Will of John Dowse

Will of John Dowse, of Morecourte, Hampshire - 18th November 1545

The xviii the November 1545 in xxxviiith year of Henry VIIIth I John Dowce of Morecourte and More Malons in Countie of Southampton doe leave my discent in Fee to Richard Dowce my sonne and heyre in recompence of the Manor of Chilworth underwrytten which I have given unto Thomas my sonne and to his heyres males all and singular my II Manours of Sparshott magna and Sparshott parva in the parish of Rumse, Southants. Also I bequeath unto the said Richard my sonne and to his heyres all my other lands, tenements, rents, etc. which I have within the parish of Rumse together with all my lands in West Wellowe in the Countie of Wilts and farm of Mylton in the Countie of Southants: with all belonging to the same.

If it happen that the said Richard to dye without heyres lawfully begotten then I will the said two manours and their appertenances and all other premysses and their appertenances to remayne to Thomas my youngest son and to his heyres lawfully begotten and for default of such heyres to the right heyres of me the said John Dowce forever.

Also to Thomas my sonne all and singular my other lands and tenements rents and all their appertenances in Exburye or Heape Rowe at Otterbourne as in Emysworth and Wartlyngton in the Countie of Southampton If Thomas dye without heyres all these Lands and appertenances together with Chilworth to Richard my son.

To Parish Church of Romesey fyve melche Kyne. Item I give and bequeathe to Alice Dowce my wife in ready money beside her dowry 20 marks sterling.

To the poor at my burial five marks to pray for my soule.

In case one of my said sonnes chaunce to dye before he come to yeres of discretion then I will that as well as the said whole lease and terms which I have in the said manor of Morecourt and More Malens as all my other goodes and Chattells to remayne to the other of my sonnes then Iyvynge. If it happen both dye then to my brother Thomas Dowce and after his death to his children or if they dye before him he to dispose the said goodes amonge our Kynnsfolk and in such dedes of pitie and charitie as by hym shall be thought most best for our soules health. Probate granted 1558 (Somerset House, Wells 35)

NOTES on Transcription: We have not viewed the original of this document; This is a direct copy of a transcription available in the privately published book "Lawrence Dowse of Legbourne, England his Ancestors, Descendants and Connections in England, Massachusetts and Ireland" by William Bradford Homer Dowse (MDCCCCXXVI).