Family name also spelled WHETLEY.
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12 Feb 1565
Indenture confirming a grant by Thomas Hoo, of Burnham Overy, Norfolk, gentleman, to William Whetley of South Creake (Sowthcreke), esquire, of land in Crossgate, Holkham, Norfolk, to the sole use of William and to be held of the chief lord of the fee by the service thence due and right accustomed, for 4d paid annually. Also records the appointment of Giles Norton as Thomas Hoo's attorney to take safe and peaceful possession on his behalf.
Signed by William Whetley with a good impression of his signet seal appended. 4
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Abstract of the Will of William Whetley of Holkham, Norfolk, Chief Prothonotary of the Queen's Court of the Common Pleas at Westminster, written 26 Oct 1574, proved 5 May 1575. 5
(Names of family members are underlined.)
Wills his body is buried in the church of Holkham (Holkeham), giving 20 shillings to the reparation of said church.
Gives 20 shillings to the vicar of Holkham for forgotten tithes.
Gives to Martha his wife both his leases of the manor of Harpelie in co. Norfolk and Finchlies in co. Essex for their terms should she live that long and, if not, then he gives the same to his son Anthony. Also gives to Martha the profits of his farmlands in Lincolnshire until their daughter Prudence reaches the age of twenty-one years, 250 ewes and hogs at Southcreake in Norfolk and 500 ewes and hogs at Harpelie in the same county, conditional on Martha paying to each of their daughters £100 when they reach the age of twenty-one years. Also gives to his wife Martha all his stock and store of cattle at Powershall in co. Essex with the utensils of husbandry there, along with all his household stuff now in his house in London, jewells, two silver goblets, one white silver pot that had been her father's, twelve silver spoons, a gilt pot, the gelding she usually rides and another called Smythfeld, three bullocks and a calf.
Gives and bequeaths to William his son and his male heirs all his 'Marshefeld with Cooks lands' containing 10 acres, 'Redes close' and 8 acres of land in the 'Churchfeld' in Holkam which he purchased of the executor of John Dragley. And in default of heirs, he gives the same to Anthony his son and his male heirs.
Gives and bequeaths £200 each to his daughters Alice and Elizabeth.
Gives and bequeaths 40 shillings each to the wife of his brother John and their son John.
Gives to his son-in-law Richard Norton his furred gown.
Gives to William Norton his gown faced with satin.
Releases Gyles Norton from all debts that he owes him.
Gives 40 shillings to Elizabeth Norton.
Gives 5 shillings to each of his godchildren.
Gives 5 shillings to each of his house servants.
The residue of his goods undisposed he gives to his wife Martha and to John his brother whom he makes co-executors of his last will and testament, giving £20 to his brother John.
Witnesses: Edward Afslowe?, Rafe Bosevile, Thomas Swinton
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