JOHN FORFLOD son of Ellen Forflod of Canterbury, Kent, was born probably around 1470 more or less. His wife's name was Clare or Clara. He died about 1518 in which year administration of his estate was granted to his widow. John Forflod was a hatter and a freeman, that is, a full voting citizen of the city. His mother, Ellen Forflod, died about April 1514, having made her will on 13 March. It was proved 29 April following at Canterbury. She asked to be buried next to her husband in the church yard of Saint Augustine's monastery. She named her son John and her two daughters, Isabel and Joan. The will as recorded is somewhat confusing in that her daughter Eghard is twice called Isabel and twice called Elizabeth. These two names were sometimes used interchangeably at that time, as Elizabeth and Betty are today. She also referred to John's daughter Alice, who probably was the eldest of his surviving children, and to three other children, but did not name them. Isabel's husband was probably the Edward Egbard who witnessed the will. An abstract follows.
13 March 1513/14 the will of ELENE FORFLOD, widow, of the parish of Saint Michaels in Canterbury . . to be buried in the churchyard of Saint Augustine beside my husband. . to the high altar in the same church of Saint Michaels 2d ... to our Lady of Coynnynggate a pair of my amber bea,ds and a table cloth to her ambry of diaper. Also, I bequeath to Richard Smyth curate of our parish 40d. Also, I bequeath to John Forflod a silver piece of 7 ounces, 2 silver spoons, a gold ring, a cupboard, a folding table and his part of all my brass, latten and pewter. Also, I will have done for me the day of my burying in the church of Saint Michaels aforesaid, a dirge with 30 trental masses and 7 dozen of bread given to poor people. Also, at my months mind a dirge with 15 masses of a trent.al and 5 dozen of bread given for my soul, and also in like wise at my 12 months mind. Also, I bequeath to the fraternity of the Holy Cross of Westgate to be remembered and prayed for 6s.8d. Also, I bequeath to Elizabeth Egbard my daughter my best feather bed with the bolster. Also my best kirtle, a gold ring, a pair of coral beads, 2 silver spoons and her part of the said brass, pewter and latten. Also, I bequeath to the forsaid John, Isabel and Joan my 3 best cushions, every person one. Also, I bequeath and give to Clare Forflod my daughter in law my best gown, a pair of amber beads and a silver spoon. Moreover, I bequeath to Alice the daughter of my son John Forflod a feather bed with the bolster, a pair of sheets, a cupboard & a silver spoon and her part of all my said brass, pewter and latten. Also, to the 3 other children of iry son John I bequeath 3 silver spoons. Also, I will that Elizabeth Oliver have a silver spoon. Also, I bequeath to Elizabeth Egbard my daughter because she had least of her father's goods 20s. The residue of all my goods not bequeathed, my debts paid & will fulfilled, I give & bequeath to John Forflod my son an(l to lSaliei Egbard my daughter whom I make mine executors to dispose for the health of my soul as they think best ... These bearing witness:
Sir Richard Smyth, William Pepor, Edward Egbard and other more. Proved 29 April 1514 (12:321)
Coynnynggate = Queningate
St. Mary of Queningate was a church so called from its situation near that ancient gate within the city wall. St. Michael Burgate was situate in Burgate Street near the gate, also within the city walls. When it was desecrated is unknown, but probably long before the reformation. The remains of St. Michael's church were long ago converted into a dwelling house. Some of the ancient walls are still standing. (Hasted's Hist. of Kent, Vol. 4)
