Holbein picture. He married, about 1530, Lucy, daughter and heiress
of Edmond Chevall of Sissivernes, in Codicote, Herts, and by her he
had a good estate. In 1545 Henry granted him the manor of Codicote and
the demesne lands of the late dissolved Abbey of St. Alban’s for £826
9_s._ 4-1/2_d._, to hold by the forty-fifth part of a knight’s fee.
The King also bequeathed him 100 marks by his will. By an Inquisition
taken at West Barnet 18th October, 5 & 6 Ph. & M., it was found that
John Pen died 21st August, 1558, and that Thomas, his son and heir, was
then of the age of 25 years and 9 months. John Pen’s Will, dated 15th
August, 1558, was proved by his widow on the 6th May, 1559. Coleman
in his list of Wills of the Pen family states that a second grant of
Probate was taken of this Will by Gyles Pen on 10th October, 1560, but
this is absolutely incorrect; on this date the Will of one Gyles Peny
of Halstocke in Dorsetshire was proved, and Mr. Coleman has confounded
this in a remarkable way with John Pen’s Will, with which it has no
connection whatever. That Pen was not, or did not know that he was,
a connection of the Pens of Bucks, is most likely, as he obtained a
grant of arms for himself, in which the combs on either side of the
lion of England are typical of his office of King’s Barber. These arms
were 1{st} & 4{th} Ar. on a fesse gu. betw. three peacocks az. a lyon
pass. guar. or betw. two combs of the first (Pen) 2{d} & 3{rd} Or three
horses’ heads couped sa. bridled ar. (Cheval).
The following is the text of his will:--
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The xv{th} day of August Annis v{to} et
vj{to} Regꝭ et Regine I John Penne Esquyre being sicke in body but
whole and pˀfitt in mynde make this my Testament conteynyng therin
my last will in manˀ and fourme following that is to saye ffirst my
soule I bequeth almightie god &c and my body to be buryed in the
church of Codynte &c Item I bequeth to the high Alter of Codynte
&c xx{d} Item to the high Alter of Welwyn xx{d} Item my will and
pleasure is That all wills and declaracons therof heretofore mayde
by me at any tyme heretofore to be voyed and of none effecte and
that this my last will and Testament be takyn reputed to be my
last will and none other Item I give to evˀy of my doughters Elen
Elizabeth and Dorothye fortie poundes in money to be paied at their
marriage daye or when they shall come to thˀage of xvj{th} yeres.
Yf any of theis iij childern dep̃te this world before their mˀriage
or xvj{th} yeres of age That then the survivors to have the ptꝭ of
theym that ar depˀted to god. The saied legacꝭ of my saied childern
to be levyed out of the manˀ of Sycesvrñs w{th} thappurtenncꝭ Item I
give to Robert Penne his wif two kyne. Item my wyll and pleasure is
and also I give to Robert Pen my soune and to his heires my myll of
Codynte payng yerely to Willm̃ my sonne twentie shillingꝭ during his
naturall lif. The Resydewe of my goodes my debtes and legacꝭ paid I
give to Lucy my wif whom I make my sole executrix. Witnesses by me
John Pen by me michaell hogkyn.
NICHOLAS ALCOCKE.
He was admitted to the freedom in 1523, and was Surgeon to Edward VI;
his portrait is in the Holbein picture. He died in the early part of
1550, and his will dated 15th February, 1549-50, was proved 6th May,
1550. In it he describes himself as “One of the Surgions to the Kingꝭ
Ma{tie}” and directs that his body shall be buried in the Church of
St. Stephen, Coleman Street, near where his children are buried. He
leaves one-third of his goods, &c., to his executors for the purposes
of his will, one-third to Margaret his wife, and one-third to Elizabeth
his daughter on her twenty-first birthday or marriage. To the poor
of Swyneshed, Lincolnshire, £5. Six “sermons” to be made for him at
St. Stephen’s. For poor maids marriages £4. To Bartholomew’s Hospital
40_s._ To George Brykesworth of Glastonbury, Surgeon, his best lute,
and to Elizabeth Alcocke (testator’s daughter) his virginalls. To
Richard Sygans, his servant “a sleveles jacket of cloth browne blewe
a woorsted doblett a pair of hosen. A payre of bootꝭ and a paire of
spurres.” To Ann his maidservant a bedstead, a mattress and a coverlet.
“I bequeth to Robert Balthorpe late my apprentice my booke called Guido
in Englysshe.” To Eliz{th} Smith a bedstead and mattress. To his two
god-daughters, the children of Robert Wilson and John Stocks, to each a
pewter dish and saucer.
I bequeth to John Mason[332] late my apprentice my bookꝭ called
Lanfrank, Johẽs Arden and an other olde booke w{t} a bare woodden
covˀ in Englysshe and the practise of ypocratꝭ. To my wifes father
Thomas Turnor my newe coloured gowne garded w{t} velvett and faced
w{t} foynes and my best rydinge cote garded w{t} velvett and my
dublett of redde taffeta Also I bequeth to the eldest sonne of
my father in lawe my foxe furred gowne and a dublett w{t} blewe
taffeta sleves and my black mournynge cote. Itm̃ I bequeth to Robr̃t
Balthrope some tyme my apprentice my Russett woorsted gowne faced
w{t} calabre{r} and garded w{t} velvett.
[332] Warden 1575.
He bequeaths his great house and premises called “ffreshe wharff” in
St. Botolph’s Billingsgate, of the annual value of £24 to his daughter
Elizabeth, but in the event of her decease before she came of age
this wharf to be sold and divided in certain proportions between
Bartholomew’s Hospital, Thomas Turner, his father-in-law, Thomas and
Richard Turner his sons, the poore of Coleman Street, poor maids’
marriages, and the mending of highways.
He bequeaths some pastures and meadows at Enfield to his wife. He
directs his parsonage of Kirkbye, Lincolnshire, with all the tithes and
profits to be sold, and 100 marks to be given to Roger Alcocke, his
brother’s son, 20 marks to his godson Nicholas Spencer, and the residue
to be devoted to works of charity in the discretion of his executors.
Thomas Archer, gentleman, and Randolph Atkinson, Merchant Taylor,
are appointed Executors, and John Wysdome, painter staynor, and John
Shireff, Barber-Surgeon, overseers.
ROBERT BALTHROP, SERJEANT-SURGEON.
[Illustration: Coat of Arms]
ROBERT BALTHROP was born in 1522, and about the year 1538 apprenticed
to Nicholas Alcock (Surgeon to King Edward VI). He was admitted to
the freedom 3rd March, 1545, and to the Livery 20th October, 1552. He
served the office of Warden in 1560 and 1564, and was Master of the
Company in 1565 and again in 1573. About the year 1562 he was appointed
Serjeant-Surgeon to Queen Elizabeth and held that office until his
death (9th December, 1591).
He is buried in the church of St. Bartholomew the Less, where there is
(behind the organ) on the south wall of the church, a handsome monument
to his memory with this inscription--
Here Robert Balthrope lyes intombd, to Elizabeth our Queene,
Who Sergeant of the Surgeons sworne neere thrtye yeeres hathe
beene.
He died at syxtie nine of yeeres December’s ninthe the daye
The yeere of Grace eight hundred twice deductinge nine a waye
Let heere his rotten bones repose, till angells trompet sounde,
To warne the worlde of present chaunge, and raise the deade
from grounde.
VIVIT POST FUNERA VIRTUS.
Balthrop’s will was made about a fortnight before his death (27th
November), and therein he directs his body to be buried in St.
Bartholomew’s the Less, in which parish he then resided. He seems to
have amassed a considerable estate and to have made a rather lengthy
will, but as a great deal of it is of much interest, especially his
inventory of surgical instruments and books, no apology is needed for
quoting largely from it.
I do give and bequeathe my sowle to the holy and blessed Trinitie
the ffather the sonne and the holy ghost three persons and one
God allmightie hoping and stedfastly beleevinge to be forgiven
and pardoned of all my sinnes and to enjoye the everlastinge and
unspeakable felicities of heaven through the merrittꝭ and passion
of my only redeemer and saviour Jesus Christ to whome be given all
glorie honor and praise nowe and for ever Amen.
To poor people in the discretion of his executrix £10. To John
Mason,[333] Chirurgian, dwelling in Long Lane 40_s._, and a few other
small legacies. “To my servauntes,” John Deighton, Richard Neill, John
Edwards and William Taylor 40_s._ each. To each of his wife’s maids
20_s._
[333] Warden in 1575, his fellow apprentice with Nich. Alcock.
Also I give to the Company and bequeath to the company of the Barbors
and Chirurgions of the Cittie of London for their use in their hall
one bell [? beer] bowle with a cover beinge both of silver and gilte
weighinge thirty ounces half an ownce and half a quarter of an ownce.
Also I give to the M{r} and Governours of the said Company to make
them and the rest of the Cloathinge a Dynner in theire hall after
my buryall ffyve poundes. Also I give and bequeath to the poore
people of the said Company fyve poundes. . . Also I bequeath to my
moth{r} M{ris} Love my golde ringe which hath in it a stone called
a Turkey. . . Also I bequeath to my felowe Goodorus[334] one of my
Launcettꝭ that is sett in golde and enamyled Also I bequeth to my
felowe Baker[335] her maiesties Chirurgion my Syringe of silver
gilted and three pypes of silver gilted belonginge to the same.
[334] Serjeant-Surgeon and Master 1594. [335] Master 1597.
To Mr. Bennett, one of the Queen’s footmen, “my Brooch of golde
compassed aboute with ragg Rubies.” Upon payment of £10, John
Gryffyn,[336] surgeon, was to have the lease of his house. To
testator’s nephew, William Balthrop £50 “and my greate Ringe of golde
with my seale of Armes.” To his Nephew Richard Balthrop at the end of
his apprenticeship £50 “and my lesser Ringe of golde with my seale of
Armes.” And to these nephews his lands and tenements at East Greenwich.
To John Gryffyn
[336] Surgeon to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, 1586-1593.
My fyne clothe gowne welted with velvett and faced with
Damaske. . . . To John Deighton my servaunte my blacke cloth cloake
layed with lace and faced with velvett my blacke satten Dublett and
my rounde velvett hose. To Richard Neel my servaunt a cloak, doublett
and hose. To John Edwards my servaunt my white canvas Dublett that
is at the parke with my Rownde velvett hose and my pheasaunt colored
cloake with the sleeves and cape faced with russett velvett. Also
I give and bequeath to my servauntꝭ that nowe are with me and have
bene my servauntes in tyme past which do practize and exercise the
art of Chirurgery such thingꝭ of mine belonginge and appertayninge to
chirurgerie as are by me given and appointed to them in the Schedule
hereunto annexed.
To Dorothy, his wife, he gave all the residue of his lands, houses,
buildings, goods, chattels, plate, chains of gold, jewels, ready money,
&c., and appointed her executrix. Probate was granted 16th December,
1591.
SCHEDULE.
Item I give and bequeathe to my servaunt John Deighton my newe and
last made Chirurgery chest which is for my owne use with all that is
therein except golde and silver Also I bequeath to him my plaster
boxe of leather which hath the lock hinges and barrs over yt of
Copper gilted and the cysars and all the silver instrumentes therein.
Also I give unto him my rownde silver salvatory and one catheter
of silver and annother of leade with the case wherein they are Also
I give unto him a case with silver Instrumentes therein that ys to
saye a silver splatter a chockbarr of silver for the uvula a silver
Syringe parcell gilted Also I give unto him my silver precipitate box
all w{ch} thingꝭ are in the aforesaid chest. Also I bequeath unto him
all my bookes of Phisicke and chirurgery with two Dixionaries which
are in my study in my house at Manfeilde parke in the parishe of
Taplowe. I also bequeath unto him my Englishe bible which is at the
Courte. I give and bequeath to Lewes Rogers[337] somtyme my servaunte
my greater surgery Chest which is in my Chamber here at London
with all that is therein except golde and silver. Also I give unto
him my plaster box which my wife hath in the Countrie with all the
instrumentes therein belonginge to the same Also I give unto him a
Catheter of silver which is in the Chest that I have apointed to John
Deighton my servaunte Also I give unto him these bookes followinge
Guydoes Chirurgery in ffrench, Bartholomeus De proprietatibus rerum,
Vidus Vidius Interpres, Valescus his practise, Albucasis Discorides,
Cornelius Celsus, Johannes Mesue, Marcus Catenarcus, Guydoe in latin,
Leonardus ffuschius, Gyrolanus in ffrench and Quintus Curtius in
Englishe. Also I give and bequeath to my servaunt John Edwards my
least Chirurgery Chest which is at the Court for the Dayly use of my
servauntes with all that therein is, my plaster box of leather with
y{e} gilted locke and hinges of silver with all the instrumentes
therein to the same belonginge and these English bookes, Gemimes
Anathomy, Guido and Leonard ffuschius both in written hand, John
Vigo, Eliot’s Dictionarie which I have lent to my felowe Goodorus,
Turners herball and my byble which is at my howse in Manfeilde parke.
Also I give unto him a pewter Syringe with three pypes of silver
belonginge to the same. Also I give unto John Griffin somtymes my
servaunt my silver salvatory percell guilted which is in the Chest
that I have appointed to my servaunte Lewes Also I bequeath to
Anthony Gariswall somtyme my servaunte one bigge latin booke wherein
are bounde togeather the Chirurgeries of Guido, Brumis, Theodoricus
Lanfrancke and Alberti Palus Also I give and bequeath unto the
companie of the Barbors and Chirurgeons of the Cittie of London the
Chirurgery of that most excellent writer John Tagaultius the lattin
booke and also the English translation that I have made thereof
And also the Chirurgerie of the expert and perfect practitioner
Ambrose Parey both which workes I have written into Englishe for
the love that I owe unto my bretheren practisinge Chirurgerie and
not understandinge the latin Tounge and given them into the Hall
for theire Dayly use and Readinge both in lattin and Englishe and
Desiringe that they may be kept faire and cleane for my sake which
wish them all prosperous and good successe in theire workes and
endevours whatsoever they take in hande to the glory of God and the
advauncemente of the Arte. Also I give unto my servaunt John Edwards
my Case with all the Instrumentes therein which is in my Chest which
I have appointed for Deighton. Also I give unto my servaunte John
Deighton my bagge with the case and all the Instrumentes and other
thingꝭ that are therein which lyeth for my Daily use in my Chest
wherein I put my lynnen at the Courte. ffinally my will is that
myne Executrix shall give to the use of the two hospitalls Sainte
Bartholomewes and Saint Thomas for the sicke and sore people there
all other such medicines bookes Instrumentꝭ bottles boxes and pottꝭ
and such like thingꝭ belonginge to Chirurgery as are not in this
Schedule bequeathed and given and such as she will reserve for her
owne use, and to give to the poore for Christes sake. In Witnesse
whereof I have also Subscribed this Schedule and put to my seale the
Daie and yere first above written.
[337] Warden 1615, 16, and 17 (died in 1617).
Per me ROBERTUM BALTHROPP.
Arms. Ar. on a chev. sa. five fleur de lys of the first. (The shield
on Balthrop’s monument is quarterly 1{st} and 4{th} as above, 2{d} and
3{rd} a bend betw. two Eagles displayed.)
SIR PETER PROBY.
[Illustration: Coat of Arms]
PETER PROBY was born at Chester, and was the son of Randolph Proby,
afterwards of Brampton, Hunts, by his wife, a Miss Bernard. He was
admitted to our freedom in 1579, made a Liveryman 1st July, 1596, an
Assistant 6th July, 1609, and served the office of Master 1615. He was
Sheriff of London 1614, Alderman of the Ward of Queenhithe, and Lord
Mayor in 1622.
[Illustration: Family tree]
19th August, 1605. This day M{r} Peter Proby a very lovinge member
of this company did out of his love and affection to this house of
his owne voluntarie good will give unto this company a very fayre
large and serviceable standinge Cup of silver and double gilte
wayghinge xxx ouncꝭ & a penny waight with a cover unto it whereupon
are his armes placed And hath this supˀscription ingraven upon it
[This cup is given to this hall by Peter Proby gentleman free of
the same, A servant to Queene Elizabeth and to Kinge James And for
both keepˀ of the Recordes in the Tower of London. Postm{r} for the
service of Ireland. And for speciall Service a pentioner for leife.
Who was twice of the high courte of Parliament] which cup was kindlie
accepted by this Court, And in gratificac͠on thereof It is by this
Court ordred that the said Peter Proby shalbe exempted and discharged
from all offices within this Company except the office of M{r} or
Governo{r} of this companie. And from all other attendaunces for the
sˀrvice or affaires of the said Company And when it shall please him
to come to the hall he is to be kindlie and freindlie intertayned.
finis coronabit opus.
24th May, 1614. It was agreed that Mr. Alderman Proby should, if he
desired it, “have the use of this house together with the plate and
other necessaries for to keep his Shrievalty,” and if he desired to
keep his Shrievalty elsewhere he was to be allowed to borrow the plate
for a year; and on the 1st July it was agreed that £40 should be given
to him towards the “bewtifying of his howse.”
25th August, 1614. Fifteen Members of the Court of Assistants were
nominated to attend Mr. Sheriff Proby on Michaelmas eve and the next
day, and all charges and expenses which they might incur were to be
borne by the Company.
In 1616, Sir Peter who had previously been appointed Governor of the
colony of Ulster by special commission from the King and the City
of London, repaired thither, attended by divers of the most eminent
citizens, to regulate certain affairs belonging to the plantation,
taking with him two rich swords of state as a present from the City, to
be carried before the Mayors of Londonderry and Coleraine, the former
having been some time before erected into a city and the latter into a
Mayor-town.
8th June, 1622. At a Court held this day Alderman Proby was ordered to
be translated to the Grocers’ Company, in view of his coming election
as Lord Mayor.
20th September, 1622. At this Court it is agreed that there shalbe
hiered on the Lord Maior{s} day a Noyse of Trumpettꝭ at the Charge of
the howse.
At this Court it is agreed that M{r} Alderman Probie shall have our
plate & hangeingꝭ for this yeare of his Maioralty.
Sir Peter’s eldest son, Heneage, was knighted; he was Sheriff of Bucks,
and M.P. for Amersham. His second son, Henry, was Common Serjeant of
London. Sir Peter was the ancestor of several members of Parliament
as also of the Marquess of Rockingham and the Earl of Carysfort. His
grandson Peter Proby, who married Grace, daughter of Sir Richard Ford,
was chosen a Liveryman of the Company 10th March, 1659.
Sir Peter Proby’s will (undated) was proved 21st March, 1625, and
commences--
I Peter Proby Knight and Alderman of London calling to minde the
transitory estate of all flesh and more perticulerly the great age
w{ch} through gods especiall goodnes I have attayned, as alsoe the
weake estate of my body broken of late w{th} many sicknesses and
infirmities w{ch} still hanging one mee as be many monito{rs} unto
me to pˀvide for my approachinge change and settlinge of that poore
state wherew{th} it hath pleased god to blesse mee.
He gives to his wife Dame Elizabeth Proby (of whom he speaks in terms
of the greatest affection) his manor of Allington, _alias_ Aylton,
Hunts, for 40 years, if she shall so long live, with remainder to
his son Heneage, also to his wife his mansion and manor house of
Caddington, Herts, with the demesne lands of that manor and the tithes
thereof, also all his lands, tenements, and hereditaments in Luton and
Dunstable with remainder to his son Henry, also to his wife his house
in St. Swithin’s Lane, London. To his son Henry the manor of Yaxley,
Hunts, with the tolls of the fair and markets there, which he had by
virtue of a lease from Queen Elizabeth. To his son, the Rev. Edmund
Proby, D.D., £1,000. To his son George £1,000. To his son Emanuel £500
(he having already had £500). His daughter, Walsingham having been
provided for on her marriage, was to have £20.
To my kinde and loveinge soune in lawe William Downhall esquire £20.
Item I give and bequeath unto my lovinge friends the M{r} Wardens and
company of Barber surgions the some of twenty pounds.
Also £30 to the Grocers’ Company and £6 6_s._ 8_d._ to Bridewell
Hospital. To the poor of Aylton 12_d._ weekly for 5 years. To the poor
of Yaxley 6_d._ weekly for 5 years.
And as for that yerely penc͠on y{t} I have given for ever in the
parish I was borne in in the Citty of Chester I require my executor
to see and make inquiry of the pˀformance thereof (accordinge to a
brason table in the Church therefore) the w{ch} for many yeres past I
have knowne well performed and soe I hope wilbe for ever.
His sons, Heneage and Henry, and son-in-law, William Downhall, were
appointed Executors.
Sir Peter Proby’s arms were, erm. on a fesse gu. a lyon pass. or. a
crescent for difference.
WILLIAM CLOWES.
[Illustration: Coat of Arms]
WILLIAM CLOWES was the son of Thomas Clowes, originally of Kingsbury,
Warwickshire, and afterwards of London. He was born about 1540, and
studied surgery under Mr. George Keble, who was not free of our
Company, but of whom Clowes more than once speaks in terms of highest
praise. He tells us that in 1563 he served as a Surgeon in the army
under the Earl of Warwick at Havre, and after this campaign he was for
some time in the Navy, in both which appointments he undoubtedly gained
great experience. In 1569 he no doubt settled in London, as on the 8th
of November in that year he was admitted to the freedom by translation,
and he soon secured a large practice, though it was not until the 18th
July, 1588, that he was made an Assistant of the Court.
The records do not display Mr. Clowes’ character in the most favourable
light, as the following extracts will show:--
6th October, 1573. Here was one & complayned [against] Willm̄ Clowes
for takynge his money and he not cured.
7th February, 1575. Here came one Willm̄ Goodnep and complayned of
Willm̄ Clowes for not curing his wief de morbo gallico and yt was
awarded that the saide Clowes sholde either geve the saide Goodnep
xx{s} orells cure his saide wief w{ch} Clowes agreed to pay the xx{s}
and so they were agreed and eche of them made acquittance to other.
28th February, 1576. Here was a complainte against Willm̄ Clowes by
one Goodenge for that the saide Clowes had not onlie misused the
saide Goodinge in speche but also most of the masters of the Company
w{th} scoffing wordes and jestes, and they all forgave him here
openlye in the Co{r}te and so the stryfe was ended upon condˀ that he
sholde nev{r} so misuse him self agayne and bonds was caused to be
made to that effect.
25th March, 1577. Here at this Corte was a greate contension and
stryffe spoken of and ended betwene George Baker and Willm̄ Clowes
for that they bothe contrary to order and the good and holsome rules
of this howse misused eche other and fought in the ffelds togethers.
But the M{r} Wardens and assistance wishing that they might be and
continewe loving brothers pˀdoned this greate offence in hope of
amendement.
The George Baker with whom Clowes fought, was afterwards
Serjeant-Surgeon and Master of the Company in 1597. In 1575 Mr. Clowes
was appointed one of the surgeons of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and
later on he was surgeon to Christ’s Hospital; he was also surgeon to
Queen Elizabeth and James I. His first book, “De morbo Gallico,” was
published in 1579. In 1585 he went as surgeon of the forces in the
expedition to the Low Countries under the Earl of Leicester. In his
book, “Proved Practise,” he tells a great deal of this expedition and
says that many of the surgeons were most unskilful and “slew more than
the enemy did,” though he and his friend Serjeant-Surgeon Gooderus
(Master 1594) did not lose a case. Mr. Clowes had the honour of serving
in the fleet which defeated the Spanish Armada, and in 1594 was Warden
of the Barber-Surgeons, the last Court which he attended was on the 9th
February, 1596. After a successful practice he retired to a country
house at Plaistow, in Essex, and died in 1604. Dr. Norman Moore says
that his books “are the best surgical writings of the Elizabethan age;
they are all in English, and his style is very easy and forcible,
sometimes a little prolix but never obscure.”
WILLIAM CLOWES, JUN., SERJEANT-SURGEON.