A FELTWELL WILL.

In St. Mary's Church there is a slab in the Chancel to the memory of John Wace, gent., who was buried there in 1672. He was master of the Feltwell Grammar School and owned property here and at Methwold Hithe. He married Catherine Cardwell who lies buried by his side and who, according to the family pedigree, was a maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I. His Will was proved in April 1673, in which he leaves half his house and half the furniture in it, to Catherine his wife for her life; she to choose which rooms and household stuff she pleases. He also leaves her half of all yearly rents and profits "out of house where I now live in Feltwell." Among other bequests are the following. To the poor of Feltwell 40/- to be distributed by the Overseers and Churchwardens. To my daughter Elizabeth Wace and her heirs £500 . . . and I charge my daughter not to marry without consent of her mother and other friends of whom her mother shall

Require her to accept advice. To my brother-in-law Robert Scarlett and his wife, Frances, 13s. 4d. apiece to buy gloves. To each of my servants dwelling with me at my death 6s. 8d. apiece above their wages. I require my children not to quarrel about any division but to hold together as brethren should do.

Back to Written Records