Person Page - 115

     Elizabeth was born before 4 August 1563 (chr. da at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England. She was christened on 4 August 1563 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^2,3,4,5 She was the daughter of Richard Bull and Alice Hunt. She married John Lawrence on 9 November 1579 at Hertford, St. Andrews, England.^4,5 Elizabeth was present at William Lawrence's christening on 4 December 1580 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.^4,6 Elizabeth was present at Edward Lawrence's christening on 18 June 1582 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.^4,6 Elizabeth was present at John Lawrence's christening on 1 January 1583/84 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.^4,6 Elizabeth was present at Elizabeth Lawrence's christening on 10 February 1584/85 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.^4,6 Elizabeth was present at Frances (Frauncis) Lawrence's christening on 22 May 1586 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.⁷ Elizabeth was present at Richard Lawrence's christening on 26 July 1587 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.⁶ Elizabeth was present at Thomas Lawrence's christening on 2 February 1589/90 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.^8,2,9,10 Her body was interred on 25 August 1609 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.^4,5

     William died. He married Katherine Beaumond. William was born circa 1532. William was present at John Lawrence'S christening between 12 January 1562 and 1563 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.¹

     She married William Lawrence. Katherine was born circa 1532. Katherine was present at John Lawrence's christening between 12 January 1562 and 1563 at St. Albans, county Hertfordshire, England.¹

     
     
     
      "Richard Bull signed the 1572 Herfordshire Visitation pedigree, in which he identified his parents and grandparents. In the same pedigree he stated that his wife was Alice Hunt "of Stanford," and that his children were Henry, aged 5, Richard, aged seven weeks; Anne and Elizabeth.
     
      It appears that Richard Bull's children were all born after he was forty-nine or fifty years old. Whether he was a bachelor or a childless widower when he married Alice Hunt has not been determined. His Inquisition Post Mortem indicates that after his death she married on 17 March 1586 Anthony Garland.
     
      Charles Bull's will directs that his children be bound as apprentices in London. That this happened to Richard is suggested by the following:
     
      6 February 1547/8; Quit Claim by Richard Bull of London, Gentleman to John Forster of Bramfield, Gentleman, in regard to lands and tenements in Bramfield, Tewin and Datchworth, formerly of John Pyrte (Manor of Bramfield).
     
      Later, he returned to Herfordshire, where he served as a bailiff in 1578 and a Burgess of the borough.
     
     
      Richard Bull died in testate:
     
     
      Will of Richard Bull of the town of Hertfordshire, gentleman, dated 2 September 1585, proved November 1585. Sick in body. To be buried in church of St. Andrews, Herfordshire. 10s to be distributed among the poor people of the parish of St. Andrew. To Alice my wife all my messuage or tenement called Benwicke Hall in the parish of Stapleford, county aforesaid, with all lands [ etc. ]. being freehold known as Stapleford and Bengeho is said county; after her decease to my son Henry Bull.
      To my said wife, all lands [ etc. ] being frehold know as Bakers "or by any other name or names whatsoever in the saide parishes of Stapleford and Bengtho" (except messuage or tenement [ etc. ] in tenure of George Kinge) and my grounds in Manor of Russelles; after her decease to my son Henry Bull. To my said wife all my messuage [etc.] called Baldwyns in Waterford, parish of Bengeho now in the occupation of said George King, and after her decease to my son Henry. To my said wife Alice all that capital messuage or tenement wherin I now dwell in saide parish of St. Andrew, and adjoining tenement [etc.] in occupation of Rafe Lee; after her death to said Henry my son. To said Alice my wife my 2 messuages [etc.] in several tenures of Richard Crowche and Thomas Wratting in said town of Hertford; after her decease to my said son Henry Bull. My Messuage or tenement at west end of town of Hertford now in tenure of Anthony Garland [etc.] to my said wife Alice, and after her decease to Richard Bull my son; if he has no issue, then to my next heirs. All those my 4 messuages in several tenures of Leonard Halforde, John [ ? ], William Ford, and Cutbert Stevenson in town of Hertford [etc.] to my said son Henry Bull. To my daughtr Alice 650 at the age of 21 or marriage. To daughter Alice one standing bed, featherbed, a bolster, a pillow, a coverlet, and a pair of blankets at 21 or marriage. To my son Richard [same items plus 2 pairs of sheets] at the age of 24. To my daughter Agnes Myles, wife of Edmund Myles, 65. To Richard and Henry Myles, sons of said Edmond Myles, 20s. apiece. Residue to wife Alyce, she to be executrix, "chargeing her to have care to the well bringing upp of my towe sonnes Henry and Richard and my daughter Alice in godly learning in the feare of god or to some other lawfull exercise and trade, as she shall thinke most conveniet." Wife to keep the reparations of all my messuages or tenements. Overseers: "my very frende and Neighbour" Reynold Basse and son Henry Bull. To Reynold Basse for his pains 40s. Witnesses: Richard Bull, [misplaced signature of testator], Reynold Basse, John Cranfeild "thelder," Edmond Salmon, Rycharde Crowche, Thomas Wratin, William Lee. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11/68)
     
     
      Richard Bull's will does not mention his daughter Elizabeth, wife of John Lawrence of St. Albans, co. Hertford, but Hertfordshire Feet of Fines show that he demised land to her husband in 1579, (The Herts Genealogist and Antiquary, Vol. 2) the year of her marriage, and her identity is proven by her husband's estate record.
     
     
      Richard Bull's Inquisition post mortem was taken at Hertford on 28 May 28 Elizabeth [1586] (abstract by: Peter Wilson Coldham):
     
     
      He held a messuage called Raffes at the west end of the town of Hertford; another called Blackemore in the parish of St. Andrews held of the Queen's Manor of Baylyhall, Hertford; messuages in Stapleford and Bengeo; a tenement called Bakers in Stapleford; [etc.].
     
     
      On 2 September 1585 the said Richard Bull of the town Hertford, gent., made his will bequeathing to Alice his wife all his tenement called Benwiche Hall in Stapleford and all his other estate in Stapleford and Bengeo during her life, then to his son Henry Bull and his heirs. His freehold called Bakers in the tenure of George Kinge and tenements held of the Manor Russelles were similarly devised. His messuage called Raffes was bequeathed to his wife Alice during her life and then to his son Richard Bull.
     
     
      The Said Richard Bull died on 14 September 27 Elizabeth [1585] at Hertford and his son and heir is Henry Bull, who was under age at the time of his father's death, ie., aged 20 on 1 January last. After her husband's death Alice Bull on 17 March 28 Elizabeth [1586] took to husband Anthony Garland. (Inquisition post mortem on Richard Bull of Hertford, PRO WARD 7/21/210.)"
     
      (David L. Greene (TAG)).
     
     

He married Alice Hunt.^2,3 Richard was born circa 1511 at county Hertfordshire, England.^2,3 He was the son of Charles Bull and Joan Knighton. Richard was present at Elizabeth Bull'S christening on 4 August 1563 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^2,4,5,6 Richard was present at Henry Bull'S christening between 1 January 1565 and 1566 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^7,6 Richard was present at Richard Bull'S christening on 28 July 1571 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^7,6 Richard was present at Alice Bull'S christening on 14 August 1575 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^7,6 Richard died on 14 September 1585 at county Hertfordshire, England.⁸

     She married Richard Bull.^1,2 Alice was born circa 1532.^1,2 Alice was present at Elizabeth Bull's christening on 4 August 1563 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^1,3,4,5 Alice was present at Henry Bull's christening between 1 January 1565 and 1566 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^6,5 Alice was present at Richard Bull's christening on 28 July 1571 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^6,5 Alice was present at Alice Bull's christening on 14 August 1575 at in St. Andrews county Hertfordshire, England.^6,5

     
     
     
      "Charles Bull died testate:
     
     
      Will of Charles Bull of Hertford, co. Hertford, executed 27 June 24 Henry VIII, 1532, proved October 1532. To be buried in churchyard of St. Andrews, Hartforde, "next to my children ther lyinge." To parson of said church for tithes forgotten, 3s 4d. To the mother church of Lincoln 5d. To Johan Bull my wife for her lifetime, all messuages [etc.] in the parish of Stapleforde and Waterforde, parish of Bengeo, except lands [etc.] purchased of Edmunde Rogerys, gentleman, late of Walton at Stow, and the lands butting upon the said Stapleforde street towards the east. Also my tenements in the town of Ware and a messuage of Thomas Birche called the Sign of the Bear. To Johan my wife for her life the messuage or dwelling house I dwell in in the town of Herteforde, and after her decease to my son Richarde Bull. All my feoffes to my wife for her life. To my said wife during her life the messuage or tenements called the Angell in Hertforde; 19 pieces of land containing 40 aacres and a rood of arable land in Hertford, Brekyndon [?], and fee of Amwell; 2 pieces of land in a field called high field next to the town of Ware; a great barn, 2 stables, and 3 gardens in the parish of the priory next Hartforde; 2 messuages or tenements in the parish of St. Nicholas in Hertforde abutting the King's highway. After my wife's decease, the said messuages [etc.] to Cristofere Bull my son; if he has no issue, then to Edwarde Bulle my son. To my said wife during her life, "all that hede Tenements and two small Tenements to yt annexed callede peinters sette and beying in Cow bredge in the fee of Bengehoo in the parishe of Seynte Marie of the town of Hartforde." Also my tenements in the parish of St. Andrews, a croft in St. Andrews late William Mynores and sometime Andrewe Bodye, a croft in the parish of St. Marys in Hertford sometime Herrye Shusshe [?]. After the death of my wife, all these messuages [etc.] to Edwarde my son; if he has no issue, then to George my son; if George has no issue, then to Cristofere. Wife to maintain all the said messuages and tenements. My house in which Robert Kely [bolt] dwells to wife Johan and after her decease to Cristofere. Wife Johan to have 'yssuys and progights' of all my lands. tenements [etc.]. [Testator provides yearly value of various properties, including butcher's stalls and fisher's stalls in the market place of Hertford.] From the issue and profit, wife to "bynde my children prentice in London by the discrecion of my fathere in lawe master Thomas Knyghton." The overplus to go to the marriage of my 3 daughters, Barbara, Dorethe, and Elyne; each to have 640 to their marriages. "soo that they and every of them be governyd and ruled in their seide maryage by my seid Father in lawe or by my seide wiffe." All goods and "catalles" to wife Johan. Supervisor: my said father-in-law Thomas Knyghton. Witnesses: the said Thomas Knyghton, Sir John Lorynge, parson of St. Andrews, Thomas Camyswell, William Emysley, John Spryngly, Edward Foxe, John Gilston, with many. (Cambridgeshire Record Office, Huntingdon, H'don Arch. Wills, Vol. 6 f. 103)
     
     
      Inquisition post mortem on Charles Bull, abstracted by Peter Wilson Coldham:
     
     
      I.P.M. on Charles Bull, gent., taken at Ware, Herts., 16 July 31 Henry VIII [1539]. Charles Bull was seized of a messuage at Hertford and divers others there held of the KIng; of a tenement in Stapleford, Bengeo, and Solambe [?], held of the Abbot and Monastery of St. Albans; of a tenement held of William Say as of the Manor of Benyego Hall, of a tenement in Ware called the Angel held of Countess Say Albans' Monastery as of the Manor of Amewell of St. Peter's Westminster. Charles Bull by indent of 15 May 19 Henry VIII [1527] with Thomas Puryent and Thomas Knyghton and others demised these to the use of himself and his wife Joan during their lives and thereafter to his son and heir apparent Richard Bull. Charles Bull made his will on 22 [sic] June 24 Henry VIII [1532] making his said wife Joan his executrix and on 27 of the same month died. The Said Richard Bull is his next heir and was aged 21 and more at the time of his father's death but is now aged 23 [sic; 28 is probably intended] and more; Joan Bull, late wife of the said Charles Bull, was formerly wife of Robert Warton deceased and Thomas Hartewell is now husband of the said Joan. (PRO C1452/61/78, Inquisition post mortem on Charles Bull, gent., 16 July Henry VIII [1539])"
     
      David L. Greene (TAG).
     
     

Charles was born circa 1490 at county Hertfordshire, England.^2,3 He was the son of Richard Bull and Ellen Skipwith. He married Joan Knighton circa 1510 at county Hertfordshire, England.^2,4,5,6 Charles died on 27 June 1532 at county Hertfordshire, England.⁷

     
     
     
      Joan Knighton was living on 16 July Henry VIII [1539], when her first husband's Inquisition post mortem was taken.
     
     

Joan was born circa 1494 at Bayford, County Hertfordshire, England.^2,3 She was the daughter of Thomas Knighton and Anne Underhill. She married Charles Bull circa 1510 at county Hertfordshire, England.^4,5,6,7 She married Robert Warton after 1539/1540.^8,7 She married Thomas Hartewell circa 1540.^8,7

     
     
     
      "The Will of Thomas Knyghton:
     
     of Bayford, co. Hertford, Esq., was dated 3 February 1544 (35 Henry VIII), in "prosperous health of body" even though he died only three months later. He stated that "concernynge my landes I neade nat here greatlie reherse seynge that I longe afore this tyme the same after my decease haty gevyn them unto my yongest sonne John Knyghton go the fre and copie beinge in the counties of herts and Essex...." "my wretchede bodye I will the same to be buryed in Seynt Annys Chapell in [the] parish churche of Bayforde...betwyxe my fathers grave and my wiffes pewe...." To my daughter Anne, now wife of Will[iam] Mason 640 on "the day of my yeretide." If she die, 10 marks to go to the said William Mason. The said Will and Anne to have their meat and drink as they now do, and their chamber. To my daughter Elizabeth, now John "Alleynys" wife, 65, a featherbed, etc. to "Tomyson a nother of my doughters" 65 (to go to Elizabeth if Thomasine die). To Richard Haggere my clerk 20s. To the church of Bayforde 2 forthes [?] prie, 13s., 4d, 20s. toward buying a new vestment. To every of my tenements' [?] servants taking wages 12d., and to every of my other servants not taking wages 8d. To every poor household within the said town 4d. and a cheese of 4d. and a loaf of bread of 1d. To the church wardens of All Hallows, Hertford, 5s. Unto Little Barkynfield 3s 4d. Residue, except best carpet, which I give John my son, to Margery my wife and John Knyghton my son. Said John Knyghton to be sole executor. Said wife to have "all the plate that my lady Maryyss grace hath given to her and me synce the tyme of our maryage savynge one of the cuppys which hir grace gave to my wiff the day of our mariage...." To her the "cheyne" which I bought of "Mastris Clarenoyes" and a little ring her brother gave her. Residue of rings to be divided between my wife and said son. "And as to my stuffe of housholde will they be sett in to two sundrie chamberes eqallie to be devidede by ij or iij honeste persons and my sade stuff so devidede the namys of the said chambers to be put in to ij billetts [ ? ] in waxe and to be put in to an hatte or cappe my said wiff to take the one and the said John the other and so to take there fortune...." All the hangings on the walls to remain to the use of John. To John Alleyne my son-in-law my tawny furred gown. To Will Mason my gown with a cap furred with "foynys." "And in consideracion that my said wiff and my said sonne evary of them shall have a convenyant porcion betwyxe wherfor I will and in gods behalfe charge them that ther be no veriance betwyxe them." To Margerie my wife a piece of coined gold the value of 22s 6d and a piece of like value to John Knyghton "callede as I suppose portageues." My mass book, my chalice of silver of gilt, my pax of silver and my two vestments to remain in my chapel "in the same which my late wiff gave the same to the same intente." To Agnes Hoggyn and Agnes Fallar, meat, drink, and lodging for life. Proved 22 April 1544. (Cambridgeshire Record Office, Huntington, ref.: Will T. Knighton 1544. [the record office also gave the citation as "Vol. 7 p.102; clearly from the records of the commissary court of the Bishop of Lincoln and of the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon.]
     
     
      Two copies of the Inquisition post mortem on Thomas Knighton survive, each in poor condition. The following abstracts were made by Peter Wilson Coldham:
     
     
      [Right hand portion of parchment and bottom illegible] I.P.M. on Thomas Knyghton of Bayford, Herts., Esq., dated 10 Jun 36 Henry VIII [1544]. The deceased had property in Bayford by deed of 8 May 21 Henry VII [1506], to which the parties were ---- of Bedford, Esq., William Macehall, John Burgoyn, William G[ascoyne], Thomas Blake, William Bensted, and ---- Bardolff, which property was to the use of Johane Collope, widow, sister of the said William Gascon [sic], and to the heirs of her body by the said Thomas Knyghton. ---- ---- ----- to the use of John Knyghton, son of the same. By deed of 4 February 27 Henry VII ----- ----- ----- was extinct after the death of the said Thomas Knyghton, son of the said John Knyghton. ---- ----- ----- the said John Knyghton died without heirs of his body. A holding in Bayford of 4 acres held by Thomas Knyghton and Margerie his wife and to the heirs of her body [by deed of?] 10 May 31 Henry VIII [1539]. Reference to property held of Waltham Abbey, Essex.
      Thomas Knyghton died on 7 April last ---- ---- ---- of the aforesaid John Knyghton and Margerie Knyghton ---- ---- and he is in full life, and that Francis Knyghton is the next blood kin and heir, i.e., son of Thomas Knyghton the younger, son and heir while he lived of the said Thomas Knyghton. (PRO C142/70/11)
     
     
      [copy of the above with large "bald" patches] By deed of 21 [?] Henry VII between William Gascoyne of Cardington, Beds., gent., William Marchall, John Burgoyn, Thomas Blake, William Bensted, Edmund Bardolf, tenements and land in Bayford were devised to the user of Joan Collope, widow, sister of the said William Gascoyne and her male heirs on the body of Thomas Knyghton, and after their deaths to the use of John Knyghton, younger son of the said Thomas Knyghton, ---- Manor of Breckindon. ---- That Thomas Knyghton, who was son and heir of the said Thomas Knyghton, ---- aged 10 years and more. (pro e150/318/4)
     
     
      [Very faded] I.P.M. on Margery Allen, taken at Ware, Herts, on [--] July 4 Elizabeth [1652]. Margerie Allen, late wife of John Allen of Hatford Peverell, Essex, gent., and former wife of Thomas Knyghton of Bayford, Herts., [held] ---- church of All Saints, Herford, of the Monastery of ----; and of the Manor of Brickingdon [in] Stansted, Hoddesdon, Ware, Amwell, Hertford, and Hertford Heath. She died at Hatfield on 16 November 5 Edward VI [1551]. The heir is Andrew Baynton, gent., son and heir of Edward Baynton, gent., deceased, and at the time of the iNquisition was aged 39 and more. (PRO C142/133/100)
     
     
      I.P.M. on Andrew Baynton, gent., taken at Hertford on 13 October 11 Elizabeth [1569]. Margery Allen, late wife of John Allen of Hatfield Peverell, Essex, Esq., and former wife of Thomas Knyghton of Bayford, was seized for the rectory of the church of All Saints, Hertford, held of the Manor of Waltham All Saints, Essex and of the tenements in the parish of All Saints and the hamlet of Breckindon, Herts., late of the Monastery of Waltham, and lands in Breckindon, Stansted, Hodlesdon, Ware, Amwell, Hertford, and Hertford Heath. She was seized also of the Manor of Brickendon [sic] alias Brickendon Bury and fines were levied thereon on Easter Day 15 Henry VIII [27 March 1524 (this date must be wrong, since Thomas Knighton's widow Joan could not have married John Allen until after 7 april 1544.)] at Westminster in Christopher Allen and Robert Eggersey, plaintiffs, v. John Allen and Margery his wife deforciants. Being so seized, the said Margery Allen died at Hatfield Peverell on 16 November 5 Elizabeth [sic--the I.P.M. on Margery Allen (above) says 5 Edward VI, which is presumably correct, since her Inquisition was taken in 4 Elizabeth] upon which the Rectory and Manor descended to her next heir Andrew Baynton, i.e., the son and heir of Edward Baynton who was the brother and next of kin of the said Margery. The said Andrew Baynton died on 7 July [5?] Elizabeth aged 29 and more and in the same month the Andrew Baynton named in this Inquisition came before the Court of Wards to petition for the said lands but died on 21 February 6 Elizabeth [1564], upon which the lands should have descended to Anne Baynton, daughter and next heir of the said Andrew Baynton, who was aged 12 and more 23 September 8 Elizabeth [1566]. (PRO C142/157/81)
     
     
      In his will, Thomas Knighton does not mention his elder son Thomas, who died vita patris; his parentage is proven by his father's Inquisition post mortem. The daughter Joan (Knighton) Bull is also not mentioned, doubtless because she had already received her portion. Her son revealed her parentage in his Visitation pedigree, (Visitation of Hertford, 1572, Harleian Soc. Pubs. 22:3(1886)) and the Inquisition post mortem on her first husband, Charles Bull, includes land that Thomas Knighton demised to them. (PRO C1452/61/78, Inquisition post mortem on Charles Bull, gent., 16 July 31 Henry VIII [1539].
     
     
      Herbert C. Andrews indicates that Thomas Knighton married first a Gascoigne and second Anne Underhill and concludes that John Knighton and Joan (Knighton) Bull were children of the Gascoigne marriage and that Thomas Knighton the Younger was a son of the Underhill marriage. This interpretation began with a pedigree in Harleian Manuscript 1541, which was followed in the Harleian Society's Miscellaneous Essex Pedigrees, (Harleian Soc. Pubs. 15:586) even though another pedigree in the same manuscript says that "the heire of Tho: Underhill of Bradley" was mother of both Thomas Knighton the younger and John. The evidence is convincing that Anne (Underhill) Knighton was the mother of Thomas Knighton the younger, John Knighton, and Joan (Knighton) Bull. It is uncertain whether Anne (Underhill) or Joan Gascoigne was the mother of the three daughters mentioned in Thomas Knighton [Sr.]'s will, Anne (Knighton) Mason, Elizabeth (Kinghton) Alleyne, and Thomasine Knighton, although the first name of the latter may suggest that she was a granddaughter of Thomasine (Caldebeck) Underhill.
     
     
      The first consideration in showing that Anne Underhill was the mother of Thomas, John, and Joan is chronology. Thomas Knighton's Inquisition post mortem indicates that an ante-nuptial arrangement was made in 1506, before his marriage to Joan (Gascoigne) Collope. Peter Wilson Coldham has examined the Inquisition under an ultra-violet lamp and confirms that the deed referred to in it was dated 8 May 21 Henry "Sept," and that the Victoria County History is incorrect in dating the deed (with a citation to this Inquisition) as 1529, which was the 21st year of the reign of Henry VIII. (Victoria County History: Hertfordshire, 3:422 (1912)) The marriage must have taken place shortly after 8 May 1506. Joan (Gascoigne) (Collope) Knighton was buried at Bayford on 24 November 1539, and Thomas Knighton married Margery Baynton at Bayford on 28 July 1540."
     
     
      Margery's Inquisition and that on Andrew Baynton, show that she was survived by no issue. The 1506 deed vested property in certain individuals to the use of Joan Collope, sister of William Gascoigne, and to the (male) Heirs of her body by Thomas Knighton; with reversion to John Knighton, younger son of Thomas Knighton [Sr.]. The property did indeed go to John Knighton, a fact which indicates that Joan Had no surviving male offspring by Thomas Knighton, though it does not eliminate the possibility that she had surviving daughters by him.
     
     
      Was Anne (Underhill) Knighton the mother of both Thomas Knighton, the younger and John Knighton, and was her marriage to Thomas Knighton later than the Gascoigne marriage, as Andrews concludes? The evidence is strong that both of these sons of Thoms Knighton Sr., were children of Anne Underhill but that the marriage occurred about 1490, undoubtedly Knighton's first. Thomas Knighton the younger used the Underhill surname, his descendants quartered the Underhill arms, and his property at Little Bradley appears to have been Underhill property. The 1572 Visitation of Hertfordshire shows that John Knighton's descendants also quartered the Underhill arms, even though they inherited the Hertfordshire property. (Harleian Soc. Pubs. 22:70)
     
     
      "Thomas Underhill, the son of Thomas Knyghton" was grantee on 6 November 1503 of the manor of Dalham, co. Suffolk, along with Richard Stotevyle, Esq., Thomas Stotevyle, his son, Richard Drury, knight, George Trace, John Bent, and Ralph Stotevyle, "to hold to Richard Stotevyle for life and to Thomas Stotevyle and the others and their heirs for ever." (Calendar of the Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 2:342-43 (1916)) Thomas Knighton the elder was born considerably before 1470, his son Thomas Knighton alias Underhill could not have been an adult in 1503 and would probably not have been a feoffee at that time. Col. Charles M. Hansen FASG, suggests that it was Thomas Underhill the second husband of Thomasine Caldebeck, who was named in the 1503 grant, and that the text should read "Thomas Underhill, his son [in-law] Thomas Knighton." Thomas Underhill's daughter Margaret married Thomas Stuteville, named in the grant along with his father Richard Stuteville. Richard Stuteville was of the same generation as Thomas Underhill, one being the father and the other the father-in-law of Thomas Stuteville.
     
     
      The Inquisitions post mortem indicate that Thomas was the older son, and the 1506 deed indicates that John Knighton was the younger son; hence both were born before the marriage to Joan (Gascoigne) Collope in 1506. Joan (Knighton) Bull's son Richard, according to her husband's Inquisition post mortem, was born about 1511; (Inquisition post mortem on Charles Bull, gent., 16 July 31 Henry VIII [1539], PRO C142/61/78) clearly his mother was born in the 1490's, which places her as a child of Anne Underhill.
     
     
      The records above suggest that Thomas Knighton's financial and social status were considerably higher than that of his probable father, the steward to Sir John Say. His rise probably began with his marriage to the co-heiress of Thomas Underhill. Thomas Knighton is mentioned frequently in Hertfordshire Feet of Fines from 1507 to 1536, as published in The Herts Genealogist and Antiquary. (Herts Genealogist and Antiquary, 1:9, 75, 76, 77, 73, 83, 84, 138, 140, 145 (1895)) After dissolution of the monasteries, the king gave the rectory and advowson of All Saints in Herford to Knighton (Victoria County History: Hertfordshire, 3:510)
     
      (David L. Greene (TAG)).
     
     

He married NN---- NN----. Thomas was born circa 1472 at Bayford, County Hertfordshire, England.¹ He married Anne Underhill circa 1490.^2,3 He married Joan (Gascoigne) Collope in 1506.⁴ He married Margery NN---- on 28 July 1540 at Bayford, County Hertfordshire, England.⁴ Thomas died in April 1544 at Bayford, County Hertfordshire, England.⁵