Beke

Will of John Beke of Ash, 1466

Ref: CKS/DRb/PWR/2.358

The photocopy is poor and difficult to read in places. Agnes his daughter appears to be the wife of John Dawe, who died in 1499 as the owner of Dawsland , Church Road, in Hartley. A conveyance in 1515 says John Dawe was the former owner but does not mention Agnes, suggesting that Agnes did not inherit Dawsland from her father (other land mentioned in this conveyance mentions when the ownership has come from the wife's inheritance).

In the name of God, Amen. The penultimate day of the month of September 1466. I John Beke of Assh in Rochester diocese

First I leave my soul to Almighty God, the Blessed Mary, mother of God, and all the saints of heaven. My body to be buried …………. SS Peter and Paul of Assh within the tomb of ……………….

Item: I leave to the high altar of the church of Asshe, 6d. I leave for the maintenance of a light ….. of the cross in the same, 6d.

Item: I leave to a light for the Blessed Mary in the same, 6d.

Item: I leave to John, son of John William, 1 ewe.

Item: I wish that my funeral expenses, both on the day of my burial and trental, be made at the discretion of my executors. And I appoint, make and constitute Agnes my daughter and Thomas Dawe? her son as my executors.

…..I will and ordain by the presents that Robert at Wode have two parcels of land immediately after my death, viz one called Nelamesfeld, and the other called Litilweststret, to him, his heirs and assigns forever. So that he maintains a chaplain to celebrate [mass] in Assh Church for my soul and the souls of all my ancestors and for all the faithful departed, for a quarter of a year and from then for a year and a half after my decease.

In witness whereof, I have placed my seal with these witnesses: Walter Manby clerk, Robert at Wode and others. Given on the abovesaid day and place.

Proved at Rochester 1 December [1466].