Thomas Constable (abt. 1562 - 1595)

Died 1595 at about age 33 in West Winch, Norfolk, England

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Biography

Thomas Constable was born about 1562, probably in North Pickenham Norfolk, to Robert Constable, a yeoman farmer of that place. On February 22 1576/7, at the age of 15, he entered Caius College, Cambridge. His birth date is estimated from date of matriculation at university.^{[1] [2]} These records also name his father and older brother Robert.

Thomas Constable left Cambridge without a degree, and at some time subsequently went to work for a (presumed) relative, Robert Constable of Oxborough, who named him as his servant in his 1586 Will: ^[3] The Will mentions brothers Thomas, Luke. Godson Robert, son of Thomas. Cecilie wife, two stepsons Deye. And "my servant" Thomas Constable "one of the sons of Robert Constable of Pyckenham."

This Thomas Constable may be the man of that name who on 30 August 1584 married Emma Levite at Oxborough. However, according to a conveyance dated 15 October, 1614,^[4] the mother of Thomas Constable's children was Amye.

By 1590, Thomas Constable had removed to West Wynch Norfolk, when his first child, daughter Frances, was born and baptized19 January 1590/1.^[5]

Other children were:

Thomas - 1st son and heir - bp. 1 Jan 1591/2 ^[6]

Edmund - bp. 14 Feb 1593/4 ^[7]

Mary - bp. 10 April 1595 ^[8]

Thomas Constable died in 1595 and was buried 23 August at West Wynch, where he was listed as "gentleman". ^[9] His son and heir Thomas was at that time less than 5 years old and accordingly became a ward of the king until he reached the age of 21. Several Inquisitions Post Mortem were held during that time. By 1614, Thomas Constable the son had sold the properties he had inherited and apparently removed to Ringshall in Suffolk, ^[4] having married that year, 22 February 1613/4.

Sources

1. ↑ Alumni Cantabrigienses, vol 1, p. 381. J A Venn. Thomas Constable
2. ↑ Biographical history of Gonville and Caius college: 1849-1897. vol i.. N.p., CUP Archive. p. 90. [Biographical history of Gonville and Caius college: 1849-1897. vol i.. N.p., CUP Archive. Thomas Constable]
3. ↑ Will of Robert Constable the Elder of Oxburgh, Norfolk. 1586. Norwich Consistory Court. Book 85 (1586) folio 399 full images, very good condition
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Cathew, George Alfred. The Hundred of Launditch and Deanery of Brisley, in the County of Norfolk. Evidences and Topographical Notes from Public Records, Heralds' Visitations, Wills, Court Colls, Old Charters, Parish Registers, Town Books, and Other Private Sources: Corrections and continuations of and additions to Blomefield's history to the present time. [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$c112986&view=1up&seq=1351&q1=Constable p. 431
5. ↑ West Winch : St Mary : Register of unspecified type : "Parish Register" database, FreeREG baptism Fran[Y [C ]E Constable 19 Jan 1590/1]
6. ↑ West Winch : St Mary : Register of unspecified type : "Parish Register" database, FreeREG baptism Thomas Constable 01 Jan 1591/2
7. ↑ West Winch : St Mary : Register of unspecified type : "Parish Register" database, FreeREG https://www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818a38ae93790eca386e1ed baptism Edmund Constable 14 Feb 1593/4]
8. ↑ West Winch : St Mary : Register of unspecified type : "Parish Register" database, FreeREG baptism Mary Constable 10 Apr 1595
9. ↑ West Winch : St Mary : Register of unspecified type : "Parish Register" database, FreeREG burial Thomas Constable 23 Aug 1595