Culpepper Family Tree (complete version)

Elizabeth (?)¹

F, (say 1310 - after 1359)

Birth*

say 1310

Elizabeth was born say 1310.

Marriage

She married Thomas de Cobham.

Married Name

Her married name was Cobham.

Marriage*

She married Walter Culpeper.

Married Name

Her married name was Culpeper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Death*

after 1359

She died after 1359.

Biography*

Elizabeth, was the widow of Thomas de Cobham when she married Walter Colepeper.

Family

Walter Culpeper (say 1303 - )

Last Edited

24 May 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Alice (?)¹

F, (say 1325 - 1386)

Birth*

say 1325

Alice was born say 1325.

Marriage*

She married Walter Culpeper.

Married Name

Her married name was Culpeper.

Marriage

She married Richard Charles.

Married Name

Her married name was Charles.

Death*

1386

She died in 1386.

Biography*

After Walter Colepepers death, Alice married Richard Charles.

Family

Walter Culpeper (say 1303 - )

Last Edited

27 December 1999

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Richard Culpeper

M, (say 1307 - after 1365)

Father

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall in Pembury, co. Kent (s 1260 - 1321)

Mother

Margery Bayhall (s 1265 - )

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1307

Richard was born say 1307.

Death*

after 1365

He died after 1365.

Last Edited

24 May 2011

Alianora de Greene¹

F, (say 1356 - 1393)

Father

Nicholas de Greene of Exton, co. Rutland (1329 - )

Mother

Joan de Bruce (s 1336 - )

Birth*

say 1356

Alianora was born at Exton, Rutlandshire, England, say 1356.

Marriage*

say 1378

She married Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton at Bayhall, Pembury, co. Kent, England, say 1378.

Married Name

say 1378

As of say 1378, her married name was Culpeper.

Death*

1393

She died in 1393.

Biography*

Alianora was the heiress to her father's estate.

Family

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton (say 1356 - circa 1428)

Children

Sir John Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton+ (say 1374 - say 1430)
Alianora Culpeper+ (say 1390 - 1420)

Last Edited

14 September 2002

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Alianora Culpeper¹

F, (say 1390 - 1420)

Father

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton (s 1356 - c 1428)

Mother

Alianora de Greene (s 1356 - 1393)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1390

Alianora was born say 1390.

Marriage*

say 1409

She married Sir Reginald Cobham of Sterborough Castle at co. Surrey, England, say 1409.

Married Name

circa 1409

As of circa 1409, her married name was Cobham.

Death*

1420

She died in 1420.

Burial*

1420

Her body was interred in 1420 at Lingfield, co. Surrey, England.

Biography*

M.I.

Family

Sir Reginald Cobham of Sterborough Castle (say 1381 - 1446)

Child

Eleanor Cobham (after 1409 - 1454)

Last Edited

9 November 2010

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Sir Reginald Cobham of Sterborough Castle¹

M, (say 1381 - 1446)

Father

Reynold Lord Cobham (s 1348 - 6 Jul 1403)

Mother

Eleanor Mautravers Baroness (c 1346 - 10 Jan 1405)

Name Variation

He was also known as Cobham of Lingfield in Surrey.

Birth*

say 1381

Reginald was born at co. Surrey, England, say 1381.

Marriage*

say 1409

He married Alianora Culpeper at co. Surrey, England, say 1409.

Death*

1446

He died at Lingfield, co. Surrey, England, in 1446.

Family

Alianora Culpeper (say 1390 - 1420)

Child

Eleanor Cobham (after 1409 - 1454)

Last Edited

2 August 2004

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Sir John Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton¹

M, (say 1374 - say 1430)

Father

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton (s 1356 - c 1428)

Mother

Alianora de Greene (s 1356 - 1393)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1374

John was born say 1374.

Marriage*

say 1394

He married Juliana Cromwell say 1394.

(4) Will

26 October 1427

He is mentioned in the will of Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton on 26 October 1427.²

Death*

say 1430

He died say 1430.

Biography*

M.P. for Rutland 1421-1427 and 1430.

Family

Juliana Cromwell (say 1379 - say 1450)

Child

Catherine Culpeper (say 1395 - after 1475)

Last Edited

9 November 2010

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Medieval Kent Wills at Lambeth - Book 22 Page 139. A translation into English from Latin / French transcriptions made by Leland L. Duncan
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Lbth/Bk22/page%20139.htm.

Juliana Cromwell¹

F, (say 1379 - say 1450)

Birth*

say 1379

Juliana was born say 1379.

Marriage*

say 1394

She married Sir John Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton say 1394.

Married Name

say 1394

As of say 1394, her married name was Culpeper.

Marriage

say 1435

She married John Braunspath Esq. say 1435.

Married Name

say 1435

As of say 1435, her married name was Braunspath.

Marriage

say 1445

She married Robert Fenne Esq. say 1445.

Married Name

say 1445

As of say 1445, her married name was Fenne.

Death*

say 1450

She died say 1450.

Biography*

Juliana married in order: Sir John Colepeper, John Braunspath, Esquire, and Robert Fenne, Esquire.¹

Family

Sir John Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton (say 1374 - say 1430)

Child

Catherine Culpeper (say 1395 - after 1475)

Last Edited

2 August 2004

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Nicholas Culpeper¹

M, (say 1384 - 1434)

Father

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton (s 1356 - c 1428)

Mother

Joyce (?) (s 1348 - )

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1384

Nicholas was born say 1384.

Marriage*

say 1410

He married Elizabeth (?) say 1410.

(1) Will

26 October 1427

He is mentioned in the will of Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton on 26 October 1427.²

Death*

1434

He died in 1434.

Will*

16 August 1434

He made a will on 16 August 1434

NICHOLAS CULPIPER, 16 August 1434. To be buried in the church of the Annunciation of Blessed Mary of Begham before the altar of Saint Laurence ‘iuxtrem meam’ (?iuxta matrem meam). I leave to the Abbot of that place 10s. and each canon 3s. 4d. To the Prior 40s. and Sub-prior 3s. 4s. To the Prior of Combwell to the building of the cloister 40s. To the use of the church of Begham 10 mrcs. On the day of my death and for my month’s day 10 mrcs. I leave to be distributed to the Prior and Convent of Combwell 20s. viz to each priest 3s. 4d., to each novice 20d and particularly to Thomas Chestir canon of Combwell for his labour 6s. 8d.
     To Elizabeth my wife 40 mrcs and Benedicta my daughter to her marriage 100 mrcs. To Walter my brother and his wife 10 marcs and to all their sons 10 mrcs. To Elizabeth my wife all my moveable chattels viz in beasts, utensils of house hold with my gold chain with cross, except the grain at Dodeherst (?Godehurst) which shall remain to my executors to fulfil my will. To be distributed to the poor for my soul on the day of my death, month’s day and anniversary 40s of which Wm. Shepistayle shall have 13s. 4d.
     To Elizabeth my wife to fulfil my Pilgrimages to Blessed Mary of Walsyngham and to Canterbury four marks. To Agnes Dreel ‘famule mee’ 26s. 8d. To Johan Bethnam 20s., Richd Downer and John Pepersham 6s. 8d., and to each groom (garcioni) in the house of Walter my brother 20d. and each handmaid dwelling in that house 20d. To Juliana dwelling in that house 12d. To a secular chaplain to celebrate for my soul and my parents in the church of Blessed Mary of Begham at the altar of Blessed Laurence aforesaid for a year 10 marcs. To Thomas Hellys 13s. 4d. Residue to be distributed in works of mercy. Executors: Walter Culpiper my brother, Elizabeth my wife and Nicholas Watton.
     Proved in the manor of Maydeston 20 January 1434 by Walter Culpiper with reserved powers for the other executors. (456b Chichele I).³

Probate*

20 January 1435

Probate action was taken on Nicholas's estate on 20 January 1435 at Lambeth, co. Surrey, England,

Chicele, I, 456bWill dated 16 Aug 1434.

Biography*

Nicholas, although he does not name her in his will at Lambeth, dated 16th August, 1434, and proved 20th January, 1434/5, in which he mentions his brother Walter, his wife Elizabeth and his daughter Benedicta or Bennett, and desires "sepeliend' in ecclia annunciacois beate Marie de Begham ante altare sancti laurencii iuxtrem (?iuxta matrem) meam," had another daughter Joyce, who married Walter Lewknor, of Walberton, co. Sussex, fifth son of Sir Thomas Lewknor, M.P. for Lewes. (From: "The Sussex Colepepers.")

(4) Biography

He is referenced in a biographical note for Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall in Pembury, co. Kent.⁴

Family

Elizabeth (?) (say 1389 - )

Children

Joyce Culpeper (say 1412 - )
Benedicta Culpeper (say 1414 - )

Last Edited

4 June 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Medieval Kent Wills at Lambeth - Book 22 Page 139. A translation into English from Latin / French transcriptions made by Leland L. Duncan
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Lbth/Bk22/page%20139.htm.
A translation into English from Latin / French transcriptions made by Leland L. Duncan
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Lbth/Bk22/page%20173.htm .
Sussex Archeological Collections, Sussex, England: Sussex Archaeological Society.
Janet H. Stevenson, "Alexander Nesbitt, a Sussex antiquary, and the Oldlands estate", 1999, Volume 137, pages 163-164.

Elizabeth (?)¹

F, (say 1389 - )

Birth*

say 1389

Elizabeth was born say 1389.

Marriage*

say 1410

She married Nicholas Culpeper say 1410.

Married Name

say 1410

As of say 1410, her married name was Culpeper.

(2) Will

26 October 1427

She is mentioned in the will of Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton on 26 October 1427.²

Family

Nicholas Culpeper (say 1384 - 1434)

Children

Joyce Culpeper (say 1412 - )
Benedicta Culpeper (say 1414 - )

Last Edited

27 December 1999

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Medieval Kent Wills at Lambeth - Book 22 Page 139. A translation into English from Latin / French transcriptions made by Leland L. Duncan
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Lbth/Bk22/page%20139.htm.

Richard Culpeper¹

M, (say 1388 - before 1428)

Father

Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton (s 1356 - c 1428)

Mother

Joyce (?) (s 1348 - )

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1388

Richard was born say 1388.

(8) Will

26 October 1427

He is mentioned in the will of Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bayhall, Hardreshull & Exton on 26 October 1427.²

Death*

before 1428

He died before 1428.

Burial*

before 1428

His body was interred before 1428 at Pontose, Normandy, France.

Last Edited

5 June 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Medieval Kent Wills at Lambeth - Book 22 Page 139. A translation into English from Latin / French transcriptions made by Leland L. Duncan
www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Lbth/Bk22/page%20139.htm.

Nicholas Culpeper of Wakehurst¹

M, (say 1437 - 23 May 1510)

Father

Walter Culpeper of Goudhurst, Bayhall & Hardreshull (s 1400 - 24 Nov 1462)

Mother

Agnes Roper (s 1400 - 2 Dec 1457)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1437

Nicholas was born say 1437.

Marriage*

say 1464

He married Elizabeth Wakehurst say 1464.

Biography*

Nicholas, with his brother, Richard, under somewhat romantic circumstances, married the Wakehurst sisters, (granddaughters and co-heiresses of Richard Wakehurst, sen., of Wakehurst, in Ardingly). These two girls were confided by Elizabeth, their grandmother, to the care of John Colepeper and Agnes, his wife, the former of whom "promysed on the faithe and trouthe of his bodye and as he was a gentylman," that they should not be wronged. In spite of this promise, however, Richard and Nicholas, "with force and armes riotously agense the Kynges peas arayed in the manr of warre at Goutherst toke and caried" them away to Bobbing, Alexander Clifford's place in Kent, and afterwards transported them to London to a place of John Gibson, "the seide Margarete and Elizabeth at the tyme of their takyng away makyng grete and pittious lamentacion and wepyng."

This high-handed proceeding on the part of the two fortune hunting brothers was productive of much litigation, as Elizabeth Wakehurst, grandmother of the two heiresses, refused to resign the title deeds of their estates, and it was some time before a peaceable settlement was obtained. Richard died without issue, but Nicholas became the ancestor of the Colepepers of Wakehurst, and as the brass to him and his wife Elizabeth in Ardingly Church shows ten sons and eight daughters, we may conclude that they lived long and happily together.²

Also see on this website "Abduction: An Alternative Form of Courtship?" This is a paper written by Julia Pope, M.A. and presented at the International Medieval Congress, Kalamazoo. MI, May 2003. Based upon the 15th century abduction of the Wakehurst sisters by the Culpeper brothers, it can be viewed at: http://gen.culpepper.com/ss/p8456.htm.

Death*

23 May 1510

He died at Wakehurst, Ardingly, co. Sussex, England, on 23 May 1510.

Burial*

after 23 May 1510

His body was interred after 23 May 1510 at St. Peter's Church, Ardingly, co. Sussex, England.

(5) Will

22 September 1516

He is mentioned in the will of Richard Culpeper of Wakehurst on 22 September 1516.³

Family

Elizabeth Wakehurst (say 1449 - after 1517)

Children

Richard Culpeper of Wakehurst+ (say 1465 - circa 15 September 1539)
Margaret Culpeper (say 1469 - )
Thomas Culpeper of Crawley, Esq. (say 1473 - before 1540)
Rev. Edward Culpeper D.C.L. (say 1476 - after 1544)
George Culpeper of Naylands in Balcombe, co. Sussex+ (say 1479 - 1543)
Richard Culpeper of Lewes+ (say 1483 - before 1549)

Last Edited

23 May 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part II", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVIII,65-98, (1905)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part II", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVIII,65-98, (1905)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Pp 65-66.

Elizabeth Wakehurst¹

F, (say 1449 - after 1517)

Father

Richard Wakehurst of Ardingly (s 1418 - b 1465)

Mother

Agnes (?) (s 1421 - )

Birth*

say 1449

Elizabeth was born at Wakehurst, Ardingly, co. Sussex, England, say 1449.

Marriage*

say 1464

She married Nicholas Culpeper of Wakehurst say 1464.

Married Name

say 1464

As of say 1464, her married name was Culpeper.

(7) Will

22 September 1516

She is mentioned in the will of Richard Culpeper of Wakehurst on 22 September 1516.²

Burial*

after 1517

Her body was interred after 1517 at St. Peter's Church, Ardingly, co. Sussex, England.

Death*

after 1517

She died at Wakehurst, Ardingly, co. Sussex, England, after 1517.

Biography*

Abduction: An Alternative Form of Courtship?
by Julia Pope, M.A.
Presented at the International Medieval Congress, Kalamazoo, MI, May 2003

Some time between 1457 and 1460, two young sisters, Elizabeth and Margaret Wakehurst, were allegedly abducted.¹ The legal battle that followed would hound them and their families for decades. By incorporating the ample resources of legal records, we can reach a greater understanding of problems traditionally viewed solely through the lens of social history. Pieced together as much as possible from the surviving documents, the story of the Wakehurst heiresses, though exceptional, can shed light not only on the ambiguous nature of the crime of abduction, but also on more general questions of courtship, marriage, and the value of female consent.

Medieval English lawmakers considered abduction a serious problem. No fewer than eight statutes on the subject can be found on the books between 1275 and 1487. I will only mention the two with most bearing on the Wakehurst case. The Statute of Westminster II of 1285 made abduction a felony. If the female victim did not consent, or consented after the fact, the punishment remained the same. If, however, she had consented in advance, under this law no crime had been committed. Second is the statute of 6 Richard II (1382), which gave a woman’s next of kin the right to prosecute her abductor even if she consented to the abduction. It also debarred an abductor from inheriting property by marrying his victim.

These statutes comprise the legal frame of reference for the Wakehurst case. They did not bear on it directly, however, because it was largely fought in the court of Chancery. In the late medieval period, Chancery functioned (among other things) as a court of equity - a last resort for people who could not get justice through normal channels.² Chancellors were meant to supplement the common law, but were not strictly bound by it; instead, their rulings were supposed to be based on ‘conscience’.³ In petitioning the Chancellor, a plaintiff was seeking remedy for an offense that either was not adequately covered by existing statute law, or for which they would be unable to obtain justice in the regular court system for some reason. The work of Cameron, Ives, and Post has demonstrated that the common law courts were not a popular option for resolving abduction disputes, leaving Chancery as a prime alternative venue.

Scholarship on medieval abduction has tended to focus on two distinct but related aspects of the crime. First, much ink has been devoted to the confusion surrounding the Latin term raptus, meaning “carrying off, abduction, rape, or plunder.” The preferred English translation is “ravish,” since it incorporates a similar ambiguity regarding of sexual contact. This terminological conflation of what we consider two separate crimes, kidnapping and rape, has proven problematic for historians attempting to tease out the medieval concept of abduction. In my research, however, this debate is of secondary importance. The documents I have examined were written in the vernacular, and therefore rely on less ambiguous terminology, such as “carried away”.

Second, scholars have debated the amount of female agency involved in abduction. Some, drawing on the work of Susan Brownmiller, have argued that abduction was fundamentally considered a property crime against men, and that female agency was unimportant. However, this claim is based largely on an examination of statute law, not case evidence. Arguing against the ‘property crime’ theory is Garthine Walker, who has contended that it was not the victims themselves who were seen as property, but rather the lands and wealth that would be transferred through them, a crucial distinction to bear in mind. Others, drawing more on literary than historical records, have seen abduction as a romantic crime, and suggest that many (perhaps even most) so-called abductions were actually concealed elopements, which assumes the consent of both parties. More recently, Emma Hawkes has taken a different position, arguing that though some abductions were consensual, many were not, and that a woman’s consent or lack thereof was of fundamental importance in determining the outcome of a legal case.

I have examined some fifty cases of abduction presented to Chancery between 1389 and 1515. My research has shown that many abduction cases in Chancery records were heavily connected with wardship, money, and marriage. Although Ives argued that “abduction for gain is almost unknown”⁴ in the fifteenth century, it would be more accurate to say that abduction for ransom was not common (out of fifty cases I examined, only four followed such a pattern). If we consider the potential wealth that a valuable wardship or the marriage of an heiress could bring, many abductions could be called ‘abductions for gain’ (at least eighteen out of fifty, in my sample group). The Wakehurst case is one such. Because of the unusual amount of detail we have regarding this particular abduction incident, we can use it to examine some of the surrounding issues, particularly the role courtship may have played in abduction.

I will turn now to the facts of the case itself. Richard Wakehurst the Elder, who had been a member of Parliament and Justice of the Peace, died in 1455. In his will he named Thomas Hoo and William Gaynesford as the supervisors who would ensure that the executors fulfilled their duties properly.⁵ His only son, Richard the Younger, had predeceased him. Thus, Richard the Elder’s only heirs were his two granddaughters Margaret and Elizabeth, the children of his son Richard and daughter-in-law Agnes Gaynesford (a sister of William and John). Although their ages are not certain, they were still unmarried at the time of their grandfather’s death. They were probably quite young, most likely in their early teens. Their wardship apparently fell to their grandmother Elizabeth’s relatives.

Not long afterwards, a petition was sent to the chancellor by the girls’ grandmother Elizabeth, who was writing along with Thomas Etchingham, Thomas Hoo, and John and William Gaynesford, esqs.⁶ This petition stated that her granddaughters had been placed under the care of Sir John Culpepper. Incidentally, in a detail apparently not mentioned in Elizabeth’s original petition, Sir John had, some time previously, married Agnes Gaynesford, the girls’ widowed mother.⁷ Their joint tomb remains in the Lady Chapel at Goudherst, Kent, and it indicates that together they had six children.⁸ Culpepper had, the petitioners claimed, “promysed on the faithe and trouthe of his bodye and as he was a gentylman” that no harm would come to the girls. The plaintiffs made serious accusations against John, along with his brothers Richard and Nicholas Culpepper and their brother-in-law Alexander Clifford, claiming that they “with force and armes, riotously agense the Kinges peas, arayed in the manner of warre…toke and caried away” the girls to Clifford’s home in Bobbing, Kent. At the time of their abduction, we learn, Margaret and Elizabeth made “grete and pittious lamentacion and weping.” Elizabeth and her co-petitioners ended by claiming that the two young women were still being detained against their wills in London at the home of one John Gibson.

The various families involved here, all members of the local gentry, were heavily connected through several marriages.⁹ There is strong evidence that Etchingham and Hoo (whose father was married to a woman named Elizabeth Etchingham) were relatives of the girls’ grandmother Elizabeth (whose maiden name was also Etchingham), although the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.¹⁰ The Gaynesford family was doubly married into the Wakehurst family, and thus could also be expected to have a strong interest in the matters at issue.

No further evidence is forthcoming from this basic text, which follows many of the standard conventions of the genre, but other documents can fill in some of the surrounding story. The two young co-heiresses, Margaret and Elizabeth, married their alleged abductors not long after the incident, though the exact date of their weddings is not certain. Margaret was married to Richard, and Elizabeth to Nicholas. In marrying this way, the couples violated a number of the traditions and standards surrounding marriage at this time, to say the least. First, they were within the prohibited degrees of affinity by medieval standards, the Culpeppers being the girls’ step-uncles by reason of Sir John and Agnes’s marriage. That this relationship was uncomfortably close to home would have been abundantly clear to everyone involved. Secondly, the process by which the marriages were conducted was well outside the norm. Abduction, even if Margaret and Elizabeth were willing victims, was not a socially acceptable substitute for courtship, wherein gaining the consent of family and friends was an important step. Finally, the couples apparently married in London, when they should have married within their home parish, with the banns read in advance. Presumably the flight to London was necessary because of the two factors mentioned earlier – the overly close bond between the couples, and the opposition of at least some of their family members to the match.

In situations such as this, where the legal and moral grounds for marriage were somewhat dubious, the most likely course of action would have been for the couples to marry quickly, and before a priest, though preferably one who would not ask too many questions. London, even then the anonymous metropolis, would have been the easiest place for them to locate such a priest. The authority provided by a solemnized ceremony would have considerably outweighed the secrecy of a clandestine marriage, if the couples expected the marriages to be challenged in the ecclesiastical court system. Perhaps the journey to Bobbing, Kent, to Alexander Clifford’s home (which would have taken them considerably out of their way) was undertaken in order to obtain Clifford’s help and/or advice in these matters. Unfortunately, the identity of the John Gibson they are said to have stayed with in London is unknown, but he could also have aided them in the process of getting married.

The main opponents to the young couples was the girls’ grandmother Elizabeth Wakehurst, and to a lesser extent her relatives, the Etchingham and Hoo families. Elizabeth’s precise reasons for objecting to the marriages are not immediately evident from the documents available, but several possibilities spring to mind. First and foremost, she probably thought that the Culpeppers were too closely related to her granddaughters. She may have considered the men to be poor matches for her wealthy heiress granddaughters because Nicholas and Richard were younger sons and thus were not likely to inherit a great deal of wealth or property in their own rights – in short, she probably thought Margaret and Elizabeth could do better, given their considerable inheritance. Finally, and most tentatively, she may have objected to the Culpepper brothers themselves on some more personal grounds. The Culpepper family may have been social climbers with a penchant for marrying heiresses (their grandfather and great-grandfather had both definitely married women much wealthier than themselves), and it is not too far-fetched to imagine Elizabeth Wakehurst considered them presumptuous upstarts.

Her decision to resort to Chancery for remedy is not unusual, judging by the number of cases I have examined from that venue. Although verdicts have not survived, the tactic of petitioning the Chancellor in an attempt to forestall an undesirable union and protect family property was evidently unsuccessful in this case. We are forced to wonder how much truth there is in the original petition, given that it was designed to sway the Chancellor’s opinion into line with Elizabeth Wakehurst’s own. But if Elizabeth Wakehurst’s petition had not presented her granddaughters’ departure as a case of abduction, complete with heart-wrenching descriptions of their “grete and pittious lamentacion and weping,” her case would more than likely have been hastily dismissed, as voluntary elopement was not criminal. The petition seems not to have raised the question of the violation of wardship. Evidently Elizabeth (or more likely, her lawyers) did not consider this strategy to be the most effective means of achieving her goal – not primarily the return of the girls (which the Chancellor would have had few means of effecting), but safe-guarding the family property from their new husbands. This petition was thus a legal manoeuvre of some skill, and, although the chancellor’s ruling is not known, the care and thought that went into the preparation of the argument were evidently considerable.

Subsequently, Elizabeth and her family set about blocking as much of the girls’ inheritance as they could. Even twenty years later, the two couples were still engaged in legal disputes with their grandmother’s relatives over various manors and pieces of property that were originally part of the Wakehurst women’s inheritance from their father and grandfather.¹¹ Although her attempt to disinherit completely the two couples eventually failed, Elizabeth Wakehurst probably managed to make things very unpleasant for them while she lived with her numerous petitions to Chancery and, no doubt, by other means as well.

One question arises here: given that the marriages were well within the forbidden degrees of affinity, why did Elizabeth not attempt to have them dissolved? Surprisingly, as far as can be determined, she made no mention whatsoever in her various petitions to Chancery of the girls’ mother being remarried to Sir John Culpepper. There is no evidence that she brought the case before the ecclesiastical courts of London or elsewhere in the province of Canterbury, though the survival of such records from this period is chancy at best. Searching further afield, there is no sign that the couples were granted a dispensation to marry by papal authorities, nor that any (possibly lost) local ecclesiastical verdict was appealed to Rome, although there are many other surviving appeals for dispensations on grounds of affinity. We are left to wonder, then, how much the question of affinity bears on this case. While Helmholz would have us believe that people in medieval England rarely violated the bonds of consanguinity if they were aware of them, perhaps we can tentatively say that in this case, ties of affinity (ties of marriage, not of blood) were not seen as a major obstacle to marriage, at least by the couples themselves.

While Elizabeth Wakehurst and her relatives were the main antagonists to the young couples, Richard, Margaret, Nicholas, and Elizabeth also seem to have had a considerable support network. The girls’ mother Agnes and her second husband Sir John must have permitted the marriages to go ahead, or at least done nothing to hinder them. Certainly grandmother Elizabeth considered Sir John equally as culpable as his younger brothers, though it seems unlikely he actually accompanied them on their abduction journey. Brother-in-law Alexander Clifford probably also provided support, along with a place to lay low for a time. The mysterious John Gibson in London presumably also assisted them in some capacity, whether in finding a priest who was amenable to solemnizing a more-than-slightly-questionable marriage, or simply providing lodgings in the city. Traditional courtship involved gaining the consent of family and friends, and it seems the couples had managed this, to a certain extent.

The consent of the Wakehurst girls themselves must also have been secured – the question being, was it before or after they were carried away? Certainly the men who were said to have abducted them were no strangers to Margaret and Elizabeth, though they were likely a good deal older than their step-nieces. It would not have been unusual for unmarried younger brothers of a well-off family to spend at least some of their time at their family estate. If there was an abduction, I suspect it was a carefully orchestrated act, planned in advance due to some previously-expressed opposition from the girls’ grandmother and guardians towards a proposed match. Or, more likely, there was never a violent abduction as described in the petition. Perhaps there was merely a calm journey to the house of another relative, and the description provided in the petition is pure legal rhetoric intended to sway the Chancellor with a sense of the horrors of the alleged crime. It is worth noting that the girls were taken from the home of John Culpepper, and that it is unlikely Elizabeth Wakehurst or any of her associates actually witnessed it.

After the death of grandmother Elizabeth in 1464, the couples returned to Wakehurst Place and seem to have lived in comparative peace, aside from occasional legal wrangling with the Etchinghams and Hoos over the ownership of several manors. Richard Culpepper died in 1516, and his wife Margaret had predeceased him; they left no children.¹² Sir Nicholas Culpepper, who had been knighted in 1465, died in 1509, and his wife Elizabeth outlived both him and his brother Richard. Burke’s states that Nicholas and Elizabeth had five surviving sons, Richard, Edward, Thomas, George, and another Richard,¹³ but their funeral brass in Ardingly Church, Sussex, shows a remarkable ten sons and eight daughters. It has been colourfully described as “so crowded as to look like a poster warning against rush hour travel.” ¹⁴ In all likelihood many of these children died young or at least predeceased their parents.

Of the four main players in this little drama, only Richard’s will survives. He had evidently done quite well for himself, for it details property in Kent, seven separate named locations in Sussex, and land in Surrey. He named his sister-in-law Elizabeth as a co-executrix of his will, along with some of her sons, which suggests the two couples remained unusually close. Richard also requested that the churchwardens at Ardingly keep an obit, praying for him, Margaret his wife, his parents Walter and Agnes Culpepper, Richard Wakehurst the elder (his wife’s grandfather), and Richard Wakehurst the younger and his wife Agnes (his wife’s parents). Although we should not read too much into such a request, it seems irresistibly telling that he did not request prayers for Richard the elder’s wife Elizabeth, who had caused him so much trouble.

Although this case is complicated, and almost certainly some of the details, such as the exact role of the girls’ mother Agnes, are likely to remain obscure, it nevertheless presents a much fuller story than many of the other petitions I have examined. We can see that what was originally presented to Chancery as a violent abduction incident could eventually form the basis of an enduring marriage, or two enduring marriages in this case. It is not necessary to make recourse to Stockholm syndrome to explain this outcome – it is much more likely that these were in face consensual marriages that were only presented as abductions.

A brief summary of my findings demonstrates that the Wakehurst case was exceptional in some ways, but quite conventional in others. Perhaps because of the nature of the legal forum to which they were being directed, most Chancery petitions do not depict abduction primarily as a violent, or even a sexual, crime. Instead the focus is on rightful guardianship of wards, distribution of inheritance, and control of property and marriage. Like the vast majority of the petitions I have examined, this case shows young women being abducted by adult men who were interested in their property.

The first exceptional aspect of the case is that we know the outcome. In only two other cases I examined was I able to determine the eventual result of the alleged abduction (one resulted in marriage, the other did not). And secondly, there is considerable (if circumstantial) evidence that the alleged abduction was actually no such thing. The apparent complicity of the girls’ step-father (and possibly of their mother as well, given her absence from the legal wrangling), as well as various other relatives, and the likelihood that the consent of the girls themselves would have been needed, suggest that the description of the girls being carried off kicking and screaming by armed men is pure legal fiction. While in most petitions we are left to wonder at the veracity of the claims made by the aggrieved parties, in this case I believe that much of the incident described by Elizabeth Wakehurst did not take place as claimed, but was instead an attempt to “spin” the story to suit her own purposes.

I would suggest that instead, what we see here are the traces of a partially successful courtship. I say “partially successful” because it seems clear that the Culpepper men did manage to gain the consent of both the Wakehurst girls and at least some of their relatives, probably through entirely ordinary ways. Where they failed was in gaining the consent of Elizabeth Wakehurst and her family, who were most likely among the girls’ guardians, and this is where the case took a dramatic turn away from the norm. Instead of a conventional wedding, the couples resorted to what amounted to an elopement, and what was subsequently depicted by angry relatives as an abduction. We cannot know now just how they arrived at this decision, but considering the amount of legal and financial trouble it caused them, it cannot have been lightly taken. To marry without the full support of family and community was a difficult choice, but one which was ultimately successful for the Culpeppers and their brides; despite the clear opposition they faced, there is no evidence of any legal challenge to the validity of their marriages – despite the fact that any such challenge would have had several grounds on which to stand (affinity, force, or marriage outside their home parish). Ultimately, however, there was little an irate family could do to end a marriage that was consensual on the part of both partners - as long as the Wakehurst girls consented before their abduction and not afterwards, no crime had been committed, and the main ramifications would have been financial and social in nature.

Footnotes:

     1. PRO C1/26/304, 1457-60.
     2. Although Haskett debates whether the use of the term ‘equity’ in a strict legal sense (meaning the provision of a remedy that was outside the law, but fulfilled the intention of the law) is truly applicable to the late medieval court, I will use it here for the sake of clarity, with the understanding that some believe it may not be the proper technical term. Haskett, 266-68.
     3. Haskett, 253.
     4. Ives, “Inception and Operation,” 26.
     5. PRO, PCC Prob. 11/4, 24rv.
     6. All of these men were relatives of the family and had been feofees of Richard Wakehurst; in all probability one or more of these writers may also have held the girls’ wardship.
     7. This detail seems not to be present in the petition, although the damage makes it uncertain. It is, however, included in Richard Wakehurst’s entry in The History of Parliament, 732.
     8. http://gen.culpepper.com/places/intl-eng/goudhurst.htm
     9. I have compiled a family tree of the known members of the families involved in this case, which is included as Figure 1. Members of each family whose exact relationship is unknown have not been included on this chart.
     10. http://gen.culpepper.com/places/intl-eng/wakehurst2.htm
     11. http://gen.culpepper.com/places/intl-eng/wakehurst2.htm
     12. John Burke, Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies of England, Ireland, and Scotland, 2nd ed. (London: John Russell Smith, 1844), 145.
     13. Burke, Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies, 145.
     14. http://gen.culpepper.com/places/intl-eng/wakehurst2.htm.

Family

Nicholas Culpeper of Wakehurst (say 1437 - 23 May 1510)

Children

Richard Culpeper of Wakehurst+ (say 1465 - circa 15 September 1539)
Margaret Culpeper (say 1469 - )
Thomas Culpeper of Crawley, Esq. (say 1473 - before 1540)
Rev. Edward Culpeper D.C.L. (say 1476 - after 1544)
George Culpeper of Naylands in Balcombe, co. Sussex+ (say 1479 - 1543)
Richard Culpeper of Lewes+ (say 1483 - before 1549)

Last Edited

23 May 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part II", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVIII,65-98, (1905)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part II", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVIII,65-98, (1905)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Pp 65-66.

Margaret Culpeper^1,2

F, (say 1439 - 1488)

Father

Walter Culpeper of Goudhurst, Bayhall & Hardreshull (s 1400 - 24 Nov 1462)

Mother

Agnes Roper (s 1400 - 2 Dec 1457)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

AFN*

Her Ancestral File Number is AFN: M56V-L9.

Birth*

say 1439

Margaret was born say 1439.

Married Name

say 1455

As of say 1455, her married name was Clifford.

Marriage*

say 1455

She married Alexander Clifford of Bobbing at Bobbing, co. Kent, England, say 1455.

Death*

1488

She died in 1488.

Burial*

19 January 1488

Her body was interred on 19 January 1488 at Bobbing, co. Kent, England.

Biography*

For Clifford descendants, see Visitations of Kent, 1574.

Family

Alexander Clifford of Bobbing (30 November 1429 - 1494)

Last Edited

23 May 2011

Citations

LDS Church, compiler, Ancestral File, Intellectual Reserve, Inc..
http://www.familysearch.org
AFN: M56V-L9.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Alexander Clifford of Bobbing¹

M, (30 November 1429 - 1494)

Father

Lewis Clifford (c 1399 - )

Mother

Ann Molynes (c 1408 - )

AFN*

His Ancestral File Number is AFN: M55C-VH.

Birth*

30 November 1429

Alexander was born at Bobbing Court, Bobbing, co. Kent, England, on 30 November 1429.

Marriage*

say 1455

He married Margaret Culpeper at Bobbing, co. Kent, England, say 1455.

Death*

1494

He died at Bobbing, co. Kent, England, in 1494.

Family

Margaret Culpeper (say 1439 - 1488)

Last Edited

29 September 2001

Citations

LDS Church, compiler, Ancestral File, Intellectual Reserve, Inc..
http://www.familysearch.org
AFN: M55C-VH.

Elizabeth Culpeper

F, (say 1441 - )

Father

Walter Culpeper of Goudhurst, Bayhall & Hardreshull (s 1400 - 24 Nov 1462)

Mother

Agnes Roper (s 1400 - 2 Dec 1457)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1441

Elizabeth was born say 1441.

Married Name

say 1459

As of say 1459, her married name was Hardes.

Marriage*

say 1459

She married John Hardes of Hardes say 1459.

(11) Will

22 September 1516

She is mentioned in the will of Richard Culpeper of Wakehurst on 22 September 1516.¹

Family

John Hardes of Hardes (say 1434 - )

Last Edited

9 November 2010

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part II", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVIII,65-98, (1905)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Pp 65-66.

John Hardes of Hardes

M, (say 1434 - )

Birth*

say 1434

John was born say 1434.

Marriage*

say 1459

He married Elizabeth Culpeper say 1459.

Family

Elizabeth Culpeper (say 1441 - )

Last Edited

2 April 2000

Anne Culpeper

F, (say 1502 - after 1532)

Father

Walter Culpeper of Calais and Wigsell (s 1475 - 1514)

Mother

Anne Aucher (s 1480 - c 1533)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1502

Anne was born say 1502.

Married Name

say 1520

As of say 1520, her married name was Tooke.

Marriage*

say 1520

She married (?) Tooke say 1520.

(2) Will

4 September 1532

She is mentioned in the will of Anne Aucher at co. Kent, England, on 4 September 1532.^1,2

Death*

after 1532

She died after 1532.

Biography*

As she was not named in Walter Culpeper's will 1514), the only testimony for her is the legacy in her mother's will 1532) to 'my daughter Anne Tooke.'
.
There is no clue to her husband in any of the Kentish Visitation pedigrees: certainly he was not of the family of 'Toke of Bere' in West Cliffe. But the Sir Brian Tuke (spelled also Tooke and Tuck) who was clerk of the Council of Calais in 1510 and later Secretary to Wolsey and Henry VIII (D. N. B. re-issue, xix, 1252). while a Kentish man, acquired lands, on which his descendants lived, in Essex (Morant, i, 407) ; and it will be recalled that this Anne Culpeper's father also held lands in Essex under the will of Sir John Culpeper[11] Moreover Sir Brian Tuke's father was a Richard Tuck, and the Wylford pedigree shows that a daughter of 'Anne Tooke's' sister married a Richard Tuck of a later generation. Considering these evidences and the propensity of Kentish families (like Virginia families) to marry cousins, it is possible that this was such a marriage; and that 'Anne Tooke's husband was of the family of Sir Brian Tuke.
.
Source: Fairfax Harrison, "The Proprietors of the Northern Neck."

Family

(?) Tooke (say 1499 - )

Last Edited

25 November 2002

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
C. Liber 15, No. 169.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
Chapter 2a.

(?) Tooke

M, (say 1499 - )

Birth*

say 1499

(?) was born say 1499.

Marriage*

say 1520

He married Anne Culpeper say 1520.

Family

Anne Culpeper (say 1502 - after 1532)

Last Edited

31 December 2002

Elizabeth Culpeper¹

F, (say 1499 - between 1520 and 1532)

Father

Walter Culpeper of Calais and Wigsell (s 1475 - 1514)

Mother

Anne Aucher (s 1480 - c 1533)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1499

Elizabeth was born at Ford Hall, Wrotham, co. Kent, England, say 1499.

Married Name

before 1514

As of before 1514, her married name was Wilford.

Marriage*

before 1514

She married Thomas Wilford of Hartridge in Cranbrooke, Kent before 1514.

(3) Will

14 September 1514

She is mentioned in the will of Walter Culpeper of Calais and Wigsell on 14 September 1514.^2,3

Death*

between 1520 and 1532

She died between 1520 and 1532.

Biography*

She is named in her father's will (1514) 'my daughter Elizabeth Welford,' and referred to in her mother's will (1532) as then dead, by provision for 'the children of Elizabeth, my daughter… the children of Thomas Wylford.' The m. was noted at the Visitation of Kent, 1619, not only in the Culpeper pedigree but in that of the Wylfords (Harl. Pub., x1ii, 53, 61, 104). From the latter it appears that the James Wylford, who witnessed his maternal grandmother's will in 1532, was that outstanding soldier, Sir James Wylford (1516-1550), who distinguished himself at the battle of Pinkie (1547) and subsequently withstood a notable siege at Haddington (D. N. B. re-issue, xxi, 236; Froude, Edward VI, chap. ii).
.
As a family, the Wylfords had several ties with Virginia. One sister of Sir James in. Archbishop Sandys (see her MI. in Morant Essex, ii, 34) and another in. Leonard Digges of Wooton, co. Kent, from whom descended the Edward Digges of Belfield, York County, Virginia, Governor of the colony, 1655-58, whose name was long a synonym for the best Virginia mild tobacco, the 'E Dees' (Va. Mag., xvii, 292). It would be interesting to prove a connection with these Wylfords of that Dr. Robert Wellford of Fredericksburg, of the generation after the American Revolution whose descendants have inter-married with Virginia families. See W. & M. Quar., xi, I; x, 139.
.
Source: Fairfax Harrison, "The Proprietors of the Northern Neck."

(3) Will

4 September 1532

She is mentioned in the will of Anne Aucher at co. Kent, England, on 4 September 1532.^4,5

Family

Thomas Wilford of Hartridge in Cranbrooke, Kent (say 1491 - )

Children

Sir James Wilford (after 1514 - )
Elizabeth Wilford (1517 - )
Bridget Wilford+ (circa 1520 - )

Last Edited

4 June 2011

Citations

E-mail written 1999 to Lew Griffin from Trudy Standridge, e-mail address.
Douglas Richardson, Magna Carta Ancestry, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2005.
Page 249.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Colepepers of Wigsell, in Salehurst (pages 60-74).
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
C. Liber 15, No. 169.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
Chapter 2a.

Thomas Wilford of Hartridge in Cranbrooke, Kent¹

M, (say 1491 - )

Father

James Wilford Sheriff of London 1499 (s 1461 - a 1499)

Mother

Elizabeth Betenham (s 1463 - )

Birth*

say 1491

Thomas was born at Ford Hall, Wrotham, co. Kent, England, say 1491.

Marriage*

before 1514

He married Elizabeth Culpeper before 1514.

(4) Will

4 September 1532

He is mentioned in the will of Anne Aucher at co. Kent, England, on 4 September 1532.^2,3

Marriage*

circa 1534

He married Rose Whetenhall circa 1534.

Biography*

For descendants, see Wilford Pedigree in Visitations of Kent, 1574.

Family 1

Elizabeth Culpeper (say 1499 - between 1520 and 1532)

Children

Sir James Wilford (after 1514 - )
Elizabeth Wilford (1517 - )
Bridget Wilford+ (circa 1520 - )

Family 2

Rose Whetenhall (say 1513 - )

Children

Cicely Wilford+ (after 1534 - )
Sir Thomas Wilford (after 1534 - )

Last Edited

17 April 2007

Citations

E-mail written 1999 to Lew Griffin from Trudy Standridge, e-mail address.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
C. Liber 15, No. 169.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
Chapter 2a.

Anthony Culpeper¹

M, (say 1506 - before 1532)

Father

Walter Culpeper of Calais and Wigsell (s 1475 - 1514)

Mother

Anne Aucher (s 1480 - c 1533)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

say 1506

Anthony was born say 1506.

(5) Will

14 September 1514

He is mentioned in the will of Walter Culpeper of Calais and Wigsell on 14 September 1514.^2,3

Death*

before 1532

He died before 1532.

Biography*

Brothers, Thomas and Anthony, are both named in their father's will (1514) ; but not in that of their mother (1532), which treats the youngest son, William, as the heir. - Fairfax Harrison.

Last Edited

4 June 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Douglas Richardson, Magna Carta Ancestry, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2005.
Page 249.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Colepepers of Wigsell, in Salehurst (pages 60-74).

Cicely Culpeper

F, (circa 1567 - )

Father

John Culpeper of Wigsell (1531 - 20 Oct 1612)

Mother

Elizabeth Sedley (s 1534 - 16 May 1618)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

circa 1567

Cicely was born at Wigsell, Salehurst, co. Sussex, England, circa 1567.

Married Name

say 1585

As of say 1585, her married name was Stede.

Marriage*

say 1585

She married Sir William Stede of Harrietsham, Knight at Harrietsham, co. Kent, England, say 1585.

(8) Will

8 March 1594

She is mentioned in the will of Joan Pordage on 8 March 1594.¹

Biography*

The allegation for the mar. lic. at Canterbury, June 11, 1586 (Harl. Pub., xxv, p. 150) runs 'William Steed, gent., and Secilia Colepyr, spr., of city of London, dau. of John Colepyr of Wiggessell co. Sussex, gent.' The bridegroom was the eldest son, by her first marriage, of the second wife of the bride's uncle, Francis.²

Family

Sir William Stede of Harrietsham, Knight (say 1566 - )

Children

Elizabeth Stede+ (circa 1589 - )
Sir John Stede of Harrietsham, Knight+ (1591 - 1622)
William Stede LL.D.+ (1593 - after 1671)

Last Edited

13 February 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
C. Liber 38, No. 168.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm.

Sir William Stede of Harrietsham, Knight¹

M, (say 1566 - )

Father

William Stede of Harrietsham, co. Kent, Esq. (s 1529 - )

Mother

Joan Pordage (1538 - 23 Mar 1598)

AFN*

His Ancestral File Number is AFN: G5PZ-KW.

Birth*

say 1566

William was born say 1566.

Marriage*

say 1585

He married Cicely Culpeper at Harrietsham, co. Kent, England, say 1585.

(8) Will

20 May 1590

He is mentioned in the will of Francis Culpeper of Greenway Court, co. Kent at co. Kent, England, on 20 May 1590.²

(1) Will

8 March 1594

He is mentioned in the will of Joan Pordage on 8 March 1594.³

Burial*

16 March 1620

His body was interred on 16 March 1620 at Harrietsham, co. Kent, England.

Biography*

Knight 1603; H.S. Kent 1604.

Family

Cicely Culpeper (circa 1567 - )

Children

Elizabeth Stede+ (circa 1589 - )
Sir John Stede of Harrietsham, Knight+ (1591 - 1622)
William Stede LL.D.+ (1593 - after 1671)

Last Edited

8 February 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
P.C.C. 85 Sainberbe, Will dated May 20, 1590, Proved November 22, 1591.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
C. Liber 38, No. 168.

Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court, Knight¹

M, (1570 - August 1645)

Father

John Culpeper of Wigsell (1531 - 20 Oct 1612)

Mother

Elizabeth Sedley (s 1534 - 16 May 1618)

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Birth*

1570

Alexander was born at Wigsell, Salehurst, co. Sussex, England, in 1570.

Marriage*

1603

He married Mary Scott in 1603.

(3) Will

16 September 1613

He is mentioned in the will of Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell on 16 September 1613.²

(9) Will

14 December 1635

He is mentioned in the will of John Culpeper of Astwood in Feckenham, co. Worcs. on 14 December 1635.³

Will

13 January 1644

He made a will at Greenway Court, Hollingbourne, co. Kent, England, on 13 January 1644.

Culpepper Connections Note: It appears that this will was replaced by another written just weeks later. This first will does not appear to have been probated, but the second one was. For purposes of readability, we have made indentions that were not in the original will. Relevant names have also been pkaced in bold and links created for them to their page in this family tree.
     In the name of God Amen. Whereas I Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court in the County of Kent Knight have made and Published my Last Will and Testament in writing bearing the date the day before the date hereof. Whereby I have amongst other things therein mentioned willed and bequeathed all my Lands Tenements …….and Hereditaments. I have or have right have to me and my heirs in fee simple and all my….. chattels ..all and personals and all moneyed rents debts and other dues which are ongoing and ….to me. by any person or persons whatsoever except therein excepted to my said Executors in my said Will named, To have and to hold the said fee simple, Lands Tenements …… and Hereditamants to my said Executors their heirs and assigns for ever to the use of them their heirs and to have and to hold my said Lands and Chattels and personal and all other my Estate whatsoever except before excepted to my said Executors and their Executors Administrators and Assigns upon this special trust and confidence nevertheless and to the sole intent and purpose that my said Executors and heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns shall and will stand seized interested and possessed of all and singular the permission that is to say as well the said Fee Simple Lands as the houses and my other Estate upon such Intents and Confidences in my said Will or Wills shall at anytime issued aforementioned Expressed or declared in writing in Codicil addition or declaration ….. and concerning my Last Will and Testament and
     whereas I do write by my said will that Katherine (Katherine St. Leger) the Grandchild of my wife whom I therefore call daughter had upon her marriage with my nephew Thomas Culpeper (Thomas Culpeper of the Middle Temple) a signature settled upon her and after upon….these lands with which her fortune was charged, there was Fourteen Hundred Pounds sent out upon surety and the bonds or other surety taken in the name of Sir Cheney Culpeper (Sir Cheney Culpeper of Leeds Castle) and some other friend or friends and a deed thereupon made between the said Sir Cheney Culpeper and others to which as I contrive my said Nephew and his wife were parted wherein there is a trust declared containing the said followeth Four Hundred Pounds for the benefit of my said Nephew and his wife, in such …as therein expressed , and afterwards Six Hundred Pounds parcel of the said Fourteen Hundred was paid unto my said Nephew And I promise to ….. Four Hundred Pounds parcel of the said Twelve Hundred Pounds unto my daughter according to the deed of trust.
     And whosoever by my said will I declare that if therefore my said daughter shall happen to be a wedded before all my 'Legaries' are paid then my will is that Four Hundred Pounds parcel of the said Twelve Hundred Pounds to be paid unto her as my part thereof according to my promise before my 'Legaries' be paid to any other, but my will is that the said Four Hundred Pounds be not paid unto her until all my other debts be paid and discharged. Nethertheless I will that interest be paid unto her after the rate of Six pounds per Quarter from the first day she shall become a widow until such time as the said Four Hundred Pounds be paid unto her, but if my Nephew Thomas Culpeper shall be living who all my debts and 'Legaries' shall be paid. Then my will is that my Executors shall stand no longer charged with the payment of the said Four Hundred Pounds unto my daughter Culpeper in maner as aforesaid, but the whole Twelve Hundred Pounds be forward unto her or raised out of such part of my Estates as afterwards in my said Will allotted to that purpose to be paid to her according to the said deed of Trust in that behalf made And whereas also by the said will, after all my debts and 'Legaries' paid and discharged.
     I will and bequeath and declare That my said Executors shall convey by goods assurances the Lordships and the Rites of the Manor of Greenways Court and Capital Messuage Barns Stables and Outhouses …. or appurtances thereunto or accounted disputed or taken as part of the said Manor which said Rite Capital Messuage Barns Stables and Outhouses I declare shallbe appointed the Capital Messuage of Greenway Court and the barns Stables and outhouses thereof the whole Rite barns stables or outhouses to Countess Eleason Arnes (unidentified) and no more and the one half of all those …. of my said Fee Simple to Lands to Alexander Culpeper (Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court) my Godson and eldest son of John Lord Culpeper Baron of Thoresway To have and to hold to him and his heirs of his body with other remainders …. And for the other half of my said Fee Simple Lands Except the said Lordship and Rite of Manor of Greenway Court and all the buildings thereupon which shall be accounted Eleason Arnes and no more. I do will that my said Executors and their heirs shall stand siexed thereof upon this Trust and Confidence that the same shall be and conveyed unto my said daughter Culpeper as surety .unto her the said Twelve Hundred Pounds Parcel of the said Fourteen Hundred Pounds concerning which Sir Cheney Culpeper and others are….. aforesaid for her life wherein my Meaning is that my said daughter Culpeper shall have as much benefit of the ….which I thereby intend unto her as if my lands where with my said Executors are thereby Trusted Actually conveyed by advent of control upon sight of the said Deeds of Trust containing the same ( that is to say) either to raise the said Twelve Hundred Pounds to be paid unto her according to the deeds of Trust or else to pay unto her some Annuity or yearly Rent throughout her life in lieu of the said Twelve Hundred Pound according to the said deed of Trust at the …..of my said daughter.
     Alsoeth I do at the request of my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper and I do therefore declare thereby that what advantage soever shall come to my daughter thereby accounted to all intents and purposes towards the performance and satisfaction of the said deed of Trust as fully as if the same had been done by my said Nephew and that my daughter shall not be first paid of the said Twelve Hundred Pounds or any annuity instead thereof or by the deed and against by my said will, but that part soever of the said Twelve Hundred Pounds or any annuity inferred thereof shall be paid to my daughter by reason or reasons of my said Will shall be accounted as if she has received it by reason or fortune concerning the same and after the said Twelve Hundred pounds paid or secured to my daughter as aforesaid.
     I do further thereby will that my said Executors and their Heirs shall stand seized of the said half of my paid Fee simple Lands which are to form the said Twelve Hundred Pounds aforesaid upon Trust and Confidence to the ….and behest of my Godson Alexander Culpeper (Alexander Culpeper Surveyor General of VA) Son and heir apparent of my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper and of his heirs Males of the body of the said Alexander Culpeper son of the said Thomas Culpeper lawfully to begotten and for default of such issue to the body of my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper Esquire and of the heirs Males made of his body with other remainders above and whereas in my said (will I do) …..
     I do further will and declare that after such debts duties and 'Legaries' afore mentioned shall be fully paid satisfied that thou my Executors shall make Estate of all my Lands as Counsel shall advise to the children of my Lord Culpeper and to my Nephew Thomas Culpeper and Katherine his wife and their sons Alexander Culpeper their Executors Administrators and assigns equally between them in manor and form therein expressed (that is to say) The one of my said Leases to be conveyed to Alexander Culpeper (Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court) Eldest son of the said Lord Culpeper his Executors Administrators and Assigns and if he do die before his age of one and twenty years or before he shall otherwise dispose of the same, thou to Thomas Culpeper (Thomas Lord Culpeper 2nd Baron of Thoresway) second son of the said Lord Culpeper his Executors Administrators and Assigns, and if he do die before his age of one and twenty years or before he shall other wise dispose of the same then to John Culpeper (John Lord Culpeper 3rd Baron of Thoresway) third son of the said Lord Culpeper his Executors Administrators and Assigns and if he do die before his age of one and twenty years or before he shall otherwise dispose of the same then to Cheney Culpeper forwith the same of the Lord Culpeper his Executors Administrators and Assigns and if he die before his age of one and twenty years or before he shall otherwise dispose of the same to the said Lord John Culpeper Baron of Thorsway his Executors Administrators and Assigns and the other half of the said Leases to be Conveyed by my Executors by advise of Council in such sorts as that the same may be afarther surety for to my daughter Culpeper for the said Twelve Hundred Pounds in such sort as I have before in my Will submitted the said parts of my Fee Simple Lands to secure the said Twelve Hundred Pounds or same Annuity instead thereof as aforesaid and after the said Twelve Hundred Pounds paid or secured as aforesaid. Then I do thereby will that my Executors shall convey by advise of Council the said one half of my said Leases to Alexander Culpeper son and Heir apparent of my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper his Executors Administrators and Assigns. And if he die before his age of one and twenty years or before he shall otherwise dispose of the same then to my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper his Administrators and Assigns as in my and by my said Last Will and Testament where unto for the more certainty all the maters before verified. I refer my self appeareth And whereas the said Alexander Culpeper son of my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper is yet young and under age so as is not certainly known how he will prove and therefore I am willing to settle any part of my Estate absolutely in him the said Alexander Culpeper for long as his Father liveth without some settlement upon him and in regards also my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper may make some other provision as well as for my said daughter Katherine his wife as for his said son or for some other …eate or weighty reason may? Think fit. Otherwise dispose of all or some parts of the Lands and Leases in my said Will Devise Limited or Bequeathed to or to the sole benefit of him, his wife or son, or to the heirs of their or either of their bodies or to or either of their Executors or Administrators.
     I therefore by this my Codicil addition or declaration for on upon my said will Declare my Will and meaning to be That as it may and shall be lawful to and for my said nephew Thomas Culpeper and Katherine his wife during the life of the said Katherine and to and for the said Thomas Culpeper it he outlive the said Katherine by my deed or writing under his or their hand seal or hands and seals, as the sale shall require by and with the consent of my Nephew John Lord Culpeper baron of Thorseway (John Lord Culpeper 1st Baron of Thoresway), Sir Thomas Culpeper Knight (Sir Thomas Culpeper of Hollingbourne, the Elder, Knight), Sir Edward Partridge Knight, William Steed Doctor of Law (William Stede LL.D.) and William Saye Esquire or any one of them testified by joining with my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper and Katherine his wife or with my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper alone as the sale shall require in the said deed or writing and subscribing the point on by my other deed or writing to be sealed and subscribed by them or any one of them testifying their or any of them assent revoke alter things terminate and …ilate or make void all or any of the devise or devises or Bequest or Bequests trust or trusts Confidence or confidences declaration or declarations or estate or estate by my said Will devised bequeathed or declared to or to the sole benefit behest of the said Thomas Culpeper and Katherine his wife and Alexander their son or to either or any of the m or to the heirs or and of their bodies or by them, their or either of their Executors Administrators or Assigns or in any other manor, or for any other Estates whatsoever, and by the same deeds or writings, or by and other deeds or writings under his or their hands and seals or hands and seals as the sale.shall require by and with such consent as aforesaid to limit, declare appoint or to create or ordain any new Estate or Estates, Trust or Trusts Confidence or Confidences, Limited or Limitations, Declaration or Declarations as all or any part of the estate or estates in my said Will limited, bequeathed, verified or declared to my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper, Katherine his wife and Alexander their son or either of them or any of them or their heirs of them or either of any of their bodies, or in any other manor or form any other Estates whatsoever or fully, freely and implied, as if the same had been limited by my said Will to my Nephew Thomas Culpeper and his heirs or to his Executors, Administrators, Assigns, and further that immediately from after such ….. estate or Estates Trust or Trusts, Confidence or Confidences, Limitation or Limitations to be made by my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper and Katherine his wife, or by my Nephew alone and the sale shall require in manor as aforesaid my said Executors in my said Will named and their heirs Executors Administrators respectfully shall stand seized interested indepossessed of such part of my lands and Seals for which such n…. Estate or Estates, Trust or Trusts, Confidence or Confidences, Limitation or Limitations ,Declaration or Decelerations shall be made as aforesaid upon Trust and Confidence to the sole benefit as and behest of such person or persons as for such Estate and Estates or shall be Limited Declared Appointed `Created Ordained or made by my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper and Katherine his wife or by my said Nephew Thomas Culpeper alone as the sale shall require in manor as aforesaid anything in my said Will to the contrary hereof in any wise not with standing And now I the said Sir Alexander Culpeper having heard this is my Codicil addition, Declaration or explanation or upon my said Will read unto me I so allow ratify and publish the same as a Codicil addition to Declaration or explanation of or upon my said Will in writing whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the One and Thirteenth day of January Anno Domi 1644.
     The mark of Sir Alexander Culpeper (sealed subscribed and published in the presence of …..anlfe Freke, Thomas Culpeper. Thomas Spotte.^4,5

Will*

30 January 1644

He made a will on 30 January 1644.

Culpepper Connections Note: It appears that this will replaced an extraordinarily convoluted one written just weeks before. The first will does not appear to have been probated, but the second one was. For purposes of readability, we have made indentions that were not in the original will. Relevant names have also been pkaced in bold and links created for them to their page in this family tree.

Will dated January 30, 1644/5,
With two codicils, one dated May 4, 1645, and one undated.
Proved October 15, 1649.
     Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greeneway Court, ca. Kent, knight, youngest son of John C. of Wigsell, co. Sussex, esq. dec. To be bur. in the vault which Sir Thomas Culpeper (Sir Thomas Culpeper of Bedgebury in Goudhurst) hath builded in Hollingbourne if it conveniently may be.
     Catherine (Katherine St. Leger) the grandchild of my wife, whom I therefore call daughter, had on her marriage-with my nephew Thomas Culpeper (Thomas Culpeper of the Middle Temple) a jointure settled upon her and after, upon the sale of those lands with which her jointure was charged, there was £1,400 lent out on security and bonds taken out in the name of Sir Cheney Culpeper (Sir Cheney Culpeper of Leeds Castle) or some other friends, and a deed thereupon made betw. sd. Sir C. C. & others to which my sd. nephew & his wife were, as I conceive, parties; wherein there is a trust declared concerning the sd. £1,400 for sd- nephew & his heirs-, and afterwards £1,000 part of sd. £1,400 was paid to my sd. nephew and I promised to secure £400 part of sd. £1,400 to my daur. according to deed of trust. rf therefore my sd. daur. be a widow before all my legacies are paid, £400 part of sd. £1,400 to be paid her as my part thereof.
     To my niece Cicely Culpepper (Cicely Culpeper) £400; if she die before him she to dispose of £300 to some child or children of her brother John C. (John Culpeper the Merchant) If sd. John C. die before my niece Ciceley she to have £10, a year for maintenance unti I sd. £400 be pd. her. Also £20 to my neice Medlicoate (Frances Culpeper), wife of James M. esq.
     To poor of Hollingbourne £10, to poor of Ulcombe, £10; to poor of Salehurst, where I was born, £5; to poor of Hawkhurst, £5; to poor of Leeds 50s; to poor of Broomefield, 40s; to poor of parish where I shall die, £20; to Robert Hope, besides what I owe him, £20; to Elizabeth Milcocke, besides what I owe her, £5; to Francis Hinckly, wife of Robert H., to use of Mary Hinckly my goddaur., £5; to my cousin William Culpeper minister of Wickling (Rev. William Culpeper of England and Barbados) or (if dead) to his wife or children £5; to my cousin Cecily Freke [(R:9]) what I owe her.
     My exers to pay my nephew John Culpeper (John the Merchant) one years rent of all my lands, deducting rents payable to the Colleges.
     Then exers. to convey Lordship of manor of Greeneway Court capital messe etc. (11 acres & no more) and half of residue of my lands, to Alexander Culpeper my godson (Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court), eldest son of John, Lord Culpeper, Baron of Thorseway, in tail male; in default to Thomas C. (Thomas Lord Culpeper 2nd Baron of Thoresway), second son of sd. Lord C., in tail male; in default to John C. (John Lord Culpeper 3rd Baron of Thoresway), third son of sd. Lord C., in tail male; in default to Cheney C., fourth son of sd. Lord C., in tail male; in default to sd. John, Lord C. (John Lord Culpeper 1st Baron of Thoresway), in tail male; in default to sd. nephew Thomas Culpeper & Catherine his wife for life; remainder to heirs male of body of sd. Catherine; in default to my nephew Thomas Culpeper, esq., in tail male; in default to my nephew John Culpeper, esq., in tail male; in default to Sir Thomas Culpeper of Hollingbourne afsd. knight, in tail male; in default to my right heirs.
     The other half of my lands to remain to my sd. daur. Culpeper as a security for the £400 part of sd. £1,400, then my exers. to stand seised to use of my godson Alexander Culpeper (Alexander Culpeper Surveyor General of VA) son & heir app. of my sd. nephew Thomas C., in tail male; in default to my nephew Thomas C. esq., in tail male; in default to my Lord Culpeper, in tail male; in default to sd. John Culpeper my nephew, brother of my sd. nephew Thomas C. esq., in tail male; in default to Sir Thomas C. (Sir Thomas Culpeper of Hollingbourne, the Elder, Knight), in tail male; in default to my heirs.
     If any lands of mine are held in Capite whereby my will shall be void of a third part of sd. fee simple lands, then my exers. shall stand seised of such lands as are hereby devised in tail to children of Lord C. on trust to use of sd. Thomas C. his wife & son respectively, as may make the parts of children of sd. Lord C. & of the sd. Thomas C. his wife & son equall. but manor of Greenway Court etc. shall be conveyed to the children of my Lord C. my nephew. Leasehold property to be similarly divided & assured. Alexander, son of Lord C. under 21, Alexander, son of nephew Thomas C. under 21. Exers. not to sell leases without consent of sd. Sir Thomas Culpeper, Doctor Steede (William Stede LL.D.) & William Cage esq. (William Cage of Milgate in Bersted), Francis Kenward now, or late, servant to sd. Lord C., Robert Hope, son of James H. of Ulcombe, & James Wilcoke, nephew to Elizabeth Wilcocke, now -my servant.
     To be my exers. Sd. Sir Thomas Culpeper, Sir Edward Partherick knight (Edward Partriche), Doctor Steede & William Cage to be overseers & they also to be exers.
     I remit £300 sd. nephew Thomas C. owes me.
     Testator being 'sick of a dead palsy' made his mark
     Witns. Ralph Freke ( an unknown person ), Thomas Culpeper (Thomas of Feckenham), Thomas Holt, Richard Knight.

1st Cod. Interest on my debts to be paid if possible at 8% instead of 6% [he evidently was not convinced by his cousin's thesis against usury]. Exers. to have discretion as to payment of £10 to my neice Cecily C. if she survive her brother John C. To Elizabeth Wilcocks my servant £10. To her & my servant Robert Hope £4 each for mourning apparel. To Francis Kenward, £7. To Rowland St. Leger, grandchild to my deceased wife £11. To sd. servant Robert Hope all his charges of prison during the term of his imprisonment, & 12d. a week over & above his charges. To rest of exers. gold rings. A gold ring with a phoenix to my cousin Elizabeth Munns, wife of John M. To Sir Cheney Culpeper, knight, a gold ring. Testator made his mark. Witns. George Robinson, Margaret Hewes X, Elizabeth Drew X.

2nd Cod. 20 marks a year to sd. Elizabeth Wilcockes for good service, for life. Witns. George Hunte, Margaret Hughes X, Mary Maier X.

Prob. by Robert Hope one of the exers. Power reserved for Francis Kenwood & James Wilcocke & also Sir Thos. Culpeper knight, Sir Edward Partherick knt. & the venerable man William Steede LL. D. the other exers.^6,7

Will

31 January 1645

He made a will on 31 January 1645.

Codicil dated January 31, 1644/5.
Proved separately, October 15, 1649.

Having made my will dated the day before the date hereof, recites sd. will very fully referring among others to the sd. Alexander C. (Alexander, Surveyor of Virginia), son & heir apparent of sd. nephew Thomas C. esq. & of Catherine his wife, granddaur. of my late wife. Whereas sd. Alexander C., son of my sd. nephew Thomas C. is yet young & under age so as it is not certainly known how he will prove & so I am therefore unwilling to settle any part of my estate absolutely on him so long as his father liveth without some restraint on him; & in regard also my sd. nephew Thomas C. may make some other provision as well for my sd. daur. Catherine his wife as for his sd. son; or for some other great or weighty reason may think it fit otherwise to dispose of his part of the land: therefore it shall be lawful for sd. nephew Thomas C. & Catherine his wife, or sd. T. if he survive, with consent of John Lord C. my nephew, Sir Thomas Culpeper knight, Sir Edward Partherick knight, William Steed LL. D. & William Cage esq., to revoke my devise to A. T. C., & A. their son. Testator made his mark. Witns. Raulfe Freke, Thomas Culpeper (Thomas of Feckenham), Thomas Holte.

Prob. juramento Executorum in testamento dicti defuncti nominatorum.^8,9

Death*

August 1645

He died at Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England, in August 1645.

Biography*

He testified in his will that he was born in Salehurst, but the loss of the parish register prior to 1585 leaves the date to a deduction from his age at death. He was educated at the inns of chancery and was admitted to Grays Inn, November 25, 1594, as 'Alexander Culpeper of Wigsell, co. Sussex, gent., late of Staple Inn.' This would be when he was twenty-four. His next appearance on the surviving record is 1603, when at his marriage he was described as 'of Harrietsham, arm,’ (indicating that he had established himself in the neighbourhood of the family of his uncle, Francis Culpeper of Greenway Court, of which hereafter); but is identified by the will of Thomas of Wigsell (1609) as 'my brother Alexander Culpeper' On his marriage he went to live in his wife's St. Leger dower house and thereafter is described as 'of Ulcombe' whenever he appears in documents (e.g., in the allegation for the mar. lic., 1636, of the youngest dau. of Thornas of Wigsell, noted post); but after his wife's death in 1636 he removed to Greenway Court, and so in his will described himself as 'of Greenway Court.' He was knighted by James I, November 19, 1621 (Nichols, iii, 732), as 'of Kent.'

The fullest record of him is in the dark days of the Troubles, which overtook him in the decrepitude of age. He then gave a loyal support to the Crown, with the result that his estate was sequestered. At a hearing held after his death, at which his executors claimed the privilege of compounding for his estate (Cal. Committee for Compounding, 1643-60, pt. ii, P. 1058), it was stated that he was 'never any house keeper,' that he had been 'drawn down to Oxford and Bristol' in March, 1643, but 'never bore arms,' being 'sick of a dead palsy,' and that he died at Bridgewater with the King's army, in August, 1645, aged 75. A fine of 550 pounds sterling was assessed and paid. He left an elaborate will, which, in its provisions for all his nephews and nieces and their children, as well as others of the connection, is the key to the tangled genealogy of the next generation of the Culpepers. That will, evidently drawn at Oxford, and probably by his nephew Thomas of the Middle Temple.³

(1) Biography

He is referenced in a biographical note for Alexander Culpeper Surveyor General of VA.¹⁰

(2) Biography

He is referenced in a biographical note for Thomas Culpeper of the Middle Temple.¹¹

Family

Mary Scott (say 1560 - 1636)

Last Edited

11 January 2012

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Extract from the Will of Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell, Esq.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm.
E-mail written 2007 to Warren Culpepper from Charles Andrew Grigsby, England, e-mail address.
Transcription of Will of Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court Hollingbourne Kent 1649
Ref: 422.
Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1649.pdf .
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
P. C. C. Rivers, 157.
Image:http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1645-1.pdf.
Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1645-1.pdf.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
P. C. C. Fairfax, 153 (Codacil)
Image:http://gen.culpepper.com/archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1645-1.pdf.
Public Records Office, National Archives, London.
Image of will at: /archives/uk/wills/images/Alexander_of_Greenway_Court_1645-2.pdf.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
Chapter 4b.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
Chapter 4: XIII Thomas Culpepper.

Anne Slaney¹

F, (circa 1575 - 20 February 1600/1)

Father

Sir Stephen Slaney Lord Mayor of London (s 1545 - Dec 1608)

Birth*

circa 1575

Anne was born circa 1575.

Marriage*

circa 1597

She married Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell circa 1597.

Married Name

circa 1597

As of circa 1597, her married name was Culpeper.

Death*

20 February 1600/1

She died on 20 February 1600/1.²

Burial*

26 February 1600/1

Her body was interred on 26 February 1600/1 at Salehurst, co. Sussex, England.³

Biography*

The wills (of Anne's parents, sources for which are referenced in their records) are the clews to the identification of the father of the first Lord Culpeper. That of Sir Stephen (1598) rehearses two daughters, including 'Anne, wife of Thomas. Colepepper, esq.' and that of his widow (1619) recites: 'Whereas my son-in-law, Mr. Thomas Colepepper is lately deceased much indebted, and hath left his son and heire, Slanye Colepepper my-grandchild, a ward: and hath not left neither said Slanye Colepepper, nor John Colepepper his brother, nor Elizabeth Colepepper, his sister, being also my grandchildren, so sufficiently advanced as I did expect that he should have done.' Anne Slaney was buried in Salehurst, February 26, 1600/i, as 'Ann Colepepper, uxor Thomae, armigeri.' - Fairfax Harrison ---------------------------- She was a woman of some celebrity in her day; see her funeral sermon, by N. Parkhurst, and Wilford's Memorials of Eminent Persons. - Col. Attree.

(3) Probate

7 May 1614

She is mentioned in the probate of the estate of an unknown person at East Grinstead, co. Sussex, England, on 7 May 1614.²

Family

Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell (1561 - before 19 September 1613)

Children

Slaney Culpeper⁴ (31 October 1598 - 12 December 1618)
John Lord Culpeper 1st Baron of Thoresway+ (7 August 1599 - 11 July 1660)
Elizabeth Culpeper (circa 1601 - 22 July 1683)

Last Edited

3 June 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
P.C.C. 79 Capell Chancery Inq. P.M. 1614 No. 53.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm.
Fairfax Harrison, The Proprietors of the Northern Neck - Chapters of Culpepper Genealogy, Richmond, VA: The Old Dominion Press (Privately printed), 1926, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Film #929429. Transcription available online at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/nneck/default.htm
Chanc. Inq. P. M. Ser. 11, 374: 104.

Mary Scott¹

F, (say 1560 - 1636)

Father

Sir Thomas Scott of Scotshall in Smeeth, co. Kent (1535 - 1594)

Mother

Elizabeth Baker (s 1544 - )

Birth*

say 1560

Mary was born say 1560.

Married Name

say 1578

As of say 1578, her married name was St. Leger.

Marriage

say 1578

She married Anthony St. Leger of Ulcombe, co. Kent, Esq. say 1578.

Marriage*

1603

She married Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court, Knight in 1603.

Married Name

1603

As of 1603, her married name was Culpeper.

Name-AltSpell

1603

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Name-AltSpell

1603

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

Death*

1636

She died at England in 1636.

Biography*

The allegation for the mar. lic. at Canterbury describes the parties as 'Alexander Culpeper of Harrietsham, esq., and Mary Sentleger of Ulcombe, widow: at Harrietsham; John Culpeper (i.e., his brother, later of Feckenham.), of London, gent. bonds.' The mar. is recorded: in Harrietsham. parish register, December 7, 1603, by the same description translated into latin; in the pedigree of Scott of Scotshall, certified at the Visitation of Kent, 1619; and in Mr. E. Y. St. Leger's documented Stem.mata St. Leodigaria (1867) in Wykeham-Martin, Leeds Castle; finally she was buried at Ulcombe April 23, 1636, as 'Domina Maria Culpeper, uxor Alexander Culpeper, militis'. These interesting families, of Scott of Scotshall and St. Leger, implicit at once of the history of Kent and of Virginia (Cf. Brown, Genesis, ii, 990, 996), are fully discussed biographically in D. N. B. Mary Scott had four sons and a dau. by her first husband, but no children by Sir Alexander Culpeper. Her eldest son was that Sir Warham St. Leger. - Fairfax Harrison.

Family 1

Anthony St. Leger of Ulcombe, co. Kent, Esq. (say 1550 - 1602)

Child

Sir Warham St. Leger+ (1579 - 11 October 1631)

Family 2

Sir Alexander Culpeper of Greenway Court, Knight (1570 - August 1645)

Last Edited

5 April 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.

Mary Beeston¹

F, (say 1575 - circa 1661)

Father

Roger Beeston of London (s 1545 - )

Birth*

say 1575

Mary was born say 1575.

Marriage

say 1598

She married Francis Gibbon of Benenden, Kent, Esq. say 1598.

Married Name

say 1598

As of say 1598, her married name was Gibbon.

Marriage*

say 1605

She married Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell say 1605.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Colepeper.

Married Name

say 1605

As of say 1605, her married name was Culpeper.

Name-AltSpell

This surname is sometimes spelled Culpepper.

(1) Will

16 September 1613

She is mentioned in the will of Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell on 16 September 1613.²

Biography*

Thomas married, secondly, Mary, daughter of Roger Beeston, citizen of London, and widow of Francis Gibbon, of Benenden, in Kent, Esq., by whom he had one son: Thomas, bapt. 13th December, 1607, at Hawkhurst, and buried at Salehurst 30th December, 1607; and three daughters: Mary, bapt. at Salehurst 10th August, 1606, Cicely, bapt. at Salehurst 8th July, 1610, Ann, bapt. at Hawkhurst 10th November, 1611, and mar. at Frittenden, Kent, 3rd November, 1636, to Thomas Scott, of Smeeth, Esq. Thomas Culpeper, of Wigsell, was buried at Salehurst 19th September, 1613, but his widow Mary survived him many years. From her will it would appear that her daughters Mary and Cicely died without issue.³

Will*

15 August 1660

She made a will on 15 August 1660.

Abstract of Will of Mary Beeston Culpeper:
To my sonne Thomas Scott (Thomas Scott of Smeeth) £3. To my daughter (Anna Culpeper) his wife xls. to buy each of them a ringe. All my old gould to be equally divided between my sonne Edmund Gibbon and my grandchild Robert Scott. The latter to have £20 per annum during his and his father's joynt lives and I do tye my farme in the east end of Benenden for the payment thereof. To my loving son Edmund Gibbon of the Middle Temple, Esq., all my lands and messuages, with remainder to my grandchild Robert Scott. Residue to Edmund Gibbon, who is executor.⁴

Death*

circa 1661

She died circa 1661.

Probate*

11 April 1661

Probate action was taken on Mary's estate on 11 April 1661 at co. Kent, England,

A. 71 Avery, No. 70.

Family

Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell (1561 - before 19 September 1613)

Children

Mary Culpeper (circa August 1606 - circa 1606)
Thomas Culpeper (circa December 1607 - circa 29 December 1607)
(?) Culpeper (1608 - 1608)
Cicely Culpeper (circa June 1610 - 1620)
Anna Culpeper (circa October 1611 - after 1660)

Last Edited

22 May 2011

Citations

Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Extract from the Will of Thomas Culpeper of Wigsell, Esq.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Pp 66-67.
Col. F.W.T. Attree R.E./F.S.A. & Rev. J.H.L. Booker M.A., "The Sussex Colepepers, Part I", Sussex Archaeological Collections, XLVII,47-81, (1904)http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/sussex/default.htm.
Pp 66-67. The will of Mary Beeston Culpeper is at Canterbury, dated 15th August, 1660, and proved 11th April 1661, by Edmund Gibbon, Esq., her son.