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WILLS AND ADMINISTRATIONS IN EXETER CATHEDRAL ARCHIVE

Transcribed by Richard Grylls

The Cathedral Archive at Exeter Cathedral - not be confused with the Cathedral library - holds ancient records relating to the 'Dean and Chapter' of the cathedral and to the 'Vicars Choral', plus other miscellaneous records concerning the cathedral. These have been searched, with the help of Angela Doughty, Cathedral Archivist, in order to produce this listing of wills and other testamentary material. A number concern Cornwall rather than Devon but all have been included here for the sake of completeness.

Both the Dean and Chapter and the Vicars Choral had peculiar jurisdiction over certain parishes. The Dean and Chapter's parishes were as follows:
Among the documents in the Cathedral Archive are sundry copies of wills, administrations and inventories, mostly of a fairly early date - all of them are listed below.

An index of wills and administrations proved and granted by the Vicars Choral has survived, and is labelled PECU1 in this present CATH index. Sadly no index of wills and administrations proved or granted in the Court of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter has survived. On the basis that 66 administrations were granted in the court in the 10 years between 1547 and 1556 (and noting that in most courts almost twice as many wills were processed as administrations), it could be conjectured that between 5000 and 6000 wills and administrations proved and granted in the Court of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter were lost in the Blitz. The few items listed here provide, therefore, a rather special remnant.

To obtain information about the possibility of viewing a document in this list, photographing it or acquiring a photocopy of it by post, you should contact The Cathedral Archives directly.

Type of Document: "W" - Will, "A" - Administration, "I" - Inventory, "O" - Other
Form of Document: "or" - Original, "co" - Copy, "ab" - Abstract or Extract, "tr" - Transcript, "le" - List Entry

(The code "le" is used when the source from which the index item was transcribed neither contains nor leads to any further
information about the item. The code "ab" is used both for detailed abstracts including all essential information in a
will, and for brief extracts. The county/country name field uses the appropriate (three-letter) Chapman Code.)

List of Probate Courts and their assigned codes

Surname First Name(s) Place County/Country Occupation/Status Year Type Form Prob. Court Source Reference Note
Adams John Braddock CON   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.11  
Aley Robert East Teignmouth DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.7  
Baltenn John   [DEV]   1673 W or   CATH D&C 2538/4 fragment only
Baryn John Staverton DEV junior 1479 W co   CATH D&C 2379  
Basley Rebecca Woodbury DEV widow 1786 O co PCVC CATH Woodbury Manor 1786 Act Book, VC/5370/2 lawsuit concerning Aaron and Samuel Basley, sons, v. Mary Toby, dau & administratrix
Batte John als Richard Exeter St Mary DEV   1457 W or   CATH D&C 2538/3  
Berbilonde Henry de Exeter DEV priest vicar 1296 W or MCE CATH ED 50  
Boteler Thomas [Totnes] DEV Archdeacon of Totnes 1263 W co PCDC CATH D&C 3672 pp.339-341  
Bowday William St Marychurch DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.7  
Braddon Peter St Marychurch DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.11  
Bradeworthi William Exeter St Martin DEV citizen 1449 W or   CATH D&C 2538/2  
Burage Johanna Colyton DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.9  
Burgyn Richard Dawlish DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.12  
Burrows Roger Exeter St Sidwell DEV maltster 1786 W or   CATH D&C 2512  
Carter Thomas Branscombe DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.4  
Cerswill or Kerswell Pascha Woodbury DEV widow 1706 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22190  
Chey Margaret St Marychurch DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.8  
Chyton[?] Roger St Agnes CON   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.10  
Clapp Peter Sydbury [Sidbury] DEV yeoman 1715 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/1  
Clappe John Branscombe DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.4  
Clare als Tapley Jane or Joanna Woodbury DEV widow 1702 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22185 & 22186 surname also 'Cleare'
Clement Thomas Staverton DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.14  
Coke Richard   [DEV]   1467 W or   CATH D&C 2362 in Latin
[Coldecote]                 [CATH]   [See also Collecote, Collecod]
Coldecote Lucy de Exeter St Mary Steps DEV widow 1323 W or   CATH VC 3050-52 part of will plus inventory; widow of William de la Trewe
Coldecote Margaret de Exeter DEV wife 1305 W or   CATH VC 3018 wife of John de Beare, tanner
[Collecod]                 [CATH]   [See also Coldecote]
Collecod Adam Exeter St Mary Steps DEV   1269 W or   CATH VC 3053 of Exeter and Kennford
[Collecote]                 [CATH]   [See also Coldecote]
Collecote Henry de Exeter St Mary Steps DEV   1294 W or EXE CATH D&C 2121  
Collecote Henry de Exeter St Mary Steps DEV   1295 O or   CATH VC 3017 estreat concerning will
Collecote Walter de   DEV   1317 W co PCDC CATH VC/3057  
Courties John St Winnow CON   1587 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.17  
Dagworthy John Woodbury DEV yeoman 1695 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22198  
Davey William Branscombe DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.5  
[de Berbilonde] [Henry]       [1296]       [CATH]   [See Berbilonde, Henry de]
[de Coldecote]                 [CATH]   [See Coldecote]
[de Collecote]                 [CATH]   [See Collecote]
Debell John Ashburton DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.10  
Dewporte Alexander Shute DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.6  
Drew Henry Carswell [Kingskerswell?] DEV clerk 1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.10  
Drew Richard Staverton DEV   1547 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.2  
Duncumbe William Kingsbridge DEV schoolmaster 1691 W co   CATH D&C 4626 5/11  
Elliott Isack Woodbury DEV husbandman 1722 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22181  
Elliott John Woodbury DEV the elder 1679 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22182  
Ford John Dawlish DEV saylor 1716 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/1 made in 1697
Ford William Topsham DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.2  
Frend John Exeter DEV   1470 W or EXE CATH D&C 2358 property in Plympton too
Gervase Walter Exeter DEV   1258 W co   CATH D&C 2097 son of Nicholas
Gervys Johanna Buckland in the Moor DEV widow 1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.12  
Gibbs Robert Woodbury DEV yeoman 1720 A co PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22180 admon granted to Dorothy Gibbs and Elizabeth Dwelly, daughters
Grandisson John Exeter DEV bishop 1368 W tr   CATH D&C 2538/1  
Hall Robert (Rev)   [DEV] doctor 1667 O or   CATH D&C 3560 p.34  
Hamlyn John Shute DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.14  
Hardy John   [DEV] clerk 1349 W or   CATH D&C 2233  
Harell John Heavitree [Exeter Heavitree] DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.8  
Harry John St Marychurch DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.10  
Hewett John Colyton DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.13  
Holwell John Woodbury DEV yeoman 1718 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22187  
Hopton David Exeter DEV archdeacon 1492 W co   CATH D&C 2391  
Hunte William Sidbury DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.6  
Hyll Vincent Ashburton DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.12  
Jacke Ralph Perranzabuloe CON   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.3  
Jeve Thomas Friern Barnet [MDX]   1699 W co   CATH D&C 6076 1/3  
Jewel Thomasine Ide DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.3  
Jewell John Ide DEV   1547 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.1  
Jewland Henry Ashburton DEV clothier 1709 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/1  
Jonnys William St Agnes CON   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.3  
Jonys Richard Topsham DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.3  
Kenwood William Woodbury DEV   1691 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22195 [no will or admon apparent]
[Kerswell] [Pascha]       [1706]       [CATH]   [See Cerswill, Pascha]
Kilkenny Andrew   [DEV] dean [1314] O or   CATH D&C 2846 executor's accounts
Kymmyng Rosamunda   [DEV] wife 1295 W co   CATH D&C 2122 & 3762 wife of John Smurch of Topsham
Lamball Thomasina Staverton DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.5  
Langaller William St Marychurch DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.9  
Lange John   [DEV] clerk 1426 W or   CATH D&C 2299  
Langlegh William Exeter DEV   1474 W or   CATH D&C 2369 badly decayed
Ley Thomas Heavitree [Exeter Heavitree] DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.5  
Lucas Francis Topsham DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.13  
Lynscott Henry Exeter DEV notary public 1666 W co   CATH D&C 4626/5/4&5  
Mannyng Nicholas Staverton DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.4  
Martin William Ide DEV   1547 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.1  
Michell Edward Exeter St Thomas DEV gent 1659 W or   CATH D&C 4626/5/2&3  
Moggrige John   [DEV] clerk 1524 W or   CATH D&C 2418 partly illegible
Mounteyn William Exeter DEV   1349 W or   CATH D&C 2232  
Mountstephen Johanna Heavitree [Exeter Heavitree] DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.5  
Nutt Nicholas Woodbury DEV   [1695?] I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22200 executor, Gilbert Braddock; [or 1707, PECU 1 suggesting dates]
Othewaythe Bartholomew Sidbury DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.7  
Oxenham Hugh Kingskerswell DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.8  
Peke Robert   [DEV]   1478 W or   CATH D&C 2375 no details of estate
Peter John Buckland in the Moor DEV   1556 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.16  
Peter William St Marychurch DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.12  
Petherick Elizabeth Staverton DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.8  
Petherick Nicholas Staverton DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.2  
Pridham Sarah Woodbury DEV widow [1710?] I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22188 [PECU 1 suggests date]
Rawe John Staverton DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.3  
Rawe Pascha Colyton DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.9  
Rede Richard Colyton DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.11  
Richards John Perranzabuloe CON   1547 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.2  
Roberts William East Teignmouth DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.7  
Robins Robert Boconnoc CON gent 1711 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/1  
Rogers John Topsham DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.14  
Rolston John Woodbury DEV merchant 1704 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22194  
Rooper John Topsham DEV   1556 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.16  
Sampton John Colyton DEV   1814 W co   CATH D&C 6018/10  
Saunders John Woodbury DEV yeoman 1716 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22184  
Scott Thomas Wooddenton, Woodbury DEV   1691 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22189 exhibited by Charity Scott, relict and executrix
Searle Sarah Woodbury DEV spinster 1689 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22192 exhibited by Richard Searle during the minority of his daughter, Sara,
Selley John Littleham DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.9  
Sellman Thomas Ashburton DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.13  
Selton Alice Littleham DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.15  
Selye William Ashburton DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.11  
Serle Sara Exeter St Mary Major DEV wife 1374 W or   CATH VC 3103 wife of John Serle
Smalack Thomas   [DEV]   1477 W co   CATH D&C 2376  
Smith Thomas Woodbury DEV   1707 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22197  
Snow Jonathan Woodbury DEV miller 1693 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22193 exhibited by Jonathan Snow and John Snow, executors
Sooper William Ashburton DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.10  
Soper William Ashburton DEV   1554 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.15  
Stapledon Walter   DEV bishop 1325 O or   CATH D&C 2191 receipt concerning his will
Stapledon Walter   [DEV]   1328 O or   CATH D&C 2847 & 2848 executor's accounts
Star John Littleham DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.9  
Stevenys John   DEV canon 1457 W co   CATH D&C 2356  
Stocker Thomas Woodbury DEV woolcomber 1690 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22199 exhibited by Dorothy Stocker, sister & executor
Storche Richard Colyton DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.2  
Swayne Tristram Colyton DEV yeoman 1722 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/2  
[Tapley] [Jane or Joanna]       [1702]       [CATH]   [See Clare, Jane]
Tayleder William Heavitree [Exeter Heavitree] DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.8  
Temlett John Colebrooke DEV   1551 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.6  
Tope John Staverton DEV   1547 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.1  
Towers Elizabeth St Thomas [Exeter St Thomas] DEV widow 1724 O or   CATH D&C 4626 5/16 letter re contested will
Trevisa John Crediton DEV clerk 1679 W or   CATH D&C 4626 5/8  
Trevisa Margaret Crediton DEV widow 1686 W or   CATH D&C 4626 5/9  
Turner Mary Sidbury DEV   1711 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/1 nuncupative will
Ward Henry Topsham DEV gent 1643 W co   CATH D&C 4626 5/1  
Webber Henry   [DEV] dean 1476 O or   CATH D&C 2372 letter to P.C.C.
Westcott Nicholas   [DEV]   1811 O or   CATH D&C 6083 letter re contested will
Westone Margerie Dawlish DEV   1548 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.3  
Wheaton Susanna Woodbury DEV widow 1705 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22183 admon granted to Deborah Wheaton
Whidborn Thomas Dawlish DEV gent 1721 W co PCDC CATH D&C 7138/2  
White William   DEV   1678 I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22191 [no will or admon apparent]
Whitmore John Woodbury and 'Royal Duke' DEV yeoman [1709?] I or PCVC CATH Woodbury inventory 22196 taken by Jane Whitmore als Horwood & John Horwood; [PECU 1 suggests date]
Whychalls William Coffinswell DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.4  
Whyker John Exeter St Kerian [DEV]   1375 W or   CATH VC 3079  
Whyler Richard Ashburton DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.8 & loose' written by page number
Whylte Margarita Branscombe DEV   1550 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.4  
Whyte Henry Topsham DEV   1555 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.13  
Wills Robert Stoke Fleming DEV yeoman 1720 W co   CATH D&C 4626 5/15  
Wright Thomas Sydbury [Sidbury] DEV   1553 A co PCDC CATH D&C 7135/6 p.16  
Wyse Joan   DEV   1436 W co PCDC CATH VC/3182 wife of John Wyse
Young Edward Exeter DEV dean 1688 O or   CATH D&C 4061 Chancery decree re bequests made in will in 1663

Last updated: 17 Jan 2011 - Brian Randell

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