In the nineteenth of Edward III, 1345, the King's writ was issued: "Dilectis et fidelibus suis Petro Hayward, Thomæ de Sancto Nicholao et Willielmo de Manston," in custody of the ports in the Isle of Thanet. This Thomas St. Nicholas was apparently dead in 1350, for in that year, on the death of Sir John Gifford of Bures, it was found that Thomas, son of Thomas St. Nicholas, was his (Sir John's) next heir, and that the said Thomas was, at that time, of the age of twelve years. This Thomas, afterwards knighted, died in 1375, and by his will we find that he left a widow named Elizabeth and three children, viz.: a son named Lawrence, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Agnes. These alone are named in his will; but it would seem that he must have had another son, whose name we believe to have been John, as we shall show presently 1 [see notes under son John].
* The Inquisition Post Mortem referred to was actually conducted on 24 April, 22 Edward III. [1348] at which time Thomas son of Thomas de Sancto Nicholao was aged 10. (See notes under this Thomas's father).
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The Will of Thomas de St. Nicholas, written 1 Aug 1375, proved 9 Sep 1375
THOMAS DE SANCTO NICHOLAO, Knight, Wednesday in the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula 1375. To be buried in the church of Blessed Mary of Menstr, before the great Cross, in Thanet. To the high altar 6s. 8d. To the work (operi) of the church 20s. To Sir Thomas parish chaplain 6s. 8d. to celebrate for my soul. To Sir Ralph, chaplain 6s. 8d. To the works (operibus) of all the churches in the said Island 6s. 8d. To each house of Friars in Canterbury viz Minors, Preachers and Augustines 13s. 4d. To the Carmelite Friars of Sandwich 13s. 4d. to celebrate for my soul. To the work (operi) of the church of St. Margarete of Buris Giffard 13s. 4d. I leave 20 marcs for two chaplains to celebrate for my soul for a year. To Sir John Blice (or Blite) vicar of St. Laurence 6s. 8d.
To Agnes sister of my wife £3.
To Elizabeth and Agnes my daughters each £10.
I leave to be distributed on the day of my burial to each poor person coming for the love of God jd, and on my month’s day and anniversary jd.
To Elizabeth my wife all my goods and chattels belonging to my chamber and kitchen.
To Roger Bechwode 10s., Richd Cook 6s. 8d., Matilda Landrich 6s. 8d., Edmund Bartelot 6s. 8d., John Stake 2s. "Lego penjon"(?) 3s.4d. To Salamon Hollane 3s. 4d., Wm. Koc 2s., John Gerard 3s. 4d., Nicholas the clerk 6s. 8d., John Luns 6s. 8d. To the sacritan of the said church 20d.
Executors: Elizabeth my wife, Laurence my brother and William Vncle and William de Medmenam supervisor.
Proved 9th September 1375 by Laurence de Sancto Nicholao, brother of deceased, and Wm. Vncle, reserved power for Dame Elizabeth relict when she shall come. (79a Sudbury). 2
Thomas was also known as Thomas DE SANCTO NICHOLAO.