John Matthew's Will of 25 November 1560

On 25 November 1560 John Matthew a citizen of the City and Merchant Tailor wrote his will. In it he mentions as an executor of his will one 'of his loving friends' Ipolito Lynnet of Hackney. To the parishes of St Michael Cornhill, St Laurence Old Jewry, 'Stebunheath' and Hackney he left 40 shillings each yearly and to the churchwardens of the same parishes 3 shillings and fourpence 'for a drinking for their taking pains to see the said sums distributed'.

Much of his estate was to go to his son and daughter provided they paid these sums and if it was neglected then his lands, tenements etc. should be held by these churches for the relief of the poor in those parishes. To his executors he left 10 pounds each and 'all my goods, implements and household stuff in my house at Kingsland'. Ipolito Lynnet and William Crowder (son-in-law of the deceased) in 1586 paid two pounds three shillings and fourpence each to the churchwardens in accordance with John Matthews will but neither Stepney nor Hackney have any records showing they received anything further.

Also mentioned in John Matthew's will are Mr Birch, one of the Barons of the Exchequer; Hugh Stukly, gentleman; Robert Hulson, citizen and merchant taylor, who along with Ipolito Lynnet were executors and referred to by John Matthews as 'My loving friends'.

He left money to the poor in St Michael, Cornhill; St Laurence, Old Jewry; Stepney and Hackney. His estate went to Henry Weale, son of Walter Weale, and Katherine Weale his daughter and male heirs provided they paid the poor money. Otherwise his estate was to go to his daughter Katherine now wife of William Crowder, citizen and Clothworker of London. Elizabeth, Grace and Mary Weale were his daughters children. John's wife was also a Katherine. The will was proved on 29 October 1569.