Northash
The Northashes were a prosperous landowning family in c15th
Hartley. The first known churchwarden in 1433 was a Northash.
This will does not mention which farm John Northash owned, but
the family owned part of New House Farm when they sold it in 1583.
Will of John Northassh (1506)
Reference: CKS
In the name of God, Amen. The 9th day of the month of May in
the year of the lord 1506. I John Northassh of Hartely of sound
mind etc., make my will in the following manner. Firstly I leave
my soul to Almighty God and my body to be buried in the
churchyard of Hartely Church. Item: I leave to the high altar
there - one bushel of barley. Item: I leave to John my son - a
kettle of brass and one posnet, a pothanger with hooks, a spit, a
pillow, a chest containing 2 bushels. Item: I will that my said
son have delivered to him by my executors in manner and form here
following - 20s, that is to say every year, 3s 4d to the said 20s
be fully content and paid, the first payment to be given at
Michaelmas 12 months after my departing. Provided alway that if
the said John fall to riot or evil disposition in any manner or
wise, then I will the said 20s shall be disposed in charitable
deeds after the discretion of my executors and he to have no
penny thereof. Item: I bequeath to Margaret the child - a red
little "foser". Item: I bequeath to Joan my daughter -
a [................]. Item: I will that Richard my son keep or
cause to be kept a yearly obit for my soul and all Christian
souls in the parish church of Hartely aforesaid for 30 years,
every year spending 2s after the discretions of mine executors
during the said time, and the said 2s to be well and truly paid
by the said Richard, his heirs, executors or assignees during all
the said years. And if the said obit be not kept according to the
tenor of this my last will, then I will that my feoffees shall
sell all my lands, lying in the parish of Hartely, Longfeld and
Asshe, and they to fulfil my last will according to the tenor of
the same. Wherefor according to the same, I bequeath all the said
lands and tenements as they lie in the said parishes to Richard
my son, his heirs and assignees forevermore, they to fulfil this
my last will and testament. And if the said Richard, his heirs,
executors or assignees do not according to the tenor hereof, then
I will that my feoffees enter into the said lands and they to
sell them to the most profit and advantage, to the intent to
fulfil my last will. And if there remain any surplus in their
hands after my will be fulfilled, they to dispose the residue
after the discretions. And I will they have reasonable reward for
their labours after the discretion of the ordinary. And all my
other goods not bequeathed, I will my executors have them to
fulfil my will and pay my debts. The which I ordain Richard my
son and John [...............] of Harteley, they to dispose my
said goods for my soul etc. Witnesses: Sir Harvy Womfelde, parson
of Longfelde; John Overay; Sir Ralph Smalley, parson of Hartely;
John Shawe and William Smyth.