Trussell or Thrussell as the name was spelled before about 1750, is a very rare name in Essex. This gives the impression that all of that name in this locality are somehow related.
It is interesting to note that John's son Thomas held Jackletts Farm from John Vere, the Earl of Oxford (d. 1539) who married Elizabeth Trussell daughter and heir of Edward Trussell of Coblesdon, Staffordshire. Perhaps John was related to Elizabeth?
Thomas was contemporary with John "the middle" of Runsell who bought land in Purleigh along with his son John in 1533.(1) This implies that there was a John Sr. who possibly was the father of both John "the middle" and Thomas of Jackletts.
Issue-
Ref:
(1) Feet of Fines, Essex Vol.4, p.191
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Thomas leased Jackletts Farm in 1499. From a document from the Earl of Oxford's estate dated 1499: "Northambrige and Jakiletts, 10s. from the farm of divers lands there called Famebrigeland leased at farm to Thomas Throstill and 33s. 4d. from the farm of a tenement with certain lands adjacent to it called Jakilletts leased to the said Thomas Throstill. Total 43s. 4d. by Throstill."(1)
(1) Essex Record Office- D/DBM M501
m. GRACE ______
It is most likely that Thomas was the father of Thomas and John as in 1568 John was taxed for Stanes, Westmans and Beancroft in Purleigh which was formerly Thomas Thrustells and as neither one of them were mentioned in the wills of William Thrussell or Francis Thrussell it seems unlikely that they belonged to that family.
Thomas and Grace sold one messuage, 40 acres of land, 7 acres of meadow and 10 acres of pasture in Purleigh in 1538 to John Davy.(1)
Thomas was mentioned in the will of Jasper Clerke of Maldon on 31 Oct. 1559 stating that one of his children married a daughter of Heywars of Danbury. He was one of the executors of the will of Alexander Gate of Springfield on 19 Aug. 1560. In his will John Dandye of Stow Maries, yeoman appointed Thomas Thrustill of Runsell as one of the two overseers and gave him 10/, dated 25 Aug. 1561.
(1) Feet of Fines, Essex Vol. IV, p.221 Probate Records- Essex Record Office
m. JOAN ______ will 1585 Runsell, Essex
Thomas of Runsell was taxed for Hyde Park in Purleigh and Shyinghams in Runsell and was owner of Bridgmans in Purleigh in 1568.(1)
In his will in Jan. 1585 Thomas of Runsell gave his wife Joan Garlande Farm where he lived along with 19 acres of land along with £8 rent out of his lands in Maldon called Langmedes, £6 out of the rent of Bridgemans in Danbury, 25 acres in Purleigh, £3 out of the rent from Hachlandes in Haseley and £3 out of the rent from Hyde Park in Hyde Manor. Joan was also to receive 14 cartloads of wood per year from Hyde Park. He gave his second son Mark Hachlandes in Haseley. He also received Hyde Park which was to be given to Thomas and Edward if he died without issue. Mark also received all his land in Reyleigh. Edward his youngest son received 25 acres of land called Bridgmans as well as 25 acres of land called Cowhall in Hyde Park as well as Cowhall Spring and Ashe meade croft to pass to Thomas and Mark if he dies without issue. He gave to his daughter Anne, wife of Richard Steleman six cart loads of wood per year out of the wood lot at Hyde Park. He gave his wife all the household stuff, six cows and two nags and he appointed his son Thomas his executor and his brother-in-law Thomas Every his overseer.(2)
(1) Purleigh Tax Roll for 1568- Essex Record Office (2) PCC
m. ALICE ______ (will 1624) will 1619
In 1601 Edward was mentioned in the will of his brother- in-law Richard Steleman of Springfield along with his children Edward and Mary.
In his will Edward Thrussell of Danbury gave his wife Alice all his property at Bridgeman's Farm in Danbury and Purleigh to be equally divided among his four children at her death. To his sons John & Thomas he gave £100 each to be paid before they reached 24 years. He gave his daughter Mary £120 to be paid within one year of her mother's death by his eldest son Edward.(1)
Alice in her will gave her eldest son Edward her armoir in the hall and other things. Her son John received her deaths head ring, £30 and half of the estate to be delivered to him upon his marriage or age of 24. Her son Thomas received £30, her wedding ring and the other half of her estate. She then made Thomas her executor.(2)
(1) Essex Record Office- D/ABW 38/146 (2) Ibid- D/ABW 46/71
On 15 July 1651 John Thrustle of Danbury was presented to the court for not doing his required two days work on road repairs.(1)
Issue- all probable, but none proven!
(1) Essex Record Office- Q/SR 349/30
m.1. ? 2. 1676 Boreham, Martha Baker 3. Frances ______ will 29 Oct. 1683 Boreham, Essex
Thomas was probably the son of John of Danbury however he may have been the son of George of Purleigh and Danbury but, George was too old as his sister was married in 1611. George was probably the son of William of Heybridge who apparently did not own property in Runsell whereas the father of John Thrussell was from that place. Also having George as his father would not agree with Thomas being a ward of Henry and Ann Towers of Woodham Ferrers in 1657 as George was alive in 1660.(1)
"John Grimes, husbandman, John Winton, bricklayer, Thomas Marshall, Francis Baraham, yeoman and Richard Grimes husbandman, all of Woodham Ferrers 23 Nov. 1657 riotously broke into the dwelling house there of Henry Towers and Ann his wife, guardians of Thomas Trussell, being in their peaceable possession, and did evict all of them from that day until this day viz: 12 Jan. 1658."(2)
In his will Thomas Thrussell of Boreham, yeoman gave his son Thomas Jr. the house and land occupied by Mr. Kilby as well as all of his freehold land. To his son George he gave all his copyhold land and Scotts. His son John received Archer's house as well as the platt at Danbury. His wife Frances received the rest of the estate and was made executrix and she was to use the profits of all the land for bringing up the children until they reached the age of twenty.(3)
(1) will of George Hill 6 Dec. 1660, Essex Record Office (2) Essex Record Office- Q/SR 374/10 (3) Ibid- D/AER 24/170 Boreham Parish Registers
b. after 1662 m. THOMASINE ______, d. between 1725 & 1731 bur. 15 May 1731 will 10 May 1731 Danbury, Essex
On 15 Nov. 1691 John Thrussell of Danbury, farmer, appeared at the Court of Quarter Sessions to give evidence against Richard Robinson, now in Gaol, for stealing: "one open sowe pigge" of Robert Royse, all of Danbury. On Easter 1692 Richard Robinson was indicted for stealing a: "yelt sowe" worth 10/ from Robert Royce. Royce and John Thrussell were witnesses.(1)
On 11 Apr. 1725 John and Thomasine sold Fullers Tenement, Crooked Croft and Western Mead including the house, garden and stable in Boreham to Henry Buttle.(2)
In his will John gave his freehold tenement in Danbury which he had purchased from Mr. Knightbridge and in which he was living, a parcel of land with a barn purchased from Mr. Thwaits and also the copyhold land also purchased from Knightbridge to his son Francis to be given to his son George if Francis died sine prole and to pass to his son John Jr. if George died without issue. John then gave a freehold parcel of land in Danbury purchased from Mr. Thwaits, all his copyhold land held of the manor of Bicknacre priory which he also purchased from Thwaits and: "the bed and all the ffurniture in the best Chamber and our other ordinary Bedd in another Chamber" to son George. He also gave George £100 to be paid when he reaches the age of 21. John gave his daughter Thomasine wife of Thomas Johnson his freehold tenement with orchard and land in Danbury which he had purchased from Mr. Wright and which John was occupying. The residue of the estate went to sons John Jr. and Francis who were also made executors of the estate.(3)
Issue- all children baptized in Danbury
(1) Essex Record Office- Q/SR 471/4, 472/69 (2) Ibid- D/DC 23/127 (3) Ibid- D/ABR 21/25
Danbury Parish Registers Essex Marriage Licences- Frederick Arthur Crisp, Colchester Library
bpt. 12 Oct. 1712 Danbury, Essex m.1. 1739 MARY BOWLES of Danbury (d. 10 May 1751 Purleigh, bur. Purleigh church-yard (see MI)) 2. 6 Dec. 1757 Sarah Nash of Woodham Ferrers (b.c.1720, bur. 4 Jan. 1763 Danbury) 3. 1768 Mary Wright of Danbury (b. 1745) bur. 1 June 1780 Danbury, Essex will 24 Feb. 1780-23 July 1787
The Purleigh perimeter perambulation of 1770 states that George was a tenant of Marsh House Farm which was owned by Richard Onslow, Esq.(1) On 10 Apr. 1759 Mr. James Bonnell, Lord of the Manor did: "grant unto the Hon. Lieutenant General Richard Onslow Esq., and Pooley his wife licience to let or lease his copyhold land to George Thrussell of Purleigh, yeoman, for 21 years from Michaelmas (29 Sept.) past." For this Onslow had to pay to the Lord £1/1/0.(2) On 11 July 1810 C.C. Parker purchased this farm for £3160 and on 27 Dec. 1818 C.C. Parker wrote the following description of the farm: "Good substancial timber and tile farmhouse, good double barn, half new built this year, stable for 8 horses, cowhouse, new cart lodge and several other cattle sheds, hen house. Premises all in very good repair with 150 acres arable and pasture land in 14 enclosures, well timbered."(3)
A summary of George's lands held of the manor of Bickacre Priory was made about 1800:
"page 49 Geo: Thrussell deceased was admitted on the Death 1732 & will of his Father John to him & the Heirs of his Body to
Does not A Piece or Parcell of Land abutting upon a say the Common called Bicknacre Common to wards the Quantity the West & North Part and upon the Free Lands nor Fine. of the said George Thrussell to wards the West & South Parts.
Page 81 Said George was admitted on the Death & Will 1755 of his Brother Francis to All that Piece or Parcell of Customary Land containing by Estiman one Acre & half abutting South on the Common called Bicknacre Common And East West & North on the Freehd. Lands of him the sd. Frans. Thrussell
Page 104 George was admitted for Life with remainder to 1769 his wife on Surrender of Taylor to Quit Rent 2S All that Toft or Parcell of customary Land Fine 1.11.6 containing by Estimation 2 Acres more or less with the Appurts. situate in the Parish of Danbury in the said County of Essex.
Page 125 George admitted on The Lord's Gram to 1771 All that Piece of Land in the Parish of Quit Rent 1S Danbury cont. by Estiman. 2 1/2 Acres abutting Fine 0.0.3 North & West upon Lands late of Jno. Deere & now of Thos. May. South on Road leading from Maldon to Woodham. East on Road leading from Danbury to White Elm-"(4)
In his will George Trussell of Danbury, farmer gave to his wife Mary his tenement, blacksmith shop, yard, garden and orchard at Onnsley Green in Great Dunmow which was occupied by William Young. After her death this property was to pass to his son Jonathan. Mary was also to receive two leased tenements in Great Yeldham occupied by Richard Bedall and widow Chalyou. After Mary's death the property was to go to sons Samuel and Benjamin when they reached the age of 21.
He gave his son James property in Danbury with the barn and cottage which George had occupied along with James Mott and Joshua Lattsy. He also gave James 2 1/2 acres of waste ground held of the Manor of Bicknacre Priory in Danbury which was given to him at court 29 Oct. 1771.
He gave his son George Jr. 2 acres in Danbury held of the Manor of Bicknacre Priory by copy of court Roll at the yearly rent of 2/, which was occupied by George Sr. He also gave George Jr. more property and buildings in Danbury occupied by himself, William Coffin and John White and purchased from Daniel and Sarah Taylor. George Jr., however, had to pay the mortgage of £200 to Thomas Cooch.
John had already received his share of the estate and the two £50 notes which John had given his father were willed to daughter Mary Trussell and son George Jr.
George then gave a long list of furniture to his wife and several other odds and ends to his sons Jonathan, Samuel, Benjamin, James and George, and daughter Mary.
He gave his grandson Edward Hammond £20 when he reached age 21, to pass to his grand-daughter Mary Hammond if Edward died.
He gave sons Jonathan, Samuel and Benjamin £20 each when they reached age 21.
George appointed his son James as executor and guardian of his sons Jonathan and Samuel until age 14. Dated 24 Feb. 1780.
The will was amended 29 May 1780 because George Jr. had died and George Sr. willed his share to son James. Proved 13 July 1787.(5)
Issue- children baptized in Danbury
(1) Purleigh Land Tax- 1781-1832 (2) Court Rolls for Purleigh- 29 Oct. 1759 (3) Farm Sale Catalogue for Marsh House Farm- 1810, Essex Record Office (4) original document at Essex Record Office (5) Essex Record Office- D/ABR 28/33
Parish Registers for Purleigh & Danbury, Essex Essex Marriage Licences- Frederick Arthur Crisp, Colchester Library
b.c.1743 m.1. 10 July 1777 Woodham Walter, MARGARET (2) BROOKS (d. 20 Mar. 1795 Purleigh, Essex) 2. 22 Mar. 1796 Susanna Summers (d. 29 May 1835 Purleigh) d. 4 Aug. 1808 Purleigh
John was a tenant of Marsh House Farm and is listed on the tax returns beginning in 1781.(1) At the Manor court of Purleigh Hall held 5 Apr. 1780 a license was granted to Pooley Onslow, widow of Lt. General Richard Onslow to rent Marsh House Farm to John Thrussell of Purleigh, yeoman for 21 years from the previous Michaelmas for £1/1/0.(2)
In his father's will John did not received anything since George had already started him in business and had advanced him sums of money more than in proportion to any of his other children. John had given his father two notes for £50 each, these were in turn willed to Mary and George Trussell.
In his will John gave his wife Susannah the house, yard, garden and orchard adjoining the Red Lion Inn in Snoreham. His son John received the lease on Marsh House Farm and the tenement called Twates(?) in Danbury. Son George received Gibcrack Farm in East Hanningfield which was owned by Lovibond Collins, Esq. His son James received property in Woodham Ferrers and Danbury below Gibcrack Farm. John also mentions his sister Mary Summers and daughters Mary and Elizabeth Trussell. Son John was to provide one year of education for Mary and 1 1/2 years of education for Elizabeth and both John and George were to provide for Mary and Elizabeth until age fifteen. Joseph Thorp and John Laver of Latchingdon were appointed guardians for the two girls. Joseph Yell Sr. was appointed the executor of the will, dated 19 May 1808, proved 5 May 1809.(3)
Issue- all children baptized in Purleigh
(1) Purleigh Land Tax- 1781-1832 (2) Court Rolls for Purleigh, Essex Record Office (3) Essex Record Office- D/AER 36/24 Parish Registers for Purleigh Essex Marriage Licenses-Frederick Arthur Crisp, Colchester Library Steven P. Potter- Lower Barn Farm, Mundon, Maldon, Essex
bpt. 24 Jan. 1793 Purleigh, Essex m. LAVINIA ANN (2) ABBOTT (b.c.1791 Latchingdon, Essex, d. 8 July 1849 Purleigh) d. 23 Oct. 1853 Purleigh
In his father's will James received property located partly in Woodham Ferrers and partly in Danbury below Gibcrack Farm which his brother George received. His brothers John and George were to apprentice out James to a trade of his choice and provide for him during his minority. Joseph Yell Sr. & Jr. of Danbury, farmers, were appointed James' guardians.
In a report on Essex Charities compiled by the Charity Commission between 1819 and 1837 there is mentioned a charity school in Purleigh. Mary-Ann Sly, the school mistress lived in a house attached to the schoolroom and James was the schoolmaster having been hired in 1821 for the job. He occupied one third of a terraced cottage and garden very near the school. The other two parts were occupied by Sabitha Turner and Joseph Brewer. The whole cottage was owned by David Chambers.(1)
In 1841 James and Lavinia were living in Burnham where he was a schoolmaster and she a school-mistress.(2) They subsequently moved back to Purleigh where Lavinia died in 1849. In 1851 James was teaching in Purleigh and was living with his late wife's sister Catherine Abbott who was the school mistress.(3)
(1) Essex Record Office (2) 1841 Census for Burnham, Essex (3) 1851 Census for Purleigh, Essex
Parish Registers for Purleigh and Tillingham, Essex
bpt. 1 Apr. 1823 Purleigh, Essex m. 1 Mar. 1846 Tillingham, SUSANNAH STUTTLE (3) LAWRENCE (b. 20 Dec. 1829 Tillingham) d.c.1870
Edwin was a plumber and was apprenticed to George Garrood of Burnham.(1) Edwin lived on High St. in Burnham.(2)
(1) 1841 Census for Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex (2) 1861 Census for Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex
Parish registers for Burnham, Purleigh and Tillingham, Essex Elaine Trussell- 144 Station Rd., Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex John Dowding- Burnham-on-Crouch & District Local History & Amenity Society