FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
PERCIVAL WILLOUGHBY AND
BRIDGET WILLOUGHBY
Percival Willoughby was born in about 1560 of Bore Place,
Chiddingstone, Kent, the son of Thomas Willoughby and Catherine
Hart. He married his second cousin Bridget Willoughby, the daughter
of Francis Willoughby of Wollaton and Elizabeth Lyttelton, in
December 1580.
Sir Percival Willoughby
Bridget Willoughby
Letters from Bridget to her daughter Elizabeth are found in the
Derbyshire Record Office:
4 Oct 1614 - Bridget Wyllughbye to Elizabeth Gell - has sent the
bearer to know how Elizabeth is - has sent a chair which she
ordinarily used - hopes she will be a glad mother - has sent 3
couple of conies and some peaches.
19 Jan 1614/15 - Bridget Wyllughbye at Wollaton to her
daughter Elizabeth Gell - would be glad to see her for 3 or 4 days
and will send for her Saturday next.
1 Jun 1625 - Bridget Wyllughby, Wollaton to wife of John Gell
- it is her desire if she could come over this Whitsuntide to be a
party with her son Harrie in making a Christian soul of a daughter
born to her son Edward's wife - if she wants a horse, writer will
send one. (Extracts at the National Archives website)
"Percival was the son of Sir Thomas Willoughby (d 1596) of Bore
Place, Kent, a first cousin of Sir Francis Willoughby of Wollaton,
and his second wife Catherine Hart. Percival went abroad soon
after his arranged marriage to his cousin Bridget Willoughby, and
on his return the couple lived alternately with their respective
in-laws. By 1595 Percival and his family were living at Middleton.
His father-in-law's second marriage that year threatened to
disinherit Percival from his expected estates, but Sir Francis and
his new wife had just one child, a daughter, who soon died. As no
will had been left, Percival had to engage in lawsuits in order to
clarify the division of the estates between Bridget and her
sisters. He eventually inherited the six principal manors of
Wollaton, Sutton Passeys, Cossall, Trowell, Middleton and
Kingsbury, plus other estates in Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire.
In addition, he inherited most of his own father's estates in
Kent, although these were also disputed by family members.
Percival and Bridget moved into the new Wollaton Hall in
1599. In 1603 Percival was knighted, and entertained Queen Anne
and Prince Henry at Wollaton Hall. Sir Percival was elected as a
Member of Parliament in 1604. Hoping to raise some money to help
pay his extensive debts, in 1602 Percival leased a coal mine at
Strelley in partnership with Huntingdon Beaumont. He built the
first railway in Britain there, using wooden rails, in 1605, but
the pit was unprofitable. He also invested in a company aiming to
set up farms in Newfoundland, and in a Wollaton glassworks
company.
Sir Percival suffered many years of ill health after the
death of his wife in 1629. He died in August 1643." (Biography of
Sir Percival Willoughby)
"Willoughby himself married the eldest of the six daughters of Sir
Francis Willoughby, Sir Edward’s grandson. As Sir Francis had no
sons, Willoughby was recognized as heir-presumptive, and on
returning from his travels abroad in 1582 he settled at his
father-in-law’s subsidiary seat at Middleton, five miles from
Tamworth. However Sir Francis had spent lavishly on the rebuilding
of Wollaton Hall, running up substantial debts, and both he and
Willoughby’s father made over-generous settlements on their second
wives. Consequently Willoughby’s father entrusted a substantial
part of his estate to trustees, whom he instructed to sell the
properties and divide what remained, after the payment of his
debts, among his widow and her children. Willoughby was horrified,
and following the death of his father in 1596, he wrote to his
wife: ‘so unfortunate is our case to have such step-mothers step
into our houses, from whom God deliver us and ours’.
Willoughby’s father-in-law died in the same year as his father
and, despite substantial land sales, the liabilities on the estate
totalled over £35,000, whereas the net income was less than £600.
In addition, after her husband’s death Lady Willoughby reputedly
gained possession of £8,000 worth of plate, jewels and cash
belonging to Sir Francis. There was subsequently prolonged
litigation between Willoughby and his wife’s step-mother, who
remarried the 3rd Lord Wharton, which can only have further
undermined his finances.
Willoughby was knighted at Worksop as James I journeyed south to
take up possession of his new kingdom, and two months later he
entertained Anne of Denmark and the royal children at Wollaton.19
In 1604 he was returned both for Tamworth, near his Warwickshire
estate and, a few days later, for Nottinghamshire.
By November 1606 Willoughby was in the Fleet for debt. He does not
appear in the surviving records of the subsequent sessions of the
first Jacobean Parliament, suggesting that he may not have resumed
his seat. Nevertheless he was able to free himself by liquidating
his estate in Kent, and by 1608 his finances had improved
sufficiently to enable him to raise £800 by a statute merchant in
Nottingham.27 He even contracted an advantageous marriage for his
eldest son Francis with the daughter of Sir Thomas Ridgeway, who
found him "a man after my own heart, sweetly natured, sure of word
and deed, delightsome in conversation, respective of his friend,
loving and faithful to his worthy lady, zealously careful of his
son’s good, every way and generally learned, wise, and well
experienced."
Willoughby was outlawed for debt in London on 29 Apr. 1622, and
again in 1623 and 1624.He survived to see the outset of the Civil
War, but died at Wollaton in August 1643, and was buried in the
parish church. No will or administration has been found. His son
cleared the estate by care and thrift, and his grandson, another
Francis, became a celebrated naturalist." (Sir Percival
Willoughby of Wollaton Hall; www.historyofparliament.org)
Percival died 23 August 1643 in Wollation, Nottinghamshire.
Burial record for Percival Willoughby in Wollaton:
"Nobilis bonus ille vix Percivalus Willughbie miles domicus
de Wollaton sepultus fuit tricessimo die Augusti anno dom 1643"
(That noble good man Percival Willughbie a soldier of Wollaton
was buried on the 30 day of August in the year 1643)
1. Bridget, married 1) Nicholas Strelley, 2) Henry
Cavendish.
2. Francis, born in 1585; died 17 December 1665.
3. Percival, born in 1596; occupation: physician; Elizabeth
Coke; died in 1685. “Willughby, Percival (1596-1685), writer on
obstetrics, was sixth son of Sir Percivall Willlughby, knt., of
Wollaton Hall, Nottingham, where he was born in 1596. Percivall
was educated at Trowbridge, Rugby, Eton, and Oxford, where he
matriculated on 23 March 1620-1, his age being given as
twenty-two, and graduated B.A. on 6 July 1621. In 1619 he was, at
the suggestion of his uncle Robert Willughby, himself a medical
man, articled for seven years to Feamer van Otten, after which he
was to have joined his uncle; but Van Otten dying in 1624,
Willughby soon after commenced practice for himself, and in 1631
he settled in Derby, where he married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
Francis Coke of Trusley, by whom he had two or three sons and two
daughters. In 1655 he removed to London ‘for the better education
of his children,’ but in 1660 he returned to Derby, where he
resumed his practice as a physician, enjoying a high reputation
throughout the neighboring counties for his skill in obstetric
operations.” (Dictionary of National Biography, Volumes 1-22 for
Percivall Willughby)
4. Theodosia, married Rowland Mynors; died November 1630.
5. Edward, married Elizabeth Atkinson.
6. Thomas, sent to Newfoundland by his father to in 1616: "Willoughby
was drawn into the Newfoundland Company venture by John Slany, to
whom he was heavily in debt. Appointed to the council which
managed the company's affairs in 1610, he sent his third son
Thomas to Cuper's Cove in 1612 along with Henry Crout and six
apprentices. The orders to the party were to leave the colony and
develop Willoughby's own tract which was all that land north of a
line drawn between Carbonear and Heart's Content on the Bay de
Verde Peninsula. This also included the rich fishing grounds
around Baccalieu Island." (www.wikipedia.com)
7. Henry, occupation: lawyer.
*8. Elizabeth, married John Gell in 1609; died October 1644.
9/ (Daughter), died young.
SOURCES: Biography of Sir Percival Willoughby,
www.nottingham.co.uk;
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
THOMAS WILLOUGHBY AND
CATHERINE HART
Thomas Willoughby was born in about 1538 of Bore Place,
Chiddingstone, Kent, the son of Robert Willoughby and Dorothy
Willoughby. He married Catherine Hart, the daughter of Sir Percival
Hart and Frideswide Bray.
Bore Place in Chiddingstone
Thomas and Catherine were mentioned in a history of Chiddingstone:
"Sir Thomas Willoughby, was sheriff of this county in the 15th and
32d years of queen Elizabeth, and bore for his arms, Or, fretty
azure. He married Catharine, daughter of Sir Percival Hart, of
Lullingstone, by whom he left several sons and daughters; of whom
Percival, the eldest, succeeded to these estates". (British
History Online: Chidingstone)
"Thomas Willoughby of Boreplace in Chiddingstone Esquire,
Grandchild of Sir Thomas Willoughby of the same Place, Lord Chief
Justice of the Common Pleas, was Sheriff of Kent in the fifteenth
year of Q. Elizabeth." (Sheriffs of Kent under Queen Elizabeth:
University of Michigan)
Thomas married later Mary, and they had four children.
The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the Years 1569
and 1614
Thomas was the Sheriff of Kent.
"1st s. of Robert Willoughby of Bore Place by Dorothy, da. of Sir
Edward Willoughby of Wollaton, Notts. educ. Magdalene, Camb.,
matric. pens. Easter 1551; L. Inn 30 Apr. 1558. m. (1) Catherine,
da. of Sir Percival Hart of Lullingstone, Kent, 6s. inc. Percival
5da.; (2) Mary, 4ch. Grandson of a lord chief justice,
grandson-in-law of a chief baron, and himself a member of
Lincoln’s Inn, Willoughby may have combined legal practice with
his interests and duties as a landowner and local official. The
town house where Sidney lodged and Willoughby himself, probably on
his deathbed, was to add a codicil to his will, stood in Lincoln’s
Inn Fields (some details of its rooms appear in a lease of its top
storey made by Willoughby in July 1595); and his third son,
another Thomas, entered the Middle Temple in 1586. The will was
proved on 5 July 1596.
Willoughby’s first marriage, to Catherine Hart, had been
fruitful of children. The firstborn son, named Percival after one
of his grandfathers, emulated the other by marrying a Willoughby
of Wollaton; he settled in Nottinghamshire, which he represented
in the Parliament of 1604, and disposed of his Kentish patrimony."
(Thomas Willoughby of Bore Place, Kent; www.historyofparliament.org)
Thomas died, leaving a nuncupative (verbal) will proven 5 July 1596.
Will of Thomas Willoughby, 1596
Memorandum that I Thomas Willoughbye of
Chidington in the County of Kente esquyer lyenge in his house
in the feildes neer Lincolnes Inne in the Countye of Midd
beinge sicke in bodye, but of good and perfecte remembrance
(God be praised) therefore declared and made his last will and
testament or codicell nuncupatyve as followeth or of the like
in effecte viz my will is that my wiefe and my foure children
which I hadd by her, to whome I have not geven anye thinge by
my will shall have the surplasage of suche money after my
debtes paide as shall come to their handes by the sale of
suche landes, and by the proffytes of such leasses as I have
bequeathed and made unto certeyne performes in truste.
Thomas and Catherine had the following children:
*1. Percival, born about 1560; married Bridget Willoughby.
2. Thomas, married Clemency Willoughby.
3. Robert
4. George
5. Henry
6. Bridgett
7. Sibbell
8. Edward, married Winifridd Willoughby (sister of Bridget,
Percival's wife)
9. Friswold
10. Elizebeth
The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the Years 1569
and 1614
SOURCES: The Visitation of the County of Nottingham, 1569
and 1614.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
ROBERT WILLOUGHBY AND
DOROTHY WILLOUGHBY
Robert Willoughby was born in about 1500 of Bore Place, Kent, the
son of Thomas and Bridget Willoughby. He married Dorothy Willoughby,
the daughter of Edward Willoughby of Wollaton, Nottinghamshire.
Robert and Dorothy were mentioned in the will of his father Sir
Thomas Willoughby in 1545. It seems that Sir Thomas and Robert's
wife Dorothy were not on good terms: "I will the saide landes
aftre the decease of my saide wiffe my debtes and legacies paide
and parformmed remayne to the saide Robert Willoughbie myne
eldeste sonne for terme of his life and if it fortune Dorathe
nowe his wiffe to decease lyving the said Robert Willoughbie
and he the saide Robert Willoughbie channces to marry and take
another wiffe and have issue male of his body by anny suche
seconde wiffe that then are the decease of the saide Robert
Willoughbie the saide mannor of Bonsell withe all suche other
landes so to hym willed for terme of his life by this my laste
will as before is reharsed shall goo and remayne aftre his decease
to suche issue male of his body as he shall fortune to have to his
seconde wiffe...So that my viray will intent and full
determynate mynde is that none of the issues gotten or to be
gotten betwene the saide Robert Willoughby and the saide
Dorathye nowe his wiffe shall in nowise have nor inheritte
anny parte of my landes. There is many consideracons and causes
why whiche is not to be rehersed nor putt in writing or memory
that moveth me so to doo whiche I any right for I take God to
judge. I doo it not of malice grudge nor yll will."
The cause of the disagreement is not clear, but Sir Thomas did not
want any child of Dorothy to inherit his lands. However, Robert and
Dorothy's son Thomas did inherit Bore Place, which had been
inherited by Bridget from her father Sir Robert Rede. By the time
that Bridget Willoughby died in 1558, leaving a will, Robert was
deceased. Dorothy was not mentioned in Bridget's will and may also
have died. Bridget left land to Thomas in her will: "And the
reste of my landes tenementes and hereditaments as well those
wherein I doo nowe dwell called Bere place as also all my other
landes and tenementes lienge and beinge within the parishes
Chedingstone, Sundrige, Chevenynge, Hever, Penseherste, and Lighe
or els where within the County of Kente my saide legacies
performed I give unto Thomas Willoughby sonne and heir of
Robert Willoughby deceased and to the heires males of his
body lawfully begotten."
Robert and Dorothy had the following children:
*1. Thomas, married 1) Catherine Hart; married 2) Mary.
SOURCES: The Visitation of the County of Nottingham, 1569
and 1614; will of Sir Thomas Willoughby, 1545, Prerogative Court
of Canterbury; will of Bridget Willoughby, widow, 1558,
Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
THOMAS WILLOUGHBY AND
BRIDGET REDE
Thomas Willoughby was born in about 1485 of Bore Place, Kent, the
son of Christopher Willoughby and Margarett Jenny. He married
Bridget Rede, the daughter of Sir Robert and Margarett Rede. Sir
Robert was Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and an executor for
the will of King Henry VII.
Thomas became Chief Justice of the Common Bench in Kent: "Sir
Thomas Willoughby was the fifth and youngest son of Sir
Christopher Willoughby, and younger brother of William lord
Willougby, ancestor of the present baroness Willoughby of Eresby,
and of Christopher, ancestor of the lords Willoughby of Parham,
now extinct; the origin of the family in this kingdom being Sir
John de Willoughby, a Norman knight, who had the lordship of
Willoughby, in Lincolnshire, by the gift of the Conqueror. Sir
Thomas Willoughby being bred to the law, was knighted in the 29th
year of king Henry VIII. was made a chief justice of the common
pleas, and by his wife Bridget became entitled to this manor of
Chidingstone Burghersh, with his seat called Bore-place, and other
estates in this parish. In the 31st year of that reign he, among
others, by an act then passed, procured his lands to be
disgavelled. He died in the 37th year of king Henry VIII. and lies
buried with Bridget, his wife, in this church. His arms, being
Gules, on a bend wavy argent, three birds sable, impaling argent,
a fess between three boars heads couped sable, are still remaining
in one of the windows of Sergeant's inn, in Fleet-street."
(British History Online: Chidingstone)
Thomas left a will proven 5 November 1545.
Will of Thomas Willoughby, 1545
In the name of God Amen the twentie day of
July in the yere of our Lorde God a thowsande fyve hundredth
fourtie and foure and in the xxxvj yere of the reigne of our
soveraigne Lorde Henry the eyght by the grace of God of
Englande Ffrannce and Irelande King Defender of the faithe and
in earthe ymmediatly under Christ Supreme Godd of the Churche
of Englande and Irelande I Thomas Willoughby knighte of
the parrishe of Chedingston in the Countie of Kent and
one of the Justices of our saide Soveraigne Lorde the King of
his county place at Westmyster being, Almightie God be
thanked, in good helthe of body and in parfitt and hole memory
and mynde fully insured in the faithe of God and of holie
churche as a true catholike and Christian man that is fraile
remembering this wretched worlde howe transitorie it is and
howe that nothing is more certeyne to man then deathe nor more
uncerteyne then the howre therof make this my presnt testament
and laste will in fourme following ffirste I bequeth my soule
to Almightie God my maker and redemer and to his blessed
mother Sainte Mary and to all the holie saintes and company of
heaven my body somewhat honnestlie according to my pore
behaver to be buryed without pompe in the parrishe churche of
Chedingston aforsaide in the newe chapel there of late founded
and made by my late father in lawe Sir Robert Reade
knighte sometime chife justice of the county place
deceased on whose soule Jesus have marcy in the tombe there
made by the by the said Robert Reade yf it please God to take
my to his marcie being in the said parrishe of
Chedingston. And if not then my body to be buried suche place
and quarter where it shall please God to take me to his marcy.
And I will that therebe spent the day of my buriall to pore
and neady people fyve poundes once and besides convenient
rewardes to pristes and clarckes. And to six honest pore men
six gownes of black cotton friese to stande abowte my house
the day of my buriall and also the day of my monnethes mynde
every of theym holding a taper or torche lighte to pray
for my soule. And at my monnethes mynde to be spent amongest
pore and neadie people fyve poundes and twentie shillinges to
pristes and clarckes. And my yeres mynde yerely to be
distributed spent and bestowed to pore and neady people
specially of the saide parrishe twentie shillinges and to
pristes and clarkes and for ringing other twentie chillinges.
And I bequeth to the highe aulter of the same churche of
Cheddingston for my tithes nechgently forgotten and to
thentent that that the parson of the same churche shall the
more specially pray for me vjs viijd. And also I bequeth for
like intent to the highe aulter of the churche of Penscherst
three shillinges and foure pence. And to the highe aulter of
the parrishe churche of Leighs three shillinges and foure
pence. And to the highe aulter of Sondriche iijs iiijd. And to
the highe aulter of the churche of Chyvening iijs iiijd. And
to the highe aulter of the parrishe churche of Wolston in
Warwikeshire within whiche saide parrishe of Wolston my mannor
and Lordshipp of Brandon is vjs viijd over and besides twentie
shillinges to be distributed amonges my pore tenantes of my
saide mannor of Brandon to pray for my soule and all good
Christen soules. Also I wolde that ymmediatly aftre my decease
the maister and wardeynes of the fraternytie of Jesus in the
Cathedrall Churche of Poules in London. And also to the
maister and wardeynes of the ffraternytie of Sainte Dunstons
in Fflete Strete. And to the maister and wardeynes of the
fraternytie of pappty in the saide citie of London of whiche
three fraternities I am and of long contynuannce have been
brother to have don by entry of the saide fraternities a
solemput diridge and masse of requiem in convenient tyme aftre
my decease according to theire olde aunntul custome and
laudable use giving to entry of the saide ffraternities for
their paine in doing the same obsequies and sarmie xiijs
iiijd. Also I will have a vertuouse and well disposed seculer
priste to sing satisfactoeie in the saide newe chapell of
Cheddingston ymmediatly aftre my decease for my soule Dame
Bridgett my wiffes soule and the soules of Sir
Christofer Willoughby my father Dame Margery my
mother Sir Robert Reade my father in lawe Dame Margaret my
mother in lawe the soules of my brethren that is to
say William late Lorde Willoughby Cristopher Robert George
Richarde Edmonde Hughe and John the soules of my
sisters that is to say Katheryn Margaret and Elizabeth
the soules of my godfathers godmothers and all my childrne and
bennefactors soules and for all Christen soules to begynne
ymmediatly aftre my decease and so to continue by the space of
the saide tenne yeres then next and ymmediatly ensuying. And I
will that the said seculier priste that shall so sing and
doing his duetie as before is whersoe shalhave yerely for his
salary stipend and waiges tenne marcs to be paide to him
quarterlie by him portions during the saide terme. Also I geve
ad bequeth to Thomas Willoughbie my godsonne xxs. Item to my
goddaughter Mr Potters daughter tenne shillinges. Item to
every other of my godsonnes and goddaughters xxd. Item I will
and bequeth to every of my wayting sarvanntes fyve shillinges
beside theire waiges. Also I will and bequeth to Anne Bartlott
and Margaret Bartlott and to every of theyme xxxli towardes
theire marriages according to the laste will of Edwarde Ashe
thire granndefather so that they be ruled and ordered by
theire mysteris my wiffe. Also I will to every of my
sarvanntes of housbondry iiis iiijd beside theire waiges
trusting that they and every of theyme will specialie pray for
my soule. And as towching the dispoicion of all and singuler
my stuffe of howsholde ymplymentes and utensils of the same
wheresoever they be my plate juelles apparel couverinng my
body corne and grayne as well in garnardes barnes as corne
growing all my quicke cattall of what kynde soever they be.
The particulers wherof and of every of theyint shall more
plainly in a schedule and invintary to this my present
testament and laste will files and annexed my veray will and
mynd is towching the dispocion of the same in manner and
fourme ensuying: that is to say all my saide hole grayne and
corne and thent haulfe of the best of every thing before
thersed myne apparel cheyne of golde with the ruffe only
excepted I will geve and bequeth to the same Dame Bridgett
my wiffe to her owen proper use. And she to take her
choise of yt. And thoder haulfe residue except before excepted
I will the same be equalie devyded by my saide wiffe amonges
my childerne that is to say Robert Willoughbie and
Christofer Willoughbie my sonnes Mary Walronde and
Elizabeth Tattisherste my daughters the dividing and
dispocion wherof I referre it only to the dispocion of my said
wiffe and as she thinketh best to be ordered and no otherwise
whome soe for the special confidence fidelitie and truste that
I have in her above all creatures lyving. And for thetent and
final performyng and executing of this my testament and laste
will to be putt effectualie in due and plaine execution for
the helthe of my soule according to the true intent and
meaning of this my saide testament make and ordeyne the saide
Dame Bridgett my wiffe my sole executrixe. And in
consideracion and to thentent and final performyng and
executing of this my testament and laste will to be putt
effectualie in due and plaine execution for the helthe of my
soule according to the true intent and meaning of this my
saide testament and laste will I make and ordeyne the
said Dame Bridgett my wiffe my sole executrix. And in
consideration and to thentent that my saide wiffe shall have
sufficient in her handes to accomplishe and parfourme in every
pointe and condicion this my testament and laste will and also
for the payment of my debtes suche as I doo owe and am charged
with either in lawe or in conseyence or for anny injurries or
wronges by my comytted or don or by me caused to be don at
anny tyme before this so that there may evident and apparannt
prove of the same. Wherfore and for that purpose and
consideracion I geve and will by this my put unto my saide
wiffe all and singuler suche my mannors landes tenementes
rentes rendicions and farmes with all and singuler
thappurtennces lying and being in the parrishe and townes of
Cheddingston Penscherste Cowden Hever Sondriche Chevening
Sevenock and Lighe in the Countie of Kent or in any other
parrishe or towne therto adjoining whiche I late purchased of
dyvers and sonndry personnes at several tymes to have and to
holde to the same Dame Bridgett during her life keping
sufficient repercons paing the owte rentes and also performyng
and fulfilling this my laste will. Also paying yerely to my
saide sonne Christofer twentie marces quarterly by evin
porcons to be paide during during her life towardes his
exhibicon and fynding if he be vertous and of honest
conversacon and lyving or ells not. And if it shall fortune my
saide wiffe to decease before my debtes and legacies be fully
contented and paide then I will the executours of my saide
wiffe to have and receive the rentes revenues issues and
proffettes of all the saide mannors landes tenements till
suche tyme as my debtes and legacies are trulie performed and
paide. And aftre that fully performed then all and singuler my
saide mannors landes and tenementes and other the premisses
with their appurtenances shall and be as aftre ensueth and
followith that is to say the mannor of Bansell with
thappurtennces with all suche landes as I purchased of the
Lorde Burgh and of his brother Henry Burgh esquire lying and
being in the saide parrishe of Sevenoke Chevening Lighe and
Chedingston with all and singuler suche landes and tenementes
as I also late purchased of John Brithred and of William
Brithred his brother called Hales lying and being in the saide
parrish of Chevening further with all suche landes as I also
purchased of Christofer Resene in Sondrich aforsaide with all
suche landes as I also purchased of one William Leche and of
Joan his wiffe lying and being in the saide parrishe of
Sondriche. I will the saide landes aftre the decease of my
saide wiffe my debtes and legacies paide and parformmed
remayne to the saide Robert Willoughbie myne eldeste sonne
for terme of his life and if it fortune Dorathe nowe his
wiffe to decease lyving the said Robert Willoughbie and
he the saide Robert Willoughbie channces to marry and take
another wiffe and have issue male of his body by anny suche
seconde wiffe that then are the decease of the saide Robert
Willoughbie the saide mannor of Bonsell withe all suche other
landes so to hym willed for terme of his life by this my laste
will as before is reharsed shall goo and remayne aftre his
decease to suche issue male of his body as he shall fortune to
have to his seconde wiffe. And for defawt of suche issue male
of the body of the saide Christofer then the saide landes to
remayne to the saide George Walron sonne and heyre of Mary
Walron my doughtar and to the heires males of
his body lawfullie begotten. And for defawte of suche issue
then the saide landes and tenementes to remayne to the right
heires of me the saide Thomas Willoughbie for ever. So that my
viray will intent and full determynate mynde is that none of
the issues gotten or to be gotten betwene the saide Robert
Willoughby and the saide Dorathye nowe his wiffe shall
in nowise have nor inheritte anny parte of my landes. There is
many consideracons and causes why whiche is not to be rehersed
nor putt in writing or memory that moveth me so to doo whiche
I any right for I take God to judge. I doo it not of malice
grudge nor yll will. Also I will that all suche my manors
landes tenementes rentes revenues and proffets with
thappertannces whiche I late purchased of Robert Darknoll gent
and all suche landes whiche I late purchased of Sir Thomas
Boleyn late Erle of Wilteshire which was some tyme one
Hamondes called Watstock ymmediatly afore the decease of my
saide wife my debtes and legacies paide and performed shall
remayne to the saide Christofer my sonne and to the heires
males of his body lawfully begotten. And for defawte of suche
yssue to remayne to the saide Robert Willoughbie and to the
heires males of his body lawfully begotten by his seconde
wiffe if it channce Dorathye nowe his wiffe to decease and he
to marry ageyne. And for defawte of suche yssue to remayne to
the saide Mary and to the heires males of her body lawfully
begotten. And for defawte of suche yssue to remayne to my
saide nephew Sir William Willoughbie knighte and to the
heires males of his body lawfully begotten. And for defawte of
suche issue to remayne to the eighte heires of me the saide
Sir Thomas Willoughbie for ever. And as to the mannor of
Eppisbroke with thappurtennces in Penscherste whiche I late
purchased of Mr Edwarde Shelly and of Joan his wiffe and
landes purchased of one Nashe I will that aftre the decease of
my saide wiffe the saide mannor of Eppisbroke with
thappurtenannces and the saide landes late purchased of Nashe
ymmediatly aftre the decease of my saide wiffe my debtes and
legacies paide and performmed holie to remayne unto my saide
daughter Mary and to the heires of her body lawfuly begotten.
And for defawte of such issue to remayne to Robert Willoughbie
myne eldiste sonne and to suche heires males of his body
lawfully begotten as he shall fortune to have by another wiffe
if it shall fortune the saide Dorathe nowe his wiffe to
decease and he the same Robert to marry ageyne. And for
defawte of suche issue male to remayne to the righte heires of
me the saide Thomas Willoughbie for ever. Also I will suche my
parte of the mannors of Cheddingston Longhersst whiche I late
purchased of Richard Carell and of his bretherne and of Sir
John Harcourte of Cheddingston knight and of Dame Anne his
wiff. And also suche landes as Dalton my ffarmer now occupieth
whiche I purchased of one Willarde aftre the decease of my
saide wiffe remaynt to Elizabeth my daughter nowe wiffe to
Tottisherst and to the heires of her body lawfully
begotten. And for defawte of suche issues to remayne to the
saide Christofer Willoughbie my sonne heires males of
his body lawfully begotten. And for defawte of suche issue to
remayne to the righte heires of me the said Sir Thomas
Willoughbie for ever. Item I will that if anny of my saide
childerne or theire heires of their bodies lawfully begotten
to doo suffer or cause to be don anny arte or artes dede or
dedes to defeate or undo anny parte of this my laste will or
whereby anny disenheirtannce may or shalbe to anny of theire
issues inheritable by reason of this my last will that then he
or they so doing to take no manner of bennefitte or proffett
by this my laste will. And that then he or they to whose
dishenheritannce anny suche arte shalbe don that it shalbe
lawfull to theyme to enter into such porcon or parte so
altered or changed whereby any suche disheirtannce shulde
fortune to be joyntors for terme of life to be made only
excepte, so that the revercions be always saved according to
this my will. In wittnes whereof to this my testament and
laste will I the saide Sir Thomas Willoughbie have subscribed
my name and put to my seale the day and yere above saide by me
Thomas Willoughbye. Item I will and bequeth to every one of my
wayting sarvanntes being with me at the tyme of my decease
twentie shillinges besides my waiges and to every one of my
____ sarvanntes tenne shillinges. And to every of my
sarvanntes of housbondry tenne shillinges. Also I will and
bequeth towardes the amending and repayving of the highe waies
causes meade by my father in lawe Sir Robert Reade
knighte within the parrishe of Cheddingstoon fyve poundes
yerely next and ymmediatly aftre my decease till the some of
xl li be fully paide and bestowed. Also I will and bequeth to
every of my sarvanntes a blacke cote to be had at the tyme of
my buriall to thentent that they shall pray for my soule and
all Christian soules. Also I will and bequeth to my saide
wayting sarvanntes all myne apparel velvet and silkes only
excepted. Also I will and bequeth to Dame Bridgett my wiff all
my corne and cattall of what kinde so ever they be for the
keping of my howse to thentent that she shall kepe my
sarvanntes together until they canne provide theyint of
maisters. Also I will and bequeth to my saide wiffe all suche
plate as I did by of my Lorde of Cannterbury. Also I will and
bequeth to my wiffe the better haulfe of the rest of my saide
plate towardes the parfourmannce of this my last will and
testament. And thoder haulfe of my saide plate to be devyded
amonges my childerne that is to say Robert Willoughbie and
Christofer Willoughbie my sonnes Mary Walron and Elizabeth
Tottesherst my doughters by the discretion of my said
wiffe as she shall thincke it best and none otherwise. I make
and ordeyne Maister Waller thelder supervisor of this my last
will and testament put at this latter aditrsundit Willm
Bassett
Bridget left a will dated 11 August 1558, proven 18 August 1558:
Will of Bridget Willoughby, 1558
In the name of God Amen the xjth daie of Auguste the yere of
our Lorde God a thowsande fyve hundred fiftie and eight I Briget
Willowghby of the parishe of Chedyngstone in the County
of Kente widowe benige of good and perfect remembrannce
thancks be given unto Almyghtie God therefore make and ordeyn
this my laste will and testament in manner and forme
followynge/ Ffirste I bequeathe my soule to Almightie God my
maker beleavynge assuredlie to be saved onely by the meryttes
of Cristes passion who suffred deathe upon the crosse to
redeame me and all the worlde from everlasting deathe and
dampnacon, and my body to be buried in the Church of
Chedyngstone aforesaid in the channcell there, where my
late husbande Sir Thomas Wyllowghby lieth buryed. And
as for any thinge to be donne at the daye of my buriall either
at my house or at the the churche I referre it to the
discreton of myne executors. Item I will that there be given
and distributed immeytally after my burial to the poore folke
of the parishes of Chedyngstone Sundridge Chevenynge Leghe
Penscherste and Hever foure poundes of money and that to be
distributed accordynge to the discreton of myne executours.
Item I give to Henry Willoughby my trottynge colte
being of thage of foure yeres and vantage. Item I give to my
daughter Tottesherste a counterpointe of olde arres or a
quylte of red sarcentt whether of theym twayne she will chose.
Item I give to my saide daughter xx sheepe. Item I give to Elizabeth
Tottesherste one of the children of my saied daughter Tottisherste
a cowe with the calf by her side. Item I give to Margarett
Bassett my god daughter and one of the daughters of Willm
Bassett my servant a cowe. Item I give to Christofer Jenney a
certayne yerely rente or annuytie of forty shilllinges of
lawfull money of Englande goinge oute of all my landes and
tenementes lienge and benige in the parishes of Chedyngstone
Lighe Penseherste Hever Sundrige and Chevenynge in the county
of Kente. To have perceave and receave the saide yerely rente
of xls to the saide Christofer Jenney for the terme of vij
yeres next and immiatdiatly following my decease to be paide
unto the same Christofer or to his assignes durynge the saied
terme at the feastes of Thannucyacon of our Lady and Seint
Michaell tharchangell and Thannuncyacon of our Lady by evyn
portons, the firste payment therof to begynne at either of the
saide feastes that shall followe next and immediately my
decease. Item I give towarde the mariage of Elizabeth
Tottesherste nowe the daughter of my sonne Thomas
Tottesherste forty poundes of lawfull money of Englande.
Also I give to Margaret Tottesherste to Ffrannces
Tottesherste, to Dorathe Tottesherste and Martha
Tottessherste nowe the daughters of the saide Thomas to
eache of them tenne poundes a pece of lawfull money of England
whiche saide somes of money I will shalbe pade to theym at the
daie of their mariage as before is rehersed. And if the saide
Thomas Tottesherste nowe the husbande of my daughter
Elisabeth doo labour to have the saide somes of
money so given to the mariages of his saied daughters in
occupyenge to his comoditie and profytte until the daies of
their mariages. Then I will the saide somes of money so given
shalbe delivered to hym by myne executors so that the same
Thomas wille bounde and sufficient sewerties to hym to my
executours and to my cousin Thomas Wootton to paie or
cause to be paied to his saide daughters at the daies of their
mariages as before is rehersed the saide somes of money so to
theym given and bequeathed. And also to dischardge and save
harmlles my executours and my saide cousin Thomas Wotton there
heirs executors and assignes for the payment of the saide
somes of money as before as rehersed. And if the saide
daughters of the same Thomas Tottisherste or either of theym
doo not use theym selves honest of body during the tyme they
be unmaried or els not rewled & ordered touching their
mariages by their father and mother my sonne Christofer
Willoughby and my cowsen Thomas Wotton then I will that
she not so usinge her self shall lose the benefittes of the
bequest so to her given and bequeathed and her parte so not
orderynge her self shalbe devyded amongest the reste of her
sisters, ffarder more if any of the saide daughters fortune to
departe this worlde before they be married then I will that
her porcon benige so deade shalbe also devided to the other
sisters beinge then a lyve. I give to Mary Willoughby nowe
one of the daughters of my sonne Christofer tenne
poundes to her mariage. Item I give to Anthony Waldron one
of the sonnes of my daughter Waldron to John
Willoughby nowe one of the sonnes of my sonne Christofer
and to Ambrose Tottesherste nowe one of the sonnes of my
daughter Elizabeth to eache of theym five poundes of
lawfull money of Englande to be paid yerely during the space
of sevyn yeres next and immediately followynge my decease
towardes the fyndynge of theym to their learning. Item I give
to Thomas Tottisherste nowe the eldest sonne of my
daughter Elizabeth an annuall rente or anuytie of forty
shillinges of lawfull money of Englande during the space of
seven yeres next & immediately followynge my decease to be
paide to him at foure usuall termes of the yere by evyn
porcons that is to saie at the feastes of St Michaell
Tharchangell the Natyvitie of our Lorde God the Annuncyacon of
our Lady and the Nativitie of St John Baptiste. Item I give to
either of my waighters twenty shillinges to either of my men
laborers siijd iiijd. To Willm Webbe my bayly xiijs iiijds. To
Agnes Heywarde xli. To three other of my mayde servanntes to
either of them xiijs iiijd a pece whiche forsed money I will
to be paide to my sayde servanntes within a quarter of a yere
next after my decease, besides their quarter wages whiche I
will shalbe paied to theym by mine executors immediately after
my buriall. Item I give to John Cooke xiijs iiijd. Item I give
towardes the mendynge of the highe ways fortie poundes whereof
xxxli to be paide accordynge to the will of Sir Thomas
Willoughby my late husband and the other tenne poundes to be
bestowed of my gifte in the highe ways likewise within the
space of sevyn yeres next after my decease. Item I give to
Agnes Heywarde my mayde a cowe to be delivered to her within a
sevenyght after my decease. Item I give to Bridget Aware
sometyme my servant a cowe and sjs viijd in money. Item I give
to Christofer Jenney a fetherbedd and all thynges thereto
belonging. Also I give to hym the baye awmblynge nagge whiche
I had of Thomas Willoughby. Item I give to Willm Basset my
servante my graye awmblynge gelding. Item I give to my
daughter Elizabeth Tottesherste two kyne and two steeres
of three yeres olde. Item I give to her and to my daughter
Margery Willowghby nowe wife to my sonne Christopher
all my apparraile eqally to be devided betwene theym. Item I
give to my daughter Tettesherst the bed that I lye on
being a bed of downe with the blanckettes coverlet and
curteynes & testur of red and grene sarcenet. And the
other curteynes and testur of the same cullor I give to my
said sonne Christofer. Item I give to Elizabeth
Tottessherste nowe daughter to my saide daughter
Tottesherste the ffetherbed in the red chamber with all
thinges belonging thereto. Item I will that the bedstedell and
the bed beinge of downe with two pillows thereto whiche be
nowe in the beste chamber with the testure and curteynes of
sylke with the hangings of saye nowe there beinge to remayne
to the house and not to be removed. Item the bed in the greate
chamber with the bedstead to sparver and curteynes thereto
belonging with the pillows of downe I will shall remayne to
the house and not to be removed. And the reste of my beddes
bedstedells testures and curteyne not given and bequeathed I
will shalbe devided bitwene myne executors. Also I will that
all the cubberdes presse tables treskells fformes stooles, and
chaires shall remayne to the house and not to be removed
savynge one of the beste chaires whiche I give to my sonne
Christopher Willoughby. Item I will that all the kitchen
stuf and a garnyshe of the beste pewter vessel; all the
buttery stuffe, all the brewynge vessells barrells
kyllertymies and hoggesheddes and all the stuffe belonging to
the bakehouse shall remayne to the house and not to be
removed; saving a brasse potte benige in the fishehouse which
I give to my sonne Christopher and a greate cawdron benige at
Taylaurs house of Bowebeche which I give also to my sonne
Christopher. Item I will that Thomas Willoughby
shall have the keapynge of Anthony Waldron until suche
tyme as his father sende for hym, and in the meane tyme I will
that he go to his books. Item I give to my sonne Christofer
eleven sylver spones that be daily occupied in the house, and
the silver salte with the cover that that is also daily
occupied at my table. And all the reste of my plate not given
and bequeathed I will that it be solde by myne executours and
the money thereof to go to the performance of this my will.
Item I will that all the pewter vessel not bequeathed shalbe
devyded bitwene my sonne Christopher and Thomas
Willoughby. Item I give to Thomas Willoughby a
dossen of trencher plates of pewter, and the reste I give to my
sonne Christopher and my daughter Tottesherste
to be devyded bitwene them. Item I give and bequeath towardes
the repayringe of the planckes at Somerden meade five poundes.
Item I give towardes the byeng of such necessaryes as in
lacking in the churche of Chydingstone forty shillinges. Item
whereas Willm Bassett my servannte heretofore had the
collection of certeyn rentes and farme goinge oute of the
Mannor of Chedyngstone Cobsam and other landes to the use of
Anne Burroughe by the order and commanndement of Sir
Thomas Willoughby my late husbande for the whiche rentes
the said Willm fully accompted unto my saied husbande Sir
Thomas Willoughby; And yet that notwithstanding maye fortune
to be called to accompte or empeched and molested for the same
my will is that myne executors shall save harmeles and
dischardge the said Willm Bassett of all suche accons sewtes
and demanndes as are or maye hereafter be moved against the
saied Willm Bassett his heirs executors or admynystrators for
the saied rentes and farme or the collection of the same as
well by the heirs executours or admynystratores of the saied
Lorde Burrowghe as by Mr Richard Vaughan the husband of the
saied Anne Burroughe or by the saide Anne Burrowghe or by any
other person or persons whatsoever. And also I will that my
said executors shall disburse and paye all suche money as
shall happen to be recovered of the saide Willm for the same
or by the meanes thereof by any maner of wyse. And the reste
of all my goodes and cattell not before willed I give unto my
sonne Christopher and the saide Thomas Willoughby.
Item I give to my sonne Christofer Willoughby that my
tenement called Wadstocke with all the landes thereunto
belonging set lienge and beinge within the parishes of
Chedingstone and Penseherste to have and to hold the saied
tenement and landes thereunto belonging to the saied
Christofer and his heirs in suche and as ample estate as the
same landes and tenementes or any parte thereof are given
disposed devised or bequeathed unto the said Christofer by the
laste will and testament of Sir Thomas Willoughby my late
husband deceased. Item the rest of all my landes
tenementes and hereditaments lienge and benige in the parishes
of Chedyngston, Sundridge Chevennige Hever Penseherste, and
Lighe, or else where, within the County of Kente I give and
bequeathe to the performance of this my laste will and
testament and of the legacyes therin given and bequeathed in
maner and forme followynge, that is to saie I give and
bequeathe all the rentes issues & profittes of all my
saied landes tenementes and hereditaments nowe in the tenure
and occupation of other (the saied tenement of Watstocke onely
excepted) wholy unto the payment of my saied legacies and of
all and singler of them until the saied legaccyes all and
singler be fully satisfied contented and paied. And also I
give and bequeath owte of my mansyon house of Bo\ere place and
oute of the landes and tenementes nowe being in myne occupacon
and unleased the yerely some of fortye poundes of lawfull
money of Englande in like wise to be paide for the performance
of my saied legacyes and all and singler of theym until my
saied legacyes all and singler be fully satisfied conteted
& paied. The saied rentes profittes and yerely rente to be
levied by suche as shall happen to have the execucon and
admynystration of this my laste will and testament for the
tyme beinge. Item as touching the disposition of the
inheritance of all my saide landes tenementes and
hereditaments the saied tenement of Wadstocke excepted and my
legacyes performed, I give and bequeathe my tenement called
Moreden with all the landes rentes sarvyces and other thinges
thereunto belonging lienge and beinge within the parishes of
Chedyngstone, Lighe and Penseherste unto my saied
sonne Christopher Willoughby and unto the heirs males of
his body lawfully begotten, and for defaulte of suche issue
the remainder thereof unto Thomas Willoughby and unto
the hairs males of his body lawfully begotten, and the
defaulte of suche issue the same to remayne unto the right
heirs of me the saide Brigett so the saide Christopher and his
saied heires males, and for lacke of suche issue the saide
Thomas and his saied heir males, and for defaulte of suche
issue males my saied right heirs doo quietly suffer and
permytte the profytte of the saide tenement with the landes
and tenementes thereunto belonging to goo and to be levied by
suche as shall happen to have the admynystracon of this my
laste will and testament for the tyme beinge to the
performance of this my laste will and testament and unto the
payment therin conteyned until the tyme my saide lecacyes be
fully satisfied contented and paide. And the reste of my
landes tenementes and hereditaments as well those wherein I
doo nowe dwell called Bere place as also all my other landes
and tenementes lienge and beinge within the parishes
Chedingstone, Sundrige, Chevenynge, Hever, Penseherste, and
Lighe or els where within the County of Kente my saide
legacies performed I give unto Thomas Willoughby sonne and
heir of Robert Willoughby deceased and to the heires
males of his body lawfully begotten. And for defaulte of such
issue the same to remayne unto my saide sonne Christopher and
unto the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten, and for
defaulte of suche issue the same to remayne unto the right
heirs of me the saied Brigett, so that the saide Thomas and
his heires males, and for defaulte of suche issue the saied
Christofer and his heirs males, and for defaulte of suche
issue my saied right heirs doo yerely paye unto the
performance of this my laste will and testament the saied some
of xlli of lawfull money of Englande owte of my saied
dwellynge house called Bere place and other the land nowe in
myne occupacon, and doo also quyetlye suffer and permytte the
saide issues and proffettes of the saide landes and tenementes
oute of my occupacon wholy to go and to be levyed by suche as
shall happen to have the admynystracon of this my laste will
and testament for the tyme beinge unto the performacon of this
my laste will and testament and unto the payment of my
legacyes therein conteyned until my saied legacyes be fully
satisfied contented and paied. Item I doo ordeyne and make my
sonne Christopher Willoughby and the saied Thomas
Willoughby myne Executors and my cousin Thomas
Wootton myne overseer of my laste will and testament.
Item in case that my saide executours do not take upon theym
the execucon and admynystracon of this my saide will and
testament or that my saied executours doo refuse
neclecte or leave undone the performance of this my
laste will and testament or the payment of these my saide
legacyes or els if it happen by deathe of my saide executors
or by any other meanes that my said executors cannot performe
this my laste will then my will is that my saide overseer
shall have the full authoritie to performe the same and to
pereceave and levye all such rentes and proffittes appointed
for the payment of my saide legacyes until my saied legacies
be wholy satisfied contented and paied. Witnesses hereof
Christofer Jenney Willm Bassett
Thomas and Bridget had the following children:
*1. Robert, married Dorothy Willoughby.
2. Mary, married Humffrey Waldron.
3. Elizebeth, married Thomas Tottishurst.
4. Christopher, married Margarett Tottishurst.
SOURCES: Will of Sir Thomas Willoughby, 1545,
Prerogative Court of Canterbury; will of Bridget Willoughby,
widow, 1558, Prerogative Court of Canterbury; The
Visitation of the County of Nottingham, 1569 and 1614.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
CHRISTOPHER WILLOUGHBY AND
MARGARETT JENNY
Christopher was born in about 1453, the son of Sir Robert
Willoughby, knight and Cecily Wells. He married Margarett Jenny, the
daughter of William Jenny of Knottishall and Elizabeth Cawse.
A biography provides information about Christopher's life: "Sir
Christopher Willoughby, de jure 10th Baron Willoughby de Eresby,
KB (1453 – between 1 November 1498 and 13 July 1499), was heir to
his second cousin, Joan Welles, 9th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby,
in her own right Lady Willoughby, as well as great-grandson and
heir male to William Willoughby, 5th Baron Willoughby de Eresby.
Christopher Willoughby was also heir to his elder brother, Robert
Willoughby, who died unmarried and underage on 24 March 1467. He
was unable to enjoy his inherited title as a result of the
attainders of his cousin Joan Welles' father, Richard Welles, 7th
Baron Welles, and brother, Robert Willoughby, 8th Baron Willoughby
de Eresby. Christopher Willoughby, born in 1453, was the second
son of Sir Robert Willoughby (d. 30 May 1465) of Parham, Suffolk,
and Cecily Welles, the daughter of Lionel de Welles, 6th Baron
Welles (d. 29 March 1461), and his first wife, Jane Waterton, the
daughter of Robert Waterton (d. 1425), esquire, of Methley,
Yorkshire, by Cecily Fleming, daughter of Sir Robert Fleming of
Woodhall. He was the grandson of Sir Thomas Willoughby and Joan
Arundel (born c. 1407), daughter and co-heiress of Sir Richard
Arundel and his wife Alice, and the great-grandson of William
Willoughby, 5th Baron Willoughby de Eresby (d. 4 December 1409),
and Lucy Le Strange.
By her second marriage to John Beaufort, Margaret Beauchamp
was the mother of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII.
Christopher Willoughby's mother, Cecily Welles, was thus a
step-sister of Margaret Beaufort.
Christopher Willoughby had livery of his lands on 15 July
1474. His second cousin, Joan Welles, 9th Baroness Willoughby de
Eresby, died about that time. The exact date of her death is not
known; however, she likely died shortly before her father, Richard
Welles, 7th Baron Welles, and brother, Robert Willoughby, 8th
Baron Willoughby de Eresby, were attainted, five years after their
executions, by the Parliament of January–March 1475. As a result
of the attainders, all their honours were forfeited, including the
baronies of Welles and Willoughby, which should have been
inherited, respectively, after Joan Welles' death, by her uncle of
the half blood, John Welles, 1st Viscount Welles, and her second
cousin, Christopher Willoughby.
Willoughby married, before 28 March 1482, Margaret Jenney
(d.1515/16), the daughter of Sir William Jenney of Knodishall,
Suffolk, by his first wife, Elizabeth Cawse, daughter of Thomas
Cawse, by whom he had nine sons and three daughters.
Willoughby was made a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of
Richard III on 7 July 1483, and served frequently on commissions
in Suffolk from 1483 to 1497.
Under Henry VII, the attainders of Joan Welles' father and
brother, as well as the attainder of her uncle, John Welles, were
all reversed by the Parliament of 1485/6. John Welles was still
living, and with the reversal of his attainder became Lord Welles.
Joan Welles' former husband, Sir Richard Hastings, was thus no
longer recognized as Lord Welles. In compensation, however, it was
enacted in the same year that Hastings should be entitled, for
life, to all the lands which had belonged to Joan Welles' father.
Having received this grant, until his death Hastings continued to
be styled, and styled himself, Lord Willoughby, to the exclusion
of Christopher Willoughby, who should have inherited the title.
On 25 November 1487 Willoughby was in attendance at the
coronation of Elizabeth of York. In 1499 he was co-heir to his
uncle, John Welles, 1st Viscount Welles.
He left a will dated 1 November 1498, which was proved 13
July 1499. He was buried at Campsey Priory, Suffolk, beside his
father."
Christopher left a will dated 13 July 1499:
Will of Christopher Willoughby, 1499
In Dei Noie Amen I Christofer Willughby knight Lorde of
Willughby and of Eresby the firste daie of Novembre in
the yere of oure Lorde LCCCCLXXXXVIIJ beyng in goode mynde and
hoole remembrance make my testament & laste will in this
wise ffirste I bequethe my sowle to Almyghty God oure Lady
Saynte Mary Saynt Christofer and to all sayntes & my bodie
to be buried in the churche of the nonnes of Camppsey before
the high aulter by my ffadre. And I bequeth to the pores there
xxs. And to every of her sisters the nonnes there vjs viijd
And every yonge nonne there iij l iiijd & also I bequethe
to the master of the channtry there xls. And to evry preste
there xl to synge masse of requiem dirge in the quire there
for my soule for the soules of my ffadre & modre for my
goode doers & all Chisten soules. Also I bequethe to the
house of blake friers of Ipswiche vjli xiijs iiijd. And to the
austere friers of Osted Cs. And to every ordre of friers in
Donwiche Ipswiche Yermothe & Goslifton xls to the
reperacionne of their churches & houses. And to kepe &
synge diriges & masses the tyme of my buryng in every of
their churches of the saide orders to praie for the soules
aforesaid wherfor eche frier of the saide houses
shalhave iiij & therof. Also I bequethe to the high
aulter of the Church of Parham for my tithes forgotten xls.
And to the reperacion of the saide churche vj li xiijs iiijd.
And to a new antiphonar to be bought. And to the reperacion of
the Churche of Haston xxs. And to every pore man that shalbe
at my buryng ijs. And to every pore childe js. Also that
ymmediatly after my deceaste the paide vc masses with the
saide masses that shalbe saide by the saide friers accordyng
to my will abovesaide. Also I bequethe to the making of my
tumbe for me & for my wife xx markes xxli. Also I bequethe
to the making of the tumbe of Sir Robert late Lorde
Willughby at Metyngham x markes. Also I bequethe to the
house of Campesey xxli. Also to the house of Metyngham xxli.
And to every that is a feldre in that place xs. And to every
olde nonne in brosiers xs. And to every monyce there iijd
iiijs. And to Dame Jane Willughby of Campsey v markes.
Also I bequethe to Dame Margery my wife halfe my plate
& jewelles except my greate chayne of golde and halfe the
utensils of all my howsolde other goodes & catalles at her
elecionn and choise. Item I bequethe to Willyam Willughby
my eldest sonne or to hym that shalbe my heire next
after my decease the oder halfe of all my plate and jewelles
& utensils of my housolde & of all my oder goodes
& catalles upon condicionn that he breke not my will made
of my landes towchyng my wife the mariage of my doughters and
payment of my dettes & restabucionns. Also I bequethe to
Bliforde church xl s. Also to my Aunte Margery Mekilfelde
v li. Also to my sister Hotofer xx markes. Also to my
daughter Kateryne xl markes. And ye chayne of golde that
she hathe & to yonge Henry Harden x marke and to
Margery his sister x markes and to Christofer
Harden xxli and to Thomas Baynyarde x markes and
to the mase of Brunedish x markes. To my broder for Henry
Harden knight a blak velvet gowne ____. To Dame Anne
Harden his wife a gowne of saten & to Willyam
Mekilfeld x markes and to the churche of Bandesy for
necessary reparacionns of the same churche & all
necessaries xxs & in likewise to the church of Wikham xxs
& in likewise to the churche of Ufforde xls & in
likewise to the churche of Combis xls. And in likewise to the
churche of Stowe xiijs iiijd in likewise to the churche of
Bradfeld xs. And in likewise to the churche of Petifter xiijs
iiijd & in likewise to the church of Roughton xxs and in
like wise to the churche of Edgefelde xxs & to the priors
& convent of Woodbrigge xls. And to the parish church of
Wodebrigge xiijs iijd & in likewise to Kudsale church
xiijs iiijd. And in likewise to Terbertoon churche xiijs iiijd
and in likewise to Buxlowe churche vjs viijd. And in likewise
to Knotsale churche for John Rowes dette xxs. And to the Abbot
xxs & to the convent xxs & of Corston xl s. And to the
priors xxs & to the covent of Butley xls & to my
servants for their wages to eche of them if any ether be
bihynde. Also I bequethe to John Parker viijs iiijd. And to
Robert Chamber xls. And to Robert Colvile xxs. And to Robert
Hafille xxs. To John Crosse xxs to Willyam Clifton xiijs iiijd
to Willyam Smyth xxs to Jamys xiijs iiijd. And to Thomas
Whetcowse xls. to Thomas Russhe liiijs iiijd to Thomas Radeley
xxs. To John Symsonne xxs to George Bowman xxs. To Willyam
ffete xls. And to Willyam ffetes wife xs. To Richarde Cooke
vjs viijd. To bolle of the Bakehousison vjs viij d. And to
Water Hogan vjs viijd to John Dede vjs viijd to Rogerson vjs
viijd. To Robert Casse vjs viijd to Hugh Dikes xs to John Say
xs to John Smyth vjs viiijd. And to John ffesrons vjs viijd
And to Bacon vjs viijs. And to Elizabeth Bacom C s & to
Agnes Gryinstono xiijs iiijd. To my nevewe Willyam Benny my
godsonne & to Dame Anne Coo of Brofiyerde: in recompence
of xxs a yere that I promised her for terme of her life if so
be that she maybe so entreted xli & of this my present
testament I ordeyne my executours Dame Margaret my wife
Jamys Hobert Edmond Jeny John Hardon and Sir Richarde Brannche
clerk. Geven the daie & yeare abovesaide.
Christopher and Margaret had the following children:
1. William, "11th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, who
married, as his second wife, María de Salinas, lady-in-waiting to
Catherine of Aragon, by whom he had a daughter, Katherine, Duchess
of Suffolk".
2. Christopher, "(d. 1538–40), who married Elizabeth
Tailboys (d. 1546), youngest daughter of Sir George Tailboys (d.
24 September 1538), by whom he was the father of William
Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby of Parham."
3. Robert, a cleric.
4. George
5. Richard
6. Edmund
7. Hugh
8. John, "who married Cecily Wentworth, the widow of
Robert Southwell, esquire."
*9. Thomas, "(d. 1545), Chief Justice of the Common
Pleas, who married Bridget Rede (d. 1558), daughter of Sir Robert
Rede (d. 1519), Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, heiress of Bore
Place in Chiddingstone, Kent, by whom he was the father of Robert
Willoughby of Bore Place. Sir Robert Rede was an executor of the
will of Henry VII."
10. Katherine, "who married Sir John Heydon (d. 16
August 1550), eldest son and heir of Sir Henry Heydon."
11. Margaret, "who married Sir Thomas Tyrrell (d. 1551)
of Gipping, Suffolk, eldest son of Sir James Tyrrell (beheaded 6
May 1502) and Anne Arundel, daughter of Sir John Arundel (d. 12
November 1473) of Lanherne, Cornwall, by his first wife, Elizabeth
Morley, daughter of Thomas, Lord Morley, by whom she had a son,
Sir John Tyrrell (d. 1574), who married Elizabeth Munday, the
daughter of Sir John Munday (d. 1537), Lord Mayor of London, and a
daughter, Anne Tyrrell, who married Sir John Clere of Ormesby,
Norfolk."
12, Elizabeth, "(born c. 1483), who married William
Eure, 1st Baron Eure (d. 15 March 1548)."
SOURCES: The Visitation of the County of Nottingham, 1569
and 1614.; Wikipedia, citing Cockayne, George
Edward, The Complete Peerage; The Dictionary of National
Biography; Richardson, Douglas Edward, Magna Carta Ancestry
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
ROBERT WILLOUGHBY AND
CECILY WELLES
Sir Robert Willoughby was born in about 1428 in Parham, Suffolk,
the son of Sir Thomas Willoughby and Joan Arundel. He married Lady
Cecily Welles in 1453. Cecily Welles was the daughter of Sir Lionel
de Welles and Joan Waterton.
Robert died 30 May 1465, and was buried in Campsey, Suffolk.
Robert and Cecily had the following children:
1. Dorothy, born in about 1450.
*2. Christopher, born in about 1453; married Margarett
Jenny.
3. Robert
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
THOMAS WILLOUGHBY AND
JOAN ARUNDEL
Sir Thomas Willoughby was born in about 1385 in Parham, Suffolk,
England, the daughter of William Willoughby and Lucy le Strange. He
married Joan Arundel 16 October 1428, receiving a dispensation as
they were related in the third and fourth degrees of kindred.
Thomas and Joan had the following children:
*1. Robert, married Cecily de Welles.
2. William
3. Joan
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY AND
LUCY LE STRANGE
William Willoughby was born in about 1360 of Eresby, Lincolnshire,
England, the son of Robert de Willoughby and Margery Zouche. He
married Lucy le Strange in January 1383.
A biography of William Willoughby states: "William Willoughby
was born 1370 in what is now the county of Lincolnshire in
England. Williams father, Robert, was the fourth baron de Eresby,
and when he died in 1396 William became the fifth baron of
Willoughby. William was a supporter of Henry IV and once Richard
II was captured, he joined William in England where Richard II was
forced to abdicate the throne by force. William continued his
dedication to Richard II, assisting with military support against
rebels in the North as well as against threats from the Welsh. His
continued loyalty earned him a place in the Order of the Garter.
His first wife, Lucy le Strange, was married to him in 1383. He
had five children with her and soon after she passed, he remarried
Joan Holland, the Duchess of York. He died in 1409 and was buried
in the Church of St. James in Spilsby" (Goodey, Emma. “The
Order of the Garter.” The Royal Family, Royal UK, 17 Dec. 2019,
www.royal.uk/order-garter; Cokayne, George E., and Peter W.
Hammond. The Complete Peerage: or a History of the House of Lords
and All Its Members from the Earliest Times. Sutton Pub., 1998.)
William died 4 December 1409 in Lincolnshire, and was buried in
Spilsby, Lincolnshire.
William Willoughby monument in Spilsbury
William and Lucy had the following children:
1. Elizabeth
* 2. Thomas, married Joan Arundel.
3. Robert
4. Margaret
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
ROBERT DE WILLOUGHBY AND
MARGERY ZOUCHE
Robert de Willoughby was born in about 1349, the son of John
Willoughby and Cecily de Ufford. He married 1) Alice, 2 Margery
Zouch before 29 March 1372. Margery was the daughter of William la
Zouche and Elizabeth de Ros.
A biography of Robert states: "He took part in Lancaster's
historic but futile march from Calais to Bordeaux, Aug.-Dec. 1373,
returning with Lancaster to England in 1374; was summoned to
Parliament from 20 Jan. 1375/6 to 20 Nov. 1394, by writs directed
Roberto de Wilughby; did homage to Richard II at his Coronation,
16 July 1377, and was among those appointed in Parliament to
confer with the Commons, Nov. 1381; was found to be a coheir of
William (de Ufford), 2nd Earl of Sufoflk, in 1382; accompanied the
King on his only expedition into Scotland, 1385 (he was in the
"Kynges Battail" with 50 men-at-arms and 60 archers); and served
again under Lancaster in Spain, 1386-87.
He married, firstly, in or before 1370, Alice (she is said
to have been a daughter of Sir William Skipwith, Chief Baron of
the Exch., by Alice, daughter and heir of Sir William Hiltoft, of
Ingoldmells, Lincs. He married, secondly, before 29 Mar.
1372, Margery, daughter of William (la Zouche), 2nd Lord Zouche
(of Haryngworth), by Elizabeth, daughter of William (de Ros), 2nd
Lord Ros (of Helmsley. She died 18 Oct. 1391 and was buried
at Spilsby aforesaid. He married thirdly, Elizabeth, de jure
suo jure Baroness Latimer, widow of John (de Neville), 3rd Lord
Neville (of Raby), daughter and heir of William (le Latimer), 4th
Lord Latimer, by his wife Elizabeth. She died 5 Nov. 1395
and was probably buried at Spilsby. Robert died 9 Aug. 1396
and was buried at Spilsby (his alabaster altar-tomb at Spilsby has
effigies of himself and his 3rd wife). Will dated at Eresby
27 May and 11 July 1396, directing burial at Spilsby, proved 12
Aug. 1396 at Stowe Park, and 19 May 1397 at Lambeth." (George
Edward Cokayne; Complete Peerage, v 12)
Robert Willoughby monument in Spilsbury
Robert and Margery had the following children:
1. Robert
2. John
*3. William, married Lucy le Strange.
4. Brian
5. Katherine
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
JOHN WILLOUGHBY AND
CECILY DE UFFORD
John de Willoughby was christened 6 January 1328 in Spilsby, the son
of John Willoughby and Joan Roscelyn. He married Cecily de Ufford,
the daughter of Robert, Earl of Suffolk and Margaret de Norwich.
Burke's Peerage recounts: "John de Willoughby, 3rd Lord (Baron)
Willoughby de Eresby; bapt 6 Jan 1328/9; knighted by May 1347;
thought to have assisted at Siege of Calais 1347; fought at Battle
of Poitiers 19 Sep 1356, campaigning again in France 1359-60 and
Gascony 1371; married by 1349 Cecily, 2nd daughter of Robert de
Ufford, 1st Earl of Suffolk, and died 29 March 1372."
A biography states: "John (de Willoughby), Lord Willoughby, or
Lord Willoughby de Eresby, son and heir, was born at Eresby manor
and baptized 6 Jan. 1328/9 in the church of St. James,
Spilsby. By indenture, May 1347, he, being then a knight,
was to stay with the Prince of Wales with five men-at-arms for one
year, being presumably with the Prince at the siege of Calais in
1347. Although a minor he was granted the wardship of his
lands, 27 Oct. 1349, and he had seisin thereof, 23 Feb.
1349/50. He was summoned to Parliament from 25 Nov. 1350 to
8 Jan. 1370/1, by writs directed Johanni de Wilughby de Eresby, or
Johanni de Wilughby. In 1355 he went to Gascony with the
Prince; he fought at Poitiers, 19 Sep. 1356; and was apparently
left behind to take part in the government of Gascony when the
Prince returned to England, Apr. 1357. He also took part in
the King's campaign in France, 1359-60, and in that of the Duke of
Lancaster there, 1369; and served again under Lancaster at the
siege of Montfont, in Gascony, early in 1371.
He married, before 1349, Cecily, sister and (in her issue)
coheir of William (de Ufford), 2nd Earl of Suffolk, 2nd but 1st
surviving daughter of Robert, 1st Earl of Suffolk, by Margaret,
great-aunt and (in her issue) heir of John (de Norwich), 2nd Lord
Norwich, daughter of Sir Walter de Norwich, of Sculthrope,
Norfolk. She died before him. He died 29 Mar. 1372,
aged 43, and was buried at Spilsby aforesaid." (George
Edward Cokayne; Complete Peerage, v 12)
John Willoughby monument in Spilsby
John and Cecily had the following children:
*1. Robert, married Margery Zouche.
2. Joan
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
JOHN WILLOUGHBY AND
JOAN ROSCELYN
John Willoughby was born 6 January 1303 in Lincolnshire, England,
the son of Lord Robert Willoughby and Margaret Deincourt. John
married Joan Roscelyn 2 July 1323. Joan was the daughter of Sir
Peter Roscelyn.
Burke's Peerage recounts: "John de Willoughby, 2nd Lord
(Baron) Willoughby de Eresby; born 6 Jan 1303/4; knight banneret
Jan 1326/7; campaigned in Gascony, Scotland, Britanny and France,
where present at Battle of Crecy 1346 and possibly also the
ensuing Siege of Calais; married by 2 July 1323 Joan, daughter of
Peter Roscelyn, of Edgefield, Norfolk, and died 13 June 1349."
Monument for John Willoughby and Joan Roscelyn in Spilsby
John and Joan had the following children:
*1. John, married Cecily de Ufford.
SOURCES: George Edward Cokayne; Complete Peerage, v 12
FAMILY HISTORY OF
ROBERT WILLOUGHBY AND
MARGARET DEINCOURT
Robert Willoughby was born in about 1250, the of of William de
Willoughby and Alice Beke. He married Margaret Deincourt, the
daughter of Edmund Deincourt and Isabel de Mohun.
Burke's Peerage recounts: "ROBERT DE WILLOUGHBY, son and heir,
born circa 1250-60, had a protection, going to Scotland with his
great-uncle, the Bishop of Durham, 12 June 1298; was often
summoned against the Scots, 1300-15; and took part in the siege of
Carlaverock, July 1300. He is said to have been granted the manor
of Eresby by his grandfather, John Beke, in 1301-02. He was
summoned to Parliament from 26 July 1313 to 26 November 1313, by
writs directed Roberto de Wylghby, whereby he is held to have
become LORD WILLOUGHBY. On 16 October 1313, as a follower of
Thomas of Lancaster, he was pardoned for his activities against
Gavaston.
1st son of Sir William de Willoughby, of Willoughby, Lincoln,
by his wife Alice Beke, 1st daughter and co-hieress. of John Beke,
1st Baron Beke
He married, in or before 1303, Margaret, daughter of Edmund
(DEINCOURT), 1st LORD DEINCOURT, by Isabel, daughter of Sir
Reynold DE MOHUN, of Dunster, Somerset. He died shortly before 25
March 1317. She died shortly before 18 October 1333.
Robert de Willoughby, 1st Lord (Baron) Willoughby de Eresby,
so created 26 July 1313 by writ of summons to Parliament made out
to "Roberto de Wylghby" (ie. Willoughby) alone, the addition of
"de Eresby" not occurring till the 1350-Jan 1370/1 Parliament of
Edward III, and then only in the period 1350-60, presumably
because a similarly named personage, Richard de Willoughby (a
descendant), was also called to that Parliament, the next version
of the title to include the suffix "de Eresby" occurring in 1580
(when the 2nd Baron Willoughby of Parham was sitting in
Parliament), the Barony from then on being held with superior
peerages till 1870 but referred to in the declaratory patent of 18
March 1780 as "Willoughby of Eresby" and only as "Willoughby de
Eresby" from the 1871 termination of the abeyance onwards, though
for conveniance's sake this form has been adhered to throughout
this article; born c 1250-60; campaigned against Scots, being
present at Siege of Carlaverock 1300; married by 1303 Margaret,
daughter of 1st Lord (Baron) Deincourt, and died just prior to 25
March 1316/7.
Robert and Margaret had the following children:
1. Mary
2. John, married Joan Roscelyn.
3. William
4. Thomas
5. Nicholas