Wilford Records

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: [unknown]

Contents 1 Early Records for the Wilford Family of Exeter 1.1 Will of Robert Wilford (d. 1476) 1.2 IPM of Robert Wilford (d. 1476) 1.3 IPM 1 of Joan Wilford (d. 1513) 1.4 IPM 2 of Joan Wilford (d. 1513) 2 Sources

Early Records for the Wilford Family of Exeter

Will of Robert Wilford (d. 1476)

Will: of Robert Wylsford Senior^[1]

Dated 1 November 1476. Written in latin. Translated abstract posted by Mohun.^[2]

Summary:

 :- primary son and heir William Wilsford Senior

 :- my son Robert (under age 26, 2nd oldest with 5 younger siblings)

 :- my daughter Frydeswyde (unmarried)

 :- my daughter Elizabethe (unmarried)

 :- son Jacob

 :- son Edmund

 :- son William Junior (2nd son named William)

 :- William Wilford my father

 :- my wife Joan

The will of Robert Wylsford was proved in the full Court of our Lord the King of his City of Exeter, held there on the Monday next after the Feast of St. Martin in Winter, in the seventeenth year of the reign of Edward the Fourth, by the sacred venerable man Master Walter Wyndesere, Subdean of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Exeter, the tenor of which follows in these words:

In the name of God, Amen, on the first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand four hundred seventy-six. I, Robert Wylsford, senior, being of sound mind and in good memory, though weak in body, make my will in this manner.

Firstly, I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and Blessed Mary, and to all the saints. As for my body, I direct that it be buried in the sacred burial place in the church of St. Andrew of Kenton.

I also bequeath to my son Robert, if he wishes to become a priest, seven marks annually, to be derived from the rents of my lands and tenements within the City of Exeter, for his maintenance until he attains a benefice worth twenty marks per year.

And if he wishes to become a priest within the twenty-sixth year of his age, or has received an offering for a benefice of the aforementioned value, then I desire that thereafter the aforementioned Robert neither receive nor take from the rents of the aforesaid lands and tenements beyond the proportional share allotted to him, along with his younger brothers and sisters, according to the custom of the aforementioned City.

And I desire that after he has been promoted and has obtained a benefice of the aforementioned value, he receives nothing from the rents of the aforesaid lands and tenements beyond what pertains to him proportionally to his other five brothers and sisters.

Also, I bequeath to my daughter Frydeswyde, for her marriage, forty marks.

And to my daughter Elizabeth, for her marriage, twenty pounds. The said forty marks and twenty pounds, to be raised by the hands of my feoffees from the income and proceeds of the aforesaid lands and tenements, beyond the annual seven marks bequeathed to my aforesaid son Robert, in the manner and form aforesaid specified and in the meantime, his other brothers will receive nothing from the aforementioned rents.

And after the said payments have been fully and completely made, I desire that the aforesaid lands and tenements be conveyed to my sons and daughters, namely Jacob, Frideswyde, Elizabeth, Edmund, and William Wylsford Junior, to hold according to the custom of the aforementioned City, to them and the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten.

And if any one or more of them die, whether dying without heirs of their body or leaving heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten, then I desire that their portion or portions shall revert to the others remaining of them and their heirs begotten of their bodies lawfully, so that it is not lawful for them or any of them to alienate any portion or portions of the aforementioned lands and tenements from the rightful heirs of me, Robert Wylsford senior.

And if any one or more of the aforementioned, namely Robert, Jacob, Frideswide, Elizabeth, Edmund, and William Wylsford Jr., have alienated or shall alienate any portion or portions of the aforementioned lands and tenements, then it shall be lawful for William Wylsford senior, my son, and his heirs to enter into that portion or those portions so alienated, and to retain that portion or those portions for himself and his heirs perpetually in hereditary right, notwithstanding my demise.

And if all of the aforementioned, namely Robert, Jacob, Frideswyda, Elizabeth, Edmund, and William Wylsford Junior, die without leaving heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten, may God prevent it, then I desire that all the aforementioned lands and tenements remain and revert to the rightful heirs of me, Robert Wylsford senior, in perpetuity.

Also, I bequeath to the vicar of Kenton for tithes forgotten, 3 shillings and 4 pence.

Also, I bequeath forty shillings for the construction of the northern part of the Church of Kenton.

Also, I bequeath 20 pence for the repair of the high Cross there.

Also, I bequeath 20 pence for the repair of the Blessed Mary there.

Also, I bequeath 20 pence for the repair of Saint Andrew there.

Also, I bequeath to the Church of Saint Petrock in Exeter one set of vestments, one missal, one silver and gilt chalice, for the service of God there, especially in the Chapel of William Wilfford, my father.

The residue, however, of my goods not bequeathed, I give and bequeath to my wife Joan and Walter Wyndsor, Subdean of the Cathedral Church of Exeter, to be disposed of for my soul as they see fit.

IPM of Robert Wilford (d. 1476)

The record of the Inquisition Post Mortem of Robert Willesford has survived. Unfortunately much of it is very worn and virtually impossible to decipher without advanced technology (TNA: C 140/57/57). The Inquisition was held at “Criditon in the county of Devon” on 19 January 1476/7, however while the document appears to provide some detail with regard to Robert’s property holdings, such as land areas and values, this cannot be deciphered completely at presently:

“Devon. Inquisition taken at Criditon (Crediton) 19 January 1476/7 before John Thornbury escheator; by the oath of John Handtcote, John Keton jun., Richard Bydwyll, Will. Bowdon of Stoke, John Lettin, Robert F…., Wil….., Will. Tremayn, Robt. Seman, Thos. Newhall, Rich. Toker and Rich. Balle; who say that Robert Willesford esq., at the time of his death was seised in his demesne of ……messuages and lands in Estowford, Westowford, four messuages 30 acres of land with their appurtenances in Comblauncells, Sacampton (Saghaton) and Frogemere, held of the Duchy of Cornwall as of the honour of Braddynishe by 1/5 of a knight’s fee; worth by the year clear 100s 10d. A messuage in Crydyton held of John, Bishop of Exeter, by 12d rent and fealty worth by the year clear 20d, two messuages 20 acres of land 40 acres of heath and furze with their appurtenances in Oxton in the said County, held of James earl of D(ouglas)., in right of his wife of the manor of Kenton by rent of (5s)., worth by the year clear 40s.

By Charter dated 9 October 14 Edw IV (1474) Robert Willesford granted the same to Walter Wyndsore clerk, ……, Thos. Dourissh, John Denys, Nicholas Pyne, William Carew/Cornew?, Tristram Pyne and John Whitechurche clerk, for the life of Joan wife of the said Robert Willesford the said Joan is yet living.

And further the said Jurors state that Robert Willesford was seised of … messuages and lands with their appurtenances in Filham held of John ……., of his manor of Ugbourgh by 12s rent and fealty worth by the year clear 20s. …. messuages and … acres of land with appurtenances in Penyton and Cotelford held of the Abbot of Buckfast by 3s rent and fealty worth by the year clear 40s., one messuage 24 acres of land with appurtenances in Tegnmouth held of John Bishop of Exeter, in free socage by 1d rent worth by the year clear 2s., ….messuages and lands with all appurtenances in Daulysshe and Esteyate (esteignmouth) held of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter by fealty worth by the year clear 10s.

By Charter dated 12 October 13 Edw IV (1473) Robert Willesford granted the same to John Hacche, Michell Denys and Tristram Pyne and their heirs for ever.

Robert Willesford died 9 November 1476. William Willesford aged 25 years and more is his son and next heir.

Delivered into the Court 9 February 1476/7 by…………”

IPM 1 of Joan Wilford (d. 1513)

The record of the Inquisition Post Mortem of Johne Wilfford widow has been preserved at the National Archives (Ref: C 142/29/71):

“Devon. Inquisition taken at Exeter 29 July 6 Henry VIII (1514) before John Gilberte, escheator by the oath of John Acland, Will. Wekys (Wike) of Cokyntree (Cocktree, in Wonford Hundred), John Drake, Will. Sommaister, Robert Kensey, Ralph Kyngston, Thos. Garland, Richard Seynthyll, John Carsewyll, Edward Fursse, John Fursse of Yarnescomb, John Stephyns, John Browne, Vincent Maynard and Roger Rous; who say that Joan Wylfford widow at the time of her death was seised of four messuages 40 acres of land 50 acres of pasture 10 acres of meadow and 100 acres of heath and furze, with their appurtenances, in Stowford and Comblauncells in the Hundreds of South Molton and Crediton in Devon held of the Lord the King as of the honour of Bradnynche part of the Duchy of Cornwall by 1 knight’s fee; worth by the year clear 100s 10d. Also two messuages 200 acres of land 8 acres of meadow 4 acres of wood and 100 acres of heath and furze, with their appurtenances, in Oxton in the same County held of the Lord of Westmorland as of his manor and lordship of Kenton in free socage by 2s rent; worth by the year clear 40s. The said Joan held the premises in her demesne as of free tenement by demise of Henry Webber and Nicholas Pyne with remainder to the right heirs of Robert Wilfford. That remainder belongs to Peter Wilfford son of William son of the said Robert deceased.

Joan Wylfford died 20 October 5 HVIII (1513).

Peter Wilfford aforesaid is kinsman and next heir of Robert Wilfford, namely the son of William Wilfford who was the son of the said Robert, and is aged 26 years and more.

Delivered into Court 9 August 6 HVIII (1514) by John Wolcote”.

IPM 2 of Joan Wilford (d. 1513)

Joan Unknown (d. 1513), wife of Robert Wilford (d. 1476).

As posted by Mohun on Rootschat.com.

Joan's second IPM:

On 30 June 18 HVIII (1526) a “Writ of Melius Sciri” (for better knowledge) was issued at Westminster to the King’s Escheator in Devon, refering to the Inquisition taken by John Gylbert of Johannes Wylford widow who died seized in her demesne of land and tenements in Stowford and Comblauncells in the Hundreds of Southmolton and Credyton, and instructing him to make further enquiry. This was duly effected at Exeter 23 October 1526. The Jurors’ statement is virtually identical word for word with the earlier IPM however with the clarification that Joan held Stowford and Comblauncells for 20 years from 20 May 4 HVIII (1512) by the demise of Peter Wylford. In this regard it should be noted that Peter’s father, William Wilford, died 11 January 1511/12, see later. Given the date of this second IPM it may well have some connection with the marriage of Peter Wilford’s daughter and heir, Joan, to Jasper Horsey, see later, and was required to clarify specific ownership of the properties:

“Devon. Inquisition taken at Exeter 23 October 18 Henry VIII (1526) before John Kayleway arm, escheator, by the oath of Henry Denys arm, John Calwoodlegh arm, Rich. Martyn arm, John Bydwill arm, Edward Speccote, John Sampford, Thos. Pomfreyt, Will. Peryham, Thos. Hogge, John Bear, Rich. Millond, Rich. Cole, and Philip Howe; who say that Johanna Wylfford widow at the time of her death was possessed of four messuages 40 acres of land 50 acres of pasture 10 acres of meadow and 100 acres of heath and furze, with their appurtenances, in Stowford and Comblauncells in the Hundreds of South Molton and Crediton in Devon for 20 years from 20 May 4 HenryVIII (1512), by the demise and concession of Peter Wylford who held of the Lord the King as of the honour of Bradnynche part of the Duchy of Cornwall by 1 knight’s fee; worth by the year clear 100s 10d. Also two messuages 200 acres of land 8 acres of meadow 4 acres of wood and 100 acres of heath and furze, with their appurtenances, in Oxton in the same County held of the Lord of Westmorland as of his manor and lordship of Kenton in free socage by 2s rent; worth by the year clear 40s. The said Joan held the premises in her demesne as of the tenement by demise of Henry Webber and Nicholas Pyne with remainder to the right heirs of Robert Willesford. That remainder belongs to Peter Willesford son of William son of the said Robert deceased.

Joan Wylfford died 20 October 5 HVIII (1513).

Sources

1. ↑ Many thanks to Nic Donnelly for the translation and transcription of the will from Latin, and to Ann Sadler for her work on this will.
2. ↑ RootsChat.com discussion group. Post "Wilford, Wilforde, Wylford, Wilsford, Wyllesford, Willesford". Reply #33, by Mohun.