John Randolfe

     John was born in Topcroft, County Norfolk, England. John married Margaret Goodwin circa 1539 in Topcroft. John made his will on 1 October 1554.

“I John Randalf of Toppecroft in the countie of Norff” - - - my body to be buried in the churche yarde of Thopcrofte aforesaid - - - Item I give to the poor mens box iii s. iiiidf. - - - Item I give to Margaret my wyef all my howses and landes as well in Thopcroft, as in Hempnhale the terme of her natural lyfe, to bring uppe my children, and to perfourme all those things in this my will, that I assign her unto to have the manerance and occupacion of the same, the terme of her lyef - - - Item I give to John my eldest sonne to him and his heirs, my tenements called Jopis and Largis withall the lands belonging thereto that was my mothers whatsoever thei be called he to enter after the decease of Margarett my wife withall profits thereto belonging - - - Item I give to Willaim my sonne and to his heirs my Tenements that I dwell in called Roffhowse withal the landes thereto belonging that was sometime canvas he to enter after the decease of Margaret my wife - - - Item I give unto John my younger sonne and to his heirs my tenement called Spensers withall the landes thereto belonging he to enter after the decease of Margaret my wife - - - I give unto Anthonie my sonne and to his heirs all my lands in Hempnall parcell of the Parke he also to enter after the decease of Margaret my wife. If eldest son John died without lawful issue, then the houses and tenement called Jopis and Lafgis were given to son Anthonie, and if Anthonie died without lawful issue, the land in Hempnall was given to eldest son John and his heirs. If William died without lawful issue, then the tenement called Rofhowse was given to youngest son John and his heirs. If youngest son John died without lawful issue, then the tenement called Spensers was given to son Anthonie and his heirs. Daughter Margaret was given sixe pounds thirteen shillings and Fower pence to be paid at the daie of marriage fortie shillings and that same twelve moneth thirtie shillings and such tyme twelf moneth other thirtie shillings & such tyme twelf moneth thre and thirtie shillings and fower pence. - - - Item I give to Diane my dawter sixe poundes thirteen shillings and fower pence to be paied in such like manner as hir sister before rehersed - - - Item I give to Agnes my dawter sixe poundes thirteen shillings and fower pence to be paied in such like manner as hir sisters before expressed thus to paie to each of them sixe poundes thirteen shillings and fower pence till tei be fullie contented an paied in such manner vand forme as is before rehersed. Eldest son John, youngest son John along with other sons William and Anthonie, were each given 20 s. at age twenty - - - Item I give to the repairnge of Fisgrave lane sixe shillings eight pence - - - Item I give to Johan Lowe my servant two shillings - - - Item I give to Robert Wilton thr Busshellis of wheate to be delivered against the daie of his marriage - - - Item I give each of my godchildren Fower pence - - - Item I give to Raffe Dayvis Fower pence - - - Item I will that if Margaret my wife departe this world before my children come to lawful age or before tei receive ther legacies Then I will that John my eldest sonne an William Sherman shall occupie my landes to the best behove of my children. If Margaret die without paying the legacies or laying bond for the payments, then eldest son John and Willaim Sherman were to occupy the tenement called Spensers until all legacies were paid, the tenement then going to youngest son John. Wife Margaret was given all moveable goods on condition that she pay all the declared legacies and bring up the children, she making no strip nor waste, except as need require, at the discretion of eldest son John and Willaim Sherman. Any lack of words o clauses in the will were to added to learned counsel so that it be not contrarie to th meaninge of this my last will Brother-in-law John Goddwin was gfiven 3s. d4d. Eldest son John was given 40s. Wife Margaret and eldest son John were named exeuctors. Wiollkiam Sherman was overseer, and given 10s. - - - Witnesses: Robert Dym, Robert Holdale, Richarde Wilton, Nicholas Wilton, Thomas Randoll and Thomas Rutt priest.¹

John departed this life in Topcroft. He was buried there in the churchyard of St. Margaret's. His will was probated on 12 December 1554.