fter
that time he purchased the property of Longcroft, in the Manor of
Yoxall, Staffordshire, and his descendants bear the fesse chequy, and
are noted in another county history.
The will of William Arden does not seem to have been noted by the family
genealogists, probably because it was drawn up in London. The Calendar
at Somerset House enters it as "William Arden,[407] of St. Brigyde,
London, and Saltley,[408] Warwickshire," 7 July, 36 Henry VIII. Its
details shed much light on the fortunes of the family, especially in
relation to the other family wills. He had married Elizabeth, the
daughter of Edward Conway, of Arrow, and left two sons and eight
daughters. He desired to be buried in the "Parish Church of Saint
Brigyde in Fleet Street, within the suburbs of London," and left "to my
youngest sonne, Francis Arden, all my purchased land, which I purchased
of my grandfather's youngest son, John Arden, and another part lying
within the Lordship of Saltley.[409] Item, I bequeath to him the lease I
have taken of my Lord Ferris for 31 years, which also lyeth within the
Lordship of Budbrooke, so that he come to his full age, and during his
nonage, the profits thereof to be taken up by mine overseers to the use
of my daughters. If it happen the said Francis to dye without lawful
issue, then I will my eldest sonne and heire, Edward Arden, when he
cometh to his full age, to enjoy the said purchased land and lease to
his heires. Item, I bequeath to the said Francis L6 13s. 4d., to be payd
yearely during the term of his naturall life, by the hands of my eldest
sonne, Edward Arden, when he cometh to his lands. Item, I give unto my
eight daughters, Anne,[410] Ursuley, Brigid, Barbara, Joyce, Jane,
Urseley, and Fraunces Arden the whole rent that my ferme beareth me,"
etc. "I bequeath to my brother, Edward Arden, my black Satin cote." "I
bequeathe my long gowne eggyd with velvet to my father, Thomas Arden, in
recompense of the money which he lent me, whom I make the Overseer of
this my will, with my father-in-law, Edward Conway." Edward Arden, his
son and heir, was to be sole executor. The witnesses were: Christopher
Drey, Francis Waferer (his brother-in-law), and John Tayloure, Vicar of
St. Brigyde, and it was proved April 14, 1546, by John, afterwards Sir
John Conway, uncle of the heir.
William's father, Thomas, died in 5 Elizabeth, 1563. I have not traced
his will. Edward, son of William, succeeded him. This Edward had been
war
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