JOHN STRUTT (Thomas, John) of Glemsford in Suffolk was married first to Catherine who was buried there on 18 August 1578. He married secondly 21 October 1578, Julian Scott, daughter of Richard Scott, yeoman, of Fynstead which is in the parish of Glemsford. John Strutt appears on the 1568 Subsidy List as taxed 6s.8d. on £5 worth of land. He was buried at Glemsford on 22 April 1591, having made his will six days before. An abstract follows. Twelve years later, an Inquisition Post Mortem into the property he held was taken. An abstract of the Inquisition also follows. The will of Richard Scott, dated 13 February 1577/8, named Julyan Scott and two of her brothers, Richard and George Scott, who were named in her husband's will. Julian (Scott) Strutt married secondly at Glemsford, 30 June 1591 widower Ambrose Biggs, senior, and had a Daughter who died a year later. Ambrose Biggs was buried 9 May 1621 at Glemsford.
19 April 1591 - the will of JOHN STRUTT of Glemsford, county Suffolk, yeoman ... to the poor of Glemsford ... to wife, Juliane all houses and lands until my daughter Anne Strutte is 18. and at Michaelmas following they are to be partitioned. with wife having half for life ... if Anne dies without issue, houses and lands go to my nephew ~grandchild Thomas Belgrave, he paying 20 nobles each to his brothers and sisters, the children of my late daughter Joan Belgrave deceased ... to my sister Ursula Brewster 10s to John Goldinge and his son George Goldinge land in Great Wylwyn ... to Richard Scotte 6s.3d. and to each child of Eustace Strutte 10s my wife and daughter Anne Strutte to he my executors. My brother George Scott supervisor. Witnesses: William Biggs, clerk, Thomas Gardiner, Ambrose Biggs, Thomas Gardener the younger, Richard Symonds and others. On 20 April John Strutt surrendered land bequeathed to John Brewster the elder, mentioned land sometime in the tenure of Thomas Strutt father of the said John Strutt. Proved 12 May 1591. (Ref.: Archdeaconry of Sudbury, Bacon 24)
INQUISITION POST MORTEM, held at Hadleigh. Suffolk, 21 March 1602/3 on the estate of JOHN STRUTT of Glemsford, c yeoman, who died 23 April 1591 seised of the following, in demesne as of fee:
I A chief messuage In which he lived with a garden, orchard, and Common pasturage.
ii A piece of land lying in Holbroke, abutting Wilwen Meadow.
iii 1 1/2 acres of land in Mullicrofte, Glemsford.
iv 1 acre on the west of Rldlowe alias Rithe field in Glemsford.
v 1 rood of pasture lately part of Willingharn's croft in Glemsford.
All these were held of Richard Eliot, gentleman, as of the manor of Peverells in Glemsford, by fealty and several rents, amounting in all to 21 3/4 pence.
And they are worth 20s. per annum clear.
vi Pattys Croft, with a woodland grove adjoining, in all 4 acres.
vii 2 acres of land called Suckenhedge, in Glernsford
viii A piece of land and a grove, now uprooted, in Wilwen field, abutting in part upon the land of the Rectory of Glernsford, and in part upon the
piece called Suckcnhedge, towards the east.
ix 1 acre in Wilwenfield, abutting on Morgans pightle towards the east.
x 2 acres of meadow in Broad Meadow, in Glemsford
xi Another 1/2 acre in Broad Meadow
xii 5 roods of pasture in Freedes Field, next to Freed wood, in Glemsford.
xiii Half an acre of land in Melfield
xiv Another 1/2 acre in Wilwen Field, in Glemsford
xv 1 acre of land in Longland Field, in Glemsford
xvi 3 acres of land called Reedinge, in Glemsford
xvii Another 1/2 acre in Gravel-pit Field, in Glemsford
xviii An enclosure of land called Rand, in Glemsford
xix 1 1/2 acres with appurtenances, on the east side of Ridlowe Field, in Glemsford.
xx 1 acre called Crowsland in Welwend Field, in Glemsford.
xvi 3 roods of land called Shreves Croft, in Glemsford
Items No. vi to xv inclusive were held of the queen, as of the manor of Glemsford, lately parcel of the possessions of the Bishopric of Ely, then vacant, and now part of the possessions ofthequeen,bythe Service of fealty and several rents, amounting in all to 8s. 4d. per annum, and Suit of court, in free socage and not in chief, for all services. And they are worth in all 20s. per annum, clear. Item xxi was held of the queen, as of the manor of Glemsford, by fealty and a rent of three pence. It is worth 20s. per annum clear.
John Strutt made a will dated 19 April 1591, the provisions of which, so far as they relate to these properties, are set out in English.
Ann Strutt, daughter and one heir of said John Strutt had attained the age of 17 years by the 4th of July preceeding the holding of the inquest (1602] and is married to Ambros Biggs, junior.
Thomas Belgrave, the son of John Belgrave, another daughter of John Strutt deceased, is kinsman and another heir of said John and was over 21 when the latter died. Julian Strutt (John's widow] subsequently married Ambrose Biggs senior and still lives at Glemsford. This couple has taken charge of the aforesaid tenements and appurtenances, and have received the revenues and profits thereof since the death of John Strutt. (Chancery Series 285:126)
24 August 1634 - the will of AMBROSE BIGGS of Glemsford, county Suffolk, gentleman ... to daughter Margerie, wife of William Hall, and her lawful heirs, messuage where I now dwell at Tyegreene in Glemsford ... and all lands, etc. which were John Strutt's, deceased grandfather of the said Margerie ... other land to daughter Margerie, if I have no heirs by my present wife Anne ... executor to be William Hall. Proved 12 Jan. 163 4/5. (Archdeaconry of Sudbury W1:90:l97)
RICHARD SCOTT (William) of Boxsted, county Suffolk, England, was probably born about 1476, presumably at Glemsford, where his father was living when he died in 1498. Since his father named him executor of his will, he was probably of age, but certainly not far from it. Richard inherited lands in Glemsford, Boxsted, Cavendish, Somerton and Hawkedon, all parishes i~ear Glemsford. He apparently settled on the Boxsted property, for Boxsted was his residence when he made his will, in which he bequeathed his house and lands in Boxsted and Somerton. Richard died probably in April, 1560. There is no burial reord for him in the Boxsted parish register, nor in Glemsford. There was another Richard Scott living in Boxsted at this time. He and his wife, Agnes, were buried there on 12 June 1561. This other Richard Scott was probably quite a bit younger and perhaps a cousin.
30 May 1559 - the will of RICHARD SCOTT of Boxsted, county Suffolk, the elder ... sick of body ... to he buried in the parish churchyard to Thomas Scott. my eldest son my house & lands with appurtenances in Boxsted and Somerton ... to children Robert, .Joan, William, Richard & ,John £20 to be paid by Thomas my soti as follows: to Robert £4 within one year after my decease, to Joan £4 the next year, to William £4 the next year, to Richard £4 the next year, to .lohn £4 the next year ... If son Thomas Die without lawful issue, then house and lands in Boxsted and Somerton to son Robert, in tail to William, to Richard, to John, to Joan ... to Joan Scott & Dorothy Scott the daughters of Richard Scott my son 2s. each ... to Joan all my wife's apparel both woolen and linen ... all my household brass & pewter, except. a posnet., to daughter Joan ... all bedding, etc. in the house to be equally divided amongst all my children ... corn, cattle, residue to son Thomas, he to be executor. Witnesses: John Hoo of Glemsford, John Petiwatt of the same town, John Fanner of Boxsted and others. Proved 6 May 1560 . (R2/29/26)
In his will, there are some errors or contradictions which are explained only with difficulty. He named his grandchildren Joan and Dorothy Scott. These were the youngest children, twins, of his son Richard. Of all the Scotts in the area, this was the only Dorothy on record, so there can be littk doubt that these twins were the ones he was naming.
However, Joan died at age 4 months, just a year before the date on his will. Was he unaware of the death of this grandchild? Perhaps he was old and forgetful, and no one had the heart to tell him? Also, he bequeathed to his son William, who had died four months before the date of his will. Was he unaware that his son was gone? Probably the will had been roughed out between February and May 1558, after the birth of the twins and before Joan died and while his son William was still living. Then, just before he died, it was completed and witnessed, no attempt having been made to modify it accordingly. It must be borne in mind that he was probably illiterate, and those helping in the matter knew little about his family. There were two other William Scotts living nearby; first cousins of his son William. Could there be confusion between them? This seems unlikely, for his son William in his will dated 16 January 1558/9 named his brother Richard to be executor. The two cousins had no brother Richard, hence the testator, William, was Richard's son. Also witnessing the will was brother Richard's son, Richard. Indeed, this brother Richard had a son, Richard, which further helps identify the relationships. This son Richard, however, had to have been a minor. At that time, minors did now and then witness documents. Thus, these puzzling things seem to cast a shadow of doubt. Yet, no other relationship can be deduced.
Ref.: Parish Registers; Probate Records at Bury Saint Edmunds
BIRTH: Probably born in Boxsted or Glemsford.
WILLIAM SCOTT of Glemsford, county Suffolk, is the earliest Scott ancestor of this family who can be identified. He apparently died at a rather young age, as his son Richard outlived him by sixty two years. William was probably born about 1450. His brief will names only two sons, to whom he bequeathed his lands in seven nearby parishes, i.e. in Glemsford, Boxsted, Cavendish, Somerton, Hawkedon, Wickhambrook and Denston. No wife was mentioned, but that does not prove she was dead, considering the brevity of his will. In the 1524 Subsidy (tax) list, there was a Clemence Skot, widow, who paid 2s.6d. on property worth £5. Clemence was probably his widow. His son Thomas had a daughter named Clemence, which suggests as much. His will was dated 24 April 1498, proved 29 September following, so he died around late summer of 1498.
24 April 1498 - the will of WILLIAM SKOTT of Glemsford in the diocese of Norwich ... to be buried in the churchyard of Glemsford ... to the high altar for tithes forgotten 20d. ... to Richard my son all my chattels & goods, he to be executor. Witnesses: I'homas Brewster alias Aldeby of Glemsford & Thomas Fyrmyn of Hawkedon with others ... Richard my son to have all lands & tenements I hold in the towns of Glemsford, Boxsted, C avendish, Somerton & Hawkedon ... to Thomas Skott my son lands & tenements I hold in Wickhambrook & Denston. Proved 29 September 1498. (R2/13/79)
Ref.: Probate Records at Bury Saint Edmunds; Suffolk Green Book, No. X
THOMAS, b perhaps about 1478; he inherited the lands in Wickhambrook & Denston, but remained in Glemsford; m Joan ______; he d about 1529, testate; 6 ch. named in the will; in the 1524 Subsidy, he paid a tax of 2a. on lands worth £2
3 August 1524 - the will of THOMAS SCOT of Glemsford ... to be buried in the parish churchyard of Glemsford ... to William Scot my eldest son & to Isabell now his wife all my land & tenements in the downs & fields of Wickhambrook, Stradishall & Denston, county Suffolk, for their lives, then to Richard Scot son of the said William & Isabell, then in tail to eldest son of the said William & Isabell, etc., then to daughters & to their heirs ... If all children of William & Isabell d.s.p. then to my other sons, then to my daughters ... to said son William my tenement called Clases in Boxsted in which he is living, for life of my wife Joan his mother, he to keep her for life in sickness & in health as it seemeth a woman of her degree to be found ... if William d.s.p. then to son John ... to the said young William & John my sons my tenement wherein I dwell for life of their mother, then to son John daughter Clemens to have chamber in my tenement wherein I dwell with the said John for life if she be unmarried ... whoever has tenement called Clasea after decease of wife Joan shall pay Clemens 3s.4d. yearly for life ... if son John d.s.p. then tenement to Clemens & to Andrew Scot son of eldest son William ... to Thomas Everard my son in law 40s. payable after decease of wife Joan ... to Clemens my daughter 10s. ... residue to wife Joan to dispose of at her pleasure William my eldest son to have tenement called Hokys ... Executors to be said eldest son William & John Segar my farmer at Wickhambrook. Witnesses: John Walis, chaplain, Thomas Brewster, the aforesaid Thomas Everard,John Grome, Robert Ailmer et aba. Proved 12 May 1529. (R2/18/9)
WILLIAM, 4th ch.; m Margaret; he was buried 8 Feb. 1558/9 at Glemsford; 6 ch. named in his will; she m 2, 29 Jan. 1559/60 at Glemsford, Jacob Gaily; his will: 16 January 1558/9 - the will of WILLIAM SKOTT of Finstead in the parish of Glemsford, ... to he buried in the churchyard of Glemsford ... to Margaret my wife my homestall wherein I flow dwell wit.h all my lands pertaining unto the same for term of her life, she to bring up all my children ... after her decease, homestall & lands to Andrew my eldest son, he to pay each of my children 40s., to wit, to Elizabeth my daughter, to John my son, to Maryon my daughter, to Peter my son, to Avyes my daughter, the said 40s. to be paid over a period of five years next after the decease of wife Margaret, 405. per year starting with Elizabeth and in order of their descending ages ... lands in tail to second son John then to Peter ... Margaret and Andrew to be executors, Richard Skottmy brother supervisor to whom 3s4d. Witnesses: Richard Skott, Richard Skott his son and Robert Skott & others. Proved 18 April 1559. (W1122127)
JOHN STRUTT of Glemsford, Suffolk, England, was born about the middle of the fifteenth century in the reign of Henry VI. His wife was named Elizabeth, sometimes called Isabell, since the two were synonymous then, much as Elizabeth and Betty are today. All that is known of John and Elizabeth comes from their wills, abstracts of which follow. He was apparently a blacksmith. In the 1542 Suffolk Subsidy (tax) Roll for Glemsford, she was taxed on £13.6.8. and paid 6s.8d.
12 September 1516 - the will of JOHN STRUT of Glemsford, county Suffolk to be buried in the parish church of Glenisford ... to the priests, clerks and poor people ... to wife Isabell my capital messuage in Glemsford and tenement in Cavendish for her lifetime, then to my son Thomas ... to my wife 100 marks, to my son ,Iohn 40 marks, to son Robert 20 marks ... to son Thomas my shop and stuff therein belonging to smythescraft ... and to Thomas Elice and my daughter Elizabeth his wife, three tenements purchased of Master William Ailof, one tenement purchased of Sir John Parson, and land purchased of John Roberd, all in Sudbury ... to each of my daughters Katheryn and Margery a bed, a brass pot, a kettle and a steel pan, they receiving yearly from Thomas Elice 26s.8d. equally divided ... to John Bigge and Elizabeth Bigge which were the daughters of Alice Bigge my daughter, 20 shillings each at age 16 ... Executors to be wife Isabell, Sons , John & Thomas, & ,lohn Roberd of Sudhury, mercer. Witnesses: Sir John Waleis, parish priest, the forsaid Thomas Elice, Thomas Browster, John Cobb the elder & many others. Proved 5 February 15 16/17.
(Ref.: P.C.C. 26 Holder)
Ref.: The American genealogist 61:161-166
22 September 1526 - the will of ELIZABETH STRUTTE of Glemsford, county Suffolk, widow ... to be buried in the church of Our Lady Saint Mary in Glemsford ... to the church ... to daughter Elizabeth Ellice the featherbed with the boulster which I lie upon the day of my death and one salt of silver ... to son Thomas Strutte the residue of goods movable and unmovable, he to be executor. Witnesses: Sir Thomas Dyninge, parish priest of Glemsford, John Disse and others. Proved 13 November 1626. (Ref.: W1/23/25)
ROBERT, listed under Glemsford on the anticipation list (1523) for the 1524 subsidy as taxable on £40 (Suffolk Green Books, X:406)
ERASMUS, prob. b about 1525; m 9 Oct. 1552, Alice Roberdes; ch.: Joanna bp. 15 July 1553, John bp. 12 April 1556- d.y.;he d 1557-8; she m 2, 13 June 1558 at Glemsford, John White
5 November 1557 - the will of Erasmus Strutt of Glemesforth, diocese of Norwich...to be buried in the churchyard of Glemesforth...to wife Alyce my mansion house called Cowtells for her life, and then to my daughter Joan Strutte and her lawful heirs, and lacking heirs, to be sold and proceeds go to my brothers and sisters and their children....lands in Gleemesforth to be sold and proceeds, after debts, go to my two sisters Ursula Browster, wife of Thomas, and Audria Hatch, and their children.., wife Alyce to have four hogs, wheat, barley, bedding with all other implements of household whatsoever...to the parish clerk and poor people of Glemesforth...my brothers John Strutt and Ewstas Strutt to be executors. Witnesses: Sir Alexander Emot priest, Wylliam Crosse, Wylliam Brincleys, Edwarde Gefferayes, and John Stowe with others. Proved 24 May 1558 (Bell 115)
URSULA; m by 1557 to Thomas Brewster; she was not mentioned in her father's will, but was named as wife of Thomas Brewster in her hr. Erasmus's will, as Ursula Brewster in hr. John's 1591 will