Nicholas Spencer (1611 - bef. 1644)

Nicholas Spencer was a member of the aristocracy in British Isles.

Biography

Children of Nicholas Spencer and Mary Gostwick:

1. William b. 1632 d. abt. 1683 = Elizabeth
2. Nicholas Esq. d. 1688 = Frances Mottram,
3. Robert bpt. 05 May 1635.
4. Michael
5. Mary d. Aug 31 1663

Research Notes

A property known as ROWLANDS MANOR appears in the parish in the 16th century, and was then held of Sir Thomas Snagge as of the barony of Bedford. (fn. 35) Its origin is uncertain, but a family of Rodland or Rowland is associated with this parish from the 13th to the 15th century. (fn. 36) The first mention of it as a manor is found in 1531, when John Spencer made a settlement of it. (fn. 37) His father Robert's name occurs a few years earlier as holding land in Cople. (fn. 38) Thomas son of John Spencer died seised in 1547. (fn. 39) He was succeeded by his son Robert, who was followed by his son Nicholas, who died about 1625. (fn. 40) His son, another Nicholas, married Mary daughter of Sir Edward Gostwick of Willington, and died in 1643. (fn. 41) William Spencer, son and heir of Nicholas, was living and in possession of Rowlands in 1691. (fn. 42) The Spencer estates in Cople were bought by Francis Brace for the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough, (fn. 43) probably about the same time that the other Cople property was purchased of Sir William Gostwick. It still bore its distinctive name as part of the Duke of Bedford's estate in this parish at the beginning of the 19th century. (fn. 44) ^[1]

Will

Nicholas Spencer, of Cople, Bedford, Esq. 10th April 19th Charles, proved 13 March 1644. To eldest son William Spencer my mansion houses, etc. in the Counties of Bedford and Huntington. To my other sons Michael, Robert and Edward Spencer 500 pounds each. To my daughter Mary Spencer 800 pounds, upon consideration nevertheless that if Mary my now wife shall survive me and be living one whole year next after my decease then my said daughter Mary shall have seven hundred pounds and no more, and if my wife shall be living two whole years my daughter Mary shall have six hundred pounds and no more (and so on). And if my wife shall be living seven whole years my said daughter shall have one hundred pounds and no more. I do nominate Sir William Botler of bidnam, Beds., kn. Walter Rolt of Clifton, Beds. Esq. , Gaius Squire of Eaton Socon, Beds. Esq. and Robert Howgall of Wilington, Beds. Clerk, executors of this my last will and testament, to each of whom I bequeath twenty shillings to buy him a mourning ring. To each of my brothers and sisters ten shillings to buy them rings, and also to each of my brothers and sisters in law. My son William shall have his education at the Grammar School until he is fit for the University, and then to remain there until he shall go to the Inns of Court. My son Nicholas to be likewise educated at the Grammar School until he be fit for the University and then there to remain. My other two sons Robert and Edward to be educated in a fitting way to be tradesmen and bound apprentices. ^[2]

Other names: Oliver Luke of Cople Woodend John Luke of Cople Woodend Judith Luke John Ventris Willam Spencer m. Elizabeth Spence

Fictitious daughter

He did not have a daughter Marie who married Gabriel Maupin (1666-bef.1720) whose wife was actually Marie Hersant.

Sources

1. ↑ http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/beds/vol3/pp238-242
2. ↑ The New England Historical and Genealogical Register,: Volume 45 1891 p. 66

• Thomas Family of Talbot County, Maryland and Allied Families by Richard Henry Spencer