Westdean, Sussex.
_Tradescant Family_ (Vol. iii., p. 393.).--In further illustration of this
subject, and for the information of your correspondents who have taken an
interest in the restoration of the tomb in Lambeth churchyard, I beg
through you to say that I have found the will of the grandsire, "John
Tradescant, of South Lambeth, co. Surrey, Gardener:" it is dated January 8,
1637, and proved May 2, 1638, so that the period of his death may be fairly
placed in that year, as suggested by MR. PINKERTON'S extracts from the
churchwardens' accounts (Vol. iii., p. 394.); and the defect in the parish
register for some months following July, 1637, will account for no entry
being found of his actual burial. The younger Tradescant was his only
child, and at the date of the will he had two grandchildren, John and
Frances Tradescant. His son was the residuary legatee, with a proviso, that
if he should desire to part with or sell his cabinet, he should first offer
the same to _the Prince_. His brother-in-law, Alexander Norman, and Mr.
William Ward, were the executors, and proved the will. As MR. PINKERTON
stated that he was on the trace of new and curious matter respecting the
Tradescants, he may find it useful to know that John Tradescant the elder
held the lease of some property at Woodham Water in Essex, and two houses
in Long Acre and Covent Garden.