Francis Littlefield

     Francis Littlefield was born circa 1565 at Hants Co, England; Francis' place of birth has not yet been proven. He may have been from Exeter or benn a "local boy" [Titchfield].¹ He married Mary (?) circa 1591 at St Peter's Church, Titchfield, Hampshire, England.¹ Francis Littlefield married Annis (?) on 5 July 1606 at Titchfield, Hants Co, England.^2,1 Francis Littlefield died in October 1618 at Titchfield, Hants Co, England. He was buried on 22 October 1618 at Titchfield, Hants Co, England.³ His estate was probated on 21 November 1618 at Hampshire, England; " I make my wife Anne and son James my executors and if at any time they disagree then by consent of my overseers, division shall be made equally of such goods as do remain betwixt them, and my wife to have the dwelling house next adjoining to my fulling mill with the apurtenances thereto belonging, holden by lease of John Hauksford of Bishop's Waltham, and my son James to have the fulling mill with the appurtenances thereto belonging. Overseers: Thomas Knight Senclares in the parish of Drexford, my brother James Litlefield of the same parish and Nicholas Waller of Swanswicke in the parish of Titchfield and for their pains I giave each 5s.

(signed) Frances Littlefield his mark

Witnesses: John Wither Robert Poulet Frances Waller

Debts owing by me: To Nicholas Waller £12. Johne Ossment £8, Robard Wedge £5 and Elizabeth Wedge £20. Proved November 21, 1618 by Anne Littlefield, widow and relict of the deceased, and James Littlefield, sone of the deceased, the executors named. Bords: Said Anne, James Littlefield of the same, clothworker, Edward Hardwell of same, yeoman, and John Witherd of Eckeham, husbandman."¹
     "Francis was 'a successful cloth maker and merchant. He owned a fulling mill. The only fulling mill known on this stretch of the Meon was Little Funtley Mill about 2 miles upstream from Titchfield village and just south of the Longwater Bridge.
The mill itself can no longer be seen on the ground, but some outline is said to be visible in aerial photographs. The mill's head-leat, which lies imediately north of the bridge, still exists....There still remains part of the sluice gate which allowed water to bypass the mill pond."¹