140 The Society’s MSS.—Chisledon and Draycot. 
Oxford; also all that my lease, or office, of the onage [?]. To my son-in- 
law Nicholas Stephens 20/7. Fratincis Stephens his wife 20/., two of my best. 
gownes, two of my best kirtles, two of my petticotes, one of silk, the other 
of skarlett garded with velvet, and one Frenche Hood with the villament and 
carnott thereunto belonging, one long damask tablecloth, one cupboard cloth, 
two towells, seven napkins of damaske work. My godson Thomas Stephens 10/., 
my goddaughter Francis Stephens 107. William Spencer, my servant, 10J. 
John Poffley, my butler, 40s. Robert Bennett one cowe. Sole executor and 
residuary legatee, son Edmond. Overseer, loving nephew Thomas Spencer, 
esq., and John Gardiner, gent., 47. apiece. Witness, John Gardiner, Henry 
Faie, Richard Woddove. Proved 2 Oct., 1593, by son Edmund Bridges- 
Registered C. P. C. “Neville,” fo. 73. 
Nicholas Stephens survived his wife, Frances Brydges, married 
again, and died in 1609. The following notes of his will, and the 
inquisition taken after his death, seem to show that he handed on 
the estate he had inherited to his son, intact :— 
I Nicholas Stephens of Burdrop, alias Burithorpe, in the countie of Wiltes, 
Esquire, being sicke in bodye but of good and perfect memorye (thankes be 
given to Almightie god), . . . to be buried in parish church of Chiseldon. 
Poor of City of New Sarum 10s., of town of ffarington, co. Berks, 10s., of 
Chiselden 20s., of Inglisham 5s, of Swyndon 10s, of Wroughton 10s, towne 
of Marlbro’ 10s., of Pirton alias Puriton 10s., of Lechlad 10s., of Cricklad 
10s., of Highworth 10s. Younger son, Anthony Stephens, 20/., to be paid 
within 3 years. Daughter Francis Stephens 400/., to be paid to her in manner 
following, ‘that whereas there is a deede of conveyance made of my landes, — 
wherein there is reserved 1500J., to be levyed and taken by 2007. by the yeare — 
by certeyne ffeoffees, to be ymployed & disposed by them to such uses as I 
shall Bapaint, w" purpose of myne dothe in the same deed more at large | 
appeare,’ said feeoffees to pay to said daughter by 100/. at 4 payments, — 
“Ttem I give to my yoo daughter Marye 100/., to be levied by the afore- — 
said feoffees at the 2nd pay’. due out of the conveyance of my lands above — 
said.” . . . Item to Ellynor my wife I give 300/. to be levied q 
at the third paye after my decease, 100/., at the fourth paye 1007., at the a 
fifth 1007. Item to Nicholas Stephens ties Mathewe I give 107. Ttem to. 
John Stephens alias Mathewe 6/. 13s. 4d. within one year after decease. To 
my brother in lawe Henry Violett 10/. within two years. My sister Katherine 
Young 10/., “the w it is my wil] should be ymployed to the use & relief 
of my sister Martha Stocke.” My sister Mary Austyn 5/7. Item to my cousin” 
John Hynton I give my goshawkes, & to hym more in money 6/. 13s, 4d. 
Item unto Ellenor, my wife, my best bed & bedstead, 2 other ffether beds 
6 pair fyner sheets, 6 pair courser sheets, all her chyldbed lynnen, 4 best — 
tablecloths, 4 dozen best napkynnes, best furnace pannes, one dozen best pewter, 
3 best kettles, bigger brass pott, &c., andyrons, being at Inglesham. Item, 
unto my youngest daughter Mary, I give feather bed, &c. ‘‘ Moreover yt 
is my will that all those moneyes and other goodes which I have bequeathed 
unto my daughter Mary aforesaid shall be committed to the custodie of my 
ffather in lawe Henry Masklyn to be ymployed to her best use & advantage.” 
