Somerset

William Mede of Cory Mallet, Somerset, 1523

In the name of God amen, the xxi day of the month of September in the year of our lord God a thousand five hundred and xxiii I William Mede of the parish of Cory Mallet, husbandman, whole of mind and perfect remembrance, make my testament in this manner. First I bequeath my soul to almighty God, to our lady Saint Mary and to all the blessed company of heaven, my body to be buried in the church of All Hallows in Cory Mallet. Also I bequeath to the mother church of Wells xx d. Item I bequeath to the high altar for forgotten tithes vi s viii d. Item I bequeath to the chapel of Saint James in Cory Mallet xx d. Item I bequeath to Sir John Cook xx d. Item I bequeath to the church of Hach Becham xx d. Item I bequeath to the church of Ber Drokam xx d. Item I bequeath to the church of Ile Abbots xx d. Item I forgive all such duties as my son Robert oweth me. Also I forgive all such duties as my son-in-law Richard Gunney oweth me. Also I give and bequeath all my free lands at Coton in the parish of South Petherton whi is to the sum of xxvi s viii d by the year the said lands to be divided yearly by equal portions between my three sons Richard, John and William, and to which of them which liveth longest to his heirs, his executors and to his assigns. Also I will that my lands and tenements at Stowy be divided between my three sons Richard, John and William provided also that these three said sons Richard, John and William shall find a priest singing the trentall of Saint Gregory for one whole year as I am agreed with my ghostly father Sir Thomas Decon. And the residue of y goods not given nor bequeathed I do give and bequeath to my three sons Richard, John and William whom I ordain to be mine executors but I make my wife Johane half executrix with my said three sons if it may please God that she may recover of her sickness, if not may said three sons shall be whole executors for to dispose the said goods so that it may be to the health of my soul. These being witnesses Sir Thomas Decon, John Gildon, Robert Mede and other.


Walter Mede of Wytlakington, made 13 November 1530, probate 28 July 1534

To be buried within Whytelakyngton church. A tunic to Thomas, Peyncklett. To Robert Adams, vicar, for tithes forgotten. Residue to Robert Adams and John Stere. Witnesses John Stacy, junior, and John Horsey. (Weaver, Some Early Wills, Downside Review Volume 14)

Thursten Meade of Ilton, Somerset, 1560

In the name of God amen, the last day of April in the year of our lord God a thousand five hundred and three score, I Thursten Mead of Ilton being sick of body but of perfect mind and remembrance, do make this my last will and testament in manner following. First I give and bequeath my soul to almighty God and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Ilton aforesaid. Also I give and bequeath to St Andrews church in Wells iiii d. Also I give and bequeath to James my son all my plow gear as waine wheels, solles, drage, draw ropes and chains with all other things belonging to my plough. Also I give to the said James all my timber in my back side. And the residue of my goods not given viz. oxen, kine and all my other cattle, the corn in my barn, the wheat, oats and maslin upon my ground, my household stuff and all my other goods and debts to me belonging I give and bequeath to Alice my wife, James my son, Joan my eldest daughter and Joan my youngest daughter and them I do ordain and make my whole executors and executrixes and they to see my debts, legacies and funeral performed, paid and done, and also do constitute, ordain and appoint master Humphrey Willson and John Baker to be my overseers. These being witnesses James Goodlande, John Baker senior, John Wembridge, John Baker junior, Joan Meade widow, John Fortte.