Kent

Wills of Meads in Kent

PCC = Prerogative Court of Canterbury

CCR = Consistory Court of Rochester

DC = Diocese of Canterbury

1454 John a Mede of Romney (DC)

1464 William atte Mede of Ivychurch (DC)

1466 John Mede of Cobham (CCR)

1475 Thomas Mede of Woodchurch (DC)

1496 William Mede of Langdon (DC)

1498 Joan at Mede of Newchurch (DC)

1516 Henry Meede of Charing (DC)

1518 John Mede of Charing (DC), son of Henry 1516

1526 Thomas Mede of Tenterden (PCC)

1528 Thomas Mede of Chalk (CCR)

1532 Helwise Mede of Tenterden, widow of Thomas 1526 (DC)

1539 Stephen Mede of Pluckley (DC)

1541 Stephen Meed of Tenterden (DC), son of Thomas 1526

1547 Hugh Mede of Appledore (DC), son of Thomas 1526

1546 Robert Mede of Tenterden (DC), son of Thomas 1526

1548 Joan Mede of Pluckley, widow of Stephen 1539 (DC)

1557 John At Mead of Wouldham (CCR)

1558 Richard Meede of Woodchurch (DC)

1596 William At Meade of Wouldham (CCR)

1599 John At Meade of Wouldham (CCR)

1617 Richard Mead of West Malling, glover (CCR)

1618 Stephen Mead of Westerham, tanner (CCR)

1646 Humphrey Meade of Dover, gentleman (PCC)

John a Mede of Romney, 1454

Son Richard

Daughter Marion

William atte Mede of Ivychurch, 1464

Son John

Daughter Alice Bertlow

Wife Marion

John Mede of Cobham, Kent, 1466 (translated from Latin)

Wife: Johanna

In the name of God, Amen, in the year of our Lord 1466 I John Mede of Cobham, of sound mind and memory, make my testament in this form. First I give my soul to God almighty, to the blessed Mary the Virgin and to all the saints of heaven and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Cobham. Item I give to the high altar for my tithe forgotten iiii d. The residue of my goods not bequeathed I give and bequeath to Johanna my wife to pay my debts and see my last will fulfilled. I ordain my wife Johanna to be my executrix. Witness Walt Stoning

Thomas Mede of Woodchurch, 1475

Sister Joan

Residue to John Miller

William Mede of East Langdon, 1496

Wife Joan

Daughter Joan

Robert, son of Joan

Son John

Joan at Mede of Newchurch, 1497

Daughter Alice

Son Ado Willget (?)

Henry Mede of Charing, 1515/16

Sons William, Thomas, John

Daughter Joan

Wife Joan

Residue to son John

John Mede of Charing 1518

In the name of God amen, the xviii day of November in the year of our lord God 1518 and in the year of the reign of King Henry the viii the x, I John Mede of Charing make this my testamernt and last will in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, to our blessed lady and to all the holy company of heaven, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Charing aforesaid. Item I bequeath to the high altar iiiid. and for my tithe forgotten xvid. Item I bequeath to the light of our lady there iid. Item I bequeath to the light of Saint Christopher iid. (Unclear) Item I bequeath to iii clerks singing dirige and mass iis. apiece. Item I bequeath to Richard Mede my son a ewe and a mare and if the said Richard Mede my son die then the next of my children is to have his part and so one to be another's heir, and my wife to have the keeping of it until he or any of them come to the age of xviii years. Also and if it happen my wife to be with child, a man child, I will that he have the same eweand mare before any of my daughters. Item I bequeath to William my brother my (unclear) coat (unclear). Item I bequeath to the same William my brother (blank) sheets. Item I bequeath to the wives of Thomas Herte and Thomas Mentell (unclear) one bushel of wheat between them. Item I will that Alice my wife have my house that I dwell in with all my goods belonging thereto as long as she is widowed till my children come to the age of xviii years, she paying the rent and keeping the reparation, and if she marry then she to have it but one year after her marriage and after that Richard my son to have it when he comes to the age of xviii years, to him and to his heirs, and if he die and my wife happen to be with child, with a manchild, then the said manchild to have it at the age of xviii years to him and to his heirs, and if she be not with child it to remain to the eldest of my daughters and to her heirs, she paying to her sisters' marriage xxs. and any of them to be an heir at the age of xx years, and if they al die then I will it be all sold by my executors and the money thereof coming to be divided between my brother William's child, if he have a manchild, and the other half to remain to the eldest child of Robert Chyld's children, and if William my brother have no manchild then I will it remain to his maiden child. Item I bequeath to Joan Mede my brother William's daughter a piece of land called Melcroft. The residue of all my goods above not bequeathed I give and bequeath to Alice my wife, she paying my debts and my bequests, the which Alice and Robert Chyld I make and ordain to be my executors of this my present testament and last will, and I bequeath to the said Robert Chyld for his labor, above all his cost and charge in executing of this my testament and last will, vis. viii. These being witnesses William Mede, Robert Chyld, William Graynge, John Dowle and others.

Thomas Meade of Tenterden, Kent, 1526

In dei nomine amen, the xxiiii day of February in the year of our lord God a thousand five hundred twenty and six I Thomas Meede of Tenterden being whole of mind and in good remembrance make my testament in this manner of wise. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, to our lady Saint Mary virgin and to all the holy company of heaven, my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish church of Saint Mildred virgin in Tenterden aforesaid. Item I bequeath to the high altar there for my tithes and oblations forgotten and negligently withholden vi s viii d. Item I bequeath to the maintenance of Jesus mass iii s iiii d. Item I will there be distributed for the wealth of my soul at my own burying to priests, clerks, poor people and other alms deeds xxvi s & viii d. Item I will there be distributed in like manner for the wealth of my soul and all Christian souls at my Trigyntall xxxiii s & iii d. Item in like manner at my years mind I will there be distributed xii s iiid. Item I bequeath to Elwisse my wife twenty pounds of good money to be paid within two years after my decease every year ten pounds till it be paid. Also I bequeath to my said wife vi of my best kine and my featherbed with the hanging blankets and coverlets pertaining thereto and then the residue of my household stuff I will it be equally divided in two parts and I bequeath the one part thereof to the said Elwiss my wife and I will that the other part be equally divided between Steven, Robert and John my sons. Item I bequeath to Elizabeth Sorell xl s of money. Item I bequeath to Alice Robyn xxvi s viii d. And all the residue of my goods, my debts, bequests and other funeral expenses first content and paid I will that they be equally and indifferently shifted and divided in three parts by indifferent persons and I will that Steven my son have the first part thereof and John my son the second part thereof and Robert my son the third part, and when their parts be shifted and divided as it is aforesaid then I will that Robert's part be praised of wht value it is and then I will that the said Steven my son shall have the occupation and custody of the said Robert's part and the said Steven my son to find and keep the said Robert sufficiently for the occupation of his said part unto such time as it can be found and thought by mine overseers necessary that the said Robert to have the occupation and custody of the said his part himself. And if the said Steven and Robert my sons cannot agree then I will that my overseers have the ordering of the said Robert and of his part of my goods. And if it fortune the said Robert my son to die before he come to good discretion and without heirs of his body lawfully begotten then I will that ten pounds of his said part of my said goods remain to the said John my son and the residue thereof I will it remain to Steven my son, the which aforesaid Steven and John my sons I do make and ordain mine executor of this my present testament and I ordain John Parish and William Robyn overseers of the same. Witnesses hereof William Hugges and William Robyn and others.

Thomas Mede of Chalk, Kent, 1528

Daughter: Alice

Wife: Marion

In Dei noie, Amen, the XXVII day of March in the year of our lord God 1528 I Thomas Mede of Chalk, whole in mind make my testament in this wise. First I bequeath my soul to God, my body to be buried in the church yard of Chalk. Item I bequeath to the high altar VIII d. Item to Alice my daughter five pieces of pewter, a kettle & candlestick. Item to every one of my godchildren IIII d. Item to the vicar a platter, a pewter dish & a ______. Item to William Chapley my russet jacket. Item to George Wright the hog which he hath in his keeping. Item to Richard Stockwell a featherbed, a mattress, a pair of sheets, & coverlets & bolster, VI pieces of pewter, VI pieces of brass and my best gown. Item I will that there be a priest at my burying and at my month mind to pray for my soul & all Christian souls. Also I give to Marion my wife all my goods moveable and immovable she to pay my debts & bequests, which Marion I make my sole executrix. Witnesses John Joyner _______. Witness also William Harby, George Wright, Thoms Hoke & others.

Helwise Mede of Tenterden 1531

In dei nomine Amen the xi day of January in the year of our lord God 1531 I Helwise Mede of the parish of Tenterden widow being of whole mind & in good remembrance make my testament & last will in this manner & wise. First I commend my soul to almighty God, to our lady Saint Maru virgin and to all the holy company of heaven, my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish church of Saint Mildred virgin in Tenterden aforesaid. Item I bequeath to the high altar there for my tithes and oblations forgotten & negligently withholden xxd. Item I bequeath to the reparation of the foresaid church xxd. Item I bequeath to the maintenance of Jesus mass in the said church iiis. iiiid. Item I will there be distributed for the health of my soul and all Christian souls at my outburying xiiis. iiiid. Item in like wise at my months mind xiiis. iiiid. Item at my years mind vis. viiid. Item I bequeath to Hugh Mede my son xls. Item I bequeath to Stephen Wilcock my son-in-law xls. Item I bequeath to John Mede my son my greatchest, a mattress, the best (unclear), a bolster, my white hanging bes and a pair of sheets. Item I bequeath to Thomas Short's wife iii platters. Item to Joan Short my goddaughter one platter. Item to Robert Brok's wife my daughter iii pairs of sheets, iii platters & my candlestick. Item I bequeath to Thomas Short my greatest brass pot. Item I bequeath to Joan Brown my goddaughter a little brass pot & a kettle. Item to Thomas Mede my posnett (?) & vis. viiid. in money. Item to Stephen Wilcock my featherbed as it lyeth and all that belongeth to it. Also I bequeath to Stephen Wilcock's wife one cow. Item I bequeath to Elizabeth Sorell iiis. iiiid. Item I bequeath to any of my godchildren iiiid. Item to Elizabeth Robyn mine old gown. Item I bequeath to Robert Brock's daughter a chafing dish, a salt cellar, ii pewter dishes and a pewter quart pot. Item to Katherine Short my best candlestick. Item to Anne Wilcock my red kertle. And the rest of my wearing gear I bequeath to Robert Brok's wife and to Stephen Wilcok's wife, equally between them. And all the residue of my goods, money & debt, my debts, bequests and funeral expenses first contented, satisfied & paid, I give & bequeath unto Hugh Mede and to Thomas Short equally to be divided between them, the which Hugh Mede & Thomas Short I do make and ordain mine executors of this my present testament & last will to see it well & truly executed and fulfilled. Witness hereof William Peacock parish priest, Stephen Wilcock, Robert Raynard and others.

Stephen Mede of Pluckley 1539

In the name of God amen the x day of December in the year of our lord God 1539 and in the xxx year of the reign of our sovereign lord King Henry viii, I Stephen Meede of Pluckley being of good and whole mind and of perfect remembrance, make and ordain my testament and last will in manner and form following. First I commit my soul into the hands of almighty God. Item I give and bequeath unto Thomasine and Agnes my daughters my best (unclear) and my best chest that I had by Joan my wife and I will that Thomasin shall choose which of them she will have. Also I give and bequeath unto the said Thomasin and Agnes my daughters all my household stuff which I had before I married Joan my wife forthwith, to each of them a pair of sheets to be delivered to them immediately at the death of Joan my wife. Further I will that I if any of my said ii daughters marry before the death of Joan my wife then I will that she have all such goods as I have to her bequeathed at the day of her marriage, and likewise the other and if se do marry before the death of my wife. Also I will that if any of my said daughters die unmarried and before Joan my wife then I will that she that liveth have her part so deceased. Item I give and bequeath unto Stephen my son my iron hanger in the hall, my ladders and my grindstone after the decease of Joan my wife. Also I give and bequeath unto the said Stephen all my thatching gear to be delivered to him immediately at my decease. All the residue of my goods movable, my debts and bequests paid, I give and bequeath unto Joan my wife whom I ordain and make my executrix to this my present testament performed. This witnesseth Henry Kingsmith, Thomas Pyx, Alexander Parker and Thomas Hunt.

Stephen Mede of Tenterden 1540/41

In dei nomine Amen the xvth day of March in the year of our lord God 1540 I Stephen Meede of the parish of Tenterden, being whole of mind and in good remembrance, make my testament and last will in this manner of wise. First I commend my soul to almighty God, to our blessed lady Saint Mary the virgin and to all the holy company of heaven, my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish church of Saint Mildren the virgin in Tenterden aforesaid. Item I bequeath to the blessed sacrament in the said church for my tithes and oblations forgotten and negligently withholden vis. viiid. Item I bequeath to the maintenance of Jesus mass in the said church of Tenterden iis. Item I bequeath to any of my godchildren iiid. Item I bequeath to Thomas Herndan viiid. Item I bequeath to William Hower viiid. Item I bequeath to Thomas Baker viiid. Item I bequeath to John Backman my servant xiid. Item I bequeath to Stephen my servant xiid. Item I bequeath to William Chesten my servant vid. Item to Tho mas Hasyldon vid. Item Ibequeath to Peter my servant xiid. Item I bequeath to Anne Fowle one cow. Item I bequeath to my sister Wylcoke vis. viiid. of money. Item I will there be distributed for the health of my soul and all Christian souls at my outburying vis. viiid. Item at my months mind xxs. And also at my years mind vis. viiid. Item I bequeath to my son John Meede xx Li. of money to be paid unto him when he cometh to the age of xx years old. Item I bequeath to my son James Meede xxLi. of money to be paid unto him when he cometh to the age of xx years old. Item I bequeath to my son William Meede xxLi. of money to be paid unto him when he cometh to the age of xx years old. And further I will that and if it fortune any of my said iii sons for to decease before they or he be of the said age of xx years then I will and ordain that his or their xxLi. so deceased shall remain equally to the overlivers or overliver of them. Item I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Meede my daughter xiiiLi. vis. viiid. to be paid unto her when she cometh o the age of xx years, and if she marry before she be of the said age of xx years then I will that the one half of the said xiiiLi. vis. viiid. be paid unto the said Elizabeth at the day of her marriage and the other half thereof to be paid unto her within half one year next immediately after her said marriage. Item I give and bequeath to Alice Meede my other daughter xiiiLi. vis. viiid. to be paid to her when she cometh to the age of xx years, and if she fortune to marry before she be of the said age of xx years then I will that the one half of the said xiiiLi. vis. viiid. be paid unto the said Alice at the day of her marriage and the other half thereof to be paid to her within half one year next immediately after her said marriage. And if it fortune that the one of my said ii daughters do decease before marriage and the age of xx years then I will the overliver of them shall have her xiiiLi. vis. viiid. that so deceaseth. And if it fortune that both my said daughters do decease before they be married and bfore the be opf the said age of xx years, then I will that the said xiiiLi. vis. viiid. to them bequeathed shall remain to all my foresaid sons to be paid equally in manner afore written. And also I will and ordain that and if it fortune that all my foresaid iii sons do all decease before they be of the said age of xx years then I will that all these sums as is before to them bequeathed shall remain to my said daughters equally to be paid in manner and form aforewritten. And if it fortune that all my foresaid sons and daughters do decease before the times and ages aforewritten, then I will that all the said sums of money before to them bequeathed shall remain to Joan my wife and to her assigns. And I will that if my wife be now with child if it be a manchild I bequeath to him xxLi. to be paid to him at his age of xx years and if it be a woman child I bequeath to her xiiiLi. vis. viiid. to be paid to her as is afore ordained for my other daughters and so to remain as is before ordained for all my other childrn. And also my brother Robert Meede for to have the xl Li. which he shall have by his father's will and bequest. And all the residue of all my goods, my debts, bequests and funeral expenses first contentd, satisfied and paid, I do give and bequeath to the said Joan my wife the which Joan my wife I do ordain and make my sole executrix of this my present testament and last will. And I ordain Edward Phelyps my father-in-law overseer of the same. Witness hereof Edward Ffelippe, John Meede, Thomas Blackman, William Robins, Robert Goodall, Roger Marbyll, Thomas Hodges.

Hugh Mede of Appledore 1547

In the name of God Amen the xth day of the month of May in the year of our lord God 1547 and in the first year of the reign of our sovereign lord King Edward the sixth, I Hugh Mede of the parish of Appledore being whole of mind and of good and perfect remembrance, thanks be unto God, make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to the mercy of almighty God and my body to be buried in the earth where it shall please God to appoint it. Item I give and bequeath unto James Mede my eldest son when time he cometh to the age of xviii years my tenement with all the land thereto belonging called Webbes lying in the parish of Woodchurch. Item I give and bequeath to Henry my second son at xviii years of age my tenement with all the land thereto belonging lying in the parish of Appledore. Item I give and bequeath unto Joan my daughter at the day of her marriage vi li. xiiis iiiid. Item I will that if Agnes my wife be with child, with a manchild, he to have at theage of xviii years xx li and if so be it be a maid child then I will that she the said maid shall have at the day of her marriage vi li. xiiis. iiiid. provided always that if it fortune any of my sons to decease before the come to their full age of xviii years abobe specified the one to be the other's heir. And if they fortune both to decease before their said ages of xviii years, then I will their said bequests, tenements and lands with the appertenances to remain unto my daughters. Also I will that if Joan my daughter decease before the day of her marriage then I will her money as she should have to remain unto my sons equally divided. Also I will that if my wife be with child and the said child die then I will the said money his or her part above limited to remain to the use of my wife. Item I give and bequeath to either of my two sons at their age abovenamed vi li. xiiis. iiid. Item I will give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Broke one cow. Item I bequeath to Joan Brown vis. viiid. Item I will that Agnes my ife shall have all the profit of my lands until my heirs come to their ages, she to keep and maintain the yearly expenses (unclear) and mete, and paying the lord's rent thereof due during the said term of years. Also I will that if it so fortune that all my children do decease before their age of xviii years, then I will my house and land in Appledore to remain unto my wife in fee simple, and my house and land in Woodchurch to be sold to the most advantage and the money thereof to remain to my brothers' and sisters' children equally among them divided by my overseers. Item I will that if my wife do marry again after my decease then I will she shall find to my overseers two sufficient sureties how and whereby my children shall come to their goods before to them appointed by this my will. Item I give and bequeath to Thomas Broke, James Mede, Robert Peter, Alice Broke, Marion Broke & Elizabeth Broke to either of them an ewe. Item I give unto Thomas Broke a mare. All the residue of my goods and chattels unbequeahed and not given, my debts paid, I give and bequeath unto Agnes my wife, whom I ordain and make my sole executrix, to dispose at her only will and discretion for the health of my soul and all Christian souls and in accomplishing and fulfilling this my last will and testament. Also I ordain and appoint William Newington and Edward Broughton my overseers of this my said last will and testament.

Joan Mede of Pluckley 1548

In the name of God amen the xxiii day of August anno dm 1548 I Joan Mede widow of the parish of Pluckley being of perfect memory make this my last will. First I bequeath my soul unto almighty God by the merits of Christ's passion and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Pluckley and to have vis. viiid. to be bestowed about my burying in charity. Also I give to Stephen Mede my cow and xiiiis. in money. Also I give to Stephen Mede's wife my gown and I give to Stephen's v children each of them xiid. Item I give to Thomas Philpott's three daughters to each of them iiis. iiiid. and to each of them one pair of sheets. Also I give to Richard, James and Anthony the sons of William Philpott to each of them vis. viiid. And I give to Thomasin Bachelar iiis. iiiid. Also I make Stephen Mede mine executor and to (unclear) and to pay all the residue of my goods and moveables remaining not already given and bestowed. Witness hereof Thomas Piper, William Dosse, Nicholas Munde with others.

John Ellis of Wouldham alias John at Meade, 1557

Wife Annes

Sons: Thomas, William

In Dei noie amen, I John Ellis otherwise called John at Meade, sick in body nevertheless whole in mind & memory thanks be to God, make and ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following. First I bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty God, my body to be buried in the church yard of Wouldham. I give & bequeath to Annes my wife all my moveables and corn in the barn & a bullock. Also I give to Thomas my son a calf of six weeks old, also a platter & a pewter dish. I give to William my son a platter & pewter dish. I make Annes my wife my sole executrix of this my last will & testament, made the XIII day of January in the year of our lord God M D & LVI. Witnesses at the writing hereof Richard Langhand, priest, & Richard Hanson.

William at Meade alias Ellis of Wouldham, Kent, 1596

Son of John 1557

Wife: Joane

Thomas, William's brother.

Elizabeth b. 1585 (died young?)

William, b. 1592

Faith

Alice

In the name of God, Amen. I William Ameade alias Ellis of the parish of Wouldham in the county of Kent in the year of our lord a thousand five hundred ninety six in the month of August the XXVIth being very sick but of good memory, I thank God for both, do make my last will and testament in manner following. First I commend my soul into the hand of God in the mediation of Jesus my Saviour, then I commend my body to honest burial in the churchyard of Wouldham aforesaid & for my lands and goods I dispose them in this order. First I give to my wife Joane Ameade alias Ellis all my lands and moveables for her lifetime and after her death I give my land to William Ameade the son of Thomas Ameade of Wouldham aforesaid, but if the said William Ameade the son of Thomas Ameade of Wouldham die without children I give my land to his brethren the sons of his father Thomas Ameade above named. And if the sons of the same Thomas Ameade die my will is that the daughters of the said Thomas Ameade, the sisters of the same Willm Ameade, shall be their brother's heirs, vis one sister named Faith Ameade and the other sister named Alice Ameade. Item I give to my maidservant Anis Condor after my departure a calf the next that God gives to be kept for her and given her when it is a year old. Lastly I make my wife Joane sole executor of this my will. Lord have mercy on me and receive my soul. William Ameade's mark and seal. Richard rector of Wouldham wrote this testament, Robert Goldock witness.

John Ellis alias John Atmeade of Wouldham, Kent, 1599

Son of John 1557

Mother: Joane Eberdon (?)

Brother: Thomas, William his son, Faith and Alice his daughters

In the name of God amen, I John Ellis alias John Atmeade sick of body but sound of mind the lord be praised do make and ordain this my last will and testament the XVIIIth day of March in the year of our lord God one thousand five hundred four score and eighteen in manner and form following. First I will and bequeath my soul unto God hoping that of his mercy through his son Christ Jesus he will forgive me my sins and give me the gift of heaven, and my body to be buried in the church in the parish of Wouldham. Item I will and bequeath all my part and portion in a certain house and other edifices with the lands thereunto belonging or appertaining unto Thomas Ellis alias Thomas Atmeade my brother for the natural life of the said Thomas and after the death of the said Thomas unto William Ellis alias William Atmeade the son of the said Thomas and unto his heirs forever. Item I will and bequeath unto Joane Everdon my mother ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto the said Joane upon the feast day of Snt Michael the archangel and immediately ensuing the date hereof. Item I bequeath unto Thomas Ellis alias Thomas Atmeade my brother four pounds of like lawful money of England to be paid unto him in and upon the feast of Saint Michael the archangel next following the date hereof. Item I will and bequeath unto William Ellis alias William Atmeade the son of Thomas my brother the sum of four pounds of like money to be paid him at the feast of Saint Michael next following upon this consideration that the said four pounds or so much as needed thereof shall be bestowed to the cutting of the said William and if it fortune that the friends of the said William will not suffer to his cut then my will is that the said sum of four pounds so given shall remain in the hands of my executor to the use of the said William to be paid unto him at the age of sixteen years. Item I will and bequeath unto Faith and Alice the daughters of Thomas Ellis alias Thomas Atmeade the sum of five pounds apiece of lawful money of England tob paid unto either of them at their several ages of XVIII years, such sums of money are to be paid of Nicholas Nicholson of Wouldham. Item I will and bequeath to Nicholas Nicholson of Wouldham the sum of forty shillings of lawful money of England to be employed and bestowed upon the poor of the said parish of Wouldham at the discretion of the said Nicholas, the which sum of forty shillings is to be had of John Summer of Cliffey, labourer, the which is to be paid at the feast of Saint Michael next following. Item I will and bequeath unto the said poor of the parish of Wouldham another forty shillings of lawful money of England to be given unto them at the day of my burial, the which sum of forty shillings is to be paid by Nicholas Nicholson. Item I give and bequeath unto my fellow servants the sum of twenty one shillings at the discretion of Nicholas Nicholson the which sum of twenty one shillings is to be had of the said Nicholas. Item I give and bequeath unto Joane my mother one cow and unto Thomas my broterone twelvemonth bullock and one calf of six weeks old to be sold and the money to be divided between Joane and Thomas. Item I will and bequeath unto Joane my mother and Thomas my brother two acres of wheat now growing in and upon the lands of John Nicholson equally to be divided between them and the said Thomas to harvest and carry and thresh the said wheat. And if the said Thomas refuse to harvest or carry or thresh and receive the said corn then my will is that the said Joane shall have and enjoy the whole two acres of wheat. Item whereas Nicholas Webb doth owe unto me forty shillings to be paid unto me at the feast of the annunciation of our Lady come twelvemonth, my will is that Gregory Crosby and the said Nicholas Webb shall have either of them five shillings and Francis Coffen of Wouldham two shillings six pence. Item I will and bequeath unto my mother one yard of wood lying in Sixton wood. All the rest of my goods and moveables not before bequeathed I will and bequeath unto Nicholas Nicholson of Woldhm whom I do make the sole executor of this my last will and testament. And unto Robert Nicholson of Harley and William Hoods of Halling, clerk, unto either of them XVIII d in token of my good will, whom I do make overseers of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said John Ellis alias John Atmeade have set to my hand the said XVIIIth day of March in the one and fortieth year of our lady Elizabeth by the grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith. The mark of John Ellis alias John Atmeade, published and read in the presence of Robert Nicholason. The mark of Joan Nicholson widow.

Richard Mead of West Malling, proved 1617, b. abt 1585

Wife: Joane (with child)

Daughters: Alice, Elizabeth

Cousins: Henry Mead, Robert Mead

Son: Edward, b. abt. 1610

In the name of God amen, the eight and twentieth day of October Anno Domino one thousand six hundred and sixteen and in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord James by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith etc., of England, France and Ireland the fourteenth and of Scotland the fiftieth, I Richard Mead of West Malling in the county of Kent, glover, sick in body, whole in mind and of good and perfect remembrance thanks be given unto almighty God, do make and ordain this my present testament and last will in manner and form following. First I commit my soul to almighty God my maker, saviour and redeemer trusting through the merits of Jesus Christ's passion to be given only by his blood shedding and that I may be the child of salvation, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of West Malling aforesaid as near to the place where my other wife was buried as conveniently may be, and my will and desire is that all debts which I owe to any person in right or in onscience shall be paid by my executor hereafter named as soon after my death as conveniently may be. Item I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Joane Mead the sum of forty pounds of lawful money to be paid her within three months after my decease, and I give to the child wherewith my said wife now goeth (if she happen to be with child) the sum of thirty pounds of lawful money. Item I give to my two daughters Alice and Elizabeth the sum of thirty pounds apiece of lawful money to be paid unto them when they shall attain the full age of eighteen years apiece and in the meantime the same to be employed by my overseers hereafter named for their best benefit as well towards their education ntil they shall be of sufficient ability to get their own living as also afterwards towards the augmentation of their said portions. And my will and desire is that the said thirty pounds given to the said child wherewith my said wife now goeth (if she happen to be with child) shall not be paid unto the said child unti the said child shall attain to the age of fifteen years, but that the said money shall be employed in the meantime for the best benefit towards the education of he said child by my said overseers. And if my said wife shall not happen to be with child as aforesaid or if the said child shall happen to die before it attain to the said full age of fifteen years or if my said daughters or either of them shall happen to die before they attain to their lawful ages of eighteen years, that then the said portion of such of them so dying shall be and remain to such of my children as are then living to be equally divided amongst them. Item I give to my cousin Henry Mead the sum of three pounds of lawful mney and to my cousin Robert Mead the sum of forty shillings of like money and to my servant Richard White the sum of ten shillings of like money and to my apprentice John Savadge the sum of five shillings of like money to be paid unto them severally within three months next after my decease. Item I give unto the preachr that shall preach at my funeral the sum of six shillings and eight pence. Item I give to the poor of West Malling the sum of ten shillings to be distributed amongst them at my funeral at the discretion of my said overseer. Item I give and bequeath unto my said wife and my said two daughters all my household stuff and implements of household, except the bedstead now in the chamber over the hall of my now dwelling house and the long table and two forms now standing in the said hall and the best charger [a large platter] standing on the cupboard in the said hall and the brass pot next to my best bed, two pairs of my best sheets and one pillow and also one of my best pillows to be equally divide between them and my said two daughters' parts thereof to be disposed for their best benefit by my said overseers. And all the residue of my goods and chattels, money, plate and household stuff not before given and bequeathed (my debts, legacies and funeral discharged) I do give and bequeath unto Edward Mead my son whomI do make sole executor of this my present testament and last will, and I do make George Crosse and William Chapman overseers of the same, whom I do entreat to undertake the burden thereof and the proving and performing of the same, and my will and desire is that the said George Crosse and William Chapman will see me decently buried and my debts and legacies duly paid and performed, and that they will take all such money, goods and chattels, plate and household stuff as shall belong to my said executor into their own possession and afterwards to dispose thereof for the best benefit of my said executor until he shall attain to the full age of one and twenty years and out of the profits thereof arising to see him well educated, and m will is that my said overseers shall be allowed all such charges as they shall lay out about their travail for the performance of this will.

This is the last will and testament of me the said Richard Mead made and declared the day and year above written of and for the disposition of my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell, barn, stable, garden and orchard, with the appurtenances to the same belonging situate, lying and being within the town and parish of West Malling aforesaid. First my will and desire is that my said son Edward Mead shall have my said messuage or tenement, barn, stable, garden and orchard with all and singular the appurtenances to have and to hold the same to him and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten after he shall attain to the said full age of one and twenty years. In the meantime it is my will and desire that my said wife shall have the same for and toward the education and bringing up of my said son and two daughters. And if my said wife shall happen to die before my said son shall attain to the said age off one and twenty years then my will and desire is that my the said messuage or tenement and other premises th the appurtenances and the profits thereof arising shall be and remain to my said overseers for the benefit of my said son until he shall accomplish the said full age of one and twenty years. And if my said son shall happen to die before he attain to the said age of one and twenty years then my will and mind is that the same messuage or tenement and other premises shall be and remain to my said two daughters to have and to hold the same to them and their heirs after they shall attain to the said several ages of one and twenty years. In the meantime my said wife shall have the same for & toward their education and if she die then my said overseers shall take the benefits thereof for the good & profit of my said daughters until they shall attain to the said several ages of [one and twenty years deleted] eighteen years. In witness whereof I have to this my present will and last testament set my hand and seal given the day and year above written. The mark of Richard Mead.

Read, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Barn, Andrew ______, Richard Meade.

Stephen Mead of Westerham, Kent, tanner, 1618

Wife: Anne

Sons: Gyles (eldest), John, James,

Daughters: Anne (married John Browne), Margaret

In the name of God Amen, the three and twentieth day of September anno domino 1618 I Stephen Mede of Westerham in the county of Kent, tanner, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect remembrance, thanks, praise and honour be given unto almighty God therefore, do make and ordain this my present testament concerning herein my last will in manner and form following. First and principally I bequeath my soul into the merciful hand of almighty God certainly hoping to be saved only by the merit, death and passion of my lord and saviour Christ Jesus and my body to the earth from whence it came to be decently buried at the discretion of mine executrix hereafter named. Item I give, will and bequeath unto the poor, aged and impotent people of Westerham aforesaid iii s iiii d to be distributed among them on the day of my funeral at the discretion of mine overseers hereafter named. Item I give, will and bequeath unto mine eldest son Gyles Mede the lease of Colemans farm in the parish of Westerham aforesaid wi all profit during the full term of years yet to come (except and always reserved unto my said executrix her dwelling and abode in the house during all the said term if she shall so long live and free liberty for the standing and storage of her household and other moveables during all the said term without any interruption, let or denial of my said son Gyles Mede, his executors or assigns) to have and to hold the said lease with all profit (except before excepted) unto him my said son Giles Mede, his executors, administrators and assigns for and during the full term and number of years yet to come and unexpired, my said son Gyles Mede well and truly paying the rent and performing the covenant. Item my mind and very will is that my said son Gyles Mede shall have the use of the table and form and cauldron standing in the hall and the bedstead and flock bed for and during the said full term and number of years yet to come and unexpired mentioned in the said lease, and also that my said son Gyles Meade shall haethe use of all and singular my tanner vessels and implements of tanning during all the said term of years, my said son Gyles Mede first within one month next after my decease entering into reasonable bond unto my said executrix with this condition viz, either to deliver or cause to be delivered unto my said executrix, her executors, administrators or assigns all and singular the said tanner vessels and implements of tanning in so good sort quality and condition every way throughout as they were at the day of the making thereof or to pay or to cause to be well and truly paid unto my said executrix, her executors, administrators or assigns the full sum of five pounds of lawful money of England fourteen days next before the expiration of the said lease at the free choice and election of my said executrix, her executors, administrators or assigns. Item I will, give and bequeath unto my son John Mede five pounds to be paid unto him within six months next after the decease of my said executrix. Item I will, givean bequeath unto my son James Mede five pounds to be paid unto him within six months next after the decease of my said executrix. Item I give, will and bequeath unto mine eldest daughter Anne the wife of John Browne one great pewter platter. Item I give, will and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret ten pounds to be paid unto her within two years next ensuing after my decease by my executrix hereafter named. Item the residue of all and singular my goods, household stuff, moveables, cattle, chattels, hay and corn I fully give, will and bequeath unto my dear and loving wife Anne whom I make and ordain my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I make and ordain my well-beloved in Christ James Alleyn and Gyles Amherst mine overseers to see the due execution and performance of this my present will and testament. And I utterly revoke and annul all and every other and former wills, testaments, legacies, gifts, bequests, executors and overseers whatsoever by me at any time or times heretoforemad, ordained, willed, given, bequeathed or named. In witness whereof I have hereunto put mine hand and seal in the presence of those whose names are hereunder written.

James Alleyn, Gyles Amherst, William Cukor

Humphrey Meade, Gentleman, Dover, 1646

In the name of God, Amen, the nine and twentieth day of September anno domino 1646, I Humphrey Meade of Dover, gentleman, being sick of body but of sound and perfect memory (praised be God therefor) do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first and before all other things I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God my maker, trusting assuredly through the only merits of Jesus Christ my saviour to be made partaker of life everlasting, and my body I commend to the earth whence it was made. Item whereas I am greatly indebted unto sundry persons i n several sums of money and my mind and desire is that they should receive satisfaction out of my estate, and whereas I have mortgaged the house wherein I now dwell with the houses, buildings, grounds and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto Mr Luke Bruylsford, and have assigned the lease of my parsonage called Siberstone unto William Stratfold, and also have mortgaged my house with the garden and appurtenances theunto belonging situate and being in Dover and now in the occupation of Henry Stuman or his assigns unto William Hare, I do hereby will and appoint that my executor hereunder named, with the advice and assistance of my overseers of this my will or one of them, shall redeem my said houses, leases and tenements and make absolute sale thereof for the benefit, price and value they can get and therewith satisfy and pay the said several mortgages and engagements and also my just debts so far as the same will extend. And whereas I have had in marriage with my now wife in goods and chattels the value of one hundred and fifty pounds, I do will and bequeath unto her in lieu and recompense of her jointure and dower out of my estate the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of lawful money of England. Item whereas there is due to me by mortgage out of the houses of my cousin Luke Burden where he now dwelleth one hundred pounds, which money by agreement with my cousin Burden I have forborne diverse years past and have recevd no recompense therefor only after the death of my cousin Burden and his wife, the same houses with the appurtenances are to descend and come to my hairs, I do will and appoint that after the death of my cousin Burden and his wife the same shall be sold for the best value and out thereof I devise and bequeath to my son Humphrey Meade and the heirs of his body one hundred pounds, to my daughter Sibell Meade I do give out thereof fifty pounds, to my daughter Elizabeth out thereof fifty pounds, to my daughter Tomasine out thereof fifty pounds, and to my daughter Anne out thereof fifty pounds, and if any of them die without issue of their bodies the survivors to have his or their portion thereof so dying, equally to be divided, and for the payment of the said several legacies I do buy and oblige all my right and interest in the said houses, and if the said houses shall not be sold for three hundred pounds I do will that my children aforenamed shall have their legacies proportionally according to the value of th same huses, and I do desire my cousin Burden and his wife to be good to them and to see and take care and provide that this be performed according to my mind. And if there be made of the said houses above three hundred pounds, I do will all that shall be made thereof above three hundred pounds to my daughter Mary and to her executors and assigns. Also I do give my said daughter Mary twenty shillings and to her two daughters ten shillings apiece. Item I give to my son Humphrey twenty shillings in money and my silver pot and five double-gilded spoons given him by his grandmother. Item I do give to be wife my silver beer bowl. Item I do give to my daughter Anne my best featherbed furnished. Item I do give my daughter Tomasine my second bed furnished. Item I do give to my daughter Sibell my silver saltcellar and one pair of brass brandirons standing in my best chamber. Item I do give to my daughter Elizabeth one silver wine cup and one pair of brass brandirons. And all my brass and pewter I do give to my wife ad four daughters unmarried to be equally divided between them. And I do desire my wife to take care of my youngest daughter and bring her up. And all the residue of my estate whatsoever, real and personal, my debts, legacies and funeral expenses being paid and discharged, I do give to my wife to have the use during her life and for the better maintenance of my youngest daughter. And after the decease of my said wife I do give the same to my six children to be equally divided between them. And of this my last will and testament I do hereby make and ordain my loving wife my full and sole execcutrix, and if she refuse the same I make and ordain my son Humphrey my executor of this my will, giving him the like power as I have my wife for sale and disposal of my estate. I give the like power to my overseers of this my will and I do hereby make and ordain my loving friends William Stratford of Dover and Robert Denetian of the same, yeoman, overseers of this my last will and testament, entreating them as also my exeutor to be careful to see this my will performed in all things according to my true intent and meaning, and even so I conclude the same. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written: Humphrey Meade, signed, sealed, read and published in the presence of Robert (unclear) his mark, Joane Werkin her mark, William Stratford Notary public.

Humphrey Meade, Mariner of Dover, 1663

In the name of God amen, I Humphrey Meade of Dover in the county of Kent, mariner, being sick and weak in body but, thanks be to God, of sound mind and perfect remembrance, and knowing that death is most certain to all men though the time thereof most uncertain, do therefor by divine permission (?) make and declare this my last will and testament as ensueth. First and principally I commend my soul to almighty God my creator, trusting and assuredly believing that for his infinite mercy's sake set forth in that most bitter death & bloody passion which his only son my alone saviour Jesus Christ hath suffered, he will (unclear) pardon and forgive me all my sins and offences and after this transitory life ended receive my soul into eternal glory. And as for my body I commit it to the earth from whence it was taken to be decently buried according to the discretion of my executors hereafter named in confident expectation of a glorious resurrection. And now concerning my worldly matters which I desire to settle and lave in peace I dispose thereof in manner and form following, that is to say, whereas I stand seized (unclear) to the use of my heirs forever (after the decease of Mary Burden widow of Luke Burden late of the town and port of Dover aforesaid, gent, deceased) of and in the reversion and remainder of a certain capital messuage or tenement, one kitchen, one stable, three gardens and one orchard with all and singular the appurtenances to the same messuage or tenement and premises adjoining and belonging, situate, lying and being together in the parish of St James the Apostle in the said town and port of Dover and late in the occupation of the said Luke Burden, his tenants or assigns, I give and devise the same unto my loving and very good friend Thomas Ctark of the town of St Albans, yeoman, and to his heirs forever, upon this trust and confidence nevertheless that he and they shall sell and dispose of the same and use the profit thereof to the most and best advantage that may be, and employ, distribute and disps the money thereof and thereby raised in manner following, viz, unto my sister Sibill wife of George Hartwell of Canterbury, innkeeper, fifty pounds thereof, unto Thomasin another of my sisters and wife of John Craft of St Albans aforesaid, also innkeeper, other fifty pounds thereof, unto my sister Ann wife of Robert Hartwell of Canterbury aforesaid, joiner, other fifty pounds thereof, unto Mary Clark daughter of the said Thomas Clark other fifty pounds, and the residue and remainder thereof (if any be) equally and indifferently unto and amongst Mary Quinn, John Quinn, Elizabeth Quinn and Ellen Quinn, children of my sister Mary Quinn, deceased, and the survivors of them at their respective ages of one and twenty years or days of marriage. Item I give, will and devise unto the said Thomas Clark all and singular other my messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Dover aforesaid of which I stand seized in possession, reversion or remainder or in which I have or may claim any manner of right, title or intrest by law or equity to have and to hold unto the said Thomas Clark his heirs and assigns forever. And all my money, goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever after my debts paid and funeral expenses discharged, I wholly give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Clark whom I make and ordain full and sole executor of this my last will and testament. And I do hereby revoke, disannul and make void all former and other wills and bequests by me either made or spoken, and do will that this shall stand and be as my last will and testament and none other. In witness whereof I the said Humphrey Meade to this my last will and testament, consisting of two sheets of written paper and part of another sheet, have subscribed my name to the bottom of each sheet and affixed my seal the two and twentieth day of September anno domino one thousand six hundred sixty two and in the fourteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord Charles the second by the grace of God king of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender f the faith etc. Humphrey Meade, signed, sealed, delivered and published by the said testator as his last will and testament the day and year aforesaid in presence of William Smith, John Raufsson.