FRANCIS FRANCES AND
JOCOSA BRIDGEN
Francis Frances was christened 13 September 1646
in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, the son of Francis Frances and Anne
Doughty. He married Jocosa Bridgen 23 October 1670 in Much
Wenlock. Jocosa or Joyce was christened 25 November 1641 in Much
Wenlock, the daughter of Arthure
Bridgen and Anne Cornes.
Marriage record of Francis Frances and Jocosa Bridgen in Much Wenlock:
"Francis Francis of Callaughton et Jocosa Bridgen de Presthope nupti suit...vicessimo tertio die Octobris 1670"
Much Wenlock
Francis of Presthope died and was buried 10 September 1702 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock:
"Mense September 1702 - Francus Francis de Presthope seplt est 10 dec"
Jocosa died and was buried 27 June 1728 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Jocosa Frances in Much Wenlock:
"Jocosa Francis vid: sepulta est vicesimo septimo"
Francis and Jocosa had the following children:
1. Richard, christened 9 May 1672 in Much Wenlock
2. Jocosa, christened 19 March 1673 in Much Wenlock.
3. Anna, christened 11 September 1679 in Much Wenlock; "of Francis de Presthope".
4. Anna, christened February 1680/1 in Much Wenlock; "of Francis de Presthope"; buried 28 April 1681 in Much Wenlock.
*5. Jocosa (Joyce), christened 19 October 1682 in Much Wenlock; married Ralph Corfield 9 July 1698 in Easthope, Shropshire. Joyce was listed as being of Much Wenlock in the marriage entry.
Baptism record for Jocosa Frances in Much Wenlock: "Jocosa fil Francis Frances & Jocosa de Presthop bapt Oct 19".
6. Maria, buried 19 December 1684 in Much Wenlock; "of Francis de Presthope".
7. Elizabeth, christened 17 May 1687 in Much Wenlock.
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register.
FRANCIS FRANCES AND
ANNE DOUGHTY
Francis Frances was christened 13 May 1614 in
Much Wenlock, the son of Richard and Catherine Francis of
Callaughton.
Francis married Anne Doughty 30 January 1637 in Much Wenlock. Anne was christened 10 April 1614 in Much Wenlock, the daughter of John Doughty and Joane Overton.
Marriage record for Francis Frances and Anne Doughty in Much Wenlock:
"ffranncis ffrancis and Anne Doughty both of this pishe were marryed the 30th day of January 1637"
Francis and Anne had the following children:
1. Joyce, christened 2 December 1638 in Much Wenlock.
2. Ellinor, christened 1 August 1641 in Much Wenlock.
3. Margarett, christened 11 February 1643 in Much Wenlock.
*4 Francis, christened 13 September 1646 in Much Wenlock.
Baptism record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock: "Frances the sonn of Frances Frances and Anne his wife"
5. Richard, christened 28 January 1648 in Much Wenlock.
6. William, christened 20 April 1651 in Much Wenlock.
7. Anne, christened 16 December 1653 in Much Wenlock, "of Calloton" (Callaughton).
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register.
Much Wenlock
Francis married Anne Doughty 30 January 1637 in Much Wenlock. Anne was christened 10 April 1614 in Much Wenlock, the daughter of John Doughty and Joane Overton.
Marriage record for Francis Frances and Anne Doughty in Much Wenlock:
"ffranncis ffrancis and Anne Doughty both of this pishe were marryed the 30th day of January 1637"
Francis died and was buried 22 May 1665 in
Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock: "ffranciscus ffrancis de Callaughton sepultus est vicessimo secdo die Maij 1665"
Burial record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock: "ffranciscus ffrancis de Callaughton sepultus est vicessimo secdo die Maij 1665"
Anne died and was buried 2 February 1706 in
Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Anne Frances in Much Wenlock: "Anna Francis de Callaughton splt est 3 die 84 Ann"
Burial record for Anne Frances in Much Wenlock: "Anna Francis de Callaughton splt est 3 die 84 Ann"
Francis and Anne had the following children:
1. Joyce, christened 2 December 1638 in Much Wenlock.
2. Ellinor, christened 1 August 1641 in Much Wenlock.
3. Margarett, christened 11 February 1643 in Much Wenlock.
*4 Francis, christened 13 September 1646 in Much Wenlock.
Baptism record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock: "Frances the sonn of Frances Frances and Anne his wife"
5. Richard, christened 28 January 1648 in Much Wenlock.
6. William, christened 20 April 1651 in Much Wenlock.
7. Anne, christened 16 December 1653 in Much Wenlock, "of Calloton" (Callaughton).
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register.
Much Wenlock
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
RICHARD AND CATHERINE FRANCES
RICHARD AND CATHERINE FRANCES
Richard Frances was christened 4 August 1577
of Callaughton in Much Wenlock, the son of Richard Frances and
Alice Heyward. Richard married Catherine. He was a weaver.
In British History Online, Callaughton and the Frances family are discussed: "Callaughton is presumed to have been part of Much Wenlock manor in 1086 and was so in 1255. As one of the manor's rural townships, it was probably subject to a leet in the priory liberty. Some time before 1540 Callaughton acquired a court baron. Richard Lawley bought Callaughton from the Crown in 1543. It descended thereafter with Bourton but remained a separate manor. The chief house was let to the Francis family from the 15th century to the 18th."
Richard was mentioned in estate records in 1618: "John Higginson of Much Wenlock complains against Richard Francis junior of Callaughton in a plea of debt. Case No 45. 24 Nov. 1618." (shropshirehistory.org.uk)
Richard was mentioned in a case in 1620: "George Caplewood complains against Richard Frances Junior in a plea that he render to him 20s which he owes him and unjustly detains. And there are pledges for prosecuting, to wit John Doe and Richard Roe. And wherefore the said George Caplewood by Richard Dawley, his attorney, says that whereas the said Richard Frances on the first day of May in the seventeenth year of the reign of our lord James now king of England etc at Much Wenlock aforesaid within the jurisdiction of this court accounted with the said George Caplewood for various sums of money of the said plaintiff for by the said Richard Francis received before that time accounting to the said George when requested; and at that account the said Richard Frances was found in arrears towards the said George Caplewoood in the said 20s by which the action accrued to the said plaintiff for demanding and having the said 20s from the said defendant. However, the said defendant despite being often requested has not yet rendered the said 20s to the said plaintiff but has wholly refused to render them to him and still refuses,wherefore the said plaintiff says that he has suffered damage and has damage to the value of 6s 8d. And thus he brings his suit." (Wenlock Bailiffs' Courts)
Richard died and was buried 11 May 1649 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Richard Frances in Much Wenlock: "Richard ffraunces of Callaton was buryed the 11th day of May 1649"
Catherine died and was buried 6 May 1664 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Catherine Frances in Much Wenlock: "Catherina ffrances vidua sepulta est May sexto 1664"
Richard and Catherine had the following children:
1. Alice, christened 5 June 1603 in Much Wenlock, daughter of "Richard Francis of Spittle Strete weaver".
2. Joyce, christened 13 January 1604 in Much Wenlock, daughter of "Richard Francis of Spittle Strete weaver".
3. Dority, christened 17 May 1607 in Much Wenlock; "of Callaughton".
4. Elizabeth, christened 29 May 1611 in Much Wenlock; "of Callaton".
5. Anne, christened 5 December 1613 in Much Wenlock.
*6. Francis, christened 13 May 1614 in Much Wenlock; son of "Richard Francis of Callaughton the elder".
Baptism record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock: "Francis sonne of Richard Francis of Callaughton th elder bapt the 13 of May".
7. Richard, christened 25 December 1616 in Much Wenlock; "of Calloton".
8. John, christened 4 March 1617 in Much Wenlock; "of Caloton".
9. Cornelia, christened 11 January 1617/8 in Much Wenlock; "of Caloton".
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register; shropshirehistory.org.uk; British History Online.
Callaughton
In looking at the pattern of children's names in our Richard's (about 1540) family, it seems more likely that his father was Richard. There are no Williams or Joans in their children's names. The name Richard seemed especially important, and three consecutive sons were given the name of Richard between 1575 and 1577.
In British History Online, Callaughton and the Frances family are discussed: "Callaughton is presumed to have been part of Much Wenlock manor in 1086 and was so in 1255. As one of the manor's rural townships, it was probably subject to a leet in the priory liberty. Some time before 1540 Callaughton acquired a court baron. Richard Lawley bought Callaughton from the Crown in 1543. It descended thereafter with Bourton but remained a separate manor. The chief house was let to the Francis family from the 15th century to the 18th."
Richard was mentioned in estate records in 1618: "John Higginson of Much Wenlock complains against Richard Francis junior of Callaughton in a plea of debt. Case No 45. 24 Nov. 1618." (shropshirehistory.org.uk)
Richard was mentioned in a case in 1620: "George Caplewood complains against Richard Frances Junior in a plea that he render to him 20s which he owes him and unjustly detains. And there are pledges for prosecuting, to wit John Doe and Richard Roe. And wherefore the said George Caplewood by Richard Dawley, his attorney, says that whereas the said Richard Frances on the first day of May in the seventeenth year of the reign of our lord James now king of England etc at Much Wenlock aforesaid within the jurisdiction of this court accounted with the said George Caplewood for various sums of money of the said plaintiff for by the said Richard Francis received before that time accounting to the said George when requested; and at that account the said Richard Frances was found in arrears towards the said George Caplewoood in the said 20s by which the action accrued to the said plaintiff for demanding and having the said 20s from the said defendant. However, the said defendant despite being often requested has not yet rendered the said 20s to the said plaintiff but has wholly refused to render them to him and still refuses,wherefore the said plaintiff says that he has suffered damage and has damage to the value of 6s 8d. And thus he brings his suit." (Wenlock Bailiffs' Courts)
Richard died and was buried 11 May 1649 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Richard Frances in Much Wenlock: "Richard ffraunces of Callaton was buryed the 11th day of May 1649"
Catherine died and was buried 6 May 1664 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Catherine Frances in Much Wenlock: "Catherina ffrances vidua sepulta est May sexto 1664"
Richard and Catherine had the following children:
1. Alice, christened 5 June 1603 in Much Wenlock, daughter of "Richard Francis of Spittle Strete weaver".
2. Joyce, christened 13 January 1604 in Much Wenlock, daughter of "Richard Francis of Spittle Strete weaver".
3. Dority, christened 17 May 1607 in Much Wenlock; "of Callaughton".
4. Elizabeth, christened 29 May 1611 in Much Wenlock; "of Callaton".
5. Anne, christened 5 December 1613 in Much Wenlock.
*6. Francis, christened 13 May 1614 in Much Wenlock; son of "Richard Francis of Callaughton the elder".
Baptism record for Francis Frances in Much Wenlock: "Francis sonne of Richard Francis of Callaughton th elder bapt the 13 of May".
7. Richard, christened 25 December 1616 in Much Wenlock; "of Calloton".
8. John, christened 4 March 1617 in Much Wenlock; "of Caloton".
9. Cornelia, christened 11 January 1617/8 in Much Wenlock; "of Caloton".
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register; shropshirehistory.org.uk; British History Online.
Callaughton
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
RICHARD FRANCES AND
ALICE HEYWARD
RICHARD FRANCES AND
ALICE HEYWARD
Richard Frances was born in about 1540 of
Callaughton in Much Wenlock. He married Alice Heyward 25
November 1566 in Much Wenlock. Richard was a weaver.
Marriage record for Richard Frances and Alice Heyward in Much Wenlock:
"Richard Francis and Alice Heyward both of this parish weare maryed the 25 daye of November 1566"
Richard died and was buried 20 October 1588 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Richard Frances in Much Wenlock:
"Richard Francis weaver was buryed the 20 day of October"
Alice died as a widow, and was buried 7 August 1605 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Alice Francis in Much Wenlock:
"Alice Francis widdow was buryed the same 7 day of August 1605"
Richard and Alice had the following children:
1. Agnes, christened 28 February 1566 in Much Wenlock.
2. John, christened 3 Oct 1568 in Much Wenlock; son of "Ric Francis weaver".
3. Anne, christened 28 August 1569 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
4. Margret, christened 17 December 1570 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
5. Richarde, christened 5 June 1575 in Much Wenlock, son of "Ric Francis weaver".
6. Richard, christened 10 June 1576 in Much Wenlock; "of Calawton".
*7. Richard, christened 4 August 1577 in Much Wenlock; married Catherine; buried 11 May 1649 in Much Wenlock.
.
Baptism record of Richard Francis in Much Wenlock: "Richard the sonne of Ric Francis was baptized the 4 day of August 1577".
8. John, christened 1 March 1578 in Much Wenlock; "of Richard Francis of Calowton".
9. Margery, christened 25 April 1581 in Much Wenlock: "of Ric Francis of Calowton"; buried 25 May 1581 in Much Wenlock.
10. Elizabeth, christened 20 May 1582 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
11. Beatrice, christened 15 May 1584 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
12. Thomas, christened 24 September 1587 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register.
Much Wenlock
The Francis family are found in earlier records in Much Wenlock. In the Tax Subsidy for Shropshire in 1524, these Frances heads of household were assessed these taxes:
Caloton (Callaughton)
Johes Fraunces b.v. mks - xx.d
Ricus Hayward b. iii.Li
Willms Fraunces b.xl.s - xii.d
Ricus Fraunces b. xl.s - xii.d
One of these - John, William, or Richard - may be Richard's father.
The 1524 tas assessment for Callaughton is torn, but both Richard and William Frances were listed.
In the 1543 tax assessment for Callaughton, these Frances heads of households are shown:
Wilielmus Fraunces b xls iiijd
Thomas Hayward b iijli vid
Richardus Fraunces b xls iiijd
Thomas Fraunces b xls iiijd
John Frances was alive at this time, aged 98, but was no longer assessed for the tax, and William had taken his place. Our Richard was born in about 1540, so would be a small child at this time, and his father is likely on this tax list.
There is an entry for John Frances in the early Much Wenlock register, as recorded in Extracts from the Register of Sir Thomas Butler, Vicar of Much Wenlock:
"1552. 22 March. Out of Calowton John France Fermer of the Chief ferme ther, being at the tyme of his death of the yeres of one hundred vij; five Score yeres, and seven yeres above the C at he himselfe in his lif tyme befor diverse of his neighbours did declare." From Spring in a Shropshire Abbey: "Then she alluded to the immense age of many of the parishioners named. ... whilst John Francis, chief farmer at Callaughton, Sir Thomas declared, was aged 107 years when he was buried." Since John was the chief farmer at Callaughton, he is likely the Johes Fraunces listed in the tax subsidy, leaving William or Richard as possible parents for Richard.
If true, John would have been born in 1445. In the Tax Subsidy of 1524, he would have been 79 years old. At Richard's birth in about 1540 he would have been about 95, and therefore, not likely to be Richard's father, but possibly his grandfather, or even great-grandfather.
SOURCES: Lay Subsidy of Shropshire 1524-7; Extracts from the Register of Sir Thomas Butler, Vicar of Much Wenlock; Spring in a Shropshire Abbey, by Lady Catherine Henrietta Wallop Milnes Gaskell. Shropshire Taxes in the Reign of Henry VIII, by M.A. Faraday.
It seems likely that either Richard, William or Thomas were our Richard's (born in about 1540) father. The existing Much Wenlock parish registers begin in 1558. A few earlier extracts exist, published as Extracts from the Register of Sir Thomas Butler. The only references to the Frances family was the burial entry for John Frances in 1552.
Neither William or Richard would be old enough to pay taxes in 1524, so it may be that there is another generation of Richard and William, sons of John Francis (born in 1445).
Marriage record for Richard Frances and Alice Heyward in Much Wenlock:
"Richard Francis and Alice Heyward both of this parish weare maryed the 25 daye of November 1566"
Richard died and was buried 20 October 1588 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Richard Frances in Much Wenlock:
"Richard Francis weaver was buryed the 20 day of October"
Alice died as a widow, and was buried 7 August 1605 in Much Wenlock.
Burial record for Alice Francis in Much Wenlock:
"Alice Francis widdow was buryed the same 7 day of August 1605"
Richard and Alice had the following children:
1. Agnes, christened 28 February 1566 in Much Wenlock.
2. John, christened 3 Oct 1568 in Much Wenlock; son of "Ric Francis weaver".
3. Anne, christened 28 August 1569 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
4. Margret, christened 17 December 1570 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
5. Richarde, christened 5 June 1575 in Much Wenlock, son of "Ric Francis weaver".
6. Richard, christened 10 June 1576 in Much Wenlock; "of Calawton".
*7. Richard, christened 4 August 1577 in Much Wenlock; married Catherine; buried 11 May 1649 in Much Wenlock.
.
Baptism record of Richard Francis in Much Wenlock: "Richard the sonne of Ric Francis was baptized the 4 day of August 1577".
8. John, christened 1 March 1578 in Much Wenlock; "of Richard Francis of Calowton".
9. Margery, christened 25 April 1581 in Much Wenlock: "of Ric Francis of Calowton"; buried 25 May 1581 in Much Wenlock.
10. Elizabeth, christened 20 May 1582 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
11. Beatrice, christened 15 May 1584 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
12. Thomas, christened 24 September 1587 in Much Wenlock; "of Calowton".
SOURCES: Much Wenlock parish register.
Much Wenlock
The Francis family are found in earlier records in Much Wenlock. In the Tax Subsidy for Shropshire in 1524, these Frances heads of household were assessed these taxes:
Caloton (Callaughton)
Johes Fraunces b.v. mks - xx.d
Ricus Hayward b. iii.Li
Willms Fraunces b.xl.s - xii.d
Ricus Fraunces b. xl.s - xii.d
One of these - John, William, or Richard - may be Richard's father.
The 1524 tas assessment for Callaughton is torn, but both Richard and William Frances were listed.
In the 1543 tax assessment for Callaughton, these Frances heads of households are shown:
Wilielmus Fraunces b xls iiijd
Thomas Hayward b iijli vid
Richardus Fraunces b xls iiijd
Thomas Fraunces b xls iiijd
John Frances was alive at this time, aged 98, but was no longer assessed for the tax, and William had taken his place. Our Richard was born in about 1540, so would be a small child at this time, and his father is likely on this tax list.
There is an entry for John Frances in the early Much Wenlock register, as recorded in Extracts from the Register of Sir Thomas Butler, Vicar of Much Wenlock:
"1552. 22 March. Out of Calowton John France Fermer of the Chief ferme ther, being at the tyme of his death of the yeres of one hundred vij; five Score yeres, and seven yeres above the C at he himselfe in his lif tyme befor diverse of his neighbours did declare." From Spring in a Shropshire Abbey: "Then she alluded to the immense age of many of the parishioners named. ... whilst John Francis, chief farmer at Callaughton, Sir Thomas declared, was aged 107 years when he was buried." Since John was the chief farmer at Callaughton, he is likely the Johes Fraunces listed in the tax subsidy, leaving William or Richard as possible parents for Richard.
If true, John would have been born in 1445. In the Tax Subsidy of 1524, he would have been 79 years old. At Richard's birth in about 1540 he would have been about 95, and therefore, not likely to be Richard's father, but possibly his grandfather, or even great-grandfather.
SOURCES: Lay Subsidy of Shropshire 1524-7; Extracts from the Register of Sir Thomas Butler, Vicar of Much Wenlock; Spring in a Shropshire Abbey, by Lady Catherine Henrietta Wallop Milnes Gaskell. Shropshire Taxes in the Reign of Henry VIII, by M.A. Faraday.
It seems likely that either Richard, William or Thomas were our Richard's (born in about 1540) father. The existing Much Wenlock parish registers begin in 1558. A few earlier extracts exist, published as Extracts from the Register of Sir Thomas Butler. The only references to the Frances family was the burial entry for John Frances in 1552.
- Thomas Frances does not appear in the parish registers in the 1550s and 1560s, and may have died before the start of the registers.
- William Frances of Callaughton was listed as the father of John Frances at John's marriage to Joan Persons on 10 February 1559. William's wife, Joan, was buried less than a month later on 1 March 1559. If John was about 25 years old at his marriage, then he was born in about 1534. William would have been born in about 1509.
- Richard Frances of Callaughton was listed as the father of Agnes Frances at her marriage to Jasper Cliveley on 15 June 1561. If Agnes was about 25 years old at her marriage, then she was born in about 1536. Richard would have been born in about 1511.
Neither William or Richard would be old enough to pay taxes in 1524, so it may be that there is another generation of Richard and William, sons of John Francis (born in 1445).
In looking at the pattern of children's names in our Richard's (about 1540) family, it seems more likely that his father was Richard. There are no Williams or Joans in their children's names. The name Richard seemed especially important, and three consecutive sons were given the name of Richard between 1575 and 1577.
