The Will of Thomas Quenell

Born about 1500 - Died 1571

Chiddingfold
Surrey
England
 The Will of Thomas Quenell

The following is a transcript of the Will of Thomas Quenell which is in the possession of Mr. J. E.
Sitwell, of Killinghurst (Haslemere, Surrey, England). And is a good specimen of the last will and
testament of a substantial Surrey yeoman of the sixteenth century. The original is written in a tolerably
legible hand, the writer being, as the document states, Richard Haredonne, a cousin of Thomas
Quenell.

Amongst the long list of items contained in the will are some of considerable importance to local
history; the acquisition by the Quenells of the manor of South Imbhams, for instance; also of several
small holdings, survivals of ancient divisions of land, which marked the gradual development of the
English farm into its present state. Other items throw a light on the plan of the house and on the farm
stock with details such as descriptions of horses and cattle and even the name of the cow, "Lusty".
There are also many words and expressions which are of interest. And though nothing is said about
an iron furnace, it is significant that Thomas Quenell had purchased a plot from a Mr. Covert adjoining
land, with a water-course, called Rovis. From its position this is evidently what is now Imbhams pond,
which formerly supplied the furnace of the forge which Viscount Montagu of Cowdray had started on
1
leasehold land at the south corner of Imbhams Farm. Thomas Quenell farmed the tithes of the
“parsonage of Hasilmore (present day Haslemere)," who’s curate, Richard Crampe, is mentioned in
the Will.

Thomas Quenell, was the eldest of the five sons of Peter Quenell, of Lythe Hill, who died in 1558-9.
The family settled in Chiddingfold in 1480, when the head of the family was another Peter Queynold or
Quenell. The name is not common and it is fair to conjecture that the family at Lythe Hill (not the
residence of the late Mr. J. Stewart Hodgson but the farm of that name), with its picturesque home-
stead on the right of the road leading from Haslemere to Anstead Brook, originally came from
Hertfordshire, and was perhaps directly descended from John Quyneld, who in 1373 held land in the
Manor of Ware, where his ancestors had been settled for several generations.

The burial place of the family at Chiddingfold was “against the east end of the Chancell within the
Churchyard “though unfortunately nothing remains to mark the exact spot. Here Thomas Quenell, who
had married Alice Irelond (Ireland), member of another good yeoman family in the neighbourhood,
was buried near his father.

Thomas’s brother, Robert who succeeded him at Lythe Hill, did much to consolidate the property and
also added a wing to the east end of the house. He became an ironmaster, working the furnace at
Imbhams in succession to Lord Montagu. In 1612 he was buried at Chiddingfold. His wife was
Elizabeth, daughter of George Hall of Compton. Their eldest son, Peter, and their grandson of the
same name, were perhaps the most noteworthy members of this family. The former by marriage with
Alice, daughter of Emery Cranley (Crandley) of Wisborow, Sussex, and granddaughter and heir of
Thomas Hall of Field Place, Compton, eventually inherited the estate. It was this Peter Quenell who
raised the family from its yeoman status in about 1624 with a grant of arms, namely, azure, a cross
argent between two roses or in the chief and two fleurs-de-lis argent in the foot. His name occurs
amongst the chief landowners in Surrey, who subscribed to the loan levied by the King in 1625, his
own share being ten pounds. Later on he and his son shared in the troubles of the Civil War. The
Quenells appear to have been staunch Royalists, and as long as they were permitted to do so, “made
Gunns and shott for supply of his Majesties stores" at Imbhams furnace. After a married life of just
over fifty years the elder Peter died in 1649-50, and was buried at Haslemere, where in the Church
2
there is a stone to his memory with a Latin inscription .

Robert’s son Peter held a commission in the Royalist Army, though in the same month as the King set
up his standard at Nottingham "Captaine Quenel with his band “was compelled by the Round- heads,
who appear to have been a strong party in the neighbourhood, to lay down his arms. For his loyalty
and that of his father, " Peter Quinnall, Esq. ''was at the Restoration one of the thirty-two persons in
Surrey selected as Knights of the Royal Oak, an Order, however, which for political reasons was never
instituted. The value of his estate is given at the time as six hundred pounds a year, a very good
income in those days. On his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. Edmund Grey, he went to
3
live at Field Place where he died. He was buried "in the north part of Compton Church under the
uppermost arch in the wall there" on May 7th, 1666, in the vault probably of the Halls of Field Place,
whose heir he was.

1
The right to receive tithes was granted to the English churches by King Ethelwulf in 855. Tithes were
given legal force by the Statute of Westminster of 1285
2
Possibly St Bartholomew's Parish Church Haslemere which since 1180 has stood above the town on
Church Hill from an unconsecrated chapel on the Piperham Estate to its dedication in 1363 as a
church serving the hamlet of Haslemere, within the Parish of Chiddingfold.
3
Possibly St. Nicholas Church, Compton
Peter Quenell, elder son of Robert, was the last of the family at Lythe Hill. When and to whom he sold
the estate I have not been able to discover, nor do I know what became of him beyond this, that in
1695 he is found spoken of as Captain Quynnell.

For many generations representatives of collateral branches of the family continued to reside in the
parish of Chiddingfold; some were small holders of land, others were tradesmen, but by far the greater
number filled very lowly positions. The last male representative was George Quennell, a stone-
breaker, who having carried on his vocation till upwards of eighty years of age, was compelled to retire
a few months ago to the workhouse infirmary. It will thus be seen that the family was represented in
Chiddingfold with varying fortunes for upwards of four centuries, a reason why this brief notice should
appear by way of preface at the head of the Will of one of its members.

The Will

In the name of God Amen the third day of April AD 1571 and in the thirteenth year of the Reign of our
Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the
Faith. I Thomas Quenell of Chiddingfold in the County of Surrey being sick in body but of good mind
and perfect remembrance (God be praised) do make and ordain this my last will and testament in
manner and form following first I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker
and his son Jesu Christe my redeemer through whose death & passion I trust to be saved and to have
a glorious and Joyful resurrection among the number of his elect, & I will my body to be buried in the
churchyard of Chiddingfold near unto the place where my father Peter Quennell was buried

Item - I give to the Mother Church of Winchester two pennies

Item - I give to ward of the Deacons of the body of my said parish church of Chiddingfold six shillings
eight pennies

Item - I give to the poor men’s box of my parish church of Chiddingfold aforesaid three shillings and
four pennies

Item - I give towards the Deacons of the parish church of Haslemere twenty pennies

Item - I give to the poor people of Haslemere aforesaid, twenty shillings, to be distributed among them
by John Brodefolde my brother-in-law, my cousin Richard Haredonne and my executer within one
month next after my death

Item - I will that there be given to the poor people of my said parish of Chiddingfold in bread, drink and
money the sum of forty shillings to be distributed by my executor at the time of my burial

Item - I give & bequeath to Agnys my wife during the time of her natural life my parlour in the west side
of my house at Lyethehill which adjoins the hall there, the chamber over the same pier, the garret
above the same chamber, the loft over the hall and the kitchen loft with free ingress, egress and
regress Room and foyer in the said hall at all times and also half the kitchen, and wood or fuel, to
dress meat and drink, bake and brew, and to do all other necessaries mete and convenient in the
same kitchen at all times and half the new coop now standing in the said kitchen with free ingress,
egress and regress into the same kitchen at all times and also all my old stable which adjoins to the
west side of my house, the west end of my barn to have hay or straw in, and half the rest of my barn,
and also the upper gates for her cattle.

Item - I give to the said Agnys my wife all my garden which adjoins the east side of my said house and
all my orchard which adjoins to the said garden on the south side of my said house from the new pale
that adjoins the said garden on the eastside unto the home field on the west side and extends from the
said house on the north side unto the little mead on the south side To have and to hold all the said
garden and orchard unto the said Agnys and her assignees enduring the time of her natural life. And
4 5
after the death of the said Agnys, my wife, I will that all the said pier , chambers, lofts, garret hall
kitchen, Coop, stable, barn, gates and garden and orchard aforesaid shall remain wholly unto Robert
Quennell my brother and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten for ever

Item - I give and bequeath unto the said Agnys my wife during the time of her natural life (without
destruction and waste) all my lands called Anstrood and Anstrood fields with all and singular rents,
profits and commodities of the same with one barn thereon which some-time was the land of one Mr.
Denham as by evidences thereof made unto me from one Mr. Covert may appear. Also I give and

4
Abutment of masonry which projects from the fireplace with recesses either side of it
5
A room on the top floor of a house, typically under a pitched roof; an attic.
 6
bequeath unto the said Agnys my wife all that my one piece of land called Rovis with all and singular
the appurtenances. And also one close of ground with the watercourse which I bought of the said Mr.
7
Covert adjoining to the said land called Rovis enduring the time of her natural life without stype and
waste by yielding and paying therefore yearly enduring her said natural life unto the said Robert
Quennell his heirs or assignees six shillings eight pennies of good and lawful money of England at two
feasts and terms in the year most visual by even portions. And if of fortune the said Annual Rent of six
shillings and eight pennies or any part thereof to be behind and not paid by the space of sixteen days
after any of the feasts in which it ought to be paid The same being lawfully asked or demanded of the
said Agnys or her assignees.

That then it shall be lawful to and for the said Robert his heirs & assignees into the said lands called
Rovis and the said close thereunto adjoining (which I bought of Mr. Covert as aforesaid) to enter and
8
distrain ; and the distress so taken lawfully to bear, lead, drive, and carry away, impeach and impound
And the same to withhold & detain until the said Annual Rent of six shillings and eight pennies & any
part thereof be unto the said Robert his heirs and assignees fully satisfied contented and paid, And
after the death of the said Agnys my wife I will that all the said Land called Anstroode & Anstroode
fields with all and singular Rents, profits and commodities of the same & barn The said lands called
Rovis with all and singular the appurtenance and the said close of land with the watercourse which I
bought of the said Mr. Covert shall also Remain wholly unto the said Robert Quennell, my brother, and
to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten for ever

Item - I give & bequeath unto the said Agnys my wife during her said natural life (without stype and
waste) all those my lands called Padbrooke with all and singular the appurtenance which I hold of the
said Mr. Covert of Hascombe. Also I will that the said Agnys my wife shall have hold occupy and
9
enjoyed during the time of her natural life without destruction and waste all my moytie part and equal
portion of the manor of South Imbham with all the appurtenance and commodities thereunto belonging
10
together with all Rents, service, issues, fines, amercyaments ward heryote prerequisite of courts and
court baron to the said moytie part and equally belonging or in any wise appertaining. And that in as
large and ample man and form in every thing and condition as she the said Agnys is joined purchaser
with me in the same. And after the death of the said Agnys my wife I will that the said lands called
11
Padbrooke with all and singular the appurtenance and all my moytie part and purparty of South
Imbham with all the appurtenance and commodities to her unto belonging together with all rents,
12
services, issues, ward, heryote, escheat , prerequisite of courts and court baron to the said moytie
part and purparty belonging or in anywise appertaining shall also remain wholly unto the said Robert
Quennell, my brother and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten for ever And if it shall fortune the
said Agnys my wife to marry at any time during her natural life then I will that my said wife shall let (the
said pier, chambers, lofts, orchard and garden aforesaid, The said lands called Anstroode, The Lands
called Rovis which the said close of land and watercourse that I brought of Mr. Coverte together with
all the said Lands called Padbrooke and also the said moytie part and purparty of the manor of South
Imbham with all and singular the appurtenance, commodities, rents, services, issues, fines,
amercyaments, wards, heryote escheat prerequisites of courts and court baron to the same belonging)
13
to fermes unto the said Robert Quennell my brother & his heirs or assignees for so much Annual or
yearly rent unto the said Agnys or her assignees to be paid enduring the natural life of her the said
Agnys as shall be thought meet by my overseers and two other friends of my said wife whom she will
chose

Item - I give & bequeath unto Peter Quennell my brother all those my lands in Chiddinfold called
14
Harwells the Leecrofte and Harwels meade To have and to hold all the said lands called Harwells,
the Leecrofte and Harwels meade unto the said Peter Quennell his heirs and assignees for ever more
except and always reserved unto my said brother Robert Quennell and to his heirs for ever two
reasonable loads of indifferent hay out of the said meade called Harwels Meade to be yearly
15
perceived , mowed, made and carried by the said Robert Quennell or his heirs within seven nights
after the feast of St. John the Baptist for evermore So that he bears and pays all men of Rents and
service issuing out of all the same premises for ever and thereof acquit, exonerate and say harmless
the said Peter Quennell his heirs and assignees for evermore

6
Not Rovis or Rovehurst near Ramsnest Common, but 40 acres of land on that portion of Imbhams
farm which is in the parish of Chiddingfold.
7
Destruction
8
to seize and hold (property) to compel payment or reparation, as of debts
9
Half
10
Exceeds the value of
11
A right, privilege, or improvement belonging to and passing with a principal property
12
A common law doctrine that operates to ensure that property is not left in limbo and ownerless
13
Collected duties to owed to the Crown
14
Meadow
15
Received
Item - I give and bequeath unto the said Robert Quennell my brother and to the heirs of his body
16
lawfully begotten for ever all that my meswage called Lyeth Hill in Chiddingfold aforesaid with all
17
and singular lands tenements services rents reversions and heredytaments with all and singular the
appurtenances thereunto belonging And also all other my lands tenements meadows pastures
feedings reversions & commons with all and singular the appurtenances together with all rents,
services, issues, fines, amercyaments, prerequisites of courts and court baron whatsoever I have
within the County of Surrey The Right Title and estate of the said Agnys my wife of and in the
premises unto her given & bequeathed in this my last will and testament for term of her natural life
18
always forprised and excepted and also except and always reserved unto the said Peter Quennell
my brother the said lands called Harwels the Leecrofte and Harwels meade to him and to his heirs for
evermore except the said two loads of hay before excepted unto my said brother Robert Quennell and
his heirs under the condition aforesaid onto of the said meadow called Harwels meade And if it fortune
the said Robert Quennell my brother to die without heirs of his body lawfully begotten Then I will that
all the said meswage called Lythe Hill with all and singular lands, tenements, services, rents
reversions and heredytaments with all and singular the appurtenants there unto belonging and all
other my lands, tenements, meadows, pastures, feedings, reversions and commons with all and
singular the appurtenance together with all rents, services, issue, fines, amercyaments, prerequisites
of courts and court baron whatsoever I have within the said County of Surrey shall remain wholly unto
my brother John Quennell (except before excepted) and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten for
ever And for default of such issue of his body lawfully begotten I will that all my said Lands,
tenements, rents, reversions and heredytaments with all and singular the appurtenance before
specified in my said last will and testament (except before excepted unto the said Agnys my wife) shall
remain wholly unto the Rights heirs of me the said Thomas Queunell and their heirs for evermore

Item - I give and bequeath unto my said brother John Quennell ten pounds (of the current money of
England) and one cow to be paid & delivered to him or his assignees within three years next after my
death

Item - I will that Richard Hardonne, my cousin shall be guardian and have the custody of my said
brother Peter Quenell and also have the tenure, occupation and Receive the Rent of all his lands
tenements & heredytaments whatsoever until the said Peter shall accomplish his full age of twenty
19
and four years and then at that age of twenty four to render any accompte thereof unto him

Item - I give and bequeath unto Catharyn Quennell my sister six pounds thirteen shillings and four
pence to be paid and delivered to her within three years after my death

Item - I give and bequeath to Elynor Quennell, my cousin, two ewes to be delivered to her within one
year next after my death And six pounds thirteen shillings and four pennies to be paid to her at the day
of her marriage And I will that she continue until the time of her marriage in service with Agnys my wife

Item - I give to Robert Page my servant one cow to be delivered to him within one month next after my
death and six pounds thirteen shillings and four pennies to be paid to him within one year next after
my death

Item - I give to William Wodier, my servant ,one heifer bullock of the age of three years such as one as
my supervisors will appoint to be delivered within one month next after my death
20
Item - I give to William Allyn, my servant, three ewe tegge to be delivered to him within two months
next after my death

Item - I give to Agnys Todman my servant one heifer bullock of two years old to be delivered within
seven years next after my death

Item - I give to John Ireland my wives brother one ewe of two years old to be delivered to him within
one month after my death

Item - I give to Thomas Brodefolde and John Brodefolde my Sister Brodefold’s children seven ewes
21 22
and wethers shipe which are in keeping with one Mr. Lussher of Hyndehed in the Parish of

16
Place or tenement
17
Any kind of property that can be inherited
18
Excluded
19
Refers to a deposit, down payment, or instalment
20
A sheep in its second year or before its first shearing
21
A castrated ram
Thurseley for ten years And also I will that the said Thomas and John shall also have my obligation
thereof made and the keeping of the said shipe all the term of years composed in the said obligation

Item - I give to every one of my godchildren twelve shillings that will require to have the same

Item - I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Brodefolde, my Sister (if she fortune to Survive and over live
John Brodefolde her husband) one Annual pension of twenty shillings by the year to begin and be paid
from and after the death of her said husband during her natural life by my executor his executors or
assignees at two feasts and terms in the year most visual by even portions
23
Item - I give and bequeath to the said Agnys my wife Six of my best keene (except one cow named
Lustye) four heifers whereof one black with a white star in the forehead, one Red with a white back,
24
one other Red with a chynned face and one brown with a white face Also I give to the said Agnys,
25
my wife, six of my best oxen with yokes and chains meet for them my new wollen wheles my young
26
bay Amblynge mare, my black Amblynge mare with a white star in the forehead two stears now
27
going in Anstroode the one having a brended face and the other being a vellow stear with white face,
one brown heifer going with the said two stars in persaid ground of Anstroode and one other heifer of
cooler Red with a star in the forehead

Item - I give to the said Agnys my wife twelve of my best ewes and twelve Lambs, my five hogs of one
sort being about two years old at Michaelmas last, two Red hogs going among my wild hogs and half
my wheat and Rye that I have now growing on the ground and also half my oats that I have now
growing on the ground (except all the oats now growing in the two Snow fields)

Item - I give to the said Agnys my wife one acre of grass in the Hearnelonde which I bought of one
William Wakeforde for this one year To be mown made and carried away within a fortnight after
midsummer next (if the said Wakeforde have no cattle going therein this spring time but if his cattle eat
it this spring Then the said Agnys to cause the same to be made mown & carried at some seasonable
time after midsummer as the said Wakeforde and she can agree therefore), and my said wife to pay
him in money twelve pennies at the carrying away of the said hay which I owe him Also I give to the
said Agnys my wife all my poultry whatsoever, my three best beds with bolsters, pillows and pillow
cases belonging to them, my best bedstead (except one) all my sheets (except three pairs of canvas
sheets) all my best blankets (except one pair), my three best coverlets & one Quilt, all my pewter
vessels, (except five pewter platters, two pewter dishes and one basin which were my father’s), my
best and my least two candlesticks, my best brass pots, my best and my least two kettles, and my
28 29
kettle which was bound with iron by Hewghe the Smithy, my posnet of brass bells, my least Skyllet
of brass, and the occupation of my Caldron as often as she shall have need, so long time as she shall
be dwelling at Lythe Hill aforesaid and also half of all my of my wooden vessels to be equally divided
30 31
(except my best vate and my best kyfe )
32
Item - I give to the said Agnys my wife half my bacon at the beam (except the two greatest flytches
and the two least flytches), half my Lard and grease, two of the best flytches of dried beef, two of my
best table clothes, two of my best towels, half of all my table napkins, one dozen of my best spoons,
my three best stone cups, my best chest which I now have to my self, and all the residue of my coffers
(except the best of them) which coffer is now in the tenure of my said wife and also Six pounds in
money which remains in the hands of one William Bonyngefolde of Darkinge

Item - I give and bequeath unto the said Agnys my wife and my brother Brodefolde all that my moytie
or half of all the tithes, commodities, profits, emoluments, offerings, and advantage of the personage
33
of Hasilmore which I have in form of one Richard Crampe , person there, until Michaelmas next after
the date hereof, to be equally divided between them And I will that they shall pay the said person his
wage according to the purpose of a bill made thereof by the said person unto me so that my said
brother Brodefolde will at his own costs thresh all the Rye to them before given, and suffer my said

22
A productive, non-combinative suffix forming abstract nouns from other nouns – friendship(e). In
this instance probably implies ward ship or care
23
Noun for cows
24
With a narrow strip of white on the face
25
Wool wheels – for spinning yarn
26
Gentile, a superior, better-bred animal, an easy-gaited, gentle and pleasant-mannered horse
27
Brindled or streaked
28
A little pot
29
A small pot with a long handle
30
From the Middle Dutch for cases
31
Or keeve : a large tub or vessel used in brewing
32
Side of bacon
33
Curate of Halsemere
wife to have all the Rye straw to her own use, and also that my said brother Robert Quennell may
have all the oat straw for the threshing of the oats

Item - I give and bequeath to my said brother Robert Quennell one hundred of the best oaks of which
one oak is already felled that are standing, growing & being in and upon the manor of South Imbham
which oaks I bought of one Robert Coop & of Henry Brodefolde, as may appear by Indentures thereof
made
34
Item - I give and bequeath to Anne Wodyer vidue my best barren cow (of five) except two to be
delivered to her within one month next after my death. The Residue of all my goods, chattels and
chattels moveable’s and immovable’s not given nor bequeathed in this my last will and testament my
debts and legacies being performed and paid and my funeral ended in such manner and form as is
before specified I give and bequeath unto Robert Quennell my said brother whom I make my sole
whole and full executor of this my last will and testament And I ordain, constitute and appoint Richard
Haredonne, my cousin, and George Wakeforde of Gretham, my supervisors of this my last will and
testament to see this my last will performed and kept by my said executors according to the true
meaning thereof And I give unto the said Richard Haredonne for his pains in and absolute the
execution of the premises twenty eight shillings and eight pennies and to the said George for his
travail and pains in and absolute the same twenty shillings. And thus I make an end of this my last will
and testament In witnesses whereof I the said Thomas Quennell unto the same have subscribed my
mark with mine own hand and also have put my Seale the day and year above written In the Presence
of John Brodefolde, Walter Gace, Robert Philippe, Robert Page and Richard Haredonne the writer
hereof.

Part of a seal attached bearing the effigy of St. Andrew. Proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of
Surrey, 22 August 1571.
Original Middle English version transcribed by Rev. T S COOPER, M.A., F.S.A, Surrey Archaeological
Collections, 1900. Pub. Surrey Archaeological Society

Notes:
 Though the general content of the text transcribed by Rev. Cooper remains the English syntax
in use in 1900 has also been updated in parts to provide a clearer understanding of the text
 Additional footnotes to the text have been added where Rev. Cooper did not provide
explanations of some Middle English terms
 The Quenell family:

 John Quenell born and died Ware, Hertfordshire (unknown spouse) – manor
holdings in 1373 Ware, Bedfordshire, father of
 Peter Quenell born Ware died Chiddingfold (unknown spouse) – holder of
Lythe Hill Farm in 1480, father of
 John Quenell born and died Chiddingfold (unknown spouse) – owner of Lythe
Hill Farm, father of
 Peter Quenell born Lythe Hill Farm died 1559 in Chiddingfold (unknown
spouse) - owner of Lythe Hill Farm, father of
 Thomas Quenell born about 1500 and died in 1571 in Chiddingfold and
married to Agnes Ireland - owner of Lythe Hill Farm, and Robert Quenell died
1612 in Chiddingfold, spouse Elizabeth Hall, and, father of
 ‘Captaine’ Peter Quenell, Royalist, who raised a Royalist ‘Army’ in 1642 but
was compelled to lay down arms by a stronger, local, Roundhead faction.
Records indicate he as born 1580 though this was much too late for him to
have been married to Alyce Crandley (1567-1592) in 1582, and subsequently
Elizabeth Crandley (?-1631) in 1599. Records being notoriously unreliable
and earlier date of birth of 1565 fits almost perfectly within the expected time
frame, which would make Elizabeth the mother of their son
 Peter Quenell, born 1605 and died 1666 in Chiddingfold, owner of Lythe Hill
Farm, in 1651 as the Parliamentarians were winning the English Civil War
they destroyed the forge at Imbhams and ruined the family who had to sell
Lythe Hill Farm, now a hotel

Trevor Skingle
London
20 October 2008

34
Widow?