Ancestors of Tim Farr and Descendants of Stephen Farr Sr. of Concord, Massachusetts and Lidlington, Bedfordshire, England


John FAYRE The Younger [Parents] was born about 1525 in of Flitton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died in 1582 in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. John married Mrs. John FAYRE about 1548 in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

John had a will on 28 Apr 1582 in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. His will was probated on 13 Jul 1582 in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Raised by his Uncle, John Fayre The Elder. He was mentioned many times in his uncles will and receives all of his uncles property in Flitwick. Also given Flitwick property in his father's will with stipulation "once he is able to occupy it". Possibly his mother Custans died before he was old enough to occupy it or she remarried and lost her right to the property.


John Fairey 1582 Flitwick
Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire
FHL Film #88016, pg. 65
Extract by Pam Bott

The date of the will is 28 Apr 1582.
John Fairey is from Denel End in the parish of Flitwick, Bedford. Denel End is a hamlet within Flitwick. He asks to be buried in the Flitwick churchyard.
He gives to all of his godchildren 4 pence each. He doesn’t mention their names.
He gives to Agnes Howson his servant and to all his other servants. He doesn’t give their names.
He gives to his maid Emme Cockes.
He has a son named Thomas who is deceased. Thomas’ wife is living and her name is Jane Fairey. Jane is pregnant and if the child lives to the age of 16 it will be paid 10 pounds.
John has a daughter named Margarett who is the wife of Henry Colloppe.
He has a son named Willyam Fairey whom he bequeaths his messuage in Denel End when Willyam turns 21. He also gives to his son Willyam the last year’s rent of the tenement wherein Thomas Charge now dwells.
John gives to the children of Thomas Odell.
He has a son named Edmond Fairye whom he makes his executor. Here the surname is spelled Fairye. Edmond gets the messuage in Denel End where his father John now lives between the messuage of George Colloppe east and the tenement of Willyam Siblie west.
Henry Colloppe his son in law is the overseer.
Witnesses are Thomas Odell, Rafe Cooke and Arthure Meaynarde.
Probate is in Latin. I can see the name Williame Smithe. Dated 13 July 1582.


Luton Archives
LL1/62
Title Demise: William son and heir of Richard Olney deceased, to Richard Davy, Reginald Collopp bocher, & Richard Olney of Denehyll.
Date 1550
Scope and Content A messuage with curtilage & 17 acres of land and meadows dispersed in Flitwick. Whereof the messuage, curtilage & garden at Chirche ende, between late William Felour senior & the Innyng, abutting on the highway & a close of the lord; 2 acres together in the Innyng under the grantor's hedge, abutting on the Stokking North; 1 acre together called the Hedland Acre at Bradhegges, the lord on both sides; half acre in Acreyard Furlong, between the lord & Henry Collopp, abutting on the Highway East; half acre in the same next Thomas Sybley; 6 roods together on Sutton Furlong, next the same, abutting on Holowe way south; half acre in the Woodehame, abutting on Flitwick Wood; 1 rood in the same, between Reginald Collopp senior & the lord; 1 acre together on Hynkeshull in Broke Furlong, next Henry Collop. In East Field, half an acre in Nether Aldfeld, next Reginald Collopp senior; half acre in the same, between the vill's land & the grantor; half acre in Ouere Aldfeld, between Reginald and Henry Collopp; 1 acre on Stonyhull next Richard Davy, abutting on Goodrychhyll & the Gravell pyttes; 2 roods at Thomas Cranewell's Close Corner, next John Feirey junior, late of his father Thomas Feirey; 1 rood in the same next Reginald Collopp; half acre in Acreyardefurlong, between Richard Davy & Thomas Sybley; half acre on Wandyng Furlong; half acre at Grene Way, between Reginald and Henry Collopp; 1 acre in 4 rood abutting on Gull's hadland west and Croftland east; half acre on Croftland, next Reginald Collopp; 2 roods of land and meadow in Stanyate mede, next the lord, & 1 rood between Reginald Collopp and John Feirey senior & 1 rood between Henry & Reginald Collopp, & 1 rood next the lord; half acre meadow in the lower furlong at Stanyate, next Thomas Myddelton of Ampthill; 1 rood land Estowne mede, between Reginald Collopp & Thomas Cranewell. All of which the grantor's father Richard had as a grant of William Olney his grandfather by charter of 1501. To be held to the use of the grantor & his heirs according to the intents of his last Will. Witnesses: Thomas Olney of Luton, John Pylgryme of Offley, Thomas Grene vicar of Flitwick, Thomas Olney senior of Flitwick, William Byssett, Thomas Olney junior, William Lysett.


Luton Archives:
AD57
Title Sale by William Gostwyck of Marston Morton, gentleman, to John Farye of Flitwick, yeoman, of land called Stockwell in Wroxhill in the parish of Marston. (Signature.)
Date 8 May 1632

X26/1
Title Grant by Letters Patent of the reversion
Date 15 July 5 Eliz. (1563)
Scope and Content Grant by letters patent (in Latin) Reciting: - lease for 21 years from 1537 by the Crown to William Gostwicke and Ann, his wife of (a)-(u) below at an annual rent of £14/9/4 (£12/6/8 for the priory, £2/2/8 for the land etc.); - lease of 1546 from the end of the 21 years for another 19 years by the Crown to Thomas Leigh of London, gentleman of (a)-(u) below at a rent of £14/9/4 as in 1537 Operative Part - the Crown granted reversion of the priory and (a)-() to Thomas Leigh and Anne, his wife, for £404 and an annual rent of £13/9/4 excepting from the grant all bells and lead on the premises, lead in the windows, advowsons, rectories, vicarages and ecclesiastical premises Property: (a) house and site of the late dissolved Priory of Cauldwell; (b) Mother Field of 34 acres; (c) Bedhole Field of 29½ acres; (d) Roiver Field of 12 acres; (e) Moswell Field of 25½ acres; (f) land lying next to the wall of the late priory of 23 acres; (g) Barks Ditche of 47 acres; (h) land in Kempston Field of 14½ acres; (i) arable and grazing lying beyond le Conygre of 8 acres; (j) Hamme Meade of 8 acres; (k) two crofts called Weste Crofte and Longe Crofte of 18 acres; (l) croft called Pilcrofte Close of 11 acres; (m) Water Close of 11 acres; (n) le Conyngree of 12 acres; (o) le barne yarde of 1½ acres; (p) Great Ramsell and Little Ramsell of 14 acres; (q) Clay Crofte of 12 acres; (r) Meghell Close of 14 acres (b)-(r) were reserved to the use of the guest-house of the priory (s) close of pasture called Stockinge in Kempston in the occupation of John Fayrie at a rent of 15/8 per annum; (t) close of pasture called More Close in Kempston in the occupation of John Fyssher at 6/8 per annum rent; (u) an acre of arable land worth 4d. per annum in Willington


Luton Archives document that shows the relationship of John to Thomas:
LL1/62
Title Demise: William son and heir of Richard Olney deceased, to Richard Davy, Reginald Collopp bocher, & Richard Olney of Denehyll.
Date 1550
Scope and Content A messuage with curtilage & 17 acres of land and meadows dispersed in Flitwick. Whereof the messuage, curtilage & garden at Chirche ende, between late William Felour senior & the Innyng, abutting on the highway & a close of the lord; 2 acres together in the Innyng under the grantor's hedge, abutting on the Stokking North; 1 acre together called the Hedland Acre at Bradhegges, the lord on both sides; half acre in Acreyard Furlong, between the lord & Henry Collopp, abutting on the Highway East; half acre in the same next Thomas Sybley; 6 roods together on Sutton Furlong, next the same, abutting on Holowe way south; half acre in the Woodehame, abutting on Flitwick Wood; 1 rood in the same, between Reginald Collopp senior & the lord; 1 acre together on Hynkeshull in Broke Furlong, next Henry Collop. In East Field, half an acre in Nether Aldfeld, next Reginald Collopp senior; half acre in the same, between the vill's land & the grantor; half acre in Ouere Aldfeld, between Reginald and Henry Collopp; 1 acre on Stonyhull next Richard Davy, abutting on Goodrychhyll & the Gravell pyttes; 2 roods at Thomas Cranewell's Close Corner, next John Feirey junior, late of his father Thomas Feirey; 1 rood in the same next Reginald Collopp; half acre in Acreyardefurlong, between Richard Davy & Thomas Sybley; half acre on Wandyng Furlong; half acre at Grene Way, between Reginald and Henry Collopp; 1 acre in 4 rood abutting on Gull's hadland west and Croftland east; half acre on Croftland, next Reginald Collopp; 2 roods of land and meadow in Stanyate mede, next the lord, & 1 rood between Reginald Collopp and John Feirey senior & 1 rood between Henry & Reginald Collopp, & 1 rood next the lord; half acre meadow in the lower furlong at Stanyate, next Thomas Myddelton of Ampthill; 1 rood land Estowne mede, between Reginald Collopp & Thomas Cranewell. All of which the grantor's father Richard had as a grant of William Olney his grandfather by charter of 1501. To be held to the use of the grantor & his heirs according to the intents of his last Will. Witnesses: Thomas Olney of Luton, John Pylgryme of Offley, Thomas Grene vicar of Flitwick, Thomas Olney senior of Flitwick, William Byssett, Thomas Olney junior, William Lysett.


LL1/75 Title Grant: John Fayre of Flitwick, yeoman, to his son Edmund Fayre of Dunstable, mercer.- The messuage in which he dwells at Dennell ende between the tenements of George Collop in occupation of John Wood, and William Sybley, in occupation of Thomas Odell; also 34½ acres land in the Fields, and 6 acres meadow in Stanyate mede, and l rood meadow in Church end mede; to the sole use of him and his heirs.
Witnesses: Henry Collop, Thomas Odell, Richard Coke, Anthony Maynad.
Date 1582

Mrs. John FAYRE. Mrs. married John FAYRE The Younger about 1548 in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

They had the following children.

  M i Thomas FAYRE was born about 1550. He died before 1582.
  M ii Edmond FAYRE was born about 1553. He died on 9 Dec 1617.
  F iii Margarett FAYRE was born about 1556.
  M iv William FARE was born about 1563. He died on 27 Jul 1624.

John FAYRE The Elder [Parents] [scrapbook] was born about 1479 in of Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died in 1554 in Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. John married Agnes 1 about 1499 in of Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

John had a will 2 on 23 Sep 1553 in Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. His will was probated 3 in Dec 1554 in Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

This John is mentioned in the will of John Fayrey Mercer and Master of Calais as his cousin.

John and his wife Agnes are mentioned in the will of Harry Goditot, Wootton 1522 (see notes for Agnes). John is also mentioned in the will of Tho. Paulle sr. Wootton 1505 and his name is spelled "Fere".

This John Fayrey's will is also #151 on this same film with slight variations I will add if pertinent. Shows in Court of Augmentations 1542 as being of Wootton and having land in Dyvelles Flitwick. (Vol. II, pg. 14 #289)


Luton Online Archives Reference X740/12
TitleFeoffment ('dimisimus, liberavimus, feoffavimus et hac presenti carta nostra confirmavimus') from William Snowden of Ickwell in the parish of Northill, tilemaker, and Thomas Fowkys of Wootton, Robert Pawle of the same, John Fayre and Thomas Borage of the same, to William Bowrne of Wootton and Thomas Cowper of the same and all men living there ('ac omnibus hominibus ibidem Inhabitantibus') of: (a) 1 parcel of land [being]...next to the churchyard ('Cemitorium') of Wootton containing in length 63' by the standard ('per le Standert') and in width 20' on which parcel a new house, belonging to the vill and parish of Wootton, was lately built ('in quadam parcella terre modo nova domo ibidem edificat' pertinenti villat' parochial' de Wotton'') and which parcel was one part of a messuage which WS etc, had by the gift and feoffment of Lord John Mordaunt (by the name of John Mordaunt, knight), Edward Feteplace, John Elmys, esq., and Robert Latymer to the use of WS [etc] their heirs and assigns as appears in a certain charter of Feoffment dated 1 June 24 Hen VIII (1532). Habendum (the parcel; the messuage to be held of WS, 'Tenendum mesuagium mei predicti Willelmi Snowden'',) to WB etc., their heirs and assigns to the use of the common aid of the village of Wootton ('ad opus et usum communis auxilij villate de Wotton''), their heirs and assigns for ever. Witnesses: John Abrewtan'?, Thomas Adam, John Nityngale, William Kentt, Walter Hopkyns of Wootton with others. Dated at Wootton, 4 Nov 24 Hen. VIII. Seals (on pendant tags): 5 viz. (left to right):1. half missing (probably round), red wax, very rubbed, no design visible. Sig. of WS on foot fold.2. square (with rounded corners), red wax, good impression, complete, design- grid pattern;3. missing.4. square/round, red wax, vague traces of impression, 1/3 missing. 5. missing.Dorse: inscribed 'the towne land'.Latin
Date 4 November 1532

Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire
Film #1066790, Will #245
23 Sept 1553
Wootton, Bedford
Transcribed by Pam Bott

In the name of god amen in the yere of our Lord god 1553 (#245 has CCCCLIII) the 23td day of the moneth of Septemb(er) I John ffayre of Wotton in the countie of Bedford the elder and in the dioc (#245 has “dyossees”) of Lincoln being in hole mynde and pfect remembrance make this my prese(nt) testam(en)t in manner and forme following ffirst I bequeth my sowle to all mightie god our Savior maker and redeemer and my body to buryed in the pishe (parish) churche of wotton aforesaid I bequeth for my inortnary ?? after the ftathte or statnte? In that case pbided (#245 has the same phrase here with the same spellings.  I don't know what he is saying here.  Pbided could be provided but he doesn't indicate it is an abbreviation in either will)  Itm I bequeth to the poore mens box
Being in the churche of Wotton 3 shillings 4 pence for to be geven unto the poore people in Wotton aforesaid Item I geve and bequeth to John ffayre my brothers sonne a cople (couple) of stires (steers) of thre (three) yeres old and 2 horses price of either of them 14 shillings 4 pence and 6 quart (quarts or quarters - will #245 reads qrt(er)ss of barley & also 4 quart (will #245 has qt) of beanes and peyson (will #245 has “peysyn”?? don't know what it means) together my igeled (will #245 has my aigid - aged??) Itm I geve and bequeth to the said John a shod carte not of my best nov yet of the worst a cowe and a heifer Item I geve to ew(er)y on (one) of my god children 4 shillings if they do comme for it wt in on (one) hole yere after my deathe and the Residwe (residue) of all my moveable goods unbequethed my detts paid and this my present testame(n)t to be pformed (performed wt good effect I geve and bequethe them to Agnes ffayre my wif for to be at her dispsion (will #245 has **“disposiooen” (disposition) as she shall think moste beste and expedient to be don (done) for the helth of my sowle my good friends sowles and al (all) chrysten sowles whom I do ordeyne (ordain) & make my faythefull execut(res) and Thomas Harvey of wotton only and for to be execut(or) and for to have for his paynes taking therein 3 shillings 4 pence Itm I utterly revok and annill (anul) all and ew(er)y other Testame(n)t or testame(n)tes bequethes by me in my wise made before this tyme named willed & bequeathed And I will that this my presen(t) testame(n)t wt al the leguces (legacies) therein aniordingln (will #245 has anordngln - don't know what means??) Shall stand and abyde for my very testame(n)t and no other nor no other wise Item I will & desyer (desire) Rob(er)t palle (will #245 says “Pall”) of wotton for to be the supvisor (supervisor) of this my presen(t) testame(n)t And he to have for his paynes taking therin 3 shillings 4 pence Thes being witness to this my p(re)s(en)t testame(n)t Rich (no abb.) Simpson of by ***admin(ster?) (will #245 has by ademst er) thom(a)s starbrige (will #245 has “Stanbryge) Ric (will #245 has Richard) nytingale John ffayre the young(er) and Robert Palle


John Fayre shows in the Court of Augmentations in 1536/7 as having "Close called stokking at will" in Kempston.


Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire
23 Sept 1553
Wootton, Bedford
Film #1066790
Will #151 with addendum
Transcribed by Pam Bott

This is the last will of me John ffeyre of Wotton thelder (the elder) in the counte of Bedford Mede at Wotton on the 23 day of the moneth of Septemb (er) and in the disposing of al my landes Tentes (abb. For “tenements”) Rentes annuities and efectes meadows pastures and fedinges wodes (woods) and underwodes wt all and singler the app (er) tenannces set lying and being in the pishe of wooton Kempton and flitwyk in the countie of Bedford both freeholds and also of copyholdes ffirst I will and grawnt by this prefes (preface) that Agnes ffayre my wif to have and peacefully to enioye (enjoy) on (one) close cawlyd the hold Lying and being in the prishe of wotton aforesaid to have and to hold the foresaid close wth the app (er) tenances to the sayd agnes my wif and to her asigines after the decease of me the sayd John ffayre to be at her dsposition during her lif naturall yelding (yielding) to the chif (chief) lord therof the service dew (due) and custome upon co(n) dition that Agnes ffayre my wif shall do or caused to be don in deades of charite for my sowle and my good frendes sowles and all Chrsten (Christian) sowles to the valew (value) of 2 shillings 4 pence by yere to be don at her disposition as she shall think most best during her lifetime and after the discease of agnes my wif all the sayd closse wth the app (er) tenannces holie (wholly) to remayne to Joanne Eyre my daught(er) the wif of John Eyre of Kemston to have and to hold all the sayd close wth the app(er) tenannces to the sayd Joanne my daught(er) during her lif naturall wt owt strics (stress) or waste making yelding to the chef lord of the ffee the service dwe and costome (custom) therof and after the dicease of the sayd Joanne Eyre my daught(er) al the sayd closse wt the app(er) tenannces holie to remayne to Rob(er)t Eyre her son and heyre appara(n)t to have and to hold al the said closse wt the ap(er) tenannces to the sayd Rob(er)t & to his heyres male of his body lawfully begotten for ev(er) yelding to the chef lord of the fee the service dewe and custome therof and if it happen the sayd Rob(er)t Eyre for to disease wt owt heyre male of grawnt by this prefes that all the sayd closse wt the app(er) tenannces holy for to remayne to John ffayre my brothers son and to his heyrs males of his body lawfully begotten forev(er) yelding to the chef Lord of the fee the service therof by right Lawe and custome and for luk of suche I sue the remainder therof holy (wholly) for to remayne to the right heyres of me the forsayd John ffayre thelder (the elder) forev(er) more yelding to the chef lord of the fee the service dew and custome therof also I geve and bequete will and assigne to the sayd agnes fayre my wif al my mesuage for lying and being in bewill in the pishe of fflitwyk in the countie of Bedford aforesaid now being in the occupacen (occupation) of John fflower of Bene aforesaid wt all the Landes & tentes (tenements) medows pastures closes and fedinges wt all the app)er) tennance to the sayd mesuage belonging to have and to hold al the sayd mesuage wt the ther p(re) misses (premises) wt ther app(er) tenannces to the sayd Agnes ffayre my wif and to her assignes during her naturall life to be wt her disposition wt al commodities p(er)fectes thereon belonging or apperteynning yelding to the chefe lordes of the fee the servicethereof by right dwe and custome Itm I will that after the discease of agnes fayre my wif that John fayre my brothers son shall have al my sayd mesewage in level in the pishe of fflitwyk aforesaid to him and to his heyres for ev(er) yelding to the lordes thereof by right service dew and custome upon condition following that is to say that the fore sayd John ffayre his heyres executors and admi(ni)strators (administrators) shal say thes summes of money following wt in six yeres nexte after the death of agnes ffayre my wif that is to say & Rob(er)t Odel my daught(er)s sonne 20 shillings to Thomas Odel his his brother 20 shillings to John Odel his brother 20 shillings to William Odel his brother 20 shillings to Edmund Odel his brother 20 shillings and to Agnes ffookes ther syster 20 shillings and to Elizabeth Odel her syster 20 shillings so many of them to be payd as shall remayne alive wt in the foresaid six yeres after the death of agnes ffayre my wif and if any of them depte (depart) afore thend (the end) and become of age afore sayd six yeres then my will is that the said mony so named to be paid shall remayne stil in the handes of the sayd John ffayre his heyres executors or admi(ni)strators to his ther own p(ro) per uses kep (keep) I and beqth will and assigne to Agnes ffayre my wif all my howsse set and being in wod (wood) end of kemsten aforesaid now being in the tenur and occupa(t)ion (occupation) of on (one) John Eyre my son in Lawe and Joanne Eyre his wif my daught(er) wt the app (er) tenances therto belonging wch howsse and other the premises wth the app(er) tenannaces I the sayd John ffayre thelder (the elder) do hold by copy of courte revoke after custome and man(er) therof To have and to hold all the sayd house and other the premises wth * thapp(er) tenannces to the sayd Agnes my wif and to her assignes during her naturall life according to the custome and man(er) therof & after the decease of the sayd agnes my wif I will & grawnte by this presentes that al the sayd house and other the p(re) misses wth thapp(er) tenannces hole to remayne to the foresaid Joane Eyre my daught(er) & her assignes during her naturall Liffe according to the custome and man(er) therof and after the decease of the sayd Joanne Eyre my daught(er) I will & gra(nt) by this my last will that all that sayd howse and other the p(re) misses wth thapp(er) tenannces hole (wholly) to remayne to Rob(er)t Eyre her sonne To have and to hold al the sayd howse and other the premises to the sayd Rob(er)t & his heyres and assignes according to the custome and man(er) therof Also I will & grawnte that agnes ffayre my wif to have all the close cawled Hiey (high) crofte wt few acars of land erable therto belonging called peny land during her natural lif and after ther decease of the sayd agnes ffayre my wif I will and grawnt by this prefeces that all the sayd close crawlyd hiye crofte wt fwl acars of land erable that belonging callyd peny land hole to remayne to the howse that John Eyre my sonne in lawe now dwelling after custome and man(er) therof and after the decease of Joane Eyre my daught(er) the remanyder therof to Rob(er)t Eyre her son according to the sayd custome & man(er) therof Also I will & grawnt by this prefeces that whosoev(er) dose (does) occupie and enioye (enjoy) the close cawlyd the holtt on thapp(er) thenannces nexte after the decease of the sayd Joane Eyre my daughter do pay or cawse to be payd to agnes Colma(n) wif to, thom(a)s Colma(n) of Shelington (shillington) my daughter daught(er) xls (10 pounds) of good & lawful money of England wt in the space of on (one) hole yere nexte I immediately after the decease of Joanne Eyre my daught(er) also I will & grawnte by this p(re) sentes that agnes ffayer my wif to have & peacefully to enioye al my ferme (farm) that I now dwell in during my yeres according to the * tenor of my * leace is by *Indenture therof sahl show & appere and if it happe(n) the sayd agnes my wif for to depte (depart) before the sayd yeres be expired then I will & grawnt that John ffayre my brothers sonne to have the * revertion (reversion) of my sayd yeres of the sayd Leace In witness wherof I the sayd John ffayre thelder to this my prefes Last will have set to my seall & signed wt my owne hand this being witness thereunto Richard Sampson of Bydmn (Bedminster) thom(a) Stanbrige Rich Nitingall John ffayer the young(er) & Rob(er)t pall Itm I geve to agnes ffayer my wif 7 * Bdes (bed) of arabel landes that I the sayd John ffayre bought of on (one) Willim Gosse of kempton to her & her her heyres for ev(er) whom I make my executrix and thom(a)s (Thomas) Harvey my executo(ur)s in my testame(n)t do the appere
The bottom portion (6 lines) is in Latin but lists the year December 1554. So it was probated over a year later in Bedford.

This document may help find John's land
Reference LL1/56 Luton Archives
Title Grant: Agnes, daughter and coheiress of William Pottere, in her widowhood, to Richard London of Steppingley.
Date 1507
Scope and Content 2 acres 3 rood land. 1 acre in le Hamme at Flitwick Wood Corner between John Fairy and the road from Steppingley to Estowne, abutting of John Olney and the Earl of Kent; half acre in Denyll Innyng, between the Earl of Kent & Thomas Fyndell alias Paige, abutting on the King's way; 2 roods on Fletefurlong, the Earl of Kent on both sides; half acre in Aldfeld between the Earl & Thomas Olney, abutting on Aldfeld dytche; 1 rood on Smalfan Furlong, between Thomas Olney & John Kyng, abutting on Stanyate dytche. Witnesses: William Cranewelle, Henry Kyng, John Grene alias Lythyng.
Diplomatic notes  Seal; a grid

Luton Archives
LL1/230
Title Grant: John Feiry senior of Wootton to John Jenkyns senior of [Steppingley]
Date 1543
Scope and Content All his lands and tenements in Wootton, Kempston [torn]. Winesses: William Borne senior, Thomas Borage, John Brewton, Richard Stanbrygge, John Frankleyn.
Existence of copies  copy at LL1/149

Agnes 1 was born about 1481 in of Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. She died after 1554. Agnes married John FAYRE The Elder about 1499 in of Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Harry Godicot, Wooton
Archdeaconry of Bedfordshire
Will 31 Oct, 1522, Probate 8 Nov 1522 #251

Harry Goditot, Wootton. 31 Oct. 1522, pr. 8 Nov. (251) For mortuary or principal “that is right after the custom of the towne”; to the church of Lincoln 2d.; to the high altar 12d.; to the bells - - - ; to the torches 20d.; to Our Lady of Pity an ewe and a lamb; to the painting of the tabernacle of Our Lady 3s. 4d.; to the sepulchre light a sheep; to Kempston church I qtr. malt.

Tow. Margt. his copyhold in Kempston for life, then to - - - [Fa]yre and his w.; if Agnes Fayre dies without issue property to be sold and used for his and his friends' souls; to Agnes Fayre a house in Kempston called “Prestles” with 3 r. lying in the Marsh, she doing yearly 3 masses for his soul; and after death of w. the great brass pot and red coffer. Residue to w. Margt. to dispose of for his soul “as it shall please her”.

Exors. w. Margt. and Jn. Fayre. Overseer Jn. Bolton. Witn. Harry Brown, Thos. Barbor, Thos. Cause, Jn. Gervys.

They had the following children.

  F i Elizabeth FAYRE was born in 1500.
  F ii Agnes FAYRE was born about 1502.
  F iii Joanne FAYRE was born about 1505.

John FAYREYE [Parents] [scrapbook] was born about 1425 in of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England. He died after 1479 in England. John married Mrs John FAYREYE in 1448 in England.

Probably John Fayreye of Flitwick.

Historians of the Priory of Dunstable believe that John Fayrey was possibly the father of Henry Fayrey. They do concede that Henry's son was John Fayrey the husband of Mary Butler.

The only feasible candidate for this John is John Fayreye of Flitwick. The Flitwick property passes down this family line until 1824 when it passes to the Adams family. John's property in Dunstable passes down his son Henry's line. We know that the Flitwick Farrs and Dunstable Farrs are connected to our John Fayre through the wills of all the cousins.


Formation of Surnames
The Anglo-Saxons used only personal names, sometimes with nicknames and patronymics, so it was not until after the Norman Conquest that inherited surnames were adopted. Originally these were only borne by nobles and were likely to be restricted to the place of origin, preceded by 'de' as in modern French, or the father's name preceded by 'Fitz' (from French fils 'son').

Comments by A. L. Ferreri:
The above statement on the formation of surnames among the Normans is paradoxically, both too general and restricted and could be true in some cases but not, as an example, in the case of the Ferrers line in England, which came from Normandy/Brittany to England. The Ferrers line is in fact an ancient one, predating the rise of Norman-power in Normandie, that of the Merovingian King Clovis of the Franks, that of Charlemagne of the Carolingians, that of the Capetians etc. and continues back to the times of the Roman Empire, as the surname shows to have its roots in a Latin irregular verb-: fero-tuli-latum-ferre to which the Latin word for iron, i.e., ferrum also relates. It may even be possible that the Latin fero relates to the Hebrew verb pharr but then, the relation to the word iron would disappear in a Semitic scenario.

One must always remember that at Hasting (Senlac Hill) there were three contingents under the command of William the Conqueror. There was a Norman contingent at the centre of the battle-line, a French and sundries [[ Germans (Montfort=BastenBerg), Italians (Beauchamp=Bellocampo), Provencals, Flemish, Burgundians, etc. ]] at the right wing and a Breton one at the left wing. Saxons and Danes had surnames but these were not hereditary. For example, I believe Harold was surnamed Hardraada. I believe that even among the Saxons common people also had surnames, however there were no means/resources to record these. Hence we tend to conclude that they did not have any surname. If we did not have the communication-resources we enjoy, we also would do away with surnames as a luxury. We know about each other's surnames through the resources we posess. else we would also be, in practice, surnameless.

Yes among the Irish the records of the Irish and Scottish Kings are quite extensive and complete. If one reads Tacitus the Roman historian, one is supplied with name and surname of non-patrician Romans. However, records do not show their descendents as only wealthy patricians with resources could afford recordings, perhaps by hiring an historian or a scribe to compile a written record, or the famous would be recorded at public expenses in stoneworks.

The use of names and surnames presupposes the existence of an alphabet, writing and recordings, perhaps even visual ones such as heraldic devices. The science of language of heraldry began in about 900 AD.

Alternatively, in the absence of written records and the safe places in which to store these, it presupposes the limited reliance on the extraordinary memory of the Bards and this meant that only Royal and Princely lines could be memorized.

The idea and need of a name and differentiating surname has always existed, however dominated by the available resources required to record and perpetuate these.

Before 1000 AD Roman societies were divided in patricians and non-patricians. The word 'patrician' from pater meaning-: father, refers to a person's having a personal record about his ancestry about his fathers. Such a person, if living on his/her historical, ancestral territory, generally belonged to the founding fathers of the village, town etc. Even at the beginning of the Middle Ages after the Dark Ages, in about 1000 AD every Italian townlet had its founding fathers duly recorded in the local records. These were the nobles who jealously guarded their status. There was not yet one predominant one among those claiming founder-father status in townlets, as the Roman custom of sharing power was still in force in Italian society. However as the struggles between Empire and Papacy began to weaken centralization feudalism arose and  individual nobles began to agitate for dominance in the areas where they had most of their resources.

Upon achieving dominance in an area, the need to establish a hereditary line also arose and the search for a distinctive surname. In Lombardy for example, one can read about Ferreri, Ferrari, Visconti, Sforza, Scaligeri, Acuto, etc.

LL1/49 (Get this doc in Luton!!)
Title Grant: William Fayreye of Denel to William Wythamour of Flitwick, William Bunbury & Henry Potter of Eston, & Thomas Da of Flitton. All his lands & tenements in Flitwick and Denel. Witness: John Lucy, Walter Man, Nicholas Olneye, William Felour, John Croft.
Date 1443
Diplomatic notes  seal: a fragment


LL1/50
Title Grant: Henry Potter of Estoun' to John Bunbury of Estoun.
Date 1454
Scope and Content Half acre and a swathe of meadow (andena) in Brodemede, abutting North on the 'communis ripa'. Personal names:Thomas Arnold. Witnesses: Thomas Cranewell, John Croft, William Olneye, Ralf Olneye, John Fayreye.(has to be at least 21)
Diplomatic notes  Seal
Keywords East End, Flitwick; FLITWICK; fields, Flitwick


Reference LL1/52
Title Demise: John son of William Bunbury of Estoun, Reginald son of Richard Welyco of Flitton, Edmund son of John Welyams of Soulbury, to John Fayreye of Denehyll (at least 46 now).
Date 1479
Scope and Content A tenement formerly of John Hermere at Denehyll between John Cook & John Grene, reaching from the highway to the Common Field. Further, of 21 acres one and a half rood of land & meadow; whereof 1 acre lies in East Field towards a croft late of Henry Stepingle & land of Nicholas Olney; half acre in Flete Furlong, next the Prior of Dunstable; 1 acre towards Cranewellus Crofte, next Henry Coton; 2 acres together on Blakelond, next William Page; 1 rood on Brook Furlong next the lord; 1 rood under Pesecroft; 1 acre at Fletefurlong next John Rawlynsone; 1 and a half rood together in Nethur Henxhyll under Ryehegge; 1 rood in the same next the Prior of Dunstable; 1 rood being the headland (forera) of Blakelond; half acre being the headland of Myddelfurlong & of Cranewellecrof Furlong; half acre under Cranewellecrof next Nicholas Olney; 1 acre on Ouere Smaluan next William Sheperde, abutting South on Whytebrede; 5 roods together on Henxhull called the Flete Furlong, next the Prior; 1 acre on Myddellfurlong in Henxhull, next the Prior; 1 acre in West Field next the lord, at the end of Sere Pers Croft; half acre in Newedyche Furlong, next the Prior; half acre at Rugewey next John Lucas; half acre on Thorn Furlong, next late Richard Boynoun; 1 rood in the same next Henry Stepyngle; half acre on Myddel Furlong next William Gulle; 3 roods together at the Shepcote next William Bunbury; half acre at Akeryerde Furlong, next the Piror; half acre at Spanhale next the lord; half acre under Flytwode next the Prior; half acre at Brodelayes next late William Fayreye; half acre in the same next Walter Man; half acre on Henxhull in Myddel Furlong next William Fayreye; half acre in Holewey Furlong, next John Tayllour, abutting on a headland of the Prior; half acre in Hodych next the Prior; 3 rood together in Spanhale next the lord's wood; half acre next Flitwick Wood, next Richard Boynoun, abutting on Spanhale. Also half acre of meadow in Smalvanmede next the Prior; 1 rood on Nethersmalvan next the Prior; 1 rood in the same next John Cranewell. All of which the fathers of the grantors, now deceased, held jointly with John Wheler now deceased, by the feoffment of Thomas Fayreye also deceased (Possible father or brother of William). Witnesses: John Cotun, John Grene, John Cranewell, Thomas Fyndell, William Grene.
Keywords FLITWICK; fields, Flitwick; East End, Flitwick; field names

Mrs John FAYREYE was born about 1425 in England. John married John FAYREYE in 1448 in England.

They had the following children.

  M i William FAYRE was born about 1450. He died in BTW 6 OCT 1501 AND 25 JAN 1502/3.
  M ii Thomas FAYRE was born about 1453. He died in 1524.
  M iii Master Henry FAYREY Haberdasher of London was born about 1455. He died on 28 Dec 1516.

William FAYREYE [Parents] [scrapbook] was born in 1398 in of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died after 1443 in of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. William married Mrs. William FAYREYE about 1423 in of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Probably William Fayreye (son or brother to Thomas Fayreye).

LL1/49 (Get this doc in Luton archives!!)
Title Grant: William Fayreye of Denel to William Wythamour of Flitwick, William Bunbury & Henry Potter of Eston, & Thomas Da of Flitton. All his lands & tenements in Flitwick and Denel. Witness: John Lucy, Walter Man, Nicholas Olneye, William Felour, John Croft.
Date 1443
Diplomatic notes  seal: a fragment

PRO C 1/16/638
Extract by Pam Bott
Tim, here’s the scoop on this document.
A William Busby and his wife Jone, also spelled Johan in the document, are addressing the gracious lord archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England. It states that Jone is an heir and cousin to Adam Lyllyngston. She is also a daughter of John Sone. This is a court case where William and Jone Busby are accusing William Wheler and William Fayree of wrongfully seizing, holding, and occupying 5 acres of land in Flitwick, Bedford that lawfully should belong to the Busbys. It looks like it may have been bestowed to the Busbys by a William Man and his wife Margaret who died without issue.
Pam

Mrs. William FAYREYE was born about 1400 in of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Mrs. married William FAYREYE about 1423 in of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

They had the following children.

  M i John FAYREYE was born about 1425. He died after 1479.

Master Henry FAYREY Haberdasher of London [Parents] [scrapbook] was born about 1455 in of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died on 28 Dec 1516 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Henry married Agnes about 1478 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Is possibly the same Henry mentioned in John Whyte's will (1501 Hulcote) as a bro. (brother-in-law).

Was a member of the Fraternity of St. John The Baptist. Henry was listed twice in the will of Sir William Newton, clerk and chaplain of the guild or fraternity of St. John the Baptist of Dunstable. William Grene, the president of the fraternity, was also listed twice. Both William Grene and Henry Farye were given money for Counsel and both were named as executors.

Among the possessions of the fraternity was the Fayrey pall given to it by Henry Fayrey, a member of the London Haberdashers' Company, who died in 1516. It passed with the Brotherhood House to the Wingate family, and after many vicissitudes came into the possession of the churchwardens, who allowed the poor to use it at funerals at a charge of 6d. In 1812 the churchwardens sold it, and it was not restored to the town till 1891. The pall belongs to the Flemish School of Art of the 15th century and is richly worked. The names of Henry and Agnes Fayrey, and of John and Mary Fayrey, father and mother of Henry, occur upon it, and there are portraits of the two latter. (fn. 260) The pall is now kept at the rectory.
From: 'Parishes: Dunstable', A History of the County of Bedford: Volume 3 (1912), pp. 349-68.
Note by Tim Farr:This funeral pall is said to have been donated by Henry to the fraternity of St. John the Baptist around 1500 to 1505, This would not be possible because John and Mary are depicted on the pall with their names, COA, and trade. I contacted the Mercers historian in London and John wasn’t accepted a mercer until 1525 and he didn’t join the Fraternity of St. John the Baptist until 1522. Henry and his wife both died by 1516. The pall would have to of been donated by John and Mary after 1525 and before 1541. The pall does depict Henry and Agnes Fayrey also.

Brasses of Henry Fayrey and his wife Agnes are found in St. Peter's church in Dunsatble, Bedfordshire and in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The main inscribed brass reads: 'Of your charity pray for the soul of Henry Fayrey and Agnes his wife which lyeth buried under this stone, and the said Henry deceased the 28th Day of December 1516'. The main figures are all depicted wearing shrouds. The complete brass would have had an additional plate showing a group of daughters and four roundels. The remaining brass does depict that Henry and Angnes had five sons.

Interestingly I've only been able to find five candidates for the sons of Henry. Two of the five have been identified as sons for sure, Robert and John.


Henry was a Haberdasher:

Company History

The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers has its origins in medieval times. Throughout six and a half centuries it has moved away from its historical involvement in the trade of haberdashery and developed into a significant supporter of schools and education in England and Wales.

The Company has its roots in a fraternity, a group of people who lived in the same area doing the same sort of work in medieval times and who worshipped at St. Paul's Cathedral. Members were haberdashers by trade. They sold ribbons, beads, purses, gloves, pins, caps and toys and in 1502 were joined by the hatmakers' fraternity. Thereafter there were two types of haberdasher: haberdashers of hats and the original haberdashers of small wares.

The first surviving ordinances were recorded by the Mayor's Court in 1371. In 1446 the Company adopted its first Coat of Arms, an important symbol when many people could not read. In 1448 the Company was granted a charter of incorporation by Henry VI enabling it to hold land and to have its own Hall in which to hold meetings. The first of three subsequent Halls was built on the corner of Staining Lane and Maiden Lane (now Gresham Street) in 1459.

By 1650 the population of London had grown to such an extent that it was no longer possible to control the haberdashery trade. This resulted in a change of direction, over a long period, to the Company as it is now, with its emphasis on education and charitable giving. To this day the Company continues its historical involvement in the governance of the City of London.

The history of the Company is contained in its archives held in the Guildhall Library and information on the history of the Company can be obtained from the Company’s archivist.

The Company is eighth in order of precedence and is, therefore, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.

Agnes [scrapbook] was born about 1457 in of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. She died before 1516 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Agnes married Master Henry FAYREY Haberdasher of London about 1478 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Last name may be Whyte. If she is a Whyte then she is the sister of John Whyte who died in 1501 and his will was witnessed by William Fayrey.

They had the following children.

  M i Henry FEYRY was born about 1479. He died in BET 3 JAN 1522/3 AND 24 JAN 1522/3.
  M ii Master John FAYREY Mercer of London Stapler of Calais was born about 1480. He died in 1540.
  M iii Robert FAYERY Portcullis Pursuivant was born about 1483. He died in 1549.
  M iv
William FAYREY died 1 after 1557 in Willington, Bedford, England, United Kingdom.





Probably son of Henry. Was servant of Sir John Gostwick Knight for fourteen years from 1542 to 1556 of Willington. In The Edwardian Inventories of Bedfordshire by F.C. Eeles it is stated on page xxi of the introduction that it is believed that William Fayry is possibly connected with Henry Fayrey's family of Dunstable.

William is mentioned in the will of William Smith about the same year that he would have started in the service of Sir John Gostwick:

ABP/R6/214
Folio 181d
William Smyth of Howghton Regis made 21 Sep. 1543 proved 12 Nov. 1543.
"To William Fayre of Chalton a gown."


The following is from The Edwardian Inventories of Bedfordshire by F.C. Eeles:

William Fayry of Willington in the county of Bedford,  yoman, ot the agge of fifty yeares or ther aboute, and  howshold servaunte withe Sir John Gostwike for the space  of xiiij yeares, and after parisshinoner in the same towne xiiij  yeares, sworn and examyned, deposethe that as toching the  coppe, vestment, decon and subdecon, of clothe of gold, the  swet of vestmentes of whight damask specifyd and mentioned  in the same presentment, he of his propre notice never  knew none suche ther all the said space, and as to the crosse  of sillver and gillt enameled, a payre of cruettes of silver, a  chalice of silver and parsell gillt, he deposethe, that thei were  the proper goodes of the said Sir John Gostwik, and som-  tymes the said Sir John wold lend theim to the churche  upon festivall days, and ther to be used and occupyed, and at  night brought home againe to the manor howse, farther he  saythe that in all the said space, he never hard that the said  Sir John did gyve, sell, nor bequethe, neither the said crosse,  cruettes, nor chalice of sillver, nor any of theim to the  churche of Willington aforsaid, nor to the churchwordens  ther to the use of the said churche, by word, wyll, nor  wrytinge, for he hathe continewed in the same towne, the  space of xxviij yeares. Also the said William saithe that  one John Dawes, somtyme being clerk ther and William  Sangle, churchwardens, lost certein vestmentes wherupon Sir  John Gostwik commawdid a inventory to be mad that the  clerk for the tyme beinge and the churchwardens for the  tyme beinge shulld be accomptable at all tymes for the same.  And that in confirmation of this present depotition the said  William Fayry have sett to his hand.
Nycholas Luke.
Lewyes Dyve.
  M v
Thomas FERRE died after 22 Oct 1544 in Shefford, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.



Probably son of Henry.

PRO ref., ABP/R10/140

Court held 22 Oct. 1544 in the chapel of Shefford.
Shitlington . Thomas Ferre had carnally known Agnes Clay who is now pregnant. Penance. Also he to pay her £3 6s. 8d. to support herself and the child, when it comes.

Master John FAYREY Mercer of London Stapler of Calais [Parents] [scrapbook] was born about 1480 in of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died in 1540 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. He was buried in 1540 in St. Stephen's Coleman St., London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. John married Mary BUTLER about 1501 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.

John worked as Merchant in 1530 in Calais, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France.

Other marriages:
WHITE, Elizabeth

Fayrey blazon from Bedfordshire: Per pale or and azure, a chevron between three eagles all counterchanged, on a chief gules as many fusils ermine. [Crest.- A griffin rampant wielding a sword in the dexter claw.] From: The Visitation of Bedfordshire 1566.

Sherrif of London under Henry VIII
Folio ccxxxvi b.
Anno 31.William Hollis, Knt., mercer.
John Fayrey, mercer, Thomas Huntlowe, haberdasher.
From: 'Folios ccxxxi - ccxxxvi: Lists of mayors and sheriffs, temp. Richard I to Edward VI', Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: F: 1337-1352 (1904), pp. 276-303. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33550&strquery=Fayrey. Date accessed: 08 February 2007.

Another record of the above with a different spelling:
31 Henry VIII
1539-40
Sir W. Holles, mercer, mayor
John Feiry, sheriff
Thomas Huntlow, sheriff
Sources:
The Survey of London by John Stow, Citizen of London, edited by Ernest Rhys, Everyman's Library, J.M. Den & Sons Ltd, London and E.P. Dutton & Co, New York. Has list of mayors and sheriffs through 1602.
William Gregory's Chronicle of London, in The Historical Collections of a Citizen of London in the 15th Century, edited by James Gairdner. Printed for the Camden Society, 1876.
My Lord Mayor - 800 Years of London's Mayoralty by Valerie Hope, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London © Corp of London 1989. ISBN 0297795198.

512. John Fayry, John Carway, mercers, for the orphan of William Whit, letherseller (£410)105
From: 'The 1541 Orphans' Book', Two Tudor subsidy rolls for the city of London: 1541 and 1582 (1993), pp. 298-315. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=36146. Date accessed: 13 April 2007.


Was a member of the Fraternity of St. John The Baptist in Dunstable.


Will of John Fayrey
PCC Film #91918 Will #36
August 12, 1540
Transcribed by Pam Bott

In the name of God amen the 12th day of the monneth of Auguste in the yere of our Lord God a thousamde fyve hundreth and fourtye. And in the 33rd yere of the Raigne of our Sovrraigne Lord kinge Henry the VIIIth. I John Fayrey Merces and marchainite ('merchant' is one whose occupation is the purchase and sale of marketable commodities for profit, wholesale traders to those having dealings with foreign countries) of the staple of Calleys beinge of hole mynd and perfect memorye lawd and prayse be given to almightie god make and ordayne this my pnt (abv. for present) testament contaynying my last will in manner and formme foloing (following) that is to say Furste and princypalye I bequethe my soule to almightie god my creator Redeamer and Savyor to hys moste glorius mothere our blessed Lady Sainte Marye the virgin and to the holy company of heaven. And my body to be buryed in the probe (abv. for parish) curche (church) of sainte Stevyns in Colman Streate of the cyti (city) of London where I am nowe p.shen (abv. for parishioner) in suche a convenyent place in the chappell as shalbe thoughte necessary at the discretion of my executors and for my sepulcure there beinge I bequethe 13 shillings 4 pence. Item I will that therebe bestowed at my buryall to pristes (priests) and clerke for ringing of bells w(t) (with?) wa ____?____ and to be given to the pore neadye people dwellinge in the said paryshe of sainte Stevyns in Colman Streate of London in a dynner (dinner) to be made for the paryshens (parishioners) the some of twentie pounds. Item I bequeth to the 3 pryson howses that is to wete (he means 'to wit': to be observed or noted, to be sure, to say, inform or instruct) to the pore prysonners of Newgate to the prysonners of Ludgate (Newgate & Ludgate are prisons in London) the prysonners of the Marshallsey (Marshalsea is a prison in Southwark belonging to the Marshal of the Kings household) and to the prysonners of the Kings benche (Kings Bench is also a prison in Southwark (Southwark is a borough of London) and is a place of confinement for debtors and libels) to every of theyme (them) to be given in bread to the som of three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence sum totalis 13 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence Item I bequeth to the sicke folks of Bedlem three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequethe to the twoo compters (compters means prisons) within London that is to say to the compter in Bred Streate and the compter in the poultrey (Poultry Compter is a prison in London) to every of theyme (them) to be given in breade to the some (sum) of 33 shillings 4 pence sum totalis 3 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to Edythe late (I presume that late is her last name, not meaning she is deceased or he wouldn't be giving her 10 pounds) the daughter of Raynolde Gayton of Spaldinge for makinge of satisfaction in discharginge of my conscience tenne pounds. Item I will and bequeth to my Mr. Sir Robert Dymmocke knyghte (knight - meaning that he is a knight) in makinge to hym restitution (abv. for restitution) in the discharginge of my conscience the som of a hundreth pounds. Item I bequethe to Mr. Edwarde Dymmocke for a token of remembrannce to the some of six pounds threteen (13) Schillings foure pence (he spelled out the numbers here instead of writing them). Item I will and (this is the end of the line and then the scribe begins the next line with:) Item I bequethe to Master Arthure Dymock for a token of remembrannce the some of 6 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence Item I will and bequeth to Margaret Holland a blacke gowne and in money the some of 40 shillings. Item I bequeth unto her hawsbande (husband) Master blase (Blase is his first name but not capitalized) Holland a black gowne. Item I will and bequeth to my couseyn John Fayree of Wotton (Wooton is a parish in Bedford, Lincoln and several other counties) tenne pounds. Item I will that immediatly after my decease that therebe dyrige (dirge is a song or tune intended to express sorrow and mourning as at a funeral service) and masse said or songe (sung) with the paryshe Churche of Dunstable. Item I bequeth to Richarde Andlabie 6 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence. Item I bequeth to John Lightfoote the some of twentye pounds. Item I bequeth to Edwarde William sometyme myne apprentyce the some of 40 shillings. Item I bequeth to James Garway my best ringe of golde. Item I bequeth to Alyce Goodhope the some of three pounds 5 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to Mr. Judd my best gowne furred w(t) (with) seymes (seams). Item I bequeth to Ursula the some of three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to Mery Sarvamikin my house (probably meant house maid) a black gowne. Item I will and bequethe for a dynner to be made in the Mercers ('mercer' means one who deals in textile, fabrics, a dealer in silks; velvets and other costly materials; also a small wares dealer) hall for the hole company of Mercers the some of sixe pounds 13 shillings 4 pence. Item I will and bequethe to my cousyn Rychard Fayrey of Holcot the some of fyve pounds. Item I bequeth to my gossopp ('gossip' means to be a sponsor to; a familiar aquaintance; to be a boon companion; to make oneself at home) Pattenson three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to John Pattenson three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to be bestowed yerely in soles (show soles?) to the pore neady people dwellinge in the parishe of sainte Stevyns in Colman streate every yere 6 loads untill the some of twenty pounds be bestowed. Item I will that all and singular my goodes the w(th) (there with) I shalbe woorthe at the tyme of my decease that is to wete (wit) my movables debts Cattalls (chattels?) and suche to be both w(t) (with) the plate and Juells (jewels) as well of my wyfes as of myne owen (own) to be devyded equally in to three partes. ___?____ of the firste parte I Reserve unto my self the second parte unto my wyffe and thirde unto Julyan my doughter the w(c)h (which) parte or portion belonginge unto Julyan my daughter I will to be in the kepinge of Andrewe Judd and John Garway Cytezons (citizens) of London equally to be devyded in to theyre handes they putting in suffycent suertryes ('sureties' meaning a security against loss or damage; security for payment) in to the Guildhall and that they to give her yerely towards her fyndinge (funding) till she come to lawfull age or maryage the some of (it's left blank here) The Residue of all my parte or portion I will that it be devyded in three partes of the whiche the one paste thereof I bequeth to Julyan my daughter. And the seconde pte (part) I bequeth to John Lightfoote tenne pounds. To Roger Dawson dwellinge in Wartton (a parish in Lancashire, North Umberland and Warwick) a Matteris (mattress) and a payre of sheates (one sheet is of fine thread or material and the other one is coarser meaning thick in bulk or large) one fyne (fine) and another courser (coarser) and a Mantell (can mean a loose, sleeveless cloak of woolen cloth; a wool blanket; a measure of quantity of furs containing from 30-100 skins accoding to size) and my peice of pewter and my brasse potts and my chests. Also remaynyinge (remaining) in the handes of my cousyn Symond A. brigges (last name is Brigges) my Fathers will and in obligation that is betwene my brother and my pyper (piper) of the howse w(c)h (which) was my Fathers also I borowed of hym in Redy money 9 shillings 4 pence and I lefte hym as myne attornay to Receve of Robert Roper 15 shillings for a cowe and so the rest is unto me 5 shillings 8 pence. And once I doo charge you all aforer her side ? (This is how he spells it b ut I think he means 'aforehere said') that you doo forthwithe and iommediatly after the syhte (sight) of this purt writinge to render all suche goods aforere her side ? unto thauds (the hands) of my forsaide uncle Roper whiche is full executor of my will as ye will answere before the high Judge at the dreadfull day of Judgement were w(h)ic(h)e (where which) man shall geve (give) accounpte (account) for his fautes (faults) written the 28th day of May in the 33rd yere of o(r) (abv. for our) soveraigne Lord Kinge Henry the 8th theis (these) beringe (bearing) wittness John Grenway grocer of London and William Hindmarche and written by me Sr. William Bensson pressented ? was her gastly father of the will.
(This last line doesn't make sense but the experts on the British floor thought it said this as well. I even asked a full time paid researcher there and he agreed also. 'Gastly' means frightful, terrified, afraid, waste, spoil'. 'Gast' is a form of ghost. He could also be saying 'gostly father'. It almost looks like gostly but that doesn't make much sense either.)

The above mentioned Sir Andrew Judd is Mayor of London, 1550-1551: mayor of the staple of Calais; six times master of the Skinner's Company; founder of Tonbridge school, 1553.

Jn. Fayrey. was Exor. of the will of his father-in-law Wm. Butler [q.v.]. He and his w. Mary are depicted on a pall formerly belonging to the fraternity of St. Jn. the Baptist at Dunstable and believed to have been donated by a member of the Fayrey family, almost certainly this testator as it depicts the arms of the Merchants of the Staple and of the Mercers and also those of the Fayrey and Butler families. Behind the figures of Jn. and Mary appear bales of wool or cloth bearing a merchant's mark and the initials J.F. John's name appears in the register of this fraternity under the year 1522. Also on the pall are  Hen. Fayrey and w. Agnes, shown leading groups of brothers and sisters of the guild. There exists a brass to Hen. (d. 28 December 1516) and Agnes, who may have been Jn.'s parent's. Beds. Mag. ix, 311.
Note by Tim Farr:This funeral pall is said to have been donated by Henry to the fraternity of St. John the Baptist around 1500 to 1505, This would not be possible because John and Mary are depicted on the pall with their names, COA, and trade. I contacted the Mercers historian in London and John wasn’t accepted a mercer until 1525 and he didn’t join the Fraternity of St. John the Baptist until 1522. Henry and his wife both died by 1516. The pall would have to of been donated by John and Mary after 1525 and before 1541. The pall does depict Henry and Agnes Fayrey also.

172. [B. 167] 18 August 1542.
Parish of All Hallows in Honey Lane. Variance between Master Andrew Judde, Alderman, and John Garwey, mercer, executors of the testament of Master John Fayry, deceased, and the owner or landlord of a tenement in Westcheap, pls., and John Butler, tenant of the same by lease, def., concerning certain 'selyngs of waynescot, shelfes and warebourdes' in the shop, warehouse, and kitchen of the tenement, to determine whether the ceilings, shelves, and wareboards or any part of them may be removed and taken away without the assent and will of the landlord. The viewers say that the ceiling is set and made in the hall of the tenement and in two chambers over it, containing in all 89 yards square or thereabout. 'And that asmoche of the said selynges, shelfes, warebourdes and other necessaryes as have ben made in tyme past withyn the said tenement by tenantes of the same for their own ease whiche is not fastened nor nayled unto any part of the frame of the said tenement with any manner of nayles or pynnes of iron or tymber may be lawfully taken awey. And all suche of the premisses as be fastened or nayled with any nayle or pyn as is aforesaid may not be removed nor taken awey without speciall licence of the said landlord. Except there be any covenant or promise made to the contrary.'
From: 'File of Viewers' Reports 1509-46 [B]: 1540-46 (nos 143-205', London viewers and their certificates, 1508-1558: Certificates of the sworn viewers of the City of London (1989), pp. 58-84. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=36058&strquery=Fayry. Date accessed: 08 February 2007.


John Fayrey was Master of the Mercers Company during the year of 1540 under King Henry the VIII. The Company is first in order of precedence and is, therefore, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.

Mary BUTLER [scrapbook] was born about 1482 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. She died after 1533 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. Mary married Master John FAYREY Mercer of London Stapler of Calais about 1501 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.

Daughter of Sir William Butler, Knight, alderman and Mayor of London.

The following is an extract of the will of William Butler:
Probate 11/25 f.10 pg. 62
27 Nov. 1528, pr. 11 Feb. 1533/4
BEDFORDSHIRE WILLS PROVED IN THE PCC, pgs. 146-7
Transcribed by Margaret McGregor

To Margt. dau. of his br. Rich. 10 marks to be delivered within 2 years after his decease. Residue to be divided into 4 equal parts of which 2 parts to s. Wm. Butler to his use, one part to s.-in-law Jn. Fayry and his w. testator's dau. Mary and the fourth part to be disposed by exors. by counsel of over­seers, in works of charity and piety for health of his soul. Exors. s. Wm. Butler, s.-in-law Jn. Fayrey; overseers his trusty friends Nich. Leveson and Nich. Ruttlande to whom £6 l3s 4d each for their labour, total £13 6s 8d. Witn. Sir Jn. Brugge kt. and alderman of London, Giles Brugge and Nich. Ruttlande.

To s. Wm. Buttler messuages, lands etc. in the town, parish and fields of Bid denham and in the fields of the town of Bedford or elsewhere in Beds. to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, in default, to Jn. Farry his s.-in-law and his w. Mary, testator's dau., to them and heirs of their bodies for ever.
To s. Wm. Butler messuage or tenement in Paternoster Rowe wherein Thos. Croppe dwells in the parish of St. Michael at Querne near West Cheap of London and also Leges Aley and appurtenance in either part of the said alley in the parish of St. Bartholomew the Little in London, to said Wm. and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, in default, remainder as above.
Witn. Wm. Wyat notary public, sir Hen. Cockes clerk curate of the church of St. Mildred in the Poultry London, Edw. Lightfoote gent., Rich. Blak tallowchandler, Geo. Golde grocer and others.

pr. by Wm. Bouttler and Jn. Fayre, exors.

Wm. Butler, kt. Son of Rich. Boteler, perhaps a grocer of London, and w. Grace, sister and heir of Thos. Kirton on whose death c. 1493 the Botelers inherited property acquired in Biddenham by Kirtons over 3 generations, including a mansion house in Ford End there which became the Boteler family home. Wm. became a citizen and grocer of London, was elected alderman of Cheap Ward 1507 and served as sheriff in that year; he was auditor 1514-15 and Mayor 1515-16 when he was knighted. He was Master of the Grocers' Company 8 times between 1508 and 1532.
He married (1) Eliz. dau. of alderman Roger Basfurd, (2) Eliz. wid. of Jn. Saunders sen. merchant of the Staple of Calais and (3) Agnes who survived him and d. 1536. He founded a chantry in Biddenham church for himself, his late wives and parents, valued at its suppression at £6 of which 12s was due to the King for tithes.
The sums of 40s p.a. to repairing the highways of Biddenham, 20s to the poor there and 12s to the poor of St. Mildred Poultry were paid by the Grocers' Company from estates of his in London, comprising: a house called “the Basket” in Thames St.; 2 messuages, 5 cottages, a garden and a shed; 3 shops in Tower St., St. Dunstan East and a quit-rent of 5s from St. Bride, Fleet St.
One of his exors. was his s.-in-law Jn. Fayrey [q.v. 1. Stow refers to a monument in the church of St. Thos. to “Sir W. Butler, grocer, mayor 1515”.
From: Beds. CR0.: TW catalogue introduction; The History of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of London, Wm. Herbert, i, 328, 349, 356; Stow's Survey; V.C.H. Beds. iii, 37.

William Boteler, who acquired Biddenham Manor, as it is henceforward called, died in 1554–5, when his son William succeeded to the estate, (fn. 32) on whose death in 1601 the manor passed to his son Thomas Boteler. (fn. 33) He was knighted by James I, and died in 1625, leaving five sons and three daughters, of whom William Boteler, the eldest son, acquired this manor. (fn. 34) He died in 1671, and appears to have left three daughters as co-heirs. Of these daughters, reference has been found to the shares of Helen wife of Sir Pynsent Chernock and Mary wife of William Farrer, and the former in 1708 and again in 1709 conveyed her third of Biddenham by fine to William Farrer. (fn. 35) In 1735 Thomas Russell owned one-third of this manor, (fn. 36) and two years later another portion was held by William Townsend and his wife. (fn. 37) Between this date and 1758 the whole property, including the advowson, appears to have been transferred to Robert Lord Trevor, who owned the larger manor here, and it is henceforward to be found attached to what is known as the Bromham estate. (fn. 38)

Blazon: Boteler of Biddenham. Gules a fesse checky argent and sable between six crosslets or
Ford End, or Kirtons, which was the residence of the Botelers from the 15th century, (fn. 39) is situated about half a mile to the south-east of the river. It consists of two rectangular blocks now used as cottages. They are of little architectural interest, the walls being built of coursed rubble washed over, with square, unmoulded openings for the doors and windows. The chimney stacks are brick and the roofs are of tiles. The buildings have undergone many changes, being in the middle of the last century used as a workhouse, and it is impossible to tell the date of the original house or on what plan it was built.
From: 'Parishes: Biddenham', A History of the County of Bedford: Volume 3 (1912), pp. 36-40.

They had the following children.

  F i
Julian FAYREY was born about 1503 in of London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.



Mentioned in her step-mother's will as a servant.

Master John FAYREY Mercer of London Stapler of Calais [Parents] [scrapbook] was born about 1480 in of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died in 1540 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. He was buried in 1540 in St. Stephen's Coleman St., London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. John married Elizabeth WHITE after 1533 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.

John worked as Merchant in 1530 in Calais, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France.

Other marriages:
BUTLER, Mary

Fayrey blazon from Bedfordshire: Per pale or and azure, a chevron between three eagles all counterchanged, on a chief gules as many fusils ermine. [Crest.- A griffin rampant wielding a sword in the dexter claw.] From: The Visitation of Bedfordshire 1566.

Sherrif of London under Henry VIII
Folio ccxxxvi b.
Anno 31.William Hollis, Knt., mercer.
John Fayrey, mercer, Thomas Huntlowe, haberdasher.
From: 'Folios ccxxxi - ccxxxvi: Lists of mayors and sheriffs, temp. Richard I to Edward VI', Calendar of letter-books of the city of London: F: 1337-1352 (1904), pp. 276-303. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=33550&strquery=Fayrey. Date accessed: 08 February 2007.

Another record of the above with a different spelling:
31 Henry VIII
1539-40
Sir W. Holles, mercer, mayor
John Feiry, sheriff
Thomas Huntlow, sheriff
Sources:
The Survey of London by John Stow, Citizen of London, edited by Ernest Rhys, Everyman's Library, J.M. Den & Sons Ltd, London and E.P. Dutton & Co, New York. Has list of mayors and sheriffs through 1602.
William Gregory's Chronicle of London, in The Historical Collections of a Citizen of London in the 15th Century, edited by James Gairdner. Printed for the Camden Society, 1876.
My Lord Mayor - 800 Years of London's Mayoralty by Valerie Hope, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London © Corp of London 1989. ISBN 0297795198.

512. John Fayry, John Carway, mercers, for the orphan of William Whit, letherseller (£410)105
From: 'The 1541 Orphans' Book', Two Tudor subsidy rolls for the city of London: 1541 and 1582 (1993), pp. 298-315. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=36146. Date accessed: 13 April 2007.


Was a member of the Fraternity of St. John The Baptist in Dunstable.


Will of John Fayrey
PCC Film #91918 Will #36
August 12, 1540
Transcribed by Pam Bott

In the name of God amen the 12th day of the monneth of Auguste in the yere of our Lord God a thousamde fyve hundreth and fourtye. And in the 33rd yere of the Raigne of our Sovrraigne Lord kinge Henry the VIIIth. I John Fayrey Merces and marchainite ('merchant' is one whose occupation is the purchase and sale of marketable commodities for profit, wholesale traders to those having dealings with foreign countries) of the staple of Calleys beinge of hole mynd and perfect memorye lawd and prayse be given to almightie god make and ordayne this my pnt (abv. for present) testament contaynying my last will in manner and formme foloing (following) that is to say Furste and princypalye I bequethe my soule to almightie god my creator Redeamer and Savyor to hys moste glorius mothere our blessed Lady Sainte Marye the virgin and to the holy company of heaven. And my body to be buryed in the probe (abv. for parish) curche (church) of sainte Stevyns in Colman Streate of the cyti (city) of London where I am nowe p.shen (abv. for parishioner) in suche a convenyent place in the chappell as shalbe thoughte necessary at the discretion of my executors and for my sepulcure there beinge I bequethe 13 shillings 4 pence. Item I will that therebe bestowed at my buryall to pristes (priests) and clerke for ringing of bells w(t) (with?) wa ____?____ and to be given to the pore neadye people dwellinge in the said paryshe of sainte Stevyns in Colman Streate of London in a dynner (dinner) to be made for the paryshens (parishioners) the some of twentie pounds. Item I bequeth to the 3 pryson howses that is to wete (he means 'to wit': to be observed or noted, to be sure, to say, inform or instruct) to the pore prysonners of Newgate to the prysonners of Ludgate (Newgate & Ludgate are prisons in London) the prysonners of the Marshallsey (Marshalsea is a prison in Southwark belonging to the Marshal of the Kings household) and to the prysonners of the Kings benche (Kings Bench is also a prison in Southwark (Southwark is a borough of London) and is a place of confinement for debtors and libels) to every of theyme (them) to be given in bread to the som of three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence sum totalis 13 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence Item I bequeth to the sicke folks of Bedlem three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequethe to the twoo compters (compters means prisons) within London that is to say to the compter in Bred Streate and the compter in the poultrey (Poultry Compter is a prison in London) to every of theyme (them) to be given in breade to the some (sum) of 33 shillings 4 pence sum totalis 3 pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to Edythe late (I presume that late is her last name, not meaning she is deceased or he wouldn't be giving her 10 pounds) the daughter of Raynolde Gayton of Spaldinge for makinge of satisfaction in discharginge of my conscience tenne pounds. Item I will and bequeth to my Mr. Sir Robert Dymmocke knyghte (knight - meaning that he is a knight) in makinge to hym restitution (abv. for restitution) in the discharginge of my conscience the som of a hundreth pounds. Item I bequethe to Mr. Edwarde Dymmocke for a token of remembrannce to the some of six pounds threteen (13) Schillings foure pence (he spelled out the numbers here instead of writing them). Item I will and (this is the end of the line and then the scribe begins the next line with:) Item I bequethe to Master Arthure Dymock for a token of remembrannce the some of 6 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence Item I will and bequeth to Margaret Holland a blacke gowne and in money the some of 40 shillings. Item I bequeth unto her hawsbande (husband) Master blase (Blase is his first name but not capitalized) Holland a black gowne. Item I will and bequeth to my couseyn John Fayree of Wotton (Wooton is a parish in Bedford, Lincoln and several other counties) tenne pounds. Item I will that immediatly after my decease that therebe dyrige (dirge is a song or tune intended to express sorrow and mourning as at a funeral service) and masse said or songe (sung) with the paryshe Churche of Dunstable. Item I bequeth to Richarde Andlabie 6 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence. Item I bequeth to John Lightfoote the some of twentye pounds. Item I bequeth to Edwarde William sometyme myne apprentyce the some of 40 shillings. Item I bequeth to James Garway my best ringe of golde. Item I bequeth to Alyce Goodhope the some of three pounds 5 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to Mr. Judd my best gowne furred w(t) (with) seymes (seams). Item I bequeth to Ursula the some of three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to Mery Sarvamikin my house (probably meant house maid) a black gowne. Item I will and bequethe for a dynner to be made in the Mercers ('mercer' means one who deals in textile, fabrics, a dealer in silks; velvets and other costly materials; also a small wares dealer) hall for the hole company of Mercers the some of sixe pounds 13 shillings 4 pence. Item I will and bequethe to my cousyn Rychard Fayrey of Holcot the some of fyve pounds. Item I bequeth to my gossopp ('gossip' means to be a sponsor to; a familiar aquaintance; to be a boon companion; to make oneself at home) Pattenson three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to John Pattenson three pounds 6 shillings 8 pence. Item I bequeth to be bestowed yerely in soles (show soles?) to the pore neady people dwellinge in the parishe of sainte Stevyns in Colman streate every yere 6 loads untill the some of twenty pounds be bestowed. Item I will that all and singular my goodes the w(th) (there with) I shalbe woorthe at the tyme of my decease that is to wete (wit) my movables debts Cattalls (chattels?) and suche to be both w(t) (with) the plate and Juells (jewels) as well of my wyfes as of myne owen (own) to be devyded equally in to three partes. ___?____ of the firste parte I Reserve unto my self the second parte unto my wyffe and thirde unto Julyan my doughter the w(c)h (which) parte or portion belonginge unto Julyan my daughter I will to be in the kepinge of Andrewe Judd and John Garway Cytezons (citizens) of London equally to be devyded in to theyre handes they putting in suffycent suertryes ('sureties' meaning a security against loss or damage; security for payment) in to the Guildhall and that they to give her yerely towards her fyndinge (funding) till she come to lawfull age or maryage the some of (it's left blank here) The Residue of all my parte or portion I will that it be devyded in three partes of the whiche the one paste thereof I bequeth to Julyan my daughter. And the seconde pte (part) I bequeth to John Lightfoote tenne pounds. To Roger Dawson dwellinge in Wartton (a parish in Lancashire, North Umberland and Warwick) a Matteris (mattress) and a payre of sheates (one sheet is of fine thread or material and the other one is coarser meaning thick in bulk or large) one fyne (fine) and another courser (coarser) and a Mantell (can mean a loose, sleeveless cloak of woolen cloth; a wool blanket; a measure of quantity of furs containing from 30-100 skins accoding to size) and my peice of pewter and my brasse potts and my chests. Also remaynyinge (remaining) in the handes of my cousyn Symond A. brigges (last name is Brigges) my Fathers will and in obligation that is betwene my brother and my pyper (piper) of the howse w(c)h (which) was my Fathers also I borowed of hym in Redy money 9 shillings 4 pence and I lefte hym as myne attornay to Receve of Robert Roper 15 shillings for a cowe and so the rest is unto me 5 shillings 8 pence. And once I doo charge you all aforer her side ? (This is how he spells it b ut I think he means 'aforehere said') that you doo forthwithe and iommediatly after the syhte (sight) of this purt writinge to render all suche goods aforere her side ? unto thauds (the hands) of my forsaide uncle Roper whiche is full executor of my will as ye will answere before the high Judge at the dreadfull day of Judgement were w(h)ic(h)e (where which) man shall geve (give) accounpte (account) for his fautes (faults) written the 28th day of May in the 33rd yere of o(r) (abv. for our) soveraigne Lord Kinge Henry the 8th theis (these) beringe (bearing) wittness John Grenway grocer of London and William Hindmarche and written by me Sr. William Bensson pressented ? was her gastly father of the will.
(This last line doesn't make sense but the experts on the British floor thought it said this as well. I even asked a full time paid researcher there and he agreed also. 'Gastly' means frightful, terrified, afraid, waste, spoil'. 'Gast' is a form of ghost. He could also be saying 'gostly father'. It almost looks like gostly but that doesn't make much sense either.)

The above mentioned Sir Andrew Judd is Mayor of London, 1550-1551: mayor of the staple of Calais; six times master of the Skinner's Company; founder of Tonbridge school, 1553.

Jn. Fayrey. was Exor. of the will of his father-in-law Wm. Butler [q.v.]. He and his w. Mary are depicted on a pall formerly belonging to the fraternity of St. Jn. the Baptist at Dunstable and believed to have been donated by a member of the Fayrey family, almost certainly this testator as it depicts the arms of the Merchants of the Staple and of the Mercers and also those of the Fayrey and Butler families. Behind the figures of Jn. and Mary appear bales of wool or cloth bearing a merchant's mark and the initials J.F. John's name appears in the register of this fraternity under the year 1522. Also on the pall are  Hen. Fayrey and w. Agnes, shown leading groups of brothers and sisters of the guild. There exists a brass to Hen. (d. 28 December 1516) and Agnes, who may have been Jn.'s parent's. Beds. Mag. ix, 311.
Note by Tim Farr:This funeral pall is said to have been donated by Henry to the fraternity of St. John the Baptist around 1500 to 1505, This would not be possible because John and Mary are depicted on the pall with their names, COA, and trade. I contacted the Mercers historian in London and John wasn’t accepted a mercer until 1525 and he didn’t join the Fraternity of St. John the Baptist until 1522. Henry and his wife both died by 1516. The pall would have to of been donated by John and Mary after 1525 and before 1541. The pall does depict Henry and Agnes Fayrey also.

172. [B. 167] 18 August 1542.
Parish of All Hallows in Honey Lane. Variance between Master Andrew Judde, Alderman, and John Garwey, mercer, executors of the testament of Master John Fayry, deceased, and the owner or landlord of a tenement in Westcheap, pls., and John Butler, tenant of the same by lease, def., concerning certain 'selyngs of waynescot, shelfes and warebourdes' in the shop, warehouse, and kitchen of the tenement, to determine whether the ceilings, shelves, and wareboards or any part of them may be removed and taken away without the assent and will of the landlord. The viewers say that the ceiling is set and made in the hall of the tenement and in two chambers over it, containing in all 89 yards square or thereabout. 'And that asmoche of the said selynges, shelfes, warebourdes and other necessaryes as have ben made in tyme past withyn the said tenement by tenantes of the same for their own ease whiche is not fastened nor nayled unto any part of the frame of the said tenement with any manner of nayles or pynnes of iron or tymber may be lawfully taken awey. And all suche of the premisses as be fastened or nayled with any nayle or pyn as is aforesaid may not be removed nor taken awey without speciall licence of the said landlord. Except there be any covenant or promise made to the contrary.'
From: 'File of Viewers' Reports 1509-46 [B]: 1540-46 (nos 143-205', London viewers and their certificates, 1508-1558: Certificates of the sworn viewers of the City of London (1989), pp. 58-84. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=36058&strquery=Fayry. Date accessed: 08 February 2007.


John Fayrey was Master of the Mercers Company during the year of 1540 under King Henry the VIII. The Company is first in order of precedence and is, therefore, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.

Elizabeth WHITE [scrapbook] was born about 1482 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. She died in 1551 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom. Elizabeth married Master John FAYREY Mercer of London Stapler of Calais after 1533 in London, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom.

In the book Tudor Family Portrait FHL 929.242 J63w Elizabeth is described as a widow of a renowned Stapler of Calais. Elizabeth Fayrey is a redoubtable Stapler and a mean business woman in Calais. She kept her books in Flemish money. Her son is Anthony White.

Film #91928
PCC Will pg. #26 & 27
Elizabeth Fayre Widow
January 20, 1551
Transcribed by Pam Bott

In the name of God amen I Elizabeth Fayre of London widow and mchainet (abv. for merchant) of the Staple of Callis being of hole and pfytt (abv. for perfect) mynd Lawde (laud) prayse be given to Almightie God ordain ???? (abv. for 'and') make this my last will and testament in the which I bequeath my soule into the hands of almightie God. And I will my body to be buryed withe in the church yard of Synt Stephens in Colman Strete where I now dwell./ Item I will to be betowed uppon my buryall and funeralle one hundreth pounds/ Item I bequeath to my sonne George White whom I make, ordain and depone my sole executrix two hundreth pounds and the lease of my house wherein I now dwell/ Item I bequeath to my sonne Anthonye White two hundreth pounds/ Item I bequeath to my sonne Richard the elder other two hundreth pounds/ Item I bequeath to my sonne John White other two hundreth pounds/ Item I bequeath to my sonne Richard White the younger other two hundreth pounds/ Item I bequeath to my sonne in Law Richard Smythe other two hundreth pounds/ Item I bequeath to my daughter in law Elizabeth Meredall fourtie marks/ Item I bequeath to James Alger my old friend 13 pounds 6 shillings 8 pense/ Item I bequeath to Alice Lyster and Edward her husband sone in Law mastrus Alger fyve pounds. Item I bequeath to Jyllian my mayd Twenty pounds/ Item I bequeath to Mrgere my mayd fyve pounds/ Item I bequeath to Agnes my mayd fyve pounds/ Item I bequeath to Thomas Cardyffe my apprentice ? heshrine unto his yeres with me fyve pounds/ Item I bequeath to mother medcalff fourtie shillings/ Item I bequeath to the marriage of poor maydes at 6 schillings 8 pense the pone (abv. for there upon) twentie pounds/ I bequeath my ??? foole ???? Thomas Aware because he is aged to be taken in at the gree fryiers hospital fourtie marks/ Item I bequeath to the reparous (repairs) of highe wayes where my Executour shall see made twenty pounds/ Item I bequeath to be devyded in the prisone house at the discretion of my Executor and overseers twentie marks/ Item I do make overseers to this my last will and testament Sir John Alyffe knight and John Thrush of London Wolwyender (wool winder) to whome I give for ther paynes (pains) Ten pounds apece to see this my laste will and testament pformyd (abv. for performed)/ Item I give to be bestowed in ringes amonge my lovinge and olde friends where myne executour and overseers shall think mete of two angells apece twentie pounds/ Item the residue of my goods ??? (abv. for said) unbequeathed my legacies fulfilled my funeralls discharged and my debts paid/ I will to be at the sole distribution of my sole sonne and aprtes (abv. for apprentice) and full and sole Executour George White/ Item I will that everyone of my afore ???? (said) named children afore they enyoie ('enjoy' - the letters 'j' & 'y' were interchangeable. Also were 'i' & 'y') any parts of the bequeath to them given afore mentioned shall make sealed and delyver to my said Executor a sufficient generall quyttauns (quittance** see last page) from the begynnying of the worlde to the hower of my death. And whoso refuseth to do so I will he shall Inyoie (enjoy) no parte of the bequeath to hym afore given but that whiche ought to have had/ I will to be distributed amonge his brethern and they to be bound to said myn Executor harmeles agaynst all his demands/ In witnes wherof this to be my last will. I the afore named Eliz ??? (abv. Elizabeth) Fayre have sette my hande and sele in the presens of my sonne Richard the younger Mastres (there should be a comma after master Alger and after Richard the younger - 3 people listed) Alger Edward Lyster with other the 20th daye of January/ Anno som ????? a Thousand fyve hundreth fiftie and one.


Richard FAYRE [Parents] 1, 2 was born about 1480 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died in 1556 in Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Richard married Agnes about 1502 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Richard's will was probated 3 on 26 Jul 1556 in Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

In 1523 in the PRO Minister's Accounts, Henry VIII No. 30 Richard Fayre and his wife Agnes and son John lease Woburn Abbey for 40 years. This can also be found in Court of Augmentations accounts for Bedfordshire LDS FHL British Book 942.565 B4b v. 63, 64

Richard ffayre
26 July 1556
Hulcote, Bedford
Film #88013, Will #55
Transcribed by Pam Bott

In the name of God the 26 day of Julie the yere of 3 (our) Lord god 1556 I Richard faire of hulcoat in the contie of bedf. Husband ma(n) of hole mind and memorie thankes be to god orden (ordain) & make this my Last will and Testame(n)t in man(er) and forme following ffirst I bequeth my sowle to all mighte god and to ? (our) blessed Ladye Sainet mayre and to all the holye co(m)panye of heav(e)n and my bodye to be buried in the church of sainet Nicholas in hulcoat It I bequeth to ye highe ault(er) of the same church of hulcoat 12 (pence) It I bequeth to the mother church of Lincoln 4 (pence) It I will that Thom(a)s ffayre and harrie ffayrie my sones have to occupying (occupying) of my howse in todington and my howse in *abb. For Eversholt or Barford for the space of V (5) yeres & then to dispose the pffet (profit) y(it) comith of them of them ffor my sowle and all xpian (Christian) sowls in the prishe (parish) of hulcoat 5 *obetes to be doen for the space of V (5) yeres and in todington one obet for ye space of che s_re_?? And V yeres It I will that Willm faire the soone of Willm faire have my howse in todington to him and his heire males yf (if) he dye without heire maille then I will that Rob(ert ffaire my soone shall have my forsaid howse in todingtonne to him and his heire male It I will that Jhon faire the soone of thom(a)s ffaire have my howse in Barford or Eversholt? To him and his heire male and yf (if) the foresaid Jhon ffayrye dye without heire male then I will the howse and land to Remain to Thomas ffaire the ffather of Jhon ­ffayre It I give and bequeth to Will(ia)m faire the sonne 20 (there is no mark for shillings, pence or pounds) It to Thomas faire my sonne 20 (shillings) to Rob(er)t *ffairie my sone 20 (shillings) (so the XX (20) above to Wm. Must be 20 shillings also) It I bequeth to margeret prot 12 (pence) It I give and bequeth to Nicholas Reaft or Raft? (It’s scribbled over) one cowe It I give and bequeth to Rob(er)t the sonne of Rob(er)t ffaire a cowe It I give & bequeth to Thomas Come & his sone 2 shillings It I give and bequeth to evi (every) one of my god children (godchildren) 4 pence It I give and bequeth to the church of hulcoat 6 pounds 2 shillings 8 pence of money wch ys (is) in the handes of the *Exec (utour) of our charnokes to bye a cros and a vestmet (vestment) for ye forsaid church of hulcot (no “a” this time) It I give and bequeth to William ffaire my soone one Land of wheat It to thom(a)s ffaire one land of wheat It to Rob(er)t ffaire one Land of wheat and to mare (mary) my daught(er) in law one land of wheat It I will one obet to be kept at in the church of hulcote for the space & tyme of fortye years ther to be doen for my soull my frendes soulless and all xpia (Christian) soalles The rest of my goodes unbequethed my deptes legaces and funneralles paid I give and bequeth only to harri ffaire my sone It I make Thom(a)s ffaire and harrye faire my exec(utours) executors (he writes it twice) and Willm ffaire my soone supivisor of this my Last will and Testame(n)t witniss of this my last will migholes (probably meant Nicholas) shephird pson (person) of hulcote Radoll Spoc (abb. For the rest of the word) Thomas Barton Rob(er)t Wodward wth other moe (more?)
Explanation of the marks over the words
) er, or
_ a letter omitted. This scribe sometimes made it like
~ several letters omitted
The best consultant at the library wasn’t sure if it was Varford or Eversholt either but she leaned towards Eversholt.
*This is either an abb. For Eversholt or Barford. Eversholt is closer to Hulcote and Toddington but this word ends in old so I’m not sure what it is. I looked in the Gazatteer & there is no parish in Beds that starts with a B & ends in “old” But see my comments on next pg.
*Obet I looked in the Oxford Eng. Dict. & medieval dict. & Latin Dict. & there is no such word. I tried to spell it all different ways. The best consultant at the lib. Didn’t know what it was either.
He spells Farr so many different ways, also the word son, & souls.
* I’m almost positive the parish in question is Eversholt even though it’s an “old” on the end because this time the scribe wrote executor with a capital E & it looks exactly like the 1st letter of the parish in question

Harri ffaire mentioned in the above will is Henry. See the notes on Harry/Henry Fayrie/Faire.


Luton Archives Version
Reference: ABP/R13/71
Level: item
Date: 26 July - 5 October 1556

Richard Fayre/Fairie of Hilcoat , husbandman, made 26 July pr. 5 Oct. 1556. Soul to almighty God, to our blessed Lady St. Mary and all the holy company of heaven, and burial in the church of St. Nicholas in Hulcoat. To the high altar of church 12d. and to mother church of Lincoln 4d.. Sons Thomas Fayrie and Harrie Fayrie to occupy testator’s house in Todington and his house in Eversold for 5 years, and they are to use the profit from them for souls of testator and all Christians in 5 obits for 5 years in church of Hulcoat, and one obit in Todington for 5 years. William Fairie, son of William Faire, and his heirs male to have the house in Todington, and in default of heirs male house to go to testator’s son Robert Faire and his heirs male. John Fairie son of Thomas Fairie and his heirs male to have the house in Eversold, in default house to revert to Thomas Fairie father of John. To William Fairie the son 20s.. To son Thomas Fairie 20s.. To son Robert Fairie 20s.. To Margeret Parrot 12d.. To Nicholas Est a cow. To Robert Fairie the son of Robert Fairie a cow. To Thomas Come and his son 2s.. To every godchild 4d.. To church of Hulcoat £6 2s. 8d. which is in the hands of the executors of Mr. Charnoke to buy a cross and a vestment for church. To son William Fairie a land of wheat. To Thomas Fairie a land of wheat. To Robert Fairie a land of wheat. To daughter-in-law Marie a land of wheat. One obit is to be kept for forty years in church of Hulcote for souls of testator, his friends and all Christians. Residue of goods to son Harrie Fairie Executors to be Thomas Fairie, Harrye Fairie and his supervisor to be son William Fairie. Witnesses Michael Shephard parson of Hulcote, Randoll Spencer, Thomas Barton, Robert Wodward.

Agnes 1, 2 was born about 1475 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. She died in BET 1523 AND 1556 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Agnes married Richard FAYRE about 1502 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Other marriages:
WHYTE, John

They had the following children.

  M i John FAYRYE was born about 1502. He died in 1556.
  M ii William FAIRE was born about 1505.
  M iii Thomas FAYRE was born about 1509. He died in 1558.
  M iv Robert FAIRE was born about 1512. He died after 1596.
  M v Henry FAYRIE was born about 1516. He died in 1596.

Thomas FAYRE [Parents] 1 was born about 1509 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died in 1558 in Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. Thomas married Hana about 1537 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.

Thomas was also known as Fayrey and Faire. He had a will 2 in 1558 in Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.

Thomas, along with son John, are mentioned in the will of Richard Fayre of Hulcote 1556.

Thomas ffayrey
Woolston, Bucks 1558
Film #1042497, Will #103

Hi Tim,
I went back to my stash of wills and found one that I had copied at the library
of a Thomas Fayrey of Woolston. It doesn't say Little Woolston.  Is that the
same? It is a very poor copy with dark edges so send me what you have and I will
see if it is the same one.  The date is 1558.  I had the transcription written
out as good as I can see it but because I had a lot of blanks I hadn't mailed it
to you yet.  I remember I was hoping to pull it up again and enlarge it at the
library before my surgery. I can do that now with yours and hopefully I can see
it better.  What I have is that Thomas has sons Harry and John and daughters
Agnes and Katherine and Elizabeth?
 His wife's name is in the dark area and
starts with H. I can't make it out on my copy.  John is the executor and Harry is the overseer.  Witnesses are William Brice and Thomas Kilpyn.  He also gives to
Elyn Some and William, Thomas. and Agnes Some.  He gives to the belles of
Woolston 20 pence.
Pam Bott

Hana was born about 1513 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. She died after 1558 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. Hana married Thomas FAYRE 1 about 1537 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.

They had the following children.

  M i John FAYRE was born about 1539. He died in 1616.
  M ii
Harry FAYRE 1 was born about 1541 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.
  F iii
Agnes FAYRE 1 was born about 1544 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.
  F iv
Katherine FAYRE 1 was born about 1546 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.
  F v
Elizabeth FAYRE 1 was born about 1548 in of Little Woolstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.

Robert FAIRE [Parents] 1 was born about 1512 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. He died after 1596 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Robert married Mary 2 about 1535 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Robert was also known as Robert FAYRYE.

Mary 1 was born about 1514 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. She died after 1556 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Mary married Robert FAIRE 2 about 1535 in of Holcote, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

They had the following children.

  M i Robert FAYRE was born about 1537. He was buried on 25 Apr 1596.

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