Person Page - 316

Thomas A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: Thomas A'Downe was born circa 1526 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• 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.)

(?) atte Downe

• 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

John A'Downe

Parents:

• 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, England^B.
• Will*: John A'Downe left a will made on 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.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 xxvii^th of the monethe of ??? in the yere of our lorde god m v^c 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 iiii^d 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.] xxxiii^s iiii^d 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 v^c lx[1560] Itm [to the] [same] Sylvester I bequethe ^[illeg.]s viii^d to by her a caldron & iii^s iiii^d to by her a [bonde][uncertain about the ‘on’ in the middle] for her fors[aid] cauldron Also to the same Sylvester I bequethe vi^li xiii^s iiii^d 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 xxxiii^s iiii^d 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 v^c lxi[1561] Itm I bequethe to Cathryn [one] other daughter of my daughter Cathryn hyder xl^s 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 xiii^s iiii^d Itm I bequethe to John peryman [one] other sonne of the sayd Joanne peryman [illeg.] xxvi^s viii^d Itm I bequethe to sylvest[er] peryman & Catheryn peryman daughters of my daughter joanne peryman to eyther of them xx^s 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 xx^s Itm I bequethe to John a Downe & [heughe] a Downe the sonnes of my sonne John a Downe late deceassed to eyther of them iii^li 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 xl^s 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] xxx^li xvii^s viii^d
  Ex[hibited] in the parish church of Maresfield… 16^th February 1559
  (Transcribed by Claire Wickens, 17^th 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, England^B, (Exhibited.)

Joan (?)

• Birth*: Joan (?) was born circa 1490 at Sussex, England.
• Marriage*: Joan (?) married John A'Downe, son of (?) atte Downe, circa 1518 at Sussex, England.
• Married Name: As of circa 1518, her married name was A'Downe.
• Death*: Joan (?) died in 1544 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Joan (?) was buried on 4 March 1544 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "wife of John."¹

Cathryn A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: Cathryn A'Downe was born circa 1520 at Sussex, England.
• She was the daughter of John A'Downe and Joan (?)
• Marriage*: Cathryn A'Downe married John Hyder circa 1540 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Married Name: As of circa 1540, her married name was Hyder.
• (Witness) Will: Cathryn A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Death*: Cathryn A'Downe died in 1584 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Cathryn A'Downe was buried on 10 December 1584 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "wife of John."²

Joan A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: Joan A'Downe was born circa 1520 at Sussex, England.
• She was the daughter of John A'Downe and Joan (?)
• Marriage*: Joan A'Downe married Thomas Peryman on 20 November 1547 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Married Name: As of 20 November 1547, her married name was Peryman.
• (Witness) Will: Joan A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²

Thomas Peryman

• Marriage*: Thomas Peryman married Joan A'Downe, daughter of John A'Downe and Joan (?), on 20 November 1547 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

John Hyder

• Marriage*: John Hyder married Cathryn A'Downe, daughter of John A'Downe and Joan (?), circa 1540 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• (Witness) Will: John Hyder is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Death*: John Hyder died in 1597 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: John Hyder was buried on 1 March 1597 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²

Mylcent Peryman

Parents:

• Baptism*: Mylcent Peryman was baptized on 12 November 1548 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• She was the daughter of Thomas Peryman and Joan A'Downe.

John Peryman

Parents:

• Baptism*: John Peryman was baptized on 2 September 1554 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of Thomas Peryman and Joan A'Downe.
• Marriage*: John Peryman married Mary Undrell on 26 October 1589 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• Death*: John Peryman died in 1605 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Admon*: Administration of John Peryman was granted on 15 February 1604/5 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England: (ESRO: PBT/1/3/3/41B.)

George Peryman

Parents:

• Birth*: George Peryman was born circa 1550 at Sussex, England.
• He was the son of Thomas Peryman and Joan A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: George Peryman is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Marriage*: George Peryman married Katherine Rivers on 5 May 1577 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Death*: George Peryman died in November 1603 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: George Peryman was buried on 8 November 1603 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• Admon: Administration of George Peryman was granted on 17 December 1603 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England: (ESRO: PBT 1/3/3/26C.)

Sylvester Peryman

Parents:

• Birth*: Sylvester Peryman was born circa 1552 at Sussex, England.
• She was the daughter of Thomas Peryman and Joan A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: Sylvester Peryman is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

Cathryn Peryman

Parents:

• Birth*: Cathryn Peryman was born circa 1556 at Sussex, England.
• She was the daughter of Thomas Peryman and Joan A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: Cathryn Peryman is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

John Hyder

Parents:

• Baptism*: John Hyder was baptized on 27 October 1552 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of John Hyder and Cathryn A'Downe.
• Death*: John Hyder died in December 1552 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: John Hyder was buried on 11 December 1552 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "son of John."²

Christopher Hyder

Parents:

• Birth*: Christopher Hyder was born circa 1548 at Sussex, England.
• He was the son of John Hyder and Cathryn A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: Christopher Hyder is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Marriage*: Christopher Hyder married Elizabeth Fry on 3 July 1581 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• Marriage*: Christopher Hyder married Margaret Fry on 13 June 1585 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²

Cathryn Hyder

Parents:

• Birth*: Cathryn Hyder was born circa 1550 at Sussex, England.
• She was the daughter of John Hyder and Cathryn A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: Cathryn Hyder is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

Elizabeth Fry

• Marriage*: Elizabeth Fry married Christopher Hyder, son of John Hyder and Cathryn A'Downe, on 3 July 1581 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Married Name: As of 3 July 1581, her married name was Hyder.
• Death*: Elizabeth Fry died in 1584 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Elizabeth Fry was buried on 21 March 1584 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "wife of Christopher."²

Margaret Fry

• Marriage*: Margaret Fry married Christopher Hyder, son of John Hyder and Cathryn A'Downe, on 13 June 1585 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Married Name: As of 13 June 1585, her married name was Hyder.
• Death*: Margaret Fry died in 1620 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Margaret Fry was buried on 2 February 1620 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "wife of Christopher."²

John Coe

Parents:

• Birth*: John Coe was born circa 1545 at Sussex, England.
• He was the son of John Coe.
• Anecdote*: There is no proof that John COE was a brother to Richard and Margery COE but it seems likely and has been put here to keep the family together and aid further research.
• Marriage: John Coe married Silvestra Hider, daughter of John Hyder and Cathryn A'Downe, on 21 September 1572 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Anecdote: Although there is no burial for Sylvestra Coe, there are no more children after 1586 suggesting that she may have died. The following second marriage is therefore possible.
• Marriage: John Coe married Joan Marchante on 29 November 1587 at Buxted, Sussex, England^B, Joan a widow.¹
• Death*: John Coe died in 1604 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: John Coe was buried on 15 February 1604 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²

Katherine Rivers

• Marriage*: Katherine Rivers married George Peryman, son of Thomas Peryman and Joan A'Downe, on 5 May 1577 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Married Name: As of 5 May 1577, her married name was Peryman.

John A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: John A'Downe was born circa 1520 at Sussex, England.
• He was the son of John A'Downe and Joan (?)
• Death*: John A'Downe died before 1558 at Sussex, England.¹
• (Witness) Will: John A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

Alexander A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: Alexander A'Downe was born circa 1525 at Sussex, England.
• He was the son of John A'Downe and Joan (?)
• Death*: Alexander A'Downe died before 1558 at Sussex, England.¹
• (Witness) Will: Alexander A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

William A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: William A'Downe was born circa 1550 at Sussex, England.¹
• He was the son of Alexander A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: William A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

John A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: John A'Downe was born circa 1545 at Sussex, England.¹
• He was the son of John A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: John A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

Hugh A'Downe

Parents:

• Birth*: Hugh A'Downe was born circa 1550 at Sussex, England.¹
• He was the son of John A'Downe.
• (Witness) Will: Hugh A'Downe is mentioned in the will of John A'Downe dated 1558 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹

John A'Downe

Parents:

• 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, England^B.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, England^B.
• Burial*: John A'Downe was buried on 20 November 1600 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.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

Margaret Farmer

Parents:

• Birth*: Margaret Farmer was born circa 1510 at Sussex, England.
• She was the daughter of Edward Farmer and Margaret (?)
• Death*: Margaret Farmer died in 1539 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Margaret Farmer was buried on 16 March 1539 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "daughter of Edward."¹

Elizabeth Grayling

• 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, England^B; (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, England^B.²