Notes on the Fones (Fownes) family in England
By Jill Sothcott
JOHN WHADDON of Plymouth – baptised 13.1.1590/1 at St. Andrew’s, Plymouth. Mayor of Plymouth 1631. MP for Plymouth 1640 – 48. Extract from the pedigree of Waddons of Devonshire: “John Waddon married Prudence, daughter of Thos. Fownes, now maior of this Plimouth at this visitation 1620. maried 8 June 1613 buried 19 Apl 1644 at St Andrew’s Plymouth”.
The Waddon of Plymouth Arms – Arg. A lion ramp gul, with a bend sa. Charged with three crosses crosslet fitche of the field.
PETER WOODLEY - son and heir born 14.8.1658 at Llsington, inherited Halsanger at his grandfather’s death. Buried 4.12.1715 at Llsington. Married Mary, daughter of John Fownes of Woodley of Halsanger Arms – Sa. A chevron between three owls Arg. Crest – An owl Argent
JOHN KELLOND - baptised 16.5.1609 at Totnes. Purchased Painford 1647. Sheriff of Devon 1666. Died 6, buried 9.6.1679 at Asprington. Will 22.9.1677 proved 16.7.1679. Married Susanne Fownes daughter of Thomas Fownes of Plymouth, 26.11.1633 at St Andrew’s Plymouth. Susanne died 3, buried 22.2.1648 at Asprington (age 38).
Dellond of Painsford Arms – Sa. A fesse Arg in chief three fleurs de lis of the last. Crest – A demi tiger, salient Or maned Arg.
CHARLES STUCLEY – 4th son, baptised 8.3.1676/7 at St Andrews, Plymouth. Buried 6.4.1720 at St Budeaux. Married Ann, daughter of John Fownes of “Whitley, MP for Dartmouth – 20.8.1709 at Kingsweare.
Stucley of Affeton Arms – Arg. Three pears pendant Or.
FRANCIS AMADAS – married Judith, daughter of Humphrey Fownes. Francis buried at Charles, Plymouth, 8.4.1649.
Amadas of Plymouth Arms – Az. A chevron ermine between three oaken slips acornedproper.
SIR HENRY CAREW of Haccombe, 2nd baronet, married Katherine, daughter of John Fownes of Whitleigh 3.1.1683 at High Week. She was his second wife and they had no children.
Carew of Haccombe Arms – Or, three lions passant, sa.
CHURCH OF ST LAWRENCE JEWRY (Next to The Guildhall in London)
This was the church where John Fownes (Glover) married Lucy Jane Dymock 17.9.1781. There was a memorial window to him.
Gilbert Fownes married Sarah Ager here 24.6.1845
The church was destroyed in the last war
NOTES FROM THE REGISTER OF ST PETER’S CHURCH, LONDON (CORNHILL)
Weddings – 3.1.1687 – Emanuel Hutson of St. Olaves Southwark, batchelor, and Elizabeth Ffownes of Newington, Co. Middlesex, widow p’licence.
Burials – 27.10.1686 – Edward Ffownes in the Chancel
Marriages – 2.1.1546 – Henry Fones to Alice Gylpyn
Christenings – 27.8.1609 - Margaret, daughter of Henry Fownde
28.12.1611 – Christopher, son of Henry Fownde – buried 1.1.1612
3.1.1612 – Sara, daughter of Henry Fownde – buried 11.1.1612
16.5.1613 – Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Fawnde
ISSUED BY THE BISHOP OF LONDON
25.6.1595 – Rev. William Fones to Elizabeth Jefferys, spinster of London, daughter of Lawrence Jefferys of Horsmonden, Kent (Gen. Lic.)
John – son of Richard and Elizabeth Fownes, born 27.1. bapt. 6.2.1688/9
Thomas – son of Richard and Elizabeth Fownes, born 28.6. bapt. 7.7.1690
Richard – son of Richard and Elizabeth Fownes, born and bapt. 29.8.1699
Elizabeth Fownes buried 12.4.1696
Marriage of Joseph Henry Moore to Martha Wilkes Fownes, both of this parish – 25.1.1816
The witnesses were Richard Kirkwood and John Mercer
Made provision for rents to be paid to his wife Dorothea, and also a legacy to his daughter-in-law,
Charlotte, widow of his son William Bishop Fownes.
Bequeathed:
Plate, linen, china, glass, books, pictures, prints, wines, liquors, household stores, furniture and other household effects to my daughter, Amy Kopetsky Noys.
My pearl horseshoe pin to my son Edwin.
My diamond and turquoise snake ring to my son Arthur.
My siamond fox head pin given me by the Count of Turin to my son Ernest.
My gold watch to my son Charlie.
My single stone ring my daughter Mrs Beard.
My gold watch chain to my son in law Walter Jenkins.
My engraving, “The Forge”, to my friend Arthur Mewburn Walker.
Residue to his daughters, Kate Theresa Jenkins, Beatrice Graham, Amy Kopetsky Noys, Christina Jeram.
One of the Executors was a Amy Kopetsky Mavor, wife of Alix Mavor.
FROM WILL OF GILBERT FOWNES – 1908 (Estate approx 5,000 pounds
sterling)
Bequeathed 200 pounds sterling to Hannah Fownes, wife of his son Gilbert. The balance between his four daughters: Sarah Louise Carter, Lena Westgate, Amy Norman and Lucy Akers, with the provision that if any died during his lifetime their share should go to her issue.
Daughter of George Lort Phillips, late of sar….. Castle, Pembroke.
Mentions: husband Henry George Fownes, daughters Frances Maria Borthwith, Charlotte Catherine, Sophia and Margaret Wilhelmina, sons John Edward Curtis Fownes and Henry Lort Fownes, died 1867, late of Clifton.
JOHN EDWARD CURTIS FOWNES – (reverend) died Hasting 11.8.1906. Wife Ellen. Estate of
1,527.3.8 pounds sterling.
RICHARD FOWNES (1560? – 1625) – A ministers son and a Worcestershire man born. M A Oxfford (Christ Church) 1589. DD 1605 when he was Rector of Seven Stoke and Chaplin to Henry, Prince of Wales. In 1619 he published “Trisagion” or “The three holy Offices of Jesus Christ” and was the author of other theological works. (Worthies of Worcester, by E O Brown 1916)
His widow gave 10 pounds sterling for the use of the poor. This is still on the chaarities board in the parish church. (Letter from Rector of Seven Stoke, 1961)
He was also Incumbent of Hill Croome, Patron Elizabeth Regina, 28.2.1585. (Nash’s History of Worcs)
JOHN FOWNES OF STOKE PRIOR & DODFORD - The site of the Priory of Dodford was granted with the manor to Sir John Dudley in 1538 and was alinated by to Andrew Dudley, who sold his chief mansion house or messuage at Dodford to John Fownes in 1539. His son or grandson Thomas Fownes senior at the time of his death in 1631 held the revision of the estate after the death of Jane, widow of Henry Dyson, widow of Thomas’ son Thomas on whom it had been settled at the time of her marriage with Thomas. Thomas the son had died without issue in 1620 and in 1633 the livery of the manor was make to his brother John Fownes who continued to hold it as late as 1664. He was succeeded by Thomas Fownes who was living in 1675. After which all traces of the property was lost.
(VolIII,page26,Fictoria History of the Counties of England, Vol 1-4 Worcester)
STOKE PRIOR – The manor remained in the possession of the priory until the dissolution of the house in 1540 and was granted to the Dean and Chapter of Worcester in 1542. This grant was confirmed by James 1 in 1609. The manor remained with the Dean and Chaapter until 21.3.1650 when it was sold by the Parliamentory Commissioners to John Fownes for 688 pounds sterling. At the Restoration it was recovered by the Commissioners (Ecclesiastical) who still own it. A corn mill called Babbington Mill on Salop Brook was included in the sale of the Manor to John Fownes in 1680.
(The Victoria History of Worcester, Vals 1 – 4 & Index)
Tow myles north west from Bromsgrove churche lyeth within the same paryshe the ruinated Priory of Doddeford which together with woods and feylds was aforested by Kynge Henry 2nd remayneds a religious house 28th Edward 1st all of which sppeareth in the Perambulations of the forest of Feckenham and beeinge a cell subordinate to the Monastry of Haalesowen was with the rest dessovlved by Kynge Henry the eyght given by hime 30th Henry, 1539 to John Dudley and yere followinge beeinge 31st Henry VIII (1540) all or a greate part thereof alyened by Andrew Dudley to John Fownes and his heyres which My john Fownes another of the name holdeth nowe.
The above information is also given in Nash’s History of Worcester, which also states “Mr Gem of Birmingham is now Lord of the manor of Dodford where he has as estate of 160L per annum”
(Taken from “A thousand years in Tardebigge” by Margaret Dickins ARCO, 1931
John Fownes 1529 – A pasture and meadow called “Coxhiron” and a pasture and meadow called “Priests Fielde”….30/-
A pastue and meadow adjoining to wit “Tynsall: (undated)
A field called “Hynyngall” (onyngall) with a meadow in the same fields, Grange Croft, Cowegreves, and parcel of wood called Cowegreves…..38/-
Undated Knyghts Grounde, a parcel of land called le Heywardes Fee, lying in Podell, except one parcel of land called le Slyng lying between le Priests fielde….18/6
A messuage and two adjacent crofts called Walkers….3/-
All the property of the undated leases was taken by Andre Fownes at a court in 1481. The Heriot for the Knyghts Ground and Haywards Fee was a roan gelding.
William Fownes 1535 – A messuage and land called Hymloke More, Syland More, next the gate called Foxilydate and part of a field called Tynshall Feld, extending from the lane called Hemlockes Lane to Foxlydate aforesaid by the road called Salters Stretway …. 3/-
A court roll of 1481 held on 12th April 20th Edward IV. The 12 jurors were Andrew Fownes, John Hay, Thomas Pypeland, John Perkins, Thomas Hawe, Henry Horton, John Cookys, Wm. Lynchale, John Suard, John Suard, John Barber, Hugh Baker.
A copyholder selling his land could “surrender” it through two customary tenants. In the following account the two tenants have titles of “attornies” as acting for another. At this court came Humphrey Stafford Grafton Esq, son of Sir Humphrey Stafford, with Andrew Fownes and Nicholas Loew his “attornies”.
In 1595 Nicholas Barnsley, gent, (Bailiff to Lady Windsor) and Thomas Hollyocke were distraining three oxen as a heriot on the death of Andrew Fownes, when Henry Peafield and another rescued the oxen.
William Fownes: Appears under many spellings – Wm Foyns, Fonse or Fowns. Supplicating for his BA at Oxford on 14th May and admitted to it 8th July 1521, determining in 1522 and proceeding to the degree of Batchelor of Civil Law in August 1524.
Nash’s History of Worcester says: “Wll’us Fownes, Llb, Incumbent Vicaria de Grimley et Cappelade Hallow. Patron Prior et Conventus Wygorn 11th December 1527.
1556 Will’us Fownes, Incumbent Welland. Patron Phillip and Maria, R R, 5th November 1556.
Will’us Fownes, Incumbent Hill Croome 1571
EXTRACT FROM “ BROMSGROVE SCHOOL THROUGH FOUR CENTURIES”:
Warrant issued by the Common Council to the Receiver of Crown Revenue in Worcestershire.
“We, Sir Walter Myldeman Knight, and Robert Kelway, Esq, Commissioners appointed by the Kinges Majesties, commisson under the greate seale of Englande bearing the date xxth of June last past 1548 touching order to be taken for the maytenance and contynuance of the Scholes … To the Auditor and Receiver of the Court of Augmentations in the Countie of Worcester, Greeting, For as much as it apperith by the Certificate that a Grammar Schole has been contynualie kept in Bromsgrove ….. which Schole is very mete to be continued We therefore ….. have arranged and appoint that the same Schole in Bromsgrove shall continue and that William Fones schoolmaster there shall have and enjoy the role of Shcolemaster there and shall have yearly for his wages VII L (7 pounds sterling).”
In 1553 May Tudor’s indignant reversal of her father and brother’s religious changes abolished the Court of Augmentations. When William Fownes rode to Worccester for the Michaelmas Audit that year, he found officials had no authority to pay him 7 pounds sterling.
The citizens of Bromsgrove in due course petitioned the Crown for the restoration of their school. This led to a charter of King Phillip and Queen Mary to the town in 1556 for the establishment of the free grammar school for Bromsgrove and the restoration of the payment of the seen pounds to this day. In this charter John Fownes was one of six governors. William Fownes was one of the first nine master, circa 1545 – 1556.
William Fownes was a Bromsgrove man, a relative of his John Fownes was the principal land owner at Dodford and one of the school governors named in the Maarion Charter. John Fownes had bought the house and lands at Dodford for the recently dissolved Priory of Augustus Canons there. Another John Fownes, gentleman was Squire of Dodford a century later and humbler families of the same name paid Poll Tax in 1690.
William Fownes a constable of Belbroughton was summoned for letting Mr Appleton a recusant of the county excape.
(From Victoria History of Worcester)
Bromsgrove Grammar School: Extract from Victoria History of Worcester, Vol. IV:
The Chantry Commissioners in 1548 reported that “lands and tenements employed to the maytenance of a stypendary pryste within the saide Parishe Churche, William Foonys now scholemaaster there is described as an incumbent of the age of thirtie years, learned and of honest conversation (i.e. condoct). William Foonys now scholemaster there is described as having for his wages out of lands to the yearly value of eleven pounds fortenpence. It was ordered that the said schole in Bromsgrove shall contynue and william Fones scholesmaster there shall have and enjoy the role of scholemaster and have for his wages 7 pounds sterling, which the Riceiver was ordered to pay Fownes and his successors in office.
Hence in the account of William Sheldon the Receiver General for the year 1548/9 we find “And in like cash (de noriis) paid to William Fownes scholemaster (Ludimagistro) in Bromsgrove 7 pounds sterling per
Year.” The same payment was continued until 1553. In 1556 a new charter was granted to the schol. A governing body of six of the more discreet and approved inhabitants of the town including John Fones (no doubt a near relation to the schoolmaster) was incorporated. In 1556 (Michaelmas) Fownes had given place to Thomas Palmer. The name of the master show that the school was of the usual grammar school type and staffed by University graduates.
Notes from the Visitation of Worcester 1682/3: Hohn Hollingworth of Ullenhall ob circa 1658, aged 97 married Elizabeth daughter of Gilbert Fones of Webheath in Tardebigge, Co. Worcs.
On a stone in the churchyard – “Here lyeth the Body of Mary, the daughter of George Fownes by Mary his wife. She departed this life July 7th 1721. “I had but began to live that I might die, and only dyd to live eternally”.
Bromsgrove gentlemen fined for refusing a knighthood: The following is a list of gentlemen belonging to Bromsgrove who were fined for not taking the order of Knightood on the coronation of Charles 1st:
Roger Lowe, John Crabbe, Walter Brace, Thomas Fownes – 10 pounds sterling each. Nicholas Lilley 9.6.8 pounds sterling. John Westwood and Richard Burford 12pounds sterling each.
“The twenty pound left by John Fones of Dadford (Dodford) for the use of the poor was put towards the hunder pound borrowed by Mr Smith”.
Bromsgrove Assessment for Poll Tax 1690: Thomas fownes – 1s. Nicholus Fownes – 1s. George Fownes – 4s (Wife and two children). Frances Fownes Wd. – 1s. John Fownes – 1s. Anne Fownes – 1s. Wd Fownes – 4s.
Humphrey Fownes, JP, Mayor of Plymouth 1588/9 and 1596/7 – Extract from the “Widney Court Book” from R N Worth’s History of Plymouth.
Item ¾ …. Paid to players who played when Humphrey Fownes was married 1574/5.
Item pd to Mr Founes which he disbursed to suche as theire houses were shutt of the plague.
Item pd to Mr Founes towards the charge of suche as were kept in for avoidance of sickness.
ESTRACTS FROM R N WORTH’S PLYMOUTH MUNICIPAL RECORDS (1893)
“Order setting forth who shall inhabit the Castle (Plymouth) in time of warre as directed by mr Humphrey Fownes (Mayor). North East Tower: Peter Sylverter, John Battersby, Thos. Reynoldson, Robert Trevlawine, John Elson, James Pysforde, Mr Humphrey Fownes. South East: Mr Blythman, Mr Pepple, Mr Sparke, Mr Thomas Drake, Mr Martyn, Mr Westlaake, Robert Mydwinter, John Facy. South West: Mr
Phillips, Mr Whyte, Mr Payne, Mr Downeman, Nicholas Shine, Wm Browne, Vyncent Scobie. North West: Mr Edmund, Mr Trelaawine, Mr Hychens, Mr Goddard, Mr Parke, Walter Mathew, Mr Rogers, John White, John Jupe.
Dec. 1st 1601: Commission by Mayor of Plymouth, Wm. Parker and Corporation of Plymouth to appoint Thomas Paine, John Blythman, Humphrie Founes, Joyn Phillips, Thos. Reynolson, Robert Trelawine, Walter Mathew, Thos. Sherwill of Plymouth, merchants to ascertain the real estate of the Corporation.
EXTRACTS FROM THE “BLACK BOOK” W46 – among the archives of Plymouth:
1588. Humfridus Fownes Mercat. “The yere here are six of her Maj shippes and eleven Pynases with 18 sailes of Merchant Shippes wch are in warlike manner gone to the coast of Spaine under command and directin of Sir Thomas Norris and Sir Francis Drake kneight. Lords and Generals. They took divers places of forces in Spaine but having greate sickness happeninge amongst their men they returned w’thowte entering into the cytie of Lisborne to wich place theire chief bent was. Yet entered they the subbarbes and touke it and came to the gate of the cytie where is is and the right honorable the Lord of Essex knocked with suche instruments as he had in his hand”.
Humphry Fownes was mayor, wheat was sold for 30s a bushel and four shiploads were bought from Danske by the Mayor and others, which was a great comfort and relief not only to Plymouth but of the Counties of Devon and Cornwall. People came from the furthers part of Devon for the same.
EXTRACT FROM R N WORTH’S “HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH 1871”:
The next memorial in point of antiquity is dated 1589 to Humphrey Fownes and members of his family. Erected some thirty years later (1624) we find another stone recording the fact that John Fownes and his wife were killed by the fall of a chimney.
Thomas Fownes (4th son of Richard Fownes of Bristol) died 24th April 1637. Mayor of Plymouth 1611/12 and 1619/20.
21st Jan 1606 – Rough draft of letter from Wm Downman, Mayor and Aldermen of Plymouth to Sir Daniel Don – “William Wolfe is a wasteful person whose pertition to the King against the Corporation of Plymouth is most false. Mr Fownes agreement with William Wolfe is that he should have a load of 30 pounds sterling and no more from Mr. Fownes and from the town a weekly allowance of 12d. for the diet of every child he should sette at worke and instruct in his science. The town at the same time providing them with apparel. The town has fulfilled its agreement with Mr Wolfe until he, waisting all the money paid him by Mr. Foynes could no longer sette any children at sorke by reason of want of credit.”
EXTRACT FROM R N WORTH’S “PLYMOUTH MUNICIPAL RECORDS”:
“In consideration of 288 British Pounds Sterling and 18 British Pounds Sterling fee from rent arising from Rectory and Church of Egg Buckland, which formally belonged to the Priory of Plymton”
2nd March 1626: “Counterpart of grant by mayor and commonalty to Thomas Fownes, merchant , his heirs assigns of the messuage house hospital and Almhouse within the said borough by the grantee (Thomas Fownes) on the great hill.”
4th Jan 1613: “ Agreement to pay the expences of the aciton brought by the Corporation of Plymouth contained the name of John Fownes and others. Here followeth the names of such as did contribute towrds the free guift to the kinge (John Fownes etc) (Annoe Jacbic Anglie 1615)”.
EXTRACT FROM R N WORTH’S HISTORY PLYMOUTH 1871:
“About the end of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the eighteenth century, when from various causes Plymouth seemingly enjoyed a greater share of trade than at any other time the Pollenfens, Rogerses, Trelawynes of Ham, Hewers of Manadon, Fowneses and Calmadys accumulated large fortunes from the fisheries and other sources. The fortunes of several county families were laid at Playmouth. The Fowneses bought Plympton Priory land at the Dessolution, that property subsequenty passing to the Fownes-Luttrells of Dunster Castle”.
“Touching Fowneses Almhouses sold to the Guardians of 500 pounds sterling for extension of Work-House”.
EXTRACT FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH GUIDE 1948:
John Fownes of “Nethway” and “Kittery Court”. Born 1661, M P for Dartmouth 1713.4. Died 1731. A flagon dated 1704 with a Dublin Hall Mard was presented by him to St Mary’s Church and weighted 44oz.
About 1380 Wm. Cole held Nethway on the hill in this Parich. Hohn Cole succeeded his father and his daughter married Sir John Hody, Lord Chief Justice of England, 13th April, 1440. Nethway remained in the family until purchased by John Fownes (1696) and re-built 1699. The private chapel was not rebuilt, but a private chapel was make in the Nethway Aisle, St Mary’s Church, Brixham.
ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH OF BRIZHAM, DEVONSHIRE:
Memorials in the Church: Henry George Fones, RN. Commander of HMS “Bulldog” died at Tortola 30th December 1795.
Catherine Fownes – daughter of John Fownes of Nethway House. Born 1726. Died in 1794 and buried in Exeter Cathedral.
Charlotte Ann Fownes – Born 1771, died unmarried 15th July 1841.
BURIED IN ST MARY’S CHURCH, BRIXHAM:
John Fownes of Nethway and Kittery Court – Born 1661, died 1731.
John Fownes and his wife Elizabeth – son of the above John Fownes. Wife died 25th June 1718.
Rev. Thomas Fownes, DDMA – Prebendary of Wells, vicar of Brixham over fifty years. Died 5th March 1808, aged 78 years.
Ann Fownes – daughter of the above John Fownes Born 1725, died 1804.
Baptised:
29th June 1602 - Richard Fownes, first son of Thomas Fownes
1st Nov. 1612 - Thomas Fownes, Third son of Thomas Fownes (died young)
12th Dec. 1613 - Elizabeth Fownes, daughter of Thomas Fownes
26th Nov. 1614 - John Fownes, fourth son of Thomas Fownes
10th April 1618 - Francis Fownes, fifth son of Thomas Fownes
27th Dec 1619 - Thomas Fownes, sixth son of Thomas Fownes
29th Jan. 1622 - Sarah Fownes, sixth daughter of Thomas Fownes
Married:
28th April 1602 - Elizabeth Fownes, daughter of Richard Fownes, to John Yarde
8th June 1613 - Prudence Fownes, daughter of Thomas Fownes to John Whaddon (Mayor of Plymouth)
26th Nov. 1633 - Susan Fownes, daughter of Thomas Fownes to John Kelland (of Totnes)
5th May 1636 - Elizabeth Fownes, daughter of Thomas Fownes to Edward Yarde
24th Jan. 1708 - John Fownes of Nethway to Elizabeth, daughter of John Berry
Buried:
9th June 1606 - Prudence, Wife of Thomas Fownes
25th April 1637 - Thomas Fownes, husband of above, Mayor of Plymouth
24th Feb. 1625 - Joan, second wife of above Thomas Fownes
14th Dec. 1625 - Samsone Fownes, second son of Thomas Fownes
28th May 1632 - Juliana, wife of Richard Fownes
28th Nov. 1619 - Francis Fownes, fifth son of Thomas Fownes
1st Nov. 1612 - Thomas Fownes, third son of Thomas Fownes
24th March 1642 – John Fownes, fourth son of Thomas Fownes
28th Feb. 1645 - Joan, second daughter of John Fownes
? 1656 - Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Fownes, wife of Ed Yarde
Baptisms:
9th Sept. 1640 - John Fownes of Whitley
24th June 1641 - Joan * Bridget, twin daughters of John Fownes
21st June 1642 - Katherine, third daughter of John Fownes (died young)
31st Jan. 1662 - Henry Fownes, second son of John Fownes
30th June 1664 - Mary Fownes, first daughter of John Fownes
30th Aug. 1690 - Edward Fownes, second son of John Fownes
5th April 1692 - Charles Fownes, third son of John Fownes
? 1687 - Dorothy Fownes, first daughter of John Fownes
27th March 1684 – Mary Fownes, second daughter of John Fownes
Married:
? - John Fownes to Mary, daughter of Henry Northleigh
Buried:
24th April 1670 - John Fownes
21st April 1669 - Mary, his wife
28th Feb. 1645 - Joan Fownes, twin daughter of John Fownes
30th June 1692 - Charles Fownes, third son of John Fownes
11th April 1687 - Mary Fownes, second daughter of John Fowens
EXTRACT FROM “MERCHANTS & MERCHANDISE IN 17TH CENTURY
BRISTOL”
BY PROF. PATRICK McGRATH, MA
Will of John Fowens, 28th March 1609
(Calendared)
28th March 1609. John Fowens of the City of Bristol, merchant (1) in perfect health of body and mind yet considering the frailtie of mans lidffe, the shortness of his tyme and the uncertainty of the houre of his depatue out of this world things good in this my tyme of healthe accordinge to the wordes of the proffit Issaighe to set my house in order and to dispose of those temporall blessinges wherewith god hath endewed me. He commends his soul into the hands of Almight God his creator and maker, beseeching Him of his great and unspeakable mercy to receive the same into his kingdom of glory and to grant forgiveness and remission of all his sins through the death and passion of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. If he departs this life in Bristol, he requests his body may be buried within the parish church of St Stephen, in some convenient place. He bequeaths to his wife Anne Fowens, for life all his lands and temements in Wales, in the County of Monmoeth, called Moinoy, as well as his house in Newport, and twenty five acres of land which he bought of John Williams of “AllSouls” in Oxfordshire and affter her death these are to go to his son John Fowens and his heirs. He bequeaths to his wife his now dwellinghouse in Bredstreete within the City of Bristol with the use of all wainscot table boordes Bedsteeds Cubbertes shelves and hanginges about the house and Chambers for as long as she remains a widow, And after she is contracted and married to any man my will is and I give to the forenamed John Fowens my sonne my said dwelling house with appurtenances and implements before mentioned, to him and his heirs for ever. If John Fowens the younger is nor living at that time, the dweling house shall remain to the testators three daughters, or to so many of them as shall be then living. He gives to his son John Fowens six hundred pounds in mones to be paid to him when he attains the age of twenty one, and also his lands and tenements within the parish of Congresbury in Somt. All other lands and tenement within the City of Bristol, and all lands and tenements within the Counties of Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. To his daughter Mary Fowens, he leaves six hundred pounds in money, when she attains the age of eighteen, or at marriage. To his daughter Sara Fowens, six hundred pounds when she attains the age of eighteen of at marriage. Item I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Sara Fowens my virginalls and my best carpett of greene clothe fring with silke and my silver skynker. If his son John Fowens dies before he is twenty one the legacy of six hundred pounds and the lands devised to him shall remain to the three daughters before named, or to the survivors. If any of the daughters shall die before reaching the age of eighteen or before marriage her portion shall go to the surviving sister of sisters. To the two daughters of his brother James Fowens, the sum of ten pounds to be paid to them within six months of his decease. To his late servant Richard Longe (2) twenty pounds to be paid to him within six months of his decease. To his (the testators) kinswoman, Mary Longe, ten pounds to be paid within six months of his decease. To the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of Bristol, one hundred marks to be paid within one year of his decease, to be bestowed on a house or land to the value of four pounds a year at least, to be bestowed upon upon two poor labouring men yearly to rake and keepe cleane the marshe of the Citie of Bristoll and the walkes rounde about the same at all tymes needfull (3).
If the Mayor and Commonalty do not so bestow the money within eight months of his decease the hundred marks shall revert to his executors. To his brother Thomas Fowens (4) my scarlet gowne and tippet to be delivered unto him within one monthe after my decease. To hi maid servants, Welthian and Joan, forty shillings on the day of their marriage. To Richare Longe and John Tomlinson (5) thirty shillings each, to make each of them a signet with my coate armour ingraven therein to weare ty in rememberance of me somtyme their master. To the poor of the parish of St Stephens forthy shillings, and as much to the poor of the parish of St John, to be paid within ten days of his decease. To Anne Fowens his well beloved wife one half of his plate and household stuff in his dwelling house in Bristol and his house at Catchcolde in the County of Gloucester not before given or bequeathed, and the other half to his foru children equally divided among so many as shall be living at their ages aforsaid or on the day of their marriage. Ane yf she the said Anne my wiffe shall continue sole and unmarried then my Will is that she shall have the use and occupation of all plate and household stuffe geven and bequeathed lastlie to my fower children duringe her life. The residue of his goods he bequeaths to his loving with Anne who he makes sole executrix. He requests his brother-in-lay Mr. William Williams, his brother Thomas Fowens Mr Abel Kytchen, and Mr John Guy, to be his overseers, and bequeaths to each of them twenty shilling in gold for a ring and as much fine black clothe as will make them a gowne. His executors shall within one year after his decease pay the Mayor and Commonality and Father of the Orphans two thousand for hundred pounds in money which he has bequeathed to his children in three instalments, one instalment of eight hundred pounds to be paid within four months of his decease, the second instalment four months later and the third four months after that to remain with the Mayor and Commonality and Fathers of the Orphans for the use of the children at the ages specified, paying six pounds per hundred pounds for the use of the money every year. The Mayor and Commonalty are to pay his executors twenty four pounds a year for the maintenance and education of the children, and the rest of the interest is to remain with the Mayor and Commonalty to be equally divided amonhg his children at the time when they receive their legacies. For better maintenance education and bringinge uppe of my said children, he bequeaths to his executrix his sixteenth part of the prisage wine (6)
If his executrix refuses to stand to his will or goes about to alter any parts thereof, or does not within the specified time pay two thousand four hundred pounds to the Mayor and Commonalty, or shall challenge or make any tytle of dowry to any party of my landes or rents, then he gives to each of his children one hundred pounds over and above their former legacies, to be paid to them by his executrix within a year of his decease. His exectrix shall within one month of his decease cause to come before the Mayor and Commonalty and Father of the Orphans within the Citie of Bristoll sixe very substantiall and sufficient persons sureties to become bounded by Recognizances for the performance of this my last will and testament according to the laudable custome within the said Cite. By a codicil he increased the legacy of John Fowens from six hundred pounds to one thousand pounds and the legacies of his daughters from six hundred pounds to one thousand marks…..and yf myne adventures which are abroade at Sea should faile and not returne in saftie (as God forbid) then the total amount of loss is to be divided into four parts, one part to borne by his wife and three parts by his children. Item I give unto my servant Edward Moore Tenne pounds to paid to him when he shall accomlplisshe the ende of his terme of yeres of his apprentishp (7). To his good friend Mrs Langley, five pounds, to Phillip Langley five pounds (8), to Mr Thomson the preacher five pounds, to his sister Susan five pounds, to his good friends George Baldwin and George Lane five pounds each, to the poor of St Stephens three more and three pounds more to the poor of St Johns. To Phillip Langley’s wife, and to Phillip Langley’s sisters, Mary Tomlinson and Anne Vaser ten pounds, that is to say three pounds six shillings and eight pence to each of them, to by a ringe to weare at theire pleasure for my sake. His executrix shall be allowed out of the increase of his childrens portions yearly sisteen pounds more than formely allowed, that is in all forty pounds a year. Sealed the 24th August in the year above named by John Fowens, Witnessed by Mary Langley, Thomas Thomson, George Lane, George Baldwin.
Proved 23rd October 1609 in Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Memorandum that the xxj th daye December 1614
John Smythes of Wrington in the County of Somerset Gentleman Sonne of John Smythes of Wrington,
The afforesaid gentleman havinge married with Sarah Fowens, daughter of the afforenamed John Fowens of the Citye of Bristoll menchant deceased came before Mr Thomas James Maior of the said Cytie of Bristoll and dis acknowledge himself to have received and to be fully satisfied of the summe of one thousand marks of lawfull money of England together with all the interest and profitt therof geven and gequeath unto the said Sarah by her father John Fowens deceased in his last will and testament accordinge to the effecte intent and true meaninge thereof, of which sume of one thousand markes and the interest thereof as afforesaid the same John Smythes the sonne doth clearly acquitt and discharge the Maaior and Commonalty of the said Cytie and in witness herof hat hereunto subscribed his name
Thomas Jaames Maior John Smythes
Jno. Tomlinson Hierham Nicho Meredith
Ric. Long Chaanberlaine
Henr. Pirry
B.R.O. Great Orphans Book III
NOTES (re Will of John Fownes)
(1) John Fowens (Fownes) was Sheriff of Bristol 1601/2. He was one of the Bristol members of the Spanish Company in 1605 (McGrath, Merchant Venturers, page 2 and note) and was one of those who protested against the new imposition on sweet wines in October 1608. He died in August 1609. John Fownes, his son became a Merchant Venturer in 1622.
(2) Free 20th August 1607 as an apprentice of Mr John Fownes (Mayors Audit 0426 (15) p 146)
(3) For an agreement between his window and the Corporation regarding this gift see BRO C T D 28th March 1610 01257/(1-2)
(4) Thomas Fowens was made free as a Merchant 12th Jan 1599 as being the son of Richard Fownes Merchant. Burgess Book 1 fo 65
(5) Free 5th May 1607 as apprentice to John Fowens
(6) Wines imported at Bristol paid prisage of one tenth of each cargo and a number of Bristol merchants had shares
(7) John Fowens became free 17th March 1590 as apprentice to Phillip Langley, Alderman, father of Phillip Langley mentioned above. For a lease by Phillip Langley to John Fowens of a wine cellar and dry warehouse in St Nicholas Street 1603, see BRO CTD 09457(3)
(8) Edward Moore became free 27th Aug 1617 as apprentice to John Fowern (Burrgess Book, 1607, 1651 fo 84).
APPENDIX 46
THE FONES OR FOWNES FAMILY OF WORCESTERSHIRE & LONDON
So far as known to the writer no careful study of the early generations of this family has been made. The visitations commence their pedigree with five generations stated to be of Saxby Worcestershire, but there is no such place. His name was variouly written Henry Ffown and Ffohun in 1278 Henry le Ffoun in 1281 and in 1286 there was a final concore make in the quindenes of St Martin 7 Edward 1, between Walter Giffard, Archbishop of York, plaintiff and Henry le Ffouny and Isabel, his wife, deforciants, of the manors of Walton de Eyvil and Walton Manduyt in Warwickshire (Episcopal) Register, Diocese of Worcester, Register of Bishop Godfrey Giffard, fols. 78d, 121d, 247d).
In an account of Alderwasley, Derbyshire, by Thomas Blore, below quoted there is an account a Fowne family which held lands at Alcester and elsewhere in Warwickshire near the Worcesterrshire border:
“But the present lord of the manor has here an estate which has been in his family from as earlier period than the manor, derived from his ancestors of the name le Fowne or Fawne, one of whom, William, son of Ralph le Fowne, about the time off Hnery III, was a benefactor to the canons of Darley.
“Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, on the 2nd of December, 13 Edward I, granted to William, son of William Faawne (William le Fowne) and his heirs, a parcel of land in Alderwaasley, where the Earl’s chamber used to be; and a parcel of land lying between lowdbrooke and Millbrooke; to hold by the yearly rent of 1d. and charged with he duty of sutaining the pales between Lowwdbrooke and Millbrooke by the view of the Earl’s foresters. The Earl’s chamber, it is probable, was a seat used by the Lords of Duffield, when they took the diversion of hunting in this part of the forest of Duffied frith; and I should presume it stood on the site of the present manor house. This grant is said to comprise (inter alia) what is now called the Shyning Cliff Park, which in 2 Henry V, the homagers of the manor presented to be held by John Fawne as a rank tenant. And in 7 Henry V, John Fawne enfeeeoffed Ralph, son of Peter de la Pole in the Shining Cliff, who granted it to John Sacheverell, Esq., for life, with remainder to Thomas Fawne, son of John and his heirs. The male line of the family of Fawne continued here til the reign of Edward IV, to have been married to Thomas Handffore, son of William Handfod of Chorley, in Cheshire, Esq. In prospect of which marriage, Henry Lord Grey and other feoffes then granted to Thomas Handford and Joan Fawne all the lands of John Fawne, her grandfather, in Alderwasley and Ashelyhay, in Derbyshire; Alcester and Ordesley, in Warwickshire, and elsewhere in those counties; to hold to them and heirs of their bodies, with remainder to Thomas Fawne, her father, and his heirs. But this marriage did not take effect (Handford dying) for on the 20th November, 11 Edward IV, she “in pura virginitate sua et plena aetate existens viz vigenti et trium annorum”, grants to William Sacheverell and Richard Cadman and their heirs the same estates, andd these feoffees, on the 24th of the same month, granted to them to Thomas Lowe, and the fefore mentioned Joan in settlement”.
“On the 20th November, in the sixth year of Henry VIII, the King granted to Thomas Lowe, whom he styles his servant, license to impark and impale Shining Cliff and to make a free warren thereof, notwithstanding its being within the metes of the forest of Duffield frith”.
“The chapel is situate near the hall, and was built in the reign of Henry VIII by the contribution of Thomas Lowe, Esq., and other principal inhabitants. It is not subject to ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and has no parochial duties performed in it, now and endowment. The misister is paid an optional salary by Mr. Hurt, who has the appointment. The Rev. Emanuel Halton is the present incumbent”.
“Over the door of the chapel, in a recess, is the following shield of arms in alabaster:
“Quartery, 1 and 4, Lowe, Gules a Wolf passant, Argent. 2, Fawne, Argent, Bugle, Sable, between three crescents and the last, charged with a besant. 3,……
Crest. A wolf’s head, erased.”
“Blore’s Pedigree of FOWNE, or FAWNE, begins:
John Fowne, 2 Henry V, and 7 Henry VI
Ralph le Fowne William Fowne, was Thomas Fowne, 7 and 29 Henry VI
Living 3 Richard II
William le Fowne, Joan Fowne, only daughter = Thomas Lowe,
Benefactor to Darley Abbey, William Fowne, and heiress, mar. 1471 Esq. Of
Temp. Hen.III 2 Henry V Alderwasley,
In right of his
Williaam le Fowne and a William Fowne, wife. Died
Grantee of Shining Cliffe, living, whose mother’s before 1531.
Etc. at Alderwasley name was Joan, Brother of,
13 Edward I, ancestor 11 Henry VI Lawrence
of John Fowne above Lowe of
named Denby
Anthony Lowe, esq. Third = Bridget,
son and heir, standard daughter of
(c. 1278 Henry Ffowne (le Ffon) bearer and gent. of the Sir John
bed chamber to Henry VIII Fogge, knt.
Edward VI and Queen of Repton,
Mary. Bur 12 Dec. 1555 in Kent.
(Stephen Glover’s History of Derbyshire, Vol II, part I, pp. 5 & 7)
“The letter ‘s’ seems to have been added to the name in the latter part of the fifteenth century. So in 1474 there was mention of Andrew Ffowen of Redditich in Tardebiff, Worcestershire (King’s Bench Indictments). As appears in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Tardebigg he was called Andreew Ffownes in 1481, and his death was there recorded in 1495, perhaps an error, for 1498 on which date there is mention of Andrew Ffownys and Joan, his wife, of Tardebigg (Records of the Guild of Knowle).
Then on 9th May 1487 there was entered in the Patent Rolls the presentation of Nicholas Ffoweneys, Chaplsin, to the parish church of Upton Warren, in the Diocese if Worcester, void by the resignation of John Prynce and the King’s gift by reason of the minority of Edward, Earl of Warwick. In 1506 Nicholas Ffownes was Vicar of Hillchurch in Droitwich, Worcestershire (Idem). This Nicholas left a will here abstracted because the Christian names mentioned are mostly the same as those in use in later generatins of this family:
“The 27th October 1536. Sir Nicholas Ffowens, Vicar of the Church of Saint Augustine of Dodderhall, sick in body &c. To be buried in the church of Dodderhall at the altar end of Saint Katherine on the south side of the church. To the paving of the floor of the said church before the image of Our Lady of pity and about my grave xxs. To ye mother Church of Worcester xijd. To the high altar of Saint Augustyne of Dodderhall xijd. To the repairing of the chancell and personage of Upton Warant xxs. To the shapel of Elmbrigge vjs. Miijd. I will that my Exors. bring me home with all the curates of Droitwich and obytt to be kept once every month for a year. To Edward Fownes ye feather bed in the further chamber. To Sir Humfrey Fownes the faeather bed that I lie in. To Gylbart With a mattress. The clothes of the said bed to be divided between Sir Humfrey Ffoownes and Gylbart With. To Elizabeth Turner a mattress. To Gylbard Wieth a cow, my best pot and paan &c. To robert Wieth vj Silver spoons &c. To deynes my swevant that bed holly which she lay in. To Anne Wotton a cavasse &c. To the aforesaid Robert Wiythe all of corn, wood, hay and straw. All my servants to tarie with him wntil they can get services of ye said Robert to have for his labours xxs. Residue of goods to Tobart Wiytheto dispose of to the wealth of my soul and I constitute him my exor. Witness Sir Henry Heyward, parish priest, Sir John Toyem Maister Richard Dedicke, senr., John Bowlkye of the ford, and John Cresswell, parish clerk.
Proved at Worcester xiiij December 1536”
Those of the name next found mentioned at Bromesgrove were John Ffownes and William Ffones. The former in 1539 bought from Andrew Dudley the “Chief Mansion House or messuage” on the property in Dodford in Bromsgrove that had formery belonged to the Priory of Dodford (Vict. Hist. Worc’s). He was next mentioned in 1556 as one six of the “more discreet and approved inhabitants of the town who were appointed to look after the Bromesgrove school: (Idem). He died in 1573, leaving a will of which a copy follows:
“The xxiiiith March 1573. John Ffounes of Bromsgrove, co. Worc. Yeo. Sicke in body &c. To Reparacon of the Church of Bromsgrove xs. To Thomas Ffounes my sonne the bedd & the bedstyde I doe lye on in the parler with all thynges belongyng after my wiffs decease. To evry chyld that he hath a shepe. To the chyldren of Ryc. Ffounes my sonne the best cow that I have equally amonge them to be devyded. To evry chyle that Willm Hill had by daughter a shepe agice. To Nicolas Ffounes my sonne v li. when his mother shall think fitt. To Anne Ffounes doughter & to Simon Ffownes my sonne a heffer. To Humphrey Ffounes my sonne x li. at my wiffs dischressyon. To Osold Ffounes my sonne one of my teames having vi oxen in the teame &co. & the best bed in the Chappel Chamber after my wiff’s decease. To the chyldren of Willm Norris an heffer. To the chyldren of Roger Wakeman a heffer. To Willm Norris the younger a ewe & lambe. To John Olyver a ewe & Lambe. To John Holyman, Marget baker Joyes harper Thomas Torner a ewe & lambe a pice. To Ryc Ffounes sonne to Willm Ffounes a shepe. Rest of Goods &c to Anne my wiffe, my sole extrix. Overseers: Thoms. Ffounes Robert Chandles Nichs. Ffounes Edward Chance.”
Proved at Worcester 8 June 1575
Inventory (no date) of John Ffounes of Dodford – taken by Willm Ffounes Thoms Ffounes John Carpenter, Willm Boden & John Perkes.
Total lxxxviii li. xs.
The latter, William Ffownes, took his B.A. at Oxford, 14 May 1521. He was the chantry priest at Bromesgrove in 1548, and called William Ffoynes, and was then stated to be thirty years old and more, which was probably an error for forty years and more. In the same year William Ffones was master of the school in Bromesgrove and continued such, being occasionally mentioned till 1556 (Idem, Vol. IV, pp 509-10). Not improbably John and William were brothers. It is possible that this William was the man who took the inventory of John’s estate, but that it not likely. More probably the last was his son or nephew.
4. Mary, who died unmarried in 1631
5. Priscilla.
Thomas Ffones kept his property in St. Sepulchres, London, as appears from the inventory with his will, of which a copy follows, He died 15 April 1629. His widow, Priscilla, afterward married the Rev. Henry Painter of Exeter.
“Thomas Ffones citizen and apothecary of London 14th April 1629. Having already be acts executed in my life time disposed of th greater part of my personal estate to and among my children and to the use and benefit of my wife I do hereby commit the tuition, education, care and tutelage of my son Samuel Ffones during his minority unto his uncle John Winthrop of Groton in the County of Suffolk Esqur., John White of the Middle Temple London Esqr., and James Thurlby citizen and grocer of London, and do earnestly desire these my loving friends to have a special care that he br brought up in leaarning and in the fear of God and knowledge of his ways; and do charge and require my son, upon my blessing, to subject himself unto them and to be ruled by them in all things. And the tuition and education of my daughters Elizabeth and Martha I do commit unto my said loving brother John Wynthropp until they shall be married or attain their full age of one and twenty years. The tuition of my youngest daughter Mary I commit to my loving wife her mother. My loving wife Pricella Ffones and my loving brother John Wynthropp to be executors, etc. Witnesses: John Smith, Ri. Ffitch, Tho: Smith” Probate 29 April 1629 (P.C.C.28 Ridley).