Pencombe at North Molton

Yesterday was a work day and looking at Pencombe and it is more than a week since I last really looked at Pencombe. Now that I have made my decision I need to decide how much work to do on the de Pencombe family in Herefordshire at this moment in time. Some distant cousins of mine are actually going to visit the various repositories in England during this next month so putting this chapter aside for the moment might be a worthwhile pursuit of my time. 

That moves me on to the actual information about this early Pencombe family who came with John Lord Zouch to North Molton circa 1486. How old was John Pencombe when he arrived with John Lord Zouch. He is located on the 1524-27 Devon Lay Subsidy with his likely youngest son listed next to him as W1 (i.e. Thomas is a wage earner). So Thomas is perhaps 16 years of age or more in 1524 (born circa 1508 or earlier). Thomas appears on the 1543 Devon Lay Subsidy at East Buckland (Thomas Pencombe and his subsidy listed as 9). This is a large subsidy but not the largest, that is his brother John at South Molton (John Pencombe 13) and Christopher (son of John, Christopher 10). Alice is listed at North Molton (and is she the widow of John Pencombe as he does not appear on the Subsidy) (Alice Pencombe 5). The other son of John Pencombe, William Pencombe, is listed at North Molton (William Pencombe 6). I also pulled out the material on the Pyncowe family at East Buckland and Ilfracombe in Braunton hundred but do not believe that this family is related to the Pencombe family. The Pencow spelling is retained on the Devon Lay Subsidy 1543-45. There is a Richard Pencombe at Bideford (Richard Pencombe 5) in 1543-45.

At this point I believe I have the founding member of the Pencombe family in North Molton - John Pencombe. He is possibly married to Alice and they have three sons - John, William and Thomas - and possibly a daughter Margaret but I am still not entirely sure she is in this second generation as she could also be the daughter of John (son of John Pencombe). Her marriage in 1539 does seem rather late to be a daughter and more likely a grand daughter. 

The Devon Muster Roll of 1569 listed John Pincomb at North Molton, Christopher Pincomb at South Molton (Town), John Pincomb at South Molton (Town), a second John Pincomb at South Molton (Town) (possibly a son of Christopher Pincomb) and William Pyncomb at East Buckland. At this time the two sons of John Pencombe (came with John Lord Zouch) Thomas likely by 1544 and William by 1565 are deceased. The John Pincomb (grandson possibly to John Pencombe (deceased by 1543)) has perhaps inherited his grandfather's property or this John Pincomb is the eldest son and now on his father's property with his son John and grandson John at South Molton. 

At this point I shall now begin extracting information from Find My Past. I believe I will work on twenty year periods as there are more than 14,000 hits for the spelling Pincombe alone and adding in the variants for Pincombe yields over 229,000 hits. I have worked out individuals the common variants and it runs around 60,000 hits. I think my method of doing 20 years at a time whilst recording the number of hits total for each decade will let me review periodically if I am missing anything as time passes. It is time to begin as it will be a long process. I have a new chart in my Legacy Family Tree Program that I will use and I will record everything that I find. I will only link in those that can be readily linked. I will not avoid the spellings like Pynkeham but will include them. Will I include the Tynkeham, Tinkham, Tincombe people; I still have to consider that but I am not sure they show up with the Pincombe + variants search and will try that out in a 20 years cycle. No there are over 3000 in a random sample of Pincombe + variants over 20 years and nearly 1500 Tincombe over the same random period (reviewing the samples shows that there is no overlap). 

I shall begin a sample today likely 1520 to 1560 and there are 888 hits for Pincombe + variants. It begins!. But then I went skiing and did not work on this extraction after all but will begin the next Pencombe day which will be Saturday. 

Teatime and Latin.

 

Huge projects

I do have several large projects for the fall independent of my writing/editing. There are four large piles that have to be shredded. There is one banker box of items that need to be scanned before shredding. Shredding the four large piles is difficult in some ways because a large part of it was letters between Edward and family members he met along the way. The letters begin with the usual things that genealogists talk about when they write to a long lost relative but some of this correspondence went on for twenty or thirty years and they became like pen pals sharing their lives with each other. I feel it is important that I shred all of this as it is private information between two people who found a friendship by mail that they enjoyed but it wasn't really meant to be shared with the world. My daughters have a nodding interest in genealogy but not strong enough to support picking up the traces which were left by Edward and carry on with all of this work. They may pick it up one day but this way they can use their own flavour of research and they are happy with that. The amount of material that Edward held was quite enormous thinking back now as I look around a house still full but not overwhelming in quite the same way. The fullness results from four people and then five living here for a period of time accumulating objects and not really wanting to part with them. Even I with my tendency to not gather dust so to speak do have some possessions that I have acquired although rapidly diminishing. One set was the VCR tapes and then DVDs that I bought (generally on sale) during my working days as I had planned this lovely retirement watching all the old movies (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) but my cousin did change all of that and I was able to persuade Edward to travel to Europe/British Isles which also changed how we did things in between trips. I liked to see absolutely everything that I could in any particular area that we stopped and so the huge lists began with the directions attached and on our tour travels we added in our own personal tours in the evenings whenever we arrived. It was fantastic. But I have given away most of the VCR tapes and a lot of the DVDs as well keeping just a basic set that I enjoy because I do not apparently have enough time in a day to watch one most days. Just sometimes. 

Yesterday I did some more work on the Answer document that pertains to the Siderfin family at Timberscombe and East Linch. It is proving to be an interesting story as in the answer Robert Siderfin and family relate most of what was in the complaint as far as I can tell since I elected not to buy the complaint as well. I really just wondered what they would say in the answer and whether it would help me to locate which family this was. Indeed it has and I am simply continuing to transcribe out of curiosity. I suspect that this Robert Siderfin the elder married an Ursula Franck either a Franck by birth or a widow as that is starting to emerge from the document. It will end up having no impact on the writing/editing that I have done thus far except to be a further proof. But we will see how the document flows and I am perhaps one fifth of the way through now. 

I am not in a rush particularly plus I am realizing that I need to do the Pincombe-Pinkham Newsletter for the 1st of September. That very nearly slipped my mind. In the past three months the idea of writing a book on this family has solidified and will be my next effort in writing in the new year as the likely beginning time. I continue to collect information and will also work in the same manner with this book as with the Siderfin. I will begin as far back as I am able to research and then bring the material forward although continuing to work backwards through the available census and the Parish records to the 1500s/1600s when these Pencombe/Pincombe/Pyncombe families dispersed from North Molton/South Molton area into North West Devon and other areas including London especially. It will be at least two years in the writing I estimate. The only advantage that I have with this book is personal history passed to me by my mother and then my uncle in the last  ten to fifteen years of his life when we used to spend time with him and he and I corresponded regularly or spoke on the telephone all of which I recorded and have available to me. That discussion though is limited to my  direct family only that lived first at North Molton and then in Bishops Nympton/Molland and then with Philip Pincombe in Gloucestershire as my direct line emigrated to Canada originally with others also in that direct line emigrating as well to Canada but also to the United States, Australia and South Africa. 

I have given myself until the end of the year to complete the Siderfin book and will publish it under a Creative Commons license in order that I can protect the contents from being published for profit making it free to download or be distributed to repositories that may wish a copy. Plus it will be then possible for descendants to edit my work with their own new publication even during my lifetime and correct/alter/change items for which new material is available or simply to maintain the lines and bring them forward as I will not publish anything that has occurred after 1920. 

Breakfast is next and I am hungry as usual. Last night we had a piece of salmon poached with dill which was quite delicious along with a broccoli salad which I quite enjoyed but that was many hours ago now! Another beautiful day in God's world and may peace be the choice of all of us as we manage our way through this wilderness of climate change and come to a better side by caution and care and respect and an end to greed, violence and envy. 

Pencombe, Pincombe, Pinkham - Discovery Catalogue, Kew, UK

 This document for a Pencombe in Herefordshire has come up on the Discovery search. Reference C 135/178/25 and it is a John Pencombe or de Pencombe. Inquisition, Post Mortem, Series I, Edward III. I shall have to order it as I did not collect that one when we were at Kew our several times. Not sure why but I did not find it on my search list so maybe wasn't indexed or I just missed it. It is listed as being between 25 Jan 1363 and the 24 Jan 1364. I have requested a record review which can then move to a scan and my purchase of the scan. It will be an interesting document if they are able to scan it. 

I was absolutely amazed at some of the documents which were available to look at when we visited Kew in 2010 and 2013. In just three years a great deal of indexing had been done between the two trips and I was able to look at documents that were hundreds of years old. One in particular - Pincombe - was still rolled up with its likely original cording which I untied so that it could be unrolled and photographed. My fingers were actually shaking as I did so but those documents were pretty sturdy. This one unrolled was immaculate on the inside - it was an amazing moment actually. And I had a pile like that to go through. We spent almost four solid days at Kew on the second trip.

The forename William (Pencombe) does not select any records to view on the discovery database nor did I find anything for Christopher, Richard or Robert other forenames found in this family in the 1500s. The forename Thomas will bring up at least one of which I do have a copy: From the Calendar of Patent Rolls and the reference C 143/424/7. The original image is very interesting but also under copyright so cannot show that one on my blog (it is all in Latin):

1395 20 May Westminster (membrane 5)
Licence, for 100 s. paid in the hanaper by Philip Webbe, chaplain of a
chantry of St. Mary in the parish church of Bromyord, for the alienation
in mortmain by John Falke of a messuage in Bromyord, and by John
Hunte or another there, and by Thomas Pencombe and Robert Stanford
of five messuages and half an acre of meadow in the same place, not held in
chief, to the said chaplain and his successors, in aid of their maintenance.
18 Richard II, volume 5, page 582

The document's information tells me that this Pencombe family is established in this Pencomb area but I never do find a lot of records for them in Herefordshire. So likely a small freeholder perhaps with obligations to the Lord of the Manor locally although a mystery how this Pencombe family came to be associated with John la Zouche, 7th Baron Zouch, against whom an attainder was issued in 1485 (reversed in 1495). This Zouch  family is generally associated with North Molton amongst other holdings. 

Searching on Pencombe and Devon brings up three documents. The first is the will of Joane Pencombe the likely widow of Thomas Pencombe which was written in 1563 but not probated until 23 October 1590 although why it was not is a mystery. Her husband Thomas disappears from the records in 1544 and no reference to his will is found.

Recorded: 30 July 2011
Source: Public Record Office, London, UK, # 207
Place: East Buckland, Devon, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 7 May 1563

[In margin] T[estator] Johanne Pencombe

1    In the name of God, Amen.  In the yeare
2    of our Lord God one thousand fyve hundred sixtie three and in the seaventh daie
3    of Maye That I Johane Pencombe widdowe of Est Buckland beinge of whole mynde
4    and in good remembrance (lauded be god) make and ordaine this my last will and
5    testament in this manner and forme followinge First I bequeathe my soule unto
6    allmightie God and my bodie to be buried in the Churche of Est Buckland there Item
7    I bequeath unto Richard Pencombe my sonne twentie poundes And to his sonne a
8    heafer of three yeares of age. Item I bequeath to John Locke my sonne in Law nyne
9    poundes. Item I bequeath to John Pencombe my sonne nyne poundes And to his
10    daughter a heafer. Item I bequeath to John Jasse my sonne in Lawe nyne poundes
11    Item I bequeath to John Jasse the younger six poundes thirteene shillings four pence
12    Item to Anne Takle twentie shillings Item to Amye Rolle six shillings eight pence
13    Item to Roberte Hollaniore a yearlinge Item to Thomas Hichton a ewe. Item to everie
14    of my Children's Children five shillinges eight pence. Item unto every of my godchildren
15    twelve pence apeece. Item to the poore twentie shillings. The residue of all my goodes
16    and everie parte thereof as well moveable as unmoveable not gyven nor bequeathed I give
17    and bequeath unto William Pencombe my sonne whome I make my executor and he to
18    bestowe it as he seemeth best And alsoe I devise and ordaine Sir John Taye John Hartill
19    and Richard Lympstable to be my overseers and wittnesses of this my last will and Testament
21    Probatum fuit Testamentum
22    Suprascriptum apud London coram venerabili, viro mag[ist]ro Will[iel]mo Levin Legium
23    Doctore ad exercend officium magisteri custodis sive Comissarii Curie Prerogative
24    Cant ltime deputat vicesimo tertio die mensis Octobris Anno Domini millesimo quin
25    Nonagesimo Juramento Thome Redman notary public procuratoris Willi[a]m Pencombe filii of
26    Executoris in h[uius]mo[d]i testamento nominat Qui commissa fuit administerato bonorum iurium et creditorum
27    Dicti defuncti de bene et fideliter administerand ad sancta dei Evangelia Jurat

List of Wills on the Devon Genuki website for Pencom(b)(e):

Pencomb     Christopher     South Molton     DEV           1585     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      
Pencomb     Christopher     Southmolton [South Molton]     DEV           1585     W     le     BARN     BARN-R           £152-15s-8d
Pencomb     Eme     North Molton     DEV           1588     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      
Pencomb     Thomas     Roborough     DEV           1578     W     le     BARN     BARN-R           £7-4s-8d
Pencomb     Thomas     South Molton     DEV           1601     W     le     BARN     BECK     T.      
Pencombe     Joane     East Buckland     DEV     widow     1590     W     co     PCC     PROB 11     76      
Pencombe     Johann     Estbuckland [East Buckland]     [DEV]     widow     1590     W     co     PCC     JHW     67 Drury      
Pencombe     Johanne     East Buckland     DEV           1563     W     tr     PCC     WWW    
Pencombe     John     North Molton     DEV           1576     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      
Pencombe     John     Northmolton [North Molton]     DEV           1576     W     le     BARN     BARN-R           £46-19s-4d
Pencombe     Philip     Tawstock     DEV           1564     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      
Pencombe     Richard     Chittlehampton     DEV           1588     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      
Pencombe     William     North Molton     DEV           1564     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      
Pencome     John     South Molton     DEV           1571     W     le     BARN     BECK     W.      

All of these individuals are more or less known to me in my database. Positively identifying them is not too difficult (but is subjective) given the limited number of people in this area. 

There are a lot of various spellings of Pincombe/Pinkham but I am concentrating on the 1500s. 

The other two documents gleaned from the search terms Devon and Pencombe refer to the Raisheleigh family of South Molton and Barnstaple and John Pencombe known to be at South Molton in the 1580s. This is interesting because it is in both the South Molton and Barnstple area. It may show that the John Pencombe in South Molton and the John Pencombe in Barnstaple are one and the same which is another proof I am also looking for as one of the yDNA testers is descendant of the Barnstaple Pincombe family. This would take the proof back from John Pincombe/Mary Charly generation (my 4x great grandparents) all the way to John Pencombe and his wife Emma (John being my 11 x great granduncle). That would be amazing for sure. I have never clearly understood the relationship between the Rashleigh family and the Pincombe family. Christopher Rashleigh married an An Pincombe in the early 1600s but it could be that I might be able to resolve this. It has been confusing because the article in Devon Notes and Queries says that An is a daughter of William married to Emot Snow but they had just two daughters according to his will - Johane and Katherin. So perhaps a shortform for Johane - just An. No ideas on that but it is intriguing. The only problem I have with it; The line of Thomas was not armigerous (William was his son and William had a son so also a grandson); that belonged to the eldest son in this era so perhaps they were only alluding to the fact that the uncle of An Pincombe was armigerous (John Pencombe or South Molton) when the comment was made in the Notes and Queries (Devon) that she was from an armigerous family. Interesting though to think about all of these things I have not looked at for twelve years. I pulled away from some of the really heavy research when Edward took ill in 2011 and never really got back into the early reading again until this past winter. 

Searching on Pincombe/Pincomb reveals eleven records but nothing particularly new in the 1400s/1500s. Searching on Pinkham does not reveal anything prior to 1700 which is about the time when I noticed this spelling entering into the Pincomb family of West Devon. Occasionally there were signs of it like Philip Pinkeham at Tawstock in the mid 1500s. But searching on Pinkeham does not reveal any entries. So have I learned everything that I can from the National Archives searching just on the surname? I did begin the process to order the Postmorten Inquisition for John Pencombe (1363-1364) which is a bit early to be helpful in 1485-89. It is too early for the War of the Roses (1455-1485) and the Battle of Bosworth Field (1485) but might give me some insights into this family in Herefordshire prior to these times. It is a lean time for records although as the continuous task of indexing the information that sits in the National Archives one never knows what might surface in the year's ahead. After all the UK has been through a lot of wars in their past where these precious documents were constantly being hidden in deep dark places to protect them and it was probably done in a hurry so misplaced items was probably a reality. As time passes they will meet the light of day in this great century which sees the scanning and permanent imaging of these ancient documents which are amazingly in very good shape for imaging often enough! Even with my camera I was able to make some good images of the early documents that I was able to review.

Yesterday was the last day for chicken stew (three days again and keep trying to head towards my daughter's idea that two days is enough in a row!). But I must admit that having two days without cooking is actually fun. The joys of being 77 for sure; just following one's inclination which for me is being a hermit just as I was in my teen years. Polite of course as my mother insisted but not having my life full of things that I do not really want to do (like meetings, social interactions and the like). I do always try to be polite; it is a good policy and really what Jesus brought to us in the new commandments. 

On to the day, breakfast is next.

Back to Siderfin

I discovered that the website  https://westcountrybooks.com/ permits downloads of some very interesting items including the 1524-7 Devon Lay Subsidy. With that now in hand I was able to check out Bideford and no Pencombe or derivative name on that Subsidy. Good news as it does support my notion that Pencombe was up until the mid 1520s only at North Molton (and South Molton). Having arrived there likely in 1489 with Lord de la Zouch, the Pencombe individual was likely the John Pencombe found on the Subsidy at North Molton and right below him on the Subsidy is Thomas Pencombe. John has a value of Goods listed at 5 and Thomas has Wages listed at 1; it does look like a father/son relationship. I feel quite content with my assumption and leave it to those who follow me in the Pincombe/Pinkham quest to discover anything more that might clarify what I have developed as a thesis for this family in Devon. I would like to explore this Pencombe family in Hertfordshire but will leave that for the book that I would like to write on my mother's father's family. All in all a very successful happening and it is thanks to  Bernard Welchman who provides the service and years ago; way back in about 2008 or so I purchased a number of CDs from him that have been my mainstay looking into Devon and Somerset. 

With Siderfin, I completed the 1871 and 1881 census arranging the individuals into their families. I also went back to 1851 and arranged the families in numerical order commencing with Family 1 and continued that process right up to the end of 1881. It makes it easier to look back and connect the families. I tend towards alphabetical or numerical order whichever serves the purpose. It is rigorous and easy to manipulate. I will complete up to the 1911 census and then go back to the Births, Marriages and Burials that I have collected and see what state they are in as that collection too was completed in 2008-2010. If not into families than I will do that plus put them into the family groupings as defined in the census of 1841 which was my key going forward through the census and will also serve going backwards into the Parish Registers. Eventually I will likely replace the single number with a village/town and a number but that comes in the future. At the moment simply getting them into a good robust family number leads me onward to a better understanding of the Siderfin Family and will help me as I move forward from the early to mid 1600s. There can be gaps in the Parish Registers during the Commonwealth Period and I will rely on the Lay Subsidies to help me. I now have two quests for the Lay Subsidies for Somerset - both the Blake family and the Siderfin family. Perhaps I will be able to schedule myself into the Family History Library to locate that material. 

Prayers continuing for the recovery of those who survived the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Prayers also for the miners trapped in China. As we reach the one year mark in the war which Russia is waging against the Ukrainian people, prayers for the Ukranian people and that the cease-fire which China has proposed could happen and that Russia get out of Ukraine where they have no business to be as has been passed by a huge majority in the United Nations General Meeting. Glory to Ukraine. Death to the Invaders.

Beautiful sunrise but cold again

Only minus 14 degrees celsius at 7:30 a.m. this morning and we are promised a snowfall later today. The laneway all melted out so ready for the next deluge. Cleaning all accomplished yesterday and will finish today with just the basement to do. 

Continuing to solidfy the first three generations of Pencombe at North Molton/South Molton. It would be fascinating to know the surname of John Pencombe's son John's wife. Her first name was likely Emma but all else is lost to time perhaps although  the Manor Books for South Molton might be helpful. Since he is shown with Goods at 10 on the 1524-7 Subsidy and his son Christopher (who is likely a young child) with Goods at 5 his marriage must have been to an heiress. Perhaps it is significant that John Pencombe at South Molton was taxed in South Molton borough and his son Christopher was taxed in South Molton Parish. South Molton is a beautiful town with its beautiful facade on the main streets dating back to the days of wool merchants. We visited it in 2008. 

A little searching on the Discovery Catalogue at the National Archives of the United Kingdom reveals an item of interest in 1363/64 for a John Pencombe. Too early to be the Pencombe with Lord de la Zouche at North Molton but interesting to see that the name John was used by this Hertfordshire family.  I do not see any mention of a John Pencombe of Hertfordshire being investigated at the relevant time period before 1489 when he likely arrived at North Molton. The Manor Books of Pembroke Hertfordshire might provide more information. There is mention of John Pencombe and Thomas Pencombe in some of the records held by the National Archives. 

I tend to think this is a young person who has come to North Molton with Lord de la Zouch, likely as a page. He was protected for his devotion to Lord de la Zouch and brought with de la Zouch when he finally was released from being attainted and restored to some of his lands in 1489. Guessing age around 15 would make him old enough to marry by 1500 and the four children would have been born over a period from 1500 to 1520 perhaps since we find Thomas, next to the youngest possibly as his sister Margret Pencombe married in 1539 (Philip Kingdon 15 Nov 1539 at North Molton) when she would have been in her early 20s or older. Earning wages and found beside John Pencombe at North Molton one might think Thomas is in his teens in 1524 as the records were used from this year being the best preserved of the original documents. Interesting really and I must get into those early Pencombe documents that I photographed at Kew in 2010 and 2013. They are in latin and slowly my ability to manage improves - very slowly but perhaps sufficient to help me as I work through the early generations of this family. Interesting how the name evolved from Pencombe to Pyncomb(e) to Pincomb(e) and in the West Devon area around Bideford and Barnstaple to Pinkham. 

The question does remain though was there a distinct family named Pinkham in 1500 as we do find an outlier of this family with the name Philip Pynkeham at Tawstocke on the 1544 Subsidy with a worth of 8. By 1581 this is an Edward Pencombe at Tawstocke with Goods worth 5 at Tawstocke. By 1641the Protestation Returns do not list anyone in Fremington with the Pencombe etc surname. Moving forward to 1733 and the Freeholders Book at Fremington there isn't anyone with the surname Pencombe etc listed. If for what ever reason this family lost their land they would not appear in these early records other than the BMBs  of the parish which I shall have a look at in the Fremington Hundred and mostly at Tawstocke. I am unable to place Philip into the early family at this point in time so in the fourth generation he remains an outlier. Richard Pencombe at Bideford is, I suspect, a descendant of the North Molton line but I am at this time unable to assuredly place him into the family structure. However, I continue to forge ahead. 

Having reached this point I shall work on the autosomal DNA matches at Ancestry which have proven to be rather interesting given that I (along with my siblings and cousin) appear to have matches with a number of individuals who trace back in their trees to a Richard Pinkham of Dover Neck, New Hampshire. 

On to breakfast and the cleaning.

Subsidy of 1524-1527

Another interesting set of images I took at Kew in 2013 for the Devon Subsidy of 1524-1527. 

 North Molton

William Pencombe     G     2

John Pencombe     G     5 

Thomas Pencombe     W     1

South Molton

John Penceme     G     10

Chris Pyncombe     G     5

East Buckland

Thomas Pyncowe     G     2

Elinor Pyncowe     G     2

Ilfracombe

Thomas Pyncowe     G     2.67

Andrew Pyncowe     G     1

Henry Pyncowe     G     1.5

Barnstaple

Henry Pymbroke     G     1

This 1525 Subsidy is thirty six to fourty years after the Pencomb family arrived at North Molton with Lord de la Zouch. By this time, if the unknown Pencomb who arrived with Lord de la Zouch (who was attainted at this time because he was on the side of Richard III when Henry VII was successful at Bosworth Field) was just a young boy of 12 to 18 years (my thought) then at 36-40 plus whatever age he was when he arrived at North Molton he could have a number of adult sons (and daughters but only one Margret was found) thirtysix-fourty years later and that is what we appear to find at North Molton where we have John, William and Thomas (and the value of their property is in descendant order interestingly enough) and at South Molton we have a John Penceme (perhaps a transcription error) and Chris Pyncombe (said to be sons of John the son of the Unknown Pyncombe on the Visitation of Devon 1620). I rather think that John at South Molton with the large property is the son of the Unknown Pyncombe and that Christopher Pyncombe is his eldest son living there as well. It does perhaps give some idea on the age of the Unknown Pyncombe father of this John that he would have a son Christopher and a son John old enough to be considered land owners. When the manor books of North Molton are read more details may be forthcoming. Roger de la Zouche was granted licence to hold a weekly market in the manor and an annual fair on All Saints Day in 1270. In the 15th century the St Maur family (the Zouche family and the St Maur families appeared to be linked in some fashion) held it for a time and then the Bampfylde family. My knowledge of the workings of manors is limited but one is left with the thought that perhaps the de la Zouche family continued to hold some property in North Molton and that was the reason that John La Zouche, 7th Baron Zouche, 8th Bar St Maur went to North Molton in the 1480s. A wikipedia article provides a lot more information explaining this relationship. Although attainted in 1485 he was pardoned in July 1486 but his lands were not returned to him until 1489 and only a portion. This could then be an error of thought using 1485 as date of arrival (the beginning of the reign of Henry VII) reading the Visitation of Devon 1620 which mentions that Lord Zouche was at North Molton (property he was able to keep after 1489) in 1489 (the Visitation states "about the beginning"). The effect of four years is not great actually as the age of the Pyncombe who came with Lord Zouch was likely between 12 and 18 but with grandchildren old enough to own property this Unknown Pyncombe could well now be in 1525 in his late sixties or even seventies if he is still living. He does not appear to have land at this time though. This information continues to make me wonder who Alice Pencombe widow was on the 1544 Subsidy. I will continue to ponder that as I work through the last bits of the second generation.

The East Buckland subsidy caught my eye because Thomas Pencombe does end up there by the 1544 subsidy. However this surname Pyncowe does seem to exist so I rather think that Thomas is still quite a young man and just coming into property. It does give a forename William that could be the third son (one is known to be John and the other Thomas (a third was often labeled John as well in the Visitations but I think it is a transcription error since the original shows John, Thomas and Unknown)). A good find as I work away on the North Molton chart. The family has not really moved far from North Molton; only to South Molton. On the 1544 subsidy there is an Alice Pencombe (widow) but not on the 1525 Subsidy but there are missing sections in both the North Molton and the South Molton sections of the 1525 Subsidy. I will spend some time with the images that I collected again today making sure I did not miss anything. 

I feel confident though moving on to the third generation of the chart as I have entered in all the BMD information that I have thus far for this initial group i.e. the second generation. 

Beautiful snowy day today and it is coming down heavily at the moment. I do so love winter. It is a great time for hibernation and now in my old age I am enjoying the weeks of study and research. Since I never thought about being old when I was young it is like an unplanned and unexpected period in my life; I tended to just live the days as they came ever since the knife attack when I was 19 years of age. Funny how such a happening can control how your life flows. 

Breakfast done and on to work.

The Pincombe-Pinkham Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 3, 2017

Pincombe-Pinkham Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 3, 2017

Table of Contents
1.    Pincombe Charts, original One-Name Study at the Guild of One-Name Studies
2.    Will of John Pincombe of South Molton
3.    Autosomal DNA Study
4.    North Molton Parish Records (Part 3)

1.    Pincombe Charts, original One-Name Study at the Guild of One-Name Studies

These Pincombe Charts were created by the two researchers in the original One-name-study at the Guild of one-name-studies. I reprint them with the thought in mind that others could add to the knowledge of these charts. I have reworked some of them and will publish that information when complete. I am republishing the North and South Molton chart as it is referred to in the Will of John Pincombe of South Molton.

http://www.kipp-blake-families.ca/Chart1-2.jpg

These tables represent many years of work at the record offices and Richard Pinkham was a physician and able to make contact with some of the Pincombe families living in Devon. The names seen on these charts usually in the top corners are individuals who provided information for that particular chart. I do remind other researchers that there are discrepancies in these charts and I would appreciate knowing of any that you may find so that eventually a corrected chart will be published.

2.    Will of John Pincombe of South Molton

Source: Public Record Office, London, UK #622
Place: South Molton, Devon, England
Dated: dated 20 Nov 1593 and probated 22 Apr 1597
[Top]:  Laus Deo 1593
[Margin]: Testament: Johannis Pincombe

1    In the name of God, Amen.  In the twentithe of November in the yeare of
2    our Lord god one thousand five hundreth nynetie three  I John Pincombe of South Molton in
3    countie of Devon Merchante beinge whole of Bodye and in perfect remembrance thancks be to all
4    mightie god make this my last will and testament in manner and forme followinge Firste I bequeth
5    my soule unto almightie god and my Bodie to the earthe where it shall please the almightie god
6    Nextlie I give unto the poore people of Southmolton Tenn pounds to be distributed unto them
7    at my Buriall And alsoe I doe give unto the poore people of South Molton fiftie pounds to
8    bestowed in some grounde for the use and proffitte of sixteene of the poorest persons of Molton this
9    yeare the comoditie and proffitte that is of the fiftie pounds bestowed Alsoe I give unto the
10    poore people of Barnestable eleven pounds And I give unto the poore of Chumley five pounds
11    and unto the poore of Nortmolton five pounds And unto the poore of Tyverton Three pounds
12    and unto the poore of Georgenymett five pounds And unto the poore of Bysshopnymet Three
13    pounds And unto the poore people of Chittinton Three pounds All w[hi]ch gyfts to be distributed to the poorest
14    people of everye parrishe by my Inlaws by there order for the distribution hereof Nextly my will
15    is that my father shal[l ]be payde of the debts that I owe him and all other debts that I doe owe firste
16    of all and Tenn pounds more unto Pentecoste Dodridge And tenn pounds more unto Joane and
17    Dorothie dodridge And unto Lewys Challecom and his sister fiftene pounds And unto Gaminge
18    twente pounds And unto Anthony Hyde Thritie three pounds sixe shillings and eighte pence
19    unto Mathewe Hunte Eighte pounds tenn shillings unto Peter Jesse Twelve pounds Alsoe by
21    this my will I doe forgive John Moille of Byshopnymet and Richard Harris of Exeter the debte
22    that they doe owe me The rest of my goodes not given nor bequeathed I doe give unto my wiefe
23    my sonne John Pincombe equallie to be divided betwixte them bothe Alsoe I doe give my sonne
24    my Lande that lieth in Georgenymett when that he shall come unto the age of one and twentie
25    yeares And all the rest of my Landes and Leasses I doe give unto my wief duringe her lief and
26    afterwards
27    afterwards to my sonne and to his heyres soe that he doe not alienate noe sell awaye none of my Inhe
28    ritance But yf that he doe alienate any of my landes lefte him that then his interest shall cease and
29    the inheritance shal[l ]be in my next bloudde when that he dothe alienate any of the said Landes soe that
30    he shall not have by this my will noe power to sell awaye none of my Lands left him I doe ordaine
31    my father and John Dodridge my Inlaws to see this my will performed And for their paynes
32    they shall have five pounds In wittnes of this to be of a trewthe I have wrytten this w[i]th my owne
33    hande and putte thereunto my sealle the daie and yeare above written one thousand fyve hundred
34    nyntie three provided notw[i]thstandinge that my sonne shall have power by this my will for to
35    alienate any of my Landes soe that he doe procure and purchase soe much valewe in Lande againe
36    and lease soe muche valewe of Landes and tenem[en]ts unto his next blood and claims that are neerest
37    unto him soe that my last will is that he shall have power soe to sell uppon condition that he doe
38    procure to lease soe muche Landes and tenem[en]ts unto his next Blood and Clients that are in
39    blood neerest unto him And this I have wreten w[i]th my owne hand the twoe and twentithe of Aprill
40    and yeare of oure Lord god one thousand five hundred nyntie seaven p[er]me John Pincombe [signed]
41    Decimo nono die Mensis February anno domino
42    iuxta cursum et computacionem Ecclesie Anglicane millesimo sexcentesimo quarto emanavit
43    comissio Amie Pincombe Relicte dcs def ad administrand bona iura et credita eiusdem def
44    inxta tenorom et effectio testamenti ipsimo def eo quod dcis defuntus millim in eodem s_is
45    testamento nominat executorem de bene etc iurat

John Pincombe in this will names his wife as Amie Pincombe, his son as John Pincombe and that his father is still living. He says that he is a merchant at South Molton, Devon.

The North Molton and South Molton chart produced by the original researchers at the Guild of one name study has been published in Pincombe-Pinkham newsletter Volume 1 Issue 4: http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2016/09/pincombe-pinkham-newsletter-volume-1.html
And republished in this issue. The link for this particular chart since it is impossible to actually read the chart from the newsletter: http://www.kipp-blake-families.ca/Chart1-2.jpg

This chart names this particular John Pyncombe as the husband of Amy Dodridge. It gives a year of birth for John Pyncombe of 1575 and that they have a son John Pincombe born circa 1596 and that he was buried circa 1665 and had married Mary Carew. It also names his sister as Helen baptized 29 Mar 1577 at Chittle Hampton and that the father of these children was Richard Pincombe who married circa 1574. He in turned being named as a son of John Pincombe born circa 1526 at South Molton and again being the son of a John Pincombe born circa 1501 at South Molton with a brother Christopher also born at South Molton. Both of these children are named as the sons of John Pyncombe. This John Pyncombe is said to have a brother Thomas Pyncombe born circa 1481 who lived at North Molton and Filleigh and was the father of William Pyncombe born circa 1506 and married to (unknown) Snowe (lived at East Buckland and North Molton). Both of these children named as son of an (unknown) Pyncombe who lived at North Molton. I would only mention that the Thomas Pyncombe who lived at North Molton and Filleigh is presumed to be my ancestor and has been discussed earlier so will leave any discussion on this individual to another time.

Returning to the testator, John Pincombe and I would mention that I have not been able to find his will online at the Record Office. I downloaded it in 2006 and probably have not looked for it online anytime since then.

Do I agree with the line that is given to the testator? If I look at the tax records for Pincombe/Pencombe/Pyncombe in the 1500s I discover the following:

The Tax Rolls for Devon 1544-1545 have 9 Pencombe/Pincombe/Pinkcombe/Pynkeham listings including

Alice (widow of Thomas) Pencombe North Molton Parish £5
Christopher Pyncombe South Molton Parish £10
John Pencombe North Molton Parish £4
John Pyncombe South Molton Parish £13
Philip Pynkeham Tawstock Parish £8
Richard Pencombe Bedeford Parish £5
Richard Pencombe Kings Nympton Parish £1
Thomas Pencomb Estbuclond Parish (East Buckland) £9
William Pencombe North Molton Parish £6

This does not  yield the expected Richard Pincombe as found by the earlier researchers at South Molton with son John Pincombe (grandson John Pincombe) and daughter Helen Pincombe. The only two Richard Pincombes are at Bideford and Kings Nympton. At South Molton there is a John Pyncombe and a Christopher Pyncombe. As I reconstructed the family tree I suggest that John and Christopher are brothers (and more discussion on the other Pincombe families found in the taxes another time.

The Tax Subsidy for 1581 lists 12 Pincombe heads including

Annis Pincombe (widow) Alwington Parish £4
Christopher Pincombe South Molton Parish £4
Edward Pencombe Tawstocke Parish £5
Emma Pyncombe (widow) North Molton Parish £3
John Pincombe South Molton Parish £4
John Pincombe (senior) South Molton Parish £12
John Pincomb (Esquire) Broadwood Kelleigh Parish £9
Richard Pincombe Bideford Parish £6
Richard Pincombe Yearnescombe Parish £3
Richard Pincombe Abbotsham Parish £8
William Pencombe East Buckland Parish £10
___therin Pincombe (widow) Bideford Parish £2

By 1581 (almost fourty years later) one finds at South Molton a Christopher Pincombe, a John Pincombe and a John Pincombe (senior). John Pincombe senior holds three times as much wealth as the other two Pincombes named. At this point I have made the assumption that John Pincombe (senior) was perhaps the John Pincombe found on the 1543-44 subsidy. Are John and Christopher both his sons or are they Christopher’s sons or each of these earlier men has left a son each. The wealth does tend to make one wonder if both are the sons of Christopher perhaps now deceased. But it is interesting that there is not a Richard Pincombe holding land at South Molton in 1543-44 or 1581.

Who is the testator? He is likely part of the Pincombe family that descends from the earlier Pincombe at North Molton. One can conclude that given the proximity. He has property at George Nympton and that particular parish in 1581 has few entries paying subsidy: Philip Dobbe, Richard Greade, Richard Colman, Philip Beare, Agnes Harrys (widow), Mary Pearce (widow) and Philip Bennet. But this is another 12 years hence so one can  not be positive about such a statement being true in 1593.

From the Devon Visitations of 1620, the following can be gleaned:

An Unknown Pyncombe (living at Northmolton) had come with the Lord Zouch about the beginning of the reign of Henry VII (1485) and that he married and had three sons Thomas (lived at Filleigh and later East Buckland), John and an (unknown) Pyncombe. Looking only at John Pyncombe the chart shows that he had sons John Pyncombe and Christopher Pyncombe both of Southmolton and each of them had a son John. That John Pyncombe (great nephew to Christopher Pyncombe) married Amy daughter of Richard Doddridge. John and Amy had a son John Pyncombe who lived at Southmolton and was a student in the Middle Temple, London and was living in 1620.

The Visitation is generally thought to be accurate and this particular one was signed by William Pyncombe of Southmolton and East Buckland who had married Temperance Pollard. William was a Coroner in the County of Devon.

Given the information from the taxes and the Visitation the present testator would appear to be John Pyncombe son of John Pyncombe. Since the time frame on this chart is completed in 1620 and John the last mentioned Pyncombe in this line was a student in the Middle Temple and by his father’s will alive in 1593 then he was born by 1593 although could be earlier but 27 is a reasonable age to be a student of the Middle Temple. That would give a birth year approximately to his father of 1560 to early 1570s although could be earlier. Then his father John would be born circa 1540s to 1550s and that could also be earlier. That John is known to be the son of John Pyncombe whose father came to Northmolton in 1485. His possible year of birth then 1510 to 1520 but could have been earlier. That giving a year of birth to the son of the unknown Pyncombe arriving 1485 or later of 1490 to 1500 or earlier. This fits into a nice pattern and does match the Visitation and reasonable years of birth. In the 1540s tax subsidy there was a Christopher Pyncombe and a John Pyncombe in South Molton. These men would need to be at least 21 years of age at that time which would have one looking at the grandsons of the unknown Pyncombe arriving in 1485 or later and the sons of the same Pyncombe. I have opted to think that the men on the tax subsidy are the grandsons. Plus Alice (widow of Thomas Pencombe) is living in 1544 and perhaps she points to the name of the founder of the Pencombe family of North Molton as being Thomas. It is known he had a son Thomas who better fits into being the husband of Johane Pencombe whose will was blogged in Volume 1, Issue 1.

The Dodderidge family members mentioned in the will Pentecost, John, Joane and Dorothy were all siblings of his wife Amy Dodderidge Pincombe.

More later on this line of the family but the ancestral line I believe of this John Pincombe, the testator has now been established.

3.    Autosomal DNA Study

The entire Pincombe DNA study at FT DNA includes 19 members of whom 12 have taken the Family Finder Test.

I continue to have matches that have proven to be most interesting in my Pincombe family line but primarily these new matches are in the line of the wife of my 2x great grandfather John Pincombe (emigrated to Canada in 1850/51).

I am still not yet ready to discuss the yDNA Pincombe-Pinkham family study.

4.     North Molton Parish Records (Part 3)

These baptismal records are transcribed from the fiche of the original Parish Records for North Molton, Devon.

# Surname Forename status Fathers surname Fathers forename Mothers surname Mothers forename Year Month Day Details
601  Couche Agnes  daughter Couche Thomas 1567 Aug 17
602  Castle Mathewe son Castle Water 1567 Aug 20
603  Crange  Anne   daughter Crange Christopher  1567  Aug  23
604  Burges Robarte son Burges Richard 1567 Sep 17
605  Viccarie Marye  daughter Viccarie Nycholas 1567 Sep 18
606  Burges Emmett daughter Burges John 1567 Oct 6
607  Frenche Johane base daughter Frenche 1567 Oct 6
608  Heywode Elizabeth daughter Heywode John 1567 Oct 7
609  Kyngdon Thomsene daughter Kyngdon Thomas  1567  Oct  8
610  Vyccarie John son Vyccarie John   1567 Oct 10
611  Parker Anne daughter Parker Edmonde   1567 Oct 12 Esquire
612  Drustone Robarte base son   Drustone Johane 1567 Oct 23
613  Gould Mote daughter Gould William   1567 Nov 15
614  Tapp Mathewe son Tapp John   1567 Nov 18
615  Greynewaie William son Greynewaie George   1567 Dec 11
616  Burges Robarte son Burges Richard   1567 Dec 20
617  Mayne Thomas son Mayne Ellis   1567 Dec 21
618  Dyer Peternell daughter Dyer Robart   1567 Jan 25
619  Slader Robarte son Slader William   1567 Feb 1
620  Pytt James son Pytt Roger   1567 Feb 18
621  Locke Marye daughter Locke William   1567 Feb 18
622  Cole Johane daughter Cole John   1567 Feb 23
623  Dru John son Dru William   1567 Feb 22
624  Squire Thomsene daughter Squire John   1567 Mar 2
624  Uprichard John son Uprichard Robart   1567 Feb 28
626  Chapell Thomas son Chapell Robarte   1567 Mar 3
627  Shattick John son Shattick Thomas   1567 Mar 12
628  Greade Johane daughter Greade John   1567 Mar 25
629  Charde Johane daughter Charde Marten   1568 Apr 6
630  Bray Agnes daughter Bray William   1568 Apr 15
631  Hobb Phillip daughter Hobb William   1568 Apr 16
632  Dew Agnes daughter Dew William   1568 Apr 14
633  Greade Richard son Greade Gregorye   1568 May 9
634  Locke William son Locke William   1568 May 9
635  Locke Christopher son Locke Harrye   1568 May 11
636  Blake Anne daughter Blake Mighell   1568 May 16
637  Viccarie Paule son Viccarie Thomas   1568 Jun 29
638  Bray Salwin son Bray Richard   1568 July 6
639  Madford Frauncis son Madford William   1568 July 12
640  Row Richard son Row Robart   1568 July 25
641  Thorne Ellen daughter Thorne William   1568 July 26
642  Balmante Beaten daughter Balmante Roger   1568 Aug 1
643  Squire Beaten daughter Squire John   1568 Aug 24
644  Bennett Catheraygne daughter Bennett Charells   1568 Sep 10
645  Cole John son Cole John   1568 Mar 15
646  Dew Robarte son Dew William   1568 Mar 19
647  Bray Christopher son Bray James   1570 Mar 27
648  Chapell Robarte son Chapell Robarte   1570 Apr 2
649  Viccarie Phillip son Viccarie Philip   1570 May 3
650  Slader Catheragyne daughter Slader William   1570 May 10
651  Gru Henrye base son   Geru Elizabeth 1570 May 19
652  Squire Sammuell son Squire John   1570 May 25
653  Locke John son Locke John   1570 July 2
654  Errshe Thomas son Errshe John   1570 July 21
655  Reede George son Reede Mychaell   1570 Sep 3
656  Bray Dorothye daughter Bray Christopher   1570 Sep 4
657  Hoper Ellen daughter Hoper William   1570 Sep 18
658  Burgis William son Burgis John   1570 Sep 2
659  Trowte Thomas son Trowte Salwin   1570 Sep 21
660  Moll Thomas son Moll William   1570 Oct 22
661  Thorne John son Thorne John   1570 Nov 6
662  Locke Uryth daughter Locke Henrye   1570 Jan 17
663  Dyer Anne daughter Dyer Robert   1570 Feb 7
664  Wodum Marye daughter Wodum John   1570 Feb 17
665  Squire Christian daughter Squire George   1570 Mar 23
666  Locke Margrett daughter Locke William   1571 Mar 27
667  Greynewaie George son Greynewaie George   1571 Mar 27
668  Shattick Margrett daughter Shattick Thomas   1571 Apr 24
669  Shapland Richard son Shapland John   1571 May 10
670  Whitfild Johane daughter Whitfild Dayve   1571 Jun 2
671  Balmante Catheryngne daughter Balmante Roger   1571 Jun 17
672  Muxwerthie Johane daughter Muxwerthie Alexander 1571 Jun 24
673  Clatwerthie Margrett daughter Clatwerthie George   1571 Aug 19
674  Priars John son Priars Harrye   1571 Sep 9
675  Abbott Temperance daughter Abbott Thomas   1571 Sep 13
676  Gru William son Gru Thomas   1571 Sep 20
677  Thorne Marye daughter Thorne Richard   1571 Nov 21
678  Burges Anthonye son Burges Richard   1571 Dec 2
679  Hobb Johane daughter Hobb Bartholomewe   1571 Jan 20
680  Dru William son Dru William   1571 Feb 2
681  Courtneye Peter son Courtneye Thomas   1571 Feb 2 gent
682  Harris Rebecca daughter Harris Robart   1572 Apr 13
683  Tapp Phillip son Tapp John   1572 Apr 24 John Tapp the younger
684  Dee John son Dee John   1572 Apr 25 John Dee the younger
685  Shapland Thomas son Shapland John   1572 May 6
686  Snowe Catheryngne daughter Snow Mathew   1572 Jun 13
687  Upricharde Thomas son Upricharde Robart   1572 Jun 22
688  Davye Emott daughter Davye John   1572 July 30
689  Cole Peter son Cole John   1572 Aug 10
690  Crange Richard son Crange Christopher   1572 Sep 14
691  Millet William son Millet John   1572 Sep 14
692  Bagtor Marye daughter Bagtor John   1572 Sep 14
693  Slader William son Slader William   1572 Sep 23
694  Cowche Thomas son Cowche Thomas   1572 Sep 28
695  Kyngdon Sylby daughter Kyngdon Thomas   1572 Oct 1
696  Thorne Agnes daughter Thorne Peter   1572 Oct 1
697  Hancok Beaten daughter Hancok John   1572 Oct 4
698  Locke Agnes daughter Locke John   1572 Oct 24 of Brinsworthie
699  Burges Marryon daughter Burges William   1572 Oct 19
700  Stocke Anne base daughter Stocke Johane 1572 Oct 19 servant of Paule Bale
701  Ames Emmott daughter Ames William   1572 Nov 1
702  Moll Harrye son Moll Anthonye   1572 Dec 7
703  Pasmore John son Pasmore Myghell   1572 Dec 14
704  Kedwill Johane base daughter   Kedwill Silbye 1572 Dec 14
705  Tompson Thomas son Tompson Edwarde   1572 Dec 16
706  Thorne Johane daughter Thorne John   1572 Dec 24 carpenter
707  Hobb Margarett daughter Hobb William   1572 Jan 11
708  Uprichard Elizabeth base born   Uprichard Agnes 1572 Jan 13
709  Jeffrye Suzan daughter Jeffrye John   1572 Jan 16
710  Vellacott John son Vellacott Mathew   1572 Jan 18
711  Heywode Johane daughter Heywode John   1572 Feb 1
712 Locke de Shapland John son Locke de Shapland William 1572 Feb 4
713  Thorne Johane daughter Thorne John   1572 Feb 15 of Upcott
714  Williams John son Williams James   1572 Feb 15
715  Greade Margarett daughter Greade John   1572 Mar 1
716  Lock Thomas son Lock William   1572 Mar 24 of Lee
717  Bray Richard son Bray James   1573 Mar 27
718  Whitfild Jeffrye son Whitfild John   1573 Apr 1
719  Charde Johane base daughter   Charde Johane 1573 Apr 10
720  Locke Robarte son Locke Harrye   1573 Apr 21 of Hunston
721  Viccarie Catheraygne daughter Viccarie Thomas   1573 Apr 22
722  Ballemye Syblye daughter Ballemye Robarte   1573 Apr  25
723  Vyccarie Inglysh son Vyccarie William   1573 July 15
724  Hoper William son Hoper William   1573 July 16
725  Striblinge Gunnett daughter Striblinge Richard   1573 July 26
726  Bray John son Bray Nicholas   1573 Aug 16
727  Vyccarie Wyllmott daughter Vyccarie John 1573 Aug 23 of Upcott
728  Bray William son Bray William  1573 Sep 3
729  Shapton John son Shapton John 1573 Sep 13
730  Vyccarie or Pulham Helen daughter Vyccarie alias Pulham John 1573 Oct 3
731  Blake Chrystine daughter Blake Richard   1573 Oct 23
732  Lock John son Lock Roger   1573 Nov 20
733  Burges Richard son Burges Richard   1573 Nov 22
734  Squire Trysten daughter Squire John 1573 Dec 5 John Squire in towne
735  Hill William base son Hill John   1573 Dec  26 in the parish of Chittlehampton
736  Abbott John son Abbott John   1573 Jan 26
737  Lock Phillip son Lock Rychard   1573 Feb 14
738  Reymer Syblie daughter Reymer George   1573 Mar 14
739  Dew Allson daughter Dew William   1573 Mar 14
740  Tapp John son Tapp John   1573 Mar 14 John Tapp the younger
741  Rendell John base son   Rendell Thomsen 1573 Mar 23
742  Burges Beaten daughter Burges Mathew   1574 Mar 25
743  Burges Harrye son Burges Richard   1574 Mar 31
744  Courtneye Ambrose son Courtneye Thomas   1574 Apr 5
745  Courtneye Austyne son Courtneye Thomas   1574 Apr 5
746  Bray John son Bray Christopher   1574 Apr 10
747  Shattick Wylmott daughter Shattick Thomas   1574 May 16
748  Burges William son Burges William   1574 Jun 6
749  Thorne James son Thorne William   1574 Jun 20
750  Pyncombe Peternell daughter Pyncombe John 1574 Jun 29 of Flitton
751  Locke Marye daughter Locke John   1574 July 4 of Nadrid
752  Frase Richard son Frase Richard   1574 July 25
753  Thorne Christopher base son   Thorne Johane 1574 Aug 2
754  Williams John son Williams James   1574 Aug 21
755  Dru Sythe daughter Dru Andrew   1574 Sep 12
756  Braylie Johane daughter Braylie John   1574 Sep 17
757  Vellacott Mathewe son Vellacott Mathew   1574 Sep 21
758  Davye William son Davye John   1574 Sep 26 of Flitton
759  Viccarie Roger son Viccarie John   1574 Oct 3 South Radwerthie
760  Shapland Chrystine daughter Shapland John   1574 Oct 24
761  Lock Agnes daughter Lock John   1574 Nov 17 of Brynswerthie
762  Clatwerthie Catheraygne daughter Clatwerthie George 1574 Nov 30
763  Viccarie Jane daughter Viccarie Thomas   1574 Dec 6
764  Lock Thomas son Lock William   1574 Jan 6 coper
765  Dyer Myghell son Dyer Robarte   1574 Jan 13
766  Locke Christopher son Locke Anthonye   1574 Jan 18
767  Locke Johane daughter Locke Roger   1574 Feb 9
768  Slader Agnes daughter Slader William   1574 Mar 2
769  Stocke Johane daughter Stocke Robart   1574 Mar 13
770  Locke Johane daughter Locke John 1574 Mar 18 younger, of Nadrid
771  Vyccarie George son Vyccarie Nycholas   1575 Mar 26
772  Leye William base son   Leye Beaten 1575 Mar 30
773  Hobb Mathewe son Hobb William   1575 Mar 30
774 Dee Chrysten daughter Dee John 1575 Mar 30 the elder, of Leigher
775  Burges Christopher son Burges Mathew   1575 Apr 2
776  Radley Anstice daughter Radley Richard   1575 Apr 4
777  Cowche Elizabeth daughter Cowche Thomas   1575 Apr 5
778  Lapham Catheraygne daughter Lapham William   1575 Apr 10
779  Greade Gregorye son Greade Gregorye   1575 Apr 10
780  Hawkridge William son Hawkridge Jeyles   1575 Apr 12
781  Tapp Thomas son Tapp John   1575 Apr 21 in Towne
782  Thorne Emmott daughter Thorne richard   1575 Apr 23
783  Pasmore Phillip son Pasmore Mighell   1575 May 1
784  Striblinge Phillip  son Striblinge Richard   1575 May 1
785  Whitfild Helen daughter Whitfild John 1575 May 2 of South Radwerthie
786  Heywode John son Heywode John   1575 May 2
787  Snowe Elizabeth daughter Snow Mathew   1575 Apr 8
788  Whitfild Anne daughter Whitfild Davye   1575 May 15
789  Greye Pentecost son Greye John   1575 May 22
790  Balmante Dorothye daughter Balmante Mighell   1575 May 22
791  Bray Pentecoste son Bray Christopher   1575 May 22
792  Vyccarie Phillip son Vyccarie John   1575 Jun 5 of Upcott
793  Thorne Anstyce daughter Thorne John   1575 July 10 of Upcott
794  Abbott William son Abbott John   1575 July 13
795  Vyccarie Marye daughter Vyccarie George   1575 July 25
796  Thorne William son Thorne John   1575 Aug 7 In Towne
797  Eames Inglysh son Eames Thomas   1575 Aug 21
798  Courtneye Richard son Courtneye Mr. Thomas   1575 Sep 4
799  Shapton Margarett daughter Shapton John   1575 Sep 14
800  Cole Alyce daughter Cole John   1575 Sep 29 of North Radworthie
801  Shapland Catheraygne daughter Shapland Christopher 1575 Oct 23 the younger
802  Myllet John son Myllet John   1575 Nov 6
803  Bokingham Bartholomewe son Bokingham Thomas   1575 Nov 13
804  Hobb Emmott daughter Hobb Bartholomewe   1575 Dec 18
805  Squire Thomas son Squire John   1575 Jan 18 the workman
806  Balmente Roger son Balmente William   1575 Feb 11
807  Williams James son Williams James   1575 Feb 22
808  Locke Robarte son Locke William   1575 Mar 7 of Lee
809 Tompson Chrysten daughter Tompson Edwarde   1575 Mar 19
810 Hancok Margrett daughter Hancok John   1576 Mar 25
811  Lapham Danyell son Lapham Symon   1576 Mar 30
812  Lapham Alyce daughter Lapham William   1576 Apr 1
813  Tapp Johane daughter Tapp John   1576 Apr 10 the younger
814  Thorne Agnes daughter Thorne John   1576 Apr 20 in Towne workman
815  Kedwill Margerye base daughter   Kedwill Syblie 1576 Apr 22
816  Wodum Phillip son Wodum John   1576 May 4
817  Cole Christopher son Cole Bernard   1576 May 6
818  Moll William son Moll Anthonye   1576 May 31
819  Lange John son Lange John   1576 Jun 23
820  Vyccarie Richard son Vyccarie Nycholas   1576 July 22
821  Dew Richard son Dew William   1576 Aug 12
822  Slader George son Slader Thomas   1576 Sep 12
823  Burges Johane daughter Burges John   1576 Sep 21 In Towne
824  Priers John son Priers Harrye   1576 Sep 26
825  Moorman Richard son Moorman Thomas   1576 Oct 6
826  Locke Elizabeth daughter Locke John   1576 Oct 6 of Nadrid
827  Locke Johane daughter Locke Harrye   1576 Oct 7
828  Shattick Mathewe daughter Shattick Thomas   1576 Oct 21
829  Burges John son Burges Mathew   1576 Oct 29
830  Vyccarie Drues daughter Vyccarie George   1576 Nov 9
831  Blake Drues daughter Blake Richard   1576 Nov 18
832  Whitfild Rebecca daughter Whitfild John   1576 Dec 21
833  Locke Syblye daughter Locke John 1576 Jan 1 of Brinsworthie
834  Locke Harrye son Locke Roger   1576 Jan 9
835  Abbott Syblye daughter Abbott John   1576 Jan 21
836  Clatwerthie Phillip son Clatwerthie George   1576 Feb 1
837  Lock John son Lock Anthonye   1576 Mar 12
838  Tapp Elizabeth daughter Tapp John   1576 Mar 22 in Towne
839  Hobb Andrew son Hobb Bartholomewe 1576 Mar 23
840  Pasmore Johanedau Pasmore Myghell  1577 Apr 8
841  Bray John son Bray John  Johane 1577 Apr 12
842  Widlake alias Braylie Alyce daughter Widlake alias Braylie John  Johane 1577 Apr 23
843  Davye Elizabeth daughter Davye John  Elizabeth 1577 May 1
844  Locke Chrysten daughter Locke Mighell  Johane 1577 May 8
845  Locke Catherygne daughter Locke Richard  Johane 1577 May 14
846  Frase Edward son Frase Richard  Duines 1577 Jun 2
847  Hobb Phillip son Hobb William  Johane 1577 Aug 4
848  Slader Florence daughter Slader William  Willmott 1577 Aug 14
849  Viccarie John son Viccarie Walter  Mawt 1577 Aug 30
850  Striblinge Jeyls son Striblinge Richard  Elizabeth 1577 Sep 14
851  Radley Uryth daughter Radley Richard  Johane 1577 Sep 15
852  Shaplande John base son Shaplande Phillip Thorne Johane 1577 Sep 23 in Towne
853  Shaplande Johane daughter Shaplande William  Johane 1577 Sep 24 of Flitton
854  Abbott Robarte son Abbott Thomas  Marye 1577 Oct 6
855  Vyccarie Inglysh son Vyccarie John  Emmott 1577 Oct 20 of Upcott
856  Vyccarie Agnes daughter Vyccarie John  Emmott 1577 Oct 20 of Upcott
857  Whitfild Agnes daughter Whitfild John  Helen 1577 Oct 23
858  Viccarie William son Viccarie John  Agnes 1577 Oct 25 Of South radworthie
859  Vellacott William son Vellacott Mathew  Johane 1577 Nov 20
860  Thorne Catherygne daughter Thorne John Gunnett 1577 Jan 2 In Towne
861  Thorne Fayth daughter Thorne John Gunnett 1577 Jan 2 In Towne
862  Shaplande Elizabeth daughter Shaplande Christopher  Grace 1577 Jan 14
863  Lock John son Lock William  Alyce 1577 Jan 19
864  Thorne Agnes daughter Thorne John Willmott 1577 Feb 5 of Upcott
865  Shaplande Helen daughter Shaplande John  Agnes 1577 Feb 6
866  Viccarie Anne daughter Viccarie Nycholas  Johane 1577 Feb 15
867  Bray Marye daughter Bray Thomas  Agnes 1577 Feb 23
868  Thorne Jane daughter Thorne Richard  Custine 1577 Mar 3
869  Thorne Richard son Thorne John  Johane 1577 Mar 3
870  Locke Dorothye daughter Locke Phillip  Richord 1577 Mar 9
871  Hearde Isat daughter Hearde John  Isat 1577 Mar 29
872  Burges John son Burges William  Margaret 1578 Mar 31 of Fyldon
873  Atkins William son Atkins William  Emmott 1578 Apr 12
874  Lange Agnes daughter Lange John  Johane 1578 Apr 20
875  Thorne Allyce daughter Thorne John  Johane 1578 Apr 20
876  Dee Agnes daughter Dee John  Elizabeth 1578 May 1 the younger
877  Harris Allyce daughter Harris Robarte  Johane 1578 May 8
878  Stocke Johane daughter Stocke Robarte  Thomsen 1578 May 8
879  Charde Syble daughter Charde Charlls   1578 May 18
880  Shapton William son Shapton John  Elizabeth 1578 Jun 15
881  Shapland Johane daughter Shapland William Thomsen 1578 Jun 20
882  Chrispin John son Chrispin Robarte  Syblie 1578 Jun 21
883  Cole Richard son Cole John  Marye 1578 July 23
884  Prior Johane daughter Prior Harrye  Johane 1578 Aug 13
885  Bray Water son Bray John  Johane 1578 Aug 20 of south radderie
886  Mathew William son Mathew John  Syth 1578 Sep 5
887  Hancok Emmanuell son Hancok John  Duynes 1578 Sep 17
888  Shapland Johane daughter Shapland Phillip  Marye 1578 Oct 1
889  Whitfild William son Whitfild Davye  Johane 1578 Oct 4
890  Parker Lewes son Parker Mr. Lewes   1578 Oct 4
891  Jope Thomas son Jope Ambrose  Alyce 1578 Nov 1
892  Thorne Charels base son   Thorne Johane 1578 Nov 7
893  Thorne Johane daughter Thorne John Johane 1578 Dec 14 of North Radderie
894  Burges Elizabeth daughter Burges Mathew Margaret 1578 Dec 22
895  Millet  Sythe base daughter Millet  Elizabeth 1578 Dec 22
896  Slader John son Slader Thomas Agnes 1578 Jan 4
897  Hobb Johane  daughter  Hobb  Bartholomewe  Alyce  1578 Feb 20
898  Williams John son Williams James  Elizabeth  1578  Feb  22
899  Squire  John  son Squire John Johane 1578 Mar 8


Any material which you may wish to submit for the next issue of the newsletter (1st of September 2017) concerning the Pincombe/Pinkham family needs to be submitted by the 20th of August and can be sent to:
Elizabeth Kipp (Editor)
kippeeb@rogers.com

Philip Rowcliffe (1721 - 1802)

52 Ancestor Challenge - Challenge 42

Blake, King, Coleman, Pearce, Farmer, Mary (unknown), Lambden, Sarah (unknown), Knight, Ellis, Knight, Vincent, Butt, O'Ford, Arnold, Molton, Cotterell, Bartlett, Alderman, Shepherd, Sherwood, Elizabeth (unknown), Happerfield, Collins, Rawlings, Tanner, Dove, Morgan, Lywood, Lanham, unknown, Peck, Pincombe, Charley, Rowcliffe, Pearse, Rew, Moggridge, Siderfin, Kent, Gray, Hilton, Cobb, Sproxton, Routledge, Tweddle, Routledge, Routledge, (unknown) Buller, unknown, Beard, Hemsley, Welch, Brockhouse, Cheatle, Woodcock, unknown Taylor, unknown, Harborne, Lewis, Roberts, Croxall, Lawley, unknown

Philip Rowcliffe was baptized 4 Apr 1721 at Merton the son of Andrew Rowcliffe and Joan Harvey who were themselves married 8 Jun 1720 at Merton. Philip married Martha Pearse 9 Apr 1760 at South Molton and their daughter Elizabeth (baptized 20 May 1777 at Bishops Nympton) married Robert Pincombe  7 Jun 1803 at Bishops Nympton.

Philip and Martha had four children, two baptized  at Bishops Nympton:

Philip born circa 1767 and married Joan Rock 2 May 1803 at Mariansleigh (descendants of this family also emigrated to Canada and were known to my Pincombe ancestors)

George baptized 9 Jul 1774

Elizabeth baptized 20 May 1777

William  born circa 1780

Even now looking more than 10 years later for an actual baptism for the other two children I do not find one for Philip or for William.


Philip was the son of Andrew Rowcliffe and Joan Harvey who were themselves married 8 Jun 1720 at Merton. They baptized five children at Merton:

Philip baptized 4 Apr 1721 and married to Martha Pearse 9 Apr 1760 at South Molton, buried 22 Mar 1802 at South Molton
Mary baptized 30 Apr 1723 and married to William Smale 9 Dec 1754 at Merton
Elizabeth baptized 16 May 1727 and married to Thomas Fraine 25 Jul 1763 at Merton
William baptized 9 Mar 1730 and married to Elizabeth Spare 22 Feb 1764 at Merton, buried 12 Jul 1811 at Merton (82 years of age)
Andrew baptized 11 Jun 1732 at Merton and married to Wilmote Leverton 28 Oct 1766 at Merton

Thinking about these two lines of Smale and Fraine I have never attempted to trace them down so perhaps I will look at that for Philip's siblings. Plus I have not really noted the descendants of Philip, my ancestor, other than my own line. I think that I will create a Rowcliffe tree in Legacy.

The Rowcliffe family is rather interesting Andrew Rowcliffe was likely the Andrew baptized September 1761 at Merton son of Andrew and Mary Rowcliffe. Andrew is likely the Andrew buried 3 Feb 1687 at Merton. Linking this family back to the known Rowcliffe family in Devon has not been accomplished by me. I have gathered a little information however on this family at Merton as I have the Parish Registers for Merton. They begin rather late in 1693

The ancient family of Rowcliffe was found at Yarnscombe which is eight miles from Merton. William Rockley of Yarnscomb married Jone Bagbeare of Bagbeare and they had four sons and one daughter:

Thomas Rocliff of Yearnscomb married to Christian Horne and this is the line that is recorded in the Visitations of Devon 1620. I do not find my Andrew in that line and suspect that he was not descendant of Thomas.

George Rowcliffe living in 1555 and buried by 1620 had two daughters

John Rowcliffe had three sons

Aldered Rowcliffe had four sons

Emme married to unknown

There is a will for Samuell Rowcliffe, yeoman of Merton, probated 24 Jun 1657 which is a must read and will transcribe for this blog post. At a quick glance he has sons named George, Richard and Samuell and a daughter Jone. No mention of Andrew is this will. Could he be a son of George, Richard or Samuell? Of note, George is a forename that was used in the Rowcliffe family along with Philip and William.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Date: 18 October 2015
Source: National Archives of the UK - PROB 11/265/584
Testator: Samuell Rowcliffe, Yeoman
Location: Merton, Devon
Date of Will:  25 Nov 1650, Probated 24 Jun 1657

1.   In the name of God Amen
2.   I Samuell Rowcliffe of the Parish of Merton in the Countie of
3.   Devon Yeoman being att present in perfect health and sound of
4.   memorie and minde (thankes be unto Almightie God) doe make
5.   and ordaine this to be my last Will and testament in manner
6.   and forme following Imprimis I recommend my Soule unto the
7.   hands of Almightie God my Maker and Creatour of whome I have
8.   to finde mercie and forgivenes of my sinnes in and through the merritts
9.   of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer And I bequeath my Bodie
10. to Christian buriall in the parish Church of Merton aforesaid whensoever it
11. shall please God to call me out of this miserible World Item I give and bequeath
12. unto my Wife Jane the Tableboard which stands in my hall and the
13. bord Bedstead and the furniture thereunto belonging which is in the
14. under Roome adioyning unto the Hall and the Ammory which stands in
15. the saide Roome and all the fyrewood which shall happen to be in my
16. Towne place att the time of my decease Which promisses my will is
17. she shall inioy upon Condition that she suffer my Children to inioy the proffitts
18. of my Tenement one Quarter of a yeare after my decease and thereto
19. have her dett of them during that time and not otherwise Item I give
20. and bequeath unto my daughter Jane Thirtie pounds lawfull English
21. monie to be paid her within one yeare after my decease Itemn I give
22. and bequeath unto my daughter Joane Thirtie pounds lawfull English
23. monie to be paid her within one yeare after my decease Item I give and
24. bequeath unto my Sonne George Tenn pounds lawfull English monie to
25. be paid him within one yeare after my decease Item all the rest of my goods
26. and Chattells not herein by me given and bequeathed as aforesaid both
27. moveable and immoveable I give and bequeath unto my Sonns Richard
28. and Samuell ioyntly and equallie whome I make and ordaine Executors
29. of this my last Will and Testament Item my will is that if it please
30. God anie or either of my three Children herein first named shall happen
31. to decease unmarried Then the Legacie by me given to the partie soe
32. deceasyng to be distributed to the Survivour or if two of them happen to decease
33. as aforesaid Then theire Legacies to be given to the Survivour of my
34. Three Children first in  theise presents named In Witnesse of the promisses
35. I doe publish this to be my last Will and Testament And have hereunto
36. sett my hand and Seale The five and twentith day of November An[n]o
37. domini One Thousand Six hundred Fiftie The Signe of Samuell
38. Rowcliffe Teste Thomas Bennett The Signe of Phillip Rowcliffe
39. The Signe of Thomas Upcott
40. Whereas I have by my Lifetime
41. already paid and secured to be payd The marriage portion of my
42. daughter Jone within mentioned my will is That all that Legacies
43.  with mentioned by me bequeathed unto her shall cease and be utterly void
44. from her and remaine due unto my Executors within mentioned And this I
45. doe hereby declare to be my Will and intent In witnesse whereof I have hereunto
46. subscribed The two and twentith day of March One thousand Six hun-
47. dred Fiftie two The Signe of Samuell Rowcliffe In the presence of Thomas
48. Bennett The signe of Thomas Upcott
49. This Will was proved att London The
50. Fower and Twentith day of June In the yeare of our Lord God
51. the yeare of our Lord God One thousand six hundred Fiftie and Seaven
52. before the Judges for probate of Wills and granting Administrations
53. lawfully authorized by the oathes of Richard and Samuell Rowcliffe
54. the Sonns and Sole and only Executors named in the above written Will
55. To whome Administration as all and singular the goods and Chattells and
56. deceased was granted and Committed they being first Legally sworne
57. by vertue of a Commission truly and faythfully to administer the same.

Interesting to find a Phillip Rowcliffe mentioned as a witness although not mentioned in the body of the will. Could Andrew be a son of this Phillip Rowcliffe in that he does name a son Philip? The wills for the Rowcliffe family were mostly lost in the Second World War with the bombing of the Devon Record Office.

There are four other wills that I will transcribe also at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury

1. Thomas Rowcliffe yeoman of Kings Nympton probated 5 Jul 1658

Kings Nympton is just 11 miles from Merton and 6 miles from Bishops Nympton making it a rather interesting will to read as well.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Date: 18 October 2015
Source: National Archives of the UK - PROB 11/279/169
Testator: Thomas Rowcliffe, Yeoman
Location: Kings Nympton, Devon
Date of Will:  10 Mar 1657, Probated 5 Jul 1658

1.    In the name of God Amen
2.    the Tenth day of March in the yeare of our Lord One thousand six
3.   hundred fiftie and seaven I Thomas Rowcliffe of Kingsnimpton in
4.   the County of Devon Yeoman being sicke of bodie but of good and perfect
5.   memory thanckes be to God And Calling to remembrence the uncertaine
6.   Estate of this transitorie Life and that all flesh must yeeld unto death
7.   when it shall please God to Call doe make constitute ordaine and declare
8.   this my last Will and testament in manner and forme following revo-
9.   king and annulling by theise presents all and every Testament and
10. Testaments Will and Wills heretofore by me made and declared either
11. by word or by writing and this to be taken only for my last Will and Testam[en]t
12. and none other And first being sorrie from the bottome of my hart for
13. my sinns past most humbly desiring forgivenes for the same give and
14. Committ my soule unto Almightie God my Saviour and Redeemer
15. In whome and by the merritts of Jesus Christ I trust and believe assuredly
16. to be saved and to have full remission and forgivenes of all my sinns
17. And that my soule with my Body att the generall day of resurection shall
18. rise againe with ioy and through the merritts of Christ death and passion
19. possesse and inheritt the Kingdome of heaven prepared for his Flock and chosen
20. child my Bodie to be buried in such place where it shall please my Executor
21. hereafter named to appoynte and for the settling of my Temporall Estate
22. and such Goods Chattells and debts as it hath pleased God farr above my
23. deserts to bestowe upon mee I doe order give and dispose the same in manner
24. and forme following First I will that all those debts I owe in right or in Con-
25. science to anie manner of person or persons whatsoever shall be well and
26. truly Contented and payd or desired to be paid within Convenient time
27. after my decease by my Executor hereafter named Item I give and bequeath
28. unto Christopher Lymbre Elizabeth Lymbre and Marian Limbre Sonne
29. and daughters of Christopher Limbre deceased Thirtie pounds a peece
30. to each of them to be paid within one yeare after my decease (that is
31. to say) Tenn pounds a peece to every of them the said Christopher Elizabeth
32. and Maryan above the Twenty pounds a peece given them by their sayd
33. by theire said Father  Christopher Limbre Item I give and bequeath
34. unto Mary Limbre daughter of the aforesaid Christopher Limbre and
35. Isott Tipper daughter of Anthonie Tipper deceased by vertue of anie Lease
36. or Leases all the right Estate title terme and interest that I now have of and
37. in a Certaine Tenement Called or Commonly knowne by the name of
38. East heale situate lying and being in kingsnymptom aforesaid to be held
39. by them ioyntly during the terme of theire naturall lives yeelding and
40. paying yearely and everie yeare unto Elizabeth Rowcliffe my now Wife
41. the Summe of tenn pounds by fower even and equall portions the said terme
42. to Commence and beginne immediatelie from and after my decease and
43. if shall happen that the said Mary Limbre and Isott Tipper shall die
44. before Elizabeth my Wife my will is that my Land being the Sixth part
45. of the abovesaid Tenement called East Heale be charged with the above said
46. annuitie of tenn pounds a yeare hereby given and bequeathed unto Elizabeth
47. my said Wife Item I give and bequeath unto the aforesaid Mary Lymebere
48. and Isott Tipper the Inheritance of my Land in Eastheale aforesaid being
49. the Sixth part of the said Tenement (that is to say the said Inheritance
50. to the longest liver of either of them the said Mary Limbre and Isott Tipper
51. and to the heires of the Survivour of them for ever Item I give and bequeath
52. unto Ananias Kelly Frances Kelly Agnes Elyanor Joane Elizabeth and  
53. Sarah Kelly Sonne and daughters of John Kelly deceased the Sume of
54. Six shillings and Eight pence a peece to every of them to be paid within one yeare
55. after my decease Item whereas I have alone since given and bequeathed my
56. said Tenement unto Mary Limbre and Isott Tipper presently after my
57. death it is now my will and testament that my said Wife Elizabeth shall
58. have the use and proffitts of all the said Tenement for the terme of two
59. yeares after my death for the payment of my debts and Legacies anie
60. thing in this my will and Testament mentioned in anie wise not with-
61. standing Item I give and bequeath unto the poore of the parish of Kingsnympton
62. aforesaid the summe of twenty shillings to be imployed for them as a
63. stock Item I give and bequeath unto Daniell Rowcliffe William and Thomas
64. Rowcliffe Sonnes of William Rowcliffe deceased six shillings and Eight pence
65. a peece to every of them to be paide within one yeare after my decease and
66. alsoe I give and bequeath unto Anthony Tipper sonne of Anthony Tipper
67. deceased the summe of six shillings and Eight pence to be paid likewise within
68. one yeare after my decease Item all the rest of my goods and Chattells
69. not hereby disposed of moveable and immoveable I doe give and bequeath
70. unto Elizabeth my Wife whome I doe hereby constitute and appoynte to be
71. my lawfull and sole Executrix witnesse my hand and Seale the day
72. and yeare above said in presence of those whose names are hereunder
73. written the marke of Thomas Rowcliffe Witnesses hereunto Jenner Smith
74. witnes John Thorne John Cole Lewes Steeven
75. This will was proved in London the
76. fifth day of the Month of July in the yeare of our Lord God
77. One thousand six hundred Fiftie and Eight before the Judges for probate
78. of Wills and graunting Administrations lawfully authorized by the
79. oath of Elizabeth Rowcliffe the Relict and sole and onlie Executrix
80. named in the above written last Will and testament of the deceased
81. To whome Administration of all and Singular the goods Chattells
82. and debts of the said deceased was graunted and Committed she
83. being first legally sworne by vertue of a Commission truly and
84. faythfully to administer the same

Looking into Find My Past there are a number of interesting Rowcliffe entries at Kings Nympton including this family mentioned in the will above - father William Rowcliffe with sons Daniel, William and Thomas. Eastheale is mentioned in this will and will try to figure out if Little Heale where the Rowcliffe family lived near Bishops Nympton is associated with this property. The answer is no. Little Heale is close to Bishops Nympton and East Hele is north of Kings Nympton just below the highway to the west of South Molton.

2. Thomas Rowcliffe yeoman of Burrington probated 17 Aug 1653 PROB 11/228/447

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Date: 18 October 2015
Source: National Archives of the UK - PROB 11/228/447
Testator: Thomas Rowcliffe, Yeoman
Location: Burrington, Devon
Date of Will:  25 Nov 1650, Probated 17 Aug 1653

1.    In the name of God Amen I Thomas Rowcliffe of
2.    Burrington in the Countie of Devon yeoman being perfect memory doe publish
3.   declare and sett fourth this my last Will and Testament in manner and
4.   forme following Imprimis I give and bequeath my Soule unto Almightie God
5.   my Creator and my body to Christian Buryall Item I give and graunt
6.   deed and bequeath unto Latice my daughter all that messuage tenement
7.   lands meadowes pastures feedings commons of pasture in both Hetherleigh Moor
8.   and Totte and herbe garden thereunto belonging with theappurtenances in the present
9.   possession and occupation of Allexander Taylder or his assignees or assigne Scituae
10. lying and being within the foresaid parish of Hatherleigh and alsoe all that
11. Messuags Tenements Lands Meadows Pastures feedings and hereditaments common
12. of pastures in Hatherleigh Moor with thappurtenancs now in the tenure and
13. occupation of ____ Hatch gent or his assignees or assigne To have and to
14. hold the said Messuage Tenement Cottage and other the premisses with thappurtenances
15. now in the Tenure of Alexander Taylder imeadiatly from and after the
16. death or decease of Agnes Taylder daughter of the sayd Allexander Taylder
17. for and during the Terme of one and Twenty yeares from this time ensueing
18. fully to be constituted and ended by and under the year by rent of twenty eight
19. shillings and foure pence to be paid quarterly by equall porcions to be
20. devided and by and under the  repairing sustaining and mayntaininge
21. of all and Singular the said demised premisses in all needfull and necessary
22. reparations during the terme hereby granted And Alsoe the said Messuage
23. Tenement and premisses together with comons of Pastures in
24. Hatherleigh Moor with all and Singular thappurtances now in the tenure
25. and possession of _____ Hatch Imeadiatly following and after the death
26. decease or any other determination of Mary the now Wife of the sayd
27. Hatch and George Stablake Sonne of John Stablake late of Hatherleigh
28. deceased for and duringe the like terme of one yeare fully to be contracted
29. and ended by and under the yearly renting seaventeene shillings of lawfull English
30. money to be paid quarterly by equall portions to be devided by and under the
31. reparing sustaining and mainteyninge of all and Singular the said last Demised
32. premisses with needfull and necessary reparations when and another shall
33. require provided allwaies and my Will and meaneing is that if my sonne John
34. Rowcliffe who is my heire apparent doe  att any time within the time of two
35. yeares before he shall accomplish his age of one and twenty yeares Well and truly
36. Consent Satisfie and paye or Cause to be paid unto the said Latecia my
37. daughter and his sister soe much Current English money as shall accomplish make
38. of all and compleate upp the issues and proffitts which shall be payd and wherby
39. made. All payments Taxes and demands being deducted the Sum of one hundred pounds
40. out of the sayd Messuage Land and Tenement hereby mentioned to be Granted
41. shall be frustrated made voyd and discontinued to all intents and purposes Item
42. I give bequeath devise and Allott out Fortye pound to be Bestowed upon and in
43. some Messuage Land or Tenement for the use and behoofe therein expressed that is to
44. saye for the lives of Joane my Wife John Rowcliffe my Sonn and Latecia my
45. daughter and my Will is that the said Joanne my Wife is to enioy the Whole Estate
46. for and during her Naturall life provided allwaies that if the sayd Forty pound
47. be not bestowed in ___ within the space of three yeares after my death According as
48. that is above expressed that then my Will is that the sayd Somme of Forty pounds
49. shall be imployed for the best bennefitt of my Soone and Daughter for their
50. better Maintenance Item I give to Margeret Rowcliffe my Sister three pounds
51. To be paid Within two yeares after my death Item I give to Elizabeth Rowcliffe
52. my Sister three pounds to be paid to her Within two yeares after my death Item
53. I give and bequeath unto Arthur Rowcliffe my Brother three pounds to be paid
54. lhim Within the space of two yeares after my death Item I give and
55. bequeath unto John Rowcliffe my Sonne my best brasse pott Item I give
56. and bequeath unto Latecia my daughter my best brasse pann Item I give and
57. bequeath and doe alott twenty pounds to be Imployd for the best Bennifitts
58. ______ maintenance of my two children during their minoritye
59. and for what sums of money shall be left at the end Twenty pounds after
60. such time to my children shall be to gett them Maintenance my Will and
61. Meaninge is that the same shall be to and for the ______ sett and behoofe
62. of John Rowcliffe my Sonne wholly And I doe desir Arthur Rowcliffe and John
63. Delbridge to have the ordering putting fourth and employing the sayd summe of
64. twenty pounds for the best benefitt of my sayd Children And to be Trustees for that
65. purpose in the best manner they may Item I give to Thomas Delbridge my
66. Freind Twenty shillings to be paid within two years after my death
67. Item All the Rest of my goods and Chattells not before herein given and bequeathed
68. I give and bequeath unto Joane my Wife and her I doe make my whole and
69. sole Executrix to doe my desir paid my Legacies discharged and my Funerall
70. expenses freed Provided alwayes and my Will and Meaning is that in Case
71. that Joane my Wife shall Marry Within one and twenty yeares after my
72. death that then all such goods Chattells and moneys which shall be left and remayne
73. after such time as my debts Legacies and Funerall expences being paid and discharged
74. shall be to and for the use benefitt and behoofe of my two children John and Latecia
75. And the Survivor of them And I doe desire Arthur Rowcliffe my Brother and John
76. Delbridge to see how my last Will duly performed observed for wittnesse I the sayd
77. Thomas Rowcliffe to here unto sett my hand and Seale the eight day of June in
78. the yeare of our Lord God one Thousand Six hundred Fiftie and two the signe of
79. Thomas Rowcliffe Sealed Signed and declared and published in the presence of us
80. Henry underdowne the signe of John Alford the signe of William Penecott
81. of Burrington Arthur Rowcliffe
82. This Will was proved at Westmynster before the Judges for Probate of Wills and
83. granting Amons the 17th day of August 1653 by the oath of Joan Rowcliffe
84. Sole Executrix within named in the said to whom was committed Admon of all and Singular
85. the goods Chattells and debts of the sayd Thomas deceased she being first Sworne by Commission
86. duly to Administer the same.

This will also very interesting gives me a small family tree with Thomas the testator having a brother Arthur and a sister Margaret and his children Leticia and John. He is likely the Thomas Rowcliffe son of John Rowclyffe and Lattice Isaac who were themselves married  4 Feb 1600 at Atherington. I found three baptisms for this couple:

Catorne Rowclyffe baptized 22 May 1603 at Burrington
Margaret Rowclyffe baptized 3 Oct 1605 at Burrington
Elizabeth Rowclyffe baptized 24 Jan 1607 at High Bickington

There is an Ann Rowclyffe married to William Hearing 2 Jul 1638 at Burrington


3. George Rowcliffe yeoman of Bishops Nympton probated 28 Nov 1849 PROB 11/2103/230

Continuing on with the last two wills and this next one is for George Rowcliffe yeoman of Bishops Nympton and he is the son of  Philip Rowcliffe and Martha Pearse and hence my 3x great granduncle. He was baptized 9 Jul 1774 at Bishops Nympton and buried 11 Oct 1849 at South Molton.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Date: 18 October 2015
Source: National Archives of the UK - PROB 11/2103/230
Testator: George Rowcliffe, Yeoman
Location: Bishops Nympton, Devon
Date of Will:  2 Jan 1841, Probated 28 Nov 1849

1.   This is the last Will and Testament
2.    of me George Rowcliffe of Bishops Nympton in the County of Devon
3.   Yeoman I give devise and bequeath unto my Nephews John Rowcliffe and
4.   George Rowcliffe late of Woolfardisworthy in the said County Yeoman (Sons
5.   of my Brother William Rowcliffe and their respective heirs executors admin-
6.   istrators and assigns All those my messuages tenements mills and farms
7.   commonly called  or known by the names of Bridge Mole Mills Little Heale
8.   Mole Park and West Silcombe situated lying and being in the several
9.   parishes of Rose Ash and Bishops Nympton in the said County of
10. Devon or one of them And also all other my freehold copyhold and
11. leasehold messauges lands tenements and hereditaments and real estate
12. situated in the parishes of Rose Ash and Bishops Nympton aforesaid and
13. elsewhere And also All my Goods Chattles and Personal Estate
14. and Property whatsoever and wheresoever Subject nevertheless to and
15. charged with the payment of all my just debts the expences of my
16. funeral and of proving this my Will To hold the same (subject and
17. charged as aforesaid) unto and to the use of my said Nephews John
18. Rowcliffe and George Rowcliffe as Tenants in Common and not adjoint
19. Tenants and their respective heirs executors administrators and assigns
20. for ever And I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said nephews
21. John Rowcliffe and George Rowcliffe Executors of this my last Will
22. and Testament And lastly I hereby revoke and make void all other Wills
23. by me heretofore made In witness whereof I the said George Rowcliffe
24. the Testator have hereunto subscribed and set my hand and seal this
25. second day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
26. hundred and forty one George Rowcliffe Signed Sealed
27. Published and Declared by the said George Rowcliffe the Testator as
28. and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the
29. same time who at hios request in his presence and in the presence of
30. each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
31. J G Heard  James Pearse  J Galliford
32. This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament
33. of me George Rowcliffe of Bishops Nympton in the County of Devon
34. Yeoman which will is dated the second day of January One thousand
35. eight hundred and forty one I give and bequeath unto my niece Betsey
36. Elworthy wife of Richard Elworthy of Bratton Fleming the sum of two
37. hundred pounds for her own separate use for which her receipt along
38. shall be a good discharge I direct the same sum to be paid by my
39. Executors in my said Will monies out of my residuary estates at the
40. end of twelve months after my death and which I charge with the
41. payment thereof I ratify and confirm my said Will in every respect
42. except so far as the same is hereby altered and I direct this Codicil
43. to be annexed thereto and taken as part thereof In witness whereof
44. I have hereto set my hand this twenty seventh day of August One
45. thousand eight hundred and forty nine The Mark of George
46. Rowcliffe Signed by the said George Rowcliffe the Testator as and
47. for a Codicil to be annexed to and taken as part of his Will in the
48. presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his
49. presence and in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our
50. names as Witnesses J Galliford Wm Oram Jr
51. Proved at London with a Codicil 28th November 1849
52. before the Judge by the Oath of John Rowcliffe the Nephew one
53 of the Executors to whom Admon was granted having been
54. first sworn by Comon duly to administer. Power reserved of
55. making the like grant to George Rowcliffe the Nephew also the
56. other Executor when he shall apply for the same.

This was rather interesting about Betsey Elworthy as she was a daughter of Robert Pincombe and Elizabeth Rowcliffe (and my 3x great grandparent). Betsey and Richard Elworthy were to emigrate to Canada in 1855.  George, the testator, is 75 years of age at his death. Philip, his eldest brother is still living as is William father of George and John the legatees. Elizabeth Rowcliffe Pincombe died in 1823. This is a rather interesting family as the father of the testator Philip (and my 4x great grandfather) was 39 when he married and 56 when my 3x great grandmother was born. He was 81 years of age when he was buried 22 Mar 1802 at South Molton. His wife Martha Pearse was fifteen years younger than he was. The eldest son of Philip and Martha also Philip is the line that emigrated to Huron County by 1851. I haven't done any work on this family to determine when they did arrive. The next will is for Philip Rowcliffe.

4. Philip Rowcliffe gentleman of Mariansleigh probated 2 May 1851 PROB 11/2133/117

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Date: 18 October 2015
Source: National Archives of the UK - PROB 11/2133/117
Testator: Philip Rowcliffe gentleman
Location: Mariansleigh, Devon
Date of Will:  1 Jun 1848, Probated 2 May 1851

1.   This is the last Will and Testament
2.   of me Philip Rowcliffe of Mariansleigh in the County of Devon
3.   Gentleman I give and bequeath unto my   daughter Charlotte Rowcliffe
4.   and my Nephews John Rowcliffe and George Rowcliffe sons of my brother
5.   William Rowcliffe their executors administrators and assigns the sum of five
6.   hundred pounds upon the following trusts viz as to and concerning One
7.   hundred pounds upon the following trusts for my Son John Rowcliffe for his
8.   own use and as to and concerning the sum of one hundred pounds other
9.   part thereof Upon trust for my grand children John Rowcliffe James
10. Rowcliffe and George Rowcliffe (children of my said Son John) to be
11. equally divided between them as tenants in common and in case any or
12. either of my said Grandchildren shall be under the age of twenty one
13. years without having been married then Upon trust for the other or other
14. of my said Grandchildren and if more than one in equal shares and as to and
15. and concerning the sum of two hundred pounds (other part of the said sum
16. of five hundred pounds Upon trust to permit and empower my said daughter
17. Charlotte Rowcliffe to receive the annual income of the said sum or other
18. stocks funds and securities whereon the same shall be invested for the term
19. of her natural life And after her death then as to the said sum of two
20. hundred pounds and the stocks funds and securities or upon which
21 same shall be invested Upon trust for all the children of my said Son
22. John Rowcliffe to be equally divided between them as tenants in common
23. and if any of them shall die under the age of twenty one years without
24. having been married then Upon trust as to as well the share
25. originally limited under this Executory Trust to any and every child
26. so expired for the others or other of the same children and if more than
27. one in equal shares and as to and concerning the sum of one hundred
28. pounds the residue of the said sum of five hundred pounds and the stocks
29. funds and securities in or upon which the same shall be invested Upon
30. trust to permit and empower my daughter Betsey Buckingham to receive
31. the annual income of the said sum of One hundred pounds or the stocks
32. funds and securities in or upon which the same shall be invested for
33. the term of her natural life and after her death then as to the same
34. sum of One hundred pounds and the said stocks funds and securities
35. Upon trust for the child if only one and if more than one all the children
36. of my said daughter Betsey Buckingham to be equally divided
37. between them as Tenants in Common if any or eith of them
38. shall die under the age of twenty one years without having been
39. married Then upon trust as to as well the share originally limited
40. under the prepreceding trust as the share or shares eventually limited
41. under this Executory trust to any and every child so dying for the others or
42. other of the children of my said daughter Betsey Buckingham and if
43. more than one in equal shares I empower my said Trustees to invest
44. the said sum of five hundred pounds or so much and such parts or part
45. thereof as shall remain in their hands in their her or his names or name
46. in or upon any of the public stocks funds or securities of the United
47. Kingdom or in or upon any real or other good securities or security at
48. interest with liberty for the said trustees or trustee in their her or his dis-
49. cretion to vary and transpose the investments from time to time for any
50. other investment of the preceding description I give and bequeath
51. All my Goods Chattels and Personal Estate whatsoever (subject to
52. the payment of my debts my funeral and testamentary expences and
53. the said legacy or legacies unto my said daughter Charlotte Rowcliffe her
54. executors administrators and assigns for her and their own use I
55. appoint my said daughter Charlotte Rowcliffe Executrix of this my
56. Will and I revoke all other Wills by me made in Witness whereof
57. I the said Philip Rowcliffe the Testator have hereunto subscribed and
58. set my hand and seal this first day of July One thousand eight hun-
59. dred and forty eight Philip Rowcliffe proved declared published
60. and declared by the above name Philip Rowcliffe (the Testator) as and
61. for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us (present at the
62. same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of
63. each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
64. James Pearse South Molton Devon F Hartnoll Jr
65. Proved at London 2nd May 1851 befrore the Judge by the Oath of
66. Charlotte Rowcliffe Spinster the daughter the sole Executrix to whom Admon
67. was granted having been first sworn by Common duly to administer.

Again this is my third great granduncle. He married Joan Rock 2 May 1803 at Mariansleigh. The three children identified in the will:

Charlotte baptized 26 Dec 1804 at Bishops Nympton
John baptized 22 Oct 1810 at Rose Ash (he emigrated to Canada, was married twice and I have 15 children in total for him)
Betsy born at Rose Ash circa 1812 and married to Joseph Fairchild Buckingham 4 Apr 1831 at Mariansleigh.

The descendants of John with some born in Huron County (Usborne) and the rest in England would be my fifth cousins. I should do a bit of tracing down in these families as it could be accounting for some of my Canadian matches. John had an enormous family.

Solving my Rowcliffe line back before Andrew does not appear to be readily done. Interesting that there is a Philip Rowcliffe at Merton when Samuel signs his will in 1650. Andrew, the father of my Philip Rowcliffe would perhaps have been born between 1640 and 1660.  He is likely the Andrew Rowcliffe who was buried 3 Feb 1687 at Merton. Is Philip a brother to Samuel the testator in the first will transcribed above?

Find My Past has the following rather interesting entries for the Rowcliffe family at Merton between 1560 and 1640:

Will for Andrew Rowcliff 1687 Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple
Burial for Andrew Rowcliff 3 Feb 1687
Burial for Samuel Rowcliff 2 Jan 1687
Will for Samuel Rowcliff  1692 Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple
Burial for George Rowcliffe 27 Nov 1697
Burial for William Rowcliffe 10 May 1716

Both of these wills are lost in the bombing of the Record Office at Exeter unfortunately. Proximity is always interesting but can not assume this is all one family. If you then enter just Devon into the search engine for Rowcliffe on Find My Past between 1560 and 1640 there are 281 results but most wills for this family were lost in the bombing.

A search on Rowcliffe looking for something written earlier on the family and I disovered this book which is at the Devon Record Office presumably with the closure of the WestCounty Record Office:

White, D.M. A family record. Landford: The Author [1996] 1 vol: ill, maps, ports. [Raymond: Chapter on Routleff/Rowcliff/Rowtcliffe family of Devon] [Westcountry Studies Library sx929.2/ROU]

I have sent a note to the Devon Record Office and to the Devon research group on rootsweb to see if I might be able to discover more about this book.

In the meantime I can see my Rowcliffe line just so far and the rest is hidden to me but perhaps revealed one day.

Ancestry of Philip Rowcliffe:

1. Elizabeth BLAKE
2. Helen Louise PINCOMBE (b 18 Oct 1916) - Westminster Township Middlesex County Ontario Canada
3. John Routledge PINCOMBE (b 10 Sep 1872)- Lobo Township Middlesex County Ontario Canada
4. William Robert PINCOMBE (b 11 Jun 1837)- Molland Devon England
5. John PINCOMBE (b 5 Jul 1808)- Bishops Nympton Devon England
6. Elizabeth (Betty) ROWCLIFFE (b 20 May 1777) - Bishops Nympton Devon England
7. Philip ROWCLIFFE (b 4 Apr 1721) - Merton Devon England
8. Andrew ROWCLIFFE (pre 1687)
perhaps
9. Andrew ROWCLIFFE