by Laura Knight
See Knight Records 1166-1549 for key.
1655 – Jan 3 – UK Worcestershire Worcester – Will – Robert Knight – To godson and nephew, Robert Knight, silver bowl; wife Elizabeth Knight executrix and all estate to her. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 252: Berkeley, Quire Numbers 1-52 (1656))
1655 - Mar 11 – VA Northampton – Admin - John Evans – Land patent for 400 acs. ..Trans. of 8 pers. Incl John Knight. (Nugent 1, p. 330)
1655 – Mar 15 – UK Kent Godmersham – Bap – Dorothy Knight – d/o Nicholas Knight, gent. (Tyler)
1655 - Apr 2 – VA Westmoreland – Admin - Nicholas Meriwether - sells James Hare 200 acres out of a patent of 1350 acres… Wit: Abraham Moone, John Knight, his marke. Rec. 20 Jul 1655. (Fleet, Westmoreland, p. 659)
1655 – Apr 5 – UK Oxfordshire Oxford – Ox Alum – Roger Knight, gent – Hart Hall, matric. 5 April 1655. (Oxford University Alumni 1500-1886, pp. 861-863) Note: That’s all the data given; possibly related to Roger Knight of Greenham Berkshire who matriculated 1635?
1655 – May 18 – UK Sussex Slinfold – Will – Thomas Knight the elder – To the poor, 20 shillings; to James Puttork, kinsman, son of Emory Puttork and wife Elizabeth, sister of testator, lands and tenements called Battworth, in the parish of Slinford, in the occupation of John Aylward; to sister, Priscilla Williamson, 10 pounds; to John Puttork, son of Emory and Elizabeth, 40 shillings; to Elizabeth Ottway late the wife of George Ottway, kinswoman, 40 shillings; to Mary, daughter of George Ottway and Elizabeth, 40 shillings; to Phillip Puttork, my dwelling hous where I live called Whitbird, with all barns, buildings, orchards, lands, tenements, etc; condition is that servant, Jane Bishop, shall have certain rooms and be allowed to live in the house as long as she remains unmarried; to servant, Jane Bishop, bed, its furnishings, etc; residue of estate to the said Phillip Puttork who is to be executor. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 245: Aylett, Quire Numbers 107-159 (1655))
1655 – May 31 – UK West Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Apprenticeship agreement: John NICHOLAS; Richard GARDINER yeoman, master; Mercey NICHOLAS, mother; John KNIGHT, putative father. (West Sussex Record Office, Ref: Par/516/33/1/1)
1655 - Jun 4 – VA Northumberland – Admin - John Johnson – Land patent for 85 acs. on N. side of great Wicocomoco Riv., bet. Mr. James Hawley & William Betts… (Nugent I, p. 309)
1655 – Jun 8 – UK Warwickshire Castle Bromwich – Will – Anne Knight, Widow – Wishes to be buried near her deceased husband; to the poor of the parish, 20 shillings; to son Thomas Liddorte (?) 5 pounds; to daughter, Joane Foster, wife of William Foster, 10 pounds; to granddaughters, Anne and Mary Foster, 10 pounds each; to the children of grandson, William Foster and Elizabeth, his wife, 20 shillings apiece; to servant Elizabeth Knidwirke, 6 pounds; to kinsman John Dolphin and his son, John, 5 pounds apiece; to kinswoman Hester Dolphin, daughter of the said John Dolphin, 20 pounds “which my son Thomas Aylesbury oweth unto me:’ to grandchild, Hester Dolphin, best pair of sheets, feather bed, bolsters, feather pillows, blankets, coverlet and other things; to Anne Foster, sheets, flaxen pillowcases, fringed tablecloth, feather bed, yellow and green coverlet, blankets, etc; to Mary Foster, items including pot and dripping pan; to Thomas Foster, household items; to daughter Anne Aylesbury and Thomas Aylesbury her husband, 200 pounds with annuity to herself out of the investment of this money; Thomas and Anne Aylesbury to be jointly executor and executrix; Thomas Foster overseer. ( Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 245: Aylett, Quire Numbers 107-159 (1655))
1655 – Jun 28 – UK Kent Bidendon – Will – William Knight – To brother John Knight, 18 pounds and clothing; to Elizabeth Knight, eldest daughter of brother John Knight, 10 pounds at 21 or day of marriage; to John Knight’s youngest daughter, Susanna, 20 pounds at 21 or day of marriage; if John’s daughters die before coming of age, the money to go to the children of brother Millinford Knight; to Elizabeth and Susanna, furniture items; to executor, Richard Bearling, money for the bringing up of Susanna Knight; to mother Knight, widow, furnishings, bed, 40 shillings a year for 10 years; if she dies, money to go to brother John Knight; to brother (in-law) Thomas Wilkinson, 5 pounds; to sister Hester Knight, 3 pounds; to Richard J__, apprentice, 5 pounds at age 21, items; to Richard Weeks, 3 pounds for him to distribute to the poor of the parish; to John T__, 40 shillings; to John Sloman, 1 pound; to brother John Knight, 10 pounds to be paid to him at the end of 11 years; residue of estate to Richard Bearling and he to be executor. Wit: Peter Gardiner, Joseph Iggelden (?). (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 243: Aylett, Quire Numbers 1-50 (1655))
1655 - Jul 20 – VA Westmoreland – Admin – Thomas Knight - Thomas Baker to “my welbeloved friend” John Jenkins in the County of Westmorland, to act in differences betw him (Baker) and Thomas Knight, “or betweene me and Ellen Mills now otherwise called Ellin Pussill within the abovesaid County”. Signed the marke of Tho Baker. Wit: Rich Browne, Gervase Bell his marke. Rec 20 July 1655. (Fleet, Westmoreland, p. 661)
1655 - Aug 20 - VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Mr. Knight agt Laurence Damorell – The Court orders that Laurence Damorell shall by the next Court deliver up to Mr Peter Knight his bond concerning the acknowledgement of a Patent Land which XX Mr Knight hath acknowledged in Court. (Fleet, p. 60)
1655 - Aug 20 - VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Mr. Knight agt John Hopper – “Whereas Peter knight was summoned to this Court to declare himself upon oath at which time John Hopper interrupted the sd Mr Knight and taxed him with swearing falsely.” The Court orders Hopper to pay Knight 300 lbs. Tobacco by Nov. 10th. (Fleet, p. 61)
1655 Aug 20 - VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Knight, his Depo – “Peter Knight aged 35 yeares or thereabouts sworne and examined saith That the general report of Alice Atkinson that hee ever heard was shee was an whore and one that never would live with her husband but that shee rather always was desirous of absence from her husband then for to live with him and further this Depont sayeth not Peter Knight 20 August 1655 Jurat in Cur” (Sparacio NCV D&W Abs. 1650-1655, p. 121)
1655 - Oct 3 - VA Northampton – Admin - John Hinman – Land patent for 800 acs. … Trans. Of 16 pers. John Knight, Elizabeth Johnson, Robert Wright, Miles Gray, Jane Williams, Richard Gardner, John Dye, Richard Gayney, Thomas Thoroughgood (Thorowgood), Alexander Bromley, John Farmer, Thomas Collier, Robert Rose, Mary Poole, Joane Williams, Joane Hodges. . (Nugent I, p. 322)
Note: On 16 Jul 1652, Peter Knight Merchant patented land in Gloucester Co. using John Knighthill, John Farmer and William "Right" as headrights. Since these three names occur together here, again, one strongly suspects that the "hill" was added to the name "Knight" as an attempt to disguise or distance the patentee from the list of names. That - and there are many such instances - suggest that the participants in this type of activity knew that they were doing something not quite kosher. See also the 1677 Dec 29 patent of Lieut. Col. Cadwallader Jones.
1655 – Oct 20 – UK Nottinghamshire Langold – Admin – Ralph Knight - Settlement by Ralph Knight of Langold (co. York) esq. and Faith his wife whereby they convey to John Knight, their eldest son, and Isaac Knight their second son, a messuage and land in Ecclesfield (co. York), a cottage and land in the parish of Sheffield, and farms and land in the parish of Snaith (co. York) to hold to the use of Ralph for life, and then to the use of John and his heirs male, and in default of issue to the use of Isaac, and in default to the use of the third and fourth son of Ralph in like manner; and in default to the use of Hester, eldest daughter of Ralph and Faith and to the heirs of her body lawfully begotten, and in default of issue to the use of Christian, second daughter, etc., and in default, to the right heirs of Ralph and Faith. Dated 20 October. (Derbyshire Record Office, Ref: D239 M/F 16059) Langold was formerly in Yorkshire, now in Nottinghamshire.
1655 - Nov 20 - VA Northumberland – Admin – John Johnson - Court: John Johnson agt Mr Morris Admr of Tho Coggin: Peter Knight petitions the Court in Behalf of John Johnson for 590 lb. Tobo., due from Coggin. Johnson having made oath before Mr. James Hawley. (p.66 Fleet). – p. 35:Mr Peter Knight, his motion – Regarding an action of debt betw. Knight and Col. John Mottrom, deceased. (p. 67 Fleet)
1655 – UK London Stepney St Dunstan – Bur – Peter Knight (London Met Arch)
1655 – UK Hertferdshire Studham – Mordecay Bayley, Yeoman, alias Mordecay Knight, Will – (Wills Proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1653-1656)
1655 – UK Overseas – Richard Knight, Will – Died at sea; frigate “Portland”. (Administrations in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1655-1660 (G-Q))
1655 – UK Kent Burmarsh – Chancery – Thomas Knight - Gifford v Knight. Plaintiffs: John Gifford. Defendants: Thomas Knight, William Knight and Deborah Knight his wife, George [Eure] Lord Eure and John Knight. Subject: property in Burmarsh, Kent. Document type: bill, five answers and two replications. (National Archives, Kew England, Ref: C 8/119/61)
1656 – VA Old Rappahannock was established in 1656 from part of Lancaster County.
1656 – Jan 12 – UK Norfolk Wigenhall – Will – John Knight – To every young widow of Wigenhall, 5 shillings apiece; 40 shillings to the church of St Mary Magdalene; to “now wife” Anne Painter Knight, 220 acres of land with houses and profits for her natural life; if there is issue of this marriage, the lands will go to that heir; if no issue, lands to go to John Knight, son of testator’s brother, Richard Knight; other lands that would be put to use of wife, Anne, if she has issue, but if she does not, those other lands to go to brother, Richard Knight who must pay to his son, Thomas Knight 10 pounds a year, and after his decease, the lands to go to Thomas; brother Richard must also pay to brother-in-law Robert Marshall and Elizabeth his wife (sister of testator?), 10 pounds a year; when Robert Knight, son of Richard Knight, inherits the lands and houses, he must pay to his sisters Prudence Knight and Mary Knight, 50 pounds apiece; if Robert dies, all to go to his brother John with same conditions; another piece of land and houses to go to Richard Knight and after his decease, to son John Knight who must pay to his two sisters, Anne Knight and Amy Knight, 50 pounds apiece; to John and Thomas Knight, sons of brother Richard, all books to be divided equally between them; to sister Elizabeth Marshall, 10 pounds; to Knight Marshall, 20 pounds, to Elizabeth Marshal and Anne Marshall, daughters of Robert Marshall, 5 pounds apiece; to William, John and Anne Painter, wife’s children, 5 pounds apiece; to John Bailey (Bealy), the son of Edmund Bailey, 5 pounds; to son-in-law, Thomas Earls, 5 pounds; to friend Mr. Nathaniel Dodd of Bennington in Hertfordshire, 20 shillings ; to Thomas Wilbourn of Cambridge, 20 shillings; to cousin Loveland, 20 shillings; to cousin Allston, 20 shillings; to Isabell Hill of Stowbridge, 20 shillings; residue of estate to wife, Ann, who is sole executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 261: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 1-50 (1657))
1656 - Jan 13 – VA Surry – Admin - Capt. George Jordan - Court: It was ordered to audit and settle and deliver all accounts depending between Capt. George Jordan and Mr. Richard Hill, deceased… a bill in the hands of Mr. Jno. Dibdall, also Mr. Jennings, etc. Test: Peter Knight, John Flood, Benjamin Sidway. Rec.: 6 Feb 1656. (Timberlake Davis)
1656 – Apr 16 – UK London – Will - Thomas Knight, Mariner – Of the ship “Arms of Holland, in the State service, sent home disabled in the ship “Wildman” from the West Indies and other adventures. Appears to be a bachelor and leaves what little he has to his “loving friend, Mrs. Sarah Pirkering and her children. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 254: Berkeley, Quire Numbers 105-154 (1656))
1656 – Apr 23 – UK Kent Queenboron – Will – Henry Knight, Mariner – To son Henry Knight, 5 shillings; to daughter Jane Knight, 2 shillings; to son Nicholas Knight, 20 pounds at 21; to daughter Martha Knight, 20 pounds at 21 or day of marriage; if Nicholas or Martha die, the survivor of them gets the other’s legacy; if they both die, executrix to keep the money; residue of estate to wife Martha and she to be executrix. Wit: Thomas Sharp, Peter Kent. ( Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 263: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 104-155 (1657))
1656 – May 17 – UK Suffolk Lowestoft – Will – Francis Knight, Merchant – Wishes to be buried next to his daughter in the parish churchyard; starts off talking about a debt owed him by a John Mason who purchased land of Francis; this is to be paid to his wife, Phama and the amount is apparently 120 pounds; if default, the place goes to the wife. Then, another such deal is discussed where the buyer/renter has defaulted and the place is to pass to wife, Phama; apparently, this is only for the duration of her life, because after her decease, it will go to “my kinsman, Thomas Miggholls, the condition being that Miggholls must pay to Jonathan Knight, the son of Robert Knight, late of the city of London, deceased, the sum of 100 pounds when Jonathan turns 21. If Jonathan dies before 21, the money is to go to John Knight and Susan Knight, at the ages of 21; more bequests of land and houses to other people; then, to Jonathan Knight, my kinsman, 100 pounds and if he dies, then it goes to John Knight, his brother, and Susan Knight, his sister. To Sarah Sholborry, my kinswoman, wife of Richard Sholborry of London, Scrivener, 20 pounds; to Frances Wronthan of Yarmouth, 30 pounds; Lonny Youll, minister of Lowestoft, 3 pounds; many more bequests, to the poor, friends, etc. Wife Phama to be executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 255: Berkeley, Quire Numbers 155-206 (1656))
1656 Jun 4 – VA Gloucester - Admin - Col. Richard Lee - Land patent for…5 acs. towards head of Poropotanke Cr. Whereon the store of sd. Col. Lee stands, & is part of a devdt. Granted Peter Knight, merchant, 25 Aug. 1652 which is deserted. Trans. Of 1 servant: Morris Plummor. (Nugent I, p. 330)
1656 – Jun 18 – UK Essex Roydon – Will – Elias Knight SR, Blacksmith – Rather evangelical introduction which is woven into the bequeathing! To wife, Joane Knight, income from property in the parish of Matching called Maplecroft with buildings, yards, gardens, orchards, etc, now in the tenure of Thomas Wright, for her natural life; to grandchild John Knight, son of Robert Knight, the property called Maplecroft after decease of wife; to son Robert Knight, annuity of 40 shillings a year for his natural life which will be paid by grandson, John Knight, out of the profits of Maplecroft; to 2 sons, John Knight and Thomas Knight, after decease of wife, house and property in Roydon to be divided between them; to sons John and Thomas, household items and furniture; to son Elias Knight, 20 shillings; to son James Knight, 20 shillings; to grandchild, Jane Knight, daughter of John Knight, household items; to the poor of the parish, 10 shillings; wife Joane to be executrix, Edward Rime and Thomas Lyill to be overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 256: Berkeley, Quire Numbers 207-260 (1656))
1656 – Jul 23 – UK Derbyshire Langford – Ox Alum – Gowen Knight – “Ser.” Christ Church, matric. 23 July 1656, B.A. 1661; fellow Merton Coll. 1663, M.A. 1667, vicar of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, co. Leicester, 1672, and of Ponteland, Northumberland, 1675, rector of Langford, co. Derby, 1690, see Robert 1693. See O.H.S iv 295; & Foster’s Index Eccl. (Oxford University Alumni 1500-1880, p. 861)
1656 - Sep 20 - VA Northumberland – Mar - James Hawley & Jane Horsley - Widow of Ralph Horsley with the consent of Joseph Horsley, son of Ralph Horsley. (Northumberland Co. Court Orders 1652-57:73)
1656 – Sep 22 – UK Norfolk Old Buckenham – Will – John Knight(s), Blacksmith – To wife Annis, Copyhold tenement where I now live with the stable and barn and all appurtenances belonging thereto for her natural life; after her decease, to son Henry; to Annis, additional lands and tenements for income and after her decease, to son Henry; several properties are described in this way: to Annis, then to Henry; then, additional properties to wife, Annis, and after her decease to son Adam; then son John, who is apparently still underage; then, lands and tenements to Annis, and after her decease, to son George, also underage; to daughter Mary, 20 pounds to be paid by son Henry; if Henry doesn’t pay, Mary gets to take one of his pieces of real property; to daughter Annis, 20 pounds to be paid by son Henry with same conditions; to daughter Margaret, 20 pounds to be paid by son Adam, same conditions as imposed on Henry; to daughter Elizabeth, 20 pounds to be paid by son Adam with same conditions; to Katharine Loveday, daughter-in-law (?), 20 shillings; to wife, Annis and son, Henry, residue of estate and the two of them joint executors. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 258: Berkeley, Quire Numbers 313-362 (1656))
1656 - Oct 9 – VA Northumberland – Admin - Mr. Peter Knight (Peeter) – Land patent for 925 acs., in Petowmack Riv. Adj. Chappawansicke Cr. p. 71 (104). Moiety of patent for 1850 acs. (As above) Renewal. Retaken up by new rights & trans. Of 19 pers: John Waddington, Andrew Cockerin, Wm. Ballingall, Edwd. Meeres, Wm. Mundy, Rich. Wall & 1 servt. name Thomas, James Hawly, Ann his wife, 3 children, Jno. Foster, Ruth Darlinge, James Hill, James Loyd, Jno Seaman, Wm. Seaman, Gilbert Seaman. (Nugent I, p. 340)
Note: The patent was likely applied for 3 years prior to granting, i.e. 1653. Notice above that James Hawley has married Widow Horsley whose husband was a witness when, in 7 Nov 1653. Peter Knight was in a generous mood in 1654, with gifts of cows, which is probably when he married Anne Hawley. Thus, Anne Hawley the elder and Ralph Horsley must have died after that event, and before Sept 1656.
1656 – Nov 25 – UK London All Hallows – Will – William Knight – To the poor of the parish, 10 shillings to be distributed on day of funeral; to brother-in-law William Blentshon, a short coat and boots to be given to him “immediately after my decease”; residue of estate to John Stringer of the parish of All Hallows, Waterman, and he to be executor, “charging him that he will be carful to provide for wife, Anne Knight who is now sicke, and if she die shortly after me, to see her decently buried”. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 259: Berkeley, Quire Numbers 363-412 (1656))
1656 - Dec 8 – VA Essex – Admin - Henry Chichley, Knt – Land patent for 2200 acs on N. side of Rappa. Riv., opposite to Port Tobacco, bounded on E. with Poytresses Cr. & land of Vincent Stanford, etc… Trans of 44 pers: Names include John Woodson (and sixteen of the same names that also appeared as headrights on the 26 Oct 1650 Hamelin Patent. And note that the lands are not even remotely connected, so it can’t be an assignment or renewal. (Nugent I, p. 334)
1657 – VA Gloucester – Admin - Peter Knight - appointed Justice of the Peace. (Mason 1946, p. 121)
1657 - Jan 15 – VA James City – Admin - Thomas Younge – Land patent for 250 acs. … On N. side of James Riv… on land formerly Mr. James & now in possession of John Knight, E. on Pagan Cr…. Renewed 18 Mar. 1662 (Nugent I, p. 364)
1657 – Jan 18 – UK Somerset Stogumber Preston – Will – Robert Knight – To George Knight, eldest son, 1 shilling; to William Knight, second son, 1 shilling; to Mary Pike, daughter, 1 shilling; all the rest to wife, Sara and she to be executrix. Signed with his mark. Wit: John Lawham, Henry Pike (Pyke). (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 272: Wootton, Quire Numbers 1-51 (1658))
1657 - Jan 20 – VA Gloucester – Admin - Christopher Abbott – Land patent for tract “By the Greate Swamp running E by N. Certificate … granted by … Cort of Gloster bearing date the 16th of Aprill 1656 but it was soe torn that the names could not be read.” (Mason 1946, p. 1)
1657 - Feb 10 – VA James City – Admin - William Hall Sr - Land patent “Bounded East on old Knight’s land. (Parks 1981, p. 238)
1657 – Feb 13 – UK Hampshire Southampton - Will – John Knight – Begins with a list of his lands: The Priory of St Denys (Dionis) including house, barns, stables, orchards, gardens, etc; more lands described, on in the occupation of a Harry Beale, one in occupation of William Mann, another in the occupation of a Thomas Evans; a manor house; apparently, all to go to John Knight and Richard Knight, sons of Richard Knight, deceased; to Francis Babington, 50 pounds; to Rose Austen, 25 pounds; to Benjamin Austen’s children, 25 pounds; to godson John Gaywood, 25 pounds and 25 pounds more to his children; to George Clarke, sorrel gelding and 100 best sheep, ewes or wethers; executrix to be Constance Babington; William Barnes and Robert Kienebett to be overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 273: Wootton, Quire Numbers 52-105 (1658)) This will is written in a very confused and scattered manner and really deserves expert attention because of its historical interest.
1657 – Feb 15 – UK Dorsetshire Netherbury Hurley – Will – Robert Knight, Yeoman – To the church, 6 shillings 8 pence; to the poor, 10 groats (1 groat = 4 pennies); to all godchildren 5 pence apiece; to wife, land leases for her lifetime; after her decease, to go to son, Roger Knight; everything to wife, Amy, and son Roger, equally and after decease of wife, all to go to son; wife to be executrix; brothers Richard Knight and Walter Knight to be overseers; wit: Thomas Sallopp, James Daniel. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 273: Wootton, Quire Numbers 52-105 (1658))
1657 – Mar 1 – UK Hampshire Binsted – Will – John Knight, Tanner – Rather longer religious/philosophical introduction than usual; to brother James Knight, all real property in the parish of Kingsly and Tithing of Oakhanger within the parish of Selbourne; to sister Joane, 5 pounds and to her children, 5 pounds apiece at 21; to sister, daughter of Joane Godfrey, 15 pounds at 21; to Bridget’s two children by John Cooper, 5 pounds apiece at 21; brother James residuary legatee and executor; James Hunt, Walter Hawkins, William Hawkins, overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 275: Wootton, Quire Numbers 156-209 (1658))
1657 – Mar 10 – UK Hampshire Chawton – Ox Alum – Richard Knight – arm. Queen’s Coll, matric. 10 March 1656-7; possibly a student of Gray’s Inn 1658 (as son and heir of Richard, of Chawton, Hants, esq.) knighted 10 Jan 1667, M.P. Lymington Feb 1677-8 – Jan 1678-9, and died s.p. 1679. See Foster’s Gray’s Inn Reg. (Oxford University Alumni 1500-1886, pp. 861-863)
1657 Mar 13 – VA Northumberland - Admin - James Hawley (Hawly) – Land patent for 1000 acs. …On S. side of Petomeck… Trans of 20 pers. Incl Mr. Geo. Coltclough, Mrs. Ursula Coltclough. Renewed 24 May 1664. (p. 362)
Note: Mr. Coltclough has already patented his own land in Northumberland Co. in 1655 (Nugent I, p. 309) and this land is mentioned in the patent of John Hulet (Nugent I, p. 322) whose headrights include John Evans. The patent of John Evans, 11 Mar 1655, includes John Knight as headright. (Nugent I, p. 330) A patent of Peter Knight, Merchant, 16 July 1652, also includes numerous Evanses and 1648 court records show Capt. Peter Knight being sued by George Colclough.
1657 - Mar 20 – VA James City – Admin - John Knight – Land patent for 300 acs…. On N. side of James Riv. & S. E. side of Chichohominy, beg. On the head of a path leading to Capt. Bennett Freeman & Edward Harrison, N. to Thomas Young, to Delonies marked trees, thence to Sir William Berkeley’s &c. Trans. Of 6 pers. (Nugent I, p. 364)
1657 - Mar 30 – VA Northumberland – Admin - Mr. Peter Knight- Land patent for 500 acs. … On S. side of great Wiccocomico Riv., N.N.E. upon another seate belonging to him, formerly Mr. Flints, & S.E. upon a lyne dividing this from land of Gervase Dodson. Trans. Of 10 pers: Robert Burwell, & his wife, 3 children, William Bradby, Deborah Conne, James Jones, John Gerrell, William Flinton. (Nugent I, p. 343)
1657 Apr 20 – VA Gloucester – Admin - William Newman - Land patent for 400 acs. one mile below Oliver Green beginning by a swamp that runs by Mr. Cooke land. Renewed in Mr. Peter Knight’s name 1662. Trans of: Robert Davis, William Jenkins, John Foster, Daniel ___, James Fisher, Thomas Jones, Adam Church, John Turbis. (Mason 1946, p. 55)
Note: William Newman was 35 years old when the 1624 Jamestown Muster was taken (b. 1589). He was located at Wariscoyack, James City, and had arrived in 1622 aboard the ship “Furtherance”. He had a house, 6 pounds of powder, two guns, and corslet armor. He apparently left a wife and children in England, and they later joined him. Son: Robert, Daus: Martha Newman Morris, Jane Newman Presley, and Hannah Newman. Morrises and Presleys were long associated with Knights, also. Further on we will learn that Peter Knight acquired this land by assignment from an Elias Cobson, to whom it was sold by Newman so no reason to get excited here!
1657 – May 5 – UK Southampton St Denys – Will – Elizabeth Knight, Spinster – 40 pounds to pay for funeral; to the poor of Southampton, 5 pounds; to four ministers of the church, 4 pounds each: Mr Walter Rought, Mr. Turner, Mr. Clutterboor, Mr. William Bernard; kinsman, John Knight, Esq, of St Denys, is in charge of an annuity to Elizabeth and owes her 100 pounds, and she requests he release the fund to her executors to pay her debts and bequests, after which, she releases to him 150 pounds; to cousin Constance Osborne, 10 pounds; to cousin Benjamin Aston, Gent, 20 pounds; to his wife, Elizabeth Aston, 30 pounds; to goddaughter, Rose Aston, 30 pounds; to cousin Constance Babington, 4 pounds; to goddaughter, Elizabeth Babington, 20 pounds; to goddaughter Rose Elmes, 5 pounds; to godson Thomas Leigh, Gent, 10 pounds; Mrs. Anne Storkman, wife of Mr. Joseph Storkman, silver tankards; to their son, William Storkman, 10 pounds; to cousin Elizabeth Clangson the elder, 10 pounds; to her daughter, Elizabeth Sambrook, 10 pounds; to Philadelphia Richards, daughter of St Edward Richards, Knight, 10 pounds; to Anne Cole and Eliza Cole, 2 of the daughters of John Cole late of Lindhurst, Esq, 10 pounds to be divided; to goddaughter Jane Evans, 5 pounds; to her sister, my cousin, Elizabeth Evans, 20 shillings; to cousin Bridget Haywood, wife of John Haywood, Gent, 10 pounds; to cousins Elizabeth Haywood, Frances Haywood, Penelope Haywood, Bridgett Haywood, Thomas Haywood, John Haywood, Henry Haywood, James Haywood and William Haywood, children of the said John Haywood, 20 shillings apiece; to Mary Knapton, daughter of Ralph Knapton, Gent, 5 pounds in gold; to goddaughter Elizabeth Hills, 10 shillings; to goddaughter Mary Butter, 10 shillings; to her father, Robert Butter, 10 pounds; to godson George Richards, 10 shillings; to servant Katherine, now wife of Thomas Foote, 200 pounds, to be put in trust for the use and benefit of Katherine and her children, and so her husband shall not dispose of it; ; to the said Katherine, 20 pounds per annum to be paid to her during her life; to my servant, Katherine, all my pewter, bed, feather bed, blankets, bolsters, sheets, trunks, boxes, and other household items “in my cousin John Knight’s house”; Katherine shall wear mourning at my funeral; to 6 poor women, a cloth gown ready made to wear at my funeral; rest of my household goods, rings and jewels, that I have not disposed of, to cousin John Haywood the elder of Titelfield in Southampton; Codicil: “I find my personal estate to be greater than I conceived …” to cousin John Knight, my sealed gold ring which was my fathers; to my servant Katherine Foot, lands and tenements in the parish of St Michael in the occupation of Joseph Browne; more items to servant, Katherine Foote and husband; added items to persons already mentioned, double the money to pay for the funeral; 2nd codicil, more items specified to go to this or that person. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 263: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 104-155 (1657))
1657 – May 7 – UK Warwickshire Rowington – Will – Joane Knight, Widow – Several place names are given in this will that do not relate to any current locations; Rowington, however, is mentioned as a local parish so I have given this will to that location; To the poor of Willonhall, 20 shillings; to the poor of Norley, 40 shillings; to the poor of Rowington, 40 shillings; to be paid out of the money that John Marshall owes; to son-in-law Robert Knight, certain land; to uncle Roger Jackson, 3 pounds debt from Thomas Burkley; to Francis Parker of Willonhall, 5 pounds; to sister Adams, 20 shillings; to sister Margaret Lourceston, 20 shillings; to sister Lea, 20 shillings; to sister Hopkins, 20 shillings; to aunt Susanna Knight, 10 shillings; to Francis Parker of Lapworth, 20 shillings; to brother John Knight, 5 shillings; to Richard Bent, 5 shillings; all which legacies to be paid out of the money William Jennings owes; to Elizabeth Knight, daughter of my son-in-law, John Knight, clothing; also to the said Elizabeth, 3 pound piece of gold; son-in-law John Knight and brother Robert Adams and Thomas Bryers to be executors. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 264: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 156-207 (1657))
1657 – May 26 – UK Kent Godmersham – Bap – Robert Knight – s/o Nicholas Knight, gent. (Tyler)
1657 - Jun 3 – VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight – Land patent for 1500 acs. ... Renewal of 2 patents for 500 acs. Each. 700 acs. N.N.E. upon a creek deviding this & land of Mr. Nicholas Morrice, W.N.W. upon Scoggins Cr., etc & 800 acs. N.N.E. upon said land, W.E. upon land of Thomas Read & David Kiffin, etc. 500 acs. For trans. Of 10 pers.* (Nugent I, p. 346) 3 Jun 1657 - 1200 acs. Same county, date & page. Peter Knight - Renewal of patent for 700 acs. Granted him 2 Oct. 1654 & 500 acs granted unto Thomas Scoggin, who deserted same, and now due for trans. Of 10 pers.” The name Rich. Shortland appears under this record. (Nugent I, p. 346)
1657 – Jun 18 – UK Surrey Ashe – Will – Robert Knight, Yeoman – To son James Knight, 10 pounds; to daughter Jane Streete, 11 pounds; to sons Robert Knight and Absolum Knight, 12 pounds apiece; to daughters Mary Browne and Elizabeth Attryth, wives of William Browne the younger and John Attryth, 12 pounds apiece; to wife Elizabeth Knight, whole list of furnishings and linens, etc; to the poor of the parish, 5 shillings; residue of estate to son John Knight who is executor; friends Robert Watts and Robert Hattson, overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 266: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 260-310 (1657))
1657 – Jul 9 – UK Essex Grays Thurrock – Will – Aquilla Knight, Spinster – Estate to John Lewes, brother-in-law, and his wife, Priscilla. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 266: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 260-310 (1657))
1657 – Jul 15 – UK Somerset Broadway – Will – Richard Knight, Yeoman – To be buried in the churchyard at Cudworth; to the church, 10 shillings; to the poor of the parish, 3 shillings to each of them; to my son, John Knight, all lands in the county of Devon and the dwelling house at Cudworth with the linen and all goods that are mine there; to 4 daughters, 10 shillings apiece, Johane Thorne, Dorothy Haynes, F___ Lawe, and Agnes Mitchell; to grandchildren and godchild, Simon Thorne, Richard Knight, Richard Mitchell, Richard Haynes, and Richard Knight the son of Simon Knight, 10 pounds each; if any of them die, his share to be divided equally among the remainder; to each of my grandchildren called by my wife’s name, Elizabeth, 5 pounds; to Robert Knight, son of John Knight, 5 pounds; to any grandchildren not mentioned, 40 shillings; to 4 sons-in-law, all my wearing apparel to be divided equally among them and 40 shillings apiece; to the minister that preaches my funeral, 40 shillings; to John Hurkelbudge (?) 10 shillings; to sister Elizabeth’s 5 daughters, 20 shillings apiece; I give my mare to the party at whose house I die, with tack; to Richard Knight, sonof Simon Knight, real estate with income; if he die, to Simon Knight, my younger son; son Simon Knight to be executor, John Thorne and son John Knight to be overseers; Wit: John Thorne, Thomas Lawe. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 266: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 260-310 (1657))
1657 – Aug 14 – UK Gloucestershire Bristol – Admin – John Knight the Elder – Enfeoffment: (1) John NEWTON of Barrescourt esq., John KNIGHT the elder of Bristol, merchant, John SMITH of Bitton, yeoman, William BUTCHER of Cullyhall, Bitton, clothier, Hugh SMITH of Bitton, yeoman, George HARTE of Bristol, lynnen-draper, and John LAWFORD of Bristol, grocer; and (2) Arthur FARMER of Bristol, brewer; Three farrundells of pasture called Turners in Oldland occupied by (2). Note of livery of seizin endorsed; Consideration: unspecified; Witnesses: John HAGGATT; Roger MARTYN; Samuel CLEMENT; Humphrey HOLLOWAY. (Gloucestershire Archives, Ref: D2957/223/10)
1657 – Aug 31 – UK Worcestershire Much Malvern – Will – William Knight, Yeoman – Long recap of acquisition of land from John Need of Madderfield and his wife, Margaret, which he is bequeathing to his son, William Knight and heirs; lands to son John Knight and heirs; to son John, 34 pounds; to daughter Joane Knight, 44 pounds; to daughter Marie Knight, 100 pounds; to son William, household items; wife Eleanor, to have life estate as long as she is widow; to son John, household items; wife to be custodian of children; to daughters Marie and Joan, household items, linen etc at marriage; daughters must obtain consent of their mother to marry or no legacy; to son William Knight, lands purchased of William Ligon of Madderfield and Marie, his wife; to daughter Marie, lands purchased of William Ligon, wife Marie, and Thomas Butler and wife Jane; residue of estate to wife, Eleanor, and she to be executrix. ( Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 266: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 260-310 (1657))
1657 – Oct 1 – UK Buckinghamshire Northall - Will – William Knight, Stillman – Entire estate, lands in Bucks and Bedfordshire, to sister Alice Knight and she to be sole executrix; “my Master Edmund Balon and my Master Robert Knight to be overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 268: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 359-410 (1657))
1657 - Dec 21 – VA York– Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant – Court, Justices: Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., Col Christopher Calthorpe, Lt. Col. William Barbor, J. Croshaw, J. Ham, E Peters & William. Hay: Upon petition of Peter Knight, M’chant Att.’y of John Bennett, & Bennett is to give bond with security, William Carr (Carre) being formerly possest by order to deliver such cattle as formerly belonged to John Walker to the sd. Bennett he the sad. Carr being satisfied therefrom; 200 lbs. Tob. & the cattle to be app. By Thomas Pinkethman & John Russell. (Duvall Series 2, Vol. 5, p. 8)
1657 – Dec 23 – UK Hertfordshire Weston – Nunc Will – George Knight, Yeoman – Entire estate to wife, Mary Knight, she to be executrix. No other information. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 271: Ruthen, Quire Numbers 499-543 (1657))
1657 – UK Stepney London – Thomas Knight, Will – Died overseas in frigate “Bridgewater”. (Administrations in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1655-1660 (G-Q))
1657 – VA New Kent – Admin - Capt Leonard Chamberlain – Land patent for 650 acres, renewed in 1662 in the name of his son Leonard Chamberlain. Note: Leonard II’s son John had a son who married the daughter of Robert Coleman of Essex County (d. 1713)
1658 – Jan 4 – UK Middlesex Stepney – Nunc Will – Nicholas Knight – “Being in health of body and of perfect mind and memory and then being bound in the good ship the “Fortune and Mary” of London on a voyage for ‘Ginnry derfarod’” – he leaves all his worldly goods and possessions, debts, etc to “my loving friend Frances Mandley” (or Maudley) and appoints her his sole executrix. (The spelling in this one is unusual even for the time, so I wonder if “Ginnry” actually meant Virginia?) (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858 for Nicholas Knight, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 286: Pell, Quire Numbers 1-49 (1659))
1658 – Jan 13 – UK Wiltshire Salisbury – Will – Israel Knight, Spinster – “I Israel Knight of the Close in Sarum, Spinster, being in perfect memory, but finding of late my health somewhat impaired…”; to father Thomas Knight and to mother, Margaret Knight, two tenements in the Close of Sarum, purchased of Nicholas Skinner, Cit & Salter of London; and after their deaths, to the use of uncle John Scarlett of Sarum, Sadler, and after his decease, to the heirs of William Young, Wool Draper, and Francis West, Bellow maker, both of Sarum, jointly, forever; to William Young, heir of William Young, a forest beside his share in the said land, and one silver spoon; to John West, heir of Francis West, a silver spoon; to Martha Young, 1 silver spoon; to Elizabeth West, 1 silver spoon; mother, Margaret Knight, to be executrix; kinsman Thomas Coleman to be overseer; to aunt Joan Colemen, 2 silver spoons; Israel Knight (mark); Wit: William Young, Francis West. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 286: Pell, Quire Numbers 1-49 (1659))
1658 – Feb 7 – UK Leicestershire Brantington – Will – John Knight – To son William Knight whom I have ___ ____, 6 pence; to younger son, John Knight, who is to be executor, entire estate except what is bequeathed to daughter; to daughter Elizabeth, 3 score and 6 pounds (66); to daughter Elizabeth, household items, furnishings, beds, drapes, her mother’s clothes, etc. Richard Hankins and Francis Chambers to be overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 286: Pell, Quire Numbers 1-49 (1659))
1658 – Feb 9 – UK Hertfordshire Great Gaddesden Row – Will – Jeremy Knight, Husbandman – To Thomas Knight, the son of Thomas knight, late of Gaddesden, deceased, 20 pounds to be employed to his best advantage; to the now wife of William Thompson of Eaton in the county of Bedford, Master, my late wife’s sister, items and 20 shillings in gold; to Elizabeth Thompson, widow, and mother to Elizabeth Knight, my late wife, remainder of my wife’s wearing apparel; to her daughter, the wife of William Thompson, my late wife’s wedding rings; to John Knight of Barkhampstead, my brother, all my wearing apparel; to Elizabeth Knight of Gaddeston, widow, residue of estate and she to be executrix; Wit: Thomas Wells and Judith Wells. Codicil: The above-mentioned 20 pounds given to Thomas, the son of Thomas Knight, should remain to the use of Elizabeth Knight, mother of said Thomas Knight, until he is 20 yrs old. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 286: Pell, Quire Numbers 1-49 (1659))
1658 – Feb 10 – UK Staffordshire Kingswinford – Will – Richard Knight, Yeoman – To son Henry Knight, 5 shillings; to son-in-law Edward Henry, 5 shillings; to daughter, Jane, wife of Edward Henry, 5 shillings; to daughters Anne Knight and Mary Knight, 5 shillings each; to grandson John Hancock son of Edward Hancock, 5 shillings; to Bridget Hancock, daughter of Edward Hancock, 5 shillings; to William Dawtry, 40 shillings; residue of estate, all goods and chattels, to wife Anne as long as she remains a widow; if she remarries, all to be divided amongst 3 daughters; wife Anne to be executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 287: Pell, Quire Numbers 50-98 (1659))
1658 – Feb 16 – UK Devonshire Broadclyst – Will – Nicholas Knight, Yeoman – To the poor of the parish, 20 shillings; to goddaughter, 20 shillings; to Thomas Whittrow, son-in –law, 20 shillings; … to wife, Amy Knight, 44 pounds, 20 of which are in the hands of William Puglia her father-in-law which is part of her marriage portion and the other 20 to be paid by my executor; also to wife, an annuity of 5 pounds and 10 shillings annually and a house in St Sidwells for a term of 16 years if she lives that long, if not, to remain to my executors; all the rest of goods and chattels to son John Knight who is executor; if he marries before he is 21, and have an heir lawfully begotten, then he shall fully possess his executorship; but if he dies before he reaches 21 or marries, estate to go to Thomas Whittrow, my son-in-law. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 286: Pell, Quire Numbers 1-49 (1659))
1658 – Feb 24 – UK Cornwall Landrake – Will - Ferdinando Knight, Yeoman – To daughters Sarah, Lydia, Joan, 1 pewter dish each; to son Ferdinando Knight, 1 sheep; to Andrew Sutton, 1 sheep; to William Symon, 1 shilling; to Michael Knight, 1 shilling; all the rest of goods, land, cattle, etc, to wife Sarah who is to be executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 287: Pell, Quire Numbers 50-98 (1659))
1658 - Mar 7 – VA Northumberland – Admin - Mr. Peter Knight – Land patent for 925 acs. in Patomeck river… adj. Capawansicke Cr., Being the moiety of a patent granted to sd. Knight & Capt. Baker Cutts, 13 Oct. 1653, renewed by order of court & for trans. Of 19 pers. (List not given) Renewed 15 Mar 1663. (Nugent I, p. 389)
1658 – Apr 2 – UK Buckinghamshire Drayton Beauchamp – Will – Thomas Knight, Husbandman – “I Thomas Knight of Hilstrop”…; to son Thomas, 12 pounds; to son John, 2 pounds; to daughter Elizabeth, 20 pounds; to all other daughters (no names or count) 1 shilling apiece; to Thomas Olaf (Oliff), one coffer; to every other grandchild, 4 shillings apiece; residue of estate to wife Jane who is to be executrix. Wit: Thomas Wigg. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 274: Wootton, Quire Numbers 106-155 (1658))
1658 – Apr 21 – UK London St Giles Cripplegate – Nunc Will – William Knight – To daughter Judith Knight, 8 pounds; residue of estate to wife, Hannah. Wit: Margaret Foster, Ann Knight and “divers others”.
1658 – May 20 – UK Cambridgeshire Houghton – Will – Walter Knight – Wife, Margery; To Robert Knight, 5 shillings; to Richard Knight, 2 pounds; to Miles Knight, 2 pounds; to the widow Browne, five shillings; to the poor of Houghton, 1 pound; to Thomas Wheabel, 5 shillings; William Knight, executor, to his children, James, 1 pound; to Thomas Wheable, Andrew Wheable, Giles Waterton, 3 pounds; Richard Barfoot, 1 pound; Henry Bedford, 5 pounds; John Marsh, 2 pounds, Roger ___, 16 shillings; John Cooter of Ashly, 3 pounds; Richard Wody, 1 pound; Henry Hunt, 5 pounds in Hinsler Parish; Robert Knight in Hinsler Woodlanes, 8 pounds. ( PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 276: Wootton, Quire Numbers 210-263 (1658), Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858)
1658 – May 20 – UK Kent Ashford – Will – Thomas Knight, Gent – To the poor of Ashford, 10 shillings; wife to get 50 pounds; pos. son Thomas; daughter Elizabeth all household goods and stuff; cousin Giles Watson, 20 shillings to buy a ring; father (in-law?) Robert Draysson and brother, Peter Knight, 20 shillings to buy a ring, these last two to be executors. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 277: Wootton, Quire Numbers 264-313 (1658)) (Second page of this will is a very muddy.)
1658 – Jun 2 – UK Somerset Bridgewater – Will – Reynold Knight SR, Yeoman – To Elizabeth my now wife, 40 pounds, half of household stuff and implements of house; to son Robert Knight, 5 pounds; if he die, the 5 pounds goes to his children; to son William Knight, 10 pounds; to children of son William Knight, viz Mary Knight, Elizabeth Knight, Joane Knight and William Knight, 50 shillings apiece; to granddaughter Elizabeth Knight, daughter of son John Knight, deceased, 5 pounds at age 21; to servant Elizabeth Podger, 6 shillings 8 pence; residue of estate to son Matthew Knight who is to be executor. Wit: Edward Raymond, George Glass. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 283: Wootton, Quire Numbers 575-626 (1658))
1658 Jun 4 – VA Northumberland – Admin – Edward Palmer - Patent for 400 acs. in Petomeck freshes, lyeing up a creek between land of Capt. Brent called Pusctoway Neck & land of Henry Vincent… Trans. Of 8 pers: Mary Palmer, Guy Knight, Richard Palmer. (Nugent I, p. 368)
1658 – VA Northumberland – Admin – Mr. Peter Knight & Mr. John Haynie, Burgesses from the County Levy. (William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 3., (Jan., 1896), pp. 179-180.)
1658 – Jul 1 – UK Hampshire Privett – Will – John Knight, Yeoman – To church and poor, 30 shillings total; to son Henry Knight, 5 pounds and beds; to son William Knight, 5 pounds and beds; to son John Knight, furniture; to Katherine, daughter of the said John Knight (granddaughter), 40 shillings at 21; to Thomas, William, Agnes, John and Elizabeth, children of son Thomas Knight, 40 shillings apiece at 21; to Henry Knigh, son of my son Henry Knight, 20 pounds at 21; to Katherine, daughter of son Henry, 10 pounds at 21; to Margaret and Jane, two other daughters of son Henry, 40 shillings apiece at 21; residue of estate to son Thomas Knight and he to be executor; friends Richard Lowe of Basing, Gent and Thomas Turfork the elder to be overseers with full power to settle differences. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 281: Wootton, Quire Numbers 470-523 (1658))
1658 – Jul 2 – UK Kent New Romney – Will - Peter Knight, Gent – Wife appears to be Roberta: to wife, lands in the Parish of Brooklands occupied by John Marsh during her natural life; then, to son Peter Knight, his heirs, etc, and for default of such issue, lands go to daughter Elizabeth Knight and heirs of her body, and for want of such issue, to his brother Thomas Knight and his heirs; then an annuity to brother, Thomas, of 4 pounds money to be derived from lands in Lydd, during his natural life, to be paid on Saints days listed; an annuity to his sister, Anne, the wife of Thomas Davis, more or less the same as annuity to brother, Thomas; son Peter Knight, apparently he is under 21 so wife instructed about use of income from various sources, to educate son Peter and daughter Elizabeth; if son Peter “departs this life” before he turns 21, everything to go to daughter Elizabeth at the age of 18; if both children “depart this life”, then everything goes to his brother, Thomas and his heirs; daughter Elizabeth gets 300 pounds on her 18th birthday, or marriage; his “man”, William Sheppard, a wagon and suits and clothing; his maid, Anne, 3 pounds; his brother: Wilcocke Knight and sons, 20 shillings each; brother John Knight and sons, 20 shillings each; wife, Roberta, sole executrix. Wit: Robert Wilcocke, Robert Steede, John Pepper. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 281: Wootton, Quire Numbers 470-523 (1658))
1658 – Jul 3 – UK Lincolnshire Scotton – Nunc Will – Edward Knight – To son, Edward Knight, 1 shilling and his clothes; to daughter Anne, 3 pounds and items; residue to wife, Elizabeth Knight and she executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 281: Wootton, Quire Numbers 470-523 (1658))
1658 - Sep 1 – VA New Kent – Admin - Georg Chapman – Land patent for 1500 acs. ... N. side of Mattepany Riv…Trans of 30 pers. Incl John Knight, Robert Wright, Thomas Winn, Richard Perry, Roger Stephens, Robert Wilson, Thomas Edgecombe (Edgcome). (Nugent I, p. 370)
1658 – Sep 9 – UK London - Will – Michael Knight – To mother, 10 pounds; to eldest sister, 10 pounds; to youngest sister, Frances, “all whatsoever I have on shore money and goods the legacies being paid”; to William Jacobs, “all on board appertaining to me”. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 280: Wootton, Quire Numbers 417-469 (1658))
1658 – Sep 27 – UK West Sussex Chichester - Admin – Peter Knight, Innholder - Bond for £70 Between (a) Peter Knight of Chichester, innholder, and (b) Edward Darkeing; Witnesses: John Peachey and Roger Tryyer. (West Sussex Record Office Add Mss 12,558)
1658 – Oct 2 – UK London – Richard Knight, Cit. and Fishmonger, Will – “Going upon a voyage to East India…” estate to wife, Margaret Knight and she to be executor. Will written on 1655 Feb 12. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 282: Wootton, Quire Numbers 524-574 (1658))
1658 - Oct 7 – VA Westmoreland – Admin – Mr. Richard Wright - Land patent for 2200 acs. on S.W. side of Patomeck Riv… granted unto Col. John Mottrom 13 Aug 1650 & due sd. Wright as marrieinge Ann the daughter of sd. Mottrom… 737 acs for trans of 15 per. Incl. John Knight (Nugent I, p. 375)
1658 – Oct 11 – UK Hampshire Crondall – Will – William Knight, Yeoman – To son William Knight, 30 pounds; to son James Knight, 30 pounds; to daughter Joane, 30 pounds; to daughter Jean, 30 pounds; daughters to get money at 21 or marriage; residue of estate to wife Joane and son John Knight who are to be joint executors; friend William Porten (Parten?) to be Overseer; Wit: Richard Terry, Moses Terry, William Taylor (Tailor). (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 282: Wootton, Quire Numbers 524-574 (1658))
1658 – Oct 21 – UK Kent Stockbury – Will – John Knight, Gent – To only son, Richard Knight, 20 shillings; to daughter, Martha Potty, wife of William Potty, Gent, 10 shillings; to the poor of the parish, 20 shillings; rest of estate to wife, Alice Knight who is to be executrix; friend, John Windy, Gent, to be overseer; will then goes on to discuss land and larger sums of money that do not appear to be going to the son or daughter. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 283: Wootton, Quire Numbers 575-626 (1658))
1658 – Oct 21 – UK Essex Nasing – Will – Elias Knight, Yeoman – To be buried in Raydon churchyard; to wife Mary, all household goods, moveables and unmoveable chattels, cattle, whatsoever I have forever; to Joane Knight, daughter of John Knight, all lands and tenements where I now live with barns, stables, outhouses, orchards, pasture land, meadow, various tracts described, to her and her heirs forever; in default of heirs, property to go to James Knight, son of Robert Knight; to Elizabeth Jacob or Raydon, 4 pounds a year, to be paid by Joane Knight or James Knight; if Joane or James fail to pay the 4 pounds a year, then Elizabeth Jacob will receive the lands; wife to be executrix, friends Josias Wood and William Gra___ of Raydon to be overseers. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 283: Wootton, Quire Numbers 575-626 (1658))
1658 - Oct 22 - VA Northumberland – Admin – John Knight & James Hawley - Court: The difference depending between Mr. Charles Ashton, Plt., and Mr. James Hawley & John Knight, Defendants, being tried by a Jury whose names are subscribed, vizt. Mr. Wm.: Thomas, Thomas Brewer, Henry Toppin, Richard Spann, Mr. Nicho: Jernow, Simon Richardson, Antho: Linton, Justinian Tennis, John Motley, Abraham Joyce, William Coleman, Jno: Bailes. We of the Jury being empannelled to try the Cause between Mr. Charles Ashton, Plaint: & Mr. James Hawley & John Knight, Defendants, do award as followeth: vizt., That the Plaintiff shall forthwith: have a sufficient able Servant delivered him by the Defendants,: Mr. Hawley to allow for two thirds thereof & John Knight the other third: And each party to beare his own charges, the sd. Servant to have one complete year to serve. Wm: Thomas (Sparacio)
Note: A John Knight shows up several times in association with Capt. Peter Knight and with James Hawley which suggests that he was related to Peter somehow and somewhat older, more of an age with Hawley. He is elsewhere described as “planter” and “of Northumberland County”. Here, it appears that Hawley and John Knight are engaged in some kind of business together.
Further note the presence of William Coleman on the Northumberland County jury. William Coleman was the heir of Anthony Coleman whose daughter, Barbery, apparently married Edward Knight, son of Joseph Knight. Edward was co-heir with William to Anthony Coleman.
Then, note the fact that the 1648 Sep 9 patent to a Mrs. Jane Perkins states that it is next door to the land of Anthony Coleman, and that the land Mrs. Perkins is patenting came to her via Capt. William Peirce to Alexander Stoner to John Knight to William Edwards to Edward Prince to Robert Miles to the sd. Mrs. Perkins. What interests me here is that this land, next to Anthony Coleman who was connected to Joseph and Edward Knight, was at least temporarily held by a John Knight.
1658 – Dec 2 – UK Northamptonshire Byfield – Will – Andrew Knight – The image of this will on ancestry.com is so poor that it is almost impossible to read however, I am able to make out that the eldest son is Edward Knight; next William Knight; then George Knight; Elizabeth and Jane appear to be daughters of son Edward; Joane is the wife and executor; witnesses appear to be George Mason and Mary Mason. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 285: Wootton, Quire Numbers 674-720 (1658))
1658 – Dec 16 – UK Warwickshire Henley in Arden – Will – Richard Knight – To son Richard, household items including bed; also to Richard, a piece of land “lying between the new building of my son John on the north side and joining on the south side from the High street to the lower bark brook; to son John Knight, household items including bed; to daughter Susanna, 30 pounds and household items including bed; to son-in-law Thomas Bird, husband of daughter Margaret, items; residue of estate to sons John and Joseph and daughter Susanna who are joint executors; George Ward, William Cowper and John Frankson overseers. Wit: George Ward, William Cowper, John Fouke. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 284: Wootton, Quire Numbers 627-673 (1658))
1658 Dec 20 – VA Lancaster – Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant - witnesses a deed between William Short (Shirt) of Lancaster, and William Thatcher. (Fleet, Lancaster, p. 130)
Note: Here we are surely dealing with Capt. Peter Knight, now being called "Merchant" because that was what he was at this point. Recall that Lancaster Co was earlier part of Northumberland county. I believe that here we are seeing an appearance of William Short, the future father-in-law of Capt. Peter's son, Leonard Knight. Leonard, of course, according to his own later testimony, is not yet born.
1658 – Dec 24 – UK Worcestershire Evesham – Will – John Knight – “I John Knight, the son of Thomas Knight of Evesham…” to be buried in the church at Carleton, Northamptonshire, near the seat where I used to sit; to the poor at Carleton, 200 pounds; to the poor of Great Hampton where I was born, 5 pounds; to the poor of Evesham where my father and eldest brother Thomas, lived and died, 5 pounds; to the son of my master, Geoffrey Palmer the younger, my picture of his mother now remaining at my brother William’s house and my mourning diamond ring, and all my precedent books and whatever other books he shall desire to have; I give to Edward Palmer, my Master’s youngest son, my watch and 10 pounds for a mourning ring; to Frances, my Master’s daughter, I give 50 pounds to buy her a ring; to my Master, 10 pounds to buy a ring and to his daughter, Elizabeth Palmer, 10 pounds for a ring; to Lewis Palmer, 10 pounds for a ring; to friends Capt. Forster, Thomas Gorstelon, John Barnwell, Thomas Joned, and Mr. Cole, 5 pounds each for a ring; to Mr. Gorstelon, my cedar cabinet; to Matthew Johnson, 5 pounds and my new gown; to Mr. Cothey, 5 pounds; to Mrs. Greene, our laundress, 10 pounds; to cousin Mary, 50 pounds; to her brother, Thomas Pearce, 40 pounds; to her youngest brother, 30 pounds; to cousin Rose Finch, for her own sole use, her husband may not interfere therewith, 30 pounds; to cousin Elizabeth Skinner, sole use etc, 50 pounds; to cousin Grace Chotham, 10 pounds; to the children of Grace, 100 pounds to be divided equally amongst them; to cousin Thomas Knight, 250 pounds, that is, 50 pounds to bind him apprentice, and the other 200 pounds for a storke (?) for him; to daughters of brother William Knight, Elizabeth Knight and Mary Knight, 100 pounds apiece; to sister Reebe (or Phebe?), 10 pounds; to sister Earley (?), 50 pounds; all legacies payable at age 21 or when married, if applicable; if any of them die before legacy, reversion to executor; 100 pounds for the expense of funeral and conveying body to Charlton and for a marble stone with these words: John Knight, the servant of Geoffrey Palmer Esq, date…; no pompous business in my funeral, but private and decent with a sermon preached by Mr. Howorth or some other orthodox divine who shall receive 40 shillings; residue of estate to brother William Knight who is to be executor and friend Thomas Gonslowe overseer; brother to pay to Lettice, now wife of John Goddon, 100 pounds being part of the money my brother owes me, and to keep it from her husband. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 285: Wootton, Quire Numbers 674-720 (1658)) \
1658 – UK Rowington Warwickshire – William Knight, Will – No details provided by ancestry.com (Administrations in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1655-1660 (G-Q))
1658 – UK Deal Kent – William Knight, Will – Died in the State service overseas in Flanders. No further details provided by ancestry.com (Administrations in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1655-1660 (G-Q))
1658 – UK Essex Bocking – Admin – John Knight - 'Bocking: Bullocke' [f. 173v.] 'It appearing to this Court upon moc[i]on [of deleted] made by M[aster] Lingwood That William Bullock of Bocking, being lately dead, hath left many of his owne Children to the charge of that parrish, and alsoe one Margarett Draper who was heretofore placed with him by John Knight, And that the Parents of the said Margarett are dead and the said John Knight her Grandfather hath competent meanes whereby to contribute towards maintenance of the said Margarett, It is thereupon Ordered that the said John Knight Doe pay to the Overseors of Bockeing aforesaid the weekely Sum[m]e of Two Shillings towards the charge of keeping the said Margarett Draper, until hee can shew good cause to this Court unto the contrary'. (Essex Record Office, Ref: Q/SO 1/558)
1659 - Apr 6 – VA James City – Admin - William Smith – Land patent for 400 acs. … On E. side of Chickahominy Riv., S. Ely. On Maj Holts land, Nly. On Mathewe Williams, E. & Nly. on William Knights land… by patent dated 8 Aug. 1654… (Nugent I, p. 389)
1659 – Apr 19 – UK Northamptonshire Holcott – Will – Richard Knight, Yeoman – To eldest son John Knight, 5 shillings; everything to wife for her use during her life and widowhood; when wife dies or remarries, lands and property lately purchased of Robert Miller and William Miller his son, in Holcott, to go to son Richard Knight; to son William Knight, cottage and land recently purchased of John, Peter and Leonard Knowles; to daughter Anne Knight, 40 pounds at 21 and 3 acres of land; to daughter Margaret Knight, 40 pounds at 21; to daughter Jane Knight, 20 pounds at 21; to Henry Somersby and his sister, Mary, 1 shilling each; residue of estate to wife, Margaret, and she to be executrix; kinsman William Knight and godson Richard Atterbury to be overseers; 12 pence to each of them to buy gloves. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 290: Pell, Quire Numbers 200-248 (1659))
1659 – May 3 – UK Berkshire Reading – Ox Alum – Nathan Knight, Gent – University coll., matric. 3 May 1659, bar.-at-law, Lincoln’s Inn, 1667 (as son and heir of Walter, of Reading, Berks, gent.), M.P. Reading 1678-81. See Foster’s Judges and Barristers. (Oxford University Alumni 1500-1886, pp. 861-863)
1659 – May 5 – UK Middlesex St Clement Danes – Will – Edward Knight, Gent – To brother Arnold Knight, 20 pounds; to Anne Malwirke, sister’s daughter, 10 pounds at 21; to Thomas Bozier, and William Bozier, sons of William Bozier, 5 pounds each at 21; to godson Knightly Bozier, 10 pounds at age 14; to Sarah, wife of John Condon, and her children, 10 pounds; wife Jane to be residual heiress and executrix; friends, Master Henry Eyre of Russell Street, Francis Thorne of Hare Street, Gent, Thomas Posey of the Middle Temple, Gent, to be overseers; each to get 20 shillings to buy a ring. Wit: John Kent, Robert Monk (?). (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 290: Pell, Quire Numbers 200-248 (1659))
1659 – May 6 – UK Worcestershire Wolverley – Will – Joyce Knight, Widow – To the poor of the parish, 20 shillings; to granddaughter Margaret, daughter of Samuel Jewkro, 20 pounds, my best feather bed and all that goes with it; to Elizabeth, mother of the said Margaret, 20 pounds and household items; to Hannah, another daughter of Samuel Jewkro, 20 pounds and household items; to Marie, mother of the said Samuel, 2 pounds; to kinsman Humphrey Fowler,50 shillings; to his daughters, Elizabeth and Marie, 20 shillings apiece; to his 3 sons and 3 younger daughters, 20 shillings apiece to be paid into the hand of their father; to Joane, the wife of Thomas Castle, 5 pounds; to Marie the wife of Thomas Hirt (Girt?) 3 shillings; to all my godchildren, 12 pence apiece; and so on; no Knights mentioned, apparently. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 290: Pell, Quire Numbers 200-248 (1659))
1659 – May 23 – UK Lincolnshire Hunnington – Nuncuperative Will – William Knight, Gent – To kinswoman, Anne Dixon items and money; to Katherine Day, 20 pounds; to Elizabeth Turner, widow, 20 pounds; James Anderson, 50 pounds; to Edward Knight, William Knight and Thomas Knight, sons of my elder brother Edward Knight, 20 pounds apiece; to ___ Day, William Day, John Day and Francis Day, children of my sister, Katherine Day, 5 pounds apiece; to Helen, wife of Augustine Day, 5 pounds; to William Turner, 5 pounds; to Mary ___, 5 pounds; to Mary ___, 5 pounds; … to my two (grandsons? nephews?), ___ Knight and Thomas Knight, 5 pounds apiece; and I make my kinsman, John Knight of Brandon my executor. ( PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 291: Pell, Quire Numbers 249-299 (1659), Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858)
1659 – Jun 1 – UK Lincolnshire Brandon – Will – John Knight – Eldest son, John Knight (underage), household items, silver bowls, plate, books, from house in Brandon, etc; second son, Joseph Knight, 20 pounds to be paid at age 21, items from house in Slooford; Susanna Knight, eldest daughter, 110 pounds, paid at age 21; Mary Knight, second daughter, 145 pounds, age 21; Edward Knight, third son, 145 pounds, age 21; Elizabeth Knight, third daughter, 145 pounds; Elizabeth Knight, third daughter, 145 pounds; Anne Knight, youngest daughter, 100 pounds; daughters to divide half of household goods, leaving other half for the wife who may continue to live there “if she keep herself unmarried.” To the poor of Brandon, 10 shillings; to servant, Robert Bayley, my old cloak; to servant Katherine Layne, 18 pounds; to servant, Sarah Copeland, 2 shillings sixpence; servant, Anne Short, 18 pounds; the rest of my goods and chattels not heretofore bequeathed, to my son John Knight and John to be sole executor; my brother Edward Knight, Edmund Stokely of Brandon, and Leonard Sirkous of Marston, to be Guardians for my son John Knight during his minority. ( PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 292: Pell, Quire Numbers 300-349 (1659), Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858)
1659 – Jun 21 – UK Norfolk Shelton – Will – Robert Knight the Elder, Yeoman – States that in 1649 he granted, by deed, certain lands and tenements in the county of Norfolk to his son, Robert Knight, on condition that son or his heirs shall pay 40 pounds for same in whatever manner Robert the Elder defines in his will; therefore, to wife Margaret, 10 pounds to be paid to her by son, Robert according to the agreement; son Robert also to pay 10 pounds to Phillip Knight, grandchild of testator, son of Phillip Knight, and to Maria Turk, daughter of Elizabeth Turk, to be equally divided between them; to son Thomas Knight, 10 pounds to be paid by son Robert Knight; the image deteriorates badly at this point, but testator is describing what is to be done with the 10 pounds to Thomas in the event of his death; appears to mention a son of Thomas, also named Thomas Knight, and daughter Elizabeth, wife of John ___; to Phillip Knight, 10 pounds to be paid by son Robert; if Phillip dies, money to go to his son, Phillip; to grandchild Christian Knight, daughter of son Edward Knight, 5 pounds, to be paid by son Robert; if Robert Knight fails to perform his promise, the heirs are entitled to enter the lands and tenements and lod up and carry away, impound, etc, whatever goods they choose to hold until said Robert fulfills his obligation; next page is very damaged at the top but he now makes provisions for his wife; to grandsons Edward Knight and John Knight, sons of Thomas, to receive all goods and chattels in the possession of wife, Margaret, after her decease; to wife, Margaret, house and tenement, lands, orchards, etc, in Tasburgh, Norfolk for her natural life; after decease of wife, property to go to son, Thomas Knight for his natural life, and after his decease, to his son, John Knight; John Knight to pay to his brother, Edward Knight, 5 pounds; wife Margaret to be executrix and friend, Richard Baxter, Yeoman, to be overseer and to receive 10 shillings. Signed with his mark, Wit: John Gray, John Watson. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 293: Pell, Quire Numbers 350-399 (1659))
1659 – Jun 25 – UK Buckinghamshire Calverton – Admin – John Knight, Clerk – Mortgage; 1. John Knight of Calverton, Bucks., clerk, Richard Rainsford of Lincolns Inn, Middx., esq., Richard Trist of London, mercer. 1. John Knight of Calverton, Bucks., clerk, Richard Rainsford of Lincolns Inn, Middx., esq., Richard Trist of London, mercer. 2. John Arthur, now or late of Little St. Bartholomews, London, gent. Property as 4/1. Consideration: £1100 from John Knight to 2. Rent: one peppercorn p.a. (Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies, Ref: D 22/4/2)
1659 – Jun 29 – UK Hampshire Hurstboorne Priors – Will – Thomas Knight, Yeoman – Son, Robert Knight, 35 pounds; son Edward Knight (Edmund?), 35 pounds when 21; son William Knight, 35 pounds when 21; son James Knight, 35 pounds when 21; son John Knight, 40 pounds when 21; son Richard Knight, 40 pounds when 21; daughter Elizabeth Knight, 40 pounds when 21; if any die, their share to be divided among the rest; all the rest of the estate, lands, goods, cattle, etc, to wife, Margery, and to son Thomas Knight, who are to be executors; brother Henry Knight, bro-in-law James ___, and Philip ___ to be overseers. (PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 292: Pell, Quire Numbers 300-349 (1659),Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858)
1659 – Jul 26 – UK Middlesex Stepney – Will – James Knight, Mariner – Makes Ellen Dyer his attorney and heiress entire and executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 294: Pell, Quire Numbers 400-456 (1659))
1659 – Jul 26 – UK Oxfordshire Banbury – Will – Elizabeth Knight, Spinster – To children of Henry Smith, 20 shillings apiece; to sister Mary Eddowes, 5 shillings; to kinswoman Eleanor Starkwell, 5 shillings; to Mary H___ 20 shillings; to Martha Smith, daughter of Henry Smith, items; to Elizabeth Blackwell, daughter of Eleanor Blackwell, items; to brother Michael Knight, 12 pounds; residue to kinsman Henry Smith the elder who is to be executor. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 294: Pell, Quire Numbers 400-456 (1659))
1659 – Jul 26 – UK Wiltshire Chute – Will – James Knight, Yeoman – To wife, bed and furnishings; to son Thomas Knight, 50 pounds at 21; if son dies, money to go to wife; to nephew and niece, John and Mary Newman, son and daughter of Roger Newman of Kingston Collingbourne, 40 shillings apiece at age 21 and 16 respectively; if either dies, the other gets their portion; if both die, it goes to their father; to Mary Carter, the daughter of Robert Carter of London, Winetrooper, 30 shillings at age 16; to the children of Richard Webb, husbandman, viz John, Anne, Elizabeth, Joane and Mary, of Chute, 12 pence apiece; residue of estate to eldest son William Knight and he to be executor. Wit: Henry Jolly, Thomas Hayter. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 294: Pell, Quire Numbers 400-456 (1659))
1659 – Sep 1 – UK Derbyshire Derby Hills – Will – Robert Knight, Yeoman – Sons, Robert Knight, William Knight, Bryan Knight; Anne Knight, Widow, mentioned, probably mother of the testator; daughters Dorothy Knight, Elizabeth Knight, Mary Knight; all children get property and/or money; household stuff to be divided between son Bryan and daughters Dorothy, Elizabeth and Mary; residue not bequeathed (substantial), to son Henry Knight who is executor. Signed with his mark. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 295: Pell, Quire Numbers 457-510 (1659))
1659 – Sep 20 – UK West Sussex Chichester – Admin – Peter Knight - Counterpart of Release by William Bradbridge of Eartham, yeoman, to William Wickman of Chichester, gent., of a messuage or tenement with garden, backside and buildings on the W. side of the lane leading from the Pallant Cross to the S. wall of Chichester, having certain rooms of John Peachey, gent., in the occupation of Peter Knight on the S, and the garden in the occupation of Stephen Humfrey, esq., N., the premises being in the tenure of the said Peter Knight. Signature, William Wickman, seal gone. Witnesses:- Robert Addams, Nicholas Watkins, John Peachey. (West Sussex Record Offive, Ref: SAS-B/500)
1659 – Sep 24 – UK West Sussex Chichester – Admin - Peter Knight - Lease for 1000 years at a nominal consideration , William Bradbridge, of Eartham, gent. to William Wickman of Chichester, gent; Messuage, with garden, backside and buildings on W. side of the lane leading from the Pallant Cross to the South Walls of Chichester, abutting S. on rooms of John Peachey, gent. now in occ. of Peter Knight, and N. on garden now in occ. of Stephen Humfrey, esq., now in occ. of Peter Knight; Witnesses: John Peachey, Robert Addams and Nicholas Watkins. (West Sussex Record Office, Ref: Add Mss 6846)
1659 – Sep 27 – UK London Southwark – Will – John Knight, Mariner – Brother, Reginald Knight (?), items; wife, Katherine Knight, whole estate and she to be executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 295: Pell, Quire Numbers 457-510 (1659))
1659 – Oct 8 – UK Middlesex Stepney – Will – Elizabeth Knight, Widow – Wishes to be buried near her deceased child; 7 pounds to be spent on wine, bread, gloves “to those that carry me to the grave”; to Joane Durey (Darcy?), wife of Richard Durey, 12 pence and forgive 29 shillings and 6 pence Richard Durey owes; to his daughter, Janey Durey, 20 shillings, and to Elizabeth Durey, 12 pence; to cousin Joane Goodlow, spinster, 40 shillings and a Holland apron and other like items; to her sister, Johanna Aldridge, wife of Thomas Aldridge of Limehouse, shipwright, black gown and other items; to Thomas Aldridge, a Holland shirt and other items; to Elizabeth Pope of Limehouse, Widow, 20 shillings and a gold ring and mohair petticoat; and other items; to Elizabeth Pope the younger, 20 shillings and items; to her sister Jane Pope, 20 shillings and items; To Anne Avery of Limehouse, widow, 20 shillings and items; to Nicholas Smith of Limehouse, my husbands waistcoat and items, and my husband’s bible and 20 shillings; to his wife, Anne and daughter Sarah, 20 shillings and items; to Widdow Popes children, the rest of my wool and linen things, the rest of my goods and chattels and my wedding ring; ; to William Jefferson of Limehouse, shipwright, items; to William Sandford, the son of Mary Sandford of Limehouse, Widow, 3 pounds; what is remaining of mine when all these legacies are paid to give 40 shillings to the poor widows and fatherless of the parish; residue to Williams Jefferies of Limehouse, and Anne his wife, and they to be executor and executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 296: Pell, Quire Numbers 511-558 (1659)) (This was a very sloppy and confusing will.)
1659 – Oct 5 – UK Gloucestershire Marston Sicca – Will – John Knight, Yeoman – Estate to go to daughter, Joan Knight, after decease of wife/mother, Joan Knight, the latter being executrix. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 295: Pell, Quire Numbers 457-510 (1659))
1659 – Dec 13 – UK Gloucester Bristol – Will – George Knight, Weaver – Sons Francis Knight and John Knight to be executors; son-in-law William Durbett, Esq and Richard Bibb, Grocer, overseers; to the poor of the parish, 5 pounds to be distributed on the day of funeral; new clothing to be given to the poor to be worn at his funeral; to the churchwardens, 36 pounds to be invested to produce an annual income for the poor; money given for annual ringing of bell; money to come from rents of certain lands and tenements; detailed discussion about management of charitable contributions; lands and tenements to grandson George Knight, son of his son, John Knight; if George has no heirs, property to go to his brother, Thomas Knight; instructions to son, John Knight, how to manage property for grandsons, George Knight and Thomas Knight, annuities, etc; lands and tenements to grandson, Thomas Knight; to granddaughter, Martha Knight, daughter of John Knight, lands and tenements to remain to her sister, Mary, if no heirs; then to Anne Knight, and to Bridget Knight, if no heirs, etc etc; to granddaughters, Mary, Anne, Bridget and Elizabeth, lands and tenements, with same terms: if no heirs, to go to sisters in descending order; lands in Barton Regis mentioned; to John Knight and Mary Knight, son and daughter of son Francis Knight, 20 pounds each; to son Francis Knight, lands and tenements in Bristol; to daughter Mary Hare, 50 pounds; to daughter Anne Durbett, 50 pounds; to daughter Elizabeth Bull (Bibb?), 50 pounds; to granddaughter Mary Bibb, wife of Richard Bibb, 100 pounds; to the 4 children of granddaughter, Mary Bull etc 10 pounds apiece at 21 or marriage; arranges annuity for the maintenance of daughter-in-law, Ursula Knight, widow of son, William Knight, deceased; forgives to the said Ursula all bonds of debt for monies borrowed; to grandson, Fitz Knight, son of the said deceased William Knight, 20 pounds, who is to be bound as an apprentice to some worthy trade, and get his money when the apprenticeship is finished; to granddaughter Judith Browne, wife of Robert Browne, 10 pounds; to grandson Richard Hart, 10 pounds; to the other children of daughter Mary Hart, 10 pounds each at 21 or marriage; to grandson William Chapman, and granddaughter Jane Durbett, 10 pounds; to the 5 children of my daughter Elizabeth Bibb, ten pounds apiece at 21 or marriage; to daughter Bridget Holbrook, wife of John Holbrook, goldsmith, 50 pounds; to Jacob Brent, minister of Temple parish, 5 pounds; to Margaret Browne, 40 shillings; to son Isaac Knight, 10 pounds and an annuity of 40 pounds a year during his natural life; then follows a long list of bequests of household goods, furniture, clothing; then more money distributed: to grandchildren John, George, Martha, Mary, Abigail, children of son John Knight, 100 pounds apiece; to Anne, Bridget, Elizabeth, and Thomas, the four other children of son John Knight, 150 pounds apiece; residue of estate to sons John Knight and Francis Knight. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 296: Pell, Quire Numbers 511-558 (1659))
1659 – Dec 24 – UK Middlesex St Giles Cripplegate – Nunc Will - Margarett Knight, Widow – “Margaret Knight, the wife of Peter Knight of the parish of St Giles Cripplegate, Middlesex, deceased… did give and bequeath to her husband the said Peter Knight 20 pounds that was given to her in the will of her father, George Taylor, deceased … and all her other effects whatsoever … husband Peter Knight executor” ; Wit: Margaret Sparkman, Joyce Donner, Mary Bruton. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11: Will Registers, 1655-1659, Piece 296: Pell, Quire Numbers 511-558 (1659))
1659 – UK Worcestershire Bromsgrove – Chancery – Francis Knight - Knight vs Knight: Plaintiffs: Francis Knight. Defendants: Stephen Knight and Anne Knight his wife. Subject: property in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Document type: bill and answer. (National Archives, Kew England, Ref: C 8/134/68 and C 3/450/61)