William Awbrey (abt. 1581 - abt. 1631)

Born about 1581 in Tredomen, Brecknockshire, Wales

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Johnes) Awbrey — married 1603 in Brecknockshire, Wales

Descendants

Died about 1631 at about age 50 in Tredomen, Brecknockshire, Wales [uncertain]

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Stuart Awbrey [send private message], Liz Shifflett [send private message], and David Rentschler [send private message]

Biography

William Awbrey was born in Tredomen, Brecknockshire, Wales.

This profile is part of the Awbrey Name Study.

Sir William was born about 1581 at Tredomen, Brecknockshire, Wales. He is the son of Sir Edward and Joan Havard.

He married Elizabeth (Johnes) Aubrey. (referred to as Elsbeth Jones in this reference.)^[1]

Children listed in his will:

Sons in order of age:

Edward Awbrey murdered by relatives of first wife

John Awbrey emigrated to Virginia

Thomas Awbrey emigrated to Virginia

Harry Awbrey (Henry) first to emigrate to Virginia

Reginald Awbrey killed in 1642 in English Civil War

Daughters:

Johan Awbrey (unmarried)

Elenor (unmarried)

Catherin Awbrey (unmarried)

Death

Sir William died in 1631. His will indicates his was living at Tredomen, Brecknockshire as he provides that his wife should remain in the house if possible. His will includes a request that he be buried at Christ College/Awbrey Chapel. Find A Grave: Memorial #200378250 retrieved April, 2020.

Will of 1631

The original wording of the will and a translation can be seen at this link: Will of William Awbrey. A copy of the will is in Images on this page. As shown on the image of the will, an inventory of his property was included. It is an additional 3-4 pages long. If anyone wants it added here, please advise. If anyone wants a Word document copy, send a private email to Stuart Awbrey

Abstract of Will:

The following list of relatives is taken from the preceding transcription and translation, with links added to WikiTree profiles (when they exist/can be clearly identified.

Sir William Awbrey's Will:

dated September 1626, proved Brecon November 4, 1631:

granted November 4, 1631, "administration of the goods of the abovesaid deceased . . . to Edward Awbrey natural and legitimate son of the said deceased, Elizabeth the relict and executrix having renounced . . ." (he had named his wife executrix)

my deare honered kinsman Sir Henry Williams of Gwernervett

my beloved uncle Mr Wm Awbrie doctor of laws

my Unckle William Awbrey of the Cancrif Clerke

my Unckle John Maddockes of Landruach Esquier

Sir Henry Johns of Abermarlais knight

Sir Thomas Awbrey of Lanbrythyd knight

Herbert Johnes of Llangatug iuxta Uske Clerke

my wife Dame Elizabeth Awbrey

Edward Awbrey my Eldest sonne

John Awbrey my second sonne

Thomas Awbreymy third sonne

Harry Awbrey my fourth sonne

Reginald Awbrey my fift and youngest sonne

my daughter Johan Awbrey (unmarried)

my daughter Elenor (unmarried)

my daughter Catherin Awbrey (unmarried)

my sonne in law John Bayly of Rythyn and Jane Bailie my Eldest daughter

Mrs Rachell Morgan of Machen (Aunt or great-Aunt of his son Harry)

Research Notes

Comments Regarding Sir William’s Character, Worth and Abercynrig

At least one source refers to Sir William as "the Extravagant." There is some evidence that he was extravagant and maybe worse. He is often criticized for having “lost” Abercynrig.

His grandfather, Dr. William Aubrey, purchased Abercynrig from his cousin Richard. It was not the primary residence of Dr. William. His eldest son lived at Tredomen. His other sons lived in England and South Wales.

A gravestone in Awbrey Chapel/Christ College, Brecon is marked John Awbrey of Abercynrig. He is Dr. William Aubrey’s younger brother. Possibly he lived there, but no other occupants are known.

Sir Edward, who was likely born at Cantref, lived at Tredomen which had been inherited by his wife Joan Havard. After Sir Edward inherited Abercynrig, he borrowed against it for 70% of its value. He did not pay off the loan before his death.

Sir William inherited Abercynrig. However, he did not pay the loan and it was sold to Jeffrey Jeffries in 1621 for a profit of 300 pounds. See a history of Abercynrig at Abercynrig Manor House and Estate, Brecon, Wales. As stated in the Biography above, he lived at Tredomen.

One writer has suggested Sir William was so bad that his father-in-law, Sir Thomas Johnes, left Elizabeth out of his will to prevent Sir William from gaining access to any of his property. However, two of his sons are named as trustees of the will. Interesting.

There is another possibility. Sir Thomas Johnes died 26 years before Sir William. Often, children who were thought be well taken care of were not included in wills.

It has been said Sir William had lost all his lands and money at the time of death. Yet, the will lists several properties that are to be sold or to go to his wife. It is recorded that his grandson sold Buckingham Place many years later. And, he lists several cash gifts for his children. It is not known if the estate had the resources to pay the bequests.

The will was written in 1626 five years before his death in 1631. Did his character deteriorate further? Did he lose most of his wealth in the last 5 years of his life? - Stuart Awbrey

Information on either of the William Awbrey uncles has not been found.^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ John Rowland, Pedigree of the ancient family of Dolau Cothi [The Johnes family]. (p 18; accessed April 21, 2015)
2. ↑ Research provided by Stuart Awbrey.

Acknowledgements

• Theophilus Jones, A History of the County of Brecknock, p 447
• Janet Ariciu's website (sources and a lot of research)
• A WikiTree profile for this person was created by Travis Wagner.
• A WikiTree profile for this person was created through the import of David Rentschler Family Tree_2010-09-30.ged on 01 October 2010.
• The WikiTree profile Awbrey-28 was created through the import of Grant_David_Meadors_2008-02-17.ged on Sep 18, 2011 by Grant Meadors.
• Awbrey-98 was created by Cole Aubrey through the import of aubrey-2 (1).ged on Jul 3, 2014.
• A WikiTree profile for this person was created by Cole Aubrey, Thursday, June 12, 2014.
• Liz Shifflett (8x-gr-granddaughter), research, sources, editing
• Stuart Awbrey (7x great grandson) added Sir William's will on April 16, 2016