SUTTONS HOSPITALL.
CHARITY, of the three Theologicall Vertues, by the uncomptrolable testimony of St. Paul the greatest, hath in these our dayes, upon whom are (or may be supposed to have been) come the ends of the World amongst them all, of all so [...]ts hath been least regarded. The consciences of some particular persons, sealed with the true Seals of Peace and Purity, to their own everlasting comfort, and the sensible good of their fellow-members remaining, have left to Posterity notable markes of their Godly Devotion, whose steps few have followed
This paucity of well-doers agrees well with the Scripture, where (every man receiving according to the works he hath done in his body it is said few shall be saved. Indeed it is not to be marvailed at, that Charity waxeth cold in these times, where Avarice hath gotten the upper hand; Christ himself long since prophecying that towards the end of the World it should be so. All States generally are corrupted: each man preferring his own private interest, before the common care of his distressed brethren; not measuring any thing, but by the rule of his own profit.
To insist longer upon these common places would be over-tedious to the Reader, and not much availeable, but rather hurtfull, as wherein he may behold the Worlds miserable thrift, and so become a Sectator therof, whilest in the mean while he made shipwrack of his Conscience, and hazard the perdition of Heaven and his own Soule. Let us therefore walk into the Valley of Lillies, where Christ with his true and everlasting delights is ready to entertain us.
Hereunto wishes alone availe not; though in themselves commendable. Quiddam altius in desiderio: There is somthing more to be desired. With this godly desire we must joyn sanctity. Holinesse of life is it, whereby we are acceptable before God.
Naturally we are inclined, to wish well to our own selvs. Nemo odit carnem suam. But to this well-being, wel-doing is required. Quid oportet me facere, was well propounded by that Holy Convertite in the Acts; What must I do, to attain everlasting life? For to this end by the free grace of God we are delivered from the bondage of Sinne and Death, That we may serve 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 Saviour, that we should think our selves free from all manner of yoke. Iugum meum dulce & l [...]ve. My yoke is sweet and light; yet a yoke. He that sustains the world, bears part with us: therfore an easie yoke. As easie notwithstanding as it is few undergo it. How culpable therfore the most part of Mankind is in refusing to bee coupled in this sweet yoke, and to draw together with Christ who bears the heaviest part thereof, it is more than to be lamented. Not a Fountain, but an Ocean of tears, is here to be desired; to wash away this guilt. Ex fructibus, by their fruits you shall know them, is the Cognisance, whereby the good are discerned from the bad: the surest mark of all others, whereby either God or Sathan may claime their own.
If therefore we would be accounted and taken for the true servants of God, we must wear this cognisance: we must labour to make our Election sure, by bringing forth such fruits, as proceed from a Faith working by Love. But this Badge is so seldome seen among us, as it may well be supposed, that God hath here but a very few servants.
Let us desire the Almighty for his great love to Mankind, that He will more and more kindle the small spark of Charity that is amongst us, that it may break forth into a bright flame of brotherly love, and wholly involve us in the zeal of Gods house. Then may we joyfully [Page] burn incense to the God of Israel, and offer up our vows without fear▪ For the mercifull man hath cast his bread upon many waters, and the Lord hath assured him a reward. Now it is time to commend to Posterity, the true praises of that truely worthy and never to be forgotten Gentleman, Mr. Thomas Sutton, the right Phoenix of Charity in our times: who mounting up to the highest top of Gods holy Hill, and gathering together the Aromatical spices of Love and Compassion, hath consumed himselfe in the fire of fervent zeale towards Gods poore Saints, who setting all worldly respects either of Alliance or Consanguinity, far behind his Love to God and his poore brethren in Christ, hath made them (in effect) the Heires of al [...] those great riches wherwith it pleased the Lord to blesse him. This Godly Act of his hath herein especially approved it self, for that he never stuck 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 forwardnesse of our good Soveraign in the advancement of so good a Work; are at large set forth in a more full Volume, amongst many other notable Reports, by a Reverend, famous, and learned Judge of this Land; whereunto, when it shall be published, I refer the courteous Reader for his more ample satisfaction. In the mean time briefly take this.
The late dissolved Charter-house by Smithfield, not long since belonging to the Right Honourable Thomas Earle of Suffolke, Lord Chamberlain of the Kings Houshold is well known to be a very large and goodly Mansion, beautified with spacious Gardens, Walkes, Orchards, and other pleasures; enriched with divers dependencies of Lands and Tenements thereunto belonging, and very fitly seated for wholesome Ayre, and many other commodities.
This commodiousnesse of sight, and largenesse of circuite, gave occasion to this worthily renowned Gentleman Mr. Sutton, to affect this house, as the only fit place, wherein to lay the Foundation of his Religious designs. For he had before that time a setled determination to erect an house in Hallingbury Bouchers in the County of Essex, to be an Hospitall for such poor Men and Children, as He himself in his life time, or the future Governours of the same Hospital, should nominate and appoint to be lodged and relieved.
As also for a School-Master and Usher to teach the children to reade and write, and instruct them in their Latine and Greek Grammar: for a Divine likewise, to preach the Word of God unto them all, and for one Master to govern all those people belonging to that House.
And to that end and purpose, he had, upon earnest Petition, procured himself ability by vertue of an Act of Parl. begun and holden by Prorogation therof at Westmin. in the County of Middlesex the 9. day of February, in the 7. year of His Majesties Reign over England, &c. and there continued to the 24. day of July then next following. To erect ond build in the said Town 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 K. James, founded in Hallingbury in the County of Essex, at the humble Petition, and at the onely cost and charges of Thomas Sutton Esq And that the Archbishop of Canterbury that then was, and other Reverend Prelates of this Realm, and their Successors in their severall Seas, the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Ellesm [...]re, Lord Chancellour of England, and such as should succeed after him to be L. Chancellors, or L. Keepers of the Great Seal of England, the Lord Treasurer that then was, and those that should succeed in that Office, with divers other select persons both of the Clergie and Laity, in such manner as you shall find them set down in the said Volume of Reports, whereunto I refer you, were by the said Act of Parl. elected, nominated, and appointed the first and present Governours of the Lands, Possessions, Revenues, and Goods of the said Hospitall. But afterwards, upon more mature deliberation, finding this great Mansion of the Charter-House, far more convenient for his purpose, then that of Hallingbury could be, he was an earnest Sutor to my Lord of Suffolk to buy that house of him; acquainting his Lordship with the change of his mind concerning Hallingbury, and his great affection to make the Charter-House his Hospitall. To this Petition of his, it is not to be doubted, but that my Lord gave the more ready and willing way: because the chief end thereof was the glory of God, and the reliefe and comfort of a great number of poore people. Long the matter was not debated between them: but the price being concluded, the Bargain and Sale was assured.
The Summe disbursed for this purchase, came to thirteen thousand pounds: which was paid down in hand, before the conveyance was sealed.
Having thus assured the state of this great House to him, and his Heires, he makes humble suit to his Majesty, to grant him licence to erect and establish his intended Hospitall and Grammar-School, and other his godly and charitable uses, in the said late dissolved Charter-House; as in a more commodious place, then that of Hallingbury. Hereunto the King readily yee [...]ded, being graciously affected to so charitable a work.
The better therefore to encourage and enable this Heroicall Gentleman, to prosecute this good mind to the full perfection; it pleased his Majesty out of his most Royal disposition, to grant his Letters Patents unto him, thereby authorizing him to the uses last mentioned, as in his Letters Patents more fully appeareth.
Now therefore with alacrity this businesse goes forward. The Reverend Father in God, George Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Lord Elsmore Lord Chancellour of England, Robert Earl of Sal [...]sbury, Lord high Treasurer of England, Iohn the Elect Bishop of London, Lance [...]ot now Bishop of Ely, Sir Edwa [...]d Cook Knight chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, Sir Thomas Foster Knight, one of his Majesties Justices of the Common-Pleas, Sir Henry H [...]bart Knight and Baronet, Atturney General [...], Iohn Overal now Dean of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul in London, George Mountain, Dean of the Collegiat Church of Westminster, Henry Thursby Esq one of the Masters of the Chancery, Ieffery Nightingale Esq Richard Sutton Esq Iohn Law Gentleman, Thomas Brown Gentleman, and Master of the Hospital of King Iames, founded in Charter-house, within the County of Middlesex, at the humble Petition, and only costs and charges of Thomas Sutton Esq are elected, nominated, and ordained by the Kings most excellent Majesty in his Letters Pattents granted (as aforesaid) the first Governours of the Lands Possessions, Revenues, and Goods of the said Hospitall of King Iames founded in Charterhouse.
And further power is given to the said Governours, as you may find more at large in the said Letters Patents.
Hereupon divers Lands by him formerly purchased, are made and past over to this Hospital, for maintenance of the poor people there to be relieved. Preparations is made for fit Lodgings and other necessaries; and all things go onwards, with as convenient speed as may be, to the wished end.
Now for the Readers better information and content, it will not [Page 6] be amisse to set down what Lands they were, and in what Counties, which were made over and annexed by Mr. Sutton to the said Hospitall. Thus therfore they are named, as they follow in order, viz. All those his Mannors and Lordships of Southminster, N [...]on, little Hallingbury alias Hallingbury Bouchers, and Much Stanbridge in the county of Essex, with all their and every of their Rights, Members, and Appurtenances whatsoever.
Also all those his Mannors and Lordships of Bastingthorp, alias Buslingthorp and Dunnesby in the County of Lincoln, with their and every of their rights, members, and Appurtenances whatsoever.
Also those his Mannors of Santhorp alias Saltrop, alias Haltrap, Chilton, and Blackegrove, in the County of Ʋ Ʋilts, with their and every of their rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoever: and also all those his Lands and Pasture Grounds called Blackegrove, containing by estimation two hundred Acres of Pasture with the Appurtenances in Blackegrove and VVroughton, in the said County of VVilts: and also all that his Mannor of Missenden, otherwise cal [...]ed the Mannor of Missunden, in the Parishes of VVroughton, Lydi [...]rde, and Tregose in the County of VVilts, 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 Ʋ Ʋilts.
Also all that his Mannor of Ʋ Ʋatlescote, alias VViglescete, with the appurtenances in the said County of Ʋ Ʋilts.
And also all that his Mannor of Ʋ Ʋoscote alias Ʋ Ʋesc [...]te, with the Appurtenances in the said County of Wilts: and also all those his Lands and Pastures, containing by estimation 100 Acres of Land, and 60 Acres of Pasture, with the Appurtenances in Wiglescote & Wroughton in the said County of Ʋ Ʋilts: and all that his Mannor of Vffcote with the Appurtenances in the said County of Ʋ Ʋilts: and also all those his two Messuages, and 1000. Acres of Land 2000. Acres of Pasture, 300 acres of Meadowes, and 300 Acres of Wood, with the Appurtenances in Brodehinton in the said County of Ʋ Ʋilts.
And also all those the Mannors and Lordships of Campes, alias Campes Castle, otherwise called Castle Campes, with the Appurtenances, scituate, lying, being and extending in the Counties of Cambridge and Essex, or in either of them, or else-where within the Realme of England.
And also all that his Mannor of Balsham in the County of Cambridge [Page 7] with all and singular the rights, members and appurtenances thereof whatsoever. And also all those his Messuages and Lands scituate, lying, and being in the Parishes of Hackney and Tottenham in the County of Middlesex, or in either of them, with their and every of their rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoever, which said Messuage was lately purchased of Sir William Bowyer Knight, and the said Lands in Tottenham now or [...]ately were in the tenure or occupation of William Be [...]ning Yeoman. And also all and singular the Mannors, Lordships, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Reversions, Services, Meadowes, Pastures, Woods, Advousons, Patronages of Churches, and Hereditaments of the said Thomas Sutton whatsoever, scituate, lying, or being within the said Counties of Essex, Lincoln, Wilts, Cambridge, and Middlesex, or in any of them with all and every their rights, members, and appurtenances whatsoever (except all his Mannors or Lordships of Littlebury and Hadd-stocke, with their appurtenances in the said County of Essex.) But alas, what perpetuity can be 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 work Death steals away the Master workman: but not unprovided, as having his Viaticum sealed up unto him in the peace of a good conscience. Many prayers of the Saints went up 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 Servants on Earth, begot him friends to entertain him in Heaven. So he fell asleep in the Lord, leaving the rest of his pious intendments, to be performed by his trusty Executors, Mr. Richard Sutton and Mr. Iohn Law. Behold, here a perfect Israelite! This is a good work, but he hath not not set his rest on this onely. He hath grown up from Faith to Faith, to the accomplishment of many other singular works of Charity: whereof his last Will and Testament gives such ab [...]ndant testimony, that it needs no other splendour than it se [...]fe.
Upon this respect, I will make no other Proeme to it, then a gentle invitation to the Reader to peruse it, lest otherwise I might seeme to shew the Sun at Noon Day, or perswade credit, to apparent demonstration. Thus it followeth.
The last Will and Testament of Thomas Sutton Esquire.
IN the Name of God, Amen. The 2. day of Novemb. in the yeare of our Lord God, 1611. I Thomas Sutton of Campes Castell in the County of Cambridge Esquire, being weak in body, and of good perfec [...] mind and memory, thankes be given 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 hands of Almighty God, trusting through his mercy, and by the precious death and passion of my Saviour, and Redeemer Iesus Christ to be saved, and to inherit the Kingdome of Heaven for ever. And my body I will to be buried where and in what sort it shall seeme meet and convenient to mine Executor or Executors, and Supervisor or Supervisors of this my last Will and Testament, with the least pomp and charge that may be.
Item, I give to every one of the Children of Richard Coxe, late Bishop of Ely, who shall be living at the time of my death, ten pounds a piece, of lawfull money of England.
Item, I give to the children of Ellenor Aske, late wife of Rob. Aske of Aughton in the county of York Esquire the summe of one hundered pounds of good and lawfull mony of England to be equally distributed amongst them.
Item. I give the poore towne of Berwick upon Tweed one hundered marks of lawfull mony of England to be distributed amongst the poore there by the discretion of the cheife governour and preacher there for the time being to be paid within one yeare after my decease.
Also I give to Andrew Westwoods wife of Newcastle upon tyne, or to her children, or to so many of them as shall be living at my death, ten pounds to be bestowed equally amongst them.
And I give to the poore people of Stoke-Newinton, in the County of Middlesex Ten pounds to be distributed by the Constables, Church-Wardens, and Person of the same Towne, for the time being to their most needy, people there.
Also I give to Mr. Gray dwelling in Yorkshire, sometimes servant to Ambrose Earl of Warwick, or to his children, if any of them be living at my decease, 40 l. of good and lawfull money of England, to be distributed equally amongst them, within 6 months after my decease. Also, I give to the children of my Aunt White, or to so many of them as shall be living at my decease, 100 marks to be equally distributed amongst them within 6 moneths next after my decease.
Also, I give to William Cocket, Son to Will. Cocket, late Alderman of the City of Lincoln, 100. l. of lawfull money of England.
Also, I give to the children of Iohn Copeland, late of Skillingthorpe in the county of Lincoln, or to so many of them as shall be living at the time of my decease, 100. l. of lawfull money of England, to be equally distributed amongst them, sa [...]ing unto Eliz. Copeland, for my meaning is, that she shall not have any part of the said Legacy of 100. pounds. And unto the said Eliz. Copeland I give the sum of 100. l. of lawfull money of England to be paid unto her at the day of her marriage, or within one year after my decease.
Item, I give unto lane Upton one of the Daughters of Eliz. Upton, late wife of Hamond Upton of Wamfleet in the county of Lincoln Esq the sum of 50. l. of lawfull money of England.
And to every other of the children of the said Elizabeth, who shall be living at the time of my decease 20. l. a piece of lawfull money of England, to be paid within 6 months next after my decease.
Also, I give to the c [...]ildren of one Skelton, late of Low [...]h in the county of Lincoln, and sometimes towards the Henneages of Heniton, in the said county, 10. l. to be equally divided amongst them.
Item, I give to the children of Tho. Pinner, late of Mi [...]cham in the county of Surrey Esq or to so many of them as shall be living at my decease, 20. l. to be equally distributed amongst them.
Item, I give to the children of Henry Tutty late Gunner in Berwick, or to so many of them as shall be living at my decease 10. l. of lawfull money of England, to be equally distributed amongst them.
Also I give to my Neece Elizabeth Allen, 200 l. of lawfull mony of England.
And to every of her children which shall be living at my decease, 100 marks a peece.
Item I give to Symon Baxter if he be living at my death 3000 l. of lawfull mony of England, if not then I give the same summe to his [Page 10] child or children, to be equally devided amongst them.
Item I give unto Francis Baxter if he be living at my death. 500. markes of lawfull mony of England, if not I give the same sum to his child o [...] children to be equally devided amongst them.
Item I give unto each of my Servingmen to whom I give wages with my Cooke that shall be alive at my decease, 13 l. six shillings and eight pence over and above their wages then due.
Item I give to so many of my maidservants as I have in my house at the time of my decease, 5 markes a peece over and above their wages.
Item, I give unto the children of Reinold T [...]mps my late servant, if any of them be alive at my death, 10 l. to be distributed amongst them.
Item, I give to the fishermen of the Towne of Oastend in the Low-Countries 100 l. of English money to be given & 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 have a share of the said 100 l. by the descretion of the Governours of that Towne and his assistance and the Person and Minister there for the time being, the same to be paid within one yeare after my decease.
Item, I give towards the mending of the High-waies between Islington and Newington in the County of Middlesex Twenty six l. thirteene shillings and 4 pence, of lawfull money of England to be imployed and bestowed by the good oversight of mine Executor or Executors the Constable of Newington, and the Church-wardens there for the time being, the same High-wayes to be amended made and holpen within one yeare after my decease.
Item, I give towards the amending of the highwayes betweene Ashd [...]n and Ʋ Ʋalden in the County of Essex called Walden Laine one hundered pounds of lawfull mony of England: And towards the amending of the highwayes betweene great Lynton in the County of Cambridge and the said Towne of Walden, threescore six pounds 13. s. and 4. d. of lawfull money of England. And I also give towards the amending of Horseth-Lane 60. l. of lawfull money of England.
All these works next before recited I will shall be overseen and guided by the two head Constables, thereunto next adjoyning the Treasurer of Walden, and the Persons of Ashden, Hodstock and Horsheath, and the Constables of the same Parishes for the time being: And the same severall summes to be imployed & the said high-waies [Page 11] so to be amended so farre as the same summes will extend within on yeare after my decease.
Also, I give towards the amending of the Bridges and the ordinary high-wayes between Southminster and Malden, in the said County of Essex, the summe of 100 l. of lawfull money of England, and the same worke to be overseene and guided by the two head Constables thereunto next adjoyning and the Persons or Vicars of South-Minster and Malden for the time being, and the same money to be so employed, and the high-wayes so amended within one yeer next after my decease.
Item, I give to Mr. Robert Dudley, Alderman of Newcastle upon Tyne, or to his children, or to so many of his children as shall be living at the time of my decease 30. l. of lawfull money of England, which he oweth me.
And I will and do earnestly charge mine Executor or Executors, to deliver into the Treasury or Chamber of the City of London 1000. pounds in currant money of England with such care and fore-sight to be had, that such Bonds or Assurances be taken of the Lord Major, and Aldermen of the same City, that for the time, shall be by learned Councel in the Law, as the same may be safe, and for ever goe and be converted to these uses following: that is to say, That the said 1000. l. be yeerly lent and put forth to ten young Marchant-men not having any great stocks of their own, being young-men, and of honest life and conversation, and towardly in their Trades, that is, to every one of them 100. l. for a year, without paying any thing for the same; And these ten young Merchants to be chosen and appointed by the Lord Major and Aldermen of the said City that for the time shall be, and the Dean of the Cathedrall Church of St. Paul in London for the time being. Provided as before that none have or continue the said 100. l. so appointed above one yeare.
Item, I will, and give to the children of Iustinian Crome Draper, somtimes dwelling in the City of Lincoln, or to his childrens children, if any of them shall be living at my decease, 20. l. of lawfull money of England, to be equally divided amongst them.
I give also to the wife and children or child of Martin Wather [...]e Dutchman, sometime dwelling at the sign of the White-Bear in Buttolph Lane, London, if any of them be living at the time of my death 10. l. to be equally divided amongst them.
Item, I give to the next Kinsman, or Kinswoman of Henry Ʋavering Dutchman, Smith, sometimes dwelling in Barwick 3. l. 6. s. 8 d.
Item, I give and bequeath unto Sir Francis Popham Kt. as well in respect and good will which I bear unto his wife, being the daughter of my late deceased dear wife, the sum of 2000 Marks of lawfull money of England upon condition neverthelesse, and so that the said Sir Fran [...]is Popham, add the said Lady Anne his wife, give a sufficient discharge, and a generall release to mine Executor or Executors, as well for that sum, as also for the receipt of all the rest of her part of portion of the Plate, Money and Houshold-stuffe already paid, and de [...]ivered to them, or to their use, as appeareth by severall Bills, or Notes, subscribed with mine own hand, which I do think to be the very true half and better halfe of the said Plate, Money, and Houshold-stuffe, part whereof was delivered by one Iohn Frishborn, my late Servant to Sir Iohn Popham [...]night, late Lord chief Justice of England at his late house in Chancery-Lane; the rest of the Houshold-stuff, as Chaires, Stooles, Bedsteeds, Kitchin-stuffe Tables and such like, was delivered by the said Fishborn to Sir Iohn Pophams Servants at Newington, 1000 pounds in money paid in this sort, viz.
To Sir Iohn Popham by his Servant Straker upon the said Sir Iohns Bill before marriage 300. l. which Bill after the marriage I returned to the said Sir Iohn Popham, 700. l. were paid to the said Sir Iohn Popham upon the marriage by one Mr. Anthony Law late dwelling in Pater-noster-Row, London, the better moity of the Plate due to Sir Francis Popham received by one Master Clarke sometimes towards the said Sir Iohn, and now a Councellor at Law of the Middle Temple, as I guesse.
Item, I give to my welbeloved Friend Amy Popham 200. l. to be paid to her at the day of her marriage, or when she shall accomplish the age of 18. years.
Item, I give to Francis Popham, Mary Popham, Elizabeth Popham, Jane Popham, and Anne Popham, all daughters of the said Lady Anne Popham, 100. l. a piece, which severall sums I will shall be paid them at the dayes of their marriage, or when they shall accomplish the age of 18. years, And my will and meaning is, that unlesse the said Sir Francis Popham, and the said Lady Anne his wife, doe or shall give to mine Executor, or Executors, a generall acquittance or release to the effect above mentioned, that then as well the said Legacy of 2000. Marks so [Page 13] wiled to be given to the said Sir Francis Popham, and the Lady Anne his wife; as also the other severall Legacies given and bequeathed to every of the said children of Sir Francis Popham, and the Lady his wife, shall remain, and be to the use of mine Executor or Executors, to be wholy dispo [...]ed and given by them within one year after my decease, partly to the amending of High wayes, and partly to poore Maidens marriages and partly to the releasing of poor men that lye in prison for debt, and partly to the poor people of mine intended Hospital when it shall please God that it shall be established and erected. And where perhaps it is, or may be supposed that the said Sir Io. Popham hath paid 300. l. to Sir Rowland Hayward of the City of London Alderman, as a due debt unto him, upon the Bonds of Iohn Dudley, and Thomas Dudley; I protest before God, that I paid the whole 300. l. to the said Sir John Popham in this sort, to be paid over to the said Sir Rowland Heyward, viz. 200. l. by my Servant John Fishborn, and 100 l. by one Henry Best Scrivener neer Temple-Bar: There was a demand made by Alderman Duckets Executor for 400. l. owing to the said Alderman upon the Bonds of John Dudley and Tho Dudley, for Copper, for the use of the Earl of Leicester, which the said Earl transpor [...]ed into Spain, which debt was paid to the said Alderman; For I my self was a Messenger from the said Earl to the said Alderman to let him understand that Mr. Bainham my Lords speciall Officer and Receiver should discharge them presently, and after it was discharged the said Alderman demanded interest for the forbearing of the 400. l. which as I remember Thomas Dudley discharged; Mr. Juctice Owin as I remember, who had the doing in the Testament of Alderman Ducket, promised to deliver in the said Bond to Sir J. Popham then being Attorney, which I do believe he did: And where Mr. John Gardiner brother to my late wife, by his last Will and Testament did give unto Anne Dudley (now wife to Sir Francis Popham) 200. l. to be paid to her at the day of her marriage, the same 100 l. was, and is paid by me at or before the day of her marriage, viz. In a Chain of Gold being fourscore seventeen pounds ten shillings in Gold, and for the fashion paid to Mr. Padmore Goldsmith in London 50. s. which compleats the 100. l. for the which amongst other things which I delivered in trust have no acquittance.
Item, I give to Mr. Jeffery Nightingale Esq the Sum of 40. l. of lawfull money of England.
Also, I give to my Cosen Will. Stapleton, Son of Sir Richard Stapleton Knight 100. Marks.
Item, I give unto the children of Sir Francis Willoughby Knight, 100 l. of lawfull money of England, to bee equally distributed amongst them.
Item, I give unto Iohn Law one of the Procurators of the Arches, London, 200. pounds.
And to Mr. Thomas Brown 10. l. to make a Ring.
Item, I give to the wife and children of Iohn Gardiner, my late wifes Nephew, if they be living, after my decease, being the Mother and two Sons, 200. Marks to be equally divided amongst them.
Item, I give to the poor people of Hadstocke, to be distributed amongst them by the Church-wardens and Constables there for the time being 20. pounds.
Item, I give to the poor people of Littlebury, and to the poor people of Balsham, to be distributed as afore to either Towne, twenty pounds.
Item, I give to the Person and Church-wardens of Balsham aforesaid for the time being to buy a Bell withall, to bee hanged up in the Steeple to amend the Ring there 20. pounds.
Item, To the poor of Sout [...]minster 20. pounds.
Item, To the poor of little Hallenbury 20. pounds.
Item, To the poor of Dunsby in the County of Lincoln 20, pounds.
Item, I give to Robert Wright Poulterer of little Hallenbury Five pound.
Item, I give to Widow Aske, late wife of Robert Aske of London Goldsmith 20. l. which she oweth me.
Item, my will and meaning is, that there shall no interest or increase for money be taken after my decease, so as he or they by whom any Sums of money are or shall be owing, doe pay the principall debt within one half year next after my decease.
Item, I give and bequeath to the poor prisoners within the Prisons of Ludgate, Newgate, the two Compters in London, the Kings Bench and the Marshalsea, the sum of 200. l. to be paid and divided among the same Prisoners by even and equall portions.
Item, I give to Susan Price at the day of her marriage 40. l.
Item, I give to one Collins of the Towne of Cursall in Essex Five pounds.
Item, I give to my good Friends Mistris Heyward, and Mistris Low, either of them 10. l.
Item, I give to Margaret Woodhall my God-daughter the Sum of 20. pounds.
Item, I give to all other my God-children five pounds a piece.
Item, I give and bequeath to the Masters and Fellowes as the Corporation of Jesus Colledge in Cambridge the Sum of 500. Markes of lawfull money of England to be employed, used, and bestowed for or in some perpetuity, for and to the use, benefit, and behalf of the said Colledge, Master, Fellowes, and Schollers, in such sort, manner and forme, as by the discretion of the Bishop of Ely for the time being, the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge for the time being, the Master and Fellowes of the said Colledge for the time being, and my Executors hereafter named or the Survivor or Survivors of them, if they be living when the bestowing of the said Sum shall come in question, shall be thought best and most convenient.
Item, I give and bequeath to the Master and Fellowes as the Corporation of Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge the Sum of five hundred pounds to be employed used or bestowed for or in some perpetuity for and to the use, benefit, and behalf of the said Colledge, Master, Fellowes and Schollers there, in such sort, manner and forme, as by the discretion, privity, and consent of the Vice-Chancellor in Cambridge for the time being, the Master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge for the time being, and the Master and Fellowes of the said Magdalene Colledge for the time being shall be thought best and most convenient.
And I will that all my great Chains of Gold, and all my Jewels of what kind soever they be, shall be sold by mine Executors and Supervisors 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 la [...] Will given and bequeathed and for the payment of much whereof there is no certaine time set downe shall be paid within two years next after my decease at the furthest.
Also, I give for and towards the building of mine intended Hospitall Chappell and School-house the sum of 5000. l. if I doe not live 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 yeers after my decease, or sooner if they may conveniently (if it please not God I live to see, and cause the same my determination to be performed and accomplished) to see and cause the same to be performed and accomplished.
Also, I give the residue of the years which I shall have at the time of my decease in one Close called the Withies, lying within the Town and Fields of Cottingham, in the County of York, to the Major and Aldermen of Beverley, or to the Governour of the same Towne, and his Assistants for the time being to this end and purpose, that they shall distrubute, or cause to be distributed, the yearly profit arising of the same over and above the yearly Rent payable to the Kings Majesty, amongst the poorest people dwelling within the said Towne of Beverley.
Also, I give to the Major and Aldermen of the City of Lincoln for the time being all such profits and revenewes, as shall arise and grow of the Parsonage of Glentham within the County of Lincoln and all the residue of the years that shall remain after my decease, to this intent, that they shall distribute and bestow, or cause to be distributed and bestowed the same amongst twenty of the poorest people that shall then be dwelling in the said City, with the consent and privity of the Dean of the Cathedrall Church of Lincoln, or the Recorder of the same for the time being (they the said Major, Aldermen, Deane and Recorder fore-seeing that the Parsonage be letten for their most benefit.)
Item, I give unto the Treasury or Store-house of mine intended Hospitall to begin their stock with, and to defend the rights of the house 1000. l. of lawfull English money.
And I give to every one of my Feoffes whom I have put in trust about my intended Hospitall) to whom I have not given any thing in this my last Will) the Sum of 26. l. 30. s. 4. d. of lawfull money of England.
Item, I give to Amy Popham, if it please God she live to keep house, three Fetherbeds, and so many paire of Holland sheets, with the Boulsters to them, and so many Hangings of Tapistry as will furnish her a Bed-Chamber: The rest of my Houshold-stuffe I will shall be sold by mine Executors for the speedier payment of my Legacies and performance of this my last Will.
Item, I give to the widow Tassell of Balsham the summe of 5 l. of lawfull money of England, and to Thomas Lawrence the Elder of the same Towne, 5 l. of like lawfull money of England.
Item, I give and bequeath unto the brother of Percivall Graung my late servant deceased the sum of 20 l. 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 of London my Executors charging them as they will answer at the last day of Judgement that they or one of them in the absence of the other endeavor themselves with all earnestnesse and diligence to see this my will performed according to my true meaning and charitable intent.
And I make Overseers of this my last will and Testament, the Reverend Father in GOD George Abbot Arch Bishop of Canterbury unto whome I give and bequeath the sum of [...]0 markes of lawfull money of England or a peece of plate of that value at his election and choice.
And also Launcelot Androes, Almonizer to the Kings Majesty, my other Supervisor and Overseer of this my last Will and Testament, unto whom I give and bequeath the Sum of 30. l. of like lawfull money of England, or a piece of Plate of that value at his election and choice.
Item, my will and full intent and meaning is, that if any person or persons whatsoever, to whom I have in and by this my last Will and Testament given and bequeathed any Legacy or sum or Sums of money, shal any wayes gainsay impugne contradict, or impeach this my last Will and Testament, that then all and every one so impugning contradicting impeaching or gainsaying this my last Will and Testament, and every of their children and kin folkes to whom I have in and by this my last Will and Testament given and bequeathed any Legacy or Sum or Sums of money, shal have no part nor portion of any such guilt, Legacy, or bequest, but shal utterly lose the same, and be utterly barred thereof as if no such Legacy, Gift or Bequest had been given unto 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 give and bequeath to Richard Sutton, one of my Executors before named, the Sum of 100. l. and to Mistris Law over and besides [Page 18] the Legacy before to her given, I give the sum of 40. l. to make her a Gown withall.
Item, I give to Mr. Hutton the Vicar of Littlebury 20. l. To the town of Camps Castle where I dwell to be distributed amongst the Poore of the same Parish ten pounds.
Also to the Poore of the Town of Elcombe to be equally distributed amongst them the Sum of 10. l.
Item, I give and bequeath those my Mannors of Littlebury and Hadstock in the County of Essex to the right Honourable the L. Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolke, and to his Heires for ever and upon condition that he do well and truly pay or cause to be made to my Executors before-named or to the Survivor of them the Sum of 10000. l. of lawfull money of England within one year next after my decease. And if he shall refuse to pay the said Sum of 10000. l. for the said Mannors, then I give and bequeath the said Mannors of Littlebury and Hadstock to my said Executors and to their Heires for ever. And then I will and devise that the said Mannors of Littlebury and Hadstock shall be sold by my said Executors or the Survivor of them to the uttermost price and value that they may be sold for, and the money coming of the sale thereof, together with as much more as shall make up the same Sum the full Sum of 20000. l. I will shall be employed and bestowed by my said Executors, or the Survivor of them with the advise of my Supervisors afore-named, in some good works and charitable uses for mine intended Hospital and for poore people, or otherwise as they in their wisdoms and discretions shall think fit.
Item. I give to Mr. Flud Parson of Newington the Sum of 13. l. 6. s. 8. d. And to the wife of Benjamin King of Southminster 6. l. 13. s, 4. d.
Item, I give to Thomas Averel if it shall be found that he hath dealt faithfully and plainly with me in my businesse the sum of 10. l.
Item, I give unto the wife of Mr. Ingry of Littlebury 3. l. 6. s. 8. d.
Item, I give unto Sir Henry Hubberd Kt. the Kings Majesties Atturney General, a piece of Plate of the value of 10. l. And to Mr. Locksmith his Clark the Sum of 10. l.
Item, I give to the poor of the Parish of Hackney 10. l.
Item, I give to Bridget Law the Sum of 10. l. And to the Lady Altham daughter to Mr. Auditor Sutt [...]n the sum of 20. l.
Item, I give to Sir Edw. Philips Master of the Rolls a piece of Plate of the value of 20. l. And to Sir James Altham one of the Barons of the [Page 19] Exchequer one piece of Plate of the value of Twenty pounds.
Item, I give to my late wives kinsman Guy Godolphin the sum of 10. l.
Item, I give to the right honourable my very good Lord the Earle of Suffolk the Sum of 400. All the rest of my goods, Chattels and Debts not before given and disposed, I give and bequeath to my intended Hospital, to be employed and bestowed on and about the same, according to the discretion of the Feoffes of my said Hospitall, or the greater part of them: In witnesse hereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the 28 day of Novemb. above written, Thomas Sutton. Memorandum, that the same Testator did acknowledge this his Will written and contained in these 19. leaves to be his last Will and Testament, and that his Hand and Seal set thereunto is his own Hand and Seal, and that he had heard it read, and was acquainted with the Contents of it the said 28. of Novemb. above-written in presence of Us, John Law, Leonard Houghton, Alexande [...], Longworth, Thomas Hall. The mark of Richard Pearce. The mark of Tho. Johnson, Primo Decembris, 1611. idem recognitum per testatorem coram, Jo. Crook, Quarto Decemb. 1611. recognit. to be the Testators last will. Before me Hen. Thoresby.
A Codi [...]ill to be annexed to the last Will and Testament of Tho. Sutton Esq made and declared the day whereon he dyed, being the 12. of Decemb. 1611.
Item, he gave and bequeathed to Mr. Judge Crooke, one of the Judges of the Kings Bench at Ʋ Ʋestmin. the Sum of 10. l. And to Mr. Henry Thoresby one of the Masters of the Court of Chancery the like sum of ten l. And to Mrs. Sutton of London Widow, the sum of 3. l. 6. s. 8. d. to make her a Ring.
Also he gave to Mr. Hutton Clark and Vicar of Littlebury, the advousion or next presentation to the Parsonage of Dunsby in the county of Lincoln. Also he did then publish and declare before Mr. Flud Parson of Stoke-Newington, in the County of Middlesex, Robert Petit, Alexander Longworth, John Parsons, and Thomas Johnson his Cook that he had made his Will, and thereof had made and ordained Richard Sutton of London, Esquire, and John Law his Executors.