Thomas Earle was born in about 1550 of Eastcott in the parish of
Crudwell, Wiltshire, the son of William and Isobel Earle of Escott
(Eastcott). He married Bridgett.
Thomas was a prosperous yeoman farmer in Crudwell. A history of
Crudwell talks about the Chelworth manor farm: "Andrew Baynton
sold the manor in 1547 to Nicholas Snell, who sold it in 1553 to
William Earle (d. 1586). Earle devised it to his son Thomas (d.
1618), and it passed to Thomas's son Thomas (will proved 1638) and
daughter Margaret, the wife of John Partridge. John and his and
Margaret's son Thomas owned it c. 1649." (British
History Online - Crudwell)
Thomas died in about 1617 in Crudwell, leaving a will:
Will of Thomas Earle of Crudwell, 1618
Will of Thomas Earle, 1618 In the name of God Amen the thirtieth daye of Januarye Anno
reni dej nostril Jacobj dej gratia Anglie Francis et Hibernie
Regis fidej defensoris Decimo quinto et Scotia quinqrage simo
primo Annoj Dej: 1617 I Thomas Earle of Escott in the parrishe
of Crudwell in the Countie of Wiltes: yeoman finding by
daylie example the uncertainitie of mans life and beyng certain
that my body must walke the waye of all fleshe do therefore in my
perfect memory declare and make this my last will and testament
for the setlinge of my goodes wherewith God hath blessed me to
come and remayne to amonst my children and other herein named
according to my meaning herein declared: hoping therby to avoyde
all occasions of strife and contention and mayntayne love &
concorde between them after my death. And first with a repentant
harte for my mani saults and synnes paste I yeald my ssoule unto
Almightie God that created me with full confidence in his mercy
and by the meritts of my Savyoure Christ to rise at the generall
daye of Resurrecton amongst his elect and chosen: My bodye I leave
to the earthe with such ffuneralls as shall please myne executrix
whensoever yt shall please God to call me out of this transitory
life by his visitation. Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne
Thomas Earle tenne pounds and to Elizabeth his wife
I give fyv poundes. Item I give unto my said sonne my best
ironbound wheeles and wayne. Item I give unto hym my greate chest
the yoking stone the wainscot and glass aboute the howse, the
cupboard the table board with frames and benches my best bedstead,
my best bed with the furniture a dozen of pewter with the choise
of the best brasse pewter and other howshoulds after the decease
of Brigett my wife. Item I give unto my sayde sonne three
score poundes fortie poundes wherof resteth in the hands of John
Partridge and Thomas Kynge. Item I give unto hym the tearme
of yeres which are yet to come unexpired of and in one house and a
close therin to adjyning lying and byng in the deane Leasowes in
the parish of Okessy: Item I give unto my daughter Margaret
Partridge my second best bedsted and my second best bed with
the furniture a dozen of pewter with the second choise of the
brasse pewter and other howshould after the decease of Briget
my wife. Item I give unto Bridget Partridge fiftie
poundes and a score of sheepe which I latelie promised to give her
towards her marriage. Item I give unto Ellinor Partridge
thirtie poundes. Item I give unto Margaret Partridge
twentie poundes. Item I give unto John Partridge twentie
poundes. Item I give unto William Partridge twentie
poundes. Item I give unto Anthony Partridge tenne poundes.
Item I give unto James Partridge tenne poundes. Item I
give unto Giles Partridge thirteen pounds six shillings
eight pence. Item I give unto Mary Partridge twentie
poundes. Item I give unto Sara Partridge twentie poundes.
Item I give unto Elizabeth Partridge twentie poundes
provided always and my will is that theise partions before given
unto Elinor Margaret John William Anthony James Giles Mary
Sara and Elizabeth shalbe payde by my executrix unto my
overseers hereafter named at suche tyme and tymes as they shall
thincke fit and by my overseers to be set fourthe to the childrens
best advantage provided also that yf either of theise departe this
naturall life before they shall accomplishe the age of one and
twentie yeres of daye of marriage that then my will is that his
her or theire parte so dying shall come and remayne unto the other
then living by equall portions. Item I give unto my kynnesman
Philip Greene five poundes. Item I give unto Isabell
Richard Green Johane Greene and Mary Greene to each of them
fortie shillings. Item I give unto my brother William Earle
tenne shillings: Item I give unto Isabell Earle and Margaret
Earle daughters of my brother William Earle to each of them
fortie shillings. Item I give unto Rachell Woodward als Smythe the
wife of Nicholas Woodward als Smyth twentie shillings. Item I give
unto Nicholas Douleman and Agnes Dowlman children of William
Dowlman to each of them fortie shillings. Item I give unto Roger
Averye fortie shillings. Item I give unto Anne Morse twentie
shillings. Item I give unto John Dowlman twoe and twentie
shillings which he oweth me. Item I give unto William Dowlman his
sonne twoe and twentie shillings which Richard Shermor oweth me.
Item I give unto the sonne and daughter of William Dowlman the
younger to each of them tenne shillings. Item I give unto my
kynnesman Thomas Dowlman fortie shillings which he oweth me.
Item I give unto Briget Penryn twentie five shillinges to which
are pledged and pawned fourthe and I forgive her also tenne
shillings which she oweth me. Item I give unto John Earle
Thomas Earle Mary Earle Elizabeth Earle Joyce Earle Margaret
Earle and Susanna Earle the children of my cosin Thomas Earle clarke
to eache of them tenne shillings. Item I give unto William
Beale Mathewe Beale John Beale Henry Beale Mary Beale Johane
Beale and Margaret Beale the children of my cosin William Beale
clerke to each of them tenne shillings. Item I give unto ___
Dowlman of Okssey five shillings. Item I give unto the poore of
the parishe of Crudwell twenty poundes to be ymployed to the use
of the poore there: And whereas I have already given and delivered
six poundes to the use of the poore of the the parishe of Okessy
and five poundes to the use of the poore of the parish of
Hankerton my will was and is that the sayed sommes of six poundes
five poundes and the saied somme of twentie poundes shall from
tyme to tyme and always be ymployed to ye only use of the poore of
the saied parishes the use thereof to be distributed yerelie at
the discretion of the minister and churchewardens. And yf at any
tyme hereafter yt shalbe converted to any other use then to the
poore and so to remayne my will is that yt shall come and remayne
to my sonne Thomas Earle or his executors. Item I give
unto the parishe churche of Crudwell fortie shillings to by
ymployed towards the making of benches and desk rownde the channel
for the fit receyvinge of the communicants. Allso I desire my
sonne Thomas Earle clerke and my cosin William Beale
clerke to be my overseers and I give unto each of them ten
shillings. Item I forgive William Sherborne of Ashbie the debt
which he oweth me. Item I forgive George Robbins of Okessy the
debt which he oweth me. Item I forgive Robert Ricketts of Okessy
the five shillings which his wife oweth me. Item I forgive Richard
Canter the debt which he oweth me. Item I forgive Hugh Salten the
debt which he oweth me. Item I forgive John Partridge
eight poundes and tenne shillings which he oweth me. Item I
forgive Thomas Partridge the fourteen poundes which he
oweth me. The rest of all my goodes chattells and debtes not
before given and bequeathed (my leagacys payed and ffunerall
expences dischardged) I do freelie give and bequeath unto Briget
my wife whome I do make my full and sole executrix of this
my last will and testament not doubting but that she will performe
the same according to my tru meaning and intent herein. And I doe
hereby adnull and revoke all former willes and testaments by me
made. Thomas Earle Theise bearing witnesse Thomas Earle
clerke Thomas Harding Willm Earle William Beale clerke.
Bridgett died in about 1626, leaving a will:
Will of Bridgett Earle of Crudwell, 1626
Will of Bridgett Earle of Eastcoote in Crudwell, 1626 In the name of God Amen I Bridgett Earle of Eastcoote in
the parish of Curdwell, in the county of Wilts widdow albeit
sicke in body yet of good and perfect memorie thancks be given to
God therefore doe make this my last testament in manner and forme
as ffolloweth ffirst I bequeath my soule into the hands of
allmightie God and my body to the earth. And my goodes which God
hath blessed me with to be disposed of as ffolloweth Imprimis I
give & bequeath unto my sonne Thomas Earle all that my
right title and interest in this my coppyhould land which may
growe and arise due thence unto my executor after our Lady day
next if any such be due. Item I give and bequeath unto my
daughter Margarett Patridge forty shillings. Item I give
unto my grandchilde Gyles Pattridge six pounds thirteen
shillings foure pence which I have invested out of that portion
which his grandfather gave him. Item I give unto my
grandchilde Anthoney Patridge five pounds. Item I give unto
my grandchylde Mary Partridge ten pounds. Item I give unto
my grandchilde Sara Partridge ten pounds. Item I give unto
my grandchiylde Elizabeth Pattridge tenn pounds all which
summes of money I have increased out of theire severall portions
given and bequeathed unto them by thire grandfather. And all which
sommes of money together with thire portions given by theire
grandfather remayne still in my hands. And my will is that my
executor heareafter named shall employe the same to theire best
advantage as I myself have done. Item I give unto my
grandchilde Elioner Pattridge ten pounds. Item I give unto my
grandchilde Margarett Pattridge ten pounds. Item I give unto
my grandchilde Bridgett Hiller the wief of Thomas Hiller
twenty shillings. Item I give to the poore of the parish of
Crudwell the summe of five pounds to remayne to theire use
forever, And the use of the said five pounds shalbe distributed
yearlie at the discretion of the Minister and churchwardens and if
at any tyme hereafter it shall be converted to any other use my
will is that it shall come and remayne to my executor forever. All
the rest of my goods and chattells movable and unmovable
whatsoever unbequeathed my debts paid and my funeral expences
discharded I give and bequeath unto my grandchild Thomas
Pattridge whome I make and ordayne my whole and sole
executor of this my last will and testament, not doubting but that
he will performe the same according to my true entent and
meaninge. And of this my last will and testament I make and
ordayne overseers John Bradshawe and Thomas Hardinge. In witness
whereof I have put to my hand the daye and yeare above written.
Bridgett Earle her marke. In the psence of Thomas Earle John
Player his marke.
Thomas and Bridgett had the following children:
1. Thomas, married Elizabeth, left a will dated 1638,
mentioning wife Elizabeth, sister Margaret Partridge als Earle, and
William Earle.
*2. Margaret, married John Partridge of Crudwell by 1596.
SOURCES: Will of Bridgett Earle of Crudwell, 1626,
PCC; Will of Thomas Earle of Crudwell, 1618, PCC; British History
Online - Crudwell; Earles of Wiltshire, S.E. Earle,
William Earle was born in about 1520 of Eascott in the parish of
Crudwell. He married Isobel. She had lands in Bradenbrook. William
bought Chelworth manor farm in Crudwell in 1553.
William and Thomas Earle were listed in Crudwell in a taxation list
of 1576.
Taxation list, Crudwell, 1576
William died in about 1585, leaving a will:
Will of William Earle of Crudwell, 1585
William Earle of Crudwell, 1585 In the name of God Amen in the xxvijth daye of January 1585
and in the xxiij yeare of the raigne of our soverraigne Lady
Elizabeth by the grace of God of England Ffrannce and Ireland
Queene Defender of the fathe I Willm Earle of Escott in the
pish of Crudwell within the county of Wilts do make and
ordayne this mye last will and testament in manner and fourme
followinge, I the unprofitable servannte of God beinge weake in
body and notwithstanding of good and perfect remembrance laud and
prayse be unto almighty God doe willingly and with a free hart
render and give agayne into the hands of the Lord my God my
Savverithe which of his ffatherly goodness he gave unto and when
he fashioned this bodye in my mothers woombe by this meanes making
mee a living creature nothinge doubting but that this my Lord God
for his mercy sake sett fourth in the pretious bloude of his
dearly beloved sonne Christ Jesus one alone Sviour and redeemer
will receive my soule into his glory and place yt in the company
of heavenly sayntes and blessed angels forever And as touching my
body geaven with a goodwill and free hart I give it over unto the
earth from whence it came. Imprimis I give unto the cathedral
church of Sarum iijd Item I give to the church of Crudwell xijd.
Item I give to the poore mens boxe of Crudwell iijs iiijd. Item I
give unto my sonne Thomas my lande lyinge in Chellwoorth
within the pishe of Crudwell and all and singuler thereunto
belonging, to have and to houlde unto the said Thomas Earle and to
his heires males lawfully begotten of his body for ever. And yf it
happen my sonne Thomas to decease without yssue male lawfully
begotten then my will is the said land lyinge in Chellwoorth with
all thereunto belonging shall remayne unto my sonne John Earle
and to his heires and males lawfully begotten for ever, And yf it
happen my sonne John to dye without hires males lawfully begotten
then my will is that the said lands shall remaine unto my
sonne William & his heires males of his bodye lawfully
begotten for ever, And yf it happen my sonne William to
dye without heires males lawfully begotten then my will is that
the said lands shall remaine unto my sonne Gyles & to
his heires males of his body lawfully begotten for ever, yf it
happen my sonne Giles to dye without heires mailes
lawfully begotten, then my will is that the said lands shall
remayne unto my sonne Nicholas and to heires males of his
body lawfully begotten for ever, yf it happen all mye said sonnes
to dye without heires males of their bodyes lawfully begotten then
my will is that the said lands shall remaine unto the heires
generall of mee the said William Earle. Item I give to my
sonne John and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully
begotten mye lande lyinge in Chedglow within the parishe of
Crudwell excepting all suche lande before bequeathed belonginnge
to Chelworth with all pastures and all other the appurtenances
whatsoever there unto belonging for ever. Yf it happen my sonne
John to dye without heires males of his body lawfully begotten,
then my will is that the said lande shall remaine unto my
sonne William & to the heires males of his bodye
lawfully begotten for ever. Yf it happen my sonne William
to dye without heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten then my
will is that the lande shall remayne unto my sonne Gyles and to
the heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten for ever. Yf it
happen my sonne Gyles to dye without heires males of his
bodye lawfullye begotten then mye will is that the said lande
shall remaine unto my sonne Nicholas and to the heires
males of his bodye lawfully begotten for ever. Yf it happen my
saide sonnes to dye without heires males of their bodyies lawfully
begotten then my will is that the saide lands shall remaine to the
heires generall of mee the said William Earle. Item I give unto my
sonne William my house in Malmesbury nowe in the occupacon
of one Browne with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to
have and to hould unto the saide Willm and to the heires males of
his bodye lawfullye begotten for ever. Yf it happen my sonne
William to dye without heires males of his body lawfullye
begotten then my will is that the saide lande shall remayne unto my
sonne Giles and to the heires males of his bodye lawfullye
begotten for ever. If it happen my sonne Gyles to dye
without heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten then mye will
is that the saide land shall remayne unto my sonne Nicholas
and to the heires males of his bodye lawfullye begotten for ever.
Yf it happen mye said sonnes to dye without heires males of their
bodyes lawfully begotten then my will is that the said lande shall
remayne unto the heires generall of mee the said Willm Earle. Item
I give unto my sonne Nicholas mye house with all and
singuler the appurtenances thereunto belonging lynge in Crudwell
now in the occupacon of my sonne Robert Earle. Alsoe I
give unto my sonne Nicholas one house in Mawlemesbury with
the appurtenences thereunto belonging nowe in the occupacon of one
Teyte to have and to hold the said the five tennimentes with all
and singuler the appurtenances thereunto belonging to my said
sonne Nicholas & to the heires males of his bodye
lawfully begotten for ever. Yf it happen my sonne Nicholas to
dye without heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten then my
will is that the said land shall remaine to the heires generall of
mee the said Willm Earle. Item I give to my sonne Gyles mye
lands lyinge in Newnton with all the appurtenances thereunto
belonging and to the haires males of his bodye lawfullye begotten
for ever. Yf it happen my sonne Gyles to dye without
heires males of his bodye lawfullye begotten then my will is that
the said lande shall remayne unto mye sonne Nicholas and
the the heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten forever. Yf if
happen mye sonne Nicholas to dye without heires males of
his bodye then my will is that the said lande shall remayne unto mye
sonne Thomas and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully
begotten forever. Yf if happen mye sonne Thomas to dye
without heires males of his bodye then my will is that the said
lande shall remayne unto mye sonne John and to the heires
males of his bodye lawfully begotten forever. Yf if happen mye
sonne John to dye without heires males of his bodye then my
will is that the said lande shall remayne unto mye sonne
William and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully
begotten forever. Yf it happen all my said sonnes to dye without
heires males of their bodyes lawfully begotten, then my will is
that the said lande shall remaine to the heires males generall of
mee the saide William Earle. Item I give to my sonne Gyles
fiftie pounds of currant money of England to be paide unto him at
the feaste of Christmas next but yf it happen my sonne Gyles to
dye before Christmas next, then my will is that the saide fiftie
poundes shalbe equallye distributed between my two sonnes
William and Nicholas. Item I give more to my sonne Gyles
mye yonge graye mare that I used to ryde on mysellffe. Item I give
to my daughter Anne fourtie poundes of currant money of
England to be paide at the day of her marriage condicionallye that
shee be ruled by her friends. Yf it happen mye daughter Anne
to dye before the daye of her marriage in fourme aforesaid then my
will is tha the said legacie shalbe devided amonge the rest of her
sisters. Item I give to my daughter Anne a featherbed with
all thynges thereunto belonging to be delivered at the daye of her
marriage. Item I give to mye daughter Jone the wyffe of
William Peers thirtie sheepe at his choise other ewes or
hogges. Item I give unto William Catrott gent a graye mare. Item I
give more unto mye daughter Joan one rone. Item I give to
my daughter Agnes Douleman thirtie ewes. Item I give to William
Peers one baye mare calfe. Item I give to mye sonne
William one yron bounde wayne to be delivered after the
decease of my wyffe. Item I give to my sonne in lawe John
Browne one gray mare calfe. Item I give to my sonne
Thomas one sestone of stone condiconally that my wyffe shall
have the use of it duringe her lyffe, and that the said stone
shall never goe out of the name. Item I give to my sonne
Nicholas one yron bounde wayne to be delivered after the
decease of mye wyffe. Item I give to Thomas the sonne of
Thomas Earle on heifor of a yeare oulde. Item I give to William
the sonne of Nicholas Earle a beast of a yere ould. Item I
give to my godsonne John the sonne of John Earle a heyffer
of a yeare ould. Item I give to William the sonne of Nicholas
Earle a beast of a yere ould. Item I give to William the
sonne of William Douleman a heyffer of a yeare ould. Item I
give unto Margaret the daughter of Robert Earle one
heyffor of a yeare oulde Item I give unto Isabell the daughter
of William Earle one heifer of a yeare oulde. Item I give
unto John the sonne of William Douleman one beaste of a
yeare oulde. Item I give to Thomas the sonne of John Earle a
beast of a yeare oulde. Item I give unto Alice Dicke a beast of a
yeare oulde. Item I give unto every one of my childrens children
as well those named as those unnamed an ewe and a lambe. Item I
give unto Thomas Lucas an ewe and a lambe. Item I give unto every
one of my household servanttes a sheepe. Item I give unto every
one of mye godchildren unnamed before a sheepe a piece. Item I
give unto every one of the witnesses of this mye last will and
testament a sheepe a piece. Item mye will is that mye sonne
John shall occupie all the land belonging to Chellwoorth
duringe his mothers lyffe that he hath already in possession. Item
that whereas Robert Earle mye sonne doe owe unto mee
eighteen poundes of currant English money my will and bequest is
that said somme of xxx shalbe made and equally devided between Elizabeth
my wyffe and Nicholas Earle mye sonne. And further
my request unto Robart Earle my sonne is, that he will
suffer Nicholas Earle his brother to redeme againe that
lease that he hath taken of mee of mye lande that lyeth in
Crudwell called by the name of Bawles house which was in the hands
of John Bawle taking of the saide Nicholas Earle soe muche money
as he paide unto mee for the same with some advantage and not to
exact of him to the uttermost with extremitye. Item I give unto mye
sonne Robt Earle one graye mare colte upon condicon that mye
said sonne Robart doe let his brother Nicholas
redeeme the lease above whearsed. Item all the rest of my goodes
moveable and unmoveable as well within the house as without beinge
unbequeathed I give unto Elizabeth my wyffe whome I make
my whole executrix, and my will is that Elizabeth my wyffe
shall have the use of mye lande duringe her lyffe the which I have
fefore bequeathed unto my sonnes condiconallye that shee shall not
let any lease thereof. Further my will is that yf mye saide wyffe
doe marrye that then mye sonnes to have and enter into the lande
forthwith. All mye will is that if it happen mye saide wyffe doe
marry that then shee shall have fourtye poundes and her chamber
and so to departe, and my sonnes to take and receive mye goods as
well moveable as unmoveable, and my overseers to distribute if
amonges all my children. Item I do appointe to see this mye will
performed in the name of overseers Henry Poole of Gayton sonne and
heire to Sir Gyles Poole knight to whone I give my stoned coffer,
Thomas Walton esquire to whome I give an angell, John Snell
esquire to whome I give an angell/ Debts due and owinge unto mee as followeth Imprimis William
Gingell tenne shillings. Item Henry Cawlston tenne shillings. Item
Robart Earle mye sonne eighteen poundes. Item Gyles Diwer
die owe mee twentye shillings. Debts due and owinge by mee Imprimis to mye sonne in lawe
John Browne nyne poundes six shilllinges eight pence. Item to
Nicholas Dickes tenne poundes. Witnesses to this will and
testament those whose names are underwritten Thomas Jones curate
of Crudwell The merke of William Perres the marke of George Whyte,
William Dicks marke, The marke of Nicholas Whyte.
Isobel died in about 1596, leaving a will.
Will of Isobel Earle of Crudwell, 1596
In Dei Nomine Amen the two and twentieth daie of October in
the yeare of our Lorde God 1596 I Isabell Earle of
Escott in the countye of Wiltes widow doe ordeyne and make
this my laste will and testament in manner and forme following
that ys to saie, ffirste I comende my soule to Almightie God,
my Creator and maker, trusting that my the merrittes of his
deere sonne Jhesus Christe, I shall be made partaker of his
everlastinge kingdome of heaven; And I will my bodye to by
bured in the parrishe churche of Crudwell. Imprimis I geve and
bequeath to the poore of the saide parrishe of Crudwell
twentye shillings. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my sonne
Thomas, all my ploughe harness saving and excepting that
that was geven and bequeathed by my late husbandes last will
and testament. Item I geve and bequeath unto Thomas Erle
and Margarett Partridge sonne and daughter of my said sonne
Thomas and unto my godsonne Thomas Partridge sonne
of the foresaide Margarett, to eche of them an ewe and a
lambe a peece. Item my requeste unto myne executours is that
they will suffer my saide sonne Thomas quietlie to
hold and enioye my coppyholde att Bradenbrooke in as large and
ample manner as they should have don according to the custome
of the mannor of Crudwell. Item I geve and bequeathe unto Elizabeth
Earle and Isabell Earle beinge my goddaughters and
daughters of my sonne Roberte Earle six poundes
thirtene shillings ffoure pence a peece. Item I geve and
bequeathe unto Margarett Marye Robert and William sonnes
and daughters of my saide sonne Roberte an ewe
and a lambe a peece. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my
sonne John Earle a beaste of twoe years of age. Also I
geve and bequeathe unto John Earle the sonne of the
foresaide John Earle a beaste of two years of age. Item
I geve and bequeathe unto Thomas Earle sonne of my saide
sonne John a yerelinge calfe and an ewe and a lambe.
Item I geve and bequeathe unto Margarett Earle daughter of
my saide sonne John, and beinge my goddaughter six
powndes thirteene shillings ffouwre pence. Item I geve and
bequeathe unto Susanna daughter of my saide sonne John
an ewe and lambe. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my sonne
William tenne powndes. Item I geve and bequeathe unto Isabell
Earle the eldest daughter of my saide sonne William and
beinge my goddaughter six powndes thirteen shillings ffowre
pence. Item I geve and bequeathe unto Isabell the younger
daughter of my saide sonne William and beinge my
goddaughter thirtye shillings remaynynge in the hands of her
saide father. Item I geve and bequeathe unto William
Thomas and Alice sonnes and daughter of the saide William
an ewe and a lambe a peece. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my
sonne Gyles Earle my best brasse panne. Item whereas my
sonne Gyles dothe owe unto me five pownded ffiftene
shillings, my will and bequest is that the saide money shalbe
equally devyded amoungest his ffyve children. Moreover I geve
and bequeathe unto eche of them an ewe and a lambe a peece.
Item I geve and bequeathe unto John Earle and
Isabell Earle sonne and daughter of my sonne Nicholas
deceased sixe powndes thirteen shillings fowre pence a peece
yf so be that myne executours maie recover of Margarett
Earle late wiefe of my saide sonne Nicholas twentye
powndes which I lente unto my saide sonne Nicholas
before his deathe. Item my will and bequest is that yf my
saide daughter in lawe Margarett Earle will paye unto
myne executours the some of twentye markes quietlie without
trouble of law within one yeare after my decease that then the
other twentie nobles parcel of the saide twentye poundes I doe
freelie forgeve her. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my
daughter Joane Pearce tenne powndes. Item I geve and
bequeathe unto Agnes Dolman my daughter tenne powndes,
one cowe, one coverlet, one blanckett, and one paire of
sheetes. But my will meanynge and bequest is that my sonne
Thomas shall have the use of the saide tenne powndes and
cowe afore bequeathed unto the use of the saide Agnes during
the liefe of her husbande William Dolman. And yf yt
shall happen the saide Agnes Dolman shall dye and decease
before her saide husbande that then the tenne powndes and cowe
before bequeathed shalbe equallye devyded amoungest her
children that that shalbe then living. Item I geve and
bequeathe unto John Dolman sonne of the saide William and
Agnes six powndes thirteen shillings ffowre pence. Item
I geve and bequeathe unto Nicholas Dolman sonne of the
saide William Dolman three powndes sixe shillings
eighte pence, and one beaste of a yeare olde. Item I geve and
bequeathe unto William Bridgett Alice Agnes Elizabeth and
Thomas sonnes and daughters of the saide William and Agnes
an ewe and a lambe a peece. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my
daughter Alice Browne tenne powndes, and unto her
three children Thomas Isabell and Bridgett beinge my
godchildren sixe poundes thirteen shillings foure pence a
peece. Item I geve and bueath unto ffrannces John and
William sonnes of my saide daughter Alice an ewe and a
lambe a peece. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my daughter
Anne Greene tenne powndes my little coffer att my
beddes foote with all that is in yt, one greate cheste, and
one of my lesser brasse pannes. Item I geve and bequeathe unto
John and Isabell sonne and daughter of my saide daughter
Anne beinge my godchildren sixe powndes thirteen
shillings foure pence a peece. Item I geve unto William
and Richarde sonnes of my saide daughter Anne an ewe
and a lambe a peece. Item my will and bequest is that yf any
of my childrens children doe happen to dye or decease before
they attaine to the age eighteen years. That then the money to
them bequeathed with the increase thereof shalbe equallye
devyded amoungest his or her brothers and sisters then
survyvinge. Item I geve and bequeathe all my lynnen not before
geven nor bequeathed unto all my daughters equallie to be
devyded amoungest them. Item I geve and bequeathe unto my
maide Thomazyne one heyffer of two years of age. Item I
geve and bequeathe unto Alice Dyke my best gowne, a
bushell of wheate and a bushell of barley. The rest of all my
goodes and chattels as well moveable as unmoveable. I doe geve
and bequeathe unto my two sonnes Roberte Erle and Gyles
Earle, whom I make myne executours. Also I doe institute
and appointe my welbeloved in Christe Roberte Hibbarde of
Haselden and my sonne Thomas Earle to bee my overseers
of this my last will and testament to whom I geve for their
paines sixe shillings eighte pence a peece. Item I geve and
bequeathe unto Richarde Davies the wryter hereof three
shillings foure pence. Item I geve and bequeathe unto Willm
Samuell and Joane the sonnes and daughter of my sonne John
Earle, to eche of them a sheepe. Witnes to this my last
will and testament Rich: Davies script Thomas Earle, Nicholas
White, Johannis ffreeman, Agnetes Greene.
William and Isobel had the following children:
*1. Thomas, married Bridgett; died in about 1617 in
Crudwell.
2. Robert, had children Robert, William, Margaret,
Elizabeth, Mary, and Isobel.
3. John, married Mary; had children John, Thomas, William,
Margaret (Beale), Susannah, Samuell and Joane; left a will written
in 1608.
4. William, had children William, Thomas, Alice, Isobel,
Margaret, and Isobel.
5. Gyles, married Alice; had sons Giles, William, Thomas,
daughter Rachell; had five children mentioned in his mother's will,
but not by name; Gyles left a will dated 1599.
6. Nicholas "of Escott"; married Margaret Dicke; had
children William, John, Isobel, and Gyles; died 1595; will proven 4
October 1595.
7. Jone, married William Pearce.
8. Agnes, married William Doulman; had children John,
Nicholas, William, Bridgett, Alice, Agnes, Elizabeth, and Thomas
9. Alice, married John Browne; had children Thomas, Isabel,
Bridgett, Frances, John and William.
10. Anna, married Phillip Greene; had children John, Isabel,
John, and Richarde.
SOURCES: Will of William Earle of Crudwell, 1585,
Prerogative Court of Canterbury; Will of Isabell Earle of
Crudwell, 1596, PCC; will of John Earle of Crudwell, 1608; will of
Gyles Earle of Crudwell, 1599; will of Nicholas Earle of Crudwell,
1595; British History Online - Crudwell; Two
Sixteenth Century Taxation Lists, 1545: 1576 by G.D.
Ramsay; Earles of Wiltshire, S.E.
Earle,
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF WILLIAM EARLE AND
MARGERY LUDLOW
William Earle was born in about 1490, the son of Robert Earle. He
married Margery Ludlow.
William was listed in a muster record in Crudwell in 1539.
North Wiltshire Musters Anno Henry VIII (Year 1539) (http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~dutillieul/genealogy/ZWiltsMuster/PlacesNum.html)
William and Margery had the following child:
*1. William, married Isobel, died in about 1585.
SOURCES: Earles of Wiltshire, S.E. Earle.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF ROBERT EARLE
Robert Earle was born in about 1460 of Compton, Somerset. A history
of the Earles says, "The marriage of Margaret de Sondes and John
Erle (or Earle) united two streams from Sir John de Erleigh, "The
White Knight", and continued the Earle stock and the Earle name in
Somerset. Their second son was Robert Earle, d. 1517, of Compton,
Somerset, who inherited part of his mother's patrimony and
acquired lands in Crudwell, Wilts. This in the origin of the
Wiltshire branch. His wife's name is not given. He left seven
sons." (Earles of Wiltshire, S.E. Earle) Robert and his wife had the following children:
1. Robert, of Compton Sands; "Being cheated in a purchase
broke his heart and died without issue". (Earles of
Wiltshire)
2. Richard
3. John, "of West Crudwell; died without issue".
4. Thomas, died without issue.
*5. William, "left one son, William of Escott".
6. Gyles, "of Escott in Crudwell".
7. Nicholas, "of Escott, had a son Thomas from whom
another Thomas of Crudwell, who married Elizabeth".
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF JOHN ERLE AND MARGARET DE SONDES
John Erle was born in about 1430. He married Margaret de Sondes.
Margaret was the daughter of Sir Walter Sondes, knight, and Margaret
de Erleigh.
A history of the Earles family states: "Margaret de Sondes was a
great-grandchild of Sir John de Erleigh, "The White Knight". So
was her husband John Erle (d. 1484). They were therefore second
cousins, and the lines originating with them were doubly descended
from the Earle stock." (Earles of England - Somerset)
John and Margaret had the following children:
1. John, died 1508.
*2. Robert, born in about 1460 of Compton, Somerset; died
1517.
The same history of the Earles gives this ancestry:
Margaret de Erleigh (d. 1442) was the daughter and sole heir of Sir
John de Erleigh, married three times - first to John St. Maur,
second to Sir William Cheney, knight, and third to Sir Walter
Sondes, knight.
Margaret's father, Sir John de Erleigh (d. 1442) was also a knight.
He married Isabel Pavely, the daughter of Sir John Pavely.
Sir John de Erleigh's father was also Sir John de Erleigh, born in
1334; died in 1410. He was known as The White Knight. "In the
fortieth year of Edward III (1367) he attended the Black Prince
into Spain, and was present at the battle of Naziers and several
other engagements in that kingdom, in one of which he was wounded
and taken prisoner, and being put to a great ransom, was forced to
sell the best part of his ancient inheritance." He married
Margaret, the daughter of Sir Guy de Brien, Knight of the Garter,
and had children John, Robert, Richard, Philip, and three daughters.
The White Knight's father was John de Erleigh, who died 1338 being
seized of the manors of Beckington, Somerton-Erle, and several other
lands in Somerset. He had married Elizabeth, and had children John,
Richard, Catherine (who became the prioress of Buckland), Elizabeth,
and Alice.
John de Erleigh's father was another John de Erleigh, who was in the
Scottish wars in the reign of Edward I in 1281, and was Sheriff of
Somerset and Dorset in 1288. He died in 1324.
John's father was Philip de Erleigh, who married first Rose,
daughter of Peter de Marisco, and second, Maud, lady of the manor of
Babcary. They had sons John, Peter, and Roland, and a daughter who
married Richard de Acton.
Philip's father was Henry de Erleigh, who was Sheriff of Somerset
and Dorset in 1228. He married first Egelina de Candos by whom he
had Philip, and then Claricia, and had sons John and Bartholomew.
Henry's father was William de Erleigh, who in the first year of King
John's reign paid scutage for lands in Berkshire and Somerset. He
had two sons, John and Henry.
William's father was John de Erleigh who, in the sixt year of
Richard I, paid scutage for his lands in Somerset and Berkshire. In
the first year of King John's reign he held the manor and hundred of
North Petherton at an annual rent to the King of one hundred
shillings.
John's father was William de Erleigh wo held a knight's fee in
capite of the King, and by his fee had a right to be his
Chamberlain. William was the founder of a priory at Buckland.
The first recorded ancestor of the Earle family was William's
father, John de Erlegh, who in the seventh year of King Henry II
paid five marks scutage for his land in Somerset. He died in 1165,
and Adela, his widow paid the same scutage. (Earles of England -
Somerset)
SOURCES: Earles of England - Somerset, S.E. Earle,
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~desmier/genealogy/docs/Earles%20of%20Somerset.pdf.
