CHARITIE, of the three Theologicall Vertues, by the vncomptrolable testimonie of Saint
Paul the greatest, hath in these our daies, vpon whom are (or may be supposed to haue been) come the ends of the World, amongst them all, of all sorts hath beene least regarded. The consciences of some particular persons, sealed with the true seales of peace and puritie, to their owne euerlasting comfort, and the sensible good of their fellow-members remaining, haue left to posteritie notable markes of their godly deuotion;
[Page 2]
[...] followed.
This
[...] dooers, agrees well
[...], where (euery
[...] according to the workes hee hath done in his bodie) it is said,
few shall bee saued. Indeed it is not to be meruailed at, that
Charitie waxeth cold in these times, where Auatice hath gotten the vpper hand;
Christ himselfe long since prophecying, that towards the end of the World it should bee so. All States generally are corrupted: each man preferring his owne priuate interest, before the common care of his distressed brethren; not measuring any thing, but by the rule of his owne profit.
To insist longer vpon these common places would bee ouer-tedious to the Reader; and not much auaileable, but rather hurtfull, as wherein he may behold the Worlds miserable thrift,
[Page 3]and so become a sectator thereof, whilest in the meane while hee make shipwracke of his Conscience, and hazard the perdition of Heauen and his owne Soule. Let vs therefore walke into the Valley of Lillies, where
Christ with his true and euerlasting delights is ready to entertaine vs.
Herevnto wishes alone auaile not; though in themselues commendable.
Quiddam altius in desiderio: There is something more to be desired. With this godly desire wee must ioyne sanctitie. Holinesse of life is it, whereby wee are acceptable
before God.
Naturally wee are inclined, to wish well to our owne selues.
Nemo odit earnem suam. But to this well-being, well-doing is required.
Quid oportet me facere, was well propounded by that Holy Conuertite in the Actes;
What must I doe, to attaine euerlasting life? For to
[Page 4]this end by the free grace of God we are deliuered from the bondage of Sinne and Death, That wee may
serue him in holinesse. Surely the yoke of the old Law was insupportable; in respect of flesh: yet that yoke was not so taken off by our Sauiour, that we should thinke our selues free from all manner of yoke.
Iugum meum dulce & leue, My yoke is sweet and light; yet a yoke. Hee that sustaines the VVorld, beares part with vs: therefore an easie yoke. As easie notwithstanding as it is, few vndergoe it. How culpable therefore the most part of Mankinde is, in refusing to be coupled in this sweet yoke, and to draw together with
Christ, who beares the heauiest part thereof, it is more than to be lamented.
Not a fountaine, but an Ocean of teares, is here to be desired; to wash away this guilt.
Ex fructibus, by their
[Page 5]fruits you shall know them, is the
Cognisance, whereby the good are discerned from the bad: the surest marke of all others, whereby either God, or Sathan may claime their owne.
If therefore wee would be accounted and taken for the true seruants of God, we must weare his cognisance: wee must labour to make our Election sure, by bringing forth such fruits, as proceed from
a faith working by Loue. But this Badge is so seldome seene among vs, as it may well be supposed, that God hath heere but a very few seruants.
Let vs desire the Almightie for his great Loue to Mankinde, that hee will more and more kindle the small sparke of Charitie that is amongst vs, that it may breake forth into a bright flame of brotherly loue, and wholly involue vs in the zeale of Gods House. Then may wee ioyfully burne incense to
[Page 6]the GOD of
Israel, and offer vp our vowes without feare. For the mercifull man hath cast his bread vpon many waters: and the Lord hath assured him a reward.
Now it is time to commend to posteritie, the due praises of that truely worthy and neuer to bee forgotten Gentleman, Maister
Thomas Sutton, the right
Phoenix of Charitie in our times: who mounting vp to the highest top of Gods holy Hill, and gathering together the Aromaticall spices of Loue and Compassion, hath consumed himselfe in the fire of feruent zeale towards Gods poore Saints, who setting all worldly respects, eyther of Alliance or Consanguinitie, farre behinde his Loue to God and his poore brethren in
Christ, hath made them (in effect) the Heyres of all those great riches, wherewith it
[Page 7]pleased the Lord to blesse him. This godly Act of his hath herein especially approoued it selfe, for that hee neuer stucke at any cost, nor let slip any occasion, which might further, or establish it, to the benefit of the poore people.
The greatnesse of the gift, and the religious care taken for confirmation thereof, with the pious forwardnes of our good Soueraigne in the advancement of so good a VVorke; are at large set foorth in a more full Volume, amongst many other notable Reports, by a Reuerend, famous, and learned Iudge of this Land: whereunto, when it shall be published, I referre the courteous Reader for his more ample satisfaction. In the meane time briefly take this.
The late dissolued Charter-house
[Page 8]by Smithfield, not long since belonging to the Right Honourable
Thomas Earle of Suffolke, Lord Chamberlaine of the Kings houshold, is well knowne to bee a very large and goodly Mansion; beautified with spacious Gardens, VValkes, Orchards, and other pleasures; enriched with diuers dependencies of Lands and Tenements therevnto belonging, and very fitly seated for wholesome ayre, and many other commodities.
This commodiousness of syte, and largenesse of circuite, gaue occasion to this worthily renowned Gentleman Maister
Sutton, to affect this House, as the onely fit place, wherein to lay the foundation of his Religious desseignes. For hee had before that time a setled determination to erect an House in
Hallingbury Bouchers in the Countie of
Essex, to be an Hospitall
[Page 9]for such poore Men and Children as Hee himselfe in his life time, or the future Gouernours of the same Hospitall, should nominate and appoint to bee lodged and relieued there: As also for a Schoole-Maister and Vsher to teach the Children to reade and write, and instruct them in their Latine and Greeke Grammar: for a Diuine likewise, to preach the VVord of God vnto them all, and for one Maister to gouerne all those people belonging to that House.
And to that end & purpose, He had, vpon earnest Petition, procured himselfe ability by Vertue of an Act of Parliamēt, begun & holden by prorogation therof at Westminster in the Countie of Middlesex the 9. day of February in the seuenth yeare of his Maiesties raigne ouer
England, &c. and there continued to the 24. day of
Iuly then next
[Page 10]following. To erect & build in the said Towne of
Hallingbury Bouchers such an house for an Hospital, as is immediately before remembred: and that the said House should be called
The Hospitall of King Iames,
founded in Hallingbury in the Countie of Essex, at the humble Petition, and at the onely costs and charges of Thomas Sutton Esquire. And that the Archbishop of
Canterbury that then was, and other Reuerend Praelats of this Realm, and their Successors in their seuerall Seas, the right Honorable
Thomas Lord Ellesmere, Lord Chancellor of
England, and such as should succeed after him to be Lo: Chancellors or L: Keepers of the Great Seale of
England, the Lord Treasurer that then was, & those that should succeed in that Office, with diuers other select persons both of the Clergie and Laity, in such manner as you shall find them set downe in the said Volume of
[Page 11]Reports whereunto I referre you, were by the said Act of Parliament elected, nominated, and appointed the first and present Gouernours of the Lands, possessions, reuenues, and goods of the said Hospitall. But afterwards, vpon more mature deliberation, finding this great Mansion of the
Charterhouse, farre more conuenient for his purpose, then that of
Hallingburie could bee, Hee was an earnest sutor to my Lord of
Suffolk to buy that House of him: acquainting his Lordship with the change of his minde concerning
Hallingburie, and his great affection to make the
Charter-house his Hospitall. To this Petition of his, it is not to bee doubted, but that my Lord gaue the more ready and willing way: because the chiefe end thereof was the glorie of God, and the reliefe and comfort of a great number of poore people.
[Page 12]Long the matter was not debated betweene them: but the price being concluded, the Bargaine and sale was assured. The summe disbursed for this purchase, came to thirteene thousand pounds: which was paid down in hand, before the conueyance was sealed.
Hauing thus assured the state of this great House to him, and his Heyres, He makes humble suite to his Maiestie, to grant him licence to erect and establish his intended Hospitall and Grammat Schoole, and other his godly & charitable vses, in the said late dissolued
Charterhouse; as in a more cōmodious place, then that of
Hallingbury. Herevnto the King readily yeelded; being graciously affected to so charitable a worke.
The better therfore to encourage and enable this Heroicall Gentleman, to prosequute this good minde to the full perfection; it pleased his Maiestie out
[Page 15]of his most Royall disposition, to grant his Letters patents vnto him, thereby authorising him to the vses last mentioned, as in his Letters pattents more fully appeareth.
Now therefore with alacritie this busines goes forwards. The Reuerend Father in God,
George now Arch-bishop of
Canterbury, Thomas Lord
Ellesmere, Lord Chancellor of
England, Robert Earle of
Salisburie, Lord high Treasurer of
England, Iohn the elect Bishop of London,
Lancelot now Bishop of
Ely, Sir
Edward Cooke Knight, cheefe Iustice of the common pleas, Sir
Thomas Foster Knight, one of his Maiesties Iustices of the common plees, Sir
Henry Hobart Knight and Baronet, Atturney generall,
Iohn Ouerall now Deane of the Cathedral Church of Saint
Paul in London,
George Mountaine Deane of the Collegiat Church of Westminster,
Henry Thursby Esquire, one of the
[Page 16]Masters of the
Chancerle, Geffrey Nightingale Esquire,
Richard Sutton Esquire,
Iohn Law Gentleman,
Thomas Browne Gentleman, and the Master of the Hospitall of King
Iames, founded in Charterhouse, within the Countie of Middlesex, at the humble Petition and the onely costs and charges of
Thomas Sutton Esquire, are elected, nominated, and ordained by the Kings most excellent Maiestie in his Letters Patents granted (as aforesaid) the first Gouernors of the Lands, Possessions, Reuenues, and Goods of the said Hospitall of King
Iames founded in
Charterhouse.
And further power is giuen to the said Gouernours, as you may find more at large in the said Letters Patents.
Herevpon diuers Lands, by him formerly purchased, are made and past ouer to this Hospitall, for maintenance of the poore people there to be relieued. Preparation is made for fit lodgings, and other
[Page 17]necessaries; and all things goe onwards, with as conuenient speed as may be, to the wished end.
Now for the Readers better information and content, it will not be amisse to set downe, what Lands they were, and in what Counties, which were made ouer and annexed by Maister
Sutton to the said Hospitall. Thus therefore they are named, as they follow in order:
(viz.) All those his Mannors and Lordships of
Southminster, Norton, Little Hallingbury, alias
Hallingbury Bouchers, and
Much Stanbridge in the County of
Essex, with all their and euery of their rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoeuer.
Also all those his Mannors and Lordships of
Bastingthorpe, alias
Buslingthorpe and
Dunnesby in the County of
Lincolne, with their & euery of their rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoeuer.
Also those his Mannors of
Salthorp
[Page 18]alias
Saltrop alias
Haltrop, Chilton, and
Blackgroue, in the County of
Wilts, with their and euery of their rights, members, and appurtenances: and also all those his lands & pasture grounds called
Blackgroue, containing by estimation two hundred acres of pasture with the appurtenances in
Blackgroue and
Wroughton, in the said County of
Wilts: and also all that his Mannor of
Missenden, otherwise called the Mannor of
Missunden, in the Parishes of
Wroughton, Lydierde, and
Tregose in the said County of
Wilts, with all his rights, members, and appurtenances.
And all that his Mannor of
Elcombe and
Parke called
Elcombe Parke, with the appurtenances, in the said County of
Wilts.
Also All that his Mannor of
Watlescote, alias
Wiglescete, alias
Wiglescete with the appurtenances in the said County of
Wilts.
And also All that his Mannor of
Wescote
[Page 19]alias
Wesete, with the appurtenances, in the said County of
Wilts: and also al those his lands and pastures, containing by estimation 100. acres of land, & 60. acres of pasture with the appurtenances in
Wiglescote &
Wroughton in the said County of
Wilts: and All that his Mannor of
Vffcote with the appurtenances in the said County of
Wilts: and also al those his two Messuages, & one thousand acres of land, two thousand acres of pasture, three hundred acres of Meadow, and three hundred acres of wood with the appurtenances, in
Brodehinton in the said County of
Wilts.
And also All those the Mannors and Lordships of
Campes, alias
Campes Castle, otherwise called
Castle Campes with the appurtenances, scituare, lying, being, and extending in the Counties of
Cambridge and
Essex, or in either of them, or elsewhere within the Realme of
England,
And also all that his Mannor of
Balsham, in the County of
Cambridge, with all & singular the rights, members & appurtenances thereof whatsoeuer. And also All those his Messuages and Lands scituate, lying, and being in the Parishes of
Hackuey and
Tottenham in the County of
Middlesex, or in either of them, with their and euery of their rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoeuer, which said Messuage was lately purchased of Sir
William Bowyer Knight; & the said Lands in
Tottenham now or lately were in the tenure or occupation of
William Benning Yeoman. And also All and singular the Mannors, Lordships, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Reuersions, Seruices, Meadowes, Pastures, Woods, Aduousons, Patronages of Churches, & Hereditaments of the said
Thomas Sutton whatsoeuer, scituat, lying, or being within the said counties of
Essex, Lincoln, Wilts, Cambridge, and
[Page 21]
Middlesex, or in any of them, with all and euery of their rights, members, & appurtenances whatsoeuer. (Except All his Mannors or Lordships of
Littlebury and
Haddestockc with their appurtenances, in the said County of
Essex.) But alas, what perpetuity can bee looked for in this world; where there is no certainty but of change. In this great expectation of all men, whilest our eyes and mindes are occupied with admiration of the Worke, Death steales away, the Master workeman: but not vnprouided; as hauing his
Viaticum sealed vp vnto him in the peace of a good conscience. Many prayers of the Saint went vp before him, to prepare a place for him against the day of his dissolution: and the corruptible
Mammon, which he had here imployed to the reliefe of Gods seruants in Earth, begot him friends to entertaine him in heauen. So he fell asleepe in the Lord: leauing the
[Page 22]rest of his pious intendments, to bee performed by his trustie Executors, Master
Richard Sutton, and Maister
Iohn Lawe. Behold, here a perfect
Israelite! This is a good worke: but he hath not set his rest on this onely. He hath growne vp from faith to faith, to the accomplishment of many other singular workes of Charitie: whereof his last Will and Testament giues such abundant testimonie, that it needs no other splendour than it selfe.
Vpon this respect, I will make no other Proeme to it, than a gentle inuitation to the Reader to peruse it; lest otherwise I might seeme to shew the Sunne at Noone Day; or perswade credit, to apparent demonstration. Thus it followeth.
THE
LAST VVILL and Testament.
OF Thomas Sutton Esquire.
THE LAST VVILL and Testament of
Thomas Sutton Esquire.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN.
THE Second day of Nouember in the yeare of out Lord God one thousand sixe hundred and eleuen
I Thomas Sutton of Camps Castell in the County of Cambridge Esquire being weake in body, and of good perfect mind and me mory thankes be giuen to Almighty God for the same: Do make and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following that is to say. First, and principally I commend my Soule into the handes of Almighty God
[Page 2]trusting through his mercy & by the pretious death and passion of my Sauiour and Redeemer
Iesus Christ to bee saued and to inherit the kingdome of Heauen for euer. And my body I will to be buried where and in what sort it shall seeme meet and conuenient to mine Executor or Executors and Superuisor or Superuisors of this my last will and Testament, with the least pomp and charge that may be.
Item I giue to euery one of the Children of
Richard Coxe late Bishop of Ely who shall bee liuing at the time of my death, Ten-poundes a peece, of lawfull mony of England.
Item I giue to the Children of
Ellenor Aske late wife of
Robert Aske of Aughton in the Countye of york Esquire the summe of one hundred poundes of good and lawfull mony of England to bee equally distributed amongst them.
Item I giue to the poore towne of Berwicke vppon Tweede one hundreth markes of lawful mony of England to be distributed amongst the poore there by the discretion of the chiefe gouernour and Preacher there for the time being to be paid within one yeare after my decease.
Also I giue to
Andrew Westwoods wife of New Castle vpon Tyne, or to her Children, or to so many of them as shall be liuing at my death, ten poundes, to be bestowed equally amongst them.
And I giue to the poore people of Stoke-Newington, in the County of Middlesex Ten-pounds to be distributed by the Constables, Church-wardens, & Parson of the same Town, for the time being to their most needy, people there,
Also I giue to Maister
Gray dwelling in yorkshire, sometimes seruant to
Ambrose Earle of Warwick or to his Children if any of them bee liuing at my decease Forty poundes of good and lawful mony of England, to be distributed equally amongst them, within sixe monthes after my decease.
Also I giue to the Children of my Aunt
White or to so many of them as shall bee liuing at my decease, one hundred markes to be equally distributed amongst them within sixe monethes next after my decease.
Also I giue to
William Cocket sonne to
William Cocket, late Alderman of the Citty of Lincolne one hundreth pounds of lawfull mony of England.
Also I giue to the Children of
Iohn Copeland late of Skillingthorpe in the County of Lincolne or to so many of them as shall be liuing at the time of my decease, one hundred pounds of lawfull money of England, to bee equally distributed amongst them sauing vnto
Elizabeth Copeland, for my meaning is that she shall not haue any part of the said Legacy of one hundred pounds.
And vnto the said
Elizabeth Copeland I giue the summe of one hundreth pounds, of lawful mony of England to be paid vnto her at the day of her marriage, or within one yeare after my decease.
Item I giue vnto
Iane Vpton one of the Daughters of
Elizabeth Vpton late wife of
Hamond Vpton of Wamfleet in the County of Lincolne
Esquire, the summe of fifty pounds of Lawful mony of England.
And to euery other of the Children of the
[Page 7]said
Elizabeth who shall be liuing at the time of my decease twenty poundes a peece of lawfull money of England, to bee paid with in sixe monthes next after my decease.
Also I giue to the Children of one
Skelton late of Lowth in the County of Lincolne and somtimes towards the Henneages of Heniton in the said County tenne poundes to be equally deuided amongst them.
Item I giue to the Children of
Thomas Pynner, late of Mitcham in the County of Surrey Esquire or to so many of them as shall be liuing at my decease, twenty poundes to bee equally distributed amongst them.
Item I giue to the Children of
Henry Tutty late Gunner in Barwick, or to so many of them as shall bee liuing at my decease ten poundes of lawful mony of England to be equally distributed amongst them.
Also I giue to my Neece
Elizabeth Allen, two hundred poundes of lawfull mony of England.
And to euery of her Children which shall be liuing at my decease one hundreth markes a peece.
Item I giue to
Symon Baxter if he bee liuing at my decease, three hundred pounds of lawful mony of England, if not then I giue the same summe to his Child or Children to be equally deuided amongst them.
Item I giue vnto
Francis Baxter if he bee liuing at my death fiue hundred markes of lawfull mony of England if not I giue the same sum to his Child or Children to bee equally deuided amongst them.
Item I giue vnto each of my seruingmen to whom I giue wages with my Cooke that shall be aliue at my decease thirteene pound sixe shillings and eight pence ouer and aboue their wages then due.
Item I giue to so many of my maidseruants as I haue in my house at the time of my decease fiue markes a apeece ouer and aboue their wages.
Item I giue vnto the Children of
Reinold
[Page 7]Tomps my late seruant if any of them bee aliue at my death ten pounds to bee distributed amongst them.
Item I giue to the Fyshermen of the Towne of Oastend in the Low Cuntries one hundred poundes of lawful English money to be giuen and distributed amongst the poorest fishermen of that Towne or for want of a competent number of them to call in some other of that Towne to haue a shre of the said one hundred poundes by the discretion of the gouernours of that Towne and his assistants and the Parson and Minister there for the time being the same to be paid within one yeare after my decease.
Item I giue towards the mending of the High-waies betweene Islington and Newington in the County of Middlesex Twenty sixe poundes thirteene shillings and fower pence of lawful mony of England to bee imployed and bestowed by the good ouersight of mine Executor or Executors the Cunstable of Newington and the Churchwardens there for the time being the same Highwayes to bee amended made and holpen within one yeare after my decease.
Item I giue towards the amending of the of highwaes betweene Ashden and Walden in the County of Essex called Walden Lane one hundreth poundes of Lawfull mony of England. And towardes the amending of the highwaies between great Lynton in the Coū ty of Cambridge and the said Towne of Walden three skore sixe pounds thirteen shillings and foure pence of lawfull mony of England: And I also giue towards the amending of Horseth-Lane threeskore poundes of lawfull money of England.
All these workes next before recited I will shall be ouerseene and guided by the two head Constables therevnto next adioyning the Tresorer of Walden and the Parsonnes of Ashden Hadstock and Horsheath and the Constables of the same Parishes for the time being: And the same seueral summes to be imployed and the said High-waies so to be amended so farre as the same summes will extend within one yeare after my decease.
Also I giue towards the amending of the Bridges and the ordinary high wayes between South minster and Malden in the said County Essex the summe of one hundred poundes of lawfull money of England and the same worke
[Page 9]to be ouerseene and guided by the two head Constables therevnto next adioyning and the parsons or Vicars of South-minster and Malden for the time being and the same money to be so employed and the high waies so amended within one yeere next after my decease.
Item, I giue to Maister
Robert Dudley Alderman of Newcastle vpon Tyne or to his Children or to so many of his Children as shall bee liuing at the time of my decease Thirty pounds of lawfull money of England which hee oweth me.
And I will and doe earnestly charge mine Executor or Executors to deliuer into the Tresurie or Chamber of the Citie of London one Thousand pounds in currant mony of England with such care and foresight to be had that such bonds or assurances bee taken of the Lord Maior and Aldermen of the same Citie that for the time shall bee by learned Counsell in the Law as the same may bee safe and for euer goe and bee conuerted to these vses following: That is to say that the said thousand pounds be yeerely lent and put foorth to ten yonge Marchant
[Page 10]men not hauing any great stockes of their owne being yong men and of honest life and conuersation and towardly in their trades that is to euery one of them one hundreth pounds for a yeare without paying any thing for the same; And these ten yong Marchants to bee chosen and appointed by the Lord Maior and Aldermen of the said Citie that for the time shall bee and the Deane of the Cathedrall Church of Saint
Paul in London for the time beeing. Prouided as before that none haue or continue the said hundred pounds so appointed aboue one yeare.
Item, I will and giue to the Children of
Iustinian Crome Draper sometimes dwelling in the Citie of Lincolne or to his childrens children if any of them shall be liuing at my decease Twenty pounds of lawfull money of England to bee equally diuided amongst them.
I giue also to the Wife and Children or Child of
Martine VVathersine Dutchman, sometime dwelling at the signe of the White Beare in Buttolph Lane London if any of them be liuing at the time of my death Ten
[Page 11]pounds to bee equally diuided amongst them.
Item, I giue to the next kinsman or kinswoman of
Henry Vauering Dutchman Smith somtimes dwelling in Barwick three pounds six shillings eight pence.
Item I giue and bequeath vnto Sir
Francis Popham Knight as well in respect and good will which I beare vnto his Wife beeing the Daughter of my late deceased deare Wife the summe of two thousand Markes of lawfull money of England vpon condition neuerthelesse and so that the said Sir
Francis Popham and the said Ladie
Anne his Wife giue a sufficient discharge and a generall release to mine Executor or Executors as well for that summe as also for the receipt of all the rest of her part of portion of the plate money and houshould stuffe already paide and deliuered to them or to their vse as appeareth by seuerall bills or notes subscribed with mine owne hand which I doe thinke to be the very true halfe and better halfe of the said plate money and houshould stuffe part whereof was deliuered by one
Iohn Fishborne my late seruant to Sir
Iohn Popham Knight
[Page 12]late Lord Chiefe Iustice of England at his late house in Chauncerie Lane, The rest of the houshould stuffe as Chaires Stooles Bedsteedes Kitchin-stuffe Tables & such like was deliuered by the said
Fishborne to the said Sir
Iohn Pophams Seruants at Newington, one Thousand pounds in mony paid in this sort
(viz.)
To Sir
Iohn Popham by his seruant
Straker vpon the said Sir
Iohns bill before marriage three hundred pounds which bill after the marriage I returned to the said Sir
Iohn Popham seauen hundred pounds were paid to the said Sir
Iohn Popham vpon the marriage by one Mr.
Anthony Law late dwelling in
pater noster row London the better moyety of the plate due to Sir
Francis Popham was by the appointment of the said Sir
Iohn Popham receiued by one Maister
Clarke somtimes towardes the said Sir
Iohn and now a Councellor at the law of the middle Temple as I guesse.
Item I giue to my welbeloued friend
Amy Popham two hundred poundes to bee paid to her at the day of her marriage, or when she shall accomplish the age of eighteene yeares.
Item I giue to
Francis Popham Mary Popham
[Page 13]Elizabeth Popham Iane Popham and
Anne Popham all daughters of the said Lady
Anne Popham one hundreth poundes a peece which seuerall summes I will shall be paid them at the dayes of their marriage or when they shall accomplish the age of eighteene yeares: And my will and meaning is that vnlesse the said Sir
Francis Popham and the said Lady
Anne his wife do or shall giue to mine Executor or Executors a generall acquittance or release to the effect aboue mentioned that then as well the said Legacy of two thousand marks so wiled to bee giuen to the said Sir
Francis Popham and the Lady
Anne his wife as also the other seuerall legacies giuen and bequeathed to euery of the said children of the said Sir
Francis Popham and the Lady his Wife shall remaine and be to the vse of mine Executor or Executors to bee wholly disposed and giuen by them within one yeere after my decease partly to the amending of high waies and partly to poore Maidens marriages and partly to the releasing of poore men that lie in prison for debt and partly to the poore people of mine intended Hospitall when it shall please God that it shall bee established and erected. And where perhaps it is or may bee supposed that the said Sir
Iohn Popham
[Page 14]hath paid three hundred poundes to Sir
Rowland Hayward of the Citty of London Alderman as a debt due vnto him vppon the bondes of
Iohn Dudley and
Thomas Dudley I protest before God that I paide the whole three hundred poundes to the said Sir
Iohn Popham in this sort to bee paid ouer to the said Sir
Rowland Heyward viz Two hundred poundes by my seruant
Iohn Fishborne and one hundred poundes by one
Henry Best Scriuener neere: Temple-barre There was a demande made by Alderman
Duckets Executors for foure hundred poundes owing to the said Alderman vppon the bondes of
Iohn Dudley and
Thomas Dudley for Copper for the vse of the Earle of Lecester which the saide Earle transported into Spaine which debt was paid to the said Alderman For I my selfe was a messenger from the said Earle to the said Alderman to let him vnderstand that Master
Bainham my Lords speciall Officer and receuer should discharge them presently and after it was discharged the said Alderman demanded interest for the forbearing of the foure hundred poundes which as I remember
Thomas Dudley discharged: Maister
Iustice Owin as I remember who had the doing in the
[Page 15]testament of Alderman
Ducket promised to deliuer in the said bond to Sir
Iohn Popham then being Attorney which I doe beleeue hee did: And where Maister
Iohn Gardiner brother to my late wife by his last Will and Testament did giue vnto
Anne Dudley now Wife to Sir
Francis Popham one hundred poundes to be paid to her at the day of her marriage the same hundred poundes was and is paid by me at or before the day of her marriage
videlicet. In a Chaine of Golde beeing fourescore seauenteene poundes tenne shillinges in Golde and for the fashion paid to Maister
Podmore Goldsmith in London fifty shillinges which compleates the hundred pounds for the which amonst other thinges which I deliuered in trust I haue no acquittance.
Item I giue to Maister
Ieffery Nightingale Esquire the some of forty poundes of lawfull money of England.
Also I giue to my Cosen
William Stapleton sonne of Sir
Richard Stapleton Knight one hundred markes.
Item, I giue vnto the Children of Sir
Frauncis Willoughbie Knight one
[Page 16]hundred poundes of lawfull money of England to bee equally distributed amongst them.
Item I giue vnto
Iohn Law one of the Procurators of the Arches London two hundred poundes,
And to Maister
Thomas Browne ten pounds to make him a Ring.
Item I giue to the wife and Children of
Iohn Gardiner my late wifes Nephew if they be liuing after my decease being the mother and two sonnes two hundred markes to be equally deuided amongst them.
Item I giue to the poore people of Hadstock to be distributed amongst thē by the Churchwardens and Constables there for the time being twenty poundes.
Item I giue to the poore people of Littlebury and to the poore people of Balsham to be distributed as afore to either Towne twenty pounds.
Item I giue to the Parson and Church-wardens of Balsham aforesaid for the time being
[Page 17]to buy a Bell withall to be hanged vp in the Steeple to amend the Ring there twenty poundes.
Item to the poore of Southminster twenty poundes.
Item to the poore of little Hallenbury twenty poundes.
Item to the poore of Dunsby in the County of Lincolne twenty poundes.
Item I giue to
Robert Wright poulter of little Hallenbury fiue pound.
Item I giue to widdow
Aske late wife of
Robert Aske of London goldsmith twenty pound which she oweth me.
Item my will and meaning is that there shall no interest or increase for money bee taken after my decease so as hee or they by whom any summes of money are or shall bee owing doe pay the principall debt within one halfe yeare next after my decease.
Item I giue and bequeath to the poore prisoners
[Page 18]within the Prisons of Ludgate Newgate the two Compters in London the Kinges bench and the Marshalsea the summe of two hundred pounds to be paid & deuided among the same prisoners by euen & equall portions.
Item I giue to
Susan Price at the day of her marriage forty poundes.
Item I giue to one
Collins of the Towne of Cursall in Essex fiue poundes.
Item I giue to my good friends Mistris
Heyward and Mris.
Low either of them ten pounds.
Item I giue to
Margret Woodhall my Goddaughter the summe of twenty poundes.
Item I giue to al other my God-children fiue poundes apeece.
Item I giue and bequeath to the Maister and fellowes as the Corporation of
Iesus Coledge in Cambridge the summe of fiue hundred markes of lawfull money of England to bee imployed vsed and bestowed for or in some perpetuity for and to the vse benefit and behalfe of the said
[Page 19]Colledge Maister Fellowes and Schollers in such sort manner and forme as by the discrecion of the Bishop of Elie for the time being the Vicechancellor of Cambrige for the time being the Maister and Fellowes of the said Colledge for the time being, and my executors hereafter named or the suruiuor or suruiuors of them if they bee liuing when the bestowing of the saide summe shall come in question shalbe thought best and most conuenient.
Item I giue and bequeath to the Maister and Fellowes as the Corporation of Magdalene Colledge in Cambridge the summe of fiue hundred pounds to be imployed vsed or bestowed for or in some perpetuity for and to the vse benefit and behalfe of the said Colledge Maister and Fellowes and Schollers there in such sort manner and forme as by the discretion priuity and consent of the Vicechauncellor in Cambridge for the time being the Maister of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge for the time being and the Maister and Fellowes of the said Magdalene Colledge for the time being shalbe thought best and most conuenient.
And I will that all my great Chaine of gold and all my Iewelles of what kind soeuer they be shalbe sould by myne Executors and superuisors hereafter named towards the better and speedier payment of my legacies and performance of this my last will and testament.
And my will and meaning is that all the legacies by me in this my testament and last will giuen and bequeathed and for the payment of much whereof there is no certaine time set down shalbe paid within two yeares next after my decease at the furthest.
Also I giue for and towards the building of mine intended Hospitall Chappell and Schoolehouse the summe of fiue thousand pounds if I doe not liue to see it performed in my life time.
And I desire in the name of GOD my Feoffes and my executor or executors within two yeares after my decease or sooner if they may conueniently (if it please not GOD I liue to see and cause the same my determination to be performed and accomplished) to
[Page 21]see and cause the same to be performed and accomplished
Also I giue the residue of the yeares which I shall haue at the time of my decease in one close called the Withies lying within the towne and fields of Cottingham in the County of Yorke to the Maior and Aldermen of Beuerley or to the gouernor of the same towne and his assistants for the time being to this end and purpose that they shall distribute or cause to be distributed the yearly profit arising of the same ouer and aboue the yearely Rent payable to the Kings Maiestie amongst the poorest people dwelling within the said towne of Beuerley.
Also I giue to the Maior and Alder-men of the citty of Lincolne for the time being all such proffits and reuenewes as shal arise and growe of the parsonage of Glentham within the county of Lincolne and all the residue of the yeares that shall remaine after my decease to this intent that they shall distribute and bestowe or cause to be distributed and bestowed the same amongst twenty of the poorest people that shall then bee dwelling in the said citty with the consent
[Page 22]and priuity of the Deane of the Cathederall Church of Lincolne or the Recorder of the same for the time being (they the said Maior Aldermen Deane and Recorder foreseeing that the Parsonage be letten for their most benefit.)
Item I giue into the Tresory or Storehouse of mine entended Hospitall to begin their stocke with and to defend the rights of the house one thousand pounds of lawfull English mony.
And I giue to euery one of my Feoffees whome I haue put in trust about my entended Hospitall (to whome I haue not giuen any thing in this my last will) the summe of twenty sixe pounds thirty shillings and foure pence of lawfull mony of England.
Item I giue to
Amy Popham if it please GOD she liue to keepe house three Fether-beds and so many paire of Holland sheetes with the boulsters to them and so many hangings of tapestry as furnish her a bedchamber The rest of my houshouldstuffe I will shalbe sold by myne executors for the speedier payment of my leagacies and performance
[Page 23]formance of this my last will.
Item I giue to the widow
Tassell of Balsham the summe of fiue pounds of Lawfull mony of England and to
Thomas Lawrence the elder of the same towne fiue pounds of like lawfull mony of England.
Item I giue and bequeath vnto the brother of
Perciuall Graung my late seruant deceased the summe of twenty pounds of lawfull mony of England.
And of this my last will and testament I make and ordaine
Richard Sutton of London Esquire and
Iohn Law one of the procurators of the Arches London my Executors charging them as they will answer at the last day of iudgement that they or one of them in the absence of the other endeuor them-selues with all earnestnesse and diligence to see this my will performed according to my true meaning and charitable intent.
And I make ouerseers of this my last will and testament the Reuerend Father in GOD
George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury vnto whome I giue and bequeath the summe
[Page 24]of forty markes of lawfull mony of England or a peece of plate of that value at his election and choyse.
And also
Launcelot Androes Almonizer to the Kings Maiesty my other superuisor and ouerseer of this my last will and testament vnto whome I giue and bequeath the summe of twenty pounds of like lawfull mony of England or a peece of place of that value at his election and choyse.
Item my will and full intent and meaning is that if any person or persons whosoeuer to whome I haue in and by this my last will and testament giuen and bequeathed any leagacy or summe or summes of mony shall any waies gainsay impugne contradict or impeach this my last will and testament that then all and euery one so impugning contradicting impeaching or gainesaying this my last will and testament and euery of their children and kinsfolkes to whome I haue in and by this my last will and testament giuen and bequeathed any leagacy or summe or summes of mony shall haue no part nor portion of any such guift leagacy or bequest but shall vtterly loose the same and bee vterly
[Page 25]barred thereof as if no such Legacy gift or bequest had bin giuen vnto him her or them by this my last will and testament (any thing before in these presents mentioned or contained to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding)
Item I giue and bequeath to
Richard Sutton one of my Executors before named the summe of one hundred poundes, and to mistris
Law ouer and besides the Legacy before to her giuen I giue the summe of forty poundes to make her a gowne withall.
Item I giue to Maister
Hutton the Vicar of Littlebury twenty poundes. To the Towne of Camps Castle where I dwel to be distributed amongst the poore of the same Parish tenne poundes.
Also to the poore of the towne of Elcombe to be equally distributed amongst them the summe of ten poundes.
Item I giue and bequeath those my mannors of Littlebury and Hadstock in the County of Essex to the right honorable the Lord
Thomas Howard Earle of Suffolke and to his heires for euer vpon Condition that he do wel and truly pay or cause to bee paid to my Executors before named or to the suruiuor of them the
[Page 26]summe of Tenne thousand poundes of law full money of England within one yeare next after my decease. And if he shall refuse to pay the said summe of tenne thousand pounds for the said Mannors then I giue and bequeath the said Mannors of Littlebury and Hadstock to my said Executors and to their Heires for euer. And then I will and deuise that the said Mannors of Littlebury and Hadstock shall bee sold by my said Executors or the suruiuor of them to the vttermost price and valew that they may be sold for and the money comming of the sale thereof together with as much more as shall make vp the same summe the full som of twenty thousand poundes I will shall bee imployed and bestowed by my said Executors or the suruiuor of them with the aduise of my Superuisors afore named in some good works and charitable vses for mine intended Hospitall and for poore people or otherwise as they in their wisedomes & discretions shal think fit.
Item I giue to Maister
Flud Parson of Newington the summe of thirteene pound sixe shillings eigt pence: And to the wife of
Beniamin King of Southminster sixe pound thirteene shillings fourepence.
Item I giue to
Thomas Averell if it shall bee found that he hath dealt faithfully and plainely
[Page 27]with me in my businesse the summe of tenne poundes which he owerh me.
Item I giue vnto the wife of Maister
Ingry of Littlebury three pound sixe shillings eight pence.
Item I giue to Sir
Henry Hubberd Knight the Kinges Maiesties Attorney generall a peece of plate of the valew of ten pound: And to Maister
Locksmith his Clarke the summe of tenne pound.
Item I giue to the poore of the parish of Hackney ten pound.
Item I giue to
Bridget Law the summe of ten pound: And to the Lady
Altham daughter to Maister
Auditor Sutton the summe of twenty poundes.
Item I giue to Sir
Edward Phillips Maister of the Rolles a peece of plate of the value of twenty pound: And to Sir
Iames Altham one of the Barrons of the Exchequor one peece of plate of the valew of twenty pound.
Item I giue to my late wiues kinsman
Guy Goddolphin the summe of ten pound.
Item I giue to the right honorable my very good Lord the Earle of Suffolk the summe of foure hundred pounds. All the rest of my
[Page 28]goods chattles and debtes not before giuen and disposed I giue and bequeath to my entented Hospitall to be imployed and bestowed on and about the same according to the discretion of the Feoffes of my said Hospital or the greater part of them In witnes hereof I haue here-vnto set my hand and seale the twenty eight day of the moneth of Nouember aboue written THOMAS SSTTON.
Memorandum that the same testator did acknowledge this his will written and contained in these three and twenty leaues to be his last will and testament and that his hand and seale set therevnto is his owne hand and seale and that he had heard it read & was acquainted with the contents of it the said twenty eight of Nouember aboue written in presence of vs
Iohn Law Leonard Houghton Alexander Longworth Thomas Hall The marke of
Richard Pearce The marke of
Thomas Iohnson Primo Decembris. 1611
idem recognitum pertestatorem coram Io. Crooke. Quarto Decembris 1611
recognit. to be the Testators last wil. Before me
Hen. Thoresby.
A Codicill to bee anexed to the last Will & testament of
Thomas Sutton Esquire made and declared the day whereon he dyed being
[Page 29]the twelfth of December one thousand sixe hundred and eleuen.
Item he gaue and bequeathed to Maister Iudge
Crooke one of the Iudges of the Kinges Bench at Westminster the summe of tenne poundes And to Maister
Henry Thoresby one of the Maisters of the Court of Chancery the like sum of tenne pound: And to Mistris
Sutton of London widdow the summe of three pound sixe shillings eight pence to make her a Ring.
Also he gaue to Maister
Hutton Clarke & Vicar of Littlebury the aduowsion or next presentation to the parsonage of Dunsby in the County of Lincolne.
Also he did then publish and declare before Maister
Flud Parson of Stoke-Newington in the County of Middlesex
Robert Petit Alexander Longworth Iohn Parsons and
Thomas Iohnson his cooke that he had made his will and thereof had made and ordaind
Richard Sutton of London Esquire and
Iohn Lawe his Executors.
FINIS.