Catherine Culpeper

Female, #8581, (say 1496 - )
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Birth*say 1496 Catherine was born say 1496. 
Married Namesay 1514  As of say 1514, her married name was Barrett. 
Marriage*say 1514 She married Edward Barrett gent. say 1514. 
Will20 May 1540 She is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1540.1,2 
Will4 Oct 1541 She is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.3,4 

Family

Edward Barrett gent.
Marriage*say 1514 She married Edward Barrett gent. say 1514. 
Last Edited10 May 2011

Citations

  1. Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 20 May 1540
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 28.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Goudhurst_1541.pdf.
  3. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  4. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

Edward Barrett gent.

Male, #8582, (say 1493 - )
Birth*say 1493 Edward was born say 1493. 
Marriage*say 1514 He married Catherine Culpeper say 1514. 

Family

Catherine Culpeper
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Elizabeth Culpeper

Female, #8583, (say 1497 - )
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Birth*say 1497 Elizabeth was born say 1497. 
Married Namesay 1515  As of say 1515, her married name was St. Cleare. 
Marriage*say 1515 She married John St. Cleare say 1515. 

Family

John St. Cleare
Last Edited25 Nov 2002

John St. Cleare

Male, #8584, (say 1494 - )
Birth*say 1494 John was born say 1494. 
Marriage*say 1515 He married Elizabeth Culpeper say 1515. 

Family

Elizabeth Culpeper
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Johanna Culpeper

Female, #8585, (say 1498 - )
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Birth*say 1498 Johanna was born say 1498. 
Married Namesay 1516  As of say 1516, her married name was Fitzjames. 
Marriage*say 1516 She married Alfred Fitzjames of Somerset say 1516. 
Married Namesay 1526  As of say 1526, her married name was Leweston. 
Marriagesay 1526 She married John Leweston of Leweston say 1526. 
Will20 May 1540 She is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1540.1,2 
Will4 Oct 1541 She is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.3,4 

Family

Alfred Fitzjames of Somerset
Marriage*say 1516 She married Alfred Fitzjames of Somerset say 1516. 
Last Edited25 Nov 2002

Citations

  1. Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 20 May 1540
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 28.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Goudhurst_1541.pdf.
  3. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  4. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

Alfred Fitzjames of Somerset

Male, #8586, (say 1495 - say 1525)
Birth*say 1495 Alfred was born say 1495. 
Marriage*say 1516 He married Johanna Culpeper say 1516. 
Death*say 1525 He died say 1525. 
Will4 Oct 1541 He is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.1,2 

Family

Johanna Culpeper
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Citations

  1. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

John Leweston of Leweston

Male, #8587, (say 1495 - )
Birth*say 1495 John was born say 1495. 
Marriage*say 1526 He married Johanna Culpeper say 1526. 

Family

Johanna Culpeper
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Margaret Culpeper

Female, #8588, (say 1499 - )
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Birth*say 1499 Margaret was born say 1499. 
Will20 May 1540 She is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1540.1,2 
Married Namecirca 1541  As of circa 1541, her married name was Chowte.3 
Marriage*circa 1541 She married Philip Chowte circa 1541.3 
Will4 Oct 1541 She is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.4,5 

Family

Philip Chowte
Marriage*circa 1541 She married Philip Chowte circa 1541.3 
Last Edited21 Mar 2012

Citations

  1. Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 20 May 1540
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 28.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Goudhurst_1541.pdf.
  3. E-mail written 19 Mar 2012 to Warren Culpepper from Steven E. Bushnell, e-mail address.
    The marriage looks to be well dated between the dates of the wills of her mother and father: 20 May, 1540 - 4 Oct. 1541. This is consistent with other information about this marriage. So, for example, Chute's 1st wife, Joan Ensynge, was married first to Peter Master who d. 1525/26. Four children by two wives before the m. to Margaret.
  4. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  5. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

Philip Chowte

Male, #8589, (say 1494 - )
Name Variation He was also known as Chute. 
Birth*say 1494 Philip was born say 1494. 
Marriage*circa 1541 He married Margaret Culpeper circa 1541.1 
Biography* Family and Education
b. by 1506, s. of Charles Chute of (?Malling), Kent by a da. of John Crispe of Birchington, Isle of Thanet. married:
     (1) by 1537, Joan, da. of Thomas Ensing of Winchelsea, Suss., wid. of Peter Master (d.1526/32), 2s. 1da;
     (2) Elizabeth, da. of one Girling of Wrentham, Suff., 1s;
     (3) by Sept. 1546, Margaret (d. 28 Sept. 1555), da. of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury, Kent, 5s. 1da.

Offices Held
Jurat, Winchelsea 1527; yeoman of the guard by 1538-45 or later; capt. Camber castle, Suss. 1540-d; bailiff, manor of Frostenden, Suff. 4 Mar. 1550-d; searcher, Chichester, Suss. 18 July 1550, comptroller of customs Apr. 1557-64 or later.

Biography
Philip Chute heads the pedigree of that family supplied at the visitation of Kent in 1530, but its earlier right to bear arms is implied by the gloss that Chute was awarded a canton or augmentation of his coat, in the form of the ‘lion of England’, for his valour as standard bearer to the men at arms of the King’s band at Boulogne in 1544. Of his own lineage there is only the dubious version which would give him forbears who had moved from Somerset to Sussex during the 15th century.

Chute’s military record can be traced from his first appearance as a yeoman of the guard in 1536, by way of his captaincy of Camber castle and his service before Boulogne under the command of Sir Edward Rogers, to his preparations at Camber against invasion in 1557-8. It is the combination of this career with a civil one at Winchelsea and his kinship with Sir Thomas Cheyne, lord warden of the Cinque Ports, which explains his return to Henry VIII’s last two Parliaments. Within a few years of becoming a freeman and jurat he married the widowed daughter of Thomas Ensing, with whom between 1529 and 1532 he was a defendant to a claim against her former husband’s estate. Ensing was returned for Winchelsea in 1529 and (probably) 1536, and either he or Chute could have sat in 1539, when the Winchelsea names are lost, before Chute secured his two known returns. It was with a future Member for Hastings, John Isted, that in 1545 Chute and two others were ordered by the Privy Council to restore to Antonio Macuelo goods taken from a Spanish ship by the captain of their own ship. His appointment in the customs at Chichester following the death of John Rowland may imply that he also replaced Rowland as a Member for Winchelsea in the Parliament of 1547, but no by-election is recorded. He probably helped towards his uncle Henry Crispe’s election to the first Parliament of Mary’s reign.

During the last 20 years of his life Chute bought manors in Kent and Sussex which he settled on the children of his third marriage. By his will of 1 Mar. 1566 he asked to be buried at Appledore and left money for distribution among the poor there and at Winchelsea, Malling in Kent and Wrentham in Suffolk. After providing for his children, including the future poet Anthony Chute, other relatives and servants, he instructed his executors to sell his house and land at Mereworth and to divide the proceeds between the children of his brother Anthony, and to dispose of property near Faversham for the benefit of his servants. He died on 5 Apr. 1567 leaving an eldest son Thomas aged 30 years and more. Chaloner Chute, Speaker of the Commons in 1659, was a descendant of Philip Chute’s brother Anthony.7.2 
Biography The following was sent to CHOATE-L@rootsweb.com, September 2000, by aljo@intplsrv.net :

One of the earliest records of the Chute family of England is that of one Alexander Chewte or Chute of Somersetshire about the year 1268, who was the father of a son named John and probably of another named Richard.

John Chute married Jane Bromfield and was the father by her of Edward who was the father by his wife Christiana Chiddock of Phillip, James, and Anthony.

Phillip Chute married a daughter of Sir John Brittan and had issue by her of George and Jane.

George became the father by his wife, a Miss Faril whom
he married about 1344, of a son Ambrose.

Ambrose Chote married Amabel Chittester and was the father of Edward and Christian.

Edward Chote was married about 1379 to Dionis by whom he had issue of Henry, William, and Anthony.

Of these, it is known that William died without issue; that Anthony married a daughter of Sir John Clifton and became the father of Christopher and Robert, of whom the first made his home in Hertfordshire and probably left issue there; and that Henry (eldest son of Edward and Dionis) married a Miss Hasherfield and was the father by her of a son named Robert.

Robert Chute became the father by his wife, Alice Bartley, of Charles.

Charles Chute was the father by his wife (a Miss Chang) of a son named Edmond.

Edmond Chute was the father of Robert, who married Jane Lucas and was the father of Oliver, Charles, and William.

Charles Chute married a Miss Crips and was the father of Anthony and Phillip.

Of these last two brothers, Phillip married Miss Margaret Culpepper
and had issue of George, Edward, and Anthony, of whom the first is known to have settled in County Kent.

Anthony (the elder brother of Phillip) married a Miss Gee and had issue of Anthony, William, Christopher, and Lionel, of whom the last married a Miss Greene and had issue of Lionel, George, Charles, and Judith....

Lionel Chute, who came from England to Americain 1635, or shortly thereafter, settled at Ipswich, Mass. According to records, he was the ancestor of most of the Chutes who are living in America today.... 

Family

Margaret Culpeper
Last Edited21 Mar 2012

Citations

  1. E-mail written 19 Mar 2012 to Warren Culpepper from Steven E. Bushnell, e-mail address.
    The marriage looks to be well dated between the dates of the wills of her mother and father: 20 May, 1540 - 4 Oct. 1541. This is consistent with other information about this marriage. So, for example, Chute's 1st wife, Joan Ensynge, was married first to Peter Master who d. 1525/26. Four children by two wives before the m. to Margaret.
  2. History of Parliament Online, The History of Parliament Trust, 1964-2012.
    http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/
    Patricia Hyde, "CHUTE (CHOWTE), Philip (by 1506-67), of Horne Place, Appledore, Kent", Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1509-1558, ed. S.T. Bindoff, 1982.

Anne Culpeper

Female, #8590, (say 1500 - )
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Birth*say 1500 Anne was born say 1500. 
Married Namesay 1518  As of say 1518, her married name was Molyns. 
Marriage*say 1518 She married William Molyns say 1518. 
Will20 May 1540 She is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1540.1,2 
Will4 Oct 1541 She is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.3,4 

Family

William Molyns
Marriage*say 1518 She married William Molyns say 1518. 
Last Edited25 Nov 2002

Citations

  1. Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 20 May 1540
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 28.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Goudhurst_1541.pdf.
  3. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  4. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

William Molyns

Male, #8591, (say 1495 - )
Birth*say 1495 William was born say 1495. 
Marriage*say 1518 He married Anne Culpeper say 1518. 
Will4 Oct 1541 He is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.1,2 

Family

Anne Culpeper
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Citations

  1. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst

Male, #8592, (say 1501 - 13 May 1558)
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Birth*say 1501 Thomas was born say 1501. 
Marriage*say 1522 He married Elizabeth Hawte say 1522. 
Birth of Sonsay 1527 His son John Culpeper was born say 1527. 
Birth of Sonsay 1531 His son Walter Culpeper was born say 1531. 
Birth of Soncirca 1535 His son Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury, Knight was born circa 1535 at Bedgebury, Goudhurst, co. Kent, England.1 
Marriage*say 1540 He married Ellen Hendley say 1540. 
Will20 May 1540 He is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1540.2,3 
Death of Spousesay 1540 His wife Elizabeth Hawte died say 1540. 
Death of Father1541 His father Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight died in 1541 at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England. 
Will4 Oct 1541 He is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.4,5 
Death of Mother1542 His mother Constantia Chamberlayn died in 1542 at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England. 
Birth of Sonsay 1543 His son George Culpeper of Buston in Hunton, co. Kent was born say 1543. 
Birth of Sonsay 1544 His son Walter Culpeper of Buston in Hunton was born say 1544. 
Birth of Sonsay 1545 His son Ponyng Culpeper was born say 1545. 
Will*6 Aug 1557 He made a will at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 6 Aug 1557.

Written wt myn owne hande 6 August 1557 I THOMAS CULPEPER of Bedgebery in Kent esquier.
     To be buried in the chapell ouer agayn where that my graundefather lieth wt in the parish church of Gowdehust [Goudhurst] [or where it please God] according to the laudable custom and vsage that shal then fortune to be had wt in this Realme of England in the Catholicke Churche.
     To Ellen my welbeloved wiffe (Ellen Hendley) all her apparell, jewelles &e which she hath heretofore at any tyme vsed to ware. Also all my corne and grayne and thone half of all the beofes and muttons and all my beere, wynes, all other kynde of provision at Begebery and Maytam. My wief to keep the partes of my three sonnes, George (George Culpeper of Buston in Hunton, co. Kent), Walter (Walter Culpeper of Buston in Hunton) and Ponyngs Colepepper (Ponyng Culpeper) till they come to 21.
     Vnto my said wif my twoo dosenne of siluer plates my twoo white siluer saltes my white basinne and ewer of siluer my littill white cupp off siluer and to Ponnyngs Colepepper his cup, salte and spones that his three godfathers and godmother gave him.
     Also to my said wife hir pillion, geldinge and nagge or mare that she vsithe to ryde on. To my said wif and to George, Walter, and Ponyngs Colepepper our sonnes £100 egallie to be devided.
     All other my cattalles, goods &e., my father, my mothers willes and myn being performed I doo geve unto Alexaunder Culpepper(Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury, Knight) my eldest sonne and executor.
     Ouerseers Ellen Culpepper my welbeloved wif, Sr. John Baker, Knight (Sir John Baker of Kent), my most derest brother Sir George Harper (Sir George Harper) and my brother in law Maister George Vane (George Fane of Badesley).
     To the poor of Gowdeherst, Cranbroke, Hawkeherst, Horsmonden, Lambherst, Marden, Stapleherst, Benenden and Rowenden everye of thies parrishes 20s.
     And as concerning my manors, lands &e in Kent, Sussex or elswhere, whereas I have made severall feoffamentes to thuse of my sonnes severally in tayle wt diverse remaynders my will is that all other my mannors &e I will and lymyte to Alexaunder Culpepper my eldest sonne and theirs males of his bodye and for lacke to George C. my sonne and for lacke thenne to Water C. and then to Ponyngs C. and then to theires males of my body and to my right heires.
     Codicill: Will my brother George Harper and my brother Vane wt my sonne Alexander be my executors.
     I will my brother Harper shal have my sorrell horse and my brother Fane another at his awne choyse and either of them £40 for their paynes taking and Henry Fane my blacke horse to make hym a horsman.
     Proved: 20 October 1558 by Alexander Culpeper executor. (P.C.C. 60 Noodes.)6 
Death*13 May 1558 He died at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 13 May 1558. 
Burial*after 13 May 1558 His body was interred after 13 May 1558 at St. Mary's Church, Goudhurst, co. Kent, England. See photographs of his monument at:
http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/places/goudhurst3.htm. 
Will30 Jan 1644 He is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court, Knight on 30 Jan 1644.7,8 

Family 1

Elizabeth Hawte
Marriage*say 1522 He married Elizabeth Hawte say 1522. 
Children

Family 2

Ellen Hendley
Marriage*say 1540 He married Ellen Hendley say 1540. 
Children
ChartsThe 12th century Culpepers of England: Descendant Chart (16 generations, Males only)
Last Edited17 May 2011

Citations

  1. J. A. Venn, compiler, Alumni Cantabrigienses (Alumni of Cambridge University), Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1921.
    Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury, Kent.
  2. Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 20 May 1540
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 28.
  3. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Goudhurst_1541.pdf.
  4. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  5. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.
  6. Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 6 Aug 1557
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 70.
  7. Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
    P. C. C. Rivers, 157.
    Image:http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1645-1.pdf.
  8. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1645-1.pdf.

Sir William Hawte of Bishopsbourne, Knight

Male, #8593, (say 1474 - )
Birth*say 1474 William was born say 1474. 
Marriage*say 1499 He married Mary Gildeford say 1499. 
Biography* For additional ancestors, see the De Haut Pedigree in the Visitation of Kent, 1619. 

Family

Mary Gildeford
Child
Last Edited14 Sep 2002

Mary Gildeford

Female, #8594, (say 1474 - )
Father*Sir Richard Gildeford
Birth*say 1474 Mary was born say 1474. 
Marriagesay 1492 She married Christopher Kempe say 1492. 
Married Namesay 1492  As of say 1492, her married name was Kempe. 
Marriage*say 1499 She married Sir William Hawte of Bishopsbourne, Knight say 1499. 
Married Namesay 1499  As of say 1499, her married name was Hawte. 

Family

Sir William Hawte of Bishopsbourne, Knight
Child
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Elizabeth Hawte

Female, #8595, (say 1504 - say 1540)
Father*Sir William Hawte of Bishopsbourne, Knight
Mother*Mary Gildeford
AFN* Her Ancestral File Number is AFN: G5PN-WD. 
Birth*say 1504 Elizabeth was born at Bishopsbourne, co. Kent, England, say 1504. 
Marriage*say 1522 She married Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst say 1522. 
Married Namesay 1522  As of say 1522, her married name was Culpeper. 
Birth of Sonsay 1527 Her son John Culpeper was born say 1527. 
Birth of Sonsay 1531 Her son Walter Culpeper was born say 1531. 
Birth of Soncirca 1535 Her son Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury, Knight was born circa 1535 at Bedgebury, Goudhurst, co. Kent, England.1 
Death*say 1540 She died say 1540. 
Biography* Co-heiress of Sir William Hawte of Bishopsbourne, Knight. 

Family

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst
Marriage*say 1522 She married Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst say 1522. 
Children
Last Edited17 May 2011

Citations

  1. J. A. Venn, compiler, Alumni Cantabrigienses (Alumni of Cambridge University), Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1921.
    Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury, Kent.

Sir Richard Gildeford

Male, #8596, (say 1444 - )
Birth*say 1444 Richard was born say 1444. 
Marriage* He married an unknown person . 

Family
Child
Last Edited14 Sep 2002

Christopher Kempe

Male, #8597, (say 1470 - say 1498)
Birth*say 1470 Christopher was born say 1470. 
Marriage*say 1492 He married Mary Gildeford say 1492. 
Death*say 1498 He died say 1498. 

Family

Mary Gildeford
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

Sir Walter Hendley of Copshorn in Cranbrook, co. Kent1

Male, #8598, (say 1508 - say 1550)
Father*Gervase Hendley
Mother*Elizabeth Roberts
Birth*say 1508 Walter was born say 1508. 
Marriage*say 1523 He married Helen Ashburnham say 1523.2 
Marriage*say 1530 He married Margery Hiller say 1530. 
Will*22 Apr 1550 He made a will at Cranbrook, co. Kent, England, on 22 Apr 1550.

The declaration of the last Will and Testament of Sir Walter Hendle Knyght. In dei nomine Amen. Where nothinge ys more certeyn then death &e. I Walter Hendley Knyght &e of all my manors, lands &e in Kent and Middlesex. First I bequeth my soule to God, Our Ladye and all the Company of Heaven. My body to be beryed vnder the south wall before my sete or pewe in the churche of Cranebroke and yf I happen to dye oute of Cranebroke then to be beryed where yt shall please myn executours and there shall be leyed uppon my body one Tombe of marble lyenge in the seller at Clerkenwell which I have prepared for the same cause. To high altar of Cranebroke 40s.
To Richard Covent and Anne his wife my parsonage of East Sutton payeng to the Deane and Chapyter of Rochester the yerely terme and to remayne to William Waller sonne of Elisabeth doughter of me and said Walter and yf he die to remayne to Walter Covert yf he be then lyvinge.
My messuage or house in Holborne in the suburbes of London called Bangor Place to Walter Hendle sonne of Thomas Hendle my brother as long as they (Walter and Thomas his father) live and to remayn to Peter Hendley sonne of the said Thomas Hendley.
To my welbeloved wyf Dame Margery Hendle the parsonage of Saleherst in Sussex and the ferme of certeyn lands and marsshes at Redynge in Kent.
To Richard Tayllor and Margery his wyf the parsonage of Cranebrooke and also the Wyndemyll during all soche tyme as they wyll theare inhabite and dwell paying for the ferme therof to the Deane and Chapter of Chrystschurche in Canterburye the yerely rent. They to suffer my wyf to have freely during her lyfe all the tythe heye of all soche lands which I have in the parish of Cranebrooke. Also the seyd Margery my wyf shall have all her whete which she shall spende in my manor of Courshorne to be grounde at the sayd Wyndemyll free wt oute takynge or payenge any Toll of the same wheate for gryndynge of the same. And after the deth of the said Dame Margery I wyll the sayd parsonage and also my ferme whiche I have of the feoffees of the chappell of Mylkhouse to remayne to hym that shall happen to have and euioye my manor of Courshorne.
To euery of the twoo doughters of John Assheburnham of Asshburnham in Sussex which two doughters been yett unmaryed 100 marcs at the day of their maryages wylled vnto them by William Assheburnham Esquyer of which £50 remayneth in thands of John Assheburnham nowe of Ashburnham whiche he hath promysed shalbe redy to be payed at the maryage of hys sayd twoo systers which £50 he, John Asshburnham, receyved of Symon Marten for two yeres terme of the lands which the said William Asshburnham by his will appointed to the payment of the said 200 marks.
To the church of Saynt Andrewes in Holborne 20s. for tythes forgotten. To euery of the two preests of Greyes Inn 6s. 8d. to pray for my soule. To the churche of Benynden 20s., of Rolmynden 20s., of Lydde 20s., of Wyngham 20s., of Newe Romney 20s., of Eltham 20s., of Elveston 20s., of Maydstone 20s., to thentent the curats of euery of the said churches shall pray for my soule and to bestowe in euery of the said churches to the preests and clerks 6s. 8d. and 6s. 8d. to the honest men of the parysshe to make mery and 6s. 8d. to the poore people.
To euery of my sonnes in lawe, Thomas Culpepper Esq., Richard Covert and George Fane Gent., £40 at my monethes mynde, they by their deade sufficient in the lawe to confirme the state of the sayd Dame Margery my wyf of Thomas hendle my brother and also of all other my Manors &e.
I charge vppon my blessynge euery of my doughters Elisabeth, Eleyne and Anne to be lovynge to my sayd wyf for the same Dame Margery my wyfe hath been vnto all my sayd doughters syns the tyme of our maryage more lyke a naturall mother then a mother in lawe [i.e. step-mother].
I bequeth to euery of William Roberthe, George Clyfford, Robert Byng, Richard Marden, Robert Thorley, Nicholas Frankelen and William Ryman my olde clercks to euery of them five marks with my hertye thanks for the paynes they have taken wt me. To Johan Okeherst wydowe and to Alyce Harte wydowe my seruants yerely 26s. 8d. such tyme as they contynewe, out of my manor of Courshehorne and in default I will the same Johan Okeherst and Alice Hert have my tenement called Hogebroke wt all lands in occupation of Robert Grenested in Cranebroke, for the longe service they have doon to my father, to my mother, vnto me and my wyf. To Bartylmewe Hendle my seruant 53s. 4d. so long as he contynewe and for his life the mesuage and twoo peces of londe lyenge vppon the denne of Rykmanserst nowe in the tenure of John Reynolde.
To Richard Courert and Anne his wyf the terme of Oxney Ferye I bought of Thomas Spelman gent, payenge to the Kyngs maiestie according to the Indenture of the lease of the same viz. £7.
Residue to said Margerye and I make her and Thomas Hendle my brother myne executors and Thomas Roberthe Esquyer supervisor to whome I gyve my best gowne.
Witness: Thomas Hendle, Richard Marden William Webbe.
Probate granted 26 April 1550 to
William Walker proctor for Dame Margerie, relict.
The above is registered P.C.C. 10 Coode and again at folio 30 with the following list of landes:-

Maners, landes and tenements of the whiche I am sole seased in fee simple. First the mesuage and landes in Cranebroke late Thomas Spensers. Itm. landes late Mr. Roberdes and Richarde Brykynden in the several tenures of Thomas Sharppe and Gervase Baire per an. £13. 13. 4.
One rent out of the corne myll in Cranebroke now Sir John Bakers, Knyght 20s.
Item the parsonage of Eltham per an. 53s. 4. The parsonage of Tudeley per an. £3. The rents of the Denne of Rogley 10s. 10d. The Scite of Clerkenwell with other mesuages there £26. 13. 4.
Certen landes in Maydeston in tenure of Thomas Coveney by yere 23 quarters of barley malte at 3s. 4d. the quarter £3. 16. 8.
Maners, landes and tenements wherof I and my wyfe be jointly seased. The reversion to me and to the heyres male of his body, the remaynder to Thomas Hendle and to his heyres males, the remaynder to Simon Lynch and to his heires.
First my manor of Courshourne with all the landes in myn owne occupying lying in the parish of Cranebroke, Benynden and Bydenden, Rickmansherst and Wynsdens except £26. 13. 4.
Itm. The Tenement called Fremyngham 40s.
Itm. one messuage and certain lands to yt nowe
in the tenure of Thomas Bartill £7. 6. 8.
Itm. a mesuage in tenure of Robt. Kinge £6. 6. 8.
Itm. a mesuage in tenure of Thos. Castlyn £4. 3. 4.
Itm. a mesuage in tenure of Robt. Grenstede £4. 8. 0.
Itm. a mesuage in tenure of ------ Bakers widow 20s.
One messuage wt one cottage in tenure of Thos. Nicolls 33s. 4d.
Messurage and 2 pecs. of land in tenure of John Reynold 40s.
Two peces of lande called Tailours feldes in tenure of the widow of Walter Portreffe 33s. 4d.
Tenement and lands in tenure of John Maye 46s. 8d.
A pece of land in tenure of Richard Chitenden 10s.
Five peces of tenure of Thos. Chitenden 33s. 4d.
The pond and woode called Hawneys tilthe and Southoders 16s.
One yerely rent oute of the landes late Thomas Bratylls 16s. 4.
Tenement callyd Sprotisborne £7. 6. 8.
Reversion of mesuage and landes late Thomas Petts £8.
One pece of land called Wisefelde nowe in tenure of Thomas Portreff 40s.
The manor of Walnyston wt all other the landes in Wingham, Aishe, Staple &e £58. 7. 1.
Maners, landes &e wherof I am seased to me and to my heyres males. The Remaynder to Elizabeth my doughter.
First the tenement callyd Dernyngs and other landes and rents in Lydde in the tenure of Stephen Clerk and Robert Robyn wt. certen rents £16. 13. 4.
Item the manors of Crathorne and Ookryd £26. 13. 4.
Item the same Elizabeth and Walter shalhave after the death of my wyfe the tenement callyd Northladde. The manors &e in Maydeston and the same Elizabeth shalhave in tayle after the deth of my wyfe the tenement callyd the Hatche in Chestlet £53. 16. 7. Sm. £107. 4s. 3d.
Maners, landes &e whiche I have to me and to myn herres males, Remaynder to Elen my doughter. First the manor of Metham wt all londes in Roluynden £60. The manors of Elmeston and Ouerland after the death of Margery my wif £40.
Manors &e which I have to me and my heires males, Remaynder to Anne my doughter. First the demayne landes of the manor of Elmney in tenure of Nicholas Gyles £30.
Itm. Elmey priory with Granys and a mesuage and landes late Brykendens £35. 10. The Rentes of Assis there £3. 2. 11. The parsonage of Elmey per an. £4. Sm. £72. 12. 11.
Elizabeth:
Landes in Maydeston in tenure of Thomas Coveney £3. 10. 8.
Itm. £20 by yere oute of Walmyston vnto the said Elizabeth during the lif of Margery.
Itm. Estate of Walmyston and of all other my landes there not holden of the King to the vse of Walter and Margery, the remaynder to William Waller in tayle the remaynder &e. £40.
Itm. Estate of my four marshes in Preston to thuse of me and my heires males, the remaynder to William Waller in tayle remaynder to Walter Covert in fee £10 .
Elene:
Item the manors of Elmeston and Ouerland to the said Walter and Margery wt supra. The remaynder to Elen in tayle, the remaynder to the said Walter in taile, the remaynder to Thomas Hendle in fee £40.
Anne:
Item Courte Broke and Courte Lees newe Innynyn and Cowles, the personage of Elmey to thuse of Walter and Margery and of the heres males wt supra. The Remaynder to Richard Covert and Anne his wyfe of the heres of the bodye of the said Anne, the remaynder to the said Walter in tayle, the
remaynder to the said [blank] in fee.
Thomas Hendle:
Itm the manor of Angly and the landes in Sharlysmore and Teyntwarden to thuse of Walter and Margery and of the heires males wt supra. The remaynder to the said Thomas and to the heires males of his body. The Remaynder to the said Walter and to the heres of his bodye. The remaynder to the said Thomas in fee.
Landes and tenements of the which I am sole seased in fee simple 2nd August Anne primo Edwardi vj° a tenur’ per fidelitatem: First the mesuage in the tenure of Thomas Sharppe with all the landes belonging to the same and the landes and rents I purchased severally of Thomas Roberts Esq. and of Rychard Brykenden lying in the parish of Cranebroke £14. 13. 4.
The parsonage of Eltham by here 53s. 4d.
The scite of Clerkenwell &e. £26. 13. 4.
Certen marshes in Preston by yere £14.
Maners, lands &e. of the which I and my wyfe been joyntly seased. The reversion to me and to myn heires. First the manor of Angley by yere £17. 5. 3.
Item certen landes in Sharlysmore and Teyntwarden in severall tenures of John Taylor and Stephen Cowper and Chropher Baker by yere £32. 4.
Item certen landes called Sterland and Derland alias the Newe Innyng in the parish of Stone by yere £16.
Item the manor of Elmerston by yere £26. 13. 4.
Item the manor of Ouerlande by yere £15.
Item Courte Brookes and Courte Lees £7. 16. 8.
Maners, lands and tenements of the which I and my wyfe been joyntly seased and to theyres males of my body the Remaynder to Elizabeth my doughter and to Walter Waller her sonne and to theyre of the body of the same Elizabeth the remaynder to me and to myn heres. First the teneemnt callyd the Hatche in Chistlet £6.
Item the tenement callyd Northlade £18.
Item certen landes in Maideston late to Sr.
Thomas Wyat Knight £27. 17. 8.
Item certen landes in Maideston in the tenure of Thomas Coveney £3. 16. 8.
Maners, landes &e. of the whiche I am seased and to the heires males of my body the Remaynder to the said Elizabeth and to the heires of her body, the remaynder to me and to myn heires. First the tenement of londes lyeng in Lydde in the severall tenures of Stephyn Clerk and Robert Robyns with certen rents by yere £19. 13. 10.
Itm the manors of Crathorn and Cockrydde £30. seased to me and to theyres males of my bodye the remaynder to Elene my doughter and to the heyres of her body the rem’ [sic]. The manor of Meteham [Maythain] with landes in Roluynden thestate by dede from Thos. Wyat Knight deceased £60.
Maners, landes &e. which I am seased to me and to theyres males of my body the remaynder to Anne my doughter and to the heyres of her body the rem’ [sic]. The manor of Elmey with Elmey Priory and Cranys £68. 12. 11.
The state made by Walter Hendle by dede with the Kings licence. The parsonage of Elmey to me and to my wyfe and to the heyres males of my body. The remaynder to Anne Covert and to the heires of her body.
Maners, landes and tenements of the whiche I and my wif been jointly seased and to the heyres males of my body. The Remaynder to Thomas Hendle and to the heres males of his body. Rem’ [sic].
First the manor of Courshorne with all the landes whiche I havae in myne owne handes £26. 13. 4.
[continued in next book]
BOOK 50
Item the mesuage and landes in the tenure of Thomas Bratyall £7. 6. 8.
Item one messuage and lands in tenure of Robert King £6. 6. 8.
One mesuage and certen landes in tenure of Thomas Castlyn by yere £4. 3. 4.
One mesuage and one pece of lande in tenure of Bakers widowe 20s.
Item one messuage with one cotage and one pece of land now in tenure of Thomas Nicolls 33s. 4d.
One messurage wt 2 peces of land to yt in tenure of John Reynold in the nether Hoke
and Burfeld £4. 6. 8.
Item Tailors feldes in tenure of Barthilmewe Hendle by yere 23s. 4d.
Item Wysefelde in tenure of Thos. Portreff 40s.
One messuage in certen landes to yt in tenure of John Maye by yere 45s. 8d.
One pece of lande called the Great Rydde in tenure of Richard Chitenden by yere 10s.
Item Hawneys tylth and Southodys in tenure of Edward Chitenden 16s.
Item one yerely rent out of the mesuage and landes late Thomas Brahill 17s. 4d.
Item the tenement callyd Sprotisborne £7. 6. 8.
Item the reversion of one messuage and certen landes late Thomas Petts by yere £8.
Item my manor of Walmyston with other landes in Ayshe, Wingham and Staple £40.

Then follow 9 depositions:
1. By Sir Thomas Roberth armyer aged 57 of the parish of Cranebroke saying how he was in a chamber in the house of Sr. Walter Hendle in the parish of Cranebroke and asked one Mr. Howell, phisicon to the said Sr. Walter how Sr. Walter Hendle dyd and that he could not live long. That he was of very perfytt mynde and memory &e. and lyned about a foure howers after the declaracon of the premisses &e. and he deposes he saw a will and that it was in the writing of the said Sir Walter deceased.
2. Further declaration by Richard Taylor of Cranebroke, yoman aged 68.
3. By Richard Curthop of Cranebroke clothier aged 58.
4. By Mergery Taylor wife of Richard Tailor of Cranebroke aged 56.
5. By William Ryman of Cranebroke aged 26.
6. By Richard Marden, gent, aged 34.
7. Johannes Howell in medicinis professor aged 42. He being in the house of Sir Walter Hendle in Cranebrook perceiving him to be sick and like to die persuaded him to make his will. The same Sr. Walter Hendle making answere agayne to this deponent as followith: Man I fele no suche thing in my self wherby I shuld so doo, as touching my landes I have executed estats of yt, and this deponent says he was then of perfytt mynde and memory and dyed within a fyve howers after.
8. Dame Margery Hendle relict aged 40, that Sir Walter said he had set all in order.
9. George Prior, clerk, aged 60, being his chaplyn hard hym saye that he hadde made his will and testament.
Upon which grant of probate was made 10 March 1550/1 on the petition of Thomas Hendle. (P.C.C. 10 and 30 Coode.)3 
Death*say 1550 He died say 1550. 

Family 1

Helen Ashburnham
Children

Family 2

Margery Hiller
Last Edited4 Feb 2007

Citations

  1. E-mail written 2002 - 2005 to Warren Culpepper from Judy Brodie, Australia, e-mail address (Aug 2008).
  2. The Visitation of Kent 1530-1592 (Harleian vol 75).
  3. Sir Walter Hendley Will, 22 April 1550
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Books 49 & 50 page 80.

Ellen Hendley1

Female, #8599, (say 1524 - 1606)
Father*Sir Walter Hendley of Copshorn in Cranbrook, co. Kent
Mother*Helen Ashburnham2
Birth*say 1524 Ellen was born say 1524. 
Marriage*say 1540 She married Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst say 1540. 
Married Namesay 1540  As of say 1540, her married name was Culpeper. 
Birth of Sonsay 1543 Her son George Culpeper of Buston in Hunton, co. Kent was born say 1543. 
Birth of Sonsay 1544 Her son Walter Culpeper of Buston in Hunton was born say 1544. 
Birth of Sonsay 1545 Her son Ponyng Culpeper was born say 1545. 
Death of Fathersay 1550 Her father Sir Walter Hendley of Copshorn in Cranbrook, co. Kent died say 1550. 
Will6 Aug 1557 She is mentioned in the will of Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 6 Aug 1557.1 
Death of Spouse13 May 1558 Her husband Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst died on 13 May 1558 at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England. 
Marriagesay 1560 She married Sir George Somerset say 1560. 
Married Namesay 1560  As of say 1560, her married name was Somerset. 
Death of Son1561 Her son Ponyng Culpeper died in 1561. 
Marriage1566 She married Sir Thomas Fane in 1566. 
Married Name1566  As of 1566, her married name was Fane. 
Death of Son1575 Her son Walter Culpeper of Buston in Hunton died in 1575. 
Burial*1606 Her body was interred in 1606 at Hunton, co. Kent, England. 
Death*1606 She died in 1606. 
Biography* Second wife of Sir Thomas. An unidentified pedigree shows her father as Sir William Hendley, Sheriff 1548-49. The Colepeper of Bedgebury pedigree says she was the dau and co-heiress of Sir Walter Hendley of Copshorne in Cranbrook. 

Family

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst
Marriage*say 1540 She married Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst say 1540. 
Children
Last Edited17 May 2011

Citations

  1. Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 6 Aug 1557
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 70.
  2. The Visitation of Kent 1530-1592 (Harleian vol 75).

Sir George Somerset

Male, #8600, (say 1524 - before 1566)
Father*Charles Somerset Earl of Worcester
Birth*say 1524 George was born say 1524. 
Marriage*say 1560 He married Ellen Hendley say 1560. 
Death*before 1566 He died before 1566. 
Biography* Third son of Charles, Earl of Worcester. 

Family

Ellen Hendley
Last Edited14 Sep 2002

Charles Somerset Earl of Worcester

Male, #8601, (say 1494 - )
Birth*say 1494 Charles was born say 1494. 
Marriage* He married an unknown person . 
Birth of Sonsay 1524 His son Sir George Somerset was born say 1524. 

Family
Child
Last Edited6 Aug 2000

Sir Thomas Fane1

Male, #8602, (say 1522 - )
Father*George Fane of Badesley
Mother*Elizabeth Waller
Birth*say 1522 Thomas was born say 1522. 
Marriage*1566 He married Ellen Hendley in 1566. 

Family

Ellen Hendley
Last Edited14 Sep 2002

Citations

  1. 1574 Visitation, Kent, England.

Thomas Culpeper (Catherine Howard's lover)

Male, #8603, (circa 1514 - 10 Dec 1541)
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Name Variation He was also known as Thomas Culpeper gentleman of the Privy Chamber. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Birth*circa 1514 Thomas was born circa 1514. The ancestry of Thomas is unknown. Wikipedia claims he was the son of Alexander Culpeper (ID: 8451), but Alexander's will only mentions one son named Thomas, not two. Further research is needed.1 
Deed*Jan 1541 Thos. Culpeper, a gentleman of the Privy Chamber. Lease of parcels (specified and tenants named) of the manor of Michelham Parkegate, in Wanok and Erlington; of the manor of Sharnefold, in Westham, Fokington, and Jevington; of the manor of Downeashe, in Haylsham; and of the manor of Isenherst, in Mayfeld, Sussex; which premises belonged to Thos. Crumwell, late earl of Essex, attainted; for 21 years; at 17l. 3s 4d. rent, and 2s. increase. Hampton Court, 20 Dec. [tricesimo] (fn. 11) secundo. Del. 8 Jan. anno subscripto.-P.S. Pat. 32 Hen. VIII., p. 8, m. 47.2 
Biographycirca May 1541 Letter of Queen Catherine Howard of England to Thomas Culpeper (Catherine Howard's lover)
     This is the only surviving letter written by Henry VIII's fifth wife. It was written in the spring of 1541, roughly eight months after she married the king. After Catherine's fall from grace, Culpeper was among the men charged with committing adultery with the queen. It was a treasonable offense, and he was executed for it (along with Francis Dereham.) Culpeper tried to save himself by arguing that he had met with Catherine only because the young queen was 'dying of love for him', and would not let him end the relationship. Catherine, for her part, argued otherwise; she told her interrogators that Culpeper ceaselessly begged her for a meeting, and she was too fearful to refuse. However, the letter clearly supports Culpeper's version of events. After all, the queen did write 'it makes my heart die to think what fortune I have that I cannot be always in your company.'
     Catherine was not as well educated as Henry's other wives, though her mere ability to read and write was impressive enough for the time. This letter taxed her greatly, as she points out in the closing lines. It is transcribed here as originally written, and the grammatical mistakes are Catherine's own (she messes up her tenses, for instance.)

------------------------------------------------

Master Culpeper,
     I heartily recommend me unto you, praying you to send me word how that you do. It was showed me that you was sick, the which thing troubled me very much till such time that I hear from you praying you to send me word how that you do, for I never longed so much for a thing as I do to see you and to speak with you, the which I trust shall be shortly now. That which doth comfortly me very much when I think of it, and when I think again that you shall depart from me again it makes my heart die to think what fortune I have that I cannot be always in your company. It my trust is always in you that you will be as you have promised me, and in that hope I trust upon still, praying you that you will come when my Lady Rochford is here for then I shall be best at leisure to be at your commandment, thanking you for that you have promised me to be so good unto that poor fellow my man which is one of the griefs that I do feel to depart from him for then I do know no one that I dare trust to send to you, and therefore I pray you take him to be with you that I may sometime hear from you one thing. I pray you to give me a horse for my man for I had much ado to get one and therefore I pray send me one by him and in so doing I am as I said afor, and thus I take my leave of you, trusting to see you shortly again and I would you was with me now that you might see what pain I take in writing to you.

Yours as long as life endures,
Katheryn.

One thing I had forgotten and that is to instruct my man to tarry here with me still for he says whatsomever you bid him he will do it.3  
Death*10 Dec 1541 He died on 10 Dec 1541. 
Biography* Thomas Culpeper was a courtier of Henry VIII and the lover of Henry's fifth queen, Catherine Howard. He was distantly related to the Howard clan, who were immensely powerful at the time. They were particularly influential after the fall of Cardinal Wolsey in 1529, and for a brief time under the reign of Anne Boleyn, who was one of their cousins.

Royal service. It seems that Culpeper entered royal service during Anne's time, although there is no record of any meeting between either Anne Boleyn or Jane Seymour and Culpeper, which would suggest that his real prominence did not begin until after 1537.

Culpeper was reportedly exceedingly attractive. He was described as 'a beautiful youth' and he was a great favourite of the king's. Henry eventually made Culpeper gentleman to the King's Privy Chamber, giving him intimate access to the king, as the role involved dressing and undressing Henry and often sleeping in his bedchamber. He was part of the group of privileged courtiers who greeted Henry's German bride Anne of Cleves when she arrived in England for her marriage.

Affair with Catherine Howard. In 1540, Culpeper caught the attention of Henry's new teenage bride, Catherine Howard. By 1541 they were spending time together, often alone and late at night, abetted by Catherine's lady-in-waiting, Lady Rochford, the widowed sister-in-law of Anne Boleyn. The affair would cause the downfall of all involved.

Stories of the queen's premarital indiscretions had meanwhile come to the attention of Thomas Cranmer, then Archbishop of Canterbury. During Cranmer's investigations, he came across rumours of an affair between the queen and Culpeper. Culpeper was arrested for questioning. Both he and the queen denied the allegations, but a love letter from Catherine to Culpeper found during a search of Culpeper's quarters, provided the evidence Cranmer was looking for. Whether the affair between Culpeper and the queen was ever consummated is still debated by historians, but the letter gives clear evidence of Catherine's feelings for Culpeper. Also in the love letter was a reference to Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford.

It is, however, speculative about how much of Culpeper's desire for the queen came from love and how much from political ambition. With Henry in poor health and with only his very young son Edward to succeed him, being Catherine's favourite would undoubtedly have put Culpeper in a very strong political position. However, he misjudged the whole affair, relying too heavily on his friendship with the king and on the queen's discretion.

Downfall and execution. Culpeper was arrested on orders from the king. In December 1541, Culpeper was tried for treason alongside Francis Dereham, who was separately accused of sexual relations with the queen before her marriage to Henry. Catherine had not hidden the affair with Culpeper from members of her household, who now testified against her to protect themselves.

The queen was portrayed as having seduced Culpeper at Chenies Palace, although it could easily have been the other way around. With testimony given of private meetings at Hatfield House and during the royal progress to the north of England in the summer of 1541, his fate was sealed. Culpeper admitted after torture to having had sexual relations with Catherine. Both Culpeper and Dereham were found guilty and sentenced to death.

The means of death was to be particularly gruesome. They were both to be hanged, drawn and quartered. That is, to be hanged by the neck, cut down while still alive, disemboweled, beheaded and quartered. Both men pleaded for leniency; Culpeper, presumably because of his former closeness to the king, received a commuted sentence of simple beheading. Dereham received no such mercy.

Culpeper was executed along with Dereham at Tyburn on 10 December 1541, and their heads were put on display on London Bridge. Culpeper was buried at St Sepulchre-without-Newgate church in London. Queen Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Rochford were both subsequently executed on 13 February 1542.4 
Last Edited2 Mar 2014

Citations

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Culpeper
  2. British History Online, University of London & History of Parliament Trust
    http://www.british-history.ac.uk/
    British History Online is the digital library containing some of the core printed primary and secondary sources for the medieval and modern history of the British Isles. Created by the Institute of Historical Research and the History of Parliament Trust, it aims to support academic and personal users around the world in their learning, teaching and research.
    http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=76229
  3. Marilee Hanson, Tudor England, 1485-1603, "Letters of the Six Wives of Henry VIII."
  4. Thomas Culpeper. (2010, May 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:37, July 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thomas_Culpeper&oldid=362662198.

John Culpeper of St. Stephens

Male, #8604, (say 1495 - )
Father*Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight
Mother*Constantia Chamberlayn
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Birth*say 1495 John was born say 1495. 
Marriage*say 1517 He married Mary Hales say 1517. 
Biography* O.s.p. 
Will20 May 1540 He is mentioned in the will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury & Hardreshull, Knight at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1540.1,2 
Will4 Oct 1541 He is mentioned in the will of Constantia Chamberlayn at Goudhurst, co. Kent, England, on 4 Oct 1541.3,4 

Family

Mary Hales
Marriage*say 1517 He married Mary Hales say 1517. 
ChartsThe 12th century Culpepers of England: Descendant Chart (16 generations, Males only)
Last Edited3 Oct 2002

Citations

  1. Alexander Culpeper of Bedgebury Will, 20 May 1540
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 28.
  2. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Goudhurst_1541.pdf.
  3. Constance Culpeper of Goudhurst Will, 4 Oct 1541
    Tudor P.C.C. Will Transcription by L. L. Duncan - Book 54 page 37.
  4. Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
    Image of will at: http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-1.pdf
    and http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Constance_of_Goudhurst_1542-2.pdf.

Sir Christopher Hales of Hale Place, St Stephens, co. Kent

Male, #8605, (say 1467 - )
Birth*say 1467 Christopher was born say 1467. 
Marriage* He married an unknown person . 

Family
Child
Last Edited14 Sep 2002

Mary Hales

Female, #8606, (say 1497 - )
Father*Sir Christopher Hales of Hale Place, St Stephens, co. Kent
Birth*say 1497 Mary was born say 1497. 
Marriage*say 1517 She married John Culpeper of St. Stephens say 1517. 
Married Namesay 1517  As of say 1517, her married name was Culpeper. 

Family

John Culpeper of St. Stephens
Last Edited25 Oct 2001

Constance Culpeper

Female, #8607, (say 1523 - )
Father*Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst
Mother*Elizabeth Hawte
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Birth*say 1523 Constance was born say 1523. 
Married Namesay 1541  As of say 1541, her married name was Sackville. 
Marriage*say 1541 She married Christopher Sackville say 1541. 

Family

Christopher Sackville
Last Edited4 Jun 2011

Christopher Sackville

Male, #8608, (say 1520 - )
Birth*say 1520 Christopher was born say 1520. 
Marriage*say 1541 He married Constance Culpeper say 1541. 

Family

Constance Culpeper
Last Edited2 Apr 2000

John Culpeper

Male, #8609, (say 1527 - )
Father*Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst
Mother*Elizabeth Hawte
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Birth*say 1527 John was born say 1527. 
Marriage*say 1548 He married Mary Hales say 1548. 

Family

Mary Hales
Child
ChartsThe 12th century Culpepers of England: Descendant Chart (16 generations, Males only)
Last Edited4 Jun 2011

Francis Culpeper

Female, #8610, (say 1529 - )
Father*Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst
Mother*Elizabeth Hawte
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper. 
Name-AltSpell This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper. 
Birth*say 1529 Francis was born say 1529. 
Last Edited4 Jun 2011