The Descent of the Manon of Stockton. 271 
his brother, John Toppe. He appoints his wife, Margaret, residuary 
legatee and executrix. The will was proved by the executrix March 
22nd, 1586-7; registered C.P.C. “Spencer,” fo. 13. Further ad- 
minstration of his goods, left unadministered by Margaret, his relict, 
then deceased, was granted, January 26th, 1607-8, to Richard Hill 
and Margaret Nicholas, alias Selbie, alias Toppe, his daughter. 
Administration of the estate of Margaret Topp, late of Compton 
Chamberlayne, Co. Wilts, widow, deceased, was granted, February 
9th, 1596-7, to Richard Hill and Margaret, wife of John Nicholas, — 
her natural and lawful children ; C.P.C. Admon: fo. 194. 
John Toppe (II.), Citizen and Merchant Taylor of London, died 
April 4th, 1596. A few months earlier, namely on July 7th, 1595, 
he had conveyed the Manor of Stockton, together with view of 
frankpledge of all tenants and residents within the manor, and six 
virgates of land in Stockton, to John Davyes, gent., William Maye, 
Thomas Bolton, and William Colmer, in trust for himself for life, 
without impeachment of waste, with remainder to John Toppe, 
senior, John Toppe, junior, and Alexander Toppe, sons of his brother, 
John Toppe, of Stockton, deceased, and their issue in tail male. He 
made this entail for their “ Better advancement preferment livelihood 
and mayntenance,” and in order that the said manor and premises 
might be, remain, and continue in his kindred, name, and blood. 
- John Toppe, senior, his eldest nephew, succeeded him accordingly 
at Stockton. The will of John Toppe, citizen and merchant taylor, 
wherein he describes himself as “‘ of Shallingforde co. Berks,gent : ,” 
is dated March 17th, 1595-6. He appears from it to have been 
twice married: he mentions his grandchildren, Toppe, Nicholas, 
John, and Margaret Heathe, children of his daughter, Anne Heathe, 
deceased, whose husband, Nicholas Heathe, was still living. He 
appoints his nephews, John Toppe the elder and John Toppe the 
younger, his residuary legatees and executors, and desires “ Edward 
Cooke, Esq. Attorney General of our Soveraign Lady the Queen’s 
Majestie, and my eosine Mr. John Davyes of the Middle Temple to 
be my supervisors.” The will was proved by the executors, June 
23rd, 1596: registered C.P.C. “ Drake,” fo. 45. Toppe Heathe 
was aged twelve years and more at the time of his grandfather’s 
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