Sixth Generation

E50. DOROTHY [DORATHE] SYDNOR (William Sydnor,1 probably ____ Sydnor,2 William Sydnor Sr,3 William Sydnor Jr,4 Paul Sydnor5), born by 1534,[1] living 1570?.[2]

Dorothy was left £5 towards her marriage by her grandfather Jenour in his will of 1536. She also was left spoons by her step-father John Berney in his will of 1553. She was left 50£ towards her marriage in the will of her father.

Å E62. RICHARD , of Henstead [6] in Suffolk; married Mary Elliot of Suffolk.

†E52. WILLIAM SYDNOR SR [SIDNOR], esquire*, (William Sydnor,1 probably ____ Sydnor,2 William Sydnor Sr,3 William Sydnor Jr,4 Paul Sydnor5), born 22 June 1542 but possibly 22 June 1547 probably at the manor* of Barnes in Brenchley in Kent,[7] died 10 August 1613,[8] buried 13 August 1613[9] at Blundeston in Suffolk,[10] will dated 11 May 1613 and probated 2 June 1614[11] with a codicil* probated 13 June 1616.[12] He was patron* to Blundeston church for twenty-six years from 1587 to his death and was buried in the church where a brass monument to mark his remains was placed in the floor of the chancel which read, "Here lyeth the bodyes of William Sydnor, late of this parish, esquire*, and Bridgett , his wife, one [of] the daughters of John Jernegan of Belton , esquire*. The said William Sydnor deceased ye 10th day of August, A.D.1613." Above the inscription are the arms of Sydnor; below are three shields in brass: 1. Sydnor; 2. Sydnor impaling Jernegan; 3. Sydnor.[13]

When his father died in 1551, William was given all the implements and other stuff and goods that his father had in Brenchley and at Gray’s Inn . He was also given 60£

On 5 July 1552, there was a "grant to Alice Sydnour, widow, late the wife of Paul Sydnour, gentleman*, deceased, of an annuity of £10 to be assigned by the Court of Wards* in the lands of Brenchley and Yalding or elsewhere, Kent, in the King's hands by the minority of William Sydnour, son and heir of the said Paul, who held of the king in chief*; also the custody of the body and marriage of the heir."[27]

William's mother Alice (Jenour) Sydnor probably moved her family from Kent to Essex and Suffolk when her husband Paul died. This William Sydnor closed the Sydnor holdings in Kent and moved this branch of the family name from Kent to Suffolk and to Norfolk.

William matriculated as a pensioner* from Gonville Hall , later Gonville and Caius College, at Cambridge University in March 1557/8.[28] At this time, William was fourteen years old and was to be married in just three months.

In 1561, a "Sydnor, gentleman*," probably this William, was shown as a freeholder* in Willingham in Suffolk.[29]

After about 1563, William alienated the manor* of Brenchley and the advowson* of vicarage therefor to William Waller of Groombridge .[30]

About 1563, at the time that he came of age, William would have taken possession of his properties.[31]

Sometime after 1563, William sold the manors* of Stockhill and Studmore in Brenchley to Robert Berney , probably his brother-in-law.[32]

In 1564, a Robert Mighell [Myghell] , gentleman* and plaintiff, brought action against William Sydnor and William Austen , defendants, concerning the common rights of copyholders* of the manor* of Flixton about a marsh called The Nabbe .[33]

This was probably the William shown in 1568 during the early reign of Elizabeth[34] on the rolls of those from whom the parliament raised a subsidy. William held "20£ in lands at and Hulver Street [Hulverstreate in Wangford hundred* in Suffolk."[35] Other familiar names from the rolls of that hundred* were John Jernegan , a commissioner for the subsidy and an in-law; John Read , father-in-law-to-be of his eldest son Henry; and Edward Duke , grandfather-in-law-to-be for his grandson William.

The family of Playter had held the manor* and advowson* of Sotterley since about 1470. The Berney family also had held estates there since before 1551. Thus probably through his step-father John Berney , William acquired properties at Sotterley , Willingham , and Ellough . These he sold to Thomas Playter by 1572, but probably about 1570 when he purchased in fee Blundeston manor* . The Sydnor family had resided for a while at the manor* of Sotterley .[36]

The will of William Playter[37] of Sotterley, Thomas Playter's son, referred to a deed dated 1 July 1573 that leased "the manors* of Sotterley and Ugge and all my other lands et cetera within the hundred* of Wangford to William Tymperley of Lincoln's Inn , county Middlesex [now London], William Sydnor of Blundeston , county Suffolk, esquire*, and unto Robert Berney for twenty-one years for the yearly rent of £36, three shillings* and four pence*." The same will referenced a second deed "granting to the said William, William, and Robert my manor* of Ellough and my manor* or capital messuage* in Willingham and all my lands in the hundred* of Wangford and Blithing for 21 years after the death of Elizabeth (Berney) Playter ,[38] widow, mother to me, for the annual rent of £30" The same will called for William Sidnor of Blundeston , esquire*, and Robert Berney of Lincoln's Inn , gentleman*, to be executors and to have forty shillings* per year during the minority of William Playter's eldest son Thomas . Thus William Sydnor held interests in properties in this section of Suffolk from 1560 until at least 1605.

In 1568, William acquired by deed the manor* and premises of Fritton (alias Fritton Paston's ). [39] During the time of James I,[40] William granted the manor* to William Thompson .

On 1 December 1570, he purchased in fee Blundeston manor* [41] and adjoining estates near Lowestoft from Humphrey Yarmouth by conveyance dated 30 September 1570. Included in the sale were all other of Yarmouth’s manors*, tenements*, liberties, swanmarks, and hereditaments in Blundeston, Corton , Lound , Somerleyton , Flixton , Lowestoft , and Gunton . Blundeston manor* and the messuages* were found to be held in soccage* of John Heveningham of his manor* of South Leet .[42]

He granted by deed dated 19 April 1571 Blundeston manor* to Walter Jernegan , John Jenney and others, probably as jointure* to Bridget Jernegan.[43]

Over the years, the manor* became known as Sydnors during their residence. A view of Sydnors manor* was given in Pawsey's Lady's Repository for 1838.[44] Circa 1800, the noted English poet Thomas Gray (1716-1771) in a memoir described this spot as "one of the most finished scenes of sylvan delight which this island can offer to our view."

On 13 April 1573, William sold the manor* of Criol's Court (Manor Cyrels) at Brenchley in Kent to William Lombard .[45]

On 7 February 1576/7, there was an indenture* of bargain and sale by William Sydnor of Blundeston to Nicholas Wood of Trottescliff in Kent a messuage* and lands in Brenchley in the occupation of Richard Middleton or his assigns for the consideration of £90.[46] On 8 February 1576/7, there was a further grant by William to Nicholas Wood of a messuage* and thirty-six acres of land in Brenchley .[47]

In 1578, William Sydnor passed the manors* of Barnes in Brenchley to William Lombarde , esquire, the perambulator* of Greenwich .[48]

By a deed dated 6 October 1584 as consideration of a jointure* to Elizabeth Read of his son Henry, William enfeoffed* John Read and others of "a house called Gillam’s plus ninety acres in Blundeston and Flixton , twelve acres of meadow in Flixton , a marsh called Wrentham's and forty-one acres in Blundeston , two other messuages* and nine acres of land in Blundeston , a house called Chamber's and 104 acres of land in Henstead . William, saving the use for his own lifetime, also included the manors* of Blundeston for his son Henry and his male heirs by Elizabeth (Read) Sydnor , Henry’s wife, and after to the right heirs of the said William."[49]

In the time of Queen Elizabeth,[50] by quitclaim* William gained all rights to rents and customs of the manor* of Flixton .[51]

On 9 October 1595, there was exemplification* under the seal of the common* pleas of a fine levied between Richard Tylden , gentleman*, plaintiff, and William Sydnor and Bridget his wife, deforceants*, concerning the manor* of Cattes alias Salmons with appurtenances in Brenchley and Yalding in Kent.[52]

On 4 April 1609 (possibly 1603?), Robert Jenour [Jettor] conveyed by deed the manor* of Gunville alias Blunston Gunvilles , a close , Home close , and four fish ponds to William Sydnor whence it devolved in the same descent as the main manor*.[53]

About 1612 or 1613, William conveyed Fritton to William Harborne and others in trust for Ann Harborne for her marriage to his grandson William.[54]

At the time writing of his will, William claimed Christchurch as his residence.[55] His will of 1613 showed him concerned about the poor in Norwich in the parishes of Conisford at the Gate [St Peter Southgate] in Norwich and Berstreet St Johns [St John Sepulchre] .[56] He also remembered the Suffolk parishes of Blundeston , Henstead , Fritton , and Belton ; as well as Trowse in Norfolk. These bequests indicated that he had interests, probably property, in these locations.

In addition, William made reference in the will to his late house in Belton that held furnishings that he bequeathed to his son William . His grandson William , son of Henry Sr [E67], received the major portion of contents of Blundeston . His sister Bridget (Sydnor) Underwood was given in the will an annuity from land and marsh called Parke at Benacre in Suffolk.

Robert , Thomas , and Henry Sydnor , grandsons by his son Henry, were favored with portions of annuities from houses, buildings, lands, and tenements* in Henstead and Benacre . Elizabeth , granddaughter by his son Henry, was to receive £200 from land and tenements* in Henstead , with the remainder to his grandson William. Katherine , another granddaughter by son Henry, received £200 from pightells* and groves called Bridroffe and Dyes in Henstead , with the remainder to William, the grandson. Lady's Fen Meadow , Glebe Patronage Meadow , as well as meadows and marshes between Holmecroft Close * and Rushmer Bridge less Brett's Half-Acre , Henstead Grove , and Wilde's Grove were bequeathed to his grandson William by Henry, plus the windmill in Corton . Nephew Robert Underwood and a servant were to receive by the terms of the will income from three reed and marsh grounds at Latamer Dam in Suffolk. William's widow Alice was to receive £200 from the land being given to the grandson William. The home of William in Christchurch in Norwich was to be kept a month after his demise and managed by his daughter Dorothy for the "entertainment and stay of my children."

On 12 April 1614 and just before his death (since his will was proved on 2 June 1614), there was an award of Richard Jensenson , Robert Glover , Charles Sucklinge , and Daniel Walters between Langton, the president, and fellows* of Magdalene College at Oxford and William Sydnor re Belton manor* or hall.[57]

E64. DOROTHY [DORATHE, DORATHIE], born circa 1560, buried 30 May 1614 at St Lawrence parish in Norwich,[59] will dated 22 May 1614 and probated 14 June 1614;[60] unmarried. She was remembered as a goddaughter in the will of Dorothy (Jermyn) Duke , mother of her niece Margaret (Duke) Sydnor's mother.[61]

Dorothy was likely the hostess for her father in their later years. Her father designated her to manage his house at Christchurch parish in London for the use of all his children for the month after his demise. He awarded Dorothy £200 in lawful English money and £100 in gold. She followed him in death within just a few months. She showed her residence in St Lawrence parish in Norwich at the time she drafted her will. Dorothy mentioned no real property in her will.

+ E65. HENRY SR , born circa 1562, died 10 December 1611; married 1 February 1584/5 Elizabeth Read .

E66. EDMUND [EDMUNDE, EDMOND, EDMONDE], born circa 1564, will dated 16 September 1631 and probated 24 September 1631;[62] married 26 November 1612 at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich Judith (Fryse) Rookwood in Norwich in Norfolk, [63]buried 10 November 1626 at Huntingfield in Suffolk[64].

Judye Fryse had married (1) 14 October 1596 at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich Fermin Rookwood .[65] Judith had issue by her first marriage, but there were no surviving issue of this second union.

In 1613, Edmund was given £40 and his wife Judith was given £5 by Edmund's father William. He lived at Lound (Lownde) in Suffolk at the time he drafted his will. Edmund's will was probated before surrogate* John Underwood , probably the brother-in-law of that name.

In 1624, Edmund provided the bond for the will of William Gostling, husband of his neice Elizabeth (Sydnor) Gostling [E85].[67]

+ E67. ELIZABETH , baptized 14 July 1566, living 1631; married 1584 John Downing .

E68. ANNE , baptized 2 February 1571/2 at Blundeston ,[68] buried 11 March 1582 at Blundeston .[69]

E70. JOHN , baptized 27 September 1573 at Blundeston ,[71] buried 19 October 1573 at Blundeston .[72]

+ E71. ALICE , baptized 18 October 1574 at Belton in Suffolk,[73] living 1613 and probably died before 1631; married circa 1610? Henry Goldsmith .

E72. JERNINGHAM , baptized 17 March 1576 at Blundeston ,[74] probably died young.

+ E73. WILLIAM JR , baptized 19 October 1578, died by 27 June 1633; married (1) 1622 Bridget Reeve (2) after June 1628 Ellen (Leventhorp) Longmer Capell .

E74. FRANCIS , baptized 30 November 1579 at Blundeston ,[75] died 23 May 1656 at Gray's Inn in Middlesex (now London),[76] will possibly dated 1653 or 1656 and probated 19 June 1656;[77] probably unmarried but perhaps widowed without surviving issue. Francis matriculated pensioner* at Christ's College at Cambridge University in 1595/6.[78] He was admitted as a barrister* at Gray's Inn* in London on 15 November 1598 and shown later to be of Staple’s Inn* .[79]

In 1619, John Downing , the brother-in-law of Francis, noted in his will that he had acquired his best cupboard from Francis.

He was called to be of "the grand company of Gray's Inn " on 23 May 1622.[80] He was elected assistant reader* of Gray’s Inn on 23 May 1623.[81] On 26 September 1652, Francis served as the administrator* of the estate of his nephew Charles [E98].[82]

Francis' will left £40 to "my kinsman Fortunatus Sydnor [83] of Greenwich ." Fortunatus was fourteen years old in 1653 or 1656 when Francis drew his will. His parish of St Andrew Holburn was remembered in his will.

† E75. PAUL , baptized 15 January 1580/1, living 1613 and died by 1624; married 9 October 1606 Hester Catelyn .

E76. JOHN , baptized 18 January 1580/1 at Blundeston ,[84] buried 22 January 1582/3 at Somerleyton in Suffolk.[85]

E54. BRIDGET [BRIGETT] SYDNOR (William Sydnor,1 probably ____ Sydnor,2 William Sydnor Sr,3 William Sydnor Jr,4 Paul Sydnor5), born after 1534[86] and before 1547,[87] living 1624.[88]

At his death in 1614, her brother William Sydnor Sr [E52] left Bridget an annuity of forty shillings* derived from land at Benacre in Suffolk.[91]

E77. JOHN JR , born circa 1570?, died possibly before 11 May 1613[93] but probably about 1624.[94]

This was probably the John Underwood who was inducted into the rectory of Fritton 15 August 1598, followed by the rectory of Blundeston on 6 November 1600 until 1624.[95] John would have enjoyed this post as the result of the patronage* of his uncle William Sydnor Sr [E52]. John was mentioned in the will of Elizabeth (Read) Sydnor, widow of his first-cousin Henry Sydnor Sr [E65], and was asked therein to preach at her funeral.

At the end of June 1632, a John Underwood, probably this one who was rector at Blundeston, with two others, took the oath of Anne [Harborne] Sydnor for the administration of her deceased husband.[96]

E78. ROBERT , born circa 1575?, living 15 January 1624.[97] He was mentioned in the will of his uncle William Sydnor Sr [E52] in 1613. Robert was mentioned in the will of Elizabeth (Read) Sydnor , widow of his first-cousin Henry Sydnor Sr [E65] in 1624.

E79. probably[98] PRUDENCE ; born circa 1575?, married William Taylor .[99]

E55. JOHN SYDNOR SR [SYDER] (William Sydnor,1 probably ____ Sydnor,2 John Sydnor Sr,3 William Sydnor Sr,4 Walter Sydnor5), born circa 1535?,[101] will dated 16 December 1568 and probated 29 April 1569,[102] of East Sutton in Kent.

John was given £5 in his father's will, which was less than some of his brothers received. Because he was not included further in that will, perhaps he had received other property from his father.

John was a carpenter.* His estate was quite meager. There were the tools of his trade, five sheep, personalty, and no money except one mark* for his overseer* and witness, Thomas Clerk . Thomas Webbe and Thomas Master were additional witnesses.

E81. WALTER , born by 1562,[105] probably died young.[106] Walter was given twenty shillings* in his grandfather Walter's will, perhaps rewarding the grandchild because he was a namesake.

E82. JOHN JR , probably born after 1562,[107] living 1568. [108] John Jr was to receive five ewes and the tools of his father's trade as a carpenter when he achieved eighteen years of age.

E83. JOAN [JONE], probably born after 1562,[109] living 1568. [110] Joan received some household goods from her father's estate.

E84 MILDRED [MYLDRED], probably born after 1562,[111]living 1568. [112] Mildred received some household goods from her father's estate.

[1] Dorothy was remembered in the will of her grandfather Robert Jenour dated in 1534.

[2] This date allowed for her marriages and the births of her children.

[3] See Consistory Court of Norwich marriage license records.

The Jermyns had married Dukes and Playters, families who were close to the Sydnors. Jermyn pedigrees did not show this marriage to Dorothy Sydnor.

Margaret Duke, the daughter of Dorothy (Jermyn) Duke, married William Sydnor [E88]. Dorothy (Jermyn) Duke warmly remembered four Sydnors in her will. Ask TH?

[4] Although the Harleian copy The Visitation of Norfolk, 1563, by William Hervey, (Publications of the Harleian Society, ed. R. Mundy), v.32 (1891), pp.230-231, was helpful, for the best Repps pedigree beginning at the conquest and continuing after this generation, see The Visitation of Norfolk, 1563, by William Hervey, ed. G. H. Dashwood et al, v.1 (1878), pp.193-203.

Editors vary as to the home of John Reppes.

It was interesting that wills for no Reppes were found at Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Consistory Court of Norwich, or Archdeaconry Court of Suffolk. Ask TH?

[5] The children were given in the Reppes pedigree.

[6] There was no Hempsted in Suffolk as shown in the pedigree, and therefore the location was shown as Hensted. In the will of Elizabeth (Read) Sydnor, wife of Henry Sydnor Sr [E65], she referred to Henstead in Suffolk, and that was the place used here.

[7] The birth date, with year 1542, was given in his father's will. This would have made him seventy years old at the time of his death, but the monument in the church stated that William was only sixty-six years old. Perhaps Paul Sydnor showed his son as older in order to minimize the period of wardship.

[8] See Pedigrees (in manuscript, LDS ref: Q942.61/D2ho), G. H. Holley, v.6, pp.33-34.

[9] See Pedigrees (in manuscript, LDS ref: Q942.61/D2ho), G. H. Holley, v.6, pp.33-34, showed 13 August. It appears that Holley used parish data.

The History and Antiquities of the County of Suffolk, Alfred Inigo. Suckling, v.1 (1846), p.308, showed the death date as 26 August, as did Alumni Cantabrigenses, John & J. A. Venn, pt.I, v.4 (1927), p.74.

[10] See Blundeston parish records.

[11] The will was found at Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Law, f.55. See Appendix. Holley showed the date of the will as 26 March and Floyd Sydnor showed the date as 11 May. Ask TH for copy?

[12] The codicil was found at Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Cope, f.55. See Appendix. Cole's Eschatology, v.2, p.276, gave an erroneous reference. Ask TH for copy and dates?

The probate for this codicil was given three years after the death of William Sydnor. Perhaps it was formally recorded to settle some dispute,

[13] See The East Anglian; or Notes and Queries . . ., ed. Samuel Tymms, v.4 (1869), p.199.

The monument is still there.

[14] See Consistory Court of Norwich records.

[15] Ursula was less than eighteen when the will of her father was written in 1558.

[16] See Parish Registers of Ellough, Suffolk, 1545-1812, ed. F. A. Crisp (1886).

[17] See Maternal Line: Berney. The pedigree for this Berney was found at Fenn’s Manuscripts of Suffolk and Norfolk; Norman Collection, Salford, England, pp.178-179; also some at Norfolk, Francis Blomefield, v.11 (1806), p.125.

[18] The will of John Berney, dated 22 July 1555 and probated 9 May 1558, was found at Consistory Court of Norwich, Jeaves, f.70. Ask TH?

Also see Fenn’s Manuscripts of Suffolk and Norfolk; Norman Collection, Salford, England, pp.178-179, where John Berney’s death was given as 1552 with a reference of no.271.d. Ask TH?

[19] See Maternal Line: Read.

[20] See Norfolk, Francis Blomefield, v.11 (1806), p.125.

[21] See Consistory Court of Norfolk records.

[22] See Belton parish records2. See Maternal Line: Jernegan.

[23] See Blundeston parish records.

[24] See Maternal Line: Jernegan. The will of John Jernegan, dated 20 July 1598 and probated 9 August 1598, was found at Consistory Court of Norwich, v.94 (Adams), f.139. See Appendix.

[25] See Maternal Line: Tassell. The name Anne was given in Visitation of Suffolk, 1561, William Hervey, (Publication of the Harleian Society, ed. Joan Corder), v.3n.s. (1984), pt.1, pp.100-101.

[26] Carrow, also know as Carrow Priory and Carrow Abbey, is a parish just at the edge of Norwich. If his residence was in Norwich, the residence was possibly in Conisford at the Gate parish [St Peter Southgate parish] in Norwich, a parish where Sydnors resided, probably in the house of John Jernegan, for several more generations.

Ask TH?

[27] See Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward VI, Public Records Office, London, v.4, f.227. Ask EP re Court of Wards?

[28] See Alumni Cantabrigenses, John & J. A. Venn, pt.I, v.4 (1927), p.74.

[29] See Lansdown ms.5; also Cole's Eschatology; also British Museum ms.3881, f.72.

If it were this William Sydnor, he was only eighteen years of age

[30] See History of Kent, John Harris, v.1 (1719), pp.53-54; also History and Topological Survey of the County of Kent, Edward Hasted, v.5 (1798), p.292; also Brenchley, Its Church and Ancient Houses, J. F. Wadmore, (Archaeologia Cantiana), v.13 (1880), pp.129-130.

One reference reads “shortly afterwards” “circa 1563.” In 1540, the grant had been made for thirty-one years which thereby would have expired in 1571.

There were interesting relationships in this transaction. The wife of William Waller, Elizabeth (Hendley) Waller, married (2) George Fane of Badsell in Tudley parish in Kent. George Fane was named one of the executors of Paul Sydnor, the father of William.

Another interesting relationship is that a Thomas Hendley was also found in the 1562 Kent wills of William Sydnor Jr [E48] and Walter Sydnor [E49].

The manor* referred to probably was Barnes which was the manor* at Brenchley. Later, in 1578 the manor was later sold to William Lombard.

[31] See History and Topological Survey of the County of Kent, Edward Hasted, v.5 (1798), p.284.

Hasted gave the date as 5 Elizabeth, and that would have been between November 1562 and November 1563.

[32] See History and Topological Survey of the County of Kent, Edward Hasted, v.5 (1798), p.290.

Hasted showed the time as early in the reign of Elizabeth, but the date was probably after 1563 when William achieved his majority.

[33] See the writ dated 12 February 1563/4 and found at Public Records Office C21/M35 f.6. Although there were two parishes labeled Flixton in Suffolk, this was the one near Blundeston.

[34] Queen Elizabeth held the throne from 1558 to 1604.

[35] See Suffolk in 1568, (Suffolk Green Books), v.12, p.271. Need to copy pages after 271.

[36] The will of Thomas Playter, dated 8 September 1572 and proved 29 December 1572, was found at Consistory Court of Norwich, Brygge, f.593. That will referred to messuages* and lands in Willingham, Sotterley, Ellough and other towns lately purchased of William Sydnor, esquire*. Also reference was "Mr Sidnor's Chamber," which made it obvious that the Sydnors had resided some time at Sotterley..

[37] The will of William Playter, dated 1 February 1583/4 and probated 15 July 1584, was found at Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Watson, f.16.

[38] Elizabeth (Berney) Playter was still alive at the time the will was written.

[39] See The Manors of Suffolk, Walter Arthur Copinger (1905-1911), p.29. This manor* had been held in 1434 by Margaret, the daughter of John Berney of Reedham, with her husband John Mauteby.

[40] This time would cover from 1604 until 1613 when William died.

[41] Charles Dickens lived in this home while writing his novel David Copperfield; thus the village of Blundeston figured prominently in that book.

[42] See The History and Antiquities of the County of Suffolk, Alfred Inigo. Suckling, v.1 (1846), p.308; also The Manors of Suffolk, Walter Arthur Copinger (1905-1911), p.10. The deed was still in existence at Bodleian Suffolk Charter 838.

[43] Reference?

[44] See A Topographical and Genealogical History of the County of Suffolk, Augustine Page (1877), p.306. A copy of the picture has been shown herein as a frontispiece. There was a further reference to Suffolk Garland, p.192, which offered delightful detail of sights and later visits at Blundeston.

[45] See Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, v.30 (1922), p.44. The date for the transfer of Criol’s Court was also given as 1578, as noted below.

[46] See Catalogue of Palaeograph, Genealogy and Topography, H. R. Moulton, p.252.

[47] See Catalogue of Palaeograph, Genealogy and Topography, H. R. Moulton, p.252.

[48] See History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, Edward Hasted, v.5 (1798), pp.283-284. The date was given as 20 Elizabeth, November 1577 to November 1578.

Another reference, History of Kent, John Harris, v.1 (1719), pp.53-54, showed that Criol’s Court was transferred shortly after it was received.

[49] See The History and Antiquities of the County of Suffolk, Alfred Inigo Suckling, v.1 (1846), p.308; also The Manors of Suffolk, Walter Arthur Copinger (1905-1911), p.10.

[50] Queen Elizabeth ruled from 1558 to 1604.

[51] See The Manors of Suffolk, Walter Arthur Copinger (1905-1911), p.26; also Bodleian Suffolk Charter 842.

[52] The reference for this was not recorded. Reference?

[53] See The Manors of Suffolk, Walter Arthur Copinger (1905-1911), v.1, p.315; also Gillingwater's manuscripts where the date was given as 1603 [1 Jacobus].

[54] See Bodleian Suffolk Charter 5875.

The purpose and results of this action were unclear. This property may have been received originally from the Jernegans.

[55] There was no Christchurch parish in Norwich or vicinity. There was a Christchurch parish in London, and that was likely where he resided when he drafted his will.

[56] William specifically named Conisford at the Gate and Berstreet St John’s in Norwich as parishes. Conisford at the Gate was St Peter Southgate and Berstreet St John was St John Sepulchre.

These were more appropriately two of three minor wards in the Conisford Great Ward in Norwich, and that great ward was one of four. It was interesting that William used the name of the political subdivision rather than the actual name of the parishes. In 1632, William’s grandson Henry Sydnor Jr [E94] held his first political office of record as collector* for the Berstreet Ward.

[57] See Bodleian Suffolk Charter 1250, v.1, p.168.

[58] See Visitation of Suffolk, 1612, Edward Bysshe, (Publication of the Harleian Society, ed. W. Harry Rylands), v.61 (1910), p.169. The order of the children has been modified to show Dorothy as firstborn.

[59] See St Lawrence in Norwich parish records.

[60] The will of Dorothy Sydnor was found at Consistory Court of Norwich, Bull, f.62. See Appendix.

[61] The will of Dorothy (Jermyn) Duke, dated 20 January 1611/2 and probated 23 May 1614, was found at Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Lawe, f.33.

[62] The will of Edmund Sydnor was found at Suffolk Record Office, Ipswich, ref.1C/aaa1, file 67. See Appendix.

[63] See St Peter Mancroft parish records. Presumably, this was the first marriage for Edmund, although he was about forty-eight years old. The marriage records show his bride to be a widow, but he was not shown as a widower.

[64] See Huntingfield parish records. This location was unusual for a Sydnor. Huntingfield was an adjacent parish to Heveningham parish where some of his Repp cousins may have been residing, or perhaps one of his step-children lived here.

[65] Judith Freeze [Judye Fryse] had married 14 Oct 1596 at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich Fermin Rookwood. They had children Ann, born 1599, and Mary, born 1601. Judith was shown as a widow at the time of her marriage to Edmund Sydnor. See St Peter Mancroft parish records.

[66] The will of John Downing was found at Consistory Court of Norwich, Williams (v.115), f.199.

[67] The will for William Gostling was found at Consistory Court of Norwich, v.189 (Gente) f.189v.

[68] See Blundeston parish records.

[69] See Blundeston parish records.

[70] See Blundeston parish records.

[71] See Blundeston parish records.

[72] See Blundeston parish records.

[73] See Belton parish records.

[74] See Blundeston parish records.

[75] See Blundeston parish records.

[76] See British Museum ms.3881, f.69v.

[77] The will was found at Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Berkley, f.215. See Appendix.

The three years' differences are important in reckoning the age and parents of Fortunatus Sydnor. For instance, if William Sydnor [E107] were the father of Fortunatus, then there would be the question if Joan Acton was his mother rather than an earlier wife of the said William.

The entire date of the original will of Francis Sydnor was probably illegible, because the place for the month and day was shown by the scribe as a dash. Therefore one also must suspect the legibility of the year 1653 as shown in the transcription. The Roman numerals for the year in which the transcription took place 1656 were ended in "vj." This numeral in the script of those days could have been easily confused with the ending for 1653 that would have ended in "iij".

Further, the custom of the era was to have created a new edition of one's will on a regular basis. That custom accounted for the phenomena whereby the death of an individual often fell within a few months, occasionally a few days, of the date on his or her will. As an attorney, Francis likely would have followed that custom. Thus there seems the strong possibility that his will was drawn in 1656 or thereabouts.

[78] See Alumni Cantabrigenses, John & J. A. Venn, pt.1, v.4 (1927), p.74.

[79] Staple’s Inn was one of the Inns* of Court.

[80] See The Pension Book of Gray’s Inn, Records of the Honourable Society, 1569-1800, ed. Reginald J. Fletcher, v.1, p.246.

[81] See The Pension Book of Gray’s Inn, Records of the Honourable Society, 1569-1800, ed. Reginald J. Fletcher, v.1, p.257.

[82] The administration was found at Index to Administrations in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1652, f.93.

[83] Fortunatus Sydnor was the progenitor of the American Sydnors.

[84] See Blundeston parish records.

[85] See Somerleyton parish records

[86] Bridget was not remembered in the will dated in 1534 of her grandfather Robert Jenour.

[87] Bridget was remembered in the will dated in 1547 of her grandmother Margaret (Higham) (Jenour) Roodes.

[88] Bridget was mentioned in the will of Elizabeth (Read) Sydnor, wife of her nephew Henry Sydnor Sr [E65], dated in 1624.

[89] Bridget's marriage was established by the citations in the various wills; also Harleian ms.1169, f.127; also British Museum ms.3881, f.71v.

[90] It seems probable that Bridget had limited financial support because her brother provided her with an annuity in his will; therefore, she was probably without a husband. Ask TH for Underwood genealogy?

[91] It would be interesting to know the reason for this special accomodation for his sister.

[92] No Underwood records or genealogy has been found. These children were mentioned in various wills as noted.

[93] The will of William Sydnor Sr [E52], son of Paul Sydnor, was drafted on this date. The will omitted John Jr while it mentioned his younger brother. The omission may have been deliberate, but this was not likely. John Underwood Jr was probably dead at the time.

[94] John Underwood Sr was succeeded as rector* of Blundeston parish in this year.

[95] See Abstracts of the Induction Books of the Archdeaconry of Suffolk, Redstone; also The History and Antiquities of the County of Suffolk, Alfred Inigo. Suckling, v.1 (1846), pp.321,359.

[96] See the Probate Registry for Ipswich, v.11.

[97] This was the date of the will of his cousin Henry Sydnor Sr [E65] in which he was remembered.

[98] Her husband William Taylor was mentioned as a cousin along with her brothers John Jr and Robert in the will of Elizabeth (Read) Sydnor, the wife of her first-cousin Henry Sydnor Sr [E67].

[99] Reference? Check for Taylor information.

[100] Anne was mentioned in the will of Dorothy Sydnor [E64].

[101] John's son was not eighteen in 1562.

[102] John's will was found at Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury, Probate Records 17, v.40, f.217. See Appendix. This will probably applied to John, the son of Walter, because of the age of the children and because of where he lived; however the connection has not been proven.

[103] Elizabeth was shown in John’s will. Whether John had an earlier wife is not known.

[104] It was clear from the will of Walter Sydnor [E49] that he had a son John who had a son Walter. The other children shown here were named in the will of this John. Although all the children were probably of the one father John, there was the possibility there were two John Sydnors.

[105] Walter was mentioned in the will of his grandfather Walter.

[106] Walter was not mentioned in the will of his father John.

[107] John Jr was not mentioned in the will of his grandfather Walter.

[108] John Jr was mentioned in the will of his father John Sr.

[109] Joan was not mentioned in the will of his grandfather Walter.

[110] Joan was mentioned in the will of her father John Sr.

[111] Mildred was not mentioned in the will of her grandfather Walter.

[112] Mildred was mentioned in the will of her father John Sr.