The National Archives holds a copy of the will of William Downton of Fordington (The National Archives Ref.: PROB 11/56/392). The will was not dated but probate was granted 27th July 1574. William had no surviving male children and so is not a direct ancestor but as he was living in Fordington it is possible that he was a relative.
In the name of God Amen I William Downton of ffordington in the county of Dorset yeoman being sicke in boddy but whole in mynde thankes be to god doo heare make my laste will and testament in manner and fourme following ffirst I bequethe my Sowle into the hands of almightie god my creator and redemer my boddy to be buryed with in the churche yard of my parish of ffordington aforesaid also I bequethe unto my parish church of fordington two shillinges and six pens Also I give to the vicar of ffordington two shillinges and six pens Item I give to the poore people of ffordington six shillinges and eight pens also I give unto the poore people of Dorchester six shillinges and eight pens wheareof two shillinges and eight pens shall goo to the prison. Item I give unto my daughter in lawe[1] Jone Goole[2] together with her fathers legacy Threescore and tenne pounds Also I give unto my daughter in law Alice Goole[2] together with her fathers legacy Three Score and tenne poundes Item I give unto my man Roger Winsor one white doblet cotte[3] my old russet hose and Spannish lether jerkyn Item I give unto my man John Carter six hogge sheep Item I give unto my mayde servante two shillinges Item I give unto Thomas Tappe clarcke my coot and my black fustyan doblet Item I give unto my brother Thomas Downton on Capped cowe[4] and my white russet cloke and one hatte. Item I give unto my brother in law Benet Martyn my better Spannish lether jerkyn and my black russet gally breaches also my will is that he shall paie Tenne shillinges of the money which he dothe owe me and two dossens of hurdles the reste I give unto him Item I give unto George Jolyfe and Jhon[5] Birde foure trees that I have in Blackmore two of them lye in The Coppes and thother in the common Item I give unto my godsonne William Downton three pownde six shillinges and eight pens Item I give unto the rest of my brother and sisters children Twelve pens a peece The rest of my goods movable and unmovable I give unto Elizabeth Downton my wife whome I doo make my Executor Item I ordaine and appoynte to be overseers of this my laste will and testament Thomas Tappe clarck George Jolyfe and Jhon Birde. These witnes Thomas Tappe Clarcke George Jolyfe and Jhon Birde.
Notes:
[1] Daughter in law here is what now would be called a step-daughter. In law was used for any relationship established by marriage.
[2] Jone and Alice Goole were the daughters of William's wife Elizabeth from her previous marriage to Robert Goulde who died in 1558.
[3] A cotte was a medieval outer garment, a long sleeved shift, or tunic, usually girded. In Tudor times working men wore a loose tunic instead of a doublet. William is probably referring to such a tunic.The tunic could be paired with a leather leather jerkin. William has bequeathed Roger his set of working clothes.
[4] Probably referring to a hooded cowl.
[5] Jhon is an alternative spelling of John.
The diagram below shows a family tree for William based upon the information contained within the will and:
- A Letter of Administration for the estate of a Thomas Downton of Dorchester which was granted to his relict Edith 7th February 1585/6. It is probable that Edith was the wife of William’s brother Thomas.
- Robert Goulde’s will of 14th August 1558 proved on 14th June 1559 which names his daughters Johanne and Alice and wife Elizabeth. William married Robert’s widow.
- A survey of tenants of Fordington Manor made in 1600 which shows an Elizabeth Downton holding half a place (between 20 – 25 acres) in the East Tything.
- Elizabeth Downton’s burial at St George’s Fordington on 25th January 1604/5 recorded in the Parish Register.
Benet Martin was described in the will as William’s Brother in law. I have assumed this to mean that Benet was Elizabeth’s brother and that her family name was Martyn but, as “in law” was used for any relationship established by marriage, there is the possibility that Benet could have been a half or step-brother.
William Downton was a witness in the inquiry held in 1565 into the conduct of Thomas Carewe, Steward of Fordington Manor. More about this enquiry.