The Sussex Colepepers
Part II: The Culpepers of Wakehurst
Chapter B: Richard & Joanna Culpepper and their
descendants
We will now return to the owner of Wakehurst, viz., I., Richard the
elder of that name, and son and heir of Nicholas Culpeper, and Elizabeth
Wakehurst, his wife.
He married Joan, daughter of Richard Naylor, Merchant Taylor and
Alderman of London,20 by Elizabeth, his wife, who re-married
George Lord Bergavenny, and whose will is in P.C.C., 1500.21
He died in 1530, and the following is an abstract. of his will:
Abstract
of the Will of Richard Culpeper of Wakehurst.22
6 Sep 1539 (31 Henry VIII). I Richard Culpepper of
Ardingly in the County of Sussex, Esq. To be buried within the church of
Ardingly. To John my youngest son my best gray gelding. Unto Edward my
son a broach of gold and 8 pearls and a stone in it. Whereas John my
eldest son owes me 20 marks for wood that I sold him, I will the said 20
marks to Elizabeth and Anne my daughters, if the said John does not pay
it in my lifetime to the marriage of Alice my daughter; and if he pay it
for the said marriage, then he shall pay it to them after the rate as it
rests among the other brothers and sisters. Also whereas I have paid to
the marriage of Alice my daughter 20 marks, I bequeath the said 20 marks
to Elizabeth and Anne my daughters accordingly to raise crops upon such
lands as I and he agreed to be raised until £400 be paid. The residue
of all my goods and cattle I give unto Joan my wife whom I make my sole
executor and my son Jasper to be overseer. Witnesses: Nicholas Harvey,
clerk, parson of Balcombe, Jasper Culpeper, William Benye, Richard
Landesdell clerk, Richard Stayne, and John Selyard. Proved at London 16
Oct. 1539 by the oath of Peter Lylly, proctor of the relict and
executrix.
Richard Culpeper and Joan his wife had the following children
- John, who succeeded to Wakehurst, and married Emma, daughter of
Sir John Ernley, the judge, and of whom hereafter.
- Gerard, not mentioned in his father's will, o.s.p.
- Edward, living in 1539, who, according to the Visitation of
Norfolk, o.s.p.
- William Culpeper, who was of St. Dunstan's, Canterbury. He married
Mary Mainwaring
Abstract
of Will of William Culpeper of St. Dunstan’s23
Body to he buried in St. Dunstan's Church beside my wife. To my
sister Fynes a coverlet of satin and a ring of gold with a stone in it.
To my cousin Joanne her daughter another ring with another stone in it.
To my cousin Thomas Culpeper who was borne at Wakehurst, my hanging in
my hall of arms. To my cousin Richard a stone jug covered with silver
and gilt and tipped with silver and gilt. To Anne Mainwaring a silver
spoon and the best cup. To my cousin Joanne, my sister’s daughter, a
gilded spoon. To Neale, my wife’s brother, my mourning gown and my
best cloak. To Edward Bowde my best coat and cap and his wife a pair of
sheets. To Ellis an old bed. I give out of my house in Northgate with
the appurtenances belonging unto it, 6s 8d to the poor of St. Dunstan’s
a great piece to be paid at Easter yearly, and 6s 8d to the poor of
Westgate and to Norgate as much to the poor and to St. Powles as much.
Thomas Mainwaring gentleman to be my executor and he is also to have my
house to him and his heirs seeing this paid yearly to the poor so long
as the world lasts and endures. Residue to Thomas Mainwaring, gentleman.
Proved at Canterbury, 17 Sep 1585.
See also Feet of Fines, London and Middlesex, Mich. 31 Henry VIII.,
Between John Freeman and Thomas Mainwaring, plaintiffs, and William
Culpeper and Mary, his wife, deforciants, concerning premises in St.
Andrew and St. Giles, in the wards of Aldergate and Crepulgate, London.
Also East. 31 Henry VIII, between Thomas Assheby, plaintiff, and
William Culpeper and Mary, his wife, deforciants, concerning premises in
Herefyld and free fishery in the water of Colney.
His wife was buried at St. Dunstan's, Canterbury, 9 Nov 1574, and he
himself was buried there 4 Jun 1585.
- Thomas Culpeper in 1555 (3 Mary) is described as lately of Bysshe
Court, co. Kent.24 His wife,
Mary, was the daughter and sole heiress of Sir George Bleuerhasset,
Knight, and afterwards married Francis Bacon. She died 7 Sep 1587,
aged 70, and was buried at Frenze, co. Norfolk, where there is a
monument to her memory. The following is an abstract of his will:
Abstract
of the Will of Thomas Culpeper of Lowdham25
12 Apr 1571. I Thomas Culpeper of Lowdham, co. Suffolk, Esq.
Body to be buried by the appointment of Marie my
wife. To the curate of Pistre if I be buried there 6s/8d and to
churchwardens 20s but latter gift to be void if not buried there,
but Marie my wife to deliver 6s/8d to the church wardens for the
poor of the parish. To the reparation of the church of Frenze, co.
Norfolk, 6s/8d. To the poor there, 3s/4d. To the poor of Diss,
6s/8d. To the poor of Pistre, 6s/8d. To the poor of these towns near
Lowdham aforesaid, viz. Rendlesham, Ashe next Eyke, Vfford, Melton,
Woodbridge, Bredfield, Dillinghoo, and Wickham Market 3s/4d each. To
every child of a gentleman who is my godchild 5s/-. To every other
2s/-. Servants Roger Pynner 30s/-, Hugh Battell 20s/-, Robert
Spillwater 20s/-, old servant Thomas Sumner. To the right.
worshipful Mr. John Bleuerhasset, Esq., treasurer with the mighty
Prince Thomas Duke of Norfolk £20, and I pray him to be aiding
Mary, his niece, my well-beloved wife. To my brother William
Culpeper, £20 in two years, and if he is not minded to continue in
the house with my said wife, but will with his wife depart from
thence, then I will that the first £10 shall be paid him at his
departure and the other £10 within a year. To my niece Anne Fynch,
my brother Jasper Culpeper's daughter, £15 in two years. To Thomas
Culpeper and Richard Culpeper, sons of my uncle George Culpeper,
40s/- each. To my three sisters, 20s/- each. To my wife's godson
Richard Bleuerhasset, one of the sons of the said John Bleuerhasset,
my two marshes in Orford and Gedgrave. The manor of Ellwell Hall in
co. Essex to wife my wife Mary who is executrix. Proved 4 Nov 1572,
by his widow Mary.
- Jasper Culpeper, B.A. Oxford, 1522. Returned M.P. for East
Grinstead, co. Kent, 4 Nov 1547. Married Anne Stafford, widow of
Richard Clifford, by whom he had a daughter:
1. Anne, who married ___ Fynch
Administration of his estate as "of Arlington" was granted
Feb 1564, in P.C.C. to George Roberts, next of kin.
- John Culpeper, the seventh son of Richard Culpeper, of Wakehurst,
and brother of John of Wakehurst, was of Ingham, co. Norfolk. From
the Visitation of Norfolk in 156326,
he married, first, Elizabeth, daughter of ___ Caunton, of London,
Alderman, and widow of Sir Christopher Hales, knight, by whom he
had:
1. and 2. Two sons, each named Thomas, who both died s.p.
He married, secondly, Elizabeth, daughter of Rafe27
Barney of Gonton in Norfolk, and widow of Sir Francis Calthrop, of
Norfolk. She died 24 Dec 1582, and has a monument in Norwich
Cathedral. The following is an
Abstract of the Will of John Culpeper of Ingham28
16 Dec 1562. I John Culpeper of Ingham in Norfolk, Esq. To be
buried at Ingham. Poor of Ingham, Hickling, Sutton and Stalham,
Brunstede, Lessingham, Hempstead, Eccles, Pawlinge, and Waxham. Dame
Elizabeth my wife to have tapestry in the princes chamber etc. and
after her decease to my son-in-law (i.e., stepson) William Calthrop,
Esq. Also to her bedsteads, etc. basin .& ewer parcel gilt,
silver salts, spoons, etc. one Paxe of silver, her jewels now lying
in gage to one Mr. Tropps, geldings etc. combs of malt wheat etc.
£20 brewing vessels to her, then to my son-in-law William Calthrop.
Also to her two pictures, one of the queen's majesty, the other of
the French king, also use of cyprus chest and after to Brigett
Calthrop. To said Brigett Calthrop (viz. his stepdaughter),
.£50, bed, etc. To Charles Calthrop, gentleman, my son-in-law
(viz. stepson), £40. To Elizabeth Smith £10 sheep etc.
To George Barney £30. To Edmond Brampton £6/13s/4d at
21. To Edward Bynde, my nephew, £13/6s/8d. To Anne
Culpeper, daughter of Jasper Culpeper, my brother, £40. To
Jasper Culpeper, my brother, £10. To my brother Thomas
Culpeper of Lowdham, gold ring of 20s/- and to his wife, one other
of like value. I require my executors to make my brother
William Culpeper an acquittance of all debts between him and me. To
said brother William, £4. To my sister Fynes, my sister Bynde,
my cousin Farnfold, my cousin Staple, my cousins Elizabeth Culpeper
and Ann Culpeper (daughters of his brother John of Wakehurst) and my
sister Hever, each a ringworth 20s/-. To my cousin Elizabeth
Fenne £10. To my aunt Wotton 5 marks. To my lady
Woodhouse, wife of Sir William Woodhouse a ring worth 40s/-.
To Mistress Dade a ring of 20s/-. My cousin Roger Woodhouse’s
wife, Corbett's wife, Limseye’s wife, and Lewgar’s wife, rings
worth 20s/-. To my cousin Paynell's wife, a ring of 20s/- and
my cousin Paynell 5 marks. Richard Williams my servant.
Residue one half to wife, other half to Brigett Calthrop, Anne
Culpeper--my brother Jasper's daughter, George Berney and Edmond
Brampton. Sir Thomas Woodhouse, Knight and said wife
executors. To Thomas Woodhouse my regalls now in his
custody. To my cousin Katherine Bynde £3/6s/8d. To my
cousin Thomas Culpeper of Balcombe in Sussex, £3/6s/8d. To my
sister Corbett, my cousin Darcie, my cousin Elizabeth Nune, rings
worth 20s/-. Mrs. Blomefelde and Mrs. Geyne, the like.
To Awderie Gayne, Margerie Gayne, and Marie Newton 40s/-. To
parson Grene 20s/-. Whereas I have made certain leases of the
Manor of Elmsted29 in Kent my
wife to be bound to my cousin Henry Paynell to suffer them to
continue on pain of forfeiture of her legacy. As to manors and
lands, the manor of Elmstead in Kent after the decease of me the
said John and Dame Elizabeth now my wife shall be and remain unto
John Culpeper of Wakehurst in co. Sussex, Esq., my brother, on
payment to my executors of £320, otherwise to be sold and Sir
Thomas Kemp, Knight shall have the preferment. 7 acres of land
purchased in Ingham and Stalham unto one Elizabeth Smythe.
Whereas I am possessed for a term of years of Gardiners at
Churchstile and of houses late purchased of Sir Thomas Woodhouse,
the dwelling of the said houses, and occupying of said land unto 3
poor widows of Ingham to be nominated during said years by the
Bishop of Norwich. Witnesses Henry Paynell. Esq., Raff Hithe
and others. Proved 6 Nov 1566 by William Babham notary of Dame
Elizabeth the relict. Power reserved for Sir Thomas Woodhouse the
other executor.
- Elizabeth Culpeper, who married John Fynes of Claverham in
Arlington, Esq., by whom she had only one daughter and heiress.
- Joan Fynes, who married her first cousin, Thomas
Culpeper of Naylands in Balcombe.
Her will,30 as of Elizabeth
Fynes of Balcombe, widow, dated 28 Feb 1587, was proved at Lewes 9 Mar
1587.
- Alice Culpeper, who married about 1536, William Byne of Rowdell in
Washington, and of Ardingly, Esq., who died 155831
and had issue. Her will was proved 22 Jun 1578 in the Consistory
Court of Chichester by her son John Byne, the executor.32
- Anne Culpeper, who married John Hever of Slowes in Cuckfield. He
died in 1558, and his will is in P.C.C.33
- Mary, recorded in the Visitation of Norfolk, but not mentioned in
any of the above wills, who is there stated to have died s.p.
We will now return to...
- John Culpeper of Wakehurst, eldest son of Richard Culpeper and
Joan Naylor. He married about 1520, or shortly after, Emma, daughter
of Sir John Erneley, Knight, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and
had the following children:
- Edward, who apparently died s.p. v.p.
- Thomas, who succeeded to Wakehurst.
- Richard, of Cuckfield.
- Nicholas, buried at Ardingly Jul 1586, as Nicholas Culpeper of
Wakehurst, gent.
- Thomas Culpeper of Neylands in Balcombe, who married his first
cousin Joan, daughter of John Fynes of Claverham in Arlington, by
Elizabeth Culpeper, his wife, and died in 1602.
And four daughters:
- Dorothy, who married Richard Farnfold of Steyning.
- Joan, who married at Ardingly, 13 Jul 1558, William Stapley of
Hickstead in Twineham, gent.
- Elizabeth, who married at Ardingly, 25 May 1563, Thomas Duke of
Cossington, co. Kent, Esq.
- Anne, who married at Ardingly, 18 Feb 1563, Mr. Wiat Wilde of
Coulsden, co. Surrey.
He has, unfortunately, left no will, but from an Inq. P.M., taken at
East Grinstead, 24 Oct 1565 (7 Elizabeth), we find that he died on 28
Mar 1565, leaving Thomas Culpeper, his son and heir, then aged 40 and
more, seized of the following properties:
Inq.
P.M. of John Culpeper of Wakehurst34
The Manor of Wakehurst and of lands in Ardingly, Hoathly, East
Grinstead, Horsted Keynes… and Balcombe, co. Sussex. Also of the
advowson of Ardingly, and of an annuity of 6s/8d from certain lands in
Ardingly. The said advowson is held of the Queen in free socage
(free rent in exchange for services) as of her manor of Grafton, co.
Northampton, and the annuity as of her manor of East Greenwich, co.
Kent. The Manor of Wakehurst is held of Thomas Browne Esq. as of
his manor of Walsted co. Sussex at a rent of 12d. It and the advowson
are worth £7 per annum. Strudgate, 40 acres in Ardingly, is
held of Thomas Duke of Norfolk; Edward Earl Derby, and Henry Nevell,
Knight, Lord Burgavenny, as of their manor of Hoathly, rent 3s/- worth
26s/- per annum. Hawkeland, 160 acres in Ardingly, is held of
the said Lord Burgavenny as of his manor of Ditchling rent 6s/8d,
worth £5. Piersland in Ardingly, 50 acres, held of the said
Lord Burgavenny, also 50 acres called Hylland in Ardingly, of the said
Lord Burgavenny, both of the said manor. Rent of latter 3s/- worth
20s/-. All other lands in other parishes are worth 33s/4d per
annum. The said John Culpeper was seized of the manor of Grout
Wickham with appurtenances in Clayton, Kymer, Hurstpierpoint, and of
one third of the manor of Little Wickham in Stenyng, also of Bevendean
in Falmer. Of a messuage, barn and lands in Southwick, Stumbleholm,
Christmas land and Lynders in Ifeld and Rusper, and of Culpeper's land
in Kingston by Lewes, now occupied by William Newton. Of Tinsley in
Worth; of Mylland and Pickeridge in Ardingly, held of above Lords as
of their Lordship of Lewes by one-tenth of a Knight's fee and worth
£20 per annum.
We will now take the sons in their due order:-
- Edward Culpeper must have been the eldest son and have died
without issue in his father's lifetime, for on the death of John
Culpeper in 1565 the Memorandum Roll, L. T. R., Trinity, 12 Eliz.,
rot. 41, contains an account of the arguments put forward by Thomas
Culpeper when called upon to prove his title to the possession of
the advowson of Ardingly, on the death of his father, John. Thomas
Culpeper traces the descent of the advowson from the time of the
suppression of the Monasteries, and then mentions a deed dated 1 Apr
1553 (7 Edward VI), which records the purchase of the advowson by
his father, John, and his son, Edward.
- Thomas Culpeper, who succeeded to Wakehurst on the death of his
father, John, appears to have married three times.
First: Mary, one of the cousins and next heiress of John Pelham,
Esq., deceased, as appears by an Indenture35
10 Jul 1540 (32 Henry VIII), between Thomas Culpeper, of Wakehurst,
gent., and Mary his wife, described as above, on the one part, and the
King on the other part, whereby Thomas Culpeper and Mary, his wife,
for £102 and 17d sell to the King, Hyde Meade in Tullington, co.
Sussex, a moiety of Netherlands in Tullington, one-eighth of a capital
house and other lands of the lordship of Rover; also one-eighth of a
park called River Park, and other lands in River.
Secondly: Philippa, daughter of John Thatcher, of Priesthawes, by
whom he had a son and successor.
- Edward, the builder of Wakehurst Place, of whom hereafter. He
was born about 1561.
Thirdly: At Bolney, on 15 Oct 1565, Anne, daughter of John
Ashburnham of Ashburnham, Esq., and widow of John Bolney, Esq. After
the death of Thomas Culpeper, she married for the third time, 27 Aug
1572, at Ardingly, Henry Berkeley, D.C.L. (who died 1587), and was
buried at Bolney.
Thomas Culpeper, Esq., of Wakehurst, was buried at Ardingly, 30 Mar
1571, and the following is an abstract of his will.
Abstract
of the Will of Thomas Culpeper of Wakehurst36
I Thomas Culpeper of Wakehurst in Ardingly Esq. 16 Feb 1570/1 (13
Elizabeth). · To
be buried in the chancel of the parish Church of Ardingly.
· To four of the
poorest householders 20s/- each to buy a cow. ·
To four of the poorest householders of Balcombe
6s/8d each. · To
four of Hoathly 6s/8d each. ·
My executor shall make three several tombs upon
the graves of my grandfather, my father and myself, with inscriptions
to be graven in brass and to be fair and comely. ·
Anne, my wife, shall have all her apparel,
rings, chains, jewels, and cattle--save my best geldings, which to Mr.
Henry Poole, and my third gelding to Mr. George Russeyn. ·
My household stuff, implements of husbandry,
plate, armor, and furniture of the wars, half to my wife and half to
my son Edward Culpeper when he shall be 21, and to him also my chest
and great coffer wherein my evidence lies, furniture of the wars and
two silver goblets. · Richard
Persone my man to have the occupying of Strudgate park which I took of
my lord of Burgavenny, until son Edward is 21, maintaining the game of
deer. · To
every one of my brothers--Richard, Nicholas and Thomas, 5 marks
apiece. · To
each of my sisters--Dorothy, Jone, Elizabeth and Anne, 40s/-. ·
To my cousin Thomas Culpeper, my servant,
£6/13s/4d. · To
my cousin John Cupeper, parson of Ardingly, £6/13s/4d. ·
To 'Margaret Tulhe my wife’s maid, £10 and a
cow. · To
Agnes Lansford, Anne Awood and Mary Wildebore, my wife’s maids,
40s/-. · To
Barnabas Harvie my boy £20 at 24. ·
To my cousins John Ward and Edmond Ward
£6/13s/4d each. · I
make executors, Anne my wife, John Jefferie, Esq., sergeant at the
law, William Apesley of Pooninges, the elder, Edward Culpeper my son,
Thomas Culpeper my brothar. and Ninion Warde, of Cockfield, unless my
wife remarry. · And
I order my uncle John Fynes of Claverham, Esq., John Apsley the elder
of Thackham, Esq. and William Moreley, Esq. to be supervisors.
As to lands, my wife Anne to have the manor of
Wakehurst and my lands in Ardingly, Hoathly, Balcombe, Horsted Keynes
and Worth for life, and the reversion of these and all other lands to
the other executors until my son Edward is 22 or be married. ·
My said son to he educated first at the grammar
school and in art, and after in the study of the common Laws of this
Realm. Forasmuch as my house and all my other buildings at Wakehurst be
now very ruinous and altogether decayed, my executors are to furnish new
buildings I have set up at Wakehurst, and to either make them good and
commodious or purchace free lands for said son and make him an account
hereafter. · Remainder
of lands to: (i) Edward my son and his heirs, (ii) Richard Culpeper my
brother and his heirs, (iii) Nicholas Culpeper my brother and his heirs,
(iv) Thomas Culpeper, the younger, my brother and his heirs, (v) to my
right heirs. · To
executors 33s/4d rent annually until Edward is 22 or married. ·
To Ninion Ward 33s/4d yearly for his eldest son
John Ward to travel on my business. ·
To Thomas Culpeper my brother 20s/- yearly. ·
If Ninion Ward die, John his eldest son to be
executor. · My
cousin Michel Ward, now Master of Arts of Cambridge, to have next
presentation of my manor of Oakleigh. ·
Whereas John Michelborne of Westmeston may sue
Ninion Ward for a conveyance from my father to him (J.M) of lands in
Clayton held of my manor of Wickham, he is to be saved harmless. ·
If John Gaston my servant shall remove from
Strudgate Lodge to Bolney, he shall have £4. ·
I owe Ellinor Rootes, now wife of Richard Hider,
£30 to be paid from money due to me from John Bolney, Esq. ·
To my brother Thomas Culpeper, my best gown, satin
doublet, and velvet breeches. ·
To my brother Nicholas Culpeper, £20 and lands
called Farncombe and Giles now in the tenure or occupation of my cousin
Thomas Culpeper of Balcombe, on condition he does not sell it except to
Edward Culpeper my son. · My
cousin Ninion Ward. · To
Thomas Culpeper, my godson, the son of my brother Richard Culpeper, one
of my best colts running in Strudgate. Witnesses: Thomas Payne of
Stone, Richard Backshelde, Richard Pilbeame, Mary the wife of Ninion
Ward, Margaret the wife of John Culpeper gent. parson of Ardingly, Agnes
the wife of the said Thomas Payne, Alice the wife of Richard Burstie,
Margaret Tully and others. Proved: 31 Nov 1571 by William Babham notary
of Thomas Culpeper an executor. Power reserved for the other executors.
From Chancery Inq. P.M.37, we
find that Thomas Culpeper, of Wakehurst, Esq., died l Apr 1571, and that
Edward Culpeper (A) was his son and heir and aged nine years at the
death of his father, to whom we will revert presently. Meanwhile we will
proceed to trace the fortunes of the other brothers of Thomas of
Wakehurst.
- Richard Culpeper appears to have been of Cuckfield and buried
there as gent, 19 Nov 1598, being probably the Richard Culpeper of
Onstye, who was a witness to the will of Alice Culpeper of Balcombe
in 1572. Administration of his estate38
was Granted at Lewes 6 Nov 1599 to John Tattersall of Caterham,
clerk, one of the creditors, Helena Culpeper, the widow, renouncing
inventory, £6/18s/0d.
His widow was buried at Cuckfield, 12 Apr 1617, as Eleanor, widow
of Richard Culpeper, gent., and her will is at Lewes:
Will
of Eleanor Culpeper of Cuckfield39
10 March 1616. 1 Eleanor Culpepper of Cuckfield, widow. ·
To the poor of Cuckfield 40s/- if I die there,
if not 20s/- to the poor of Cuckfield, and 20s/- to the poor of the
parish where I die. · To
the preacher at my funeral 10s/-. ·
To my son Edward Culpeper’s eldest child, £20
at 21, and if he die before then the £20 equally between my two
grandchildren John and Elizabeth Culpeper, children of my son John
Culpepper. · To
my son Edward's second child, if any such be, 5s/-. ·
To my said two grandchildren John and Elizabeth
Culpeper, £20 each at 21. ·
To the said John Culpepper, my silver covered
pot. · To
my cousin Richard Heaver, 20s/-. ·
To my maid Joane Browne, 20s/-. ·
To my cousin George Wood, my sister's son, £3
within one year of my decease. ·
To my son John Culpepper, my bed of down and
best bolster, my best coverlet with three of my best blankets. ·
Executors to sell remainder and divide among
three grandchildren, my son John Culpepepr having the benefit
meanwhile until they are 21. ·
Executors shall not take the sum of £60 I have
in the hands of Sir Edward Culpepper knight from his keeping so long
as he .pay my son John Culpepper 2s/- in the £ for the profit thereof
(i.e. pay 10% annual interest). ·
Son, John Culpeper, sole executor. ·
Overseers: Richard Kyttson of Ardingly, clerk,
and my said kinsman, George Wood. ·
Witnesses: Thomas Harbert, Thomas Sheldon,
George Wood. Proved by John Culpepper, the son, 3 Jan 1617/8.
We have not been able to ascertain so far any particulars of the
descendants of this branch of the family, but John, son of Richard and
Eleanor, succeeded to Perimans, in Ardingly, on the death of Joan Love,
widow of Thomas Culpeper, of Naylands in Balcombe, in 1610, and
immediately surrendered it to the use of Edward Culpeper, son of Sir
Edward Culpeper, Knight, and if he did not belong to the Lewes branch,
it appears possible that Thomas, son of Richard Culpeper, of Lewes;
gent., buried at Ardingly 29 Mar 1572, is the "Thomas, son of my
brother Richard Culpeper" mentioned in the will of Thomas Culpeper
of Wakehurst, Esq., 1570, and that .Mrs. Culpeper, widow, buried at
Cuckfield, 8 Jun 1647, also belonged to this branch.
- Nicholas, probably the Nicholas Culpeper of Wakehurst, gent.,
buried at Ardingly Jul 1586, as stated above.
- Thomas, the younger, brother of Thomas of
Wakehurst, and son of John and Emma, of Wakehurst, in 1574 purchased
Naylands in Balcombe, of his second cousin George Culpeper, and
about 1584 married his first cousin Joan, daughter and heiress of
John Fynes of Claverham, Esq., by Elizabeth Culpeper, his wife, by
whom he had no issue. He was buried at Ardingly, 7 Apr 1602, as Mr.
Thomas Culpeper of Balcombe, Esq. The following is an abstract of
his will.
Abstract
of the Will of Thomas Culpeper of Naylands in Balcombe40
16 Mar 1602 (1 Elizabeth), I Thomas Culpeper of Naylands in the
parish of Balcombe, co. Sussex, Esq. ·
To the poor of Balcombe, 40s/-, and of Ardingly
40s/-. · To
Mr. John Love my loving friend, my young bay mare. ·
To my goddaughter Elizabeth Culpeper, 20s/- to
make her a ring. · To
my godson John Redstone, 20s/-. ·
To my godson Thomas Brett, 10s/-. ·
Unto George Cheuerton, John Awood, and Dorothy
Whiting, my servants 40s/- each. ·
To William Ranger my servant 40s/- and such money
as I owe him. · Wife
Joan, residuary legatee and executrix. ·
The said John Love overseer. Witnesses Richard
Amherste, the X of Abraham Burradge. ·
Proved by Alexander Serle, proctor of Joan, the
relict, 28 Apr 1602.
By Inquisition41 taken at East
Grinstead 30 Jun 1602 (31 Elizabeth), it was found that Thomas Culpeper,
gent., died on 17 Apr 1602 (44 Elizabeth, seized of Naylands and Hilland
in Balcombe, and by a writing, dated 1 Aug 1584 (26 Elizabeth), he
conveyed the premises to John Threll, Esq., and to John Fynes, son of
John Fynes, of Claverham, to the uses of the said Thomas Culpeper and
Joan Fynes and their heirs, with remainder to Edward Culpeper, of
Wakehurst, Esq. Edward Culpeper, Esq., is his cousin and heir, and aged
26 and more (read 40 or 41). Joan, his widow, is still living.
Joan, the widow, re-married John Love, gent., and on her death
Perimans in Ardingly descended to John Culpeper, youngest son of her
husband's next younger brother, Richard Culpeper, of Cuckfield.
Although S.A.C., Vol. VI., p. 140 et seq., gives the
respite of the homage of Edward Culpeper for Naylands and Hilland until
24 Jun 1603, and ascribe the reason to the badness of the Sussex roads,
there appears to have been another and probably more potent reason, in
the fact that Sir Edward Culpeper (who was knighted at Whitehall before
the Coronation of King James, 23 Jul 1603), had to bring a lawsuit
before he could obtain possession of the premises, of which, as
referring to the history of Thomas and Joan Culpeper, a short abstract
is given here of the Chancery Proceedings, dated 24 Apr 1604.42
Sir Edward Culpeper, of Wakehurst complains that whereas Thomas
Culpeper his father died in your orator's minority and putting great
trust in Thomas Culpeper late of Balcombe, Esq., his natural brother
entrusted him with the dealing with his goods and profits until your
orator should attain his full age. This Thomas Culpeper received great
sums during the minority which he ought to account for. It was agreed
between your orator and Thomas Culpeper and one Johanna whom he the said
Thomas intended to marry that he, your said orator, should release to
the said Thomas Culpeper divers great sums of money with which the said
Thomas stood charged and also that your orator should by fine and
recovery join in the assurance of divers lands so that Thomas Culpeper
might sell some to pay his debts and settle something more as jointure
for his wife, which by reason of the weakness of his estate the said
Thomas could not have assured without your orator joining with him: also
that he should enfeoffe John Threele late of Hurstpierpoint and Johanna
Fynes of certain lands called Naylands, which Thomas Culpeper purchased
out of money he received from your orator to the use of the said Thomas
and Johanna for their lives with remainder to their right heirs, with
remainder to your orator, whereby Naylands should be in your orator's
inheritance at the death of the said Thomas in lieu of money owing to
him.
But so yet is your orator is informed that Thomas Culpeper and
Johanna his wife had agreed to execute some former estate of inheritance
in Naylands to Johanna Culpeper's use and he did fraudulently make over
his estate to her. The said Johanna since the death of the said Thomas
Culpeper gives speeches and greatly menaces and threatens your said
orator that she has the inheritance of the land called Naylands. She
hath the deeds etc.
Johanna Culpeper in her answer says that the said Thomas Culpeper for
divers years together carried a most loving affection for her being a
gentlewoman of an honorable descent of the honorable house of the Lord
Dacres, and daughter and sole heir of John Fynes of Claverham, Esq., and
finding no probable mean of marriage during John Fynes lifetime, and the
said Thomas, that notwithstanding, being still desirous to gain her this
defendant’s further love, the said Thomas knowing that such a marriage
to be a great preferment unto him, the said Thomas himself being a
gentleman of a younger house and of small possessions, and the said
Thomas having at the same time great occasions of discontentment offered
him by his two brethren then living, yea so great that he the said
Thomas would disinherit either of them, came and said he would make her
his heir and give her his house lately purchase at Naylands. The
defendant then said "What will the world say if you should give me
your land having two brethren" and the said Thomas said it would
far better be bestowed on her than on them. When John Fynes died (? John
Fenis, of Arlington. Will proved at Lewes, 8 May 1584, but now
undiscoverable. B. 1, 128.), Thomas Culpeper came to Johanna and said if
she did not marry him she plight undo him for that he the said Thomas
had given her the fee simple of his land which would then descend to the
Fynes... without which she would never have married him. After her
marriage Thomas Culpeper carried her to see her house at Naylands where
the said Thomas said he would dwell. She found no convenient house
thereon and absolutely refused to dwell there unless he would build
thereon. The said Thomas wanted her to advance the requisite means on
the ground that it was her own, whereupon the said Thomas condescended
and built a fair house with part of her substance, and by selling part
of her substance in amount of five hundred marks, and she advanced five
or six hundred pounds (a mark equals 2/3 of a pound), whereas the land
only cost four hundred hounds.
She the said defendant meanly lied for the accomplishment thereof
even until her husband Thomas died, a little before o whoso death it was
cruelly spoken about that her house and land called Naylands was
mortgaged to the said complainant. She went to her husband to inquire
the truth who said he owed not a penny and hoped he was not so dishonest
a man as to say that he owed him anything for that the said complainant
was rather in his debt and that all the money that the said complainant
ever could demand of him he paid the said complainant in Ardingly church
porch in good gold (as this defendant now remembers). He said further
that the said complainant had been a costly nephew and unkind to him, he
wished her therefore to look well to her writings. She further said that
she settled the manor of Lewsham (known in 1999 as Leasam) in Susses
value, £100 per annum, on her husband. She conveyed the manor to John
Threele43 reserving £66 per annum
to herself and her husband, with this the said Thomas was to buy land
near Naylands so as to make it equal to Lewsham, but he died before
doing so or furnishing the house.
Thomas Culpeper and Joan, his wife, were defendants in another
Chancery suit concerning the estate of her father, John Fynes. The
proceedings,44 though undated, must
leave been after 1587, as mention is made of Elizabeth Fynes having
enjoyed the Manor of Claverham four years after her husband's death
(1583).
The complainant was John Fynes of Claverham. He says his uncle John
Fynes of Claverham was seized of the Manor of Claverham in the parishes
of Arlington, Selmeston, Chiddingly, Hellingly. and Chalvington, being
the ancient inheritance of John Fynes and his ancestors. This John
Fynes, having no sons and only one daughter named Joanne Fynes, intended
to prefer your said orator with the inheritance of the said manor and to
leave the residue of his said lands unto his daughter. By Indenture 1
Jan 1580 (22 Elizabeth), between John Fynes and Elizabeth his wife of
the one part, John Lufford of Hoathly and John Threele of Hurstpierpoint,
Executor of the last will of Edward Fynes, father guardian and keeper of
your said orator of the 2nd part, James Thatcher of Preysthawes, Herbert
Pelham of Hellingly, and Thomas Culpeper of Balcombe, Esq., the said
John Fynes made a settlement of his manor of Claverham. He then says
that the parties came to Lewes at the Assizes which were held about six
miles distant from the dwelling house of the said John Fynes, and then
and there the said Indenture was sealed and delivered, and John Fynes
and Elizabeth his wife did acknowledge a fine of the manor unto the said
James Thatcher, Herbert Pelham and Thomas Culpeper since which time John
Fynes the uncle died and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed the manor for fewer
years. And so it is that Joanne Fynes, having now married Thomas
Culpeper, they perceiving that the said fine was acknowledged after the
day limited in the said Indenture have given forth in speech that the
said fine and Recovery were to the use of the said John Fynes the uncle,
and his heirs and not to such uses as in the said Indentures were
expressed. Whereas, in truth the said Thomas Culpeper and Joanne do well
know that the said Fynes the uncle agreed that the said fine and
Recovery should be to the uses in the said Indentures expressed. He asks
for a writ of subpoena to be directed unto Thomas Culpeper and Joanne to
appear and make answer.
To next chapter
Footnotes
20 His will, P.C.C., 7 Logge (1483)
21 P.C.C., 8 Moore.
22 P.C.C., 31 Dingeley.
23 A. 46, Stringer, No. 56
24 Common Roll, Trin., 3 Mary, m 808
25 P.C.C., 35 Daper
26 Harl. Soc., Vol. XXXII, p. 89
27 Harl. Soc. Vol. XXXII, p. 63. See also Chan. Pro., Eliz.,
2nd Ser., Bundle 45, No. 1. In an action brought by Edmund Calthorpe to
recover the estates of the late Sir Francis Calthorpe of Ingham, from
John Culpeper, Dame Elizabeth Calthorpe and William Calthorpe, Sir
Francis is said to have been married twice, his second wife being
Elizabeth, dau. of Rauff Barney, Esq.
28 P.C.C., 29 Crymes
29 The Manor of Elmstead, co. Kent, was bought by John
Culpeper of Hackington, co. Kent, from Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury,
Esq., 8 May 1544 (36 Henry VIII) for £650. (Close Roll, 36 Henry VIII.,
pt. 4.)
30 A. 8, 180; B. 2, 48
31 P.C.C., 45 Welles
32 Regr. 12, 47
33 3 Welles.
34 Chancery Inq. P.M., 2nd Ser., Eliz., Vol. 141, No. 14.
35 Augmentation Office, Enrollment of Deeds by purchase and
exchange, Misc. Books, Vol. 1, p. 10.
36 P.C.C., 45 Holney
37 2nd Ser. Eliz., Vol. 159, No. 46
38 Lewes, B. 2,275
39 Lewes, A. 16, 91
40 P.C.C., 28 Montague
41 Chanc. Inq. P.M., Eliz., Vol. 270, No. 134.
42 Chanc. Pro., James I, C. 3, No. 56.
43 Feet of Fines. Sussex, Mich., 40, 41 Elizabeth. The manor
extended into parishes of Rye, Breade, Farleigh, Winchelsea, Peasmershe,
Iden, Beckley, Sawcott and Playden. See also Close Roll, 40 Elizabeth.
44 Chanc. Pro., Elizabeth, Ff. 5, No. 58.
Last
Revised:
02 Jan 2015 |
