| Description | Testament of Richard son of Richard of Southchurch [Essex], knight, dated 13 Feb 1293.
He is to be buried in the chapel of St Mary in Southchurch churchyard. Bequests to the churches of Southchurch and Prittlewell [Essex]. Bequests to: Peter, Richard's first born son; John de Dorking; Richard Johannis, Richard's nephew; William, Richard's cook ('Cocus meus'); John de Hyrlaund; Joan, nun of Stratford [at Bow, Middlesex]; the daughter of Beatrix of Shoebury; Richard, Richard's godson ('filiolus'), son of Philip Serl'; Peter of Paglesham; John Samuel; Juliana la Porter'; Richard's tenants; Richard's cottagers ('Coterellus'); Alan, Richard's reeve ('prepositus meus'); Rose la kene; Jordan kekor'; the carters and other workers of Richard's court ('Curia'); Patricon; Walter the granger ('Grangiarius'); John the hayward ('messor'); Wyclok; Prat; 'Dominus' Thomas, vicar of Prittlewell; John de Ponte, chaplain of the Temple; Isabel and Joan, Richard's daughters; William of Canterbury, Carmelite friar. Bequests are of money, livestock, seed, grain, cooking and brewing utensils and vessels, armour, beds and bedding, horses, clothing, silver cups and a gold ring. Distribution of grain to the poor as specified. He leaves white bread with drink and relish ('compernagium') to 5 poor women, in commemoration ('recordatio') of the 5 joys of Mary, for a month, to say the psalter of Mary around his tomb daily. He leaves a large silver cup, livestock and a boar as specified to buy a well-carved black marble tomb ('tumulus marmoreus niger bene intalliatus'). He appoints John de Dorking and Peter of Paglesham as his executors.
Proved before S de Wymondham, commissary general of the official of the court of Canterbury, appointed by the prior and chapter of Canterbury Cathedral Priory acting sede vacante on 6 Apr 1294. Administration granted to John de Dorking and Peter of Paglesham.
Endorsed with description in late 13th cent hand. |