William Denze of Bourton was born in about 1490. He married Alys. William died and was buried 23 May 1545 in Cropredy.

Burial record for William Denze in Cropredy:
"Wyllm Denze whas beryed ye xxiijth day of May"

William and Alys had the following children:
 

1. Richard, born in about 1520 of Cropredy; married Catherine; of Little Bourton; will written 1559 mentioning sons John, William and Thomas; buried 1559 in Cropredy.

2. Fremund, born in about 1525 of Cropredy; occupation - husbandman of Bourton; lived with niece Alese Howse in later years; buried September 1609 in Cropredy; will proven 1609.

*3.  Alice, born in about 1538 of Cropredy; married John Sherman 22 November 1556 in Cropredy.

4. Margytt, christened 27 March 1539 in Cropredy; buried 13 April 1539 in Cropredy.

5. William, christened 6 Jan 1540 in Cropredy; buried March 1558/9 in Cropredy; will proven 1558/9, mentions brothers John, Thomas, Richard and Fremund, and sister Elyne Polton.

6. Simond, christened 28 October 1540 in Cropredy; buried 14 November 1540 in Cropredy.

7. Anne, christened 18 November 1543 in Cropredy.

8. John, mentioned in brother William's will.

9. Elyne, mentioned in brother William's will; married Mr. Polton.

10. Thomas, mentioned in brother William's will; married Elizabeth Gyll 1544 in Mollington; had children John, Elizabeth and Alice; Elizabeth was a widow in her will of 1602.

SOURCES: Cropredy parish register; The Town of Cropredy, 1570-1640, Pamela Keegan; will of Richard Denzie, 1559; will of Fremund Denzie, 1609; will of William Denzie, 1558/9; will of Elizabeth Denzie, 1602, wills on http://wills.oxfordshirefhs.org.uk.
   

An earlier Denze is mentioned in the Poll Tax for Wardington in 1379:

Willelmus Dency   4d

SOURCE: The Poll Tax 1377, 1379 and 1381; Carolyn C. Fenwick.