wherein my
small knowledge taketh repast." _Epistle Dedicatory_, Vol. II.
p. 4.]

As the founder of the family[45] his money must be presumed to have been
gained by himself, and not acquired by descent. It would be pleasing to
believe some part of it to have been derived from the labours of his
pen. But his productions were not of sufficient magnitude to command it,
although he must rank as one of the first writers who introduced novels
into our language, since so widely lucrative to--printers. Yet less
could there accrue a saving from his office to enable him to complete
the purchases of land made at Gillingham, co. Kent.

[Footnote 45: Some of the following notices, probably, relate
to branches of the family. --William Paynter "de Vkefielde,"
possessed lands at Horsemonden, Benynden, and Merden, co. Kent. He
left three sons, Alexander, John and Robert. His will dated 25th
Feb. 24. Hen. 7th. (1509) and proved in November following.
--John P. Citizen and Freemason of London, by Will dated 26th Nov.
1532, proved 1537, gave to the children of his late brother
Richard P. late of Littleport, co. Kent, 6s. 8d. each. He was to
be buried at St. Albans, Wood Street, where on inquiry I am
informed the Registers of that period do not exist. --John P.
twice mayor of Dover, died 14th July, 1540, buried at Rainham,
same co. See Weever's _Funeral Monuments_. --Edmonde P. Steward to
the Bishop of Ely, held a patent place, and by his will dated 7th
Sept. 14 Eliz. (1572) gave to his brother's daughter "Johane"
forty pounds. Probably the eldest daughter of our Author.]

At what period he married cannot be stated. His wife was Dorothy Bonham
of Cowling, born about the year 1537, and their six children were all
nearly adults, and one married, at the time of his death in 1594. We may
therefore conclude that event could not be later than 1565; and if he
obtained any portion with his wife the same date allows of a disposition
of it as now required.

It is certain that he purchased of Thomas and Christopher Webb the manor
of East-Court in the parish of Gillingham, where his son Anthony P.
resided during his father's lifetime. He also purchased of Christopher
Sampson the manor of Twidall in the same parish with its appurtenances,
and a fine was levied for that purpose in Easter Term 16 Eliz. Both the
manors remained in the family, and passed by direct line from the above