I Iohn Kendricke of the City of London, Draper, being sicke in Body, but of good and perfect mind and memory, (for which I giue most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God) do make, ordaine, and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and forme following: (that is to say)

First and before all things, I commend and commit my Soule to Almighty God my Creator, trusting most assuredly to be saued by the death, passion, and onely merits of Iesus Christ my Sauiour and Redeemer.

[Page 2]And I will that my body bee decently interred in Christian Buriall in the Parish of Saint Christopher, where I dwell, as mine Executor hereafter named shall order and appoint.

Item, I giue and bequeath to 60 poore men to euery of them a Gowne of broad-cloath, to weare on the day of my buriall, and twelue pence a piece in money to pay for their dinners; the same poore men to be such as my Executor shall appoint.

Item, I giue and bequeath blacke gowns and cloaks to be worne at my buriall by my Kindred, Friends, and Seruants, as my Executor shall thinke meet, not excee­ding the summ of six hundred pounds in the said gowns and cloakes, and the rest of the charges of my Funerall.

Item, I giue and bequeath the summe of three score pounds to be bestowed vpon a dinner to bee prouided for my friends, and the Inhabitants of the Parish of S. Christopher, where I now dwell, vpon the day of my bu­riall, and in such place as my Executor shall think meet and conuenient.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Maior, and Bur­gesses of the Town of Reading, in the County of Berks, (I meane to the body corporate, or Corporation of the said Towne of Reading, by whatsoeuer name or addi­tion the same is made or knowne) the Summe of seuen thousand and fiue hundred pounds, vpon speciall trust and confidence that they shall therewith perform these vses following: (that is to say)

The said Maior and Burgesses shall buy and purchase [Page 3] vnto them and their Successors for euer, I say, to the Body Corporate of the said Towne of Reading, by whatsoeuer name or addition the same is made or knowne, Lands and Hereditaments of the cleare value of fifty pounds by the year, ouer and aboue all charges and reprises: which summe of fifty pounds a yeare, my will and meaning is, shall bee paid by the said Mayor and Burgesses, and their Successors, vnto my sister Anna Newman yearly during her naturall life. And after her decease the same yearly summe of fifty pounds shall be paid by the said Maior and Burgesses, and their Suc­cessors, to the Ouerseers for the poore of the said towne of Reading for the time being yearly for euer. And by them the said Ouerseers for the time being, shall be be­stowed and distributed to and among the poore people of the said Towne for euer: to wit, the moietie thereof euery halfe yeare, in such summes, and to such persons as the said Ouerseers for the time being, shall thinke meet, according to the necessity and desert of the same seuerall persons.

Prouided alwayes, and my meaning is, that this my yearly gift shall not any way abridge the said poore of the ordinary allowances vsually assessed and collected of the wealthier sort of the Inhabitants of the said town towards the reliefe of the said poore people: but shall be vnto them an additament and cleare encrease of re­liefe yearly for euer.

And if this my gift and prouision shall happen (which I trust it shal not) to be by the said Maior and Burgesses, or by the said Ouerseers for the time being, ordered [Page 4] and disposed contrary to my meaning thus declared, or that my will and desire aboue expressed, touching the bestowing and distribution of the said summe of fifty pounds yearly be omitted, neglected, or left vn­performed by the space of one whole yeare after it is by this my Will appointed to be distributed and besto­wed as aforesaid: Then my will and meaning is, that the said summe and reuennue of fiftie pounds a yeare shall be by the said Maior and Burgesses, and their Suc­cessors for the time being for euer, paid vnto the Trea­surer of Christs Hospitall in London, and by the Gouer­nours of the same Hospitall employed and bestowed in the reliefe and education of the poore children of the said Hospitall: Or else that the said Mayor and Bur­gesses for the time being, shall by their sufficient Deed in Law conuey, and make ouer the lands and Heredi­taments of the said yearly value of fiftie pounds vnto the Maior and Communaltie, and Citizens of the City of London, and their Successors for euer, vnto the vse of the said Hospitall, to be employed as aforesaid.

Prouided alwayes, that the said fiftie pounds a yeare be yearly paid vnto my said sister Anna Newman during her naturall life: and after her decease to the charitable vses aforesaid.

Moreouer, my will and meaning, as also my trust and confidence in the said Maior and Burgesses of the Towne of Reading, is, that with another competent part of the said summe of seuen thousand fiue hundred pounds, so by mee deuised as aforesaid, they the said Maior and Burgesses shall buy and purchase vnto them [Page 5] and their successours for euer, a faire plot of ground within the said towne of Reading, or the liberties there­of: and thereupon shall erect and builde a strong house of Bricke fit and commodious for setting of the poore on worke therein; or else shall buy and purchase such an house, beeing already built, if they can find one al­ready fitting, or that may with a reasonable summe bee made fit for the sayd vse; the same house to haue a faire garden adioyning, and to bee from time to time kept in good and sufficient reparations by the sayd Maior and Burgesses for the time beeing, for euer. Which House and garden my wil is, shal be vsed and occupied by such as the said Maior and Burgesses and their successours from time to time for euer shal appoint and ordaine for the employing and handling of the stocke of money by me hereby left and deuised to that purpose.

And my will and meaning is, that the sayd lands and hereditaments of the yearly value of fifty pounds; and also the said house and garden beeing bought and pur­chased, as afore sayd, with parcell of the said summe of seuen thousand fiue hundred pounds; then the whole residue and remainder of the same seuen thousand and fiue hundred pounds shal make and be a common stock to be emploied and bestowed in trade of clothing, ey­ther in making of coloured cloathes, or whites, as the time shall require; and also in working of Wooll, Hemp, Flax, Iron, grinding of brasill woods, and other stuffes for Dying or otherwise; as to the saide Maior and Burgesses afore-saide, and their Successors for euer shall seeme conuenient for the employment of poore [Page 6] people, and for the preseruation and encrease of the said common stocke.

And the said Maior and Burgesses, and their Suc­cessors for euer, shall haue the election, placing, and or­dering, as also the displacing (if cause bee) of all and euery person and persons to be employed in the hand­ling and husbanding of the sayd common[?] stocke in the house aforesaid, according to their th [...] sayd Maior and Burgesses good discretion, from time to time for euer.

Wherein yet my desire is, that they shall preferre the poore of the said towne to the sayd worke and em­ployment before others of other places.

And for the performance of these premisses, my will is, that the summe of seuen thousand and fiue hundred pounds before for this end by mee bequeathed to the sayd Maior and Burgesses, shall bee paid vnto them or their Successors, in mann [...]r and forme following, (that is to say) two thousand pounds thereof at the end of one yeare next after my decease: O her two thousand pounds thereof at the end of two yeares next after the day of my decease: And the residue of the sayde whole Summe, being three thousand and fiue hundred pounds at the end of three yeares next ensuing, after and from the day of such my decease.

But if it shall happen (as my trust is it will not) that the sayd Maior and Burgesses or their Successors, shall neglect, omit, or faile to performe the premisses accor­ding to my will and meaning aboue declared, or shall mis-employ the said Stocke, contrary to the true intent [Page 7] and meaning of this my deuice and disposition for the good of the poore, and their honest imployment and maintenance as aforesaid; and that such their neglect, omission, or misimployment, shall continue at any time by the space of one whole yeare together: Then my will and meaning is, that my said whole Legacy of seuen thousand and fiue hundred pounds, and euery part and parcell thereof, shall bee thence vtterly voyd, frustrate, and of none effect; as to, for, and concerning the said Mayor, and Burgesses, and their Successors; and as to, for, and concerning the vses thereof before limited and expressed: And that the said whole common stocke shall bee by them the said Mayor and Burgesses, and their successors for the time being, forthwith payd vnto the Mayor and Communalty and Citizens of the City of London, to the vse of Christs Hospitall in London, ac­cording as I haue aboue deuised and disposed touch­ing the reuennue of fifty pounds a yeare for euer, first bequeathed to the vse and releefe of the peore poople of the Towne of Reading.

As also my will and meaning is, that in this case of non-performance by the sayd Mayor and Burgesses, the house and garden to be purchased in Reading, as afore­sayd, shall be by the said Mayor and Burgesses, and their Successors, conueyed and made ouer by their Deede suf­ficient in Law, vnto the sayd Mayor and Communalty and Citizens of the City of London, and their Suc­cessors for euer, to the like vse of Christs Hospital in Lon­don, as aforesaid. [Page 6] [...] [Page 7] [...]

[Page 8] Item. I giue and bequeath to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the towne of Newbury in the County of Berks, (I meane the Body corporate of the same Towne) the summe of foure thousand pounds to buy and purchase therewith a commodious house and gar­den, within the same towne, or the liberties thereof, to set the poore on worke: and with the resi [...]ue of the same Summe to make a common stocke for the imploy­ment of t [...]e poore in the said house, according to the good discretion of the said Mayor, Aldermen and Bur­gesses, from time to time for euer? And according to my meaning before declared in the deuising of the sum of seauen thousand and fiue hundred to Mayor, and Burgesses of the Towte of Reading to the like Vse.

But my will and meaning is, that if it shall hap­pen (which I trust will not) that the sayd Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses, of the towne of Nuburie, or their successors, shall neglect, or faile to performe my trust and m [...]aning hereby committed vnto them, or shall misimploy the said stocke contrary vnto my good intent to the poore before declared, by the space of one whole yeare at any time after my said Legacy shall bee payd vnto them; Then my Will and meaning is, that my said whole Legacy of foure thousand pounds, and euery part and parcell thereof shall thenceforth bee vtterly voyde and of none effect, as to, for, and concerning the sayd Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the towne of Newbury, and their successors for euer: And that [Page 9] the saide whole common stocke shall bee by them the sayde Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Newbery, and their Successours for the time being, foorthwith paide ouer vnto the Maior and Burgesses of the Towne of Reading in the same County, to bee by them and their Successours for euer employed, bestowed and vsed in like manner as I haue by this my Will deuised and appointed another common stocke for the poore in the same Towne of Reading, as by my sayd deuice and dis­position before herein more at large expressed doth and may appeare.

In like manner also my will and meaning is, that in case of such non-performance of my will and intent by the saide Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Towne of Newbery, the house and garden by them so to bee purchased and built, as aforesayd, shall bee by the sayde Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Towne of Newbery, and their Successours, conueyed and made ouer by their Deede sufficient in Law, vnto the Maior, and Burgesses of the saide Towne of Rea­ding and their Successors for euer, to bee by them sold and conuerted into money, and the same mo­ney to bee vsed and employed in their Common stocke for the poore in the saide Towne of Reading aforesayd, in such sort as I haue formerly hereby ex­pressed.

And for the performance of the sayd trust and vses by the said Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the towne of Newbery aforesaid, my wil & meaning is, that the said sum [Page 10] of foure thousand pounds so to them bequeathed and deuised as aforesaid, shall bee payd vnto them or their Successors in manner as followeth (that is to say) One thousand pounds thereof at the end of one yeare next ensuing after the day of my decease: One o­ther thousand pounds thereof at the end of two yeares from and after my sayd decease: And the re­sidue beeing two thousand pounds, shall bee payed them at the end of three yeares next after my said decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Company of Dra­pers of the City of London (of which Company I am free) the summe of two thousand and foure hundred pounds, to purchase lands and hereditaments to the cleere yearely value of one hundred pounds for euer, ouer and aboue all charges and reprises: and with the same to performe these good vses heereafter mentioned, (that is to say)

The summe of twenty foure pounds thereof yearly for euer, to bee bestowed in the moneth of December for the releasing of sixe poore Prisoners out of these Prisons in London, to wit, the two Compters, Lud­gate, Newgate, and the Fleete, by foure pounds for each Prisoner.

Or if such cannot bee found in the said Prisons or some of them to bee released for these summes: Then the same or the residue thereof to bee bestowed in like releasing of other Prisoners out of some of the Prisons neere London, and out of the liberties thereof, as to [Page 11] the Wardens of the said Company for the time being shall seeme meet.

More, Twenty pounds yearely for euer to the Cu­rate of the Parish of Saint Christopher wherein I now dwell, to reade Diuine Service in the said Parish Church at sixe of the Clocke in the morning euery day of the weeke for euer, in like manner as is now vsed in the Chappell at the great North gate of Saint Pauls Church in London.

More, To t [...]e Clarke and Sexton of the said Parish of Saint Christopher, to each of them fifty shillings yearely for euer, to doe their seuerall attendance and as­sistance at the same diuine Seruice euery morning.

More, To the Churchwardens of the same Parish of Saint Christopher, fiue pounds yearely for euer for the manitenance of lights in the winter time.

More, Three pounds yearely for euer to the poore of the said Parish of Saint Christopher.

More, To the poore Prisoners in London ten pounds yearely for euer: namely, to the Prisoners of the Comp­ters in the Poultry and in Wood-streete, and in New­gate, to each of these Prisons forty shillings yearly for euer.

To the poore Prisoners in Ludgate, and[?] in the Fleet, to each house thirty shillings yearly for euer.

And to the poor prisoners in Bedlem twenty shil­lings yearly for euer.

[Page 12]More, To the Clarke of the Company of Drapers aforesaid for the time being, for his paines herein forty shillings yearely for euer.

More, To the Beadle of the said Company thirty shillings yearely for euer.

More, to the Beadle of the Yeomanry of the same Company ten shillings yearely for euer.

More, Fiue and twenty pounds yearely for euer to be distributed by the said Wardens among poore religious men and women in the Citie of London, to some more and to some lesse, as the said VVardens shall find [...] their necessity and desert to bee; wherein my desi [...] poore Cloth-workers and their widowes shall [...]t preferred; and next, the poore of the Drapers Com­pany: The residue of the saide summe of one hundred pounds a yeare, being foure pounds yearely for euer; I entreate the foure Wardens of the sayd Company to accept for their paines, to be equally diuided betweene them by twentie shillings to each of them for the time being yearely for euer.

[Page 13]And if the said Company of Drapers doe either of purpose or negligence, omit, and not[?] performe the pre­misses, but shall leaue the same vnperformed one whole yeare after they shall haue receiued this my Legacy of two thousand and foure hundred pounds (which I will shall be paid them at the end of one yeare next after my decease) Then my mind and will is, that the Gouernors of Christs Hospitall in London shall recouer the whole two thousand and foure hundred pounds before speci­fied, or the lands and hereditaments that the said Com­panie sh [...]ll haue bought with the same money; and keepe twentie pounds yearly for euer of the same Rent, for the maintenance of the poore Children in the said Hospitall, as if the same had beene first giuen to them; and the Drapers Companie to haue nothing to doe with it, or the rest of the said hundred pounds yearly for euer.

And that in this, case the yearly payment of eight pounds vnto the Clarke, Beadles, and Wardens of the said Companie, as also 12 pound parcell of the said fiue and twentie pounds a yeare before deuised, to be paid and distributed by the said Company among poore re­ligious men and women in the Citie of London, vtterly and for euer to cease.

But this twentie pounds a yeare being so conuerted as aforesaid, to the vse of the Hospitall, the residue of the said yearly Rent of one hundred pounds a yeare I will that the Gouernors of the said Hospitall shall pay and distribute yearly for euer in manner and forme as the said Company of Drapers should haue done.

[Page 14] Item, I giue and bequeath to the said Company of Drapers, one hundred pounds to be paid within a yeare after my decease, and by the Wardens of the said Com­pany to be bestowed in plate, such as they shall thinke good for the vse of their Common Hall in London at their meetings and dinners there.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the poore of Christs Hospitall in London fiue hundred pounds, to bee by the Goue [...]nours thereof bestowed in Lands and heredita­ments▪ for and towards the yearely maintenance of the children of the said Hospitall for euer; this summe to be paid to the said Gouernours or the Treasurer of the said Hospitall▪ as soone as they shall haue found out a fit purchase to bestow it, and agreed of price for the same.

Item, I giue and bequeath towards the curing of sick, sore, and diseased persons in S. Bartholmews Hospitall in London, the summe of fifty pounds.

Item, I giue and bequeath towards the curing of sick, sore, and diseased persons in Saint Thomas Hospitall in in Southwarke neere London, the summe of fiftie pounds.

Item, I giue and bequeath towards the repairing of the Parish Church of Saint Christopher where I now dwell, the summe of forty pounds, to bee paid to the Churchwardens of the same Parish, within one yeare after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath towards the repairing of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Pauls in London, the summe of one thousand pounds, to bee paid to the [Page 15] Chamberlaine of London, at such time as that worke of repairing of the same Church shall be ready to proceed with effect, and to be disposed by the direction and ap­pointment of the Lord Maior and Aldermen of the said Citie.

Item, I giue and bequeath to be giuen at the Maria­ges of poore maids within the City of London two hun­dred pounds, to be distributed by forty shillings apeece vpon the daies of their mariage, to such as haue serued one Master or Mistris by the space of fiue years together.

Item, I giue and bequeath to be giuen & distributed to poore maids in the town of Reading in the County of Berks, at their seuerall mariages, by 40 shillings apeece, at the discretion of the Mayor and Burgesses of that towne, the Summe of one hundred pounds: Prouided, none enioy the benefit thereof, but such as haue serued one Master or Mistris, or Dame, by the space of seuen yeares together. This hundred pounds to bee paid to the said Mayor and Burgesses for the vse aforesaid with­in one yeare next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the towne of Newbery in Barshire, the summe of fiftie pounds, to bee by them bestowed and distributed to twenty fiue Maides of the same towne at the seuerall daies of their mariages, none to enioy this gift but such as haue well and honestly serued[?] with one Master, Mistris, or Dame, by the space of seuen yeares at least: And this fifty pounds to bee paid to the said Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses within one yeare next after my decease.

[Page 16] Item, I giue and bequeath towards the setting on worke of fortie idle vagrant boyes, such as goe vp and downe the streets in the City of London, begging and pilfering, the summe of two hundred pounds, to bee paid to the Treasurer for the time being of the house of correction, called Bridewell in London, in manner and forme following: (that is to say) When any such Boy is taken vp by my Executor or his Assignes in any place within the liberties of this Citie of London, and by the Treasurer of the same house of correction and Gouernours there for the time being, placed and bound Apprentice with a Master for the terme of seuen years at the least, with Artmasters, as Glouers, Pinners, Shoo­makers, or any other occupation or art which they shall bee thought most fit for, to learne in the said house, whereby in time they may proue good Members, and liue like honest men in the Common-wealth: I say, with euery one of these boyes shall bee paid to the Treasurer and Gouernour for the time being, for the apparelling and placing of them in that order, the sum of fiue pounds, vntill the said summe of two hundred pounds be fully paid for that vse.

Item, I giue and bequeath towards the finishing of the pinacles of the S [...]eeple of the Parish of Saint Maries in Reading in Barkshire, fifty pounds to be paid to the Churchwardens of the same Parish within one moneth after the said Pinacles shall be finished.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Maior and Bur­gesses of the towne of Reading aforesaid, the summe of [Page 17] fiue hundred pounds, to bee first lent to these parties, and in the summes hereafter named, for seuen yeares gratis: that is, to Iames Winch two hundred pounds, and to Walter Rye, Richard Stampe, and William Blacknal Clothiers, one hundred pound a piece, each of them giuing bond with two sufficient Sureties for repayment there of to the said Maior and Burgesses at the end of the said seuen yeares. And afterwards the same fiue hun­dred pounds shall be lent to tenne seuerall honest indu­strious poore Clothiers, Freemen of the same Towne, by fifty pounds a peece gratis for three yeeres vpon like good securitie: And after that in like manner from three yeeres to three yeeres for euer: And no man to haue the vse of any of this money twice.

But if there shall not be Clothiers enough found in the said Towne to enjoy this loane in manner aforesaid, That then the said money shall be lent also vnto other tradesmen free of the said Towne, by the summes and termes of yeares before last appointed, to such as set most poore people on worke, according to the discre­tion of the said Maior and Burgesses. And this said summe of fiue hundred pounds shall be paid to the said Maior and Burgesses to the vse aforesaid, at the and of one yeare next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Towne of Newbery, in the County of Berkes, the summe of fiue hundred pounds, to be lent first for the terme of seuen yeares gratis vnto these seue­rall Clothiers here named, (that is to lay) to Thomas Newman one hundred pounds, to Richard Avery one [Page 18] hundred pounds, to Martin Broaker fifty pounds, to Wil­liam Goodwyn the elder, fifty pounds; & to his son Williā goodwyn fiftie pounds; to Timothy Avery fifty pounds: to Robert Bacon fifty pounds, and to Griffin Forster fifty pounds; euery of the said seuerall parties entring bond with two sufficient sureties for repaiment of the said se­uerall sums to the said Maior & Aldermen, & Burgesses at the end of 7 yeares. And afterwards the same 500 pounds shall bee lent to ten seuerall honest industrious poore Clothiers, free of the said Towne of Newbery, by fifty pounds apiece gratis for three yeares: And after that in l [...]ke manner from three yeares to three years for euer: And no man to haue the vse of this money twice. But if there shall not bee Clothiers enough found in the same town of Newbery to enjoy this loane in manner as aforesaid, then the same money shall bee lent also vnto other Trades-men free of the same towne, by the sums and termes of yeares last before appointed, to such as set most poore people on worke, according to the di­scretion of the said Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses, to whom this said fiue hundred pounds shall be paid to the vse aforesaid, at the end of one yeare after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Gouernour, As­sistants, and fellowship of Merchant-Aduenturers of England, the sum of 900 pounds to be lent by 300 poūds in a parcell for three years gratis, vnto three seuerall ho­nest, industrions, and frugall yong men free of that com­pany, none of them being Partners with each others, and euerie of them giuing bond with two sufficient Sureties, to bee tryed and allowed by ballating and [...]ot [Page 19] otherwise, for repaiment of the same money to the said Company: And so the same money to bee lent out by the said Company in this manner from three yeares to three yeares for euer.

And my Will and desire is, that these my fiue pre­sent Seruants shal be vpon security as aforesaid first pre­ferred to the enjoying of this loane, to wit, William Powle, Thomas Newman, and Simon Gundy, the first three yeares; and Andrew Kendrick, & Christopher Pack, the next two parcels that shall come in and be receiued in after they shall be freemen of that company. And for performance hereof the said nine hundred pounds shall be paid vnto the Trea [...]rer of the said Company in Lon­don for the time being, at the end of one yeare next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my brother William Kendricke of Reading in the Country of Berkes Clothier, and to his children now borne and liuing the summe of two thousand pounds, whereof one third part for him­selfe, and the other two third parts for his said children. The same two third parts of the said sum of two thou­sand pounds to be equally diuided to and amongst his said Children, share and share like.

And my will is, that the said two thousand pounds be paid to my said brother at the end of three yeare next after my decease: And that hee shall pay his said children their seuerall shares thereof afore limited, (that is to s [...]y) to his Sonne his share and part when he com­meth to the age of twenty foure yeares: and to his Daughter her share and part when she commeth to the [Page 20] age of one and twentie yeares, or at the day of her ma­riage; which shall first happen.

And if it fortune either of my said brothers children to die or decease before their respectiue Legacies afore­said shall grow due, as aboue; That then the part of such Child so deceasing shall accrew and be paid to the Sur­viuor of the said children at the day and time before appointed.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my said brother William Kendricke my Gold Ring which was my Fathers, with the Letters T. K. therein engrauen, and a knot between the same Letters.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my Sister Anna New­man of Reading in the Countie of Berkes, the summe of one thousand Markes to be paid vnto her at the end of one yeere next after my decease.

Item, I giue vnto the children of my said Sister Anna Newman the summe of two thousand Markes, to bee equally diuided amongst them share and share like: and the shares of such as are alreadie maried (if they bee daughters;) or are foure and twentie yeares of age (if they be Sonnes) to be paid them at the end of one yeare after my decease: and the shares of the rest to be paid to such as be Sonnes, when they shall be foure and twenty yeares of age: and to the Daughters at their day of ma­riage, or when they shall come to one and twentie yeares of age respectiuely which of these shall happen to be first.

And if it shall happen any of the said Children of my said Sister to die before the age and time [Page 21] so prfixed for payment as afore-said (I meane those that bee yet vnder that age and vnmarried) then my will is, that the share and part of such as shall so dye, shall accrew and bee payd vnto the rest of the same children then surviuing, share and share like: And at the dayes and times of payment before appointed, for their owne seuerall shares and parts.

But my will and meaning is, that Thomas Newman Son of my said Sister, shall not haue any part of share of this said legacy of two thousand Markes; because I giue him a large legacy apart by this my will: therefore the sayd two thousand Markes is to be deuided and sha­red amongst the rest of the children of my sayd sister as aforesaid.

Item, I do hereby absolutely acquit and forgiue my Brother in Law Thomas Newman of Reading afore-said, husband to my sister Anna Newman, the summe of one hundred Markes: which he oweth me by his bond, due the second day of Nouember Anno dom. 1623. being all that hee oweth me at the date of this my Will.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my Sister Alice Vigures of Exeter, the the Country of Deuon, the summe of fiue hundred pounds, to be paid her at the end of two yeares next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the children of my sayd Sister Alice Vigures, the summe of one thousand pounds to be deuided equally among them share and share like: and if any of them being Sonnes, be of the age of foure and twenty yeares: of any of them being daughters, bee of the age of one and twenty yeares, or married, then the [Page 22] share and parts of such respectiuelie, shal be payed at the end of two yeares, next after my decease; and the shares and parts of the rest shall be paid to such as bee Sonnes at their age of foure and twenty yeares; and to such as be daughters, at their age of one and twenty yeares: or at the daies of their marriage, which of them shall first happen to come respectiuely.

But my will and meaning is, that Symon Gandy Sonne of my sayd Sister Alice Vigures, shall not haue any part or share of this said legacy of one thousand pounds, be­cause I giue him a large legacy apart by this my wil: but my meaning is, that this said legacy of one thousand pounds so giuen as aforesayd, to the children of my said Sister Alice Vigures, shall be equally deuided among the rest of the children of my said Sister, excluding the said Simon Gandy from all part and share of the same: and if it shall happen any of the said children of my said sister Alice Gandy to Die, before the age and time of pay­ments appointed as aforesaid (I meane when they be vn­der that age and vnmarried) then my will and meaning is, that the share and part of such as shall so die, shal be paid and accrew vnto the rest of the same Children so suruiuing, to each of them equally, and share and share like; and at the daies and times of paiment before ap­pointed, for their owne seuerall shares, and parts.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my brother Iames Winch of Purley in the County of Berks, and to his children the summe of one thousand pounds, whereof one third part for himselfe, and the other two third parts for his saide children: the same two third parts to be deuided e­qually [Page 23] amongst the said children, of my sayd brother, share and share like.

And my will is, that this said summe of one thousand pounds, shall be payd to my said brother Iames Winch, at the end of one yeare next after my decease, and that hee shall pay forthwith vnto such of his children as be­ing sonnes, and of the age of fower and twenty yeares, and being daughters, are of the age of one and twenty yeares, or married, their seuerall shares and proporti­ons, of the said two third parts of this summe of one thousaud pounds: the shares and parts of the rest of his children he shal retayne in his owne hands vntil his sayd children being sonnes, shalbee of the age of Fower and twenty yeares, and being daughters shall be of the age of one and twenty yeares or bee married, and then shall pay euery of them their seuerall shares and parts respectiuely.

And if it shall happen any of the sayd younger chil­dren to dye before the time of payment so limited as aforesaid, then my will is, that the part and share of such as shall so decease, shall accrew vnto the rest of the said children of my said Brother that shall then suruiue, to be equally deuided amongst them share and share like, and to be payed at the daies and times before appoynted.

Item, I giue and bequeath to thirty of my poorest kindred in the towne of Reading in Bark-shire, the summe of three hundreth pounds, to be payd vnto my brother William Kenricke within three moneths after my decease, and by him to bee destributed by ten pounds in euery parcell, as he in his discretion shall thinke good, [Page 24] wherein I pray him to bee very carefull to bestow the same where there is most neede and best desert.

Item, I giue and be queath to old Elizabeth Kenrick of Reading, daughter to my fathers brother William Kenrick (as I take it) the summe of fifty pounds, to bee payed her within three moneths after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my kins-man Thomas Newman now residing at Delft in Holland, the summe of one thousand pounds, to be payd him vpon the fiue and twenty day of October, which shalbe in the yeare of our Lord God 1626. when his time of seruice expireth. Prouided that he remaine with my partner M. Laurence Halstead and serue, him his said full time.

Item, I giue and bedueath to my kins-man and late seruant Simon Gandy, the summe of one thousand pounds to bee payd him within one yeare next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath vnto Arthur Aynscombe Marchant now residing at Antwerp, who hath a share with me in trade, the summe of fiue hundred pounds, to bee paied him within two yeares after my decease. Proui­ded that he go forward in trade with M. Laurence Hal­stead (if he the said M. Halstead shall desire it) vnto the end of our contract, which will be the fiue and twenty of October, Anno Domini 1626.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Barney Reymes Mar­chant now residing at Delft who also hath a share with me in trade, the summe of fiue hundred pounds, to be paied him within two yeares next after my decease. Pro­uided that hee goe forward in trade with M. Laurence [Page 25] Halstead (if hee the said M. Halstead shall desire it) vnto the end of our contract, which will be the fiue and twen­tie of October, Anno Domini 1626. as is abouesaid.

Item, I giue and bequeath to M. Iohn Quarles who was my Maister, the summe of fiue hundred pounds, to to be paid him within a yeare next after my decease. And my earnest desire and request vnto M. Laurence Halstead is, that vnto the ende of our contract of Partner-ship, which will be the fiue and twenty day of October, An­no Domini 1626. The same M. Quarles may haue his Diet, Lodging, and washing, in his the said M. Halsteads house free and without paying any thing therefore, as he now hath it with me. And my desire also is, that he may continue to keepe the bookes of our partable accompt vntill the aforesaid twenty fiue day of October, Anno 1626. And bee paied his wonted yearely allowance of fifty pounds for the same. And I do hereby freely and absolutely forgiue the said M. Iohn Quarles, the summe of three hundred pounds, which he oweth me payable at pleasure, being lent him the last of March, Anno 1615 and being all that hee oweth me at the Date of this my will.

Item, I giue and bequeath to M. George Lowe Mar­chant, heeretofore my partner, the summe of three hun­dred pounds, to bee payed him within one yeare next af­ter my decease. And I doe hereby absolutely forgiue him all that is due vnto me for his Lodging, Dyet, Fy­ring, and washing, which hee hath had of me now sixe yeares together.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Thomas Billingsly sonne [Page 26] of Sir Henery Billingsly Knight, and Alderman of Lon­don deceased, the summe of two hundred pounds, to be paied him within one yeare next after my decease. And I doe absolutely forgiue him the summe of two hundred pounds which he oweth me, by his bond due the twenty of December Anno 1625. lent him the twenty of this pre­sent moneth for a yeare.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Executors of Tho­mas Iackson of London Marchant Deceased (whome I take to be Miles Iackson the sonne of the said Thomas) the summe of three hundred pounds to bee payd at the end of one yeare next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Lucas van peenen of Middleburgh in Zealand, sonne of Roger van Peenen of that towne Deceased, the summe of fifty pounds ster­ling, to be made ouer by exchange within two moneths after my Decease, payable at Vsance to Iohn Mount-Ste­phen now residing in that towne, to bee by him payd o­uer to the said Lucas van Peenen forthwith after he hath receiued it, in the full Flemish summe which the same shall produce.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Ieremias Poets of the said Towne of Middleburgh in Zealand (if hee bee the Executor of his brother Hance Poets Deceased) the sum of twenty pounds Sterling to bee made ouer by ex­change, within two moneths after my decease, payable at Vsance to Iohn Mount. Stephen afore-named, and by him forthwith after his receipt thereof, to be paied o­uer to the said Ieremias Poets, in the full Flemish summe which the same shall produce.

[Page 27] Item, I giue and bequeath to William Powle my co­uenant seruant the summe of two hundred pounds, to be paid him within six moneths after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Andrew Kenricke my apprentice the summe of three hundred pounds, to be paied him when he shall haue serued seuen yeares from the commencement of the terme of his Indenture.

More, I giue and bequeath to the saide Andrew Ken­ricke the summe of one hundred pounds, in Lieu of so much giuen me with him by his Father Iohn Kenricke to bee paied him within three moneths next after my Decease vpon acquittance to be giuen by his said Father therefore.

Item, I giue and bequeath vnto Christopher Packe mine apprentice, the summe of one hundred poundes, to bee paied him within three moneths next after my Decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Thomas Mayle my horse keeper, the summe of twenty pounds, to be paied him within two moneths after my Decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my maide Margaret, twenty poundes, to bee paied her within two moneths next after my Decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my maide Dorothy, twentie pounds, to be paied her within two moneths af­ter my Decease.

Item, I giue vnto Iohn Hutwith my drawer, the sum of fiftie pounds, to be paied him within three moneths after my Decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Walter Bird my Drawer [Page 28] fiue and twenty pounds, to bee payd him within three moneths after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the present men-seruants of Iohn Hutwith my drawer, the summe of fiue and twenty pounds, whereof ten pounds to Charles, and the other fiueteene pounds to be equally deuided amongst the rest, as well Prentices as Iourny-men, to bee payd within two moneths after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my twelue Cloath-wor­kers that vsually rowe and sheere my cloaths, the summe of one hundred and thirtie pounds, whereof twenty pounds to Owen Dobbins, and ten pounds a peece to the rest, to bee payd within three moneths next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to William Bigge and Willi­am Salisbury, that vsually presse and fold my Cloaths, the summe of fiue and twenty pounds, whereof fiuetene pounds to William Bigge, and ten pounds to William Salisbury, to be payd them within three moneths next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my Porters at the Wa­ter side ten pounds, to be equally deuided among them, and ten pounds to my Porters that vsually packe in my house: to be paid within two months next after my de­cease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my Water-bearer three pounds, and to my washer Anthony fiue pounds, to bee payd them forth with after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to William Beadle of Rea­ding Clothier, the summe of fifty pounds, if hee be yet [Page 29] aliue: and if hee be dead, then to his Executors, to be payd within three moneths, next after my decease: and I do hereby also forgiue the said William Beadle, the ten pounds hee now oweth me.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Executors of Mark Slye of Reading Clothier deceased, the summe of fifty pounds, to be payd within three moneths next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Thomas Newman of New­bury Cloathier, the summe of one hundred pounds, to be payd him within three moneths after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Iohn Skinner, secreta­ry to the Merchants Aduenturers, the summe of one hundred pounds, to be payd within three moneths next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the widdow Harrison and her daughter dwelling in the Aley next my dweling house, fiue pounds to be payd within one moneth next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Mr. Richard Bennet who was heretofore my Partner, the summe of three hundred pounds: to bee payd at the end of one yeare next after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to Mr. William Towerson Skynner, Deaputy of the Merchant Aduenturers, fiue pounds, to make him a Ring; and to Mr. Thomas Smyth Skynner, fiue pounds to make him a Ring, to be payd them, forthwith after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath vnto Ralfe Burnet, Willi­am Ellets, and Iohn Southerne Officers of the Merchant [Page 30] Aduenturers fiue pounds a peece, to be payd them forth­with after my decease.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Maior and Bur­gesses of the Towne of Reading in the County of Berks, the summe of two hundred and fifty pound [...], to be payd them at the end of one yeare next after my decease, there­with to purchase Lands & Hereditaments to the cleere yearely vallew of ten pounds for euer, to maintaine di­uine seruice to bee sayd in the Parish Church of Saint Mary in that Towne, by the Parson or his Curat euery morning of the weeke, at six of the clocke for euer.

Item, I giue and bequeath to the Maior, Alderman, and Burgesses, of the Towne of Nuberry in the County of Berks, the summe of two hundred and fifty pounds, to bee payd them at the end of one yeare next after my de­cease, therewith to purchase Lands, or Heredaments, of the cleare yearely vallew of ten pound for euer, to main­taine Diuine Seruice to bee sayd in the Church of that Towne, by the Parson or his curate euery morning of the weeke, at six of the clocke to continue for euer.

Item, I giue and bequeath to my kinsman Wiliam Bye, dwelling neere the Allum Mines in York-shire the sum of one hundred pounds, to be payd him within three mo­neths after my decease: and I hereby forgiue him the ten pounds he oweth me by bond due long since.

Item, I giue and b [...]queath the Companie of Dra­pers in London the summe of fortie pounds to bee be­stowed vpon a dinner for the Liuerie of that Company, to be at their Hall vpon the day of my buriall, this to be payed forthwith after my decease.

[Page 31]And my will and meaning is, that in case any of the persons afore-named to whom I haue bequeathed Le­gacies as aforesayd, and not specially disposed for case of their decease, shall happen to die before the same Lega­cies grow due: Then the Legacy, or Legacies so by me giuen vnto them as afore-sayd, shalbe payd vnto their Executors or Administrators, at such time as I haue be­fore seuerally appointed vnto them my Legataries. And I doe make and ordaine my louing friend and Partner M. Lawrence Halstead, my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament: Charging him as he will answer it before Almighty God at the last day of iudgement, that he truely and punctually in euery particular, performe this my said last Wil and Testament; as I nothing doubt but he will be very carefull to doe. Hereby giuing and bequeathing vnto him my sayd Executor, all the residue and Remainder of my Estate, my Legacies before be­queathed being first paied and discharged. In witnes of the premisses, I haue vnto this my last Will and Testa­ment, contained in eighteene seuerall sheetes of paper put my hand and seale: That is, my seale once at the top, and my name vnder euery seuerall sheere, the day and yeare first aboue written, Iohn Kenricke, Sealed, Pro­nounced and deliuered by the said Iohn Kenricke, as his last Will and Testament, in the presence of vs, Iohn Skinner, Andrew Kenricke, Thomas Singleton.

Probatum coram Magistro Arthuro Ducke, Legum Doctore Surrogato, &c. vltimo die mensis Decem­bris, Anno Domini 1624. Iuramento Laurentij Halstead Executoris, &c. Cui &c. de bene, &c. Iurat.