Extracts from the wills of Takeley residents, and also wills with references to land or property in Takeley.
Printed with the permission of the Essex Record Office.
References with BR are on micro fiche.
References with BW are on microfilm
( ) indicate direct quotations.
[ ] indicate note by the compiler.
... indicates that there are words left out.
? indicates that the compiler is uncertain of the reading.
The words God, Redeemer. Saviour etc. have been given capital letters throughout, even where they are not in the original.
The word (decease) has been rendered (death) to avoid confusion
1/- has been rendered 1s.
Probate dates have been given where known.
All land houses etc. are in Takeley unless otherwise specified.
All personal and place names have been given capital letters.
Full Q to Z List (those found to date)
Rayner, Elizabeth, widow, 1756 BR/24/347
Rous, John, gent, 1850 BR/36/484
Russell, Mary, widow, 1702 BR/14/322
Sach, William, husbandman, 1742 BR/22/461
Salmon, Edmund, senior, yeoman, 1824 BR/32/335
Saunders, Dorothy, widow, 1804 BR/29/669
Saunders, John, yeoman, 1777 BR/26/632
Savil(l)e, George, labourer, Gorefield House, 1840 BR/34/771
Skingle, Baldwin, yeoman, 1757 BR/24/420
Smith, John, yeoman, 1681 BR/11/9
Snowe, Elizabeth, widow, 1567/8 BW/34/71
Speller, John, shoemaker, 1832 BR/33/555
Speller, Robert, victualler, 1792 BR/28/309
Staines, Elizabeth, widow, 1661 BR/5/232
Staines, Jane, widow, 1625 BW/46/168
Staines, John, yeoman, 1688 BR/11/304
Staines, James, farmer and publican, Morrel Green, 1848 BR/36/60
Stock, John, labourer, 1798 BR/29/158
Stock, Thomas, yeoman, 1763 BR/25/255
Stracey, Daniel, husbandman, 1681 BR/11/12
Taylor, Samuel, grocer, 1692 BR/13/110
Thurgood, William, husbandman, 1635 BW/53/25
Tucker, John, carpenter, 1750 BA/23/492
Tumbridge, John, blacksmith 1740 CR/15/62
Wiseman, John 1559
White, Anne, widow, 1734 BR/21/248
White, James, yeoman 1830 BR/33/356
White, John, yeoman, 1767 BR/25/559
White, John, yeoman, 1695 BR/13/378
White, Thomas, yeoman, 1685 BR/11/438
White, Joan, widow, 1645 BW/58/160
White, Simon, husbandman, 1694 BR/13/279
White, Thomas, victualler, 1633 BW/52/53
Whyte, James, 1568/9 BR/4/95
Wryt, Elizabeth, widow, 1626 BW/47/39
Q to Z Transcriptions (work in progress)
MARY RUSSELL widow. BR/ 14/322.
(aged in body but sound and perfect mind)
James, son, freehold cottage or tenement with appurtenances, with an orchard, and
backside belonging, situate in Takeley Street, now in the occupation of John Vale.
He is to pay John Everard, grandson, £5 and ,Elizabeth and Anne Everard, grand
daughters 20s each, within 1 year after her death.
Susan Russell, the other freehold cottage or tenement with appurtenances, orchards
and backside in Takeley Street, now in the occupation of Mary Russell herself,
paying to Elizabeth Collin, wife of Henry Collin of Much Hallingbury,
husbandman, £10 within 1 year after her death.
Also all linnen and woolen wearing apparell.
All goods after the payment of her debts and funeral expenses to be divided
share and share alike between
James Russell, son
Children of Anne Everard, daughter, ( that shall be living at the time of my
decease) to be equally divided.
Elizabeth Collin, daughter.
Susan Russell, daughter.
Executrix; Susan Russell, daughter.
Witnesses; John Nicholls, Henry Staines, Philip Judd.
Probate; 1702
WILLIAM SACH, husbandman. BR/22/46.
Will dated 16 September 1723, 2 George 11.
Somewhat infirm in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory,
praised be Almighty God, calling to Mind the Uncertainty of this Life.
(dear and loving mother) to inherit all goods, chattells, and personal
estate, his debts being first satisfied.
John Sach, brother, 1/-.
Mary, sister, 10/-
Elizabeth, sister, 10/-
Sarah, sister, 10/-
All to be paid in half a year after his decease.
Mark of William Sach.
Witnesses,; William Tucker, mark of John Collier, John Frankham.
Probate to (natural and lawfull sister) Mary Jellis, widow. on 4 May 1742.
A Jos Sach was witness to the will of John Gibbons of Takeley in 1739
ELIZABETH SNOWE, widow. BW/71/34.
Will dated 7 January 1567/8
To the Takeley poor, 5s.
To the Birchanger poor, 5s.
To the Great Hallingbury poor, 12d.
Simon Whyte, son, a cupboard, the hangings in the hall and the parlour
at Birchanger, 2 settles, a salt trough, a kneading trough, a moulding
board, a quern, a brewing tun, a cheese press, a half-hundred lead
weight and the shelves in the same house.
Also a cow, the best coverlet of tapestry, 2 blankets, 2 featherbeds,
2 of the best chests, a trivet, the best turned chair, a round table,
the old bedstead with the flock bed, a pan, a great kettle, a skillet in
his hands, a cauldron, 2 tables, a hand basket, half the candlesticks,
her best kerchief, a double rail, a flaxen tablecloth, half the napkins,
half the pillows, and pillow beres, half the pewter, half the cushions,
a firefork, a pair of tongs, a bowl, a bill, a pease hook, with all the
implements in Simons hands.
William Whyte, son of her son James, a brass pot and a brass pot
called a gallipot.{ a small earthenware glazed pot}
Mary Whyte, the best sheet with an open seam, a pair of silver hooks,
a worsted kirtle, a silver pin, a posnet and a chest.
John Whyte, a calf, a great skillet with 3 feet.
James Whyte, son, the rest of her goods not already bequeathed.
The Vicar of Felstead a pewter dish.
Overseer; Robert Lukyn, and for his pains, 3s 4d.
Witnesses; Robert Lukyn, Vicar of Takeley, Robert Gainsford.
Probate; 17 February 1567/8
ELIZABETH STAINES, widow. BR/5/232
Will dated 28 May 1655.
Being aged and sick and sensible (of my own Mortality) yet in being
in health and of Good memory, thanks be to God.
Her soul to God that gave it and body to the earth to be buried in a
decent manner as the Executors shall think fit.
John Stanes, grandson, son of John Stanes, the press in the parlour.
Mary, daughter of the above John Stanes, the Chest above.
Pebe Kane, the Box in the parlour and the top shelfe in the hall.
Henry Staines, grandson, a goeing Bedd in the Parlour and a great tub,
a great Skillett, a trone platter.
William Staines, son, the Great chest in the parlour.
William Staines, grandson, son of son William Staines, the bedd above
and all that belongs thereto.
Elizabeth Browne, grandchild a paire of flaxen sheets, one linsey,
one woollen bolster,
Susan Browne, daughter, a pewter platter.
Rebekah Baker, daughter, the table and the forme standing in the hall,
and the Feather Bedd in the parlor, and the Bolster to it, and a hollan
sheete and a paire of Holland Pillow beeres, the warming pan, and the
mortar and the Wicker Chaire in the parlor
Daughter Sanders son, a great chest in the parlor
Elizabeth Halls, grandchild, one pewter platter.
My daughters and my grandchild, one pewter platter.
Elizabeth Wiberd, grandchild, a pewter platter
All the rest of goods and chattells unbequeathed to be divided equally
among her five daughters.
Sole Executor; son Henry Ewen of Morton.
Witnesses; Gregory Newman, Eliza Newman.
Elizabeth Staines makes a mark.
Probate; 20 March 1660.
JOHN STANES, yeoman, BR/11/304
Will dated 1688
Weak in body but perfect mind and memory praised be God, in the
year of Redemption 1688 and 55 Charles 11. Humbly commits and
bequeaths soul into the hands of God his maker, to Jesus Christ,
his precious Saviour, the Holy Ghost his ?? and comforter and hope
only through the merits and passion of the said Redeemer, Saviour.
My Body as dust committed to the earth from whence it was taken
to be decently buried at the discretion of the Executrix.
To Sarah and Elizabeth, daughters, £100 each at 18, or the day of
marriage, and at the discretion of the executrix. for their education
and maintenance until they are 18 years.
If any one dies then her share to the survivor.
To John, son, and his heirs for ever, the copyhold messuage and 7
acres of copyhold land and all appurtenances called Blunts in Takeley,
held of the Manor of Colchester Hall. All the freehold land left to the
testator by his father, being 16 acres, more or less, in Hatfield Broad Oak,
late in the occupation of Robert Battyford
Also a silver Beaker, silver spoons and the Briding? pen to be given him
at 12 years..
Sarah, wife, to have annually £4.10s out of the said freehold lands on
21 May and 29 September.
If this is not paid within 30 days, then his wife can enter into the lands
until it is paid Also all goods and chattels after paying debts, legacies etc..
Henry Ewen of Takeley (his loving friend) to be Guardian to son John
during his minority, and he is to be brought up out of the lands he has
been given.
Sole executrix; wife Sarah
Witnesses; Sarah Stanes, Clement Hall, Daniel Walter, Thomas Cramphorn,
Mary Moore?
Probate ;1688.
JAMES STAINES of Morrell Green, farmer and publican. BR/36/60
Will dated 12 February, 1848.
The mark of James Staines is annexed.
James Simmonds, grandson, to have the cottage, and in the event of his
death to go to the other children, except that John and the son of his daughter
Sally Simmonds to have the cottage and garden now in the occupation of
John and George Prior.
Thomas Staines, son to have the rent of the cottage for 3 years, after paying
25s out of the last years rent, and his mother to take the remaining rents until
Thomas reaches the age of 21 years.
John Simmonds, the second son of his daughter Sally Simmonds and
John Simmonds to have the other house, with the proviso that his daughter
and her husband can live there for their lives.
If Thomas sells the house after their death then the money to be divided
between daughter Sally and grandson James.
Thomas to have all goods, stock etc. after paying legacies and debts etc.
The mark of James Staines.
Executor;
Witnesses George Elliott, William Richardson.
Probate; 20 April 1848.
George Elliott appeals and swears on oath to the truth of this will.
ANNE WHITE, widow. BR/21/248
Weak and infirm in Body but of sound disposing mind and memory and
understanding, praise be to God for the same.
Margaret White, daughter in law, the capital messuage or tenement wherein
she now dwells, with a Barn and Stable, a Hoppet, the orchard, garden and
yards and all other rights appurtenances etc. belonging at a certain Green called
Morrell Green and now in her, Anne Whites, occupation. All to Margaret so
long as she remaines unmarried. If she marries then it goes to the next heir
immediately.
Also all goods except those already given, remainder of goods, chattells, corn,
hay, ready money, bills for money, and all the rest of her personal estate, after
the debts etc. have been paid.
Anne Thurgood, kinswoman, daughter of William Thurgood, five closes or
parcels of freehold land in Takeley, now in Anne Whites occupation, and 4 acres
more or less, to her and her heirs for ever.
This is on condition that Anne Thurgood pays to her brothers and sisters that
shall be then living £5 apiece at the end of 12 months after her decease.
If the said lands are sown with Corn at the time of Anne Whites death then it is
lawfull for Margaret White to quietly and peaceably to take the Crop from the
said Ground without any Let, Hindrance or Molestation whatsoever from the
said Anne Thurgood.
In case of the non payment of the legacies, or Margaret White is behind in the
taken of her Crop of Corn, if any happen to grow at the time of Anne Whites
decease, she empowers all such persons, or person, being not paid or hindered
taken the Corn , then they can separately or jointly enter into the Closes until
paid the rents etc., and any Law charges are to be paid.
Jane, wife of William Thurgood and Alice Boyce my sister, 1s apiece when
they shall lawfully demand it
William Thurgood, kinsman, son of William Thurgood, one joyn bed and all
the furniture thereto belonging and two Hutches being and remaining in or
near the parlor, one Long table, three joyn Stools, a Cupshelf, one Mortar and
pestle, two Spitts and one Cleaver, the same being in or near the Hall.
One Livery Cupboard and a Kettle in the dairy and a large kettle in one of
the Chambers and two Cushions in the Hall.
The mark of Anne White.
Sole Executrix; Margaret White
Witnesses; George Pigram, John Tyler his mark, Joshua Aylesard.
Probate; 8 June 1734
JAMES WHYTE. BR/4/95.
Will dated 1568/9
Rose, wife, lands free and copyhold for life, and the rest of his goods not
otherwise bequeathed.
William, son, Chansell Croft.
John, son, the tenement where he is living and the lands.
Mercy, daughter, £5 at 18 years.
Joan, daughter £5 at 18 years.
Executrix; Joan, his wife.
Overseers; George Kelsey, Robert Batsforde and each to have 3s 4d. for their pains.
Witnesses; none.
Probate; 30 March 1569.
N.B. Rose White was later to marry...... Skyngle.
JOHN WHITE, yeoman BR/25/559
(well beloved wife) Mary to have everything after paying debts.
Elizabeth, sister, spinster of Little Hallingbury, to inherit if she survives Mary.
Sole executrix. Mary his wife.
Witnesses; Joseph Drywood, mark of Sarah Smith, John Usher, senior.
Probate; 27 July 1767.
THOMAS WHITE, yeoman. BR/11/439
Will dated 21 January, 35 Charles II, 1683.
Sick of body but perfect memory praises be to Almighty God, but knowing
that my time here upon earth is but short, my life uncertaine.
Commends soul to the mercifull hands of Almighty God his Maker and
Saviour and Redeemer, and his body to the earth from whence it was
taken, to be buried at the discretion of the Executors.
And so for ( my wordly goods which it hath pleased the Lord to lend me)
John White, brother, one shilling to be paid by the Executors, one month
after his decease.
The two sons of his brother Robert, 50s apiece to be paid by brother Joseph
when they are 21 years.
Elizabeth, daughter of his brother William, £21 at 21 years.
Joseph White, brother, his heirs and assignes, that close, parcell of arable land
and pastures , customary land held of the manor of Waltham Hall called Tunnells,
with appurtenances.
Joane White, sister, the wife of Joseph White, 2 closes of arable land called, or
known by the name of Bromecroft and Carters Croft, held of the manor of
Colchester Hall, for her life, and then to her daughter Joane White.
Stephen White, brother, his heirs and assignes, 3 closes or parcells of arable
and pasture called Watland held of the manor of Bassingbourne Hall. Freehold
messuage or tenement, now in the occupation of Joane White his mother or her
assignes, with yards, garden, orchard, barns, stables, outhouses, and buildings and all freehold lands of arable and pasture, after the decease of Joane White his mother.
The other four children of his brother William, £5 apiece to be paid by brother
Joseph at the age of 21 years.
Stephen White is to discharge all the legacies bequeathed and to be paid by
his brother Joseph.
Sole executor; Stephen White.
The mark of Thomas White
Witnesses; William Leader, the wife of Thomas Stacey, and Symon Hayward.
Probate ; 5 May 1685.
SIMON WHITE/WRIGHT, husbandman. BR.13/279
Will dated 30 July 1677
Sarah, wife, the house where he now dwells being a customary tenement and
3 acres of customary land called Symmonds and Knaresbrugh for her life.
Also the land in Broxted called Leye Croft for life
George Wright, son and his wife Anne to inherit after her death, for their lives
and then to George Wright his grandson .
Anne Wright, wife of Thomas Richardson...the rest is unreadable.
Anne Hollingsworth, wife of Richard Hollingsworth 20s.
Lucy Baise, 1 cow, 1 hog.
....corne stock... rest unreadable..
Executor, George, his son.
Witnesses, John Kendall William Kendall and J.? kendall.
Probate; 1699
JOHN WISEMAN of Felstead, esq. Extract.
Will dated 4 January 1559.
...to Philip {his son} my grange and manor called Takeley Grange...