Richard Gwynnett, c.1565 – 1616

Richard Gwinnett was the son of George Gwynedd and his wife, Eleanor.  I have not found a birth or baptism for him.  In Smith’s Men & Armour for Gloucestershire in 1608, Richard is the only Gwinnett listed; this gives credence to the idea that Richard was George and Eleanor’s only surviving son.  He is included in the list for Badgeworth parish and is described thus:

Richard Gwynnet, husbandman, 2. m. tr. hath a musket furnished.

The relevant codes used in the book are:

  • The figure (2.) shows the age of that man to be about Forty.
  • The letter (m.) shows that man to be of the middle stature fit to make a musketeer.
  • The letters (tr.) show that at the time of taking this view, he was then a trained soldier.

Since the code figure 1 means ‘a man of about 20’ and code figure 3 describes the man as being ‘between 50 and 60’ years old, it seems fair to assume the figure 2 ranges from about 30 to 49 years of age.  Thus a birth date around 1565 has been assumed for Richard.

At some stage, presumably in the middle to late 1590s, Richard married Mary Estcourt, a lesser member of the noted Gloucestershire family.  When and where they married is unknown but she is believed to have been the daughter of Richard Estcourt, a younger son of Edmund Estcourt of Shipton Moyne.  Richard and Mary had two sons, named George and Richard.  George was baptised at Badgeworth in on 20th January 1598/9 and his brother, Richard, just over a year later on the 4th March 1599/1600.  The following month, Richard was to lose his mother, Eleanor.

Richard came into his inheritance when his father, George, died in late 1604.  As no will has been found for George, we do not know the details of this inheritance.  However, it would seem that some property was passed from George to Richard, including specifically the occupancy of the Crippetts farmhouse and, at some stage, the manor of Badgeworth itself.

So far, no documents have come to light relating to Richard during his lifetime but, at his death, much is revealed.  The reason for this is that when Richard died on 19th February 1615/6, his sons were both under the age of majority.  Since Richard, senior, was in control of quite a large amount of property at his death, the two boys became wards of court.  Five documents have been found relating to this wardship:

  1. Gloucestershire Archives Ref: D1313/2
  2. Gloucestershire Archives Ref: D1313/3
  3. Gloucestershire Archives Ref: D1313/4
  4. Gloucestershire Archives Ref: D1313/5
  5. The National Archives Ref: Ward 7/51/231

The first document, D1313/2, is a Court of Wards and Liveries document giving the valor of lands of Richard Guynett, deceased, including the Manor of Badgeworth, Crippett’s farm house, messuage and lands in Badgeworth, Shurdington and Down Hatherley.

The second document, D1313/3, is a Court of Wards and Liveries grant of wardship and marriage of George, son and heir of Richard Guynett, to Mary Guynett of Great Shurdington, for a payment of £45. (Approximately £4400 today.)

The next document, D1313/4, is an assignment of dower to Mary Guynett relating to rooms in Crippetts and lands, dated 30th May 1619.

The fourth document, D1313/5, is a Court of Wards livery of seisin (including a copy of valor) to George Guynett, 20 February 1619/20.

The last document, Ward 7/51/231, relates to an Inquisition Post Mortem held following the death of Richard Gwynnett in 1615.  It contains a copy of his will, dated 18th February 1615, which has not been found anywhere else.

Transcripts of these documents are given below.

Richard Gwynnett was buried at Badgeworth church on 20th February 1615/16.

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D1313/2.  The extent and clear yearly value of all the manors, messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments late of Richard Guynett, yeoman, deceased, the nineteenth day of February last past before the finding of the Office.  And which been descended and come in possession and reversion to George Guynett, the son and next heir being of the age of seventeen years the 25th day of January last past before the finding of the Office.  As by the Office thereof found at the City of Gloucester in the County of the City of Gloucs the second day of October in the 14th year of James King of England etc., appears.

Com Civic Gloucs.

  • One Capital Messuage with the appurtenances called the farm house of Crippetts situate lying and being in Great Shurdington in the County of Gloucs., aforesaid.
  • And all those closes of land, meadow, pasture and wood called or known by the several names of Bedles Hays, The Crofte, Wigley Field, the Lower Cowsleaze, the Over Cowsleaze, the Over Broadhall, Crippetts Meadow, Elmes Hays, the Lower Broadhall, the Fourty Pence, the Grove, and Sheephouse Close.
  • One cottage and orchard with appurtenances to the same close called Sheephouse Close adjoining:
  • Two acres of pasture in Lilland,
  • One acre of pasture under Rackley Hill in a certain close of William Lawrence;
  • Two acres of land in Houlbrook Field.
  • Twenty acres land in Shurtons Downefield;
  • Ten acres with the appurtenance in Bradfield.
  • Four acres land with the appurtenance in Sladfurlonge with all and singular their appurtenances.
  • All and singular which premises are belonging and pertaining to the said capital messuage and lying in the parishes of Badgeworth and Great Shurdington in the said County of the City of Gloucs:
  • Ten acres land with appurtenances in a field called Houlbrook Field in Badgeworth aforesaid, which the said Richard Guynett later purchased off John Edwardes;
  • The Manor of Badgeworth with appurtenances in the said County of the City of Gloucs.,
  • One messuage in Great Shurdington aforesaid within the parish of Badgeworth in the County aforesaid late in the [word omitted] of Richard Merrye and Hellen his wife,
  • One orchard and one close of pasture to the same messuage adjoining and belonging,
  • And all and singular those closes of land, meadows and pastures to the same messuage belonging and pertaining called or known by the several names of Stonewell Haye, Lilland, the Homeleaze, Vinall and Spanish Hornes,
  • Five acres land in a field called Great Shurtons Downe Field,
  • One acre of land in Houlbrooke Field in a place called Blackepitte,
  • One acre of land in Remnans Field,
  • One acre of land in a field called the Farthinge, with messuage and all and singular the premises to the same belonging or pertaining lye and be in the parishes of Badgeworth and Shurdington Magna in the said County of the City of Gloucs.; and were purchased by the said Richard Guynett of Sir John Keneady, knight, Elizabeth his wife, and Henry, Earl of Northt and others;
  • Half an acre of pasture called the Bayliffe Half Acre with the appurtenances in Down Hatherley in the County of the City of Gloucs., aforesaid, in a certain meadow called Down Hatherley Lower Meade, and all those lands with the appurtenances in the parishes of Badgeworth and Shurdington Magna aforesaid in the said County of the City of Gloucs., called the Wastground now or late parcel of the Manor of Badgeworth, late parcel of the possessions of the Lord Chandos, deceased:
  • One yearly rent of 3s 4d and 1lb of pepper with the appurtenances in Brentham in the said County of the City of Gloucs., going out of lands in Brentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of William Bubb,
  • One yearly rent of 1lb of pepper and 1lb of cumin with the appurtenances in Brentham aforesaid in the County aforesaid going out of lands in Brentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Giles Webley;
  • One yearly rent of 5s and with the appurtenances in Great Shurdington in the said County of Gloucs., going out of lands in Great Shurdington aforesaid called Brevelles;
  • One yearly rent of 12d per annum and with the appurtenances in Down Hatherley aforesaid in the said County of the City of Gloucs., going out of lands in Down Hatherley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Edward Morgan or his assigns;
  • One yearly rent of 2d per annum with the appurtenances in Little Shurdington in the said County of the City of Gloucs., going out of messuages and lands of William Lawrence of Little Shurdington aforesaid;
  • One yearly rent of 2d … with the appurtenances in Little Shurdington aforesaid going out of lands of the same William Lawrence in Little Shurdington aforesaid called Clayfurlong, Sandfurlong;
  • One annual rent of 3d per annum in Crickley in the said County of the City of Gloucs., going out of the lands in Crickley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Henry Machin;
  • One yearly rent of 1d per annum with appurtenances in Little Shurdington aforesaid going out of lands in Little Shurdington aforesaid now or late in the tenure of Richard Elliotts or his assigns;
  • One annual rent of 6d per annum with the appurtenances in Badgeworth in the said County of the City of Gloucs., going out of the lands of the Mayor and Burgesses of the City of Gloucester in Badgeworth aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Philip Norton or his assigns.
  • And all and singular liberties and franchises and others underwritten videlicat [=namely] and to have and hold to him the said Manor of Badgeworth in the County of the City of Gloucs., and the liberties of the same Courts View of Frankpledge of all and all manner of inhabitants and residents within the Manor aforesaid, and in Badgeworth, Bentham, Little Witcombe and Crickley, Hunt Court, Little Shurdington, Great Shurdington and Down Hatherley in the said County of the said City of Gloucs;
  • And also to have and perceive to his own proper use all and singular issues, fines and amerciaments and other profits to the said Court view of frankpledge belonging, and all that to View of Frankpledge belonging;
  • And also to have and seize to him the said Manor and places aforesaid to his own proper use, goods and chattels of felons, fugitives, outlaws and put in exigent deodands, goods and chattels called waif and stray and all other franchises and Liberties whatsoever within the Manor and places aforesaid to the same Manor of Badgeworth late parcel of the possessions of the said Giles Lord Chandos belonging or pertaining to or in the same Manor to be had, used or enjoyed are holden of the King’s Majesty as of his honour of Gloucester by knight’s service but by what part of a knight’s fee ignorature [=unknown]
  • And are worth by year above reprises.

In the left side panel:

It is found that the said Richard Guynett, being seized hereof in fee by deed dated 14th February third year of King James (c.1606) in consideration of ten pounds to him paid by Edmund Estcourt, Esq., demised to the said Edmund the capital messuage called the farm house of Crippetts and the close called Bedles Hays, the Crofte, the Over Cowlease, the Lower Cowleaze, Wigley Field, the Forty Pence, the Grove, the Over Broadhall, Elmes Hays, Crippetts Meade, and the Lower Broadhall, the two acres land at Lilland, the acre of pasture under Ruckley Hill, the close called Sheppardes Close, and the said cottage and orchard and one yard land parcel with the premises, habendum (=namely) from the feast of St. Michael last past before the date of the same indenture for term of forty years then next following yielding 1d yearly.

And it is found that the said Richard Guynett by his last will and testament dated the 24th day of February last past before the finding of the Office, devised to his eldest son, George Guynett, and his heirs forever, all that capital messuage or farm house called or known by the name of the farm house of Crippetts wherein he then dwelt with all arable lands, meadows, etc., whatsoever thereunto belonging which he purchased of Sir John Kenady and the Lady Elizabeth, his wife, and others, the half acre of meadow called the … Ayliffes half [acre?] and the Seigniors Royalties and chief rent of the Manor of Badgeworth that he purchased of the said Sir John, etc..  And ten acres of arable land in a field called Houlbrook Field in Badgeworth aforesaid purchased by him off one John Edwardes.

And that the said Richard by the same will devised for to his son, Richard, and his heirs forever all that one messuage and tenement with the appurtenances in Great Shurdington in the parish of Badgeworth and all lands and meadows etc., thereunto belonging which amongst other things he purchased off the said Sir John Kenady, etc., provided that if his said son George within one year next after he shall be married do pay to the said Richard £300 of lawful money, then he willed the said messuage and lands to the said George and his heirs.  And if George marry not before Richard come to age of 21 years then if George pay to Richard the said sum of £300, then he giving the said messuage and lands to George, and his heirs and Richard to enjoy the same until that money be paid.  And he devised to the said Richard £100 to be paid him by George; and if George refuse to pay the same, then he devised to the said Richard and his assigns during his life one annuity of £20 to be issuing out of the said farm of Crippetts and lands hereunto belonging with a clause of distress for non-payment thereof.

And he willed that William Mill, his tenant, should dig at his pleasure any stones in any quarries of stones in Badgeworth and to sell the same at his will for seven years after the death of the said Richard without paying any rent for the same.

And he willed that his son George shall not enter into the possession of any his lands and tenements to him before devised or take the profits thereof until he shall accomplish the age of 21 years so thence his executrix with the profits thereof may make money for payment of his [………..].  And he willed if his eldest son George die without issue of the body, then all the lands and tenements bequeathed to him shall remain and come to his son, Richard and his heirs forever.  And he willed that Marie his wife shall have and enjoy during her life the third part of all his lands and tenements before devised to his sons without interruption of them. And he willed that she shall have the use and occupation of the parlour in the house wherein he then dwelt and of the implements therein during her life, and after her death to remain to his son George if he be then living. And if he be not, then his son Richard to have the same.  And he willed that John Ranford and Johane his wife shall have the houses they dwell in the residue in their occupation at the yearly rent of 20s for long as they or either of them live.

And the premises devised to [Ede?] Estcourt are certified by the feodary of the said county to be worth by year above reprises, [….] The premises devised to the Ward are by [….] by the same certificate, 10s 11d.

The premises devised to Richard the younger son upon condition are by year by the said certificate.  26s 8d.

The quarry of stones devised to William Mill for 7 years is worth by year by the said certificate ….

And the cottage devised to John Ranford and his wife is by year per certificate 11s ?d.

Sum Total [Dxls?] whereof a third part to come to the King’s Majesty during the minority of the Ward amounting yearly to [£50 13s 4d?].

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D1313/3.  

County of Gloucester

Mary Guynett, widow, for the custody and wardship and marriage of George Gwynett, his Highness’s ward, son and next heir of Richard Gwynett, deceased.

This indenture made between the most excellent Prince and our most dread Sovereign Lord James, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, of the one party and Mary Guynett of Great Shurdington in the County of Gloucs., widow, of the other party,

Witnesseth that our said Sovereign Lord, with the advice of the Master and Counsel of his Highness’s Court of Wards and Liveries for and in consideration of the sum of forty five pounds of good and lawful money of England to the Receiver General of His Majesty’s said Court or to his lawful deputy for the time being to His Highness’s use, paid and to be paid in manner and form following:

  • fifteen pounds in hand,
  • fifteen pounds at Candlemas after and
  • fifteen pounds at May Day next ensuing the date hereof

in the name of a fine, is contented and pleased to grant and by these present does commit and grant unto the said Mary Guynett and her assigns the custody, wardship and marriage of  George Guynett, his Highness’s ward, son and next heir of Richard Guynett, yeoman, deceased, to the use of the ward. 

And if it fortune the said George Guynett to die before he come and be of his full age of one and twenty years without marriage of him or the effect thereof had then the wardship and marriage of his next heir male and so from heir male to heir male being within age until the said Mary Guynett or her assigns have taken the effect of the marriage of one of them without disparagement. 

And where it does not appear at this time that every parcel of the inheritance of the said heir upon the death of the said Richard Guynett, the father, is come into the hands and possession of our said Sovereign Lord nor certainty in every parcel of the inheritance of the said heir what ought to be in his Highness’s hands and possession because of such dowers, feoffments and wills as per case by me declared in the same. 

Therefore for that our said Sovereign Lord should not be deceived in that behalf but that his Highness should have perfect knowledge and understanding of all such messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments which be now descended in possession or immediately after the decease of any person or persons or after years finished or ended or any last will performed or by any other ways or means shall descend, revert, remain or come to the said heir in possession or reversion with the very best and uttermost true value of them and every of them by year. 

The said Mary Guynett has delivered a writing indented, hereunto annexed, in the which being contained and specified all such messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments which be now descended or hereafter shall come and descend to the said heir in possession or reversion with the very best and uttermost true value of them and every of them by year. 

And the said Mary Guynett covenants and grants for her and her assigns by their presents that one auditor or auditors or any other person or persons appointed and authorized by the said Master and Counsel for the time being at the costs and charges of the said Mary Guynett and her assigns shall search, view and value the truth of the same upon which search, view and value if it can be proved that the said messuages, lands, and other the premises or any of them which shall or ought to descend,  revert, remain or come to the said heir in possession or reversion as is aforesaid be omitted and left out in the said writing indented or else be found of larger and better yearly value then in the same writing is limited. 

Then the said Mary Guynett and her assigns shall content and pay to our said Sovereign Lord, his heirs or successors as much money as the overplus of the said lands and other the premises so under-valued shall amount unto above the yearly value limited in the same writing indented, if any such shall be found upon the said search and view after the rate of three years’ value and also as much money as the said Mary Guynett or any other to her use shall perceive and take of the said lands and other the premises; and that from the decease of the said Richard Guynett, the father.  And likewise the value of all the messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments left out and omitted in the said writing indented, if any such shall be found upon the said search, view and value of the said messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments being of the inheritance of the said heir which shall happen to descend, revert, remain or come to him before he come and be of his full age of one and twenty. 

And the said Mary Guynett covenants and grants for her and her assigns by these presents that she, the said Mary Guynett, and her assigns shall not only bring up and entertain the said George Guynett and all other his heir or heirs male hereafter happening to be the King’s Majesty’s wards and coming to the custody of the said Mary Guynett or her assigns by virtue of these present grant in good erudition, virtuous and decent qualities as to the King’s honour in that behalf and the estate of his Highness’s public weale appertains.  But also as much as in her and them lies shall save and defend all the lands, tenements and hereditaments of the inheritance of the said heir from all unlawful intrusions, encroachments, wastes, decays, spoils, disorders or expelling of tenant and as much as in her and them lies shall preserve the evidences, charters and writings concerning the inheritance of the said heir.  And if at any time hereafter during the said grant any unlawful intrusion, encroachment, waste, decay, spoil, disorder or expelling of tenants be done or made upon any parte or parcel of the said inheritance or if any evidences, muniments or writings concerning the said inheritance be embezzled, withdrawn, concealed or misused to the knowledge of the said Mary Guynett or her assigns

That then the said Mary Guynett and her assigns forthwith after knowledge thereof had shall certify the same to the said Master and Counsel for the time being and receive and prosecute forth there for the reformation thereof to and for the advancement of the King’s Majesty’s interest and right and the preservation, safeguard and tuition of the inheritance of the said heir. 

And further if at any time hereafter during the minority of the said heir or before his Livery or ouster le maine be prosecuted or had out of the hands and possession of our said Sovereign Lord the King’s Majesty or of his heirs or successors, it shall fortune any messuages, lands, tenements or hereditaments whatsoever to descend and grow to the said heir in possession or reversion or by any other ways or means which be not known to the said Master and Counsel to be descended at the making thereof

That then the said Mary Guynett or her assigns within one half year next after any such descent fallen or happened shall certify the same to the said Master and Counsel for the time being so as they may have sure information thereof, as well for the preservation of the right and title thereof to the use of the said heir.  And for the good order and custody of the same during his minorities as for the true and instant answering of all such rents and profits as shall be found due and payable in the said Courte upon any such descent

Provided always and the said Mary Guynett covenants and grants for her and her assigns by their presents that neither she, the said Mary Guynett, nor her assigns nor any other person that shall have any interest in this grant shall give, grant, commit, bargain or sell the said grant of the said George Guynett or any other his heir or heirs males hereafter happening to be the King’s Majesty’s Wards and coming to the custody of the said Mary Guynett or her assigns by virtue of the said grant unto any other person or persons being next of kindred to the said heir to whom the said inheritance may descent nor to any person or persons without knowledge and agreement of the said Master and Counsel for the time being nor shall dispose in marriage or by any persuasion induce the said heir to marry where any cause of disparagement is or other detriment, annoyance or disorder may arise or appear contrary to the order of the Law. 

And moreover also the said Mary Guynett covenants and grants for her and her assigns by these presents that she, the said Mary Guynett, or her sufficient deputy or attorney shall within two months next after the delivery of the Bill of the grant of the said wardship signed by the King’s Majesty to the Clerk of the said Court of Wards and Liveries prosecute forth his Highness’ Liveries Patents under the Great Seal of England and after the sealing thereof bring the same patent within the same time to the Auditor General of the said Court to be enrolled and upon the enrolment thereof demand and take the same patent within the same time from the said Auditor after the said enrolment  

Provided always and the said Mary Guynett covenants and grants for her and her assigns by these presents that she, the said Mary Guynett, and her assigns shall once in every fourth year during the minority of the said George at such time as the term is kept, bring or cause the said heir to be brought before the Master and Counsel of the said Court of Wards and Liveries to the end he may be viewed, seen, examined and talked with all in such sort that his manners, education and profiting in learning may be understood and proved upon pain of forfeiture of the said ward

Provided likewise that if default of payment be made of the aforesaid fine of forty five pounds or any part thereof by the space of two months after any of the days limited then the present grant to be utterly void and of none effect. 

In witness whereof to the one part of these indentures remaining with the said Mary Guynett our said Sovereign Lord’s Seal of his Highness said Court of Wards and Liveries with the advice of the Master and Counsel of the said Court is affixed and set.  And to the other part remain with our said Sovereign Lord in his Highness’s said Court the said Mary Guynett hath put her hand and seal the third day of December in the fourteenth year of our said Sovereign Lord’s most gracious reign of England, France and of Scotland the fiftieth.

… Chamberlain

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D1313/4

This indenture made the last day of May in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God of England,  France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith [year the seventeenth] and of Scotland the two and fiftieth [1619]

between Mary Gwinnett of Crippetts in the parish of Badgeworth in the county of the city of Gloucester, widow, of the one parte and George Gwinnett, son of the said Mary and son and heir of Richard Gwinnett, deceased the late husband of the said Mary of the other party. 

Witnesseth that whereas the said Richard Gwinnett, deceased, the late husband of the said Mary and father of the said George was seized in his demesne as of fee of and in the farmhouse of Crippetts, late in the possession of him, the said Richard Gwinnett, and of and in divers messuages, lands, meadows, leasowes, pastures and hereditaments in the said parish of Badgeworth and elsewhere within the said county of the city of Gloucester

And whereas the said Mary has title of dower to the premises and ought to have and enjoy a third part thereof for her dower, now to the intent that she the said Mary may have and enjoy the said dower during her life according to the common law, he the said George Gwinnett hath granted and assigned and by these present does grant and assign unto the said Mary the lands, tenements and hereditaments hereafter mentioned to hold to the said Mary for term of her life in severalty for her reasonable dower of all the lands and tenements of him, the said Richard Gwinnett, her late husband;

and the said George, his heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant, promise and grant to and with the said Mary, her executors and administrators, by these presents, that the said Mary shall or may quietly enjoy the said grounds and premises during the term of her life, that is to say, the parlour of the said capital messuage or farmhouse of Crippetts and the chamber over the same parlour and the liberty and use of the kitchen of the said capital messuage or farmhouse and of the courtyards and backsides to the same capital messuage belonging and free ingress, egress and regress into and from the same parlour, chamber and kitchen, court and backsides for her the said Mary and her assigns and for her servants and tenants and all other that shall come to or be with the said Mary or her assigns

and further the said George Gwinnett has granted and assigned and by these presents does grant and assign to the said Mary one close called Wiglifield, one close called Upper Broad Hale and one close called the Upper Cowlease, one close called the Fortie Pence, one close called Vinnol Meade, and the messuage or dwelling house, except the barns, with the appurtenances called Kerbies House and the courtyard thereunto adjoining or belonging, and the close called Kerbies Close and one outhouse at the west end of the Beast house to hold twelve beast and also all ways, passages, waters, watering places, and other easements, liberties and commodities to the premises and entry part thereof used lying, necessary or belonging

To have and to hold the same premises to the said Mary for and during the terms of her natural life in severalty (except the said kitchen, courtyards and backsides and waters in the said courts and backsides, and the said kitchen, courtyards and backsides and the waters therein in common together with the said George, his heirs and assigns) for reasonable dower of all the lands, tenements and hereditaments of her said late husband. 

And whereas the said Richard Gwinnett by his last will and testament in writing did demise to her, the said Mary, a third part of all his said messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments for the term of her life as in and by the said last will and testament may appear and afterwards the said Richard Gwinnett died, after whose decease the said Mary into the said third part to her demised did enter by virtue of the last will and the same did and does enjoy so the said Mary is rightly intituled to a third part of the premises.  Besides her said dower, she, the said Mary does nevertheless hereby agree that she the said Mary will not have enjoy, challenge, claim or demand the said third part to her demised as aforesaid and doth by these present release to the said George & his heirs all her estate with title interest and demand which she does or may claim by virtue or colour of the said will.  So as she may or shall quietly enjoy the said lands and premises to her assigned for her dower as aforesaid without any lawful let or disturbance and discharged of all titles, troubles and encumbrances, had or made or to be had or made or claimed by, from or under the said George Gwinnett or any person or persons lawfully claiming from by or under him.

Provided always that if the said Mary shall not or lawfully may not possess, hold and enjoy the premises to her assigned for her dower, as aforesaid, according to the purport of these present, then it is hereby provided, covenanted, conditioned, concluded, agreed, meant and intended that she, the said Mary, shall and may have, hold and enjoy the said third part by virtue of the said last will and testament and also her dower at the common lane

And  whereas the said Mary is lawfully intituled and interested by virtue of His Majesty’s letters patent or otherwise to the custody and wardship of the body and lands of the said George Gwinnett, it is hereby agreed that she, the said Mary, her executors and assigns shall or may lawfully enjoy all the lands, tenements and hereditaments of the said Richard  Gwinnett, deceased, during the minority of the said George, yielding and paying, to the said George, the sum of forty pounds by the year mentioned in the said last will and testament of the said Richard Gwinnett, deceased, for the residue of the minority yet to come;

but for and concerning the marriage of the said George, it is hereby agreed that the said Mary, her executors or assigns, shall have no benefit of or by or for the same and does release to the said George all her right and interest and title in the marriage of the said George without any account therefore or thereof to be made 

And it is further agreed between the said parties that if either of them, the said Mary or the said George, shall dwell from the said capital messuage that then the parties so dwelling and from the capital messuage shall put no tenant or tenants into his or her part thereof but shall leave the said capital messuage with the appurtenances to the other of them during such time of dwelling from the same

Provided further that if the covenants, conditions and agreements aforesaid and every of them shall now be in all things performed on the part of the said George, that then and from thenceforth all the covenants, grants, articles and agreements herein specified on the part of the said Mary to be done or performed shall be frustrated, void and of no effect, anything herein contained to the contrary hereof in any wise, notwithstanding. 

And lastly, the said Mary for herself, her executors, administrators and assigns does covenant, promise, grant to and with the said George Gwinnett, his heirs and assigns, by these presents, that (if the said George Gwinnett after he shall accomplish his full age of xxi years shall convey and assert the premises, in these presents, mentioned to the said Mary in such absolute and perfect manner as the said Mary or her learned counsel shall reasonably advise, according to the true intent and meaning, of these presents, and the parties thereto) that then she, the said Mary, upon the reasonable request and in the charges of the said George, his heirs and assigns, will also make and perform all things on her part to be performed for the perfect and absolute assurance and releasing of the premises to the said George Gwinnett, his heirs and assigns, according to the intent of these presents and the parties thereunto, as by the said George Gwinnett, his heirs and assigns his or their learned counsel shall reasonably devised or advised so as the said Mary be not for the performance hereof compelled to travel above the space of five miles from her dwelling house or usual place of abode;

In witness whereof the parties to these presents have interchangeably set to their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Sealed and delivered in the presence of:

  • Lawrence
  • John Newton
  • William Poole Lawrence
  • Robert Lawrence. William Lawrence, junior
  • Richard Gynnett?

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D1313/5

Court of Wards Livery of seisin (including copy of valor) to George Guynett dated 20 February 1619/20

This Indenture made the twentieth day of February in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God of England, France, Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and the seventeenth and of Scotland the three and fiftieth between the right honourable Sir Lionell Cranfeild, Kt., one of his Majesty’s most honourable privy Counsel and Master of his Highnesses Court of Wards and Liveries and Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Kt., Surveyor of the same Livery for and in the name of and behalf of our said Sovereign Lord the King on the one party and George Gwynnett, son and next heir of Richard Gwynnett, yeoman, deceased, the other party;

Witnesseth that whereas our said Sovereign Lord the King is agreed to grant unto the said George Gwynnett one Ousterlemaine to be had of and in certain lands and tenements holden of our said Sovereign Lord the King’s Majesty and of his Highness as of his honour of Gloucester by Knight’s service which to the said George Gwynnett among the other lands and tenements descended pertain in use or possession or reversion from the said Richard Gwynnett as in the said Ousterlemaine more plainly is contained,

Nevertheless for that our Sovereign Lord the King should not be deceived but that his Grace should have perfect knowledge and understanding of the true value of the said lands and tenements and all other hereditaments. 

And said George Gwynnett hath delivered the day of the date unto the said Sir Lionell Cranfeild, Kt., and Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Kt., a writing in parchment indented hereunto annexed in which be contained and specified all the lands and tenements and the true yearly value of the same which the said George Gwynnett will and intends to have or shall have out of the King’s Majesty’s hands or possession by the said Ousterlemayne. 

And over that the said George Gwynnett covenants and grants for him, his heirs and executors to and with the said Sir Lionell Cranfield, Kt., and Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Kt., that one Auditor or Auditors of our said Sovereign Lord the King to be assigned or any Auditor of the King’s Court of Wards and Liveries for the time being shall list the costs and charges of the said George Gwynnett and list such sums as it shall please our said Sovereign Lord the King, his heirs or successors, our King of his realm to appoint by the Master of the King’s Court of Wards and Liveries and Surveyor of the same Liveries for the time being, or otherwise, search, view and survey as well the true value as the true tenure or tenures of the same upon which search, view and value that it can be proved that any manors, lands, tenements and other hereditaments whereof the said George Gwynnett or any person or persons for him or in his name or by his consent takes or which hereafter shall or may lawfully take any advantage, benefit, profit or commodity by reason or colour of the said Ousterlemaine be holden of our said Sovereign Lord the King by knight’s service in chief or in soccage in cheife be of more, better or larger yearly value than in the same writing is contained then our said Sovereign Lord the King shall be by the said George Gwynnett,  his heirs or assigns truly answered and satisfied as well for the terms as of the yearly value of all the lands and tenements as shall happen to be undervalued or omitted out of the same […inge] and also for the concealment and affirm in that behalf the said George Gwinnett shall content and pay unto our said Sovereign Lord the King the double of one year’s value of all the lands and tenements so omitted or undervalued and our said Sovereign Lord the King shall and may receive and take the issues and profits of the lands, tenements and hereditaments so omitted or undervalued from the death of the said Richard Gwynett until the said George Gwynnett, his executors or assigns shall have agreed to and with the said Sir Lionell Cranfeild, Kt., and Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Kt., or other the Master of the King’s Court of Wards and Liveries and Surveyor of the same Liveries for the time being for the value and onplus of the lands tenements and hereditaments so omitted or undervalued and shall find sufficient sureties for payment thereof to the King’s Majesty’s use.   And also of all such other sums of money as by the agreement of the Master of the King’s Court of Wards and Liveries and Surveyor of the same Liveries shall be taxed, assigned or appointed any piece herein contained and the contrary notwithstanding. 

In Witness whereof to the one part of these indentures remaining to and with the said George Gwynnett, the said Sir Lionell Cranfeild, Kt., and Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Kt., have set their hands and seals and to the other part of these indentures remaining to the King’s Majesty’s use in the same Court of Wards and Liveries the said George Gwynnett hath set his hand and seal proven the day and year first above written.

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D1313/5 Part 1

Valor or Extent of the annual value of all and singular the manors, lands, tenements and other inheritances whatsoever which were late of Richard Gwynett yeoman deceased, and which by or after the death of the same Richard descended or should descend to George Gwynett his son and next heir, with use, possession and reversion.

Which said Richard Gwynett died the 19th day of February in the 13th year of the reign of our lord King James, the said George then being under age and in the keeping of the same lord king by reason of his minority; and afterwards, namely on the 25th day of January in the 17th year of the reign of the king aforesaid, the aforesaid George Gwynett reached his full age of 21 years, as more fully appears by the inquisition thereon taken at the city of Gloucester in the county of the city of Gloucester, on the 2nd day of October in the 14th year of the reign of the king aforesaid. And on the 20th June in the 18th year of reign of our said King James, the aforesaid George Gwynett comes to prosecute by the ousterlemain &c.

 County of the City of Gloucester

One capital messuage with appurtenances called the Farmehouse of Crippetts situate, lying and being in Shurdington Magna in the county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid;

  • and all those closes, lands, meadows, pastures and woods called or known by the several names of:
    • Bedles Haies,
    • the Crofte,
    • Wigley Feild,
    • the Lower Cowe Leaze,
    • the Over Leaze, 
    • the  Over Brandhall, 
    • Crippetts Meade, 
    • Elme Haies,
    • the Lower Breadhall, 
    • the Fourth Pence, 
    • the Grove End,  
    • Sheepehouse Close,
  • and a cottage and orchard with appurtenances adjoining the same close called Sheepe Close,
  • and 2 acres of pasture in Lilland
  • and 1 acre of pasture under Rackleyhill, in a close of William Lawrence,
  • and 2 acres of land in Houlbrooke Feild,
  • and 20 acres of land in Shurtons Downe Feild,
  • and 10 acres of land with appurtenances in Bradley Feild,
  • and 4 acres of land with appurtenances in Sladfurlonge with all and singular their appurtenances:
  • all and singular which premises belonging and pertaining to the same capital messuage lie in the parishes of Badgworth and Shurdington Magna in the aforesaid county of the city of Gloucester;
  • and 10 acres of land with appurtenances in the field called Houlbrooke Feild in Badgworth aforesaid which the same Richard Gwynett lately purchased from John Edwards;
  • and a messuage with appurtenances in Shurdington Magna within the parish of Badgworth in the county aforesaid late in the tenure of Richard Meery and of Helena his wife;
  • and an orchard and a close of pasture adjoining and pertaining to the same messuage;
  • and all and singular those closes, lands, meadows and pastures belonging or pertaining to the same messuage called or known by the several names of:
    • Stonewell Haie,
    • Lylland,
    • the Newe Leaze,
    • Winall
    • and Spanish Thornes;
  • and 5 acres of land in the field called Great Shurtons Downe Feild,
  • and 1 acre of land in Houlbrookefeild in a place called Blackpitts,
  • and 1 acres of land in Houlbrookefeild in the place called Blackpitts,
  • and 1 acre of land in Renmas Feild,
  • and 1 acre of land in the field called the Farthinge.

Which said messuage and all and singular the premises to the same belonging or appertaining lie and are in the parishes of Badgworth and Shurdington Magna in the county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid, and were (held) by the aforesaid Richard Gwynett from John Knadie, knight, Elizabeth his wife and Henry, Earl of Northampton and others.

  • and ½ acre of pasture called the Bayliffs Half Acre with appurtenances in Downe Hatherley in the county of the city aforesaid in a meadow called Downe Hatherley Lower Meade,
  • and all those lands with appurtenances in the parish of Badgworth (in) Shurdington Magna aforesaid in the said county of the city of Gloucester, called the Wastground, now or late parcel of the manor of Badgworth, late parcel of the possessions of Giles Lord Chandos late deceased;
  • and a yearly rent of 3s 4d and of 1lb pepper with appurtenances in Bentham in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Bentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of William Bubb;
  • and a yearly rent of 1lb pepper and 1lb cumin with appurtenances in Bentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Giles Webley; and a yearly rent of 5s a year with appurtenances in Shurdington Magna in the said county of the city of Gloucester issuing from lands in Shurdington Magna aforesaid called Brevells;
  • and a yearly rent of 12d a year with appurtenances in Downe Hatherley aforesaid in the said county of the city of Gloucester issuing from lands in Downe Hatherley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Edward Morgan or of his assigns;
  • and a yearly rent of 2½d with appurtenances in Shurdington Parva in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from messuages and lands of William Lawrence of Shurdington Parva aforesaid;
  • and a yearly rent of ½d with appurtenances in Shurdington Parva aforesaid called Clay Furlonge and Sandfurlonge;
  • and a yearly rent of 3d a year in Crickley in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Crickley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Henry Mathin;
  • and a yearly rent of 1d a year with appurtenances in Shurdington Parva aforesaid, issuing from lands in Shurdington Parva aforesaid now or late in the tenure of Richard Elliotts or his assigns;
  • and a yearly rent of 6d a year with appurtenances in Badgworth in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from lands of the mayor and burgesses of the city of Gloucester in Badgworth aforesaid, now or late in the tenure or occupation possession of Philip Norton or of his assigns;
  • and all and singular the issues, fines, amercements and other profits pertaining to the said Court of View of Frankpledge, and, within the manors and places aforesaid, the goods and chattels of fugitive felons as abandoned and put in exigend, deodands, the goods and chattels called wayffe and straye, and all other franchises and liberties whatsoever and all within the manors and places belonging or pertaining to the aforesaid manor of Badgworth late the possessions of the said Giles Lord Chandos or to be had, used or enjoyed in the same manor. They are held from the said lord now king as of his honor of Gloucester by knight service, but by what part of a knight’s fee is not known. And they are worth a year in all issues beyond reprises §

Increase of rents therein by the oversight of the lord’s Feodary of the county aforesaid: 20s

            Sum Total § £3          Examined by John Raymond

                                                Deputy of the Clerk of Liveries

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D1313/5 Part 2

Examined by W. Ravenscrofte

Richard Gwynett

City of Gloucester

 Inquisition indentate taken at the city of Gloucester in the county of the city of Gloucester, the 2nd day of October in the 14th year of the reign of our lord James by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and of Scotland the 50th, before Thomas Estcourt knight, William Norwood esquire, George Raymond esquire, feodary, and Matthew Price esquire escheator of the county aforesaid, by virtue of a commission of the said lord king, in the nature of a writ of diem clausit extremum, directed to them and to others in this behalf, and annexed to this inquisition, to inquire after the death of Richard Gwynett yeoman deceased, by the oath &c.

Who say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission was seised in his demesne as of fee of and in a capital messuage with appurtenances called the farm house of Crippetts, situate, lying and being in Great Shurdington in the county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid;

 and of and in all those closes of land, meadow, pasture and wood called or known by the several names of Bedles Hayes, the Crofte, Wigley Field, the Lower Cowleaze, the Over Cowleaze, the Over Broadhall, Crippetts Meade, Elme Hayes, the Lower Broadhall, the Forty Pence, the Grove and Sheephouse Close;

  • and of and in a cottage and orchard with appurtenances adjoining the same close called Sheephouse Close;
  • and of and in 2 acres of pasture in Lilland
  • and 1 acre of pasture under Rackley Hill, in a close of William Lawrence;
  • and of and in 2 acres of land in Houlbrooke Field,
  • and of 20 acres of land in Shurtons Downe Field;
  • and 10 acres of land with appurtenances in Bradley Field;
  • and 4 acres of land with appurtenances in Sladfurling, with all and singular their appurtenances;
  • all and singular which premises belong or pertain to the same capital messuage, and lie in the parishes of Badgworth and Great Shurdington in the aforesaid county of the city of Gloucester.
  • And that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission was also seised in his demesne as of fee of and in 10 acres of land with appurtenances in a field called Houlbrooke Field in Badgworth aforesaid, which the same Richard Gwynett lately purchased from John Edwards;
  • and of and in the manor of  Badgworth with appurtenances in the said county of the city of Gloucester;
  • and of and in a messuage with appurtenances in Great Shurdington within the parish of Badgworth in the county aforesaid, late in the tenure of Richard Mercy and of Hellena his wife;
  • and of and in an orchard and a close of pasture adjoining and pertaining to the same messuage;
  • and of and in all and singular those closes of land, meadow and pasture adjoining and pertaining to the same messuage. called or known by the several names of Stonewell Hay, Lylland, the Newe Leaze, Vinall and Spanishe Thornes;
  • and of and in 5 acres of land in the field called Great Shurtons Downe Field;
  • and 1 acre of land in Houlbrooke Field, in a place called Blackpitt;
  • and 1 acre of land in Remnans Field;
  • and 1 acre of land in the field called The Farthing: which said messuage and all and singular the premises belonging or pertaining to the same lie and are in the parishes of Badgeworthe and Great Shurdington in the said county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid and were purchased by the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission from John Kenady knight and Elizabeth his wife and Henry earl of Northampton and others.
  • And of and in ½ acre of pasture called the Bayliefes Halfe Acre with appurtenances in Down Hatherley in the county of the city aforesaid, in a meadow called Down Hatherley Lower Meade;
  • and of and in all those land with appurtenances in the parishes of Badgworth and Great Shurdington aforesaid in the said county of the city of Gloucester, called the Wast Ground, now or late parcel of the manor of Badgword late parcel of the possessions of Giles lord Chandos late deceased;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 3s 4d and a pound of pepper, with appurtenances, in Bentham in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from lands in Bentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of William Bubb;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of a pound of pepper and a pound of cumin, with appurtenances, in Bentham aforesaid in the county aforesaid, issuing from lands in Bentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Giles Webley;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 5s a year, with appurtenances, in Great Shurdington in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Great Shurdington aforesaid called Brevell;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 12d a year, with appurtenances, in Down Hatherley aforesaid in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Down Hatherley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Edward Morgan or of his assigns;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 2½d, with appurtenances, in Little Shurdington in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from a messuage and land of William Lawrence of Little Shurdington aforesaid;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of ½d, with appurtenances, in Little Shurdington, called Clay Furlong and Sandfurlong;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 3d a year in Crickley in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Crickley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Henry Mathin;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 1d a year, with appurtenances, in Little Shurdington aforesaid issuing from land in Little Shurdington aforesaid now or late in the tenure of Richard Elliotts, or of his assigns;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 6d a year, with appurtenances, in Badgeworth in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land of the mayor and burgesses of the city of Gloucester in Badgworth aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Philip Norton, or his assigns.

 And, further, the jurors aforesaid say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynet was seised as of fee and right of and in all and singular the liberties and franchises and other things written below, to wit, to have and to hold within the aforesaid manor of Badgworth in the said county of the city of Gloucester and the liberties of the same court, view of frankpledge of all and all manner of inhabitants and residents within the manor aforesaid and in Badgworth, Bentham, Litle Wittome. Crickley, Hunt Courte, Little Shurdington, Great Shurdington and Down Hatherley in the said county of the city of Gloucester, and also to have and receive to his own proper use all and singular issues, fines, amercements and other profits to the said court of view of frankpledge pertaining and all that pertains to a view of frankpledge;

 and to have and to seize within the manor and places aforesaid to his own proper use the goods and chattels of fugitive felons outlawed and put in exigent, deodands, the goods and chattels called wayve and stray,

 and all other franchises and liberties whatsoever within the manor and places aforesaid pertaining or belonging to the same manor of Badgworth late parcel of the possession of the said Giles lord Chandos, or to be had, used or enjoyed in the same manor.

 And, further, the jurors aforesaid upon their oath say that the aforesaid Richard Gwynet deceased, being so seised of the capital messuage called Crippetts and the tenements aforesaid, by his indenture sealed with his seal, bearing date the 14th day of February in the 3rd year of the reign of the said lord now king, made between the aforesaid Richard Gwynett deceased of the one part and Edmund Estcourt esquire of the other part, for and in consideration of £10 of legal money of England paid to the same Richard Gwynett by the aforesaid Edmund Estcourt, demised, granted and set to farm to the aforesaid Edmund Estcourt the aforesaid capital messuage called the farm house of Crippetts and the aforesaid closes called

  •  Bedles Hayes,
  • the Crofte,
  • the Over Cowleaze,
  • the Lower Coweleaze,
  • Wigley Field,
  • the Forty Pence,
  • the Grove,
  • the Over Broad Hall,
  • Elmes Hayes,
  • Crippetts Meade
  • and the Lower Broad Hall,
  • and the aforesaid 2 acres of pasture at Lilland
  • and the aforesaid acre of pasture under Rackley Hill
  • and the aforesaid close called Shepards Close
  • and the aforesaid cottage and orchard and 1 virgate of land parcel of the premises, to have and to hold the aforesaid capital messuage

 and all the other premises above mentioned to be demised, with appurtenances, to the aforesaid Edmund Estcourt his executors and assigns, from Michaelmas last past before the date of the said indenture for and during a term of 40 years thence next following and fully to be complete and finished, rendering thence yearly during the term aforesaid to the aforesaid Richard Gwynett, his heirs and assigns, a yearly rent of a penny at Michaelmas; as by one part of the indenture aforesaid, sealed with the seal of the said Richard Gwynett is more fully shown an appears.

 And, further, the jurors aforesaid say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett, being seised of all and singular the premises in form aforesaid, afterwards, namely on the 18th day of February last past before the taking of this inquisition, at Great Shurdington aforesaid in the county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid, made and declared his testament and last will in writing, the tenor of which said testament and last will, as to the premises, follows, in these words, to wit:

 In the name of god Amen the eighteenth day of February in the year of our lord God one thousand six hundred and fifteen, I Richard Gwynett of Great Shurdington in the County of the City of Gloucester, yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect memory, thanks be given to Almighty God, do make my last will and testament in writing, in manner and form following: 

 First: I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God, my maker and redeemer, and my body to be buried according to the discretion of my overseers. And touching the settling and disposing of my worldly wealth and goods which God has endowed me withal: 

 First: I give and devise and bequeath unto my eldest son, George Gwynett, and to his heirs for ever, all that capital messuage or farm house called or known by the name of the farm house of Crippetts wherein I do now dwell, with all arable land, meadows, leasows, pastures, feedings, commons and other profits and commodities whatsoever thereunto belonging, which I purchased of Sir John Kenady and the lady Elizabeth, his wife, and others; and also one half acre of meadow, called the Baylieffe’s half acre, lying in a meadow called Down Hatherley Lower Mead; and also the Signory loyalties and chief rent of the Manor of Badgeworth which I purchased of the said Sir John Kenady and the lady Elizabeth, his wife, and the Earle of Northampton and others

 Item: I give and bequeath to my said son, George Gwynett, and his heirs forever, ten acres of arable land lying in a field called Houlbrooke Field in Badgeworth aforesaid which I purchased of one  John Edwards;

 Item: I give and bequeath to my son, Richard, and his heirs forever, all that one messuage or tenement with the appurtenances in Great Shurdington in the parish of Badgeworth and all lands, meadows, leasows, pastures and feedings thereunto belonging, which I, amongst other things, purchased of the said  Sir John Kynady, the lady Elizabeth, his wife, the said lord of Northampton and others provided always and my intent and meaning is that if my said son George Gwinet do and shall within the space of one year next and immediately after such time as the said George shall be married, pay or cause to be paid unto my said son, Richard, or his assigns, the sum of three hundred pounds of lawful money of England, then my mind, intent and meaning is, and I do hereby give and devise the said messuage and land to my said son, George Gwynett, and his heirs forever. 

 And if the said George Gwinet shall not be married before the said Richard my son shall accomplish the full age of one and twenty years, then if the said George Gwynett do and shall, within one year after the said Richard shall accomplish the same age of one and twenty years, pay or cause to be paid unto the said Richard the said sum of three hundred pounds, then I give the said messuage and land to the said George and his heirs forever but my intent and meaning is that, until the said sum of three hundred pounds shall be paid unto my son, Richard, in manner as aforesaid, he, the said Richard shall hold and enjoy the said messuage or tenement and all the land, meadows, leasows, pastures and feedings thereunto belonging.

 Item: I give and bequeath to my said son, Richard Gwynett, the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England, to be paid unto him within six months next after such time as the said Richard shall accomplish the age of twenty eight years, the same to be paid by my son, George Gwinett.

 And if my said son, George Gwinett, shall refuse to pay the said sum of one hundred pounds unto my said son, Richard, at the time aforesaid, then my will and meaning is, and after such refusal, I do hereby give and devise unto my said son, Richard, and his assigns, during the natural life of the said Richard, one annuity or yearly rent of twenty pounds to be yearly issuing, perceived, received, had and taken forth of my said farm of Crippetts and out the lands thereunto belonging.

 And that for non-payment thereof, it shall be lawful for the said Richard and his assigns to enter and distrain for the same. And the distress and distresses there taken to lead, drive and to detain, impound and keep until the said sum of twenty pounds shall be paid, together with all arrearages of the same if any such shall happen to be. 

 Item: my will, intent and meaning is that William Mill, my tenant, shall dig at his pleasure any stones at any quarry or quarries of stones in Badgeworth and the same to sell, give and dispose to his own benefit for and during the term of seven years next after my decease without paying any rent for the same and shall have free egress, ingress and regress to the said quarry or quarries for the having and carrying away of the stones there;  provided always that my sons, George and Richard, shall have or take any stones there for their own uses, paying the said William reasonable wages for the digging thereof.

 Item: my will, intent and meaning is that my said son, George, shall not enter into the possession of any my lands and tenements to him before by me devised and bequeathed or take the profits thereof until he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years; to that end and purpose, my executrix with the profits thereof until that time may raise money for the payment of such legacies and bequeaths as are by me bequeathed.

 Item: my will and mind is that if my said son, George, shall die without issue of his body lawfully begotten then I will that all the said lands and tenements to him before by me given and bequeathed shall remain and come and I do give and bequeath them to my son, Richard, and his heirs forever.

 And my will, intent and meaning is that my wife, Mary, shall have, hold and enjoy during the term of her natural life to her own use, the third part of all my land and tenements before by me devised and bequeathed to my said sons to take the issues, profits and commodities thereof, without the let and interruption of my said sons or any of them or any claiming from, by or under them or either of them.

 Item: my will is that my wife shall have the use and occupation of the parlour in the house wherein I do now dwell and the use of all the implements therein during the term of her natural life.  And the said implement after her decease to remain to my son, George, if he be then living.  And if the said George be not then living, then my son, Richard, to have the same implements of household in the same parlour.

 Item: my will is that John Ranford the elder and Joane his now wife shall have the houses they dwell in and the residue that is in their occupation at the yearly rent of twenty shillings so long as either of them shall live;  Provided that they shall keep it in good reparation during the time.

 All the rest of my goods, chattels and cattle as well, moveable and unmoveable, my debts paid, all my legacies discharged, I give unto Mary, my loving wife whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament and do hereby revoke and make void all former wills whatsoever.

 And by these presents. I do constitute and appoint my well-beloved friends, Master Edmund Estcourt, my brother in law, Jasper Estcourt, gent, William Poole, my brother in law and John Newton, my overseers of this my last Will and testament.  And I do give to either of them for their pains, two and twenty shillings in gold to make each of them a ring.

 As by the aforesaid testament and last will, shown in evidence to the jurors aforesaid on the taking of this inquisition, the date of which is the 18th day of February last past, among other things, more fully is shown and appears.

 And, further, the jurors aforesaid said upon their oath that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett, deceased, by the aforesaid testament and his last will, gave and bequeathed to divers persons named in the same testament divers sums of money and other legacies specified in the same testament, as also appears by the same testament.

 And, further, the jurors aforesaid say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynet named in the said commission, being seised of all and singular the premises in form aforesaid afterwards, namely on the 19th day of February last past before the taking of this inquisition, at Great Shurdington aforesaid, died of such estate thereof seised;

 and that the aforesaid manor, messuages and all and singular the premises with appurtenances are held and at the time of the death of the said Richard Gwynett named in the said commission were held, of the said lord now king as of his honour of Gloucester, by knight service, but by what part of a knight’s fee, the jurors aforesaid have no knowledge; and are worth per annum in all issues after reprises 40s:

 and that George Gwynett is son and next heir of the said Richard Gwynett named in the said commission, and at the time of the death of the said Richard Gwynett, the father, he was under the age of 21 years, to wit, of the age of 17 years on the 25th day of ……… before the taking of this inquisition.

 And that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett and George Gwynett, the sons, and Mary, who was the wife of the said Richard Gwinett named in the said commission are still alive and are in full life, to wit, at Great Shurdington and that the aforesaid Mary is entitled to dower of all and singular the premises;

 and that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission neither had nor held any or other manors, lands or hereditaments, from the king or from anyone, else in demesne of service in the county aforesaid or elsewhere, to the knowledge of the jurors aforesaid.

In (witness) of which &c.

  ______________________________________________________________________

TNA Reference:  WARD 7/51/231

Examined by W. Ravenscrofte

 Richard Gwynett

 City of Gloucester

 Inquisition indentate taken at the city of Gloucester in the county of the city of Gloucester, the 2nd day of October in the 14th year of the reign of our lord James by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and of Scotland the 50th, before Thomas Estcourt knight, William Norwood esquire, George Raymond esquire, feodary, and Matthew Price esquire escheator of the county aforesaid, by virtue of a commission of the said lord king, in the nature of a writ of diem clausit extremum, directed to them and to others in this behalf, and annexed to this inquisition, to inquire after the death of Richard Gwynett yeoman deceased, by the oath &c.

Who say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission was seised in his demesne as of fee of and in a capital messuage with appurtenances called the farm house of Crippetts, situate, lying and being in Great Shurdington in the county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid;

and of and in all those closes of land, meadow, pasture and wood called or known by the several names of Bedles Hayes, the Crofte, Wigley Field, the Lower Cowleaze, the Over Cowleaze, the Over Broadhall, Crippetts Meade, Elme Hayes, the Lower Broadhall, the Forty Pence, the Grove and Sheephouse Close;

  • and of and in a cottage and orchard with appurtenances adjoining the same close called Sheephouse Close;
  • and of and in 2 acres of pasture in Lilland
  • and 1 acre of pasture under Rackley Hill, in a close of William Lawrence;
  • and of and in 2 acres of land in Houlbrooke Field,
  • and of 20 acres of land in Shurtons Downe Field;
  • and 10 acres of land with appurtenances in Bradley Field;
  • and 4 acres of land with appurtenances in Sladfurlong, with all and singular their appurtenances;
  • all and singular which premises belong or pertain to the same capital messuage, and lie in the parishes of Badgworth and Great Shurdington in the aforesaid county of the city of Gloucester.
  • and that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission was also seised in his demesne as of fee of and in 10 acres of land with appurtenances in a field called Houlbrooke Field in Badgworth aforesaid, which the same Richard Gwynett lately purchased from John Edwards;
  • and of and in the manor of  Badgworth with appurtenances in the said county of the city of Gloucester;
  • and of and in a messuage with appurtenances in Great Shurdington within the parish of Badgworth in the county aforesaid, late in the tenure of Richard Mercy and of Hellena his wife;
  • and of and in an orchard and a close of pasture adjoining and pertaining to the same messuage;
  • and of and in all and singular those closes of land, meadow and pasture adjoining and pertaining to the same messuage. called or known by the several names of Stonewell Hay, Lylland, the Newe Leaze, Vinall and Spanishe Thornes;
  • and of and in 5 acres of land in the field called Great Shurtons Downe Field;
  • and 1 acre of land in Houlbrooke Field, in a place called Blackpitt;
  • and 1 acre of land in Remnans Field;
  • and 1 acre of land in the field called The Farthing: which said messuage and all and singular the premises belonging or pertaining to the same lie and are in the parishes of Badgeworthe and Great Shurdington in the said county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid and were purchased by the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission from John Kenady knight and Elizabeth his wife and Henry earl of Northampton and others.
  • And of and in ½ acre of pasture called the Bayliefes Halfe Acre with appurtenances in Down Hatherley in the county of the city aforesaid, in a meadow called Down Hatherley Lower Meade;
  • and of and in all those land with appurtenances in the parishes of Badgworth and Great Shurdington aforesaid in the said county of the city of Gloucester, called the Wast Ground, now or late parcel of the manor of Badgword late parcel of the possessions of Giles lord Chandos late deceased;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 3s 4d and a pound of pepper, with appurtenances, in Bentham in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from lands in Bentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of William Bubb;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of a pound of pepper and a pound of cumin, with appurtenances, in Bentham aforesaid in the county aforesaid, issuing from lands in Bentham aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Giles Webley;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 5s a year, with appurtenances, in Great Shurdington in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Great Shurdington aforesaid called Brevell;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 12d a year, with appurtenances, in Down Hatherley aforesaid in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Down Hatherley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Edward Morgan or of his assigns;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 2½d, with appurtenances, in Little Shurdington in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from a messuage and land of William Lawrence of Little Shurdington aforesaid;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of ½d, with appurtenances, in Little Shurdington, called Clay Furlong and Sandfurlong;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 3d a year in Crickley in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land in Crickley aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Henry Mathin;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 1d a year, with appurtenances, in Little Shurdington aforesaid issuing from land in Little Shurdington aforesaid now or late in the tenure of Richard Elliotts, or of his assigns;
  • and of and in a yearly rent of 6d a year, with appurtenances, in Badgeworth in the said county of the city of Gloucester, issuing from land of the mayor and burgesses of the city of Gloucester in Badgworth aforesaid now or late in the tenure or possession of Philip Norton, or his assigns.

And, further, the jurors aforesaid say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynet was seised as of fee and right of and in all and singular the liberties and franchises and other things written below, to wit, to have and to hold within the aforesaid manor of Badgworth in the said county of the city of Gloucester and the liberties of the same court, view of frankpledge of all and all manner of inhabitants and residents within the manor aforesaid and in Badgworth, Bentham, Litle Wittome. Crickley, Hunt Courte, Little Shurdington, Great Shurdington and Down Hatherley in the said county of the city of Gloucester, and also to have and receive to his own proper use all and singular issues, fines, amercements and other profits to the said court of view of frankpledge pertaining and all that pertains to a view of frankpledge;

and to have and to seize within the manor and places aforesaid to his own proper use the goods and chattels of fugitive felons outlawed and put in exigent, deodands, the goods and chattels called wayve and stray,

and all other franchises and liberties whatsoever within the manor and places aforesaid pertaining or belonging to the same manor of Badgworth late parcel of the possession of the said Giles lord Chandos, or to be had, used or enjoyed in the same manor.

And, further, the jurors aforesaid upon their oath say that the aforesaid Richard Gwynet deceased, being so seised of the capital messuage called Crippetts and the tenements aforesaid, by his indenture sealed with his seal, bearing date the 14th day of February in the 3rd year of the reign of the said lord now king, made between the aforesaid Richard Gwynett deceased of the one part and Edmund Estcourt esquire of the other part, for and in consideration of £10 of legal money of England paid to the same Richard Gwynett by the aforesaid Edmund Estcourt, demised, granted and set to farm to the aforesaid Edmund Estcourt the aforesaid capital messuage called the farm house of Crippetts and the aforesaid closes called

  • Bedles Hayes,
  • the Crofte,
  • the Over Cowleaze,
  • the Lower Coweleaze,
  • Wigley Field,
  • the Forty Pence,
  • the Grove,
  • the Over Broad Hall,
  • Elmes Hayes,
  • Crippetts Meade
  • and the Lower Broad Hall,

and the aforesaid 2 acres of pasture at Lilland

  • and the aforesaid acre of pasture under Rackley Hill
  • and the aforesaid close called Shepards Close
  • and the aforesaid cottage and orchard and 1 virgate of land parcel of the premises, to have and to hold the aforesaid capital messuage

and all the other premises above mentioned to be demised, with appurtenances, to the aforesaid Edmund Estcourt his executors and assigns, from Michaelmas last past before the date of the said indenture for and during a term of 40 years thence next following and fully to be complete and finished, rendering thence yearly during the term aforesaid to the aforesaid Richard Gwynett, his heirs and assigns, a yearly rent of a penny at Michaelmas; as by one part of the indenture aforesaid, sealed with the seal of the said Richard Gwynett is more fully shown an appears.

And, further, the jurors aforesaid say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett, being seised of all and singular the premises in form aforesaid, afterwards, namely on the 18th day of February last past before the taking of this inquisition, at Great Shurdington aforesaid in the county of the city of Gloucester aforesaid, made and declared his testament and last will in writing, the tenor of which said testament and last will, as to the premises, follows, in these words, to wit:

In the name of god Amen the eighteenth day of February in the year of our lord God one thousand six hundred and fifteen, I Richard Gwynett of Great Shurdington in the County of the City of Gloucester, yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect memory, thanks be given to Almighty God, do make my last will and testament in writing, in manner and form following: 

First: I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God, my maker and redeemer, and my body to be buried according to the discretion of my overseers. And touching the settling and disposing of my worldly wealth and goods which God has endowed me withal: 

First: I give and devise and bequeath unto my eldest son, George Gwynett, and to his heirs for ever, all that capital messuage or farm house called or known by the name of the farm house of Crippetts wherein I do now dwell, with all arable land, meadows, leasows, pastures, feedings, commons and other profits and commodities whatsoever thereunto belonging, which I purchased of Sir John Kenady and the lady Elizabeth, his wife, and others; and also one half acre of meadow, called the Baylieffe’s half acre, lying in a meadow called Down Hatherley Lower Mead; and also the Signory loyalties and chief rent of the Manor of Badgeworth which I purchased of the said Sir John Kenady and the lady Elizabeth, his wife, and the Earle of Northampton and others

Item: I give and bequeath to my said son, George Gwynett, and his heirs forever, ten acres of arable land lying in a field called Houlbrooke Field in Badgeworth aforesaid which I purchased of one  John Edwards;

Item: I give and bequeath to my son, Richard, and his heirs forever, all that one messuage or tenement with the appurtenances in Great Shurdington in the parish of Badgeworth and all lands, meadows, leasows, pastures and feedings thereunto belonging, which I, amongst other things, purchased of the said  Sir John Kynady, the lady Elizabeth, his wife, the said lord of Northampton and others provided always and my intent and meaning is that if my said son George Gwinet do and shall within the space of one year next and immediately after such time as the said George shall be married, pay or cause to be paid unto my said son, Richard, or his assigns, the sum of three hundred pounds of lawful money of England, then my mind, intent and meaning is, and I do hereby give and devise the said messuage and land to my said son, George Gwynett, and his heirs forever. 

And if the said George Gwinet shall not be married before the said Richard my son shall accomplish the full age of one and twenty years, then if the said George Gwynett do and shall, within one year after the said Richard shall accomplish the same age of one and twenty years, pay or cause to be paid unto the said Richard the said sum of three hundred pounds, then I give the said messuage and land to the said George and his heirs forever but my intent and meaning is that, until the said sum of three hundred pounds shall be paid unto my son, Richard, in manner as aforesaid, he, the said Richard shall hold and enjoy the said messuage or tenement and all the land, meadows, leasows, pastures and feedings thereunto belonging.

Item: I give and bequeath to my said son, Richard Gwynett, the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England, to be paid unto him within six months next after such time as the said Richard shall accomplish the age of twenty eight years, the same to be paid by my son, George Gwinett.

And if my said son, George Gwinett, shall refuse to pay the said sum of one hundred pounds unto my said son, Richard, at the time aforesaid, then my will and meaning is, and after such refusal, I do hereby give and devise unto my said son, Richard, and his assigns, during the natural life of the said Richard, one annuity or yearly rent of twenty pounds to be yearly issuing, perceived, received, had and taken forth of my said farm of Crippetts and out the lands thereunto belonging.

And that for non-payment thereof, it shall be lawful for the said Richard and his assigns to enter and distrain for the same. And the distress and distresses there taken to lead, drive and to detain, impound and keep until the said sum of twenty pounds shall be paid, together with all arrearages of the same if any such shall happen to be. 

Item: my will, intent and meaning is that William Mill, my tenant, shall dig at his pleasure any stones at any quarry or quarries of stones in Badgeworth and the same to sell, give and dispose to his own benefit for and during the term of seven years next after my decease without paying any rent for the same and shall have free egress, ingress and regress to the said quarry or quarries for the having and carrying away of the stones there;  provided always that my sons, George and Richard, shall have or take any stones there for their own uses, paying the said William reasonable wages for the digging thereof.

Item: my will, intent and meaning is that my said son, George, shall not enter into the possession of any my lands and tenements to him before by me devised and bequeathed or take the profits thereof until he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years; to that end and purpose, my executrix with the profits thereof until that time may raise money for the payment of such legacies and bequeaths as are by me bequeathed.

Item: my will and mind is that if my said son, George, shall die without issue of his body lawfully begotten then I will that all the said lands and tenements to him before by me given and bequeathed shall remain and come and I do give and bequeath them to my son, Richard, and his heirs forever.

And my will, intent and meaning is that my wife, Mary, shall have, hold and enjoy during the term of her natural life to her own use, the third part of all my land and tenements before by me devised and bequeathed to my said sons to take the issues, profits and commodities thereof, without the let and interruption of my said sons or any of them or any claiming from, by or under them or either of them.

Item: my will is that my wife shall have the use and occupation of the parlour in the house wherein I do now dwell and the use of all the implements therein during the term of her natural life.  And the said implement after her decease to remain to my son, George, if he be then living.  And if the said George be not then living, then my son, Richard, to have the same implements of household in the same parlour.

Item: my will is that John Ranford the elder and Joane his now wife shall have the houses they dwell in and the residue that is in their occupation at the yearly rent of twenty shillings so long as either of them shall live;  Provided that they shall keep it in good reparation during the time.

All the rest of my goods, chattels and cattle as well, moveable and unmoveable, my debts paid, all my legacies discharged, I give unto Mary, my loving wife whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament and do hereby revoke and make void all former wills whatsoever.

And by these presents. I do constitute and appoint my well-beloved friends, Master Edmund Estcourt, my brother in law, Jasper Estcourt, gent, William Poole, my brother in law and John Newton, my overseers of this my last Will and testament.  And I do give to either of them for their pains, two and twenty shillings in gold to make each of them a ring.

As by the aforesaid testament and last will, shown in evidence to the jurors aforesaid on the taking of this inquisition, the date of which is the 18th day of February last past, among other things, more fully is shown and appears.

And, further, the jurors aforesaid said upon their oath that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett, deceased, by the aforesaid testament and his last will, gave and bequeathed to divers persons named in the same testament divers sums of money and other legacies specified in the same testament, as also appears by the same testament.

And, further, the jurors aforesaid say upon their oath aforesaid that the aforesaid Richard Gwynet named in the said commission, being seised of all and singular the premises in form aforesaid afterwards, namely on the 19th day of February last past before the taking of this inquisition, at Great Shurdington aforesaid, died of such estate thereof seised;

and that the aforesaid manor, messuages and all and singular the premises with appurtenances are held and at the time of the death of the said Richard Gwynett named in the said commission were held, of the said lord now king as of his honour of Gloucester, by knight service, but by what part of a knight’s fee, the jurors aforesaid have no knowledge; and are worth per annum in all issues after reprises 40s:

and that George Gwynett is son and next heir of the said Richard Gwynett named in the said commission, and at the time of the death of the said Richard Gwynett, the father, he was under the age of 21 years, to wit, of the age of 17 years on the 25th day of ……… before the taking of this inquisition.

And that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett and George Gwynett, the sons, and Mary, who was the wife of the said Richard Gwinett named in the said commission are still alive and are in full life, to wit, at Great Shurdington and that the aforesaid Mary is entitled to dower of all and singular the premises;

and that the aforesaid Richard Gwynett named in the said commission neither had nor held any or other manors, lands or hereditaments, from the king or from anyone, else in demesne of service in the county aforesaid or elsewhere, to the knowledge of the jurors aforesaid.

In (witness) of which &c.

Latin translation by David Bethell of The Original Record.