William Rous (will dated 8/10/1718)

William Rous, Citizen and Apothecary of London

The evidence of Penny and the wills of William Rous, Apothecary and Citizen of London and Hester Wynch, spinster of London (qv) suggest that Alexander Wynch (211 211 21) was Hester Wynch’s nephew, and that Hester Wynch was herself the granddaughter of William Rous, apothecary; These wills also, therefore, tell us that Alexander’s father was John Wynch (211 211 211) (who died before 29^th September 1744 when Hester Wynch’s will was written) and that Alexander was the grandson of John Wynch (211 211 211 1) (who had died before 8^th October 1718 when William Rous’s will was written).  There is compelling evidence in further wills and marriage licences that John Wynch (211 211 211 1) married William Rous’s daughter Hester Rous and died before 1711 when Hester Rous remarried (see later below).

So:

William Rous (211 211 211 21) (will dated 8 Oct 1718) had issue:

.     Hester Rous (211 211 211 2) who married
.     sp. John Wynch (211 211 211 1) (who died before 1711) and had issue:

.           Hester Wynch (will dated 29 Sept 1744)

.           John Wynch (211 211 211) (died before 29 Sep 1744) who had issue:

.                   ALEXANDER WYNCH (211 211 21), Governor of Madras

Further research (from Boyd’s Inhabitants of London, for example) would suggest that Alexander’s great-grandfather, William Rous, was born in 1640[1] the son of Thomas Rous of Topsham, Devon.

William Rous (211 211 211 21), Apothecary, was apprenticed to Alderman John Lorrimer (also Lorymer, Lorrymer and Lorimer)[2] on 9^th April 1657 for nine years (see below) and became free in 1664 (two years earlier than the indenture provided) and became Junior/Senior Warden of Apothecaries in 1702 and Master of the Society of Apothecaries in 1705.

Society of Apothecaries Court Minutes 1651 – 1680 (courtesy of the Archivist at the Society of Apothecaries in London)

Apprenticeship at the age of fifteen or sixteen agrees with the Boyd but Patrick Wallis: London Apprentices Volume 32 Apothecaries’ Company 1617 – 1669 seems to confuse John and George Lorimer or Larrymer and cites William’s father as William Rous of Topsham.

• William Hodgkinson, son of Thomas Hodgkinson of Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorks, gent. was apprenticed to William Rouse on Aug 6 1672.
• Luke Justice, son of Luke Justice of Knighton, Staffs, gent. was apprenticed to William Rouse on Jul 3 1677
• Charles Summer, son of Henry Summer of Dinton, Bucks, gent. was apprenticed to William Rouse on Dec 7 1680
• Arthur Edgley, son of Samuel Edgley of Acton, Cheshire, clerk, was apprenticed to William Rouse on Feb 7 1681/2
• John Rouse, son of Robert Rouse of Farringdon, Devon, gent. was apprenticed to William Rouse on May 6 1690
• Robert West, son of John West of Horton, Bucks, papermaker, was apprenticed to William Rouse on Apr 4 1699
• Henry Bushell, son of William Bushell of St Margaret Westminster, Middx, yeoman, was apprenticed to William Rous on Jun 5 1711.

In 1666, the Hearth Tax records show a William Rowse (with six hearths) living at Windmill Corte in St Olave Old Jewry.

There is an entry in the Marriage Allegations in the Registry of the Vicar-General of the Archbishop of Canterbury as follows:

July 3rd 1669: William Rous of St. Olave’s Old Jury London, Cit. & Apothecary, Bachelor abt 29 & Anne Regnier of St. Leonard’s Shoreditch Middx. Spr abt 20 with consent of her father; at St. Bartholomew the Great or St. Botolph Aldersgate, Lond. or St Mary Newington or Clerkenwell Middx.

Allegations for marriage Licences issued by the Vicar General of the Archbishop of Canterbury

On 5^th July 1669 (as shown below) at St Bartholemew the Great in London William Rous married Ann Regnier (according to Boyd’s Inhabitants of London, the daughter of Mathew Regnier of St Leonard Shoreditch, Merchant).

Extract from the Parish Register of St Bartholemew the Great held at the Metropolitan Archives, London, accessed via www.ancestry.co.uk

Anne Regnier (211 211 211 22) was probably not, however, the daughter of Matthew Regnier as Boyd suggested, but rather was the daughter of Henry Regnier of St Leonard, Shoreditch by his wife Elizabeth.

Regnier of Hoxton

The presumption Boyd appears to have made was that the parent s of Anne were Mathew Regnier by his wife Marie Drente (De Rante) who married at the French Church in Threadneedle Street, London on 5^th April 1638:

Public Record Office RG4/4643

Elizabeth Regniere was buried 27^th September 1684 at St Leonard, Shoreditch, London: 

The will of Elizabeth Regnier of 13^th September 1682 (proved 15^th January 168⁴₅), however, refers to her Son in Law William Rouse and her Granddaughter Hester Rouse); in her will she does not refer to her daughter Anne who had died by then, but she refers to her two other daughters, Elizabeth Coddington and Susanna Abrooke.

In the London Marriage Licences is the following entry:

“Coddington, James, of the Inner Temple, gent., bachelor, 25, and Elizabeth Regnieur, spinster, 20, daughter of ___ Regnieur, of Hogsdon, St. Leonard, Shoreditch, Middlesex, merchant, who consents – at St. Mary Magdalen, Old Fish Street, St. Catherine Creechurch, or All Hallows-the-Less, in Thames Street, London. 20 Feb. 166³₄.”

London Marriage Licences 1521-1869

Henry and Elizabeth’s other daughter, Susanna, married [William] Abrooke.

In the will of Susanna Waad of Dover, widow, of 20^th June 1677 (proved 17^th October 1677) there is reference to “my sister Regniere of London and her three daughters” and also to her daughter Anne Wright – referred to in Elizabeth’s will as “my cousin Anne Wright”.  This would suggest that Susanna Waad (née Regnier) was Henry Regnier’s sister.  Thomas Waad and Susanna had four children baptised in the Huguenot church in the Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral, namely: Alice (24^th January 164⁶₇), Susanne (26^th November 1648), Henry (22^nd June 1651) and Marie (2^nd April 1654).

There was some difficulty for Elizabeth Regnier (referred to in her will but also to be found in the Court Rolls of the time).  When Henry died, he had applied for Naturalisation but died before the Bill before Parliament was enacted (see below), and his property was surrendered to King Charles II because Henry was ‘alien-born’, meaning that he was born overseas. Elizabeth appealed to the King and the property in Hoxton.

Letters of Denization and Acts of Naturalization (published by the Huguenot Society of London Volume XVIII

In the Derbyshire Records Office is the following entry:

D5430/59/2/12

Lease for seven years of a messuage with an orchard, two gardens and a stable in Hoggesdon alias Hoxton (Middlesex), with attached schedule of fixtures, Charles Farwell of London, Esq. to Henry Regnier of London, merchant, 25 Sep 1660

In 1666 Henry Reneere was assessed for Hearth Tax (he had 20 hearths!) at Hogsdon Libertie in the Parish of St Leonard Shoreditch.

See Below from Survey of London:

(ii) Hoxton, between Kingsland Road and Hoxton Street.

Among the possessions of Holywell Priory acquired by Sir Thomas Legh was a close called Star Close. On 14th July, 1565, Sir James Blount, Lord Mountjoy, and Dame Katherine his wife, Legh’s heiress, mortgaged (fn. 1) to Robert Browne, citizen and goldsmith of London, a considerable portion of the Legh property, comprising, inter alia, three closes in Hoxton, Shoreditch and Haggerston, respectively. This mortgage was never redeemed. On 20th June, 1579, Thomas, son of Robert Browne, sold (fn. 2) the whole of the property to Thomas Harris. In the Notes of Fines (Midd.) for 33 Elizabeth (Hilary), [1581], is a record of a final concord between William Peake quer: and Thomas Harris def: concerning a messuage, a garden, an orchard and four acres of pasture in Hoxton. The details, however, are not very clear, as the entry is mutilated, and the Feet of Fines for that term are missing. In January, 1596–7, Peake died, leaving (fn. 3) the whole of his property in Middlesex to William Wall, his nephew. On 25th June, 1639, Wall died, and in the inquisition (fn. 4) taken of his property, mention is made of a close of meadow called “Starre close,” containing about 4 acres, (fn. 5) adjoining the messuage and garden called “the Starre.” It is said to be held of the King in chief by knight’s service. There can be little doubt, therefore, that the pasture purchased by Peake was Star Close.

A plan of the close in 1588 (Plate 2) shows that it included the whole of the land south of Augustine Steward’s property, and north of Old Street, except a rectangular plot at the south-east corner. It was then devoid of buildings except in the north-west. (fn. 6)

On 28th May, 1658, William Wall, grandson of the elder William, (fn. 7) sold a portion of the close, one rood in extent, for the site of Walter’s Almshouses, and on 19th October, 1670, disposed of (fn. 8) the greater part (3¾ acres) of the remainder to Allen Badger. This latter portion contained seven houses, and in 1684 the number had risen to fourteen. (fn. 9) Wall’s successors in 1689 sold to Thos. Toller, ten messuages on the eastern frontage of the close, (fn. 10) and Chassereau’s map of 1745 (Plate 1) shows that considerable building had taken place during the preceding half century, though even then a large part lay open. (fn. 11) From a deed (fn. 12) dated 12th November, 1770, the estate is found at that time to comprise 14 messuages in Kingsland Road, including the Red Lion “lately the Crooked Billett,” a parcel of ground “being part of a close formerly called Starr Close,” containing 2¾ acres, and 10 messuages in Hoxton Street.

The Star, from which the close obtained its name, was one of the buildings shown on the plan of 1588 (Plate 2). It is referred to as early as 1501–2 in a plea by John Austen (fn. 13) as to “iiij messuagis wherof one is called the Sterre in Shordyche.” On 6th September, 1502, Austen sold (fn. 14) to Edward Hales three houses: (1) a messuage called Toller house “in which I, the aforesaid John Austen, used lately to dwell,” between the tenement late of William Hungerford east, that late of John Redy west, the land of the prioress of “Halywell” [Star Close] north, and the royal way south; (ii) a messuage called “le Sterre”; (iii) a messuage late called “le Belle,” next to the Star on the north side of it.

In 1541–2 Marcelyn Hales sold to Thos. Armerer the house called The Star, the house to the south of it called “the corner house,” and the house to the north of it called The Bell. Armerer died in 1549–50, leaving (fn. 15) to his wife, “my mansyon house . . . called the Starre,” and to his sister, Maud Howton, the house called The Bell “lyenge on the north syde of my mansyon house called the Sterre, with a garden and an orchard thereto joynynge,” and the house called The Corner House “lyenge on the southe syde of the Sterre afforesayd with the iij chambres over the sayd house . . . also the stayres betwyxte the foresayd corner house and the Sterre afforesayd.”

The corner house is heard of again nearly a century later. On 20th April, 1646, Thomas Hill, of Fulham, demised (fn. 16) to George Cotterell “all that corner messuage or tenement . . . next adjoyning to the inn called the Starr.” (fn. 17) This suggests that the Star was either still standing or had been rebuilt.

From the relative positions of the Bell, the Star and the Corner house, it is probable that their sites corresponded roughly with those of Bull Yard, Red Lion Court and Spread Eagle Court in Chassereau’s Map. The first named is heard of in 1653, (fn. 18) when Euodias Inman and Jane his wife demised to George Cotterell 18 messuages (“ruinous and ready to fall down”) called Bull Yard “thentofore known as the Bull Inn.” In 1681 the premises were sold to William Cowland, (fn. 19) and in 1706 were again “in a ruinous state.” (fn. 20) In 1720 (fn. 21) tenements “formerly belonging to John Cowland” are given as the northern boundary of the Red Lion Court property, which contained 18 messuages or tenements.

The property north of Star Close at the beginning of the 16th century consisted of a messuage with garden, pasture, and orchard. The Register of Augustine Steward, preserved at the British Museum, (fn. 22) contains transcripts of deeds relating to this property as far back as 1501. (fn. 23)

On 13th November in that year, John Burnet and Thomas Pulton released to Katherine Page “a certain messuage and divers buildings with garden, orchard, and close containing three acres and half a rood.” extending on the west from the tenement of John Strete to the close of the nuns of Holywell called “le Starre Close,” for 234 feet 6 inches, and on the east for 284 feet 6 inches. (fn. 24) On 12th May, 1521, Katherine sold the property to John Williams. On 22nd January, 1532–3, Williams disposed of it to Nicholas Serle, from whom it passed to Lawrence Serle, (fn. 25) who died in 1569, leaving his daughter, Lucy Campion, his sole heir. (fn. 26) The property is described as a messuage, toft, barn, garden and orchard which “of old were three roods of land and known by the name of three roods of land,” held of the prebendary of Hoxton, and three acres, containing by estimation two acres, formerly belonging to Katherine Page, and held of the Queen as of the manor or priory of Holywell. (fn. 27) On 20th October, 1576, Lucy Campion leased the premises to John Curwyn, citizen and musician of London, for 21 years, and on 20th February following sold them to Augustine Steward, (fn. 28) whom she married a few months later. Among the records of this property contained in the Steward Register is a particularly interesting one of a survey made in 1588 (Plate 2). (fn. 29)

Steward died on 5th May, 1597, leaving a son, Augustine, aged 12, who, in 1628, sold the property to William Wall. (fn. 30) On the latter’s death (25th June, 1639) he was found in seisin of a messuage, with a toft, garden and orchard, as well as of “all those closes or parcels of land containing two acres,” all said to have been lately purchased of Augustine Steward. (fn. 31) His son Joseph died on 1st August, 1643 (fn. 32) , and the property passed to William Wall the younger, who on 23rd April, 1658, disposed of it to William Moy. It was said to comprise a close or piece of ground, a stable standing at the west end of the close and adjoining the messuage, a barn erected on the other part of the close adjoining south on the garden wall, and a small tenement and garden near Ratcliff Row. On 2nd June, 1659, Moy sold the property, with 200,000 burnt bricks and 160,000 unburnt bricks then on the premises, to Richard Slater, (fn. 33) who, a few weeks later, transferred it to Charles Farewell. (fn. 34) In 1667–8 the premises were purchased (fn. 35) on behalf of Henry Regnier (or Reginer) “an alien born.” After the latter’s death, the premises were forfeited to the Crown, (fn. 36) but the King restored them to the widow Elizabeth. (fn. 37) By will, dated 30th September, 1682, (fn. 38) she left all her property in Hoxton to her daughter Susanna and the latter’s husband, Captain Wm. Abrooke.

Anne Regnier (211 211 211 22) was probably the same ‘Ann dau. of Hen: Reynar merchant’ who was baptised on 21^st March 164⁷₈ at St Giles Cripplegate, London:

She married William Rous on 5^th July 1669 at St Bartholomew the Great, London (aged about 20 according to the licence):

Henry Regneire was baptised at St Giles Cripplegate, London on 28^th June 1650, son of Henry Regneire, Merchant:

Rebecka Regnaire was buried 11^th September 1654 at St Giles Cripplegate, daughter of Henry Regnaire, Merchant.

So, we can now show this as follows:

Henry Regnier (211 211 211 221) (died before 1671)
sp. Elizabeth Regnier (211 211 211 222) (will dated 13 Sep 1682) and had issue:

.   Elizabeth Regnier who married on 20 Feb 166³₄
.   sp. James Coddington

.   Anne Regnier (211 211 211 22) married on 5 Jul 1669
.   sp. William Rous (211 211 211 21) (will dated 8 Oct 1718)  and had issue:

.         Hester Rous (211 211 211 2)
.         sp. John Wynch (211 211 211 1) (who died before 1711) and had issue:

.                  John Wynch (211 211 211) (died before 29 Sep 1744) and had issue:

.                          ALEXANDER WYNCH (211 211 21), Governor of Madras

Anne (Regnier) Rous (211 211 211 22) died after 15^th December 1673 (Hester’s birth) and before February 167⁸₉ – within nine years of her marriage to William, during which time three of her four children did not survive infancy.

William married second, by licence from the Vicar-General (dated 16⁷⁹/₈₀)[1] to Susanna WYNCH (211 211 211 12), the widow of Robert Wynch of London, haberdasher, (and mother of John Wynch who married William’s daughter, Hester), on 24^th February 16⁷⁹/₈₀ at St Bartholemew the Great, London:

23rd February 1679-80: William Rous of St Olave Old Jury, London (aged about 39) licence to marry Susanna Wynch of St Giles, Cripplegate, London (aged about 34) at St Bartholemew the Great or Less, or St Sepulchre, London). (Marriage Allegations in the Registry of the Vicar-General of the Archbishop of Canterbury)

Children of William Rous

And so, whilst this article has not explored further proof of his ancestry (see Rous of Topsham) apart from references provided by the Society of Apothecaries and by Boyd, that William’s father was Thomas Rous of Topsham, Devon. We do know from his marriage licence that William Rous was born around 1640 and that he married Anne Regnier on 5^th July 1669.[1]

Register of St Bartholomew the Great, London

William and Anne’s first child, Elizabeth, was born on 7^th June 1670, baptised the next day at St Olave Old Jewry, London, and was buried in the same place on 12^th September 1670

Registers of St Olave, Old Jewry, London

William and Anne’s second child, Anne, was born 22^nd September 1671, baptised 22^nd September 1671 at St Olave Old Jewry, London, and died 29^th April 1675

Registers of St Olave, Old Jewry, London

William & Anne’s son, William, was born 3^rd November 1672, baptised 3^rd November 1672 at St Olave Old Jewry, London, and was buried 5^th April 1677

Registers of St Olave, Old Jewry, London

The fourth child born to William and Anne was Hester ROUS (211 211 211 2), who was baptised 15^th December 1673 at St Olave’s, Old Jury, London.

Registers of St Olave, Old Jewry, London

According to the will of William Rous (211 211 211 21), Hester married[2] Robert PEAD, apothecary.  The marriage record (shown below) shows that Hester was a widow and her previous married name was ‘Winch’.

 

Her previous deceased husband was her father’s (non-blood-related) step-son John Wynch, the son of Robert Wynch by his wife Susanna Wynch, later the wife of William Rous.

This view is consolidated by the references in William Rous’s will to “my three Grandsons John Wynch Robert Wynch and William Wynch” and to his grandchild Hester Wynch; at the same time he refers to John Wynch’s late father as distinct from calling him his son deceased.

It seems likely, therefore, that Hester Rous married firstly John Wynch (written in the registers as Esther Rous and John Winch, both of the Parish of St Olave’s Jury) on 22^nd May 1694 at St Bartholemew the Great, London.

Registers of St Bartholomew the Great, London

William’s first wife, Anne died after 15^th December 1673 (Hester’s birth) and before February 167⁸₉ – within nine years of her marriage to William, during which time three of her four children did not survive infancy.

William married second, by licence from the Vicar-General (dated 16⁷⁹/₈₀)[3] to Susanna WYNCH (211 211 211 12), the widow of Robert Wynch of London, haberdasher, (and mother of John Wynch who married William’s daughter, Hester), on 24^th February 16⁷⁹/₈₀ at St Bartholemew the Great, London.

Registers of St Bartholomew the Great, London

It seems William’s wish to be buried in the Frederick family tomb was not fulfilled as he was buried at St Helen, Bishopsgate in London 6^th November 1719.

Registers of St Helen, Bishopsgate, London

John Wynch (211 211 211 1) was educated in Law at Trinity College Cambridge:

 “Adm. pens. (age 16) at TRINITY, Sept. 17, 1689. S. of Robert. B. in London. School, Mercers’ (Mr Seth Bonde). Matric. 1690. Adm. at the Inner Temple, Jan. 21, 1690-1.”

This John Wynch was grandfather to Alexander Wynch.  His descendants are set out in a separate post.

William Rous, Apothecary of London, is not mentioned in “A Genealogy of the Rouses of Devon” by Professor John C Street with the Assistance of C. Douglas Peters (Madison, Wisconsin, 2002).

Thomas Rous (“eventually of Topsham”) is referred to and, encouragingly, he married Hester Martyn (daughter of Robert Martyn of Burford, Oxfordshire) who died in 1674 and was buried at Southwark on 10th October 1674. This would explain why William Rous named his surviving daughter Hester.

I have identified Hester Rous, widow of Thomas Rous, Gent, as being buried at St Saviour Denmark Park, Southwark on 12th October 1670.

 

Thomas and Hester’s son Anthony Rous, gent, was buried at St Saviour Denmark park, Southwark on 8th May 1663, an “Attorney in the Quire” and, Thomas having died in 1657, Hester may have decided to live with Anthony’s family after Anthony’s death – Anthony had marrieed Lettice Warcupp (daughter of Samuel Warcupp) and had a son, Robert, baptised 14th october 1654 at St Saviour Denmark Park, Southwark.

Thomas Rous was baptised in Rogate, Sussex on 28th July 1589 (Street’s source: IGI) and was buried at Topsham, Devon, on 2nd February 1657/8.

Intriguingly, in 1630, William Castleton and Phebe his wife conveyed Polesden Manor and Farm near Leatherhead, Surrey, to Anthony Rous (William’s uncle by this genealogy) and his [second] wife Anne.

Street’s tree, whilst not actually referring to William, shows John Rous, Apothecary of Topsham and Farringdon, Devon (William’s apprentice, the son of Robert Rous, Attorney of Devon), as William’s nephew. A reasonably likely link, especially when we consider that Luke Justice (another of William’s apprentices,married William’s niece Katherine.

This link will be explored further on a separate post Rous of Topsham.

 

John Lorymer or Lorrimer was Master of the Company of Apothecaries in 1655.  In his will (proved 16^th January 166⁰/₁) he refers to a great many friends and relatives.  He says of William Rous (211 211 211 21):

“I give unto my servant William Rowse forty pounds; and also I give him the thirty pounds his brother owes me by bond; and I desire my wife [Frances] to have a special regard to the said William Rowse if either she keeps or parts with the house and shop wherein I now live.”

John Lorimer was buried at St Olave’s Jewry in London where his monumental inscription (on the floor near the Communion Rail) said:

UNDER THE COMMUNION TABLE IN Y^E VAULT
IS DEPOSITED THE BODY OF JOHN LORYMER
LATE OF LONDON ESQUIRE WITH TWO
OF HIS CHILDREN SAMUELL AND SARAH.
HERE LYETH ALSO THE BODY
OF FRANCES LORYMER THE RELICT OF
THE SAID JOHN LORYMER ESQUIRE WHO
DYED SEPTEMBER THE IX MDCLXXIV.

HERE ALSO IS BURIED THE BODY OF DOCTOR
WILLIAM CROUNE ONE OF THE FELLOWS OF
THE ROYAL SOCIETY AND OF THE
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS IN LONDON
WHO DYED THE XII DAY OF OCTOBER
MDCLXXXIV
AND HATH LEFT BEHIND HIM HIS
SORROWFUL WIDDOW, MARY CROUNE
DAUGHTER OF THE SAID
JOHN AND FRANCES LORYMER
WHICH SAID MARY AFTERWARDS INTERMARRIED WITH
S^R EDWIN SADLEIR OF TEMPLE DINSLEY IN Y^E COUNTY
OF HERTFORD BART AND LYES INTERRED HERE. SHE
DYED THE 30^TH SEPT^R 1706

This is relevant inasmuch as William Rous (211 211 211 21) who had been apprenticed to John Lorimer, was named as a trustee of the will of Lady Sadleir (formerly Croune, née Lorymer) and he later named John Wynch to be a fellow trustee.

Lady Sadleir’s will was dated 25^th September 1701, bore codicils dated 2^nd November 1704 and 25^th September 1706 (all witnessed by Robert Pead) and was proved 6^th November 1706.  In it she says:

“ITEM; I give unto my good friend Mr William Rous one of my Executors hereinafter named, my medal of gold of the value of twelve pounds or thereabouts and I do hereby also further give and bequeath unto him the said William Rouse the sum of thirty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto him at the time of my decease, and to his the said William Rous his wife Mrs Susanna Rous I hereby give and bequeath the sum of ten pounds to be paid unto her also at my decease.”

she continues:

“…and whereas before my intermarriage with my now husband Sir Edwin Sadleir I did convey and make over all my copyhold estates unto my then two trustees, Mr Nevill Norton[3] deceased and Mr Rous, one of my Executors hereinafter named, it is now my desire that the said Mr William Rous my surviving trustee and his executors do and shall dispose and make over my said copyhold estates to such use and uses as by this my will I have directed and appointed.”

she appoints “Mr William Rous of the Parish of St Olave’s Jury, London, Apothecary” as one of her three Executors and continues:

“…and whereas my good friend Mr William Rous, one of the Executors hereinbefore named has as my trustee acted and transacted several great concerns for me and in my estate I do hereby declare that all accounts are settled and evened between us to this day and therefore I do hereby for me my executors and administrators remise, release and forever quit and acquit him his executors or administrators of and from all manner of action or actions, cause or causes of actions, claims, demands and accounts whatsoever which I now have or hereafter may or can have against him or them from the beginning of the world to the date of this my last will and I do hereby heartily and really thank him for his great trouble care and pain he has had from and by me therein.”

 

---

1	Close Roll, 695.
2	Ibid., 1059.
3	P.C.C., 2, Cobham.
4	Inq. P. M., Chancery, 2nd Series, 604/116.
5	This is an underestimate; it was nearer 5½ acres.
6	The house, etc., represented here, which is perhaps the messuage mentioned in the sale by Harris to Peake, must be one of two referred to in Wall’s inquisition, viz., either (i.) the “capital messuage with a garden thereto adjoining . . . late in the tenure of William Coates and now of Richard Gibbes and widow Mason,” held of St. Paul’s; or (ii.) the “messuage, with a barn and garden thereto adjoining, late in the tenure of Alice Herne, widow, and Matthew Dale,” held of the King in chief by knight’s service. As it was obviously built on Star Close, the similarity of tenure would render its identity with (ii.) practically certain were it not for the possibility that “Mrs. Heron,” shown in the plan of 1598 as occupying a house to the north of the Steward property, was the “Alice Herne” referred to in occupation of (ii.). For the later history of the house, see p. 134.
7	Close Roll, 3984.
8	Ibid., 4291.
9	Final concord between Wm. Harding and Thos. Beesely, quer: and Daniel Badger and Sarah, his wife, deforc. (Feet of Fines, Midd., 36–7, Chas. II., Hil.).
10	Feet of Fines, Midd., 1 Wm. and Mary, Easter. The position of the property is not stated, but later documents (e.g., sale by Hannah Sladen to John Morrison, 3rd May, 1734, Middlesex Reg. Memls., 1730, I., 313–4) give the information.
11	This part had been let on 14th March, 1701–2, to John Harding and then contained inter alia 209 pear-trees, codling trees and cherry trees left by the preceding tenant. (Chancery Proceedings, C. V., 341/24.)
12	Indenture between Thos. Edwards (1), John Mayhew (2), and Edward Sawbridge (3). (Middlesex Reg. Memls., 1770, VI., 268.)
13	Early Chancery Proceedings, 247/9. John Austen and his brother, Robert Austen, clerk, sons of William Austen and Agnes, afterward wife of William Willebye, cannot be shown to be related to the Austens who, during the 16th and 17th centuries, were one of the chief families in Hoxton (see p. 60).
14	Close Roll, 363.
15	P.C.C., 8, Coode.
16	He had obtained it through his first wife, Joan, only child of Margaret Yeomans (died 1625).
17	Chancery Proceedings, C. VII., 181/41.
18	Chancery Proceedings, C. II., 34/11.
19	Feet of Fines, Midd., 33 Chas. II., Trinity.
20	Chancery Proceedings, C. VII., 637/13.
21	Middx. Reg. Memls., 1720, VI., 220.
22	Egerton MS., 2599.
23	Its history before 1501, except for Katherine Page’s allusion to the warranty of Thomas “Halwaye,” has not been traced, but there can be little doubt that the “mese, a garden, iij rodes and iij acres of londe” in Hoxton left by Richard Hert some time in the third quarter of the 15th century (see Early Chancery Proceedings, 54/20) was the same.
24	According to Steward, only 230 feet 9 inches and 281 feet 3 inches respectively.
25	On 10th March, 1537–8, Dame “Sibell Newdegatt,” prioress of Holywell, leased to Laurence Serle” one of the yemen usshers of the chamber of the Kyng,” a strip, 12 feet wide, along the north boundary of Star Close, for the purpose of setting up a pale between the latter close and Laurence’s close, called Page’s Close (Augmentation Office, Conventual Leases, Midd. 28.).
26	Inq. P. Mortem, Series II., Chancery, 152/90.
27	Ibid., 158/4.
28	Augustine Steward, son of Simon of Lakenheath, born 27th August, 1542. Lucy survived her second marriage a very short while, and Steward married again in 1580, his second wife being Anne, daughter of Thos. Argoll, and widow of Clement Sisley (Flyleaf of Register).
29	The explanation reads: “This mapp of my house in Hoxton made by Mr. Troswell the 30th of March, 1588, sheweth yt the lengh of the close on eche side from diche to diche, countinge in garden, barne, and house, is 27 pole. And the est end is 13 pole demi & 2 foot and the west end is 13 pole demi & 8 foot. Summa, 2 acres, 1 rode 13 pole. The orchard is in lenghe 27 pole and 6 foote, and in bredth at ye west end 3 pole, and at thest end 3 pole 7 foote, and in the midest 4 pole 5 foote, demi. Summa 2 rodes 26 pole. The whole lenghe of ye orchard and close on the est side is 281 fote 3 inches. On ye west part from Mr. Hearns house toward ye Starr Close is 230 fote 9 inches.”
30	Feet of Fines, Midd., 4 Chas. I., Mich.
31	Inq. P. M., Chancery, 2nd Series, 604/116.
32	Inq., P.M., Chancery, 2nd Series, 623/46.
33	Close Roll, 4035.
34	Ibid., 4033.
35	Final concord between William Abrooke and Henry Waad quer: and Chas. Farewell deforc.: (Feet of Fines, Midd., 19–20, Chas. II., Hil).
36	Close Roll, 4318.
37	Patent Roll, 23 Chas. II., 3132.
38	P.C.C., 9 Cann (proved 15th January, 1684–5).

 

Comments or questions are welcome.

 

Sir John Frederick, Lord Mayor of London

Curiously, William Rous (211 211 211 21), in his will, asks to be buried:

“near the vault belonging to the family of Sir John Frederick under the monument of Sir Nathaniel Herne deceased on the South side of the Parish Church of St Olave Old Jury London” 

Nathaniel Herne’s inscription (on the South Wall) noted:

HERE LYETH IN HOPES OF A GLORIOUS
RESURRECTION THE BODY OF SR NATHANIEL
HERNE, KNIGHT, LATE SHERIFFE, AND AT HIS DEATH
ALDERMAN OF THIS FAMOUS CITTY AND GOVERNOR
OF THE HONOURABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY, SON
TO NICHOLAS AND GRANDSON TO RICHARD HERNE
SOMETIMES ALDERMAN ALLSO OF THIS CITTY A
PERSON OF GREAT PRUDENCE AND INDEFATIGABLE
INDUSTRY IN THE MANNER OF ALL PUBLICK
AFFAIRS OF EXEMPLARY PIETY, SPOTLESS INTEGRITY
AND DIFFUSIVE CHARITY HAVEING WITH HIS OWNE
HAND DISPENCED VERY CONSIDERABLE SUMMES TO
MANY CHARITABLE USES PARTICULARLY TO THE RELEIFE
OF POORE SEAMEN & EDUCATING OF THEIR CHILDREN.
HE TOOKE TO WIFE JUDITH ELDEST DAUGHTER OF SR
JOHN FREDERICK, KNIGHT, ALDERMAN AND SOMETIMES
LORD MAYOR OF LONDON, HIS NOW SORROWFULL
WIDDOW BY WHOME HE HAD DIVERS CHILDREN
AND LEFT THREE HOPEFULL SONS SURVIVING VIZ.
FREDERICK, NATHANIEL AND THOMAS TO WHOSE
& TO THIS CITTYES & NATIONS GREAT LOSS AS ALLSO
TO YE GREIFE OF ALL THEM THAT KNEW HIM HE
DEPARTED THIS LIFE YE 16TH AUGUST 1679 AETAT 50.

There is no reference to the family vault, nor even of Sir John Frederick in the catalogue of Monumental Inscriptions[1] but in the Parish registers for St Olave’s Jewry there is reference to the burials of Sir John Frederick on 19^th March 168⁴/₅ (will[2] proved 4^th May 1685) and of his widow, Dame Mary Frederick on 19^th October 1689.

Sir John Frederick was the fourth son of Christopher Frederick of London, Surgeon to King James I, who died in October 1623.  Sir John married (16^th January 163⁶/₇ at St Helen Bishopsgate) Mary Rous, the daughter of Thomas Rous of London, Merchant of Lime Street, London by his wife.  Examination of the ancestry of Mary Rous might, therefore, reasonably be expected to shed light on the ancestors of William Rous (211 211 211 21).

Dame Mary Frederick (née Ruys or Rous)

Examination of the records of Austin Friars shows the marriage on 21^st April 1617 of Thomas Ruijs and Judith Moenen of Norwich (the daughter of Martin Moenen).

The will of Martin Moenen, Merchant, from Great Yarmouth (dated 9^th March 162⁷₈ and proved seven weeks later on 28^th April 1628) refers to his wife, Marie, his three sons, John, Abraham and Nathaniell (A), and his three daughters, Sara (B), Judith (C) and Abigail (D).  He also refers to his “Son in Law Thomas Russe”. His reference to his Brother in Law Angell Hollwicke Leonardson may suggest his wife might have been Marie Leonardson – but there is no evidence to support this and he may have been a brother-in-law by way of the marriage of his sister or even a step brother by way of a remarriage of his mother.

“The Dutch at Yarmouth had a chapel for their use, which had originally been the mansion of Thomas de Drayton, a bailiff and a representative of the town, temp. Edw. III.  Whether they converted it into a chapel or not, does not appear; it was afterwards used as a theatre… but by an order of the King in 1632, it was … termed a chapel, and was theretofore used by the Dutch for their assembling and divine service…within less than forty years it was a warehouse, and it was ordered that it should therefore be used no longer for the celebration of divine service”[3]

The name ‘Moenen’ seems to have become anglicised as ‘Moone’ within the first generation from Martin Moenen.

A John Moone, Merchant was noted in the Parliamentary Papers in 1642:[4]

“Ordered, That the Ten Chests of Glasses, belonging to John Moone of London, Merchant, imported from Venice, and seized aboard the Ship, by Sir Robert Mansfeild, by virtue of his Patent, shall be forthwith delivered to Mr. Moone, he paying the King’s Duties and Customs for the same. And it is further Ordered, That all such other Merchants as have their Glasses seized by Sir Robert Mansfeild, by virtue of his Patent shall have the same delivered unto them. And Sir Robert Mansfeild is to attend this House forthwith; and to bring his Patents with him; and to shew unto this House, by what Authority he hath seized the Merchants Glasses.”

It is not known if this is the same John Moenen.

Abraham Moone[5] (son of Abraham Moone, and grandson of Martin Moone/Moenen) was listed as being in the Parish of Bishopsgate Within between 1675-79 and in Great St Helens in London in 1677; he was born in 1638 and was buried at St Helens Bishopsgate on 4^th June 1688 having married in 1663 Anne Daniel (daughter of Thomas Daniel of St Michael Wood Street).

Nathaniell Moone (A), Citizen and Merchant tailor of London refers, in his will (dated 26^th April 1637 and proved 2^nd September 1637), to both Thomas Ruys the Elder and Thomas Ruys the Younger (Thomas Ruys Senior was Executor with Abraham Cullen).  Nathaniell also refers to his brother John Moone, his sister Sara Moone and his Partner John Frederick.  The will was witnessed by Adam Lawrence.

Index of Wills of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (1637)

Burial Register, St Olave, Old Jewry, London (1637)

Nathaniel Moone (A) married Elizabeth whose will was dated 14^th October 1640, with a codicil of the same date and proved 9^th November 1640.  In it she refers to her late husband Nathaniell Moone; her uncle Adam Lawrence and his wife; John Frederick; her husband’s brother John Moone and his three children; Judith Ruis, widow, her late husband’s sister; the eight children of Sara Puits her late husband’s sister whose legacies are to be “paid to Richard Lawrence their brother in law”; Abigaill, wife of Abraham Keullen her late husband’s sister.  In a codicil she itemises possessions as particular bequests, including:

“to my sister Ruys I give my wedding ring with the diamond in it, and to my said sister Anne (sic.) daughters, cousin Mary Frederick and cousin Judith Ente, all my chaine, the turkey carpet, the three best wrought cushions to be equally divided amonge them two; and to my cousin Anne Ruys the gould wrought purse with all the same money that is therein.”

Sara Moene (B) married James de Puydt or Payt (who predeceased her) and, in her will of 13^th November 1638 (written in Dutch and proved 7^th December 1638), she refers to her eight living children: James, Thomas, Mary, Sara, Ann, Priscilla, Judith and Abigail – she also refers to her Son in Law Richard Lawrence.  The will was witnessed by Abraham Moone (her brother) and Thomas Ruys.

Index of Wills of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (1638)

Judith Moenen (C) married at the Dutch Church of Austin Friars on 29^th April 1617 to Thomas Ruijs of Gorchum (Gorinchem near Dordrecht in Holland – the Netherlands).

Extract from Parish Registers of the Dutch Congregation of Austin Friars, London

Abigail Moenen (D) married Abraham Van Cuelen (or Van Galulen):

Abraham Van Cuelen changed his name to Cullen and it was this Abraham Cullen and Thomas Rous whos obtained a Patent in 1626 for the manufacture of stone jugs, pots and bottles.[6] Individual consignments of stoneware to the alien merchants in London in the period 1600-1640 were often very large; it was noted that in May 1633 Thomas Rous received one consignment of 10,000 cast, valued at £125.[7]

Abraham Cullen the Elder of London, Merchant, died in 1658 (his will was dated 16^th January 165⁷₈ and was proved 7^th September 1658). He refers in his will to his family (including to his late wife Abigaell who is buried in St Hellens Parish Church in Bishopsgate, London.  Unfortunately for these present purposes, he makes no mention of Thomas Ruys the Younger, nor any reference to William Rous which would help to tie these loose ends together.

The records of Mortlake Church[8] show:

“Esther, daughter of Sr Abraham Cullen and Abigail, baptized Sep. 28, 1665;

Sr Abraham Cullen, buried Sep. 2, 1668.”

Sir Abraham Cullen was the son of Abraham Cullen and Abigail Moenen (D).

Thomas Ruijs or Ruys etc.

Thomas Ruijs (or, variously, Russe, Rowse, Ruys or Rous) from Gorchum (or Gorinchem in the Netherlands) was buried on 3^rd September 1640, and his will (written in Dutch 17^th April 1640 and translated at the time, proved 10^th September 1640) refers to his wife, Judith Ruys, and five living children: Thomas (a), Abraham (b) and Anne (c) (all under twenty-one years of age and at least Anne being unmarried) and his daughters Mary (d) and Judith (e) (both of whom, by implication, are married and have received their marriage portions). He also leaves a bequest to his Niece Anne de Puydt if she has not reached twenty-one years of age or married before his death.  He also refers to Adam Lawrence as his Uncle. Thomas Ruys also refers in his will to his Son in Law John Frederick.

Extract from Parish Registers of St Dionis Backchurch, London

Index of Wills of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (1640)

The registers of Austin Friars also show the baptisms of three of Thomas’s children:

 

Extract from Parish Registers of the Dutch Congregation of Austin Friars, London

Thomas Rouse (senior) was shown as living in Lime Street in the Ward of St Dionis Backchurch in 1638,[9] in a property with rental value of thirty pounds per year.

Thomas Ruys senior’s will ties in with his daughter being the same Mary Rous (d) who married John Frederick, and further research supports this.

“These families combined with their great wealth a certain foregnness, which continued from generation to generation, as did their financial and trading interests.  The pre-Revocation Huguenots did not perhaps feel themselves part of a great community of their fellow-countrymen and co-religionists, but of a smaller one of protestant foreigners who had settled in England and prospered.  Both Flemish and French, they intermarried also with the Dutch community, as in the match in 1662 of Sir John [Frederick], later Sheriff of London, whose son married Leonora Maresco, to the daughter of the merchant Thomas Rouse (Ruys), a member of the Dutch Church, Austin Friars.”

Proceedings of the Huguenot Society of London VOL. XXIII, NO.6
(the original reference to Sir John Lethieullier is a mistake and should read Sir John Frederick)

Mary Rous (d) or Dame Mary Frederick as she became, died in 1689 and was buried on 19^th December 1689 at St Olave’s, Old Jewry, London:

She had a number of children with Sir John Frederick, of whom some did not survive to adulthood:

Her children were:

1. John Frederick (chr. 1^st January 163⁷₈, St Olave, Old Jewry, London;

bur. 24^th May 1638, St Olave, Old Jewry); 

2. Judith Frederick (chr. 7^th August 1639, St Olave, Old Jewry, London),

who became Dame Judith Herne, wife of Sir Nathaniell Herne as shown in the Marriage Register of St Olave, Old Jewry, London of 1656:

3. Mary Frederick (chr. 3^rd October 1641, St Olave, Old Jewry, London,

bur. 21^st January 164⁵₆, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

4. Robert Frederick (b. 8^th August 1646, chr. 17^th August 1646, St Olave, Old Jewry, London,

bur. 25^th December 1651, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

5. Mary Frederick (b. 16^th April 1648, chr. 26^th April 1648, St Olave, Old Jewry, London);

bur. 8^th January 165⁶₇, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

6. Thomas Frederick (b. 7^th July 1650, chr. 11^th July 1650, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

7. Anne Frederick (b. 16^th September 1651; chr. 25^th September 1651, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

8. John Frederick (bur. 30^th March 1652, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

9. John Frederick (chr. 9^th December 1652, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

bur. 6^th May 1653, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

10. Elizabeth Frederick (chr. 31^st October 1655, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

11. Mary Frederick (chr. 29^th March 1657, St Olave, Old Jewry, London,

bur. 11^th June 1658, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

12. Rebecca Frederick (chr. 6^th November 1658, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

who married Francis Godsprit (or Gosfight or Gosfrith) on 22^nd December 1689 at St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

13. Sarah Frederick (bur. 28^th July 1662, St Olave, Old Jewry, London)

Mary’s older surviving son, Thomas Frederick (who lived at Downing Street in Westminster), was baptised in 1650.  He had issue including Sir John Frederick 1^st Bt, and Sir Thomas Frederick Kt. Thomas Frederick died in June 1720.

The National Archives summarises the background to this branch of the Frederick family:[10]

“Christopher Frederick, founder of the family, came to England from Hainault during the reign of Elizabeth I, and enjoyed the queen’s patronage. He became a member of the Worshipful Company of Barber-Surgeons in 1595 and was appointed Sergeant-Surgeon to James I. The family settled in the City of London, in the parish of St Olave, Old Jewry, where they acquired considerable property.

The earliest member of the family for whom records survive in this accession is Christopher’s fourth son, John (1601-1685), who was Lord Mayor of London, 1661-1662. He was knighted in 1660. His son, Thomas (1650-1720), followed the family tradition of marrying an heiress, Leonara Maresco, in 1676. They had five children: two sons, John and Thomas (1680-1731), and three daughters, the youngest of whom, Jane, became Duchess of Atholl by her second marriage. Thomas’s marriage was stormy and, after a series of lawsuits over the Maresco property, he and his wife separated in 1715 (see 183/28/6).

The elder son, John, was created a baronet in 1723. His two sons succeeded him in turn, John in 1755, and Thomas in 1757. When the latter died in 1770 without leaving a son, the title passed to his cousin John Frederick of Burwood, who became 4th baronet.

Thomas Frederick, the younger son of Thomas (1650-1720), served in the East India Company and became governor of Fort St David and Fort St George, Madras, where he married in 1705, and where most of his children were born. He was a director of the South Sea Company and was knighted in 1721. The City of London properties were left to him by his father, who also left large legacies to his sons. Thomas used his legacy to acquire the Burwood estate at Walton on Thames. His three eldest sons, Thomas, John (later 4th baronet) and Charles, and three daughters, Mary, Henrietta and Hannah, appear in these records. Mary married Alexander Hume, MP, and Hannah his brother Abraham, who was created a baronet in 1769. Henrietta married Luke Spence of South Malling, Sussex (see 183/22/1-17). The younger Thomas Frederick (1707-1740) was MP for Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, until his death, when his brother John took over the seat. He relinquished it to his younger brother, Charles, in 1746, and became MP for West Looe in Cornwall.

Charles Frederick was MP for Shoreham, 1746-1754, and then for Queenborough, Kent, until 1784. He entered the Office of Ordnance and was Comptroller in 1749 at the time of the celebrations of the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, being responsible for the ill-fated firework display. In 1761 he was created a Knight of the Bath. In 1746 he married the Hon Lucy Boscawen, a daughter of Viscount Falmouth. They had three sons, Charles, Thomas Lenox and Edward Boscawen Frederick, and two daughters, Augusta, who married Thomas Prescott, and Lucy who married Crispe Molineux.”
(my emphasis and footnotes)

Kimber & Johnson[11] note, under 321. FREDERICK, of Westminster:

“Created BARONET, June 10, 1723.

This family is descended from Sir John Frederick, Knt. (son of Christopher Frederick, citizen of London) lord-mayor of the city of London, 1662, who was one of the most considerable traders in the said city.  He was a worthy benefactor to christ’s Hospital, and left issue Thomas Frederick, of Downing street, Westminster, Esq; who had three sons,

1. Sir John Frederick, Bart, of whom hereafter;
2. Sir Thomas Frederick, Knt. who went to the Indies, acquired a considerable fortune, and there married; and left issue, Thomas Frederick, Esq; member of parliament for Shoreham, in Sussex, who died in 1740; John Frederick, of Burwood, in Walton upon Thames, in Surry, Esq; who succeeded his brother in estate, and as member for Shoreham, and married a daughter of Sir Roger Hudson, Bart.  Sir Charles who has served in several parliaments for Queenborough, in Kent, in 1746, he was appointed clerk of deliveries in the office of Ordinances; in 1750 was made surveyor of the Ordnance, and assistant to the master-general of the Ordnance; in March 1761, he was elected Knight Companion of the noble order of the bath, and installed May 26 following.  He married Lucy, daughter to the Right Hon. Hugh Boscawen, Viscount Falmouth, and has issue.  The other children of Sir Thomas were, Marisco, who is a colonel on half pay; and four daughters, of which the eldest married Alexander Hume, Esq.  Lady Frederick, surviving Sir Thomas, was remarried to William Pointz, Esq; receiver-general of the excise.
3. Charles Frederick, Esq; who died unmarried; also three daughters, Mary, the eldest, married Thomas Powell, of Nanteos in Cardiganshire, Esq; Leonora, (deceased) who married Rumney Diggle, of Grays-Inn, Esq; and Jane, who married, first, James Lannoy, of hammersmith, in Middlesex, Esq; and since, his grace the Duke of Athol.

Sir John Frederick, Bart, the eldest son, was advanced to this dignity in the ninth year of King George I.  He married, in July 1727, one of the daughters of __ Kinnersley, Esq; by whom he left two sons, Sir John, his successor, and Sir Thomas, the present Baronet.  His lady died Aug. 31, 1749, and Sir John in Oct. 1755. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir John Frederick, who died unmarried, March 24, 1757, and was succeeded by his only brother.

Sir Thomas Frederick, the present baronet, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Pater Bathurst, of Clarendon Park, in Wiltshire, Esq; by which lady, who died Sept 11, 1764, he has two daughters.

ARMS: Ot, on a Chief, Azure, three Doves, Argent.

CREST: On a Cap of Dignity, Azure, turned up Ermine, a Dove, as in the Arms, holding in his Beak and Olive-Branch, proper.

SEAT: At Hampton, in Middlesex.”

Judith Ruys (e), who was baptised 26^th March 1622 at the Dutch Church of Austin Friars, the daughter of Thomas Ruijs and Judith Moenen (C), married firstly, 21^st August 1638 at St Dionis Backchurch, London, to Peter Ent of St. Lawrence Jewry, London and of Sandwich in Kent.  Peter Ent was a Clothworker and Citizen of London.  His brother was Sir George Ent kt. (born 6^th November 1604, died 13^th October 1689, recorded in various volumes as the son of Josias Ent (sometimes called John Ent), a Belgian immigrant.  The Heraldry of Foreigners in England 1400-1700 (Harleian Society) notes that Josias Ent, a Dutchman probably married Judith, the daughter of Francis Beake (or Beke) of Norwich, whose ancestors came out of Flanders.  Judith Ruys and Peter Ent had a son and two daughters, who died young. The second daughter, Judith was baptised 11^th December 1642 at St Olave Old Jewry, London, and was buried on 20^th July 1655 at St Christopher-le-Stocks.  Peter Ent’s will was dated 16^th June 1644 and was proved 3^rd September 1644, in which he refers to his Mother in Law Judith Ruys (C).

Register of St Olave, Old Jewry, London (1639)

Burial Register of St Olave, Old Jewry, London (1640/41)

Register of St Olave, Old Jewry, London (1640)

Register of St Olave, Old Jewry, London (1642)

Judith Ruys or Rous (e) married secondly on 22^nd February 165²₃ to John Adrian, a Merchant of London who was born circa 1603.  John Adrian’s first wife, Hester de la Tombe had died in September or October1652 (she was buried on 7^th October 1652) by whom he had three surviving infant children, and, at the time of his second marriage, Judith’s infant daughter was still alive. John Adrian was assessed in 1662 with 11 hearths at Broad Street in St Christopher’s Precinct in the City of London. John Adrian died at Caen in France on 5^th October 1669 and in his will (dated 6^th November 1667, proved 22^nd October 1669) he refers to “Judith Rouse my wife’s mother”.

Register of St Christopher-le-Stocks, London (1669)

Judith Adrian died in 168⁶₇ and was buried on 6^th January that year at St Christopher-le-Stocks.

Register of St Christopher-le-Stocks, London (1687/88)

Visitation of London 1634 (Hester la Tombe, first wife of John Adrian)

Thomas Adrian was born on 28^th December 1653

Register of St Christopher-le-Stocks, London (1653)

Thomas Adrian married Anne Crispe 16^th November 1675 at St Sepulchre, Holborn by licence[12]:

“11 Nov 1675 Thomas Adrian, of St Sepulchre’s, Lond., Bachr, abt 22, & Anne Crispe, of the same, Spr, abt 22, with her brother’s consent; alleged by Thomas Rock, of Doctors’ Commons, Lond., Gent.; at St Peter’s the Poore or St Christopher’s the Stocks, Lond.”

Register of St Sepulchre, Holborn, Middlesex (1675)

Thomas Adrian’s will, dated and proved in 1701 refers to his late mother Judith Adrian but gives no further clues to unlocking William Rous’s identity.

Judith Adrian was born 21^st January 165⁵₆

Register of St Christopher-le-Stocks, London (1655/56)

Judith married Sir Nicholas Crispe 30^th April 1674 at St Mary, Islington, by licence dated 20^th April 1674:[13]

“Crispe, Sir Nicholas, of the Middle Temple, bart., bachelor, about 30, and Mrs Judith Adrian, of St Dunstan-in-the-West, spinster, about 20, her mother’s consent – at, St. Pancras, Middlesex. 20 April, 1674. V.”

Register of St Mary, Islington, Middlesex (1674)

Judith Crispe, daughter of Sir Nicholas Crispe, died in 1700: [14]

“27 Jul 1700 Mrs Judith Crispe d. of ye late Sr Nicholas, Patron of ys Church, was Buried in yr own Vault”

Anne Rous (c) married John Niclaes, a Merchant who was engaged in trade with India for the Honourable East India Company (for example the following excerpt from 1662: [15]

“That the undermentioned persons are to take place in order as they are underwritten in each place, vidiz :

Fort St. George. Sir Edward Winter, Knt. and Bart., Mr. William Gifford, Shem Bridges, James Noell, Nathaniel Budlie, Thomas Stiles, Robert dearinge, William Dawes, Edward Harris, Thomas Haslewood, Stephen Charlton, John Grover, John ffeild, Isack Jones, John Hopkins.

Metchlepatam. Mr. William Jearsie [and five others].

Mettapollum. Mr John Niclaes [and two others].

Pettepolie. Ambrose Saulsbury [and another].

To go downe into the bay. Mr. William Blake [and three others].

(Fac. Rec. F. St. G., vol i., 20^th Oct., 1662.)

The volume: “The English factories in India, 1618-1669: a calendar of documents in the India Office, British Museum and Public Record Office” indicates that John Niclaes first went to India in 1662.  Niclaes was injured in fighting on the Coromandel Coast in 1663.  In 1664 Niclaes was summoned to Madras which he resisted.  Niclaes was arrested and imprisoned and, in due course in 1664 ordered back to England.  In 1668 in the Court Rolls of January 15, Niclaes was ordered back to Madras.[16]

In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury the will of John Niclaes’s father was proved in 1649 – apparently before John Niclaes married Anne Rous (c).

Anne Rous (c) and John Niclaes (or Nicholas) had, according to Dame Mary Frederick’s will, three daughters:

Judith Niclaes who married first William Edwards and had a daughter Anne Edwards– referred to in Dame Mary Frederick’s will as “my Cousin Anne Edwards, spinster, Daughter of William Edwards, late Citizen and Apothecary of London, deceased”:

“20 Mar 1670-1 William Edwards, of St Matthew’s, Friday Street, Lond., Apothecary, Widr, abt 40, & Mrs Judith Niclaes, of Wandsworth, Surry, Spr, abt 22, with consent of her mother; at St Alphage, Lond.”[17]

Judith married secondly to Valentine Sparrow on 23^rd April 1685 at St Botolph, Aldgate:

Register of St Botolph, Aldgate (1685)

Judith may be the same Judith Sparrow, widow who was buried at St Giles Cripplegate on 13^th June 1720 (Valentine Sparrow’s will was proved in 1703, leaving behind his widow, Judith; his two sons, Valentine and Edward; and his daughter, Judith):

Register of St Giles, Cripplegate (1720)

Anne Niclaes married Thomas Willie on 26^th December 1682 at St Olave, Old Jewry, London by licence:

“22 Dec 1682 Thomas Willie, of St Bottolph’s, Aldersgate, Lond., Mariner, Bachr, abt 30, & Mrs Anne Nicleas, of St Olave’s Jury, Lond., Spr, abt 24, at her own disp.; at St Olave’s or St Lawrence, Old Jewry, Lond.”[18]

Register of St Olave, Old Jewry, London (1682)

Mary Niclaes whose married name was Price.

Going back to the children of Thomas Ruijs (or, variously, Russe, Rowse, Ruys or Rous) from Gorchum and his wife, Judith Ruys née Moenen (C); from the records of St Dionis Backchurch, London, we can see the baptism on 18^th February 162⁶₇ of twin boys Abraham (b) and Jacob Rowse born to Thomas Rouse.

Extract from Parish Registers of St Dionis Backchurch, London (1626/27)

Jacob did not survive more than a few days and was buried at St Dionis.

No clear evidence has been discovered yet to identify what became of Abraham Rouse (b), although in 1664 an Abraham Rous was assessed for Hearth Tax at Codpis Courte in the Ward of St Margaret Westminster (he had three hearths).

Abraham le Roux, Merchant of London (will of 1652) refers to several of the same names from the Dutch Congregation as cousins – including John Adrian, the second husband of Judith Ruys (e), daughter of Thomas Ruys and Judith Ruys (née Moenen (C)).  He does not, however, seem to be the same Abraham Ruys.

Adam Lawrence (sometimes also referred to as Abraham Lawrence), referred to in Thomas Ruys’s will as his Uncle, refers to Judith Rowse (C) in his will of 1656:

“I give to my kinswoman Judith Rowse widow the sum of twenty five pounds to buy her a piece of plate in remembrannce of me provided that she shall makeseal and deliver her act and deed unto my executor a full release and discharge of all legacies gifts and bequests whatsoever given to her by the last will and testament of my late loving wife and of all claims and demands or other pretences whatsoever for or concerning the same, I having in my lifetime given unto each of the daughters of my said cousin Judith Rowse the sum of two hundred pounds apiece for and towards their preferment in marriage; otherwise this legacy to be void.”

Judith Rouse (Rowse or Ruys, née Moenen) (C) refers in her will (dated 10^th October 1667 and proved 27^th April 1670) to five children, namely her daughters Anne Niclaes (c) (wife of John Niclaes), Dame Mary Frederick (d) (wife of Sir John Frederick) and Judith Adrian (e) (wife of John Adrian), and her sons Thomas Rowse (a) (and his wife Anne) and Abraham (b).  She also refers to her Grandson Nathaniel Herne and his wife Judith, and other named grandchildren: Thomas Frederick, Elizabeth Frederick, Rebeckah Frederick; Thomas Adrian, Judith Adrian, Mary Adrian; Judith Niclaes, Anne Niclaes, Mary Niclaes; Anne Rowse, Judith Rowse and Elizabeth Rowse.  There is still no reference to William Rous, but it seems that not all grandchildren are listed.  The will suggests there were children of Thomas and Anne and that there may have been children of Abraham, although no reference is made to Abraham having (had) a wife.  The will divides Judith’s estate into twenty parts of which five parts to Thomas Rowse, five parts to Anne Niclaes, three and a half parts to Abraham Rowse with six and a half parts remaining between Judith Adrian, Mary Frederick and her Grandson Nathaniel Herne.

From bequests register accessed through www.londonlives.org (April 13^th 2013)

No record has yet been found of the baptism of Thomas Ruys or Rouse Junior (a).  Boyd’s Inhabitants of London suggests that Thomas Rouse junior married Anne Nicholas, daughter of John Nicholas at Holy Trinity Minories in 1647.  The extract from the Marriage Register of Holy Trinity Minories (below) – written in the margin of the register – suggest that Thomas Rowse (a) married his cousin Ann Niclaes on 4^th November 1647, and Boyd notes that Thomas Rouse was a Merchant and was also His Majesty’s Agent in Tunis.  The Boyd entry (ref 29516) suggests Thomas Rouse junior had six children: John (1651), Anne, Judith, Elizabeth, Abigail and Mary.  Again, no sign of William Rous (211 211 211 21).

Marriage Register of Holy Trinity Minories (1647)

The marriage of Thomas Rowse and Ann Niclaes in 1647 was too late for them to be the parents of William Rous (211 211 211 21), given that he was apprenticed in 1657. Perhaps (assuming this was the same Thomas Rowse (a)) he had married before and/or had William before he was married to Ann.

There was a Thomas Rowse who was admitted to the Freedom of the East India Company on 27^th March 1650, and who subsequently transferred five hundred pounds in United Joint Stock to John Frederick.

“Thomas Rowse [and others] admitted to the freedom [of the East India Company] on payment of 5L each and 10s to the poor box.” [19]

And then again on 28^th May 1652:

“Thomas Rowse transfers to John Fredericke 500/. adventure and profits in the United Joint Stock, all of which is paid in.” [20]

There is a further reference to a Thomas Rouse on 28^th April 1675:

“Thomas Rouse to be paid 5I. for transcribing the Ledger and Journal of Surat Factory No. L” [21]

And on 2^nd June 1675:

“The accounts of John Niclaes and Charles Smeaton to be examined and reported.”

And on 20^th September 1675:

(Court Book, vol. xxix, P. 314)

“Dr. William Aglionby is admitted to the freedom by redemption. A report touching the account of the late John Niclaes is read certifying that he is debited 200L for 500 pagodas for his debt to Sir Thomas Chamber which debt Sir Thomas in the late award assigned to the Company, the bond being in Mr. Jerzey’s hands, which the executrix of Niclaes alleges is satisfied by his inventory amounting to 593 pagodas, which sum came to Jerzey’s hands.”

And, finally, on 10^th November 1675

(Court Book, vol. xxix, P- 371)

“A report touching the account of the late John Niclaes is read and approved, and order given for the sum of 194L. 6s. 8d. due on the said account to be paid to those authorized to receive it.”

Summary of Descendants of Martin Moenen

From the above analysis we can deduce the following:

1.  Martin Moenen (d. 1628) of Great Yarmouth

sp. Marie; they had issue:

.    a.  John Moenen (alias Moone) who had issue including

.        i.   Judith Moone

.    b.  Abraham Moenen (alias Moone) who had issue including

.        i.   Mary Moone

.    c.  Nathaniell Moenen (A) (alias Moone) Citizen and Merchant Tailor of London
(d. 1637; bur. Sep 1 1637, St. Olave Old Jewry, London

.    sp.  Elizabeth (d. 1640); they had no issue

.    d.  Sara Moene (B) (d. 1638)

.    sp1. __ Lawrence; they had issue

.         i.   Richard Lawrence

.    sp2.  James de Puydt (d. bef. 1638); they had issue

.         i.   James de Puydt

.         ii.  Thomas de Puydt

.         iii. Mary de Puydt

.         iv. Sara de Puydt

.         v.  Ann de Puydt

.         vi. Priscilla de Puydt

.         vii. Judith de Puydt

.         viii. Abigail de Puydt

.    e.  Judith Moenen ( C) (bur. Nov 12 1669, St Dionis Backchurch, London)
.         m. Apr 21 1617 (Austin Friars, London)

.    sp.  Thomas Ruijs of London but from Gorinchem, Netherlands, Merchant
.         they had issue

.        i.    Thomas Ruys (Rous) (a)

.        sp.   Ann Niclaes; they had issue

.        ii.   Mary Ruys (Rous) (d) (bap. Mar 8 1617/18, Austin Friars, London)
.          m. Jan 10 1636/37 (St. Hellen, Bishopsgate, London)

.        sp.  Sir John Frederick (d. Aug 16 1679); they had issue

.               1.  John Frederick (b. 1637; d. 1638)

.               2.  Judith Frederick (b. 1639)

.               sp.  Sir Nathaniell Herne

.               3.  Mary Frederick (b. 1641; d. 1645/6)

.               4.  Robert Frederick (b. 1646; d. 1651)

.               5.  Mary Frederick (b. 1648; d. 1656/7)

.               6.  Thomas Frederick (b. Jul 7 1650; bap. Jul 11 1650)
.                 m. 1676

.               sp. Leonora Maresco; they had issue two sons and three daughters

.               7.  Anne Frederick (b. 1651)

.               8.  John Frederick (d. 1652)

.               9.  John Frederick (b. 1652; d. 1653)

.               10. Elizabeth Frederick (b. 1655)

.                 sp.  Joseph Herne

.                11. Mary Frederick (b. 1657; d. 1658)

.                12. Rebecca Frederick (b. 1658)
.                 m. 1689

.                 sp.  Francis Gosfright

.                13. Sarah Frederick (d. 1662)

.        iii.   Judith Ruys (Rous) (bap. Mar 26 1622, Austin Friars, London)
.         m1 Aug 21 1638

.        sp1. Peter Ent; they had issue

.                1.   Thomas Ent (b. 1639; d. 1640)

.                2.   Judith Ent (b. 1640; d. 1641/42)

.                3.   Judith Ent (b. 1642; d. 1655)

.         m2  Feb 22 1652/3

.         sp. John Adrian; they had issue

.                1.   Thomas Adrian (b. 1653)

.                2.   Judith Adrian (b. 1655/6)

.                3.  Mary Adrian

.        iv.  Abraham Ruys

.        v.   Jacob Ruys

.        vi.  Anne Ruys (c)

.        sp.  John Niclaes, Merchant

.   f.  Abigail Moenen (D)

.   sp.  Abraham van Cuelen or Galulen (changed his name to Cullen)
.          they had issue including

.       i.   Sir Abraham Cullen

In the will of Dame Mary Frederick[22] – Mary Rous (d) – far from unravelling any mystery of William Rous’s forebears, Mary refers only to ‘my Sister Anne Rouse’ – whom I take to be the wife or widow of Thomas Rous (a) – and to her sister Anne Nicholas (c) and her surviving children.

What is not clear, therefore, is how William Rous (211 211 211 21) fits into this emerging set of relationships.  A reasonable working hypothesis would be that, since William Rous wanted to be buried in the vault where Mary Rous was buried, there was a close familial relationship between them.

All in all, this seems to be a Wild Goose Chase, but the mystery of William Rous’s testamentary request remains nonetheless.

 

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