Thomas A'Downe

b. circa 1526, d. before 1598

Parents:

Father: (?) A'Downe b. c 1500
Last Edited: 22 Mar 2017
  • Birth*: Thomas A'Downe was born circa 1526 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.
  • He was the son of (?) A'Downe.
  • Death*: Thomas A'Downe died before 1598 at Sussex, England.
  • Anecdote*: In the Rotherfield manor court held 13 Dec 41 Eliz. [1598]:
    It is found that on first proclamation after death of Thomas Adowne came Edward Adowne, kinsman & heir of said Thomas to his bondlands viz. younger son of William Adowne brother & heir of said Thomas & prays admittance to a suein[swin?] of bondland of Wade ferling viz. 3 pieces of land Eastfeld, Collynshaine and le croft, containing by estimation 10 acres in Rotherfield and he makes relief 9¾d etc.
    By 1st proclamation after the death of Thomas A Downe comes John A Downe kinsman & heir of the said Thomas viz. eldest son next heir of William etc. & prays admittance to a messuage & barn & garden an orchard & a croft of land containing in all 4 acres 3 rood land of assart lying on the forest next Cotgrove which is held by the rent of 8¾d, a parcel called Arnoldsfeld lying next the premises containing 4 acres held by rent 8d, a well lying next Arnoldsfeld held by ½d rent, also 2 crofts called Inhams lying next the first mentioned croft, containing 8 acres 1/2 rood & 8 parcels of land of assart of Cotgrove held by 12¾d rent. Also a piece of land called le Hoth [Hoath] containing 5 acres 11 perches held by 20¼d rent lying next Cotgrove of assart of Cotgrove. Also a piece of land called Wellet containing 3 acres lying at Wellet G...[?] held by 6 ½d rent with appurtenances in Rotherfield, which said John is admitted tenant etc. And makes relief 6s 2¾d etc.1
  • Anecdote: The following people are identified in this:
    - Thomas A'Downe the deceased
    - His brother William A'Downe
    - William's younger son Edward (younger son of William Adowne brother)
    - William's eldest son John (eldest son next heir of William.)

Citations

  1. [S451] Indexed translation of a court book of the manor of Rotherfield, 1593-1606 (ESRO: PAR 465/26/1/4) "pp. 67, 68 [PDF]."

(?) atte Downe

Last Edited: 8 May 2023
  • Anecdote: The surname has been observed in old documents as written as "atte Downe" suggesting this as the origin of A'Downe. From the 1600's it appears to have just become Downe.
  • Anecdote*: Note the following transaction concerns one of the early A'Downes and could possibly identify the wife of this "unknown atte Downe":
    "27 Sep 1516 Copy Surrender of Alice A Downe, widow, to use of Thomas Morley. Small parcel land (?belonging to) a cottage called Bonnetts on Rotherfield Hill".1
  • Anecdote: The manorial records suggest that the Downe/A'Downe family go further back in Rotherfield, as the court rolls for 1456 record the following:
    "Wm A'Downe admitted after the death of Nicholas A'Downe to a messuage former Stonends by the rent of 8 1/2, of old assent, & to one perch of land to enlarge the old messuage taken out of the street, by rent of a farthing yearly 34HVI [1456]."2

Family:

Children:

John A'Downe+ b. c 1490, d. 1558
(?) A'Downe+ b. c 1500

Citations

  1. [S118] Transcription of A'Downe/Morley Surrender of Property, 27 Sep 1516. (ESRO SAS AB 395).
  2. [S104] Catharine Pullein, "Rotherfield: The Story of Some Wealden Manors", Courier, First Edition (1928) "p. 222."

John A'Downe

b. circa 1490, d. 1558

Parents:

Last Edited: 2 Jan 2022
  • Birth*: John A'Downe was born circa 1490 at Sussex, England.
  • He was the son of (?) atte Downe.
  • Marriage*: John A'Downe married Joan (?) circa 1518 at Sussex, England.
  • Anecdote*: John a Downe was churchwarden of Rothefield St Denys 1519-21 and William a Downe, possibly his brother, was a churchwarden 1525-26.
    The burial of Joan Downe, "wife of John", identifies the wife of John as Joan.
    The manorial records suggest that the Downe/A'Downe family go further back in Rotherfield, as the court rolls for 1456 record the following:
    "Wm A'Downe admitted after the death of Nicholas A'Downe to a messuage former Stonends by the rent of 8 1/2, of old assent, & to one perch of land to enlarge the old messuage taken out of the street, by rent of a farthing yearly 34HVI [1456]."1
  • Death*: John A'Downe died in 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.
  • Will*: John A'Downe left a will made on 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.2
  • Will/Adm Transcript*: WILL – John A’Downe of Rotherfield 1558
    (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B)
    Made: 27 ??? 1558
    Proved: 16 Feb 1559
    In the name of god Amen The xxviith of the monethe of ??? in the yere of our lorde god m vc lviii [1558] and in the fyrst[e] yere of the Reygne of our soveyne Ladye Elizabeth by the grace of god [queen] of England France & Ireland defender of the fayth &c I John a Downe of the pishe of Retherfeld in the Countye of Sussex beyng hole of mynde & [of] goode & pfyte remembrance [laud] & prayse be unto almiyghtye god mak & ordeyne this my last wyll and testament in maner & forme followyng that is to say ffyrste I bequeth my soule to almyghtye god my maker & redemer my bodye to be buryed in the pishe churche or churche yard of Rotherfeld where as my executor shall dyspose it Item I bequethe to the hyghe aultar of the said pyshe churche of Rotherfelde iiiid Item I bequethe to Sylvester hyder daughter of my daughter [illeg.][Name disappears where the page bends into the binding] [hyder] a payre of shetes a blankett a bolster a // caldron a brasse panne a lytle brasse [pot] [illeg.] Itm I bequethe to xpofer hyder [illeg.] a brasse [illeg.] [a spytte] a ???yer candelstyck at an unknown age Chaffyngdysshe a ???yer bason at an unknown age frying panne Item I bequethe to the forsayd Sylvester [illeg.] xxxiiis iiiid to by her a [cowe] whiche cowe shalbe [illeg.] [to her] use [or be] the feast of Easter [come] twelvemonthJohn A'Downe whiche wyl[be] in the yere of our lord god m vc lx[1560] Itm [to the] [same] Sylvester I bequethe [illeg.]s viiid to by her a caldron & iiis iiiid to by her a [bonde][uncertain about the ‘on’ in the middle] for her fors[aid] cauldron Also to the same Sylvester I bequethe vili xiiis iiiid of lawfull money of englond to be payd to her at her maryage daye Itm I bequethe to the foresayd [xpofer] hyder sonne of my daughter Cathryn hyder xxxiiis iiiid to by him a cowe whiche cowe I wyll shalbe bought & put to his use [at or be] the next easter after the tyme lymitted for his sisters cowe to [be] bought that ys to saye by the feaste of easter whiche wylbe in the yere of our lorde god m vc lxi[1561] Itm I bequethe to Cathryn [one] other daughter of my daughter Cathryn hyder xls to be be bestowed pd & putt to the best use & comodytie maye be in the next yere after that the sayde xpofer hyders cowe is lymitted to be bought Itm I bequethe to george peryman sonne of my daughter Johanne peryman xiiis iiiid Itm I bequethe to John peryman [one] other sonne of the sayd Joanne peryman [illeg.] xxvis viiid Itm I bequethe to sylvest[er] peryman & Catheryn peryman daughters of my daughter joanne peryman to eyther of them xxs And my wyll is that these bequests of mony above issyued & bequethed shalbe payde & pformed by John hyder my sonne [in lawe] owte of the [illeg.] & payments late reseived of hym uppon the bargayn & sale of my lands to hym late [had] & made as is appoynted to be payde to me myne executors or assignes in a payre of Indentures betwixt me the sayde John a Downe of thone part & the sayde John hyder on that other [ptye] made in such [illeg.] to be payde as therein is [illeg.] without further [illeg.] to the sayde John hyder so as the very intent & meanyng of this my wyll ys that for the non payment or not pformaunce of anye of the foresayd bequethes in money nott pformed after the pay[ments] in the sayde indenture shalbe due & payable then that [paye] to whome suche bequeth shalbe due & of the pmisses [payable] shall [then] lyke to [illeg.] the same by distresse therfore by hym & them to be [takyn] of & in the forsayd landes & the same in lyke manr to [illeg.] as to me is [reserved] in that behalfe And in lyke forme & manr to Kathryn hyder my daughter xxs Itm to my daughter J[ane][Part of name obscured by writing on the line above] peryman I bequethe xxs Itm I bequethe to John a Downe & [heughe] a Downe the sonnes of my sonne John a Downe late deceassed to eyther of them iiili of good & lawfull money of englond Itm I bequethe to wylliam a Downe sonne of my sonne Alexander a Downe late decessed [foure] pounds of lawfull money of englond And yf any of the sayd sonnes of my sonne John a Downe happen to decesse [wthout] heyre of his bodye lawfully begotten that then I wyll that the other brother to be hys [heyre] in the sayd bequethes lykewise I wyll that yf the foresayde wylliam a Downe sonne of my sonne Alexander happen to decesse wthout heyre of his bodye lawfully begotten that then his mother shall have [xl]s of that to him is above assigned and the other xls therof to be bestowed [whereas] myne executor shall thynk best Also I ordeyne & constitute the afore named John hyder to be the [whole] & [trustie] executor of this my sayde wyll & testament Who having my lands & tenements by bargayn & Surrendr // accordingly shall pforme & fulfill all my legacyes & bequethes in this my wyll conteyned according to the Covenants & [payments] thereof shall & doth by the foresayd indenture [extend] & so [saying] the very intent & meaning of my wyll is that the same payments [so] thereof allowed and [illeg.] shalbe from tyme to tyme a Suffycyent discharge of all [clauses] & condytions of [Rent] or other [Indemnytie] in that behalfe The Residewe & surplus of the sayd [illeg.] & payments [illeg.] all other my goodes Catells & debts I do wholye gyve [remyt] & bequethe to the same myn executor And I do [nominate] and appoynt wylliam [illeg.][possibly Bocher – is also a witness] my neyghbor to be my trustye Supvysor & ovseer by whose [syght] & surveyaunce of all & everye the forsayd legacyes & bequethes maye be the better accomplysshed And suche pformed therof as shalbe due to Anye [illeg.] ther mynoritie of age maye be by myn executor [illeg.] & after [illeg.] payde according to the true intent of this my last wyll and as shalbe for th[is] suffycyent or quyting & dyscharge of the sayd John hyder his heyres & executors in that behalfe These wytnesses Alexander ffarmer & John b?h?? wth others
    [Amount sworn] xxxli xviis viiid
    Ex[hibited] in the parish church of Maresfield… 16th February 1559
    (Transcribed by Claire Wickens, 17th March 2017 for Geoffrey Barber)
    NOTES FROM WILL:
    Daughter Cathryn Hyder, wife of John Hyder
    Granddaughter Sylvester Hyder, daughter of Cathryn and John Hyder
    Grandson Christopher Hyder, son of Cathryn and John Hyder
    Granddaughter Cathryn Hyder, daughter of Cathryn and John Hyder
    Daughter Joanne Peryman
    Grandson George Peryman, son of Joanne Peryman
    Grandson John Peryman, son of Joanne Peryman
    Granddaughter Cathryn Peryman, daughter of Joanne Peryman
    Granddaughter Sylvester Peryman, daughter of Joanne Peryman
    Son John A’Downe (deceased)
    Grandson John A’Downe, son of John A’Downe
    Grandson Heughe [Hugh?] A’Downe, son of John A’Downe
    Son Alexander A’Downe (deceased)
    Grandson William, son of Alexander A’Downe
    Witnesses:
    Alexander Farmer
    John b?h?? (Bocher?)
    Overseer:
    William [illeg.] (Bocher?)
  • Probate*: His estate was probated on 16 February 1559 at Maresfield, Sussex, EnglandB, (Exhibited.)

Family:

Joan (?) b. c 1490, d. 1544

Children:

Cathryn A'Downe+ b. c 1520, d. 1584
Joan A'Downe+ b. c 1520
John A'Downe+ b. c 1520, d. b 1558
Alexander A'Downe+ b. c 1525, d. b 1558

Citations

  1. [S104] Catharine Pullein, "Rotherfield: The Story of Some Wealden Manors", Courier, First Edition (1928) "p. 222."
  2. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

Joan (?)

b. circa 1490, d. 1544
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Family:

John A'Downe b. c 1490, d. 1558

Children:

Cathryn A'Downe+ b. c 1520, d. 1584
Joan A'Downe+ b. c 1520
John A'Downe+ b. c 1520, d. b 1558
Alexander A'Downe+ b. c 1525, d. b 1558

Citations

  1. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Cathryn A'Downe

b. circa 1520, d. 1584

Parents:

Father: John A'Downe b. c 1490, d. 1558
Mother: Joan (?) b. c 1490, d. 1544
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Family:

John Hyder d. 1597

Children:

Silvestra Hider+ b. c 1545, d. c 1587
Christopher Hyder b. c 1548
Cathryn Hyder b. c 1550
John Hyder b. 27 Oct 1552, d. Dec 1552

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Joan A'Downe

b. circa 1520

Parents:

Father: John A'Downe b. c 1490, d. 1558
Mother: Joan (?) b. c 1490, d. 1544
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Family:

Thomas Peryman

Children:

Mylcent Peryman b. 12 Nov 1548
George Peryman+ b. c 1550, d. Nov 1603
Sylvester Peryman b. c 1552
John Peryman+ b. 2 Sep 1554, d. 1605
Cathryn Peryman b. c 1556

Citations

  1. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.
  2. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

Thomas Peryman

Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Family:

Joan A'Downe b. c 1520

Children:

Mylcent Peryman b. 12 Nov 1548
George Peryman+ b. c 1550, d. Nov 1603
Sylvester Peryman b. c 1552
John Peryman+ b. 2 Sep 1554, d. 1605
Cathryn Peryman b. c 1556

Citations

  1. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.

John Hyder

d. 1597
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Family:

Cathryn A'Downe b. c 1520, d. 1584

Children:

Silvestra Hider+ b. c 1545, d. c 1587
Christopher Hyder b. c 1548
Cathryn Hyder b. c 1550
John Hyder b. 27 Oct 1552, d. Dec 1552

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Mylcent Peryman

b. 12 November 1548

Parents:

Father: Thomas Peryman
Mother: Joan A'Downe b. c 1520
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S23] Online Index to Baptisms, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

John Peryman

b. 2 September 1554, d. 1605

Parents:

Father: Thomas Peryman
Mother: Joan A'Downe b. c 1520
Last Edited: 2 Apr 2022

Family:

Mary Undrell

Children:

Elizabeth Peryman b. 2 Nov 1595
Simon Peryman b. 9 May 1596
John Peryman b. 20 Apr 1600

Citations

  1. [S23] Online Index to Baptisms, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.
  2. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.

George Peryman

b. circa 1550, d. November 1603

Parents:

Father: Thomas Peryman
Mother: Joan A'Downe b. c 1520
Last Edited: 2 Apr 2022

Family:

Katherine Rivers

Children:

Sylvester Peryman b. Sep 1578
Robert Peryman b. 18 Sep 1580, d. 1621
Thomas Peryman b. 27 Jan 1583
Alice Peryman b. 16 Sep 1585, d. 1614
John Peryman b. 16 Nov 1589
Bridget Peryman b. 9 Aug 1590
Jane Peryman b. 15 Dec 1594, d. c 1597
Isaac Peryman b. 1 Aug 1596, d. Oct 1596
Jane Perryman+ b. 2 Apr 1598, d. 1663
Joseph Peryman b. 26 Jun 1603

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Sylvester Peryman

b. circa 1552

Parents:

Father: Thomas Peryman
Mother: Joan A'Downe b. c 1520
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

Cathryn Peryman

b. circa 1556

Parents:

Father: Thomas Peryman
Mother: Joan A'Downe b. c 1520
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

John Hyder

b. 27 October 1552, d. December 1552

Parents:

Father: John Hyder d. 1597
Mother: Cathryn A'Downe b. c 1520, d. 1584
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S23] Online Index to Baptisms, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Christopher Hyder

b. circa 1548

Parents:

Father: John Hyder d. 1597
Mother: Cathryn A'Downe b. c 1520, d. 1584
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Family 1:

Elizabeth Fry d. 1584

Family 2:

Margaret Fry d. 1620

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).
  2. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.

Cathryn Hyder

b. circa 1550

Parents:

Father: John Hyder d. 1597
Mother: Cathryn A'Downe b. c 1520, d. 1584
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

Elizabeth Fry

d. 1584
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Family:

Christopher Hyder b. c 1548

Citations

  1. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Margaret Fry

d. 1620
Last Edited: 17 Mar 2017

Family:

Christopher Hyder b. c 1548

Citations

  1. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

John Coe

b. circa 1545, d. 1604

Parents:

Father: John Coe d. 1547
Last Edited: 23 Mar 2022

Family:

Silvestra Hider b. c 1545, d. c 1587

Children:

William Coe b. 16 Apr 1574
John Coe b. 25 Nov 1576
Richard Coe b. 15 Jun 1578
Robert Coe b. 28 May 1580
Nicholas Coe b. 2 Sep 1582
Sylvester Coe b. 29 May 1584
Thomas Coe b. 25 Sep 1586

Citations

  1. [S24] Index to Marriages, 1538-1837, Compact Disc SFHGCD003, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, 2008.
  2. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Katherine Rivers

Last Edited: 2 Apr 2022

Family:

George Peryman b. c 1550, d. Nov 1603

Children:

Sylvester Peryman b. Sep 1578
Robert Peryman b. 18 Sep 1580, d. 1621
Thomas Peryman b. 27 Jan 1583
Alice Peryman b. 16 Sep 1585, d. 1614
John Peryman b. 16 Nov 1589
Bridget Peryman b. 9 Aug 1590
Jane Peryman b. 15 Dec 1594, d. c 1597
Isaac Peryman b. 1 Aug 1596, d. Oct 1596
Jane Perryman+ b. 2 Apr 1598, d. 1663
Joseph Peryman b. 26 Jun 1603

John A'Downe

b. circa 1520, d. before 1558

Parents:

Father: John A'Downe b. c 1490, d. 1558
Mother: Joan (?) b. c 1490, d. 1544
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Family:

Children:

John A'Downe b. c 1545
Hugh A'Downe b. c 1550

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

Alexander A'Downe

b. circa 1525, d. before 1558

Parents:

Father: John A'Downe b. c 1490, d. 1558
Mother: Joan (?) b. c 1490, d. 1544
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Family:

Child:

William A'Downe b. c 1550

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

William A'Downe

b. circa 1550

Parents:

Father: Alexander A'Downe b. c 1525, d. b 1558
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

John A'Downe

b. circa 1545

Parents:

Father: John A'Downe b. c 1520, d. b 1558
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

Hugh A'Downe

b. circa 1550

Parents:

Father: John A'Downe b. c 1520, d. b 1558
Last Edited: 19 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S666] Will of John A'Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 1558, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 16 Feb 1559. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/4/197B).

John A'Downe

b. circa 1555, d. November 1600

Parents:

Father: William A'Downe b. c 1530, d. 1580
Mother: Eleanor Saxbyes b. c 1530, d. 1610
Last Edited: 2 Jan 2022
  • Birth*: John A'Downe was born circa 1555 at Sussex, England.
  • He was the son of William A'Downe and Eleanor Saxbyes.
  • Anecdote: John appears to have never married.
  • (Witness) Anecdote: John A'Downe was a witness: In the Rotherfield manor court held 13 Dec 41 Eliz. [1598]:
    It is found that on first proclamation after death of Thomas Adowne came Edward Adowne, kinsman & heir of said Thomas to his bondlands viz. younger son of William Adowne brother & heir of said Thomas & prays admittance to a suein[swin?] of bondland of Wade ferling viz. 3 pieces of land Eastfeld, Collynshaine and le croft, containing by estimation 10 acres in Rotherfield and he makes relief 9¾d etc.
    By 1st proclamation after the death of Thomas A Downe comes John A Downe kinsman & heir of the said Thomas viz. eldest son next heir of William etc. & prays admittance to a messuage & barn & garden an orchard & a croft of land containing in all 4 acres 3 rood land of assart lying on the forest next Cotgrove which is held by the rent of 8¾d, a parcel called Arnoldsfeld lying next the premises containing 4 acres held by rent 8d, a well lying next Arnoldsfeld held by ½d rent, also 2 crofts called Inhams lying next the first mentioned croft, containing 8 acres 1/2 rood & 8 parcels of land of assart of Cotgrove held by 12¾d rent. Also a piece of land called le Hoth [Hoath] containing 5 acres 11 perches held by 20¼d rent lying next Cotgrove of assart of Cotgrove. Also a piece of land called Wellet containing 3 acres lying at Wellet G...[?] held by 6 ½d rent with appurtenances in Rotherfield, which said John is admitted tenant etc. And makes relief 6s 2¾d etc.1
  • Will*: John A'Downe left a will made on 7 November 1600 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.2
  • Will/Adm Transcript*: In the name of god amen The sevententh day of november in the yeare of our Lord god [illeg.] the computation of the Church of England one thousand and six hundred and in the three & fortith yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England ffrannce and Irelande Queene defender of the faith etc I John Downe of Retherfeild in the county of Sussex beinge sicke in bodye but of good and perfect remembrance thanks bee to god therefore doe make and ordayne this my last will and testamente in manner and forme following ffirste and principally I bequeath my soule unto almightye god my maker saviour and redeemer by whome & through whome I hope to have forgivenes of my synnes and my bodye to the earth from whence yt came Item I gyve and bequeath unto Alice Merrywether my sister forty shillings of lawfull money of England to bee paid unto her or her heires or assignes by myne executor hereafter named wthin one yeare next after my decease all the residue of my moveable goods and chattells not before given and bequeathed my debts first paid my legacyes discharged and my funerall expences pformed I give and bequeath full and whollye unto Edward Downe my brother whome I make and ordayne my whole executor of this my present will This is the last will and testament of mee the aforesaid John Downe made the day and yeare firste above written Concerning the disposition of my lands and tenements as followeth ffirste I will and bequeath to Edward Downe my brother all that my messuage howses barnes buildings and edifices together wth all those my Assert11 i.e Assart holde lands wth thappurtenances sett lyinge and beinge in the parrishe of Retherfeilde in the county of Sussex to have and to hold to him his heyres and assignes for ever the said Edward his heyres or assignes paying & [performing] out of my said lands and tenements these severall legacyes and bequeaths hereafter in this my // present will expressed That ys to say ffirste I will and bequeath unto Elinor Downe my mother seven pounds of lawfull money of England a yeare and every yeare for and duringe her naturall lyfe to bee paid quarterly out of my sayd messuage lands and tenements by the sayd Edward Downe my brother his heyres or assignes and ffurther I will and bequeath that after the said Ellynor my mothers decease that the said Edward Downe my brother his heyres or assignes shall pay out of my said messuage lands and tenements unto [Amy] Downe my sister (yf shee bee then livinge) three pounds of lawfull money of England a yeare and every yeare duringe her naturall lyfe quarterly in forme aforesayd and yf it happen that the sayd [Emy] doe decease before the sayd Ellinor my mother that then my will and true meaninge ys that the said Ellinor my mother shall have but foure pounds a yeare and every yeare duringe her said naturall lyfe after the said [Emy] her decease to bee paid by the said Edward his heires or assignes out of my said messuage lands and tenements quarterly in manner & forme aforesaid any thing in this my present will conteyned to the contrary in any wyse notwthstanding and further I will and bequeath unto Christopher Downe my brother tenn pounds of lawfull money of England to bee paid unto him his heyres or assignes by the said Edward Downe his heires or assignes out of my said messuage lands and tenements wthin seven yeares next after the said Ellinor my mothers decease and further I will and my verye true meaninge ys that the said Edward my brother and his heyres shall enter into sufficient bonds of threescore pounds of lawfull money of England to the said Ellynor my mother and to Isack Alchorne and theire heyres for the performance of these my severall giftes and legacyes before given and bequeathed before the surrender of the premisses made by mee uppon this my will bee [brought unto] the courte accordinge to the custome of the [illeg.] //of Rotherfeild otherwise this my present gifte made of my said messuage and lands to the said Edward and his heyres shalbee utterlye voyd and of none effecte and finallye my will and true meaning ys that the said Ellynore my mother shall have one moneths libertye after my decease for the avoydeing away of her twoe fatt bullocks and that shee shall have all the residue of her chattells kepte in and uppon my said lands wth such hay and fother as is uppon the same untill the myddle of may nexte cominge anythinge herein conteyned to the contrarye in any wyse nothwthstandinge and I ordayne and appoynte William Newman and John Hosmer to bee my supervises and overseers of this my present will and they to have three shillings foure pence apeece and theire chardges borne these beinge witnesses Isacke Allchorne Thomas Hosmer Nicholas Merrywether wth others
    Signum Johannes Downe22 The mark of John Downe
    Probate: 17th December 1600 to Edward Downe, brother and executor.
    (Transcribed by Claire Wickens, 23rd March 2017 for Geoffrey Barber.)
  • Death*: John A'Downe died in November 1600 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.
  • Burial*: John A'Downe was buried on 20 November 1600 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.3
  • Probate: His estate was probated on 17 December 1600 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England.
  • Anecdote*: In the Rotherfield manor court held 15 Jan 1600/01:
    It is found that John Downe out of & since last court viz. 17 Nov 43 Eliz [1600] lying languid in his deathbed surrendered 1 messuage, 1 barn, 1 garden, 1 orchard. To use of Edward Downe his heir. To the intent and purpose that the lord shall to Edward, his heirs & assigns, perform & pay freely & lawfully the gift & legacy that is aforesaid & mentioned[?] in the last will & testament of the said John. Wherefore there falls to the lord for heriot a gelding worth £3.4

Citations

  1. [S451] Indexed translation of a court book of the manor of Rotherfield, 1593-1606 (ESRO: PAR 465/26/1/4) "pp. 67, 68 [PDF]."
  2. [S665] Will of John Downe of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made 17 Nov 1600, proved in the Archdeaconry court of Lewes, 17 Dec 1600. (ESRO: PBT/1/1/11/61B).
  3. [S443] Rotherfield St Denys, Burials and MIs, undated, Rotherfield, Sussex (http://www.stdenysrotherfield.org.uk/familyhistory.htm).
  4. [S451] Indexed translation of a court book of the manor of Rotherfield, 1593-1606 (ESRO: PAR 465/26/1/4) "p. 84 [PDF]."

Margaret Farmer

b. circa 1510, d. 1539

Parents:

Father: Edward Farmer b. c 1475, d. b 1539
Mother: Margaret (?) b. c 1480, d. 1539
Last Edited: 21 Mar 2017

Citations

  1. [S25] Online Index to Burials, 1538 onwards, compiled by Sussex Family History Group, http://www.sfhg.uk/, ongoing project,.

Elizabeth Grayling

d. circa 1587
Last Edited: 8 May 2022
  • Marriage*: Elizabeth Grayling married William Farmer, son of Anthony Farmer, circa 1560 at England.
  • Married Name: As of circa 1570, her married name was Farmer.
  • Anecdote*: Elizabeth Grayling is identified in the following document:
    Title: Deeds of a copyhold house and barn called Nicholas Tenement at Rotherfield
    ESRO: AMS6393
    Description: The property formed a copyhold tenement of the manor of Rotherfield Rectory otherwise Dewlands, and was held by a quitrent of 12d and a fine certain of 13s 4d. It was one of three tenements which lay to the east of the churchyard; for a map showing their location, and speculation that the tenements may have been the site of a house for chantry priests, see C Pullein, Rotherfield, 172-174
    Miss Pullein also traced the descent of the tenement between 1589 and the admission of Mary Hutchinson in 1692. Her statement that the tenement ceases to be mentioned as a separate holding is however incorrect
    The narrative which follows combines information from the documents themselves with that from the surviving court rolls and books and with Miss Pullein's account, which is largely based on documents which remain undeposited:
    On 6 October 1572 John Huggett surrendered the property to Thomas Aynescombe and his wife Mary, who on 25 September 1576 surrendered to William Farmer and his wife Elizabeth, who obtained a licence to demolish the western part of the kitchen on condition that they repaired the eastern half (ACC 2805/1/1)
    In 1589 William's eldest son John Farmer claimed the reversion after the death of his mother Elizabeth Grayling; in November 1618 it passed to his nephew John Farmer, age 12, son of his brother William Farmer. On 29 September 1631 John Farmer of Herstmonceux surrendered Nicholas Tenement to Adam Farmer of Rotherfield, tailor, and his wife Denise; their son Adam succeeded in 1645 and surrendered to Richard Hutchinson in 1655 (Pullein 173)
    Richard Hutchinson left the property by his will of 8 March 1685 to his son Richard Hutchinson, who was admitted on 14 April. In 1693 his widow Mary Hutchinson was admitted under his will of 11 March (ACC 4656/1)
    Mary Hutchinson's eldest son Richard was admitted on her death on 9 April 1739 and his death presented on 30 March 1758; it passed under his will of 12 February 1755 to his wife Margaret for her widowhood, with remainder to his daughter Mary in tail and reversion to his grandson Richard Hutchinson. Mary barred the entail by recovery in 1770 and left it by her will of 31 May to the occupier Aaron Winton for life, remainder to his wife Sarah Winton, remainder to their daughter Fanny Winton. Mary's death was presented and Aaron Winton admitted on 7 April 1774 (AMS6231/1) [..... more].
  • (Witness) Admon: Elizabeth Grayling witnessed the admon of William Farmer dated 11 January 1581 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB; (11 Jan 1580/81.)1
  • Death*: Elizabeth Grayling died circa 1587 at Sussex, England.
  • (Witness) Will: Elizabeth Grayling is mentioned in the will of Anthony Farmer dated April 1591 at Rotherfield, Sussex, EnglandB.2

Family:

William Farmer b. 2 Jun 1541, d. 1580

Children:

John Farmer b. 5 Jul 1562, d. c 1618
William Farmer+ b. 28 Feb 1563
Anthony Farmer b. 1 Sep 1565, d. 1591

Citations

  1. [S668] Letters of administration of the estate of William Farmer of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, granted by the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 11 Jan 1580/81 (ESRO: PBT 1/3/1/93A).
  2. [S1074] Will of Anthony Farmer of Rotherfield, Sussex, England, made Apr 1591, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Lewes, 10 May 1591. (ESRO: PBT 1/1/8/418A).