Peter Brown Family History

Thomas Browne (c1516) & Elizabeth Teynton

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General History

Thomas Browne & Elizabeth Teynton were one of my 13th generation ancestors.

Key Dates:

Thomas Browne would seem to have been the eldest son of John browne & joan. He was possibly born around 1516, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was over 21 at the time of his father’s death in 1546 and was executor of his father's 1546 ‘Will’. He married Elizabeth Teynton, (derived as no birth record exists - but see concerns below- item 1), around 1546. Thomas left a 'Will' dated 22nd January 1582 and he died in 1582 prior to May.

Elizabeth Teyton birth and death dates are unknown, but she was executor to her husband in 1582, so died after then.

Children Returns to 'Top of Page'

Thomas and Elizabeth had 10  known children: (source 1 & Will)

John Joan Abel Thomas Edward Bridget Elizabeth Jane Agnes George
  1. John Browne was possibly born around 1546, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex.  He married Mary Mills. Details of John Browne & Mary Mills are shown separately as they are direct ancestors.
  2. Joan Browne (Joanna or Johan) was possibly born around 1548, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. She was mentioned in her fathers ‘Will’ of 1582, her brother John’s ‘Will’ of 1608, her brother George Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1614 and her brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 (as Joan Martin, my sister). She married Mr. Martin, around 1575 but was widowed prior to 1627, and had three known children. (source 1,4). Joan Martin was buried on 25th November 1632 in West Hoathly, Sussex (Joane, an ancient woman')
    1. John Martin was born around 1577, possibly in West Hoathly, and was mentioned in his grandfathers ‘Will’ of 1582 (but un-named) and his uncle Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627.
    2. Elizabeth Martin was born around 1580, possibly in West Hoathly, and was mentioned in her grandfathers ‘Will’ of 1582 (but un-named), in her uncle George’s ‘Will’ of 1614 and her uncle Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 (as Elizabeth Easton). She married a Mr Easton (or Eason) and had 2 children
      1. John Easton (or Eason) was baptised on 1st November 1612 in West Hoathly , Sussex (no parents shown) and was mentioned in his Great uncle Edward Browne's ‘Will’ of 1627.
      2. Elizabeth Easton (or Eason) was born around 1615, possibly in West Hoathly, and was mentioned in her great uncle Edward Browne's ‘Will’ of 1627.
    3. Dorcas Martin was born around 1583, possibly in West Hoathly, and was mentioned in her uncle George’s ‘Will’ of 1614. She married Benjamin Slutter on 9th July 1621 in West Hoatly, Sussex. Benjamin & Dorcas had one child. Dorcas was buried on 14th January 1623 in West Hoathly, Sussex ('wife of Benjamin').
      1. Mary Slutter was baptised on 4th October 1622 in West Hoathly, Sussex. She was mentioned in her great uncle Edward Browne's 'Will' of 1627 as 'my cosen'.
  3. Abel Browne was possibly born around 1550, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex.  He inherited ‘Coombe’ under his father’s will of 1582. He was Overseer to his brother John’s ‘Will’ in 1608 and witness to his brother George’s ‘Will’ of 1614 and was mentioned in his brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 as dead. He married Mary Mascall around 1577. This was her 2nd marriage and her Maiden name was Mary Carew, the daughter of Sir Francis Carew.  Mary had married firstly John Mascall of West Hoathly (whose ‘Will’ was dated 18/6/1576- Lewes A7.25) and who died 6th August 1576) and they had a son Edward Mascal. (see Documents -Archives item 6). Mary was buried on 28th August 1611 (having died on the 27th -source 1 & 8) in West Hoathly, Sussex. In the "Subsidy Roll" for Rape of Lewes of 19 James 1 - 1621, Abel Browne had lands in West Hodely shown as tax due on £30 4s. (For further details of other Family Names see Taxation-Subsidy Rolls ). Abel was buried on 18th September 1625 in West Hoathly (‘Abell- an old man’) (source 2) and his estate was granted 'Administration' on 5th October 1625. Abel and Mary had five known children: (source 1)
    1. Abel Browne was born around 1577, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was mentioned in his grandfather Thomas's ‘Will’ of 1582. Abel possibly married firstly Susan Potter on 29th January 1600 probably in West Hoathly, Sussex (License issued at Lewes- surety provided by Thomas Coomber of West Hoathly, a kinsman of Susan). He married secondly Comfort and later lived in Heathfield (source 1 & 2). He probably died on 21st October 1623 (in possibly Heathfield, but not shown in Parish Register - verification-item 5). He was dead by the time of Uncle Edwards death in 1627- source 5. Had messuage and lands called " Bunghurst," " Lyons " in Heathfield and messuage, cottage, barn and lands in Hellingly. Abel & Comfort had three children. (see verification-item 5)
      1. Elizabeth Browne was baptised on 22nd September 1616 (in possibly Heathfield). (unconfirmed as not in register- see Documents-Archives item 5)
      2. Mary Browne was baptised on 21st September 1618 (in possibly Heathfield). (unconfirmed as not in register- see Documents-Archives item 5)
      3. Sarah Browne (Sara) was baptised on 24th September 1620 (in possibly Heathfield). (unconfirmed as not in register - see Documents-Archives item 5)
    2. Thomas Browne was born around 1578, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex.  He was mentioned in his grandfathers ‘Will’ of 1582 and was Overseer to brother William in 1637. He was also mentioned in his half brother Edward Mascall’s ‘Will’ of 1620 and in uncle Edward’s  ‘Will’ of 1627. He was buried on 24th October 1639 in West Hoathly (narrative shown initially as 'a child' then amended to 'an old man'). He possibly married Elizabeth and they had one child. This is pure guesswork and there is no supporting evidence that these were his children, but options are very limited.
      1. Abel Browne (Abell) was baptised on 25th November 1599 in Worth, Sussex. (Parents are shown as Thomas & Elizabeth but this may possible be an error as all other records relate to Thomas & Susan and timeline fits- see John Brown 1490/Richard. An Abel was buried in 1602 in Worth but assigned to another Abel). He possibly had a son.
        1. Abel Browne was born about 1622 in possibly Worth, Sussex.. (derived, but no birth records have been found). He married Elizabeth. Details of Abel Browne & Elizabeth are shown separately.
    3. William Browne was born around 1580, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was mentioned in grandfathers ‘Will’ of 1582 and in uncle Edward’s  ‘Will’ of 1627. He firstly married Creature who was buried on 22nd January 1631 in West Hoathly ('wife of William'). William and Creature had two children (i-ii). William possibly secondly married Anne Roffe on 24th July 1632 in Horsted Keynes, Sussex. (License issued at Lewes on 10th July 1637 but presumed error in transcript as inconsistent with HK date of 1632- surety John Hull of WH clerk (Horsted Keins)). William left a ‘Will’ that was dated 14th November  1637 (Anne was mentioned in the Will) and he was buried on 27th November 1637 in West Hoathly, Sussex ('a married man').
      1. James Browne was baptised on 18th September 1627 in West Hoathly, Sussex and was buried there on 2nd July 1640 ('a youth'). He was mentioned in his father's will of 1637 as Executor but under 21.
      2. Mary Browne was born around 1629, (not shown in WH register), and was under 21 in her father’s ‘Will’ of 1637.
    4. Richard Browne was born around 1582, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was Overseer to brother William in 1637 and mentioned in half brother Edward Mascall’s ‘Will’ of 1620 and in uncle Edward’s  ‘Will’ of 1627. He married Joan Orgle (Joanne) on 26th September 1620 in West Hoathly. Richard was possibly buried on 7th October 1647 in Burstow, Surrey ('from West Hoathly'). Richard & Joan had two known children.
      1. Anne Browne was baptised on 3rd February 1624 in West Hoathly, Sussex.
      2. Richard Browne was baptised on 28th January 1627 in West Hoathly, Sussex. .
    5. Joseph Browne was born around 1584, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was a Yeoman and was Overseer to brother William in 1637 and to Uncle Edward in 1627. He was mentioned in half brother Edward Mascall’s ‘Will’ of 1620 and he was Church warden of West Hoathly 1639/40. Joseph married Isabel Baldwin on 12th September 1614 in East Grinstead (License issued 30th August in Lewes - sureties, Richard Teynton of Eastgrinstead, clerk, and John Phillpott of Lewes, vintner. Joseph shown as from West Hoathly). Joseph left a ‘Will’ that was dated 18th January 1649 and he was buried on 2nd July 1649 in West Hoathly ('De Comb'). Joseph & Isabel had two children
      1. Mary Browne was baptised on 1st October 1615 in East Grinstead, Sussex. She was mentioned in Uncle Edward Mascall’s ‘Will’ of 1620 and in father’s  ‘Will’ of 1649. She probably married Thomas Woodgate on 26th June 1638 in West Hoathly. Thomas Woodgate was Overseer to his father in law in 1649. They had eight children, mentioned in her fathers Will.(source 1)
      2. Joseph Browne was baptised on 3rd December 1618 in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was deposed in a law suit in 1670 as aged 51. He was mentioned in the uncle Edward Mascall's will of 1620 and was executor to his father's will of 1649. He married Elizabeth on 16th October 1656 in Horstead Keynes, Sussex (not in Parish register). Joseph was buried in West Hoathly, Sussex on 24th January 1694. Joseph & Elizabeth had 3 known children. (source 1 & 2)
        1. Joseph Browne was baptised on 30th September 1659 in West Hoathly, Sussex. He married Jane Walter. Details of Joseph Browne & Jane Walter are shown separately.
        2. Mary Browne was baptised on 10th September 1662 in West Hoathly. She married John Peters on 29th June 1686 in West Hoathly.
        3. Elizabeth Browne was baptised on 27th July 1673 in West Hoathly,
  4. Thomas Browne was possibly born around 1552, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was mentioned in her fathers ‘Will’ of 1582 and was left one third of the Tithes of West Hoathly. He was executor to his brother Georges ‘Will’ of 1614 but named as dead on brother Edwards ‘Will’ of 20th May 1627. In the "Subsidy Roll" for Rape of Lewes of 19 James 1 - 1621, Thomas Browne had lands in West Hodely shown as tax due on £30 3s 4d. (For further details of other Family Names see Taxation-Subsidy Rolls ). Edward was a stanch Protestant and his copy of ‘Boke of Martyrs’ was his most cherished pocession .(source 4). He was un-businesslike and left his brother Edward to maintain the family affairs .Thomas did not leave a ‘Will’ and he was buried on 16th April 1627 in West Hoathly, Sussex ‘an old bachelor’ (source 2).
  5. Edward Browne was possibly born around 1554, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was mentioned in her fathers ‘Will’ of 1582. He was a bachelor and a Yeoman. He left a 'Will' dated 20th May 1627 and was buried on 6th October 1627 in West Hoathly, Sussex ‘an old bachelor’ (source 2- shown as a Yeoman of West Hoathly in Sxfg People Index). Also see 'Personal History' below.
  6. Bridget Browne  was possibly born around 1556, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. She was mentioned in her fathers ‘Will’ of 1582, her brother George Brown's ‘Will’ of 1614 and her brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 (as Bridget Watson, my sister). She probably married John Watson on 4th May 1582 in Dorking, Surrey (shown as Bridgett). Bridget was widowed prior to 1627 (see Edward's 'Will'). Bridget & John had at least two children. (Note: Edward's 'Will' also mentioned her son Jonathan Watson which may possibly be another child). Bridget was buried on 16th April 1629 in West Hoathly, Sussex ('an old widow').
    1. Frances Watson was probably baptised on 15th March 1586 in Dorking, Surrey (dau of John). She was mentioned in her uncle George Browne's 'Will' of 1614 as Frances Velvick. She married John Feldwick in 1611. Details of John Felwick & Frances Watson are shown separately as they are direct ancestors.
    2. John Watson (Jonathan) was born in 1598 (see 'Will'- age shown as 74 in 1672) possibly in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was mentioned in his uncle George Browne's 'Will' of 1614 as Johnathan and also in his uncle Edward’s ‘Will’ of 1627 as John & Jonathan. He was of Horsham and Lewes. 
      He married Cordelia Infield on 6th April 1631 in West Hoathly (Licence issued at Lewes on 6th April 1631, John of Lewes, with sureties by James Inians of Lewes, clerk).  She was the daughter of Richard Infield & Catherine Compton (See Richard Infield & Catherine -family ref 1 A v). Cordelia was buried on 5th June 1654 in West Hoathly, Sussex ('wife of John Watson').
      As part of the marriage settlement of his neice Jane Odway to John Brown (ref 1 D) on 6th April 1668, John Watson gave away "the Great House, Wyldegooseland (Selsfield Place), Rock farm (Duckyls farm), Row Giffors farm, Jenkynsfield, Finch field and MaltHouse opposite the Priest House-160 acres in all".
      John left a 'Will' dated 1st July 1672, (with a codicil dated 12th January 1678) and he was probably buried on 25th February 1679 in West Hoathly, Sussex. 
  7. Elizabeth Browne was possibly born around 1558, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. She was mentioned in her fathers ‘Will’ of 1582, and her brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 (as Elizabeth Philips, my sister). She married Mr. Phillips around 1610, (not shown in WH register), and had three daughters who were mentioned in her brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627, but un-named.
  8. Jane Browne was possibly born around 1560, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. She was mentioned in her father’s ‘Will’ of 1582. She was not mentioned in her brother Edward Browne's will of 1627 so presumably had died before then.
  9. Agnes Browne was possibly born around 1563, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. She was mentioned in her father’s ‘Will’ of 1582 as under 21, ('during their nonage'), and second youngest child; in her brother George Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1614; and in her brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 ('my sister Agnes Feldwick' and as executor). She married William Feldwick, (or Fieldwick or Felwick), in about 1584. Details of William Feldwick & Agnes Browne are shown separately as they are direct ancestors.
  10. George Browne was possibly born around 1566, probably in West Hoathly, Sussex. He was under 21 in his fathers ‘Will’ of 1582, ('during their nonage'), and shown as the youngest child. He was mentioned in his brother Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 as dead. He was left one third of the Tithes of West Hoathly. He married Sara and they had one known son. After George's death, his widow Sara married Francis Lullingden of East Grinstead on 16th April 1616 in West Hoathly (Sara shown as a widow). George left a ‘Will’ that was dated 17th February 1614 and he was buried on 7th March 1614, (source 2), in West Hoathly after a long illness (shown as a Yeoman of West Hoathly in Sxfg People Index).
    1. Nathaniel Browne was baptised on 16th November 1613 in West Hoathly, Sussex and was 6 months old when his father died.  He was mentioned in his father's 'Will' of 1614 as under age 15 and under 21 in his uncle Edward Browne's 'Will' of 1627. He was raised and cared for by his bachelor Uncles Thomas and Edward Browne, and widowed Aunts Joanna and Bridget, at the Priest House after his mother remarried when he was aged 3.  His Uncle William Feldwick was responsible for sending Nathaniel away to school and university (source 4). Nathaniel was a Yeoman . He firstly married Mary Browne on 28th April 1642 at Lewes, Sussex, (date Lewes License issued - sureties Ralph Richardson of WH, shoomaker.). She was buried on 10th August 1646 in West Hoathly ('wife of Nathaniel'). Nathaniel & Mary had two children (i-ii), but are not shown in WH register. He secondly married Lucy. Lucy was buried on 16th June 1673 in West Hoathly, Sussex ('wife of Nathaniel'). Nathaniel & Lucy had eight children (iii-xi). Nathaniel left a ‘Will’ that was dated 13th December 1686 and he was buried ‘ an aged man’ on 8th June 1687 in West Hoathly (source 2).
      1. Mary Browne was born about 1642 (not shown in register).  She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686 as Mary- wife of Charles Smith.
      2. Agnes Browne was born about 1644 (not shown in register) .  She was mentioned in her father's 'Will' of 1686 as Agnes -wife of Jasper Wheeler. Agnes married Jasper Wheeler on 30th June 1670 in Ardingly, Sussex (but register shows her as Ann)
      3. Nathaniel Browne was baptised on 4th January 1646 in West Hoathly and he was buried there on 16th July 1649 (shown only as a 'son of Nathaniel' - Nathaniel is assumed).
      4. Anne Browne was baptised on 14th January 1651 in West Hoathly and she was probably buried there on 4th November 1679.
      5. Elizabeth  Browne was baptised on 19th November 1652 in West Hoathly. She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686.
      6. Lucy Browne was baptised on 28th May 1655 in West Hoathly. She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686.
      7. Jane Browne was baptised on 2nd April 1657 in West Hoathly. She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686 .
      8. Sarah Browne was baptised on 8th October 1659 in West Hoathly. She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686.
      9. Susanna  Browne (Susannah) was baptised on 24th April 1662 in West Hoathly. She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686.
      10. Martha Browne was baptised on 24th June 1665 in West Hoathly. She was mentioned in her fathers 'Will' of 1686.
      11. George Browne was baptised on 24th April 1668 in West Hoathly and he was buried there on 19th March 1669.

Personal History Returns to 'Top of Page'

Thomas Browne (1516) (sources 1& 4)

Thomas Browne lived at the 'Priest House' in West Hoathly village which he inherited, jointly with his mother Joan, (the lease of the West Hoathly Manor (farm and Rectory ie Priest house)) on his father’s death. Besides farming land, Thomas Browne sold more iron ore to the iron masters and supplied them with charcoal. With the profits he bought Whitestone, rented Coombe farm (13/3 per year) from the Carew’s and he called himself a ‘Yeoman’. He had Protestant leanings, but was discrete during Queen Mary’s reign. Thomas paid his rent to Queen Anne until 1557 when Queen Elizabeth was crowned when he could openly avow himself a Protestant.
In 1559 Thomas had too make big decisions about his properties- either to buy or risk being thrown out. On 21st January 1560, Andrew his brother, after spending some time in London as Thomas’s Attorney, bought the deed of purchase of the Priest House and the associated lands of "The manor of the Rectory of West Hoathly"; later signed by Thomas and witnessed by brother Edward and his servant Richard Infield. (Richard, or an uncle of the same name, later bought Gravetye Manor). He raised money be selling the ‘Tythes’ (The tythe was an annual payment of an agreed proportion (originally one-tenth) of the yearly produce of the land) to the existing land tenants/owners.
He began to modernise the Priest House building a stone chimney, dividing the big hall into separate rooms and building more bedrooms over these. His brother Andrew did much the same at ‘Pendants’.
Thomas Brown was an Overseer to John Mascall in 1576. He had lands called ‘Coombe’ (which he had bought from John Mascall), and also owned Parsonage Hill which he leased to his brother Andrew (which Andrew later bought). He also owned lands called Whitestone & Webb Mead.

He was a witness to Richard Infield's 'Will' of 1570 which he wrote . He was a witness to Thomas Infield's 'Will' of 1573 which he probably wrote. He was a witness to Walter Feldwick's 'Will' of 1588 which he wrote .

In his 'Will' he gave his seven younger children £13 6s 8d and his five grandchildren (& also named others) 3s 4d. His daughter Joan received £10. Abel inherited Coombe & its 'Tythes', his wife Elizabeth & son John jointly his other tenements & lands. From the 'Tythes' Elizabeth & son John provided during Elizabeth's lifetime £20 8s per year  ‘for the finding’ of each of his other three sons. 20s 8d each was put aside for the bringing up of Agnes & George during their nonage. On the death of Elizabeth his other three sons would inherit one third of the 'Tythes' due from other lands of West Hoathly (unclear how this distinguishes from the lands that John inherited).

Edward Browne (1550) (source 4)

At the death of his father in 1582, he along with his brothers Thomas and George were working lands near to the village of West Hoathly and lived at the Manor House (with his brothers Thomas & George) opposite the Church. It is most likely that Edward was involved with the Wealden Iron Industry, from which he became a wealthy man with a much higher standard of living than his parents. He called himself a Yeoman. He may have been an Iron Master who made his money by his furnace , his ‘shoppe chamber’ being merely a workshop. Edward always managed the affairs of his two brothers Thomas & George. When his brother George died, Edward was executor to his 'Will' of 1614, and George’s wife Sara inherited her husband’s third share of the house in which they lived. However if she remarried (which she did after 3 years) then the inheritance would transfer to the son Nathaniel. When brother Thomas died, Edward inherited his one third share of the houses and lands. On his death Edward's total in gifts apart from the Manor & Tithes amounted to about £400.

Verification & Concerns Returns to 'Top of Page'

  1. Elizabeth’s maiden name is not recorded, but it could be Teynton  as  her son Edward Browne’s ‘Will’ of 1627 refers to his cousin Richard Teynton who was vicar of West Hoathly from 1614-1643. However Thomas or Elizabeth may have just had a sister who married a Mr. Teynton, and Edward also had other cousins eg Elizabeth Pye  .
  2. Years of birth are derived from Abel & his children and from Thomas's Will. Due to inclusion in Grandfather’s ‘Will’ of the first three of Abel's children , but not the later two the years of birth  of the five main children can be estimated reasonably accurately. From those ages, Abel’s age is derived as should be at least 24 at birth of first child. Other first generation are derived accordingly. Thomas's 'Will' also identifies the his two youngest children as under 21 and the three eldest children as John, Joane & Abel. Some daughters may be older than Edward or Thomas.
  3. In general the family name BROWNE was used up to about 1700 and then BROWN became standard
  4. SxG- Source 1 has a number of errors identified
    1. All dates shown between 01/01 and 24/03 up to year 1750 usually have the year shown as that of the previous year
    2. There are some occasional slight date errors- a) George son of Nathanial shown as baptised on 24/6/1668 instead of 24/4/1668; b) Shows Creature, wife of William, buried on 2/1/1630 instead of 22/1/1631, c) George son of Thomas shown buried 07/05/1613 instead of 07/03/1614
    3. Shows Thomas's wife Elizabeth as possibly marrying Francis Lullingdon on 16/4/1616. Francis actually married Sarah Brown, widow of George Brown.
    4. Shows the children of Nathanial incorrectly allocated to wrong mothers and omits two
Documents Returns to 'Top of Page'

Wills:

  1. Thomas Browne left a 'Will’ that was dated 22nd January 1582 and was proved on 8th May 1582. (Lewis A7. P256). The link is to a transcript of the 'Will'. The 'Will' identifies his wife Elizabeth; his sons John, Abel, Thomas, Edward & George; his daughters Joan, Bridget, Elizabeth, Jane & Agnes his grandchildren Abel, Thomas & William sons of son Abel; unnamed son & daughter of daughter Joan Martin. Others mentioned were Dorcas Christy and his brothers William Browne & Edward Browne ( who were Overseers).
  2. Abel Browne estate was Administered on 22nd October 1605 (Lewes B3.P48)
  3. George Browne (Family ref 10) left a ‘Will’ that was dated 17th February 1614 and was proved 9th May 1614 (P.C.C. 48 Lawe). The link is to a transcript of the 'Will'. In the 'Will' he mentions his wife Sara; his son Nathaniel ; his brothers John, Thomas Edward; his sisters Bridget Watson, Johan Marten, unnamed Velvick ; his nephews Johnathan Watson, Frances Velvick (children of Bridget), Elizabeth Eason and Darkis (Dorcas) Marten (children of Johan), unnamed children of sister Velvick; his god sons John Browne son of bother John, George son of Enoch; Others: George Paine, Henry Brown, Overseers: Richard Infield, William Velvick (brother!) ; Witnesses Edward Baldwyn, Abel Browne.
  4. Abel Browne (Family ref 1) estate was Administered on 5th October 1625 (Lewes B5.P221)
  5. Edward Browne (Family ref 5) left a ‘Will’ (P.C.C. 115 Skymer) that was dated 20th May 1627 and was proved on 17th November 1627. The link is to a transcript of the 'Will'. The 'Will' identifies a large number of people including brothers Thomas, John, George, Abel (all dead); sisters Joan Marten, Bridget Watson, Elizabeth Phillips, Agnes Feldwick; nephews John (eldest) + un-named daughter, Thomas & Allen sons of brother John plus Mary, Elizabeth, Susan daughters of brother John; Nathanial son of brother George; Joseph, Thomas, William & Richard sons of brother Abel; 3 un-named daughters of sister Elizabeth Philips; Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary daughters of sister Agnes Feldwick; John son of Joan Martin and Elizabeth Easton daughter of Joan Marten & her children Elizabeth Easton & John Easton and cousins Elizabeth Pye, Mary Slutter; John & Jonathan Watson sons of Bridget Watson (are these the same ?); Cousins : Richard Teynton (Overseeer) and Joseph Browne of Coome (Overseer) ; Cousin Enoch the elder. Witnesses were Henry Faulconer, Thomas Comber & Charles Sharpe.

  6. William Browne (Family ref 3 C) left a ‘Will’ that was dated 14th November  1637 and was proved on 15th February 1638- Lewes A25.P84. It mentions wife Anne, daughter Mary, son James and brothers Thomas, Richard and Joseph. The link is to a very poor copy of the 'Will'.
  7. Joseph Browne (Family ref 3 E) left a ‘Will’ that was dated 18th January 1649 and was proved on 9th August 1649 (P.C.C.119 Fairfax) . In the Sussex records it shows: 1649 : Joseph Brown, of Place : West Hoathly, son Joseph; Source Number    91  Entry ref :   34643
  8. John Watson (Family ref 6 B) left a ‘Will’ that was dated 1st July 1672 and was proved on 21st August 1679 (ref Lewes A35.P161). The link is to a copy of the 'Will'. In the 'Will' he mentions his Cousin John Browne (& his wife my Neice) and his brother Saunders!
  9. Nathaniel Browne (Family ref 10 A) left a ‘Will’ that was dated 13th December 1686 and was proved on 17th July 1687 ( Lewes A38.P43). The link is to a copy of the 'Will'. In the 'Will' he mentions his eight daughters Mary (now wife of Mr Charles Smith), Agnes (wife of Jasper Wheeler), Elizabeth, Lucy, Jane, Sarah, Susanna and Martha.

Places:

  1. A description and history of the Priest House

Archives:

  1. Family Ref 7. 4000 year lease  Add Mss 53,633  25 September 1609. These documents are held at West Sussex Record Office
    Contents: 
    (a) Henry Browne of Eatonbridge, Kent, weaver
    (b) George Browne of West Hoathly, yeo.
    Parcel of ground, being part of the yard, backside and meadow belonging to a certain messuage of (a) in West Hoathly, now in the occupation of Philip Comber, called Wildgooseland; which said parcel of land contains half an acre, and lies on the west side of West Hoathly High Street. With free liberty of passage through the closes and yards belonging to the Wildgoose tenement.
    Consideration: £13.6s.8d.
    After the expiration of a 21 year lease granted by (a) to Philip Comber on 10 July 1605.
    Rent: one silver penny, if demanded
    Witnesses: Edward Baldwyn, Philip Comber, George Baldwyn, Edward Baldwyn junior
  2. Family Ref 7. Lease for 17 years  Add Mss 53,634  25 September 1609. These documents are held at West Sussex Record Office
    Contents: 
    (a) Philip Comber of West Hoathly, yeo.
    (b) George Browne of West Hoathly, yeo.
    Property as above, now set out and divided by marks and bounds.
    Peppercorn rent.
    Witnesses: Edward Baldwyn, George Baldwyn, Edward Baldwyn junior, Henry Browne
  3. Family Ref 7. Assignment of 4000 year lease  Add Mss 53,635  25 June 1646. These documents are held at West Sussex Record Office
    Contents: 
    (a) Nathaniel Browne of West Hoathly, yeo., son of George Browne, decd.
    (b) John Watson of West Hoathly, gent.
    Property as before, now with a messuage and barn built on it, and a garden and orchard planted.
    Consideration: £90
    Witnesses: Henry Chennell, Allen Browne, John Chennell
  4. The Book of John Rowe (Sussex Record Society) under the manor of Plumpton, 1597 records: Auncyent freeholdes within the Bedlewycke of Plompton Buskage.This book covers for areas around Lewes details of 'fines' or 'Relief' due on succession or alienation and 'heriot' due on death. More details can be obtained from the introduction to the book (see taxation-subsidy rolls).
    1. Abell Browne for a yard of land called the Combe xiiijs jd
  5. Post Mortem Inquisition (source 8-ref 184): Abel Brown(see Family ref 3.A above) . Vol. 397, No. 41. E. GK, 17 Nov. 21 James. Died 21 Oct. last.
    Heirs, daughters Elizabeth, aged 7 on 22 Sept. 1623, Mary, aged 5 on 21 Sept. 1623, and Sara, aged 3 on 24 Sept. 1623.
    Lands. Messuage and lands called "Bunghurst,""Lyons"in Heathfield, and land in H.
    On 17 Oct. 21 James enfeoffed trustees to use of Mary Browne and Sarah Browne his daughters. Messuage, cottage, barn, and lands in Hellingly. Comfort Brown, widow, survives, entitled to dower
  6. PM Inquistions (source 8-ref 183) shows Mary Browne, late wife of John Mascall. Vol. 411, No. 89. E. G-., 30 Oct. 10 James. Died 27 Aug. 9 James.
    Heir, son Edward Mascall, aged 37 and more at Inq. Lands. A certain Francis Carew, esq., after knt., now deceased, was seized of messuage and appurts. with land in West Hothley, and on 10 June 14 Eliz. by deed granted to John Mascall and said Mary, then his wife, and their heirs, remainder to heirs of J. M. John Mascall and Mary had issue said Edward Mascall. John M. died 6 Aug. 18 Eliz. Mary entered and held till she died.
Sources Returns to 'Top of Page'
  1. Sussex Genealogies  (Ardingly Centre) - John Comber 1932
  2. Sussex Parish Registers – West Hoathly
  3. Sussex Record Society -  East Grinstead Parish Registers 1558-1661:
  4. "The Story of a Forest Village - West Hoathly", by Ursula Ridley
  5. Sussex Record Society – Marriage Licenses at Lewes 1586-1642,1670-1732, 1772-1837 (Volumes 1, 6, 25,26)
  6. Lewes Will Microfilm
  7. Sussex Family History Group-Sussex Marriage Index CD
  8. PM Inquisitions - Sussex Record Society Vol 14
  9. Ancestors of Mandy Willard:
  10. Kent Parish Registers (Cowden)
  11. Latter day Saints - Family Search: For initial identification of details only
  12. Sussex Family History Group - Baptism records
  13. Jane Wicks (jane_wicks@hotmail.co.uk) who was a descendant of Priscilla Feldwick and has provided me with some transcriptions and other related information.