul into the hand of almighty God my maker and redeemer, in whom I trust to be saved, and my body to be buried within the church or churchyard of Ugley aforesaid. I give and bequeath to Samuel my son £3 6 s 8d of lawful money to be paid unto him by John my son or by his assigns out of my houses and lands in Ugley within six years after the decease of me the said John Mede and Deserethe my wife, and if it happen the said Samuel my son to depart the world without issue or before he has received my legacy and bequest, that then I will that his part so deceased shall be equally parted amongst all my children hen living. I give also unto the said Samuel my son a cow being farmable to be paid unto him by my executor so soon as he comes forth of his apprenticehood. Also I give unto Margaret my daughter £3 6s 8d of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by John Mede my son or by his assigns out of my house and lands in Ugley within eight years next after the decease of me the said John Mede and my wife, and if it happen the said Margaret Meade my daughter to depart the world without issue or before she has received this my legacy and bequest, that then I will it her part so deceased shall be equally parted among all my children then living. I give unto Agnes Edwards my daughter £3 6s 8d of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by John my son or his assigns out of my houses and lands in Ugley the ninth year after my decease and my wife's. Also I give and bequeath unto Joan Meade my daughter £3 6s 8d of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by John Mede my son or by his assigns out of my house and lands in Ugley the tenth year after my decease and my wife's, and if it happen the said Joan Meade my daughter to depart the world without issue or before she has received this my legacy and bequest that then I will that her part so deceased shall be equally parted amongst all my children then living. I will that it be here remembered that I have surrendered 2 crofts of land, the one called Hestenous and the other called Reding into two tenants' hands Robert Abraham and Richard Savell after the custom of the Manor to the use of Robert Meade my eldest son to him and his heirs forever, yet provided I will that John my son has the occupying of the said 2 crofts of land without any rent paying as long as my wife lives without any rent paying, and until Michaelmass after so that the said John Mead do not misuse the ground. Also I will it be here remembered that I have surrendered after the custom of th Manor into 2 tenants' hands Robert Abraham & Richard Savell all the residue of my houses and lands in Ugley unto the use and behove of John Mede my son and his heirs forever, paying and fulfilling all my debts and legacies as is in this my will specified, and also to bring me honestly to the earth. The residue of my other goods and impediments of household of what kind so ever they be not bequeathed nor given before in this my last will and testament, the corn reserved only and wholly to John my son, I give them only unto Dezarethe my wife and John my son equally divided between them and of this my present testament and last will I constitute and ordain and make the said Dezerethe my wife executor and John Meade my son executor with her, they bringing me honestly to earth, paying my debts, seeing these my legacies performed, fulfilled and executed according to this my last will and testament made the day and year above written in the presence of Robert Abraham, Richard Savell of Ugley, Thomas Chapman, John larke.

John Meade, mariner, Brightlingsea, Essex, 1583

This is the last will and testament nuncupative of John Meade late of Brightlingsea in the county of Essex, mariner, deceased, declared in the presence of Henry Thimble and Alice his wife the fifth of September in Anno domino one thousand five hundred eighty three in manner and form following: first bequeathing his soul unto almighty God, he willed that all his goods and chattels as well moveble as unmoveable should be inventoried, valued and praised, and the sum of money which they shall amount unto should be equally divided into four parts and that the pairs of two of the said parts should be equally divided and paid unto Brian Meade and John Meade his sons at such time as they should accomplish their several ages of one and twenty years, and if either of them died within the said term, then the part and portion of him that so deceaseth to remain to his son surviving, and if both his said sons should depart this life before they come to the said age of one and twenty years then he willed that both their pas and portions should remain to Brigett his wife. The other two parts of his said goods he gave and bequeathed to Brigett his wife conditionally that she should keep the said children during the time of their childhood with all things necessary and bring them up in the fear of God, which said Brigett he made his sole executrix to see this his testament and last will performed accordingly.

George Meade of Birchanger, Essex, miller, 1584

In the name of God amen, the Xth day of January in the year of our lord God 1583 I George Meade of Birchanger in the county of Essex, miller, being sick in body but of perfect remembrance, thanks be to almighty God, do ordain and make this my present testament and last will in manner and form following. First I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God my only maker and redeemer and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Birchanger aforesaid, and of my worldly goods first concerning my copyhold lands and tenements lying and being in the parishes of Birchanger and Stansted Mountfitchet I will that it be remembered that I have surrendered in form following unto the use of Agnes my wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life, keeping the premises in sufficient reparation and doing neither scrimp nor waste, and after my wife's decease I will my copyhold tenement at Birchanger with the copyhold land thereunto belonging, about five acres, to remain unto Nicholas my son and his heirs foever. And after my wife's decease I will my copyhold tenement at Stansted with one parcel of land in Stony Field containing one acre shall remain unto John my son and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto the said Agnes my wife for term of her natural life all my freehold lands and tenements in the said parishes of Birchanger and Stansted Mountfitchet to have and to hold to her and her assigns, keeping the reparation sufficiently and doing neither scrimp nor waste, and after my wife's decease I will one piece of the aforesaid land lying in Potbrown pitts containing one half acre and one piece of land lying in Stony Field under Barne's hedge containing half an acre, one piece of land lying in the same field containing half an acre between the lands of Mr Hubert Barnes and two other little pieces that I bought of Patch in the same field shall remain to Nicholas Mead my son and his heirs forever and after my wife's decease I will 4 pieces of fine ground enclosed in Stony Field containing iii acres toremain to John Mead my son and his heirs forever, and after my wife's decease I will the free tenement in Stansted that I bought and and 4 parcels of ground that I bought of Mr Richard Hubbard shall remain to Thomas my son and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto Johanna Meade my daughter twenty marks of lawful money to be paid to her or her assigns at her age of XXI years or at the day of her marriage, which shall first happen. Item I give unto either of my other two daughters Jane Meade and Mary Meade twenty marks apiece of lawful money to be paid to either of them at their several ages of XXI years or day of marriage, which shall first happen, and if one of my three daughters shall die before the legacy be due as above said I will then her or their part so deceasing to be divided amongst the rest of my children then being alive at the discretion of my executor and all the residue of all and singular my goods, chattels and debts whatsoever unbequeathed, my debts paid, my legacies performed and y children honestly brought up without abatement of any of their prtions and my funeral discharged, I wholly give and bequeath them to the said Agnes my wife and the said Agnes my wife I do ordain and make the sole executrix of this my last will and testament, who I put in trust and desire my brother John Harlow overseer of this my last will and to have iii s iii d for his pains.

Thomas Meade of Wendon Lofts, 1585.

Buried in St Nicholas, Elmdon, Essex

In the name of God amen: The eighteenth day of June in the six and twentieth year of the reign of our sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, I Thomas Meade one of the Queen's magistrates & Justiciar of the common pleas, remembering the state of this world to be but transitory and that the life of man to be uncertain both for the hour and time of the death of man, do therefore make my last will and testament in writing in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul unto almighty God the father and to Jesus Christ his son the saviour of the world, and to God the holy ghost the comforter three-fold and one God, faithfully and assuredly trusting to be saved and justified by God's grace and mercy toward the redemption which is in Christ Jesus whose death and passion is a sufficient propitiation for my sins and for the sins of all mortal and sinful men. And my will and mind is that my body shall be buried within the parish church of Elmdon near unto the place where Joan Meade my mother lies buried, or within some other place of the same church where it shall seem unto my Executors to bury my body. And as touching my manors, lands, tenements, hereditaments, whatsoever I have within the realm of England, I make my last will and testament of the same in manner and form following. And as touching my manors of Pythardes, Bansbury and Foxleis in Gilden Morden in the county of Cambridge I do give to Joan my wife with all my lands, tenements and hereditaments within the said town for the term of her life (the woods and timber growing upon the same premises being above the age of one and twenty years only excepted) for and in condition of her jointure, and in place and recompense of her dower and third part of all my lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever I have in the counties of Essex, Cambridge, and Hertford or elsewhere, and yet my will is that it shall be lawful for my said wife and her assignees during her natural life for and towards the reparation of the houses upon the said premises to take sufficient timber for the repairing, upholding and maintenance of the same houses (though my exception notwithstanding). Also I give to the said Joan my wife my manors of Sonninglin, Ashewell and Huiksworth (?) with all the lands, tenements and hereditaments which are in the several terms or occupation of widow Trigge and John Frogge, until my sons Robert Meade and Matthew Meade shall accomplish their several ages of one and twenty years for and towards their bringing up in learning if the said Joan shall so long live. And after they and either of them shall accomplish their several ages of one and twenty years, then my will is that my wife (if she lives so long) shall have my said manors and lands and others in Ashewell for and during the term of her natural life. And if Joan my wife shall happen to die before my said sons shall accomplish their several ages of one and twenty years, then my will is that Robert and Matthew my sons shall have all me lands in Ashewell until they do come to their several ages of one and twenty years. And as touching my manors of Porpells and the Lee and Leebury and my manor of Pigotte and all my lands in the parish of Elmdon (the woods of the Manor of Porpells and Pygotte excepted) I will the same shall come and descend to my son Thomas Meade after the due course and order of the law of this realm, being a full third of all my lands, tenements and hereditaments, whatsoever I have. And as touching my woods of Porpells and Pigotte I will that my Executors hereafter named (during the minority of my said son Thomas Meade) shall have them felled and sold at all convenient times at the will of my executors for and towards the performance of this my last will and testament. And as touching such messuages, lands, tenements, wood, and hereditaments which I have in the parish of Wendon Lofts and Chrishall, I do give to Joan my wife until my said son Thomas do come to the age of four and twenty years (if she shall so long live) paying unto the said Thomas my son at his said age of four and twenty years twenty pounds a year for so many years as the said Joan or her assignees shall have hold and enjoy the same. And after my said son Thomas shall come and accomplish his said age of four and twenty years, then my will is that my said son Thomas shall have my said messuages, lands, tenements, wood and hereditaments in Wendon Lofts and Chrishall aforesaid to him and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, and for default of such issue then to those of Matthew my son and of the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of such issue the remainder to the right heirs of the said Thomas Meade. And I will that after the death of Joan my wife my manor of Morden with all my lands, tenements, woods and hereditaments which I have in Ashewell and Himworth shall remain and be to the said Thomas Meade my son and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, and for default of such issue, to Robert Meade my son and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, and for default of such issue to those of Matthew my son and of the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of such issue to those of the right heirs of the said Thomas Meade for ever. Further I give to Catherine Nightingale and Martha Clampe my wife's daughters all that piece of pasture and meadow ground lying in Huntington which I did buy of Norwood of Huntington, and such leases as I have of my houses in Huntington, to have and to hold the said piece of pasture or meadow ground to them and their heirs, and to have the said houses to them and their executors for the term of such years as shall be then to come of and in the same at the time of my decease. Also I will that Martha Clampe my wife's daughter shall have the bond wherein Mr Norber stands bounden jointly and severally with one Philip Bassett in three hundred pounds for the payment of the hundred and nine pounds to the said Martha over and besides three score and ten pounds which is my will she shall have, of which said sum one hundred pounds was given to the said Martha by Mr John Clampe her father. Also I do give John Wright my servant forty shillings a year going out of my lands, tenements and hereditaments in Loftes and Chrishall for the term of his natural life payable at the feasts of St Michael the Archangel and the Annunciation of our blessed Lady the Virgin, or within twenty days next after any of the said feasts with clause of distress (if the same be behind after the said feasts and due as is aforesaid), that is it shall be lawful for the said John Wright or his assignee to enter and detain and withhold until he be satisfied of the same, and the _______ of the same (if any be) for and towards his _______ and _______ in matters in large to be given to my said son Thomas Meade from time to time in such causes as he the said Thomas Meade shall have to do with during the life of the said Thomas Meade. And further my will and mind is that the said John Wright shall have of my son Thomas Meade such charges as the said John Wright shall lay out and disburse about any suits in law of the said Thomas Meade. Item I give and bequeath to Robert Meade and Matthew Meade my sons all that land which I bought of Sir John Cutty to have and to hold the one moiety to Robert Meade and his heirs for ever and the other moiety to Matthew Meade and his heirs for ever. And as touching the charges which shall be at my burial and funeral, bestowed shall be one hundred pounds at the least to buy black cloth and to be bestowed in other things touching my burial and funeral. And I will that any one of my serving men shall have a black coat, and that my brethren and their wives, my wife's daughters and their husbands, and my sister Swanne and her husband, my brother Turpyn (?) and his wife my Aunt Wendishe, Elizabeth Wright the wife of John Wright, shall have any of them a gown made of black cloth. And I will that there shall be given to two parishes to be chosen out of Cambridge by the appointment of my executors for either of them to preach at the day of my burial a sermon whereof one sermon to be made in the forenoon and the other in the afternoon and they to have forty shillings for their labours. And I will that there shall be given to the poor in parishes hereafter named. To the poor of Elmdon, Loftes, Stretthall, Littlebury, Chesterford, Newport, Wendon, Clavering, Langley, Chrishall, Heydon, Chisall, Arkesden, Mordon, Ashewell, Stapleford, and Huntington twenty pounds a year during the term of six years to be distributed by the appointment and discretion of my executors. And I will that my wife shall keep all my serving men as I shall have at the time of my death the space of one quarter of a year (if they will tarry with my said wife and at the time of their departure to have such wages as shall be then due unto them and twenty shillings a year over and besides their wages and to any other servant both man and maid six shillings and eight pence. And also I will that my executors shall pay unto my said sons Robert and Matthew one hundred pounds a year to be paid unto them at their several ages of one and twenty years whereof part of the said money to be made of my wood. And my debts, legacies and will aforesaid I do give unto Joan my wife and Thomas my son, and all the rest of my goods whatsoever. And of this my last will and testament I do ordain and appoint Joan my wife and Thomas my son to be my executors, and Mr Geoffrey Nightingale and Mr Reynold Meade my brother to be my servitors of this my last will and testament to whom I do give ten pounds for their pains. Thomas Meade. Witnesses Reynold Meade, Robert Simon, John Palmer. By me Geoffrey Palmer.

Reginald (Reynold) Meade, will dated 1589, proved 1590

Son of Thomas 1558

Prerogative Court of Canterbury

Wife:Barbara Aspeland

Sons: Thomas.Richard, John, Edward

Daughters: Francis Wise, Martha, Agnes and Mary Meade

Memorandum the second daie of December a thousande ffyve hundred eightie nyne and in y=e= two and thirtithe yere of the Raigne of oure soveraigne Ladie Elizabethe by the grace of god Quene of England ffrance and Ireland defender of the faith &c Reynold Meade of Elmeden in the countie of Essex gent beinge sicke in bodie but perfect in his minde and memorye by worde in the presence and hearinge of Barbara his wife Thomas Cloughe clerke vikar of Elmden aforesaied Thomas Meade Richard Meade John Meade and of Mary wife to the saied Thomas did declare & publishe and expresse his laste will and testamente to be and stande as yf the same had ben set downe in wrytinge in manner and forme or to the true effecte ffolowinge that it to saye. Imprimis he did commend his soule into the moste mercifull hands of Allmightie god and his bodie to be buryed in the churche of Elmeden aforesaied. And concerninge all such landes goodes and chattells as he then had he willed disposed and devised them in mann~ and forme or to the effecte folowinge that is to saye he gave and devised to Barbara his wife all his houshould stuffe and moveables he then had in his then dwellinge house in Elmeden aforesaied halfe his sheepe at Crissall, and fower of his horses and he willed and devised all the proffitts and commodities of Crowlbery ffearme and of the sheepwalke and the commodities to yt unto the saied Barbara his wife for and duringe the tearme of three yeres next ensewinge his deceasse to the end and intente yerelye duringe the saied terme she do keepe and bringe up Edwarde Meade his fourthe sonne and yerelie duringe y=e= saied tearme at the usuall ffeasts the saied Barbara of the same proffitts do contente and satisfye unto y=e= Lords therof the Rentes due out of the same and allso yerelie duringe the saied tearme of three yeres the saied Barbara or her assignes of the same do contente and paye the yerelie Annuitie or somme of twentie poundes of good and lawfull englishe money unto John Meade his thirde sonne at the easts of thannunciacon of oure Ladie Sainte Marye the virgin and Sainte Michaell the Archaungell by even and equall portions. And from and after the saied three yeres expired he willed and devysed the p~fitts and commodities of the saied Crawlberye ffearme sheepwalke and commodities to yt unto y=e= said Edward Meade his saied ffourthe sonne for and duringe the naturall life of the saied Barbara and from and after her deceasse then the remaynder therof unto the saied John Meade for and duringe the yeres then to come in the same. And he devysed one Annuitie or yerelie Rente of Seaven poundes of good and lawfull englishe money unto the saied Barbara for and duringe her naturall life to be yerelie yssuinge and paiable out of the quitte rents of the Mannors of Mounteneys and Dagworthes in Elmden aforesayed at the ffeasts of the Annunciacon of oure Lady Sainte Mary the virgin and Sainte Michaell the Archaungell by even porcons to be paied by the handes of Thomas Meade his sonne and heire his heires or assignes. Jtem he devised all that the mesuage [wherein deleted] in which he then dwelte in Elmden and the Landes to yt called Coxie and the Landes that were Streates and Cosyns all the reste of his free Lands in thcorne ffeildes of Elmeden beinge no parte of the Mannors of Mountneys and Dagworthes the crofte called Pillcrofte the proffitts of the pigeon house at the Bury halfe an Acre of wood yeerelie to be taken out of and in his usuall fallable wood for her ffewell his ffree lande in Crissall ffeildes and three Acres coppie Land called Taylors adioyninge to the saied mesuage unto the saied Barbara for and duringe her naturall life. And the saied Thomas Meade his sonne should surrender the saied coppieholde accordinglie. And he expressed he dealte the more liberallye with the saied Barbara because she shoulde be good to her children and shoulde not troble her children. And he then willed from and after her deathe the saied mesuage and Landes called Coxies and of the saied Crisall feildes shoulde goe and remayne unto the saied John Meade his heiers and assignes for ever And that after the deathe of the saied Barbara the saied Cosyns Streates and the saied other Landes beinge in the cornefeildes of Elmeden after her dcase as ys aforesaid (Bury Land excepted) shoulde goe and remayne unto the saied Edward Meade his heiers and assignes for ever. All and every which Legacys and bequests disposed unto the saied John he expressed for his better mayntennce and preferrmente in studdie and Learninge at the Innis of the Courte. Jtem he willed and devysed all the proffitts of all the woodes and grounds of the woodes and Landes in Christeshall Chisell magna and Chisell parua whiche he helde of the Leasse or graunte of M=r= Penruddock unto the saied Thomas Meade and unto Richard Meade his seconde sonne and to theire assignes to the ende and intente with the same they shoulde well and trulie contente and satisfye and paye unto Martha Meade Agnes Meade and Mary Meade his daughters the severall sommes of one hundred poundes of good and lawfull englishe money within one yere next after theire severall marriages or sooner yf his saied sonnes shoulde levie yt of the wood sales of the saied woodes not hinderinge themselves. Jtem he devysedan bequeathed the somme of ffortie poundes of like englishe money unto ffranncys Wise the daughter to the saied Reiginalde and wife of Edward Wise to be paied unto her by the saied Thomas Meade and Richard Meade out of the reste of the proffitts of the saied laste recited woodes and groundes. Jtem he willed and devised unto the saied Thomas Meade all the proffitts and ffellinge of all the woodes parcell or belonginge to the saied Mannors of Dagworthes and Mounteneys to the ende and intente by the discretion of the saied Thomas he do give one parte therof to ffranncys Wise daughter of the saied Edward and franncys Wise and the rest of that Lande he doe satisfye unto Barbara Meade daughter of the saied Thomas Meade towardes her better prefermente in marriage. Jtem he gave and bequeathed all his Jnterest and yeres he then had of and in the moytie or halfe parte of the saied Mannors of Dagworthes and Mounteneys which he helde by Leasse of M=r= Cutter except certeyne percells therof he had devised to the saied Brbaa his wife only for her life and seaven acres therof called Berrye garden unto the saied Richard Meade and to his assignes for all the yeres then to come in the same. Jtem he willed and bequeathed unto y=e= saied Richard fower of his ploughe horses and sufficiente corne to sow his Landes. Jtem he gave and devysed the other moitye or reste of the saied Mannors of Dagworthes and Mounteneys that he had purchased in ffee simple and the Mannor place Scite and all other Edifices therunto belonginge and all the pastures thereunto adioyninge lyinge severallie and the saied Burye garden to the saied Thomas Meade his heires and assignes for ever. The rest and remaynder of all his goodes and chattells whatsoever unbequeathed or undisposed as ys aforesaied he gave and devised unto the saied Thomas Meade and Richard Meade his sonnes and did constitute them the saied Thomas and Richard his Executors of his saied laste will and testamente requiringe and specially chardginge them effectuallye and trulie they shoulde perform the same.

Richard Meade of Elmdon, 1591, PCC

In the name of God Amen, the last day of February in the year of our lord God according to the computation of the church of England one thousand five hundred ninety and one, Richard Meade of Elmdon in the county of Essex and archdeaconry of Colchester, sick in body and yet of good and perfect mind and memory, made and declared his last will and testament, or disposition noncupative, in the words following or the like in effect, viz. he gave and bequeathed all his goods and chattels, rights and debts whatsoever due to him to John Meade and Edward Meade his brothers and to Martha Meade and Marie Meade his two sisters to be divided amongst them equally. In witness Barbara Meade her mark. Margery Andrews her mark. Martha Meade her mark. Marie Meade her mark

John Mede of Ugley, abt. 1565 - 1593

Called the maultman

In the name of God amen, the fifth day of October in the five and twentieth year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland queen, Defender of the Faith, I John Meade of Ugley in the county of Essex, husbandman, and diocese of London, being sick in body but in good remembrance do therefore ordain, make and declare my this last testament containing in it my last will in manner and form following, that is to say first and principally I acknowledge my soul to belong to God almighty my maker and to Jesus Christ my redeemer. And I will my body to the earth to be buried in the churchyard of Ugley aforesaid, or else where it shall please God to call me. Item I give and bequeath to Anne Meade my daughter ten pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid to her at her age of 21 years. The rest of all & singular my goods, chattels and debts, moveables and unmoveables whatsoever unbequeathed I wholly give and bequeath them to Susanna my wife paying my debts &aying the legacies of my father's will which are unpaid, which Susanna my wife I ordain & make my only executrix of this my last will. And I desire my father in law Thomas Saunder of Takely & my brother in law Frances Saunder of Stortford to be my overseers to see that my will be performed and I will to either of them 12d. And further I will that it be remembered in this my last will that I have surrendered into the hand of the lord of the Manor by the hands of John Wright & Richard Haydon, customary tenants, all my customary lands & tenements in Ugley whatsoever to the use of Susanna my wife for the term of her natural life, upon condition that she or her assigns shall pay or cause to be paid to Thomas Meade my son the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of England with one month next after he shall accomplish his full age of 24 years, to be paid at my now dwelling house, and if my said wife die before my said son Thomas come to his full age of 24 years or do no pay the said sum of £20 as aforesaid then all the said lands & tenements wit the appurtenances to be to the use of John Meade my eldest son & to his heirs forever, according to the custom of the Manor, upon condition that the said John my son or his heirs shall pay to the said Thomas my son the said sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of England within four months next after the said Thomas shall accomplish his said age of 24 years, and if the said John my son his heirs or executors or some of them do not pay or cause to be paid the said sum as aforesaid then all the said lands and tenements to be to the use of the said Thomas my son & his heirs forever. In witness whereof I have caused this to be written & read & confessed the same to be my will & have hereto set my hand and seal in the presence of Thomas Saunder, John Wright, Richard Haydon, Frances Saunder, Thomas Barnard.

Eleanor Meade (née Colin) of Great Easton, Essex, written 1592,

probated 1593. Abt. 1520 - 1593

Widow of John Meade 1570, son of John 1565, son of Thomas 1504

Children: John, Robert, William, Margaret, Barbara, Johanna, Eleanor

Jn the name of god amen the xviii=th= daie of Aprill in the yeare of our Lord god one thousande fyvehonndred fourescore & twelve (1592) & in the Thirty foure yeare of the Raynge of o=r= moste gracious & sov~aigne Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god Quene of Englande ffrannce & Irelande defendor of the faith &c J Elenor Meade of Much Easton in the county of Essex & dioc~ of London widdowe being in good & p~fecte remembrance thanks be gyven to the allmightie & ev~lyving god therfore, doo make constitute & ordaine this my laste wyll and testamente in mann~ and forme heareafter followinge. ffirste & principally J wyll give & bequeath my soule to the allmightie & ev~lyving god my creatour maker and redem~ & my body to be buryed in the churchyearde of Much Easton aforesaid. Jtem J wyll give & bequeath unto the pore people of the p~ishe of Much Easton aforesaid Twentie shillings of good & lawfull mony of England to be given and distributed amongeste them the daye of my buryall by myne executors heareafter nominated & menconed, as myne executors shall thinke beste. And allso J give unto the said pore people of Much Easton aforesaid foure payre of the coreseste shetts that J have to be given by myne exec~ heareafter menconed wher thea shall thinke moste mete & conveniente the daie of my buryall or w=th=in tenne daies after. Jtm J wyll gyve & bequeath to Katherne Bateman the wife of Thomas Batema~ of Much Easton aforesaid one payre of corse shetts to be deliv~ed to her by myne executo=r=s heareafter menconed the daye of my buryall or w=th=in tenne dayes after my death. Jtm J wyll give & bequeth to [Jhone deleted] Joane Peachie the wife of John Peachie of Much Easton aforesaid one payre of corse shetts to be deliv~ed to her by myne executors the daie of my buryall or w=th=in tenne daies after. Jtem J wyll give & bequeathe to John Meade, my sonne John Meade his eldeste sonne my beste hutche & a presse, to be deliv~ed to him by myne executors the daye of my buryall. Jtm J give unto Robte Meade the sonne of John Meade my sonne tenne shillings of good & lawfull mony of Englande to be paied & deliv~ed to him the daye of my buryall. Jtm J will give & bequeath to John Meade the sonne of Robte Meade my sonne tenne shillings of good & lawfull mony of Englande to be paied unto him by my exec~ the daye of my buryall. Jtm J give & bequeath to Elenor Meade the daughter of my said sonne Robte tenne shillings of good & lawfull mony of Englande & a payre of shetts to be deliv~ed to her the daye of my death by myne executors or w=th=in tenne dayes after. Jtm J give to Elizabeth Meade the daughter of my sonne Robte aforesaid tenne shillings of currente mony of Englande to be payed by myne exec~ the daye of my buryall. Jtm J give wyll & bequeath to Katherin Meade the daughter of my said sonne Robte tenne shillings of good & lawfull mony of Englande to be paied her the daye of my buryall by myne executors. Jtm J give & bequeth to Dorothie Meade the daughter of my said sonne Robte tenne shillings of good & lawfull mony of Englande to be paied by my said exec~ the daye of my buryall. Jtm Jtm [sic] J wyll give & bequeath to Willim Meade my youngeste sonne my beste cov~lette being of Arrosse worke & [unclear] a grete hutch standing in the p~lor to be deliv~ed him by myne exec~ the daye of my deathe. Jtm J give unto Newma~ Meade the sonne of Will~m Meade my sonne aforesaid a hutche nexte the beste & tenne shillings of mony to be payed & deliv~ed him by myne exec~ the daye of my buryall. Jtm J will give & bequeathe to Thomas Meade, Renaulde Meade, Anne Meade & Mary Meade the children of my aforesaid sonne Will~m Meade foure payre of shetts to be given to them (to eache of them one payre) by my executors the daye of my buryall or w=th=in tenne daye after. Jtm J wyll give & bequeath unto Barbery Clarke the daughter of Margarett Newma~ my daughter one payre of shetts to be deliv~ed to her the daye of my death by myne executors. Jtm J wyll give & bequeath to Jhone Gyner my daughter fyve pounds of good & lawfull mony of Englande to be payed to her by myne executors the daie of my death or w=th=in tenne dayes after my death. Jtm J wyll give & bequeath to Elenor Gyner my daughter Jhone Gyner eldeste daughter the bedstedd wheron J lye w=th= the fetherbed boulster cov~lett & all th'app~tennce therunto beloninge as J usually lye in the same, with a new hutch that stands in my mades chamber under the chamber windowe with all & singular such goods as are in the said hutche, & allso two payre of shetts thre platters & thre peuter dysshes, all w=ch= aforesaid goods J will thie shoulde be deliv~ed to the said Elenor Gyner by myne executors the daye of my death or within tenne dayes after my death. Jtm J bequeth & give unto my said daughter Jhone Gyner my seconde goune being of buffyn & a pettecote to be deliv~ed to her by my said executors the daye of my buryall. Jtm J wyll give & bequeath to Elenor Renaulde my beste goune of blacke cloth being garded with vellvett to be deliv~ed to her by myne executors the daye of my buryall. Jtm J wyll give & bequeath to my daughter in lawe Elizabeth Meade the wife of Will~m Meade my sonne my beste pettecotte to be deliv~ed to her by myne executors the daye of my buryall. The resdue of all my goods and chattells whatsoev~ my debts being payed my body decently & seamly brought to the yearth & the legaces of this my laste wyll & testamente payed & deliv~ed as before said J give and bequeath the same to my seven children that ys to saye to Thomas Meade, John Meade, Robte Meade, Will~m Meade, Margerett Newman, Jhone Gyner & Elenor Renaulde to be divided & p~ted among them equally, p~te and p~tlyke & J nominate & appoynte my two sonnes to witt John Meade & Thomas Meade to be the executors of this my laste wyll & testamente & my other two sonnes Robte Meade and Will~m Meade to be sup=r=visors & ov~seers of the same. And in wittnesse wherof heareunto J have setto my hande & seale the daye & yeare firste above written & the p~ties underwritten & named beinge wittnesses to this my laste wyll & testamente that ys to say in the p~tes of Katherin Ledar [last line damaged].

Thomas Meade of Berden, yeoman, 1595, Consistory Court of London

In the name of God, amen, the fifteenth day of August in the seven and thirtieth year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, etc., I Thomas Meade of Lamberd in the parish of Berden in the county of Essex, yeoman, being of good whole mind and perfect remembrance, laud be to God therefore, do ordain, make and declare this my present testament containing in it my last will in manner and form following, that is to say first and principally I acknowledge myself to believe in God the maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus his son my saviour and redeemer, trusting assuredly through the death, mercy and bloodshedding of the son Jesus Christ to have eternal live, and I will my body to the earth to be buried in the churchyard of Berden aforesaid or elsewhere at the discretion of my executor. Item I give and bequeath to the poor people of Berden twenty shillings of lawful money to be paid to them within one month next after my decease by my executor. Item I give and bequeath to my sister Agnes Meade of Berden Hall a ring of gold of the value of 20 shillings, and to my brother Richard Meade of Harps a ring of gold of the value of 20 shillings, and to my sister Elizabeth Wright a ring of gold of the value of 20 shillings, to be delivered to them within one half year next after my decease. Item I give to Edward Meade, Richard Meade, Margaret Fipps and Blanche Norton, children of my brother John Meade, to every of them a ring of gold of the value of ten shillings to be delivered to them within one half year next after my decease. Item I give to the wives of John Meade, Edward Meade, Richard Meade and Nicholas Meade, sons of my brother Edward Meade, to every of them a ring of gold of ten shillings value. And to Jeffrey Thurgood, Thomas Hamond, Richard Luter, Stephen Nobbs and John Miller, my kinsmen, to every of them a ring of gold of the value of ten shillings, to be delivered to them within one half year next after my decease. Also I give and bequeath unto Denise Scroggs of Haseley, widow, a ring of gold of like value of ten shillings, to be delivered to her within one half year next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath unto my six godchildren, that is to say John Thurgood, son of Agnes Thurgood, Joan Meade, daughter of John Meade, Thomas Hamond, son of Joan Hamond, Thomas Meade, son of Richard Meade, Agnes Meade, daughter of Nicholas Meade, children of my brother Edward’s children, and John Meade, son of Thomas Meade of Bromefield, to every of them twenty shillings of lawful money of England, to be paid to them at their several days of marriage or ages of one and twenty years, which shall first happen to come. Item I give to Jeffery Pelham my godson ten shillings of lawful money to be paid to him within one year next after my decease. Item I give to Mary Waller the wife of Henry Waller of Berden forty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid to her within one half year next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to every of my servants that shall dwell with me at the time of my decease 3 shillings 4 pence to be paid to them within one month next after my decease. Item I give to Mary and Agnes the two daughters of John Warner, late of Berden, ten pounds of lawful money of England, that is to say to either of them five pounds to be paid to them within seven years next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to Thomas Meade, Samuel Meade, John Meade, John Meade, Agnes Lorpoole, Joan Godfrey, Elizabeth Ratlieffe, Annable Bullock and Mary Meade, children of my brother John Meade, to every of them seven pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to them within one year next after my decease. Item I give to the children of my brother Edward, except my executor, being ten in number, to every of them in like measure seven pounds of lawful money of England, to be paid to them within two years. Item I give and bequeath to the children of my brother Richard, being seven in number, to every of them five marks of lawful money, to be paid within three years next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to Richard Meade, son of my brother Richard, and to the five children of my sister Agnes Raynisford, and to the four children of my sister Elizabeth Wright, to every of them seven pounds of lawful money of England, to be paid to them within three years after my decease. Item I give, will and bequeath to my kinsman, Richard Meade of Berden Hall, son of my brother Edward, toward the performance of this my will, all those lands lying in Berden aforesaid, containing by estimation fourteen acres more or less, which I late purchased of John Warner now deceased, to have and to hold to the said Richard Meade and to his heirs and assigns forever. Also I will and bequeath unto the said Richard Meade of Berden Hall all my meadow ground customary, containing by estimation two acres more or less, lying in the mead called Cross Mead in the parish of Manuden, holden of the manor of Battells, to hold to the said Richard Meade and to his heirs according to the custom of the same manor, the which meadow by God’s permission I do propose very shortly to surrender accordingly. Item I give, will and bequeath unto all my brother Bennett’s children, to every of them twenty shillings, and also to my sister Pelham’s children, to every of them twenty shillings, to be paid unto them within one year next after my decease or to so many of them as shall be then living. Item I give unto Mary Phillips, Katherine Phillips, Thomas Phillips and Anne Phillips, the children of Thomas Phillips, to every of them vi shillings viii pence, to be paid unto them within one year next after my decease. Item I give and bequeath to Henry Waller or his wife one of my featherbeds at the discretion of my executor, and my coverlet of red and yellow. All and singular the residue of goods, cattle, chattels, household stuff, debts, movables & unmovables whatsoever unbequeathed I wholly give, will and bequeath unto Richard Meade of Berden Hall, paying my debts, performing my legacies in this my will and bringing my body to the earth, the which Richard Meade of Berden Hall I ordain and make my sole and only executor of this my last will, to see and call upon the same to be done to the effect. In witness whereof I have caused this to be written and read and declare the same to be my very will and have hereto set my hand and seal in the presence of Thomas Barnarde of Stortford. By me Thomas Meade.

Thomas Meade of Berden Essex 1595 (Consistory Court of London)

In the name of God amen the twentieth day of November in the xxxviii of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of God queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith etc., I Thomas Meade of Barker in the parish of Berden in the county of Essex and diocese of London, yeoman, being of good mind and perfect remembrance, laud and praise be given to almighty God, this do ordain and make this my present testament containing in it my last will in manner and form following. First and principally I do acknowledge myself to believe in God the maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ his son my only saviour and redeemer, trusting assuredly through his death and passion and blood shedding to have eternal life. And I will my body to be buried where it shall please God. Item I give and bequeath to Joseph my son sixty pounds of good and lawful money to be paid to him at his full age of one and twenty years. And if the said Joseph my son shall die before the said age then I will the same six pounds to be paid to my two daughters by even portions at such times as the said Joseph should have accomplished his full age of xxi years if he had lived. Item I give and bequeath to my two daughters that is to say Anna Meade and Rebecca Meade to every of [them] xxvii li vi s viii d of lawful money to be paid to them and every of them as they come to their several ages of xviii years and if any of them two shall die before their said age of xviii years then I will the legacy of her so deceased the one half thereof unto Joseph Meade my son and the other part thereof I will shall be to her then being alive at her full age of xxi years. The residue of all and singular my goods, chattels, debts, moveables and unmoveables whatsoever unbequeathed, my debts paid, the legacies of this my last will truly performed and my body brought honestly to the earth, I wholly give them and bequeath them to Ann my well-beloved wife whom I ordain and make my faithful executrix of this my last will, provided that she the said Anshall well and honestly keep with meat and drink and raiment my said children till such time as their own legacies shall come into her hands and to the intent that this my will should be better kept and performed my mind, will and meaning is that the said Anne my wife shall within one month at the farthest after my decease to become bounden in a good obligation to Edward Meade my brother in the sum of two hundred pounds in due form of law to be made, sealed and delivered to the children's use with condition for the true performance of this my last will. Item I appoint Thomas Spring and Edward Meade overseers of this my last will and testament to see the same faithfully and truly performed according to my true meaning and intent and I do bequeath unto either of them for his pains ten shillings. Thomas Meade.

Elizabeth Meade, Chipping Ongar, 1595

In the name of God amen, the third day of Aprill 1595 and in the 37 year of the reign of our sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth, I Elizabeth Meade of Chipping Ongar in the county of Essex, widow, being sick & weak in body by God's visitation yet of good & perfect memory, do make & ordain my lat will and testament in manner and form following. First I commend my soul into the hands of God my merciful and heavenly father, with full assurance of the pardon of all my sins, and of my (unclear) and salvation before him only for the merit of the death & bloodshedding of Jesus Christ his son, my alone saviour and redeemer, whose spirit is given unto me as a pledge of his love & of that everlasting inheritance which I surely hope to enjoy with all the rest of his saints in another life for ever. As for my body I commit the same to the earth, there to wait for the general resurrection of all flesh to live again with my Christ forever. As touching that portin of goods which God hath given me in this world this is my last a final will. First I give unto Joan Farrington my daughter forty shillings to be paid to her as she shall have need and not to her husband. Item I give to her son George and her daughter Joan twenty shillings apiece and to her daughter Margaret forty shillings to be employed to their use & profit till they come to eighteen years of age and then with the use to be paid unto them, and my will is that if any of them die before that age that then the other that shall be survivor shall enjoy the whole. Item my will is that Richard my son shall keep Margaret Farrington for ii years & provide for things necessary for her life, and longer after that if her mother shall be willing therewith, and entreat him thereto because of her necessity, and my will is that during the time he shall keep her, it shall not be countable for the use of her portion. Item I give to Elizabeth Grave my goddaughter vis. viiid. and to the rest of my daugher Grave's children iiis. iiiid. apiece to be put to their profit in sheep or otherwiseby their father. Item I give to my said goddaughter ii porringers & to Martha and Sara one porringer apiece. Item I give to my daughter Jane Farrington my best gown & my best petticoat, ii flaxen kerchiefs and one neckerchief. Item I give to my sister Amis my new russet gown & petticoat & a flaxen kerchief. Item I give to the poor of the parish iiis. iiiid. to be divided amo ng them. All the rest of my goods, chattels and moveables whatsoever and wheresoever, both here in my house and at my son-in-law Grave's house at Marden end & elsewhere, excepting only such stuff as are before bequeathed, I give unto Richard Meade my son whom I make and ordain my sole and alone executor of this my last will and testament, to pay my debts & the charges of my funeral and to see all things faithfully discharged that are given and bequeathed by me in this my will, as my trust is in him. In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand the day and year first above written, Elizabeth Meade. Signed & delivered in the presence ofHgh Ince, George Pechey.

Thomas Meade of Chrishall, gentleman, will dated 22 January, 1598, proved 17 July 1599. Summary.

To Anne my wife my lands and leases in Chrishall, Heydon and Chishall for life, to bring up my children. She shall give my sons William £10, John £20, Robert £20, Anthony £40, and Francis £20, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 years [respectively] after my decease, and Bridget my daughter £60 at 18. To Francis after my wife's decease my houses and lands bought of John Cousen in Heydon, Chishall and Chrishall, and the lease of Chalk Mead and Shaw Croft which I hold of Mistress Martine. To John after my wife's decease my lands bought of Robert Brooke in the common fields of Chrishall, except 5 acres in Chiswick Down, 2 acres in Bulls Herne, 1 acre in Water Slade Field, and 1½ acres in Holledge, in Heydon Field, which I give to Robert. To Robert my 7 acres in the fields of Duxford and Fowlmere [Cambs.] and my lands bought of my brother Reynold Meade and John Steede; also after my wife's decease my leases from Thomas Meade of Wendon Lofts esquire and of Fludde Mead, provided that she shall have my houses and lands called Gentlemans for life. The rest of my lands called Gentlemans to Thomas Rande and Samuel Cooke to the use of William and his heirs male; provided that, if he or his heir male make any alienation, such estate shall cease and Rande and Cooke shall be seized thereof to the use successively of John my second son, Robert my third son, Anthony my fourth son, and Francis my fifth son, and their heirs male, and Bridget. To William after my wife's decease the lease of Wisdoms in Chrishall. Witnesses: David Lufkin vicar there, Zachary Lufkin clerk, Thomas Abraham alias Thorne, John Abraham alias Thorne.