The Leake Family

This family name is often spelled Leeke, and sometimes Leek, Leke or Lake

Ann Leake

Father: Jasper Leake

Mother: Mary (Coleshill) Leake

Notes:
Ann is named in the will of her maternal grandfather Thomas Colshill, dated 23 April 1593 and proved 12 April 1595, which is held at the National Archives (PROB 11/85/243)
... Item I give and bequeathe to Ann Leeke the daughter of Jasper Leeke a hundered markes

Sources:

Jasper Leake

Birth: about 1543
Jasper matriculated at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1558. Although some students at this time matriculated as young as twelve, it was more common that they were 14-16 years old, giving a rough estimate of the date of Jasper's birth.

Father: John Leake

Mother: Catherine (Ogle) Leake

Education: Trinity College, Cambridge, matriculating in 1558, and Gray's Inn, where he was admitted on 28 January 1561/2.
Alumni Cantabrigienses vol 1 part 3 p59 (John Venn, 1924)
LEKE, GASPARD. Matric. pens. from TRINITY, Michs. 1558. S. of John, of Wyerhall, Edmonton, Middlesex. Perhaps as ‘Jasper Leake,’ adm. at Gray’s Inn, 1561. Married Mary, dau. of Thomas Coleshull, of Chigwell, Essex. Brother of Roger (1558). (Middlesex Pedigrees.)

The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889 p44 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1561. (Jan. 28.)
... JASPER LEAKE.

Married: Mary Coleshill

Children: Notes:
Jasper was a legatee and executor of the will of his father John Leeke, dated 21 April 1563, and proved on 25 October 1572, held at the National Archives (PROB 11/54/433)
... Also I will and give unto Jasphe Leeke the house at Churche Strete wth all the ffrehold lands at hottons to him and to his heirs forevermore wch was my wyfe mothers and longed to that house Also I will and bequeath to every one of my sonnes one gilte standinge cuppe
... The rest of all my goods unbequeathed I give and bequeath unto Jasper Leeke my sone whom I make my sole exor to dispose my goods to yt honor of god and wealth of my soule    

A History of the County of Middlesex vol 5 pp187-8 (1976)
By will dated 1563 John Leake (d. 1572) left his biggest silver spoon to the church, 'if mass be ministered again'. His widow and children were indicted for recusancy in 1587,2 1606, and 1608,3 and in 1586 his widow's second husband John Cornwell was suspected of harbouring a priest and Leake's two sons, Joseph and Jasper, were accused of using their position as justices of the peace to shelter him and of mocking the Anglican communion service.
2 i.e. his widow Catherine and daughters Helen and Jane: Mdx. Cnty. Recs. i. 173.
3  i.e. his son Edward: Mdx. Cnty Recs. ii. 19; M.R.O., Cal. Mdx. Sess. Recs. i. 236.

Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Elizabeth 1581-1590 p349 (1865)
      VOL. CXCII. 1586.
[1586.]
[Aug. ?]  72. Examination of Lache Sutewell, of Edmonton, touching Richard Pooley, suspected to be a seminary priest, who was harboured in the house of John Cornewall of Edmonton, and sheltered from arrest by Jasper Leeke, a justice of peace: together with an account of the order of an irreverent and blasphemous celebration of a mock communion service by Joseph Leeke in a barn at Winchmore Hill, in Edmonton on the marriage of a poor couple, and instead of a psalm they sang “a vile prophane song called the ‘Dogges of “Tottenham.’” Complaint by Roger Greene the vicar, and persecution of him by Joseph Leeke, the justice of peace. Bad character of Joseph Leeke “who hath begotten two base children upon two “poore maydens, to the great charge of the parishioners.”

Jasper is named in the will of Mary's father Thomas Colshill, dated 23 April 1593 and proved 12 April 1595, which is held at the National Archives (PROB 11/85/243)
... Item I give and bequeath to Jasper Leeke my sonne in lawe one standinge cupp of silver and gilte with a cover which was my grandfather Westes conteyning fortie seaven ounces or there aboutes to be delivered unto hym within one half yeare after my decease.
... Item I give and bequeathe to my sonne Leeke and to my daughter his wife to either of them a morning gowne to be worne at my funerall

Jasper and two sons, John and Jasper, are named in the will of the elder Jasper's brother, Roger, dated 19 December 1594, and proved 5 February 1594(5), held at the National Archives (PROB 11/85/79). Jasper is also named as the executor.
... I doe give grante bequeath and devise All the sayed landes Tenementes and heriditamentes lying and being within the said parishe of Braye in the said countie of Bark to these severall uses intentes and purposes folloeinge (that is to saye, to the use of my said mother Katherine Cornewall for by and duringe her naturall life without making ??? stripe or waiste and after her decease to my brother Jasper Leeke duringe his naturall life, and after his decease to Jasper Leeke sonn of my said brother Jasper and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten, and for lacke of such issue to my brother Edwarde Leeke duringe his naturall life and after his decease to the use and behoofe of John Leeke eldest sonn unto my said brother Jasper Leeke and his heires for ever.
... Item all the reste of my goodes cattells chattells and readye moneye wheresoever I have withyn the realme of England my debtes payed and funerall expenses discharged I give unto my brother Jasper Leeke whom I doe constitute ordaine make Sole executor of this my present last will and testament        

Jasper is also named as an executor of the will of Mary's mother, Mary (Crayford) Colshill, dated 2 June 1599 and proved on 29 June 1599, held at the The National Archives (PROB 11/93/439).
... Item I doe give to my sonne Stanhope and my daughter Susan his wyfe, to my sonne Leeke, and my daughter Mary his wyfe, to my brother Arthur, and his wyfe, to my cosen Manwood and his wyfe, to my Grand childe Elizabeth Dacres each of them mourning gownes and of such stuff as shalbe thought meete by my Executors. The gentlemen to have cloth of Eighteene shillings the yarde; And the gentlewomen silke ??? of Three shillings ffour pence ye yarde, hoping that they (if their helthes will permitt them) will not only attende my body to the buriall but will also furnish such of their children as may be at it with mourning apparel for that purpose.
... Item whereas my Sonnes in Lawe Edward Stanhope and Jasper Leeke did kindly and frendly compound with Alderman Lee for a debt which he challenged of and as Executor to my late husband and recovered by verdite against me for the same ??? action of ???. Three hundred and ??? poundes And nevertheless they did not only compound and agree with him for it, for Eight score poundes to be payd in ff??? years but ??? their bondes unto him for payment of the same whereof they have allreddy payd him fforty poundes and there is Thirty poundes thereof payd by my annuity out of Goodnoy for Three quarters rente which I doe well allowed of and doe acquitt him of soomuch And for that it was allways my meaning to give them security by that my Annuitie duringe my lyfe, and by somuch of my goods as should make up the sayd some of Eight score poundes as was ??payed at my death. Therefore my will is that yf there be not other order taken by my deede in my lyfe time of speciall goods set out for the purpose, That then my Executors shall (before any division made of my goods) make choyse of the best of such goodes as shall remayne (my funeralls discharged and my legacies therein particularly named excepted) And the same shall sell towardes the paymente of the ??? of the said debte owing to Allderman Lee which at this presente is Six score and Ten poundes, and Mr Lee to be taken order withall for the ??? of the said debte for such ??? as the said Edward and Jasper can agree with him to be payd out of the ??? of those goods So as all their bondes for that debt may be discharged betwixt this and michellmas next, and what they can save by that ??? or by the payd goods to be devided equally betwixt them.
... And to my sonne Leeke one of my ??? saltes with the cover, and I give them to remayne to his sonne and heire after his and my daughters decease as an heirloome.
... All the rest of my goodes and chattells unbequeathed (my funerall and debts discharged) I doe aswell in support of the paymts before mentioned by them to be made, and for the trust in me reposed by most deare and lovinge husband give unto Edward Stanhope, and Jasper Leeke esquires my sonnes in lawe for the good and betteringe of the estate of them and their wyves my motherloved and kinde daughters whom I pray God to bless and all their children and posteritie, And doe ordayne and make the sayd Edward Stanhope and Jasper Leeke my sole Executors of this my last will and Testamt

A History of the County of Middlesex vol 5 pp154-161 (1976)
The Leake family, described as of Weir Hall in the early 16th century, may have acquired the estate in 1491, when Thomas Fulnetby granted two houses and 122 a. to John Leake and others. In 1605 Weir Hall formed part of 650 a. held by Jasper Leake. In 1609 Sir John Leake sold Weir Hall to George Huxley, haberdasher of London

More detail on Jasper's estate at Weir Hall comes from Watermills and Windmills of Middlesex "In 1605 another watermill stood among ponds and osiers on Jasper Leake’s freehold estate at Weir Hall"

Jasper was deceased by the time he is mentioned in the will of Anthony Stratford, Salter of Friday Street London, dated 9 October 1607 "And, where as my Brother Richard Stratford, and I, Here before disbursed £50 apiece to Mr. Jasper Leake, deceased, and Sir John Leake, the son of the said Jasper, and like an Assurance of Recognisance for Repayment of the said Money, to my Brother Richard Stratford, and myself, monthly. I give the said £50 to my Brother Richard Stratford"

Death: between 2 June 1599 and 9 October 1607
Jasper must have died after the mention in will of his mother-in-law, Mary (Crayford) Colshill, dated 2 June 1599. In 1605 he is stated to own 605 acres at Weir Hall (A History of the County of Middlesex vol 5 pp154-161) so was likely still alive then, but he died before he is stated to be deceased in the will of Anthony Stratford, dated 9 October 1607.

Sources:

Jasper Leake

Birth: 1578/9

Father: Jasper Leake

Mother: Mary (Coleshill) Leake

Education: Queen's College, Oxford, matriculating on 14 October 1596
Alumni Oxonienses 1500-1713 vol 3 p895 (Joseph Foster, 1891)
Leeke, Jasper, of Middlesex, arm. QUEEN'S COLL., matric. 14 Oct., 1596, aged 17; probably son of Jasper, of Edmonton, Middlesex.

Notes:
Jasper is named in the will of his uncle, Roger, dated 19 December 1594, and proved 5 February 1594(5), held at the National Archives (PROB 11/85/79).
... I doe give grante bequeath and devise All the sayed landes Tenementes and heriditamentes lying and being within the said parishe of Braye in the said countie of Bark to these severall uses intentes and purposes folloeinge (that is to saye, to the use of my said mother Katherine Cornewall for by and duringe her naturall life without making ??? stripe or waiste and after her decease to my brother Jasper Leeke duringe his naturall life, and after his decease to Jasper Leeke sonn of my said brother Jasper and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten

Jasper, along with Francis Nichols and Philip Eden, were granted a royal patent on 25 May 1619 to inspect all tobacco imported to England and Wales and levy a customs fee of 4d a pound of tobacco. This patent was granted for 31 years, for a rent of £100 a year.
British Royal Proclamations Relating to America, 1603-1783 pp15-8 (ed Clarence S. Brigham, 1911)
1619, November 10.
[Inspecting of Tobacco.]
BY THE KING.
A PROCLAMATION CONCERNING THE VIEWING AND
DISTINGUISHING OF TOBACCO IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND, THE DOMINION OF WALES, AND TOWNE OF BARWICKE.
  Whereas divers good and necessarie provisions have beene heretofore made, as well by Act of Parliament, as otherwise, for the well garbling of Spices and Drugges, to the intent the Subjects of this Our Realme should not bee occasioned to use any unwholesome Spices or Drugges, to the impayring of their health, or to buy the bad instead of the good, to the impairing of their substance. And for as much as the Drugge called Tobacco, being of late yeeres growne frequent in this Our Realme and other Our Dominions, is daily sold ungarbled, whereby more inconvenience groweth and ariseth to Our loving Subjects, then by any other Drugge whatsoever. And for that also by the manie and sundrie abuses practised and committed by Merchants, Masters of Ships and others, in concealing and uttering the said Tobacco without paying any Impost or Custome for the same, great losse and dammage accrueth to Us, notwithstanding any Lawes, Statutes or other course heretofore taken for preventing thereof: For remedie of all which Inconveniences, Wee, by our Letters Patents under our great Seale of England, bearing Date, at Westmynster the five and twentieth day of May now last past, did prohibite and forbid, That no person or persons should at any time after the day of the Date of our said Letters patents within Our Realme of England, the Dominion of Wales, and Port and Towne of Barwicke, or any of them; or within Our Realme of Ireland, or any part of them or any of them, by himselfe or themselves, or his or their servants or factours, or any others, directly or indirectly sell or put to sale; or attempt, presume or goe about any manner of way to sell or put to sale, either in grosse or by retaile, any Tobacco, of what sort, kind or growth soever, before the Custome and Impost thereof due, were paid; and the same Tobacco were viewed, distinguished and sealed by the Officer or Officers of Us, Our Heires and Successours, in that behalfe to be constituted and appointed; For whose labour, travell, charges and expences in that behalfe to be sustained and taken in the execution of the said Office: Wee did by the said Letters Patents, constitute and appoint, That they should and might from time to time, demand, take and receive to their owne use, of every person and persons whose Tobacco they should so garble, viewe and seale, the summe of foure pence of currant English money, for every pound weight thereof so viewed and sealed.
  And Wee did also by Our said Letters Patents (for the considerations therein mentioned) give and grant the said Office, with the powers, fees and authorities before mentioned to Our welbeloved Subjects, Francis Nichols, Jasper Leake, and Philip Eden, Gentlemen, to be executed by them or their Deputies or Assignes for thirtie and one yeeres next ensuing the Date of the said Letters Patents.
  And Wee did further by Our said Letters, for Us, Our Heires and Successours, give and grant unto the said Francis Nichols, Jasper Leake and Philip Eden, and their Assignes, and to all and every person and persons, which by them or any of them, by writing under their or any of their hands and Seales, should bee in that behalfe deputed and assigned, full power and authoritie during the terme aforesaide, as well to bee present and to have place in all manner of Customehouses, Ports, Havens, Creeks and places of lading or unlading of any manner of Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, into or out of the said Realmes and Dominions: As also to be present with all and every the Customers, Collecters, Searchers, Surveyers, Waiters, and other Officers and Ministers having charge for or concerning the lading or unlading of any Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, for their better executing of all and everything and things thereby appointed, and for their better receiving and enjoying of the benefit of Our said Grant at all times and places, where the said Officers and Ministers or any of them, should by reason of their said severall Offices have cause or occasion to be: And also in all and every place or places, as well in Ships arrived with Tobacco, and riding in any Port, Roade or River, as on the Land, to make and appoint such and so many Watchmen, Waiters and Officers, and to provide and use such reasonable waies, orders and meanes, as they the said Francis Nichols, Jasper Leake and Philip Eden, and their Assignes and Deputies should and might be just and truely informed of all parcels and quantities of Tobacco, as should at any time or times during the said Grant, be brought into any Port or place, or be planted or growing in any place or places of the said Realmes and Dominions or any of them.
  And also that it should and might be lawfull, to and for the said Francis Nichols, Jasper Leake, and Philip Eden, and their Assignes, and their and every of their Deputies and Substitutes, at all and every time and times during the terme aforesaid, in lawfull and convenient maner, with a Constable or other Officer of the place, as well to goe on board, view, and survay all Shippes, Vessels, or Bottomes, riding or lying within any of the Ports, Havens, Creekes and places of lading or unlading, within Our saide Realme of England, Dominion of Wales, Port or Towne of Barwicke, or Realme of Ireland, or any the members or places thereunto belonging, as to goe into any House, Celler, Vault, Warehouse, Shop, or other place within the said Realmes and Dominion, and Port or Towne of Barwicke, or any part of them or any of them to search and view if there be any Tobacco uttered, sold, or put to sale, or offered to be sold, or put to sale before the same be viewed, distinguished, and sealed contrary to the true meaning of the said Letters patents.
  And We did also by the said Letters for Us, Our Heires and Successors, require, charge and Command all and singular Maiors, Shiriffes, Justices of Peace, Bailiffes, Constables, Headboroughes, Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, Surveyors, Waiters, and all other Officers, Ministers, and Subjects whatsoever, of Us, Our Heires and Successors, as well of the said Realme of England, Dominion of Wales, and Port and Towne of Barwicke, as of the said Realme of Ireland, That they and every of them, should from time to time during the continuance of that Our graunt, be aiding and assisting to the said Francis Nichols, Jasper Leake, and Philip Eden, and their Assignes, and to every of them, their and every of their Deputie and Deputies, Substitute and Substitutes, in the due Execution of all and every the powers and authorities expressed in the said Letters Patents, upon paine of the displeasure of Us, Our Heires and Successors, and as they would answere the contrary at their perils; as by the said Letters Patents more at large appeareth.
  Wee now, to the intent Our will and pleasure in the premisses may be the better knowne to all Our loving Subjects whom it may concerne, Doe hereby notifie, publish and declare the same Our pleasure, willing and commanding that all and every the premisses, be from time to time in every respect duely performed, executed and observed according to the true intent and meaning of the same Our Letters Patents. And that no person or persons doe attempt or presume to violate or infringe Our Command hereby; or by Our said Letters Patents declared or expressed, upon the paines and penalties therein contained. And We doe also hereby Charge and Command, as well all and singular Merchants, and other person and persons whatsoever, which shall import any Tobacco of what sort soever, That they cause the same to be duely entred in the Custome house belonging to the Port or place where it shall bee landed, in the name or names onely of the true proprietor or owner, proprietors or owners thereof, and not in the name or names of any other person, or persons which is not the true owner thereof; As also all Our Customers and other Officers whatsoever, That they take speciall care and regard to the due performance of the same, as they tender Our pleasure, and will avoide the contrary.
  Given at Theobalds the tenth day of November, in the seventeenth yeere of Our Reigne of Great Brittaine, France, and Ireland.
GOD SAVE THE KING.

Essex Records Office D/DU 400/1
Title: Admission of Jasper Leake on death of mother Mary Leake
Scope and Content: Messuage called the 'White Hart' with garden, stables etc., Barnemead (6 acres) and Kitchinfield (6 acres), copyhold of manor of Chigwell, in Chigwell
Dates of Creation: 5 December 1623

Will: The will of Jasper Leeke, Batchelor of Chigwell, Essex, dated November 1638, and proved 27 June 1639, is held at the National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/180/510).
Memorandum That in the moneth of November 1638 And either on the Sunday before the ffift of November aforesaid or on the Sunday next following Jasper Leeke late of Chigwell in the County of Essex Batchelor deceased being then sickly in body but of perfect mynde and memory And having an intent to make his will did by word of mouth declare the same in manner & forme following. ffirst hee did desire & ??? Mr John Machell his Nephew to be his Executor To whom hee willed all his estate And farther willed him (out thereof) (his debtes being first satisfied) to his niece Anne Machell Tewnty poundes And to his Cosen ??? Leeke dwellinge with ??? Lady Verney wife of Sr Edmund Verney knight Twenty poundes All which to this effect above here the said deceased uttered & declared in the presence of the said Mr John Machill Ralph Ingleton John Meddowes Sig?? R??? Ingleton Signed Rudul?? Ingleton John Medowes            
     
Sources:

John Leake

Birth: 1577/8

Father: Jasper Leake

Mother: Mary (Coleshill) Leake

Education: Gray's Inn, where he was admitted on 10 May 1594.
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889 p85 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1594.
May 10.  JOHN LEEKE, son and heir of Jasper Leeke, of Edmonton, Middlesex

Married (1st): Elizabeth Atkinson on 4 April 1597 in St Dunstan in the West, London, England

Elizabeth was the daughter of Robert Atkinson, of Stowell in Gloucestershire, and Joyce Ashfield. She died before 9 February 1601(2) when John Leeke is stated to be a widower in the marriage license of his second marriage. Elizabeth is mentioned in will of her father Robert Atkinson dated 15 January 1605(6) held at the National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/110/361) "Item I give to Susan Leake the daughter of Sr John Leake knight and Elizabeth his wife my daughter deceased two hundred poundes of lawfull mony of England and one chayne of goulde and one border of gould which my late wife Joyce Atkinson did use to weare to be payed and delivered to her at her age of fifteen yeres or her daye of marriage which first shall happen"

Children: Married (2nd): Ann Turvyll at St Clement Danes, Middlesex, England, by license dated 9 February 1601(2)
Allegations for Marriage Licences Issued by the Bishop of London 1520-1610 vol 1 p267 (Joseph Lemuel Chester, 1887)
 1601-2
Feb. 9  John Leeke, Gent., of Gray’s Inn, son & heir to Mr Jasper Leeke, of Edmonton, Middx., Widr, 24, & Ann Turvyll, of St Martin’s in Fields, Maiden, 18, dau. of Jeffery Turvyll, of Trinity, Minories, Esq., decd 16 years ago, her mother being now the widow of Sir Edmond Varney, Knt, & living in St Clement Danes, who gives her consent; at St Clement’s Danes. 

Ann Turvyll was born in 1583/4, the daughter of Geoffrey Turvyll, of Thurleston, Leicestershire, who died when she was an infant, and Mary Blakeney. She was buried in Chigwell, Essex, on 7 October 1652. The will of Dame Ann Leeke, widow of Chigwell, Essex, dated 9 July 1650 with a codicil dated 19 September 1652, was proved on 14 May 1653, and is held at the National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/227/77)
In the name of God Amen, the Ninth day of July Anno Dni One Thousand Six Hundred & Fiftie, I Dame Anne Leeke, widdow, late wife of Sr John Leeke late of the pish of Chigwell in the County of Essex Knt being well in body, and of perfect mind & memory thanks bee given to Almightie God, revoking all other former wills Doe make ordaine & declare this my last will and testamt in manner and forme following (Vizt) First I bequeath my soule into the hands of Almighty God, my creator, hopeing and stedfastly believing that both my soule and body shalbe saved by the death, and passion of my lord and Saviour Jesus Christ my redeemer, and my body I comitt to the earth in decent and xpian buriall, and my desire is yt my body may be buried by my deare husband Sr John Leeke in the parish church of Chigwell afore said. And, touching the disposition of my personall estate that is of all such leases, goods and chattells as God hath blessed mee wthall my will & meaning is, And I doe desire and bequeath All my estate right title and interst, and terme of yeares yet to come of and in the moytie, and one halfe of the Mannors of Tottington Campsies Mortins and Stanford Campsies wth their & every of their rights members and appurtenances. And of and in all those lands tenemts & hereditamts  in Tottington Stanford Camsies Mortins in the county of Norfolk, and the rents issues revenues and proffitts thereof coming to Dorothye Leeke my daughter, and my Executrix hereafter named upon this speciall trust and confidence that my Trustee Sr Ralph Verney knt shall take retrive and imploy all the said rents yssues, and proffitts of the Manors and premisses afore said in manner and forme following (Vizt) First to deduct for my decent buryall and the charges thereof, and for the payment of all the iust debts wch I shall owe att the tyme of my death and all such legacies as I shall hereby bequeath, and for the charges of the probate of this my last will and Testament All wch being discharges, my will and meaning is That my said Trustee Sr Ralph Verney knt shall forthwith and soe soone as he shall receive the remaynder of the said rents hee shall divide he same into Five equall parts (Vizt) To my daughter Mary Berishford the wife of Mitchell Berishford gent one fifth part To my daughter Anne Hubberd the wife of Nathaniel Hubberd esq one other fifth parte To my aforesd daughter Dorothie Leeke one other fifth part To my daughter Bridget Taylor the wife of Robert Taylor gent onr other fifth part To my Grandchild Richard Halsh the sonne of my daughter Bridgett by her first husband Capt Halsh one other fifth part. And if it shall happen my said daughter Bridgett Taylor shall dye during my terme or Interest in the foresaid premisses then my my will is that her part shall goe to my grandchild Richard Halsh. And if the said Richard Halsh dye during my said termes or Interest in the premisses, Then my will is that his part or parts shall goe to my daughter Bridgetts ydest sonne by her second husband Thomas Baderedge. And if the said Eldest sonne dye during my said terme or Interest in ??? premisses Then my will is that the said part of parts of my said daughter Bridgett shall goe to the rest of my daughters then liveing to be equally divided and payd unto them by my said Trustee Provided alwayes that if my said Trustee Sr Ralph Verney shall wilfully fayle in his performance of this my trust Then hee for faylingshall have no further authority or power concerning the said Lease But the person to hose use I have disposed the same by this my will shall receive share and dividents and proffitts of the said Manor and premises aforesaid equally between them according top the true intemtion of my said will Alsoe I give to my daughter Bridgett all my howshold goods, And to the maid servant that shall live with me at the tyme of my death half a yeares wages more than shalbe due to her att the tyme of my death And I doe make my aforesaid daughter Dorothie Leeke my Executrix of this my last will and Testamt And I doe give her fiftie shillings for her care and payne therein. And I doo intreate and make my cosen John Mathell gent Overseer of this my will, and for his carefull ??? concerning this my will I doe give him fifty shillings In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hande and seale the day and yeare above written And I doe declare this to bee my last will and Testament in the presence of those whose names are hereunto subscribed, Anne Leeke Sealed and delivered and pronounced & published to bee my last will in the presence of us John Allen Daniell Greene Richard Halls Alice Jordan her marke.
A codicill to bee annexed to the last will & testament of Dame Anne Leeke.
Memorandum That Dame Anne Leeke did the xxixth daye of September 1652 declare that shee had formerly made her will, and had thereby given all her estate and Interest in Certaine Mannors & Lands to her Executrix, And had willed that her said Executrix and her Trustee Sr Ralph Verney should dispose thereof as by her will was directed The said Dame Anne Leeke did this day further declare and appoint, and did will and bequeath That the Interests of the said Mannors and lands amounting to about five pounds sixteen shillinges yearly should bee payd unto her Grandchild Elizabeth Hubbart daughter of Nathaniell Hubbart Esqr during all the tyme that the said Dame Anne Leeke had to come in the said Mannors and lands, and the residue to goe according as by her said will was directed, And this bequest shee desired to be taken as part of her last will. In the prence of us Anne Hubbart, Richard Halls, Jane Westerholt.
This will was probated att Westm before the Judges for probate of wills and granting Adtons appointed by the Act of Parlmt instituted an Act for probate of wills, and granting Adtons the 14th day of Maye 1653 by the Oath of Dorothy Leeke daughter of the said deceased And sole Executrix named in the said will To whom Adtonor was granted shee being first sworn well & truly to administer &        

Children: Notes:
John is named as Jasper's eldest son in the will of his uncle, Roger Leake, dated 19 December 1594, and proved 5 February 1594(5), held at the National Archives (PROB 11/85/79).
... I doe give grante bequeath and devise All the sayed landes Tenementes and heriditamentes lying and being within the said parishe of Braye in the said countie of Bark to these severall uses intentes and purposes folloeinge (that is to saye, to the use of my said mother Katherine Cornewall for by and duringe her naturall life without making ??? stripe or waiste and after her decease to my brother Jasper Leeke duringe his naturall life, and after his decease to Jasper Leeke sonn of my said brother Jasper and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten, and for lacke of such issue to my brother Edwarde Leeke duringe his naturall life and after his decease to the use and behoofe of John Leeke eldest sonn unto my said brother Jasper Leeke and his heires for ever.   

John is also named as "Sir John Leake" in the will of Anthony Stratford, Salter of Friday Street London, dated 9 October 1607 "And, where as my Brother Richard Stratford, and I, Here before disbursed £50 apiece to Mr. Jasper Leake, deceased, and Sir John Leake, the son of the said Jasper, and like an Assurance of Recognisance for Repayment of the said Money, to my Brother Richard Stratford, and myself, monthly. I give the said £50 to my Brother Richard Stratford"

A History of the County of Middlesex vol 5 pp154-161 (1976)
The Leake family, described as of Weir Hall in the early 16th century, may have acquired the estate in 1491, when Thomas Fulnetby granted two houses and 122 a. to John Leake and others. In 1605 Weir Hall formed part of 650 a. held by Jasper Leake. In 1609 Sir John Leake sold Weir Hall to George Huxley, haberdasher of London

The history and antiquities of the parish of Edmonton p24 (William Robinson, 1819)
About the year 1581, it was the property of Jaspar Leeke, Esq. who inherited it from his father. Mr. George Huxley, of London, citizen and haberdasher, purchased this estate of Sir John Leeke, and Dame Ann his wife, which they conveyed to him by bargain and sale, dated the 12th of June, 1609

Sometime in the 1610s, John went to Ireland and seems to have lived at the park and lodge at Castle Lyon, county Cork, owned by the Barrymores, one of whom had married the daughter of the Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork, who lived at Castle Lismore. In 1620, John leased Lisfinny Castle, near Tallowbridge, county Waterford, along with 2242 acres, from Richard Boyle, for 21 years at 250 pounds a year, but it seems this was a business transaction and I have not found information that John actually lived at Lisfenny. John is mentioned a number of times in the diaries of Richard Boyle, to whom he seems to have acted as an agent, both in Ireland and travelling to England on his behalf. These diaries, along with a number of letters from John to Richard Boyle, written over the period 1618 to 1643, have been preserved and transcribed in The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart).

Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 1 p197 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
  Sir John Leeke, who married Sir Edmund’s half-sister, was a retired officer, connected with the Barrymores, from whom he hired a house and took to farming the park at Castle Lyon. He had several daughters; Mary married a Beresford; Anne married Sir Nathaniel Hobart, Bridget, a Captain Hals; Doll, who lived so much at Claydon, died unmarried;

6 October 1618: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 2 part 2 pp140-2 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1887)
    CCXVIII. SIR JOHN LEAKE TO BOYLE: 1618.
  Right Honorable, my good Lord, sithens my cominge home I could by no means happen vppon any messinger that came Imediatly for Irlande. But now havinge the conveniensy of this messinger, I would not omitt him, as well to giue your Honor many humble thankes for the many fauors I receued from your lordship, for which I shalbe euer tied to a faythfull acknowledgment. As for my o[w]ne busines, which by your lordships helpinge hande I brought to a wished successe, My Lord I cann by noe means frame my comminge for Irlande vntill the springe for my wife is so great and so vnapt for travel, especially such a Jurney, that by no meanes wee dare adventure it, but god willinge we wilbe with you with the earliest of ye spring. I humbly intreat your Honor to talke with my landlord that ther may growe no dyferense betwixt vs concerninge my stay: for att our agrement before your Lordship, I putt all that might happen to him by my stay to your Honor; to which I will still abide. I haue desyred him that he will vse & winter the cattell (which I will bye) as for him selfe, & that he wilbe pleased to leaue such woden stuffe as (bedsteeds exepted) may be convenient for me in that house and not preiudiciall to him selfe. If it please your Lordship to remember the Payles for the grove in yt, they may be by your Honor commanded, cleft and brought as needed, as may be, for which I will well satisfie: for I Intend it my first worke to secure my grove from pilladge.
... Thus wyshinge you all encrease of worrdly Honors with the fruition of all heavenly happines, I cease to troble your Honor, desyringe your Lordshipp to keepe in your rememberanse your Honors most devoted Servant JOHN LEAKE.
  Chanon Row Westminster this 6 of october 1618.  

Diary of Richard Boyle: 17 August 1619: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 1 pp226-8 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    August 1619.
  17. Sir John Leak sent me a stallyon which coste him xxiiijli. xs, and I paid Mr Meagh iiijli. ixs for his chardges in bringing him over, and xs Sir John Leak gave him.
  24. Sir John Leak and his Lady arrived at yoghall. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 22 June 1620: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 1 pp251-5 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    June 1620.
  22. I wrott to James ffoster to lend Sir John Leak 40li ster: out [of] the moneys I assigned for my bwyldings at Lismoor, to be repaid James at a moneths end.
  And I have appointed, with peers powers consent, that Sir John Leak and leeftennant downing, shall vallue the chardges of peers his bwyldings and enclosiers at Lisfynneen, as it is now worthe, which I am to allow him out of the xlvli he owes me as lent him, & for Rent which I paied, in regard he hath rather made choise thereof, and to stand vppon his ould lease of balligarran then to have an estate for 3 lives, viz., for his own, his wives and his sonnes at 20li a year, as I offered him & he hath refuzed.
  23. I am agreed that Sir John Leak shall have a lease of the castle of lisfynneen, and of all the Lands of Knocknemuck, Aghanbuy and Curragh Reogh, which peers power held for 70li a year, measured to be 2242 acres, for xxi yeares, begyning on May Day laste, paying me therfore after ijs. iijd thacre, amounting to 250li ster per annum.
 ...   July 1620.
  9. Sir John Leak and leeftenannt downing returned me their valluacon of peers powers chardges about the bwyldings and enclosiers of lisfynneen castle and Lands, vnder their hands, which amounted vnto lxxxxiijli. viijs. viijd ster:, which I must paie him, by acquiting him of the rents he owes me, amounting about that som. But in regard he streigned this money unconscionably from me, and refuzed in Lieu therof to accept a lease of Balligarran for his own, his siesters, and his sons lives at 20li a year, I chardg my Son never to make a new lease therof.
 ... 26. Roger Carew vppon my letters lent Sir John Leak 50li which I am to allow him out of his Michas Rent, & I sent to leeftenant downing to lend Sir John other 50li for 6 moneths, uppon my suertyship.  

Diary of Richard Boyle: 26 December 1620: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 1 p270 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    December 1620.
  26. I with the Lo: Barry and my sister in Lawe the Ladie ffenton were gosseps at the christening of Sir John Leaks second son whome we named Boyle Leak: who died the 18th of January next following.

Diary of Richard Boyle: 1 January 1620(1): The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p3 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
  A noat of suche debts as ar owing to me the said ffirst day of January 1620.
... Item that I lent Sir John Leak C.li.

The Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Cork vol 1 p56 (Charles Smith, 1815)
  On the 5th of September, the same year [1622], there were reviewed at Tallow, by the same commissioners, 235 horse, in four troops, well mounted, armed, and disciplined, commanded by sir Robert Tynte, knt. sir John Leake, knt. captain Robert Gore, and captain Roger Carew, with 20 other officers, lieutenants, cornets, &c.

Diary of Richard Boyle: 25 February 1622(3): The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p72 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    ffebruary 1622.
 25. I lent Sir John Leek xviijli ster: for which he sowld.me six peaces of owld tapestry hangings: to be repaid in november 1624. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 3 February 1623(4): The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p120 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    ffebruary 1623.
  3. I emploied Sir John Leek, Mr Rossington, peercie Smyth, Wm Supple and 3 of my men to bring home my daughter Sara from Mellifont, and gaue James ffoster 20li to defray the chardg of their chardges in the Jorney, and she came home to Lismoor with them the 17 of this moneth

1 August 1624: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 2 part 3 pp120-5 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1888)
    CCCXVIII. SIR JOHN LEEKE TO CORK: 1624.
  This is No. 58 of vol. xv and is endorsed, “15. August 1624 ffrom Sir John Leek & Mr Justice gosnell,” This is a capital example of the long gossip-letters of the period, in vivid contrast with the meagre letters and post-cards of to-day. I select it as a type of many others that blend public and private news. No. 65 is a similar one from Leeke, 26th August, 1624, so that the knight had not got over to Ireland, as in the present letter he expected to do. But he adds plaintively, “I never was happy,” i.e. fortunate.—G.

  Right Honorable. I haue written diuers letters latly concernige your Lordships affayres here commended to me. I hope they are eare this come to your hands. I haue sent all such thinges as your Honour sent for, I hope to your contentment. I sent vnder the care of Mr Blacknolls servant stuff for the ladys gownes, dressings & other accowtrements for them, a sword for my Lord dungarvan, 4 couple of Linge, sturgion, Anchoves and vj dennir glasses, 2 with covers, and a box of Arrowes and necessaries for the keepers;
... I haue now by Sir Robert Cary the 30th of July receued one other Letter with a note Inclosed for divers percells of plate. Vppon which receyt I gott my wife and her mother presently into the towne and [haue] bespoken the plate to be all ready against the 5th day of August, wherin they will not fayle me: the candelstickes and saultseller will cost me 5s 7d per onz, but your vessell but 5s 6d. your Lordship wrightes in this that I should bye 3 smale sauts and a great saut [=salt], weighinge in all but 40 onz;
... for my owne affayres I cannot tell your Lordshipp they prosper well: for as yett thers noe certaintie what the kinge will doe. Suters ther are so many that yf the kinge would send 50 companies as he was once minded, ther were 100 suters for the command. It is certaynly concluded that ther shall come but 9 companies of foote & some 3 or 4 troops of horse; and for thes stand lords and cowncelors of Ireland, only wee here that Sir Thomas dutton and Captayn Williams that hath some relation to my lord Wilmot are in licklihood to prevayle and my hopes are as greate as the best of them, my promises as fayre. Yett my Lorde the thinge that doth most troble me and Indainger me is that by the reason of his wifes sicknesse Sir Edward Zouch is not in the progress but he hath writt both to the Kinge and Duke: wee shalbe in the progresse abought the xiiijth of August. But if on the fifte of August the Kinge dispach, as most say he will, if I am one, I will god willinge, be in Ireland before the 20th day of August. If I fayle of itt I must then Into the progresse In hope to speed for John ogg. I wrote to your Honour that If I had a command you would be pleased to nominate a Luftennant that might be an honest director. I hope your Honour wilbe pleased to remember itt if need bee.
... I thinke this bearer Mr Gosnoll wilbe soner with you then Robin Taylor, which made me wright the more att Large for I doe Imagine that he will come in hast that I shall not haue much time: I humbly take my leaue, wishing I may haue the happines to see you the xxth of August, which if I cann by dispach, nothing shall hinder me. The good god bless and prosper you & all yours; my dutie and service to all the good Ladys as to your Honor att whos disposs and service shall euer be the poore JOHN LEEKE.
  Charinge Cross this first of August       

Diary of Richard Boyle: 26 May 1625: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p158 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    May 1625.
  26. I wrott by Mr Wm Maynard to Sir John Leek to bestow my Lo paggetts C.li in plate, to bwy me another winter gown  not lyking the new damask gown he now sent me, & I sent him inclosed in my letter Sir Walter Raleighes green stones to be delivered Sir Thomas Stafford, to be by him presented from me to my lo Carew.

Diary of Richard Boyle: 26 May 1625: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p162 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    Auguste 1625.
  3. I sent my Lo of Baltymore a ffat buck to waterforde by his Lops coachman that brought Sir John Leek and his Lady thence to Lismoor, when they arrived there out of Englande. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 6 November 1628: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p287 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    November 1628.
  6. Sir Georg Horseis solicitor brought me a coppie of the bill in chancery which Sir Georg brought against me & Sir John Leek for my lo Barrymores diett : Sir John, who was served with a subpena for want of a bill had xxs costes awarded him.

Diary of Richard Boyle: 28 February 1628(9): The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 2 p303 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    ffebruary 1628.
  28. I and Sir John Leek went in my lo digbies cooch vnto  Sir John Kiddermisters howse in Langly parck, 3 myles from wyndsor, to agree for the boording of my self, my Lo digby & his wife, with our ffamulies, being xxxj persons of us in all, at xxvli a week, and retorned to London the 2 of marche.

Diary of Richard Boyle: 15 May 1632: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 3 p140 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    May 1632.
  15. I wrott to Mr walley to paie vnto Wm vppington, of Yoghall, 400li ster. vppon sight of Mr watson of dublins bill of exchandg, and haue taken Mr watsons bond of 800li for the repayment of those 400li to me heer in dublin, the first of the next moneth, he having promised me a hogshead of clarret for the favor, which I haue bestowed on Sir John Leek to drinck in my parke lodge. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 4 December 1633: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 3 pp219-21 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    December 1633.
  4. I this day (in the name, and in assurance of my gods best blessing therynto,) concluded, and perfected the articles and covenants between the L. viscount wentworth, L. deputy of Ireland, Mr wandesford, Mr of the Rolles, & Sir George Ratcliff, Knight, who were aucthorized by the L. clifford for thagreeing with me, to haue a marriadg concluded vppon between my son and heir Sir Richard Boyle, knight, viscount dongarvan & Mrs Elizabeth Clifford, theldest daughter of the said Lo. clyfford, son and heir to thearle of Cvmberland; and this day the Lo. deputy the Mr of the Rolles, and Sir Georg Ratcliff, signed, & sealed one part of the Triparty to articles, I sealed another part of them, and the third part of them was delivered to me, to be sent by Sir John Leek to haue thearle of Cvmberland and the Lo. clyfford perfect; which being don, then Sir John Leek was to deliver it to my son dongarvan to attend Mr Wm Noye, Mr Glanvile and Mr Calthorp as my learned Councell, to draw vp such assurances as in the said articles ar agreed vppon.
... 10. This day I sent to my son dongarvan by Sir Henry Hart, sealed vp in a boxe, my lettres to himself to proceed in the marriadge with Mrs Elizabeth clyfford, wherin I beseech thalmighty to bless them; with the coppie of tharticles between the Lo. clyfford & me, as also of my lettres to his lop, and of my enstructions for Sir John Leek when he comes into yorckshire, with my lettres in that boxe to my Lo. Keeper, thearle of Bristoll, Sir Wm Jones, Mr Attorney generall, Mr Glanvile, Sir Wm Beecher.
  11. This day Sir John Leek embarcqued at dublin for liverpool, and so to Skipton, to the L. clyfford, to haue the Rentall of the 1500li ster: a year to be made certen, and to haue tharticles for the marriadge perfected by thearle of cvmberland & the Lord clifford, and the L. clifford either in person, or to send an agent enstructed with his deeds & wrytings to show them to Mr Noye and Mr Glanvile to draw vp my sons assurances by, & to be all perfected before marriadge; and by him I sent lettres to the L. clifford & my cozen stockdale, with my picture in a Tablie of gold sett with faire diamonds, & writch pendant pearle (that was my deer deceased daughter digbies, and now given me by her husband for this purpose,) to send as my firste token to Mrs Elizabeth clyfford. And I gaue Sir John Leek 40li ster: in gold, to bear his chardges in this his Jorney, this money being in part of the vs a daie that I haue promised to allow him till his return. And I gave him in chardge so soon as he arrived to goe first to the Lord Bruertons to see my daughter Goring there, & to deliver my lettres then to Skipton, and having dispatched there, to London. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 24 April 1634: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 4 p25 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    April 1634.
  24. I wrott to Mr walley to Lend the Ladie Leek on May daie next 40li ster: to stock Sir John’s ffearme of the drisshane beg with Cattle; for repayment of which 40li, she is to give her receipt, and he to secure it at his return owt of England; 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 23 July 1634: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 4 p37 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    July 1634.
  23. I gave Sir John Leek vli, which makes 85li ster: for his chardges given him for his Jorney into England, and he gave me his bill for the C.li I lent him gratis xi yeares since. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 7 April 1638: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 5 pp45-6 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    April 1638.
  7. Sir John Leek having been at Mynooth from me, to visit thearle of Kildare, and my grandchildren (their mother being in England) brought me assurance that thearle was againe comitted prisoner to the castle of Dublin, and that he had lefte at Maynoth his 4 children, and a devowring ffamuly of 40 idlers, without any provison of meat, or money to susteyn them, and that his children were owt of clothes, and destitute of victuals; whervppon I sent an express messenger with my lettres to Bodlagh his steward, to move thearle to lett me haue his children to Lismoor with their nurses and servants, and that vppon notice of his pleasure I would send my coach to bring them hither, & keep them heer, vntill their mother cominge owt of England, or my going over thither. 

Diary of Richard Boyle: 13 September 1639: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 5 pp106-7 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    September 1639.
  13. I this daie sealed 3 leases by me made to Sir John leek, two of them in Revercon of 2 ploughlands in Kynatalloon formerly by me leased to Wm Cotes for xxj yeares, at the owld Rent, without any fyne, or encrease of Rent, although 2 yeares since John gardner, the new vnder tennant, offered me to make him a leas in Revercon for xxj yeares, to begin and encreas his Rent thencforward 50li per annum; thother was to him and his Lady during bothe their lives, a lease of Mrs Rowles, her house and garden in the church Lane of yoghall, nowe rented at xls a year; and of a Slip of grownd adioyning, belonging to my Kilhouse, letten for xxs a year: for which howse and gardens I haue reserved on them but 40s a year: and those 3 leases I haue at thentrety of my son Dongarvan perfected & sent them to Mr walley to deliver Sir John when the cownterparts ar perfected.   

29 August 1641: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 2 part 4 pp214-6 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1888)
    CCCLXXXVI. SIR JOHN LEEKE TO CORK: 1641.
  Right Hoble, I must this once before your Jorney into Irland, take from your better, one minute. I haue sent diuers letters and some to my children, which I finde are not come to ther hands, which makes me dowght that some to your Lordship haue Miscarred. Your sonn Kilnalmeaky is still at the Lodge, and I bless god in as good order as I cann wish. he hath never bine from me vnless a night or tow at Castelyons, this six weekes. I protest vppon my reputation, he is a sweet natured and wittie man, most excellent Companie and of rich discourse, most temperat in all his wayes I am most confident itt hath bine ill Company and very ill Company, that sett a broch his extravagant and expensive humors; for I finde noe Inclynation therto with vs, but will know how he parts with his pence: will reward nobly yett with discretion.
... God send you well to vs: so will hartily pray your Lordship very faithfull Seruant, while I am JOHN LEEKE.
  the park this 29 of August. 

John was in county Cork during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and he wrote letters to Sir Edmund Verney, his wife's stepfather, describing events. Some of these have been reprinted in Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892).
In this sample from late 1641, John speaks of his intent to move his wife from Lismore to the town of Youghal, and to join the military defence.
Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 pp42-55 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
  Sir John Leeke writes to Sir Edmund at the end of the year 1641, in the extremity of distress:
  ‘The frights and terrors wee heere live in, cannot welbe expressed but by such as suffer and feele the distraction, whereof many are com for England that cann relate itt as eie witnesses, which you will hear of befor this letter cann come to yor hands
... I protest I am most miserable, for though I have friends, yet noe friend to lend me tenn pounds. No man will part with a peny of money, and by all that is good in heaven and earth, I nor my wife have in purse 40s.— We have 20 good cowes, wee may have none tomorrow, such is the case of many men. I have barreled beefe and porke and some littell wheat and mault for a moneth, God healp us and send the English forces to us, or hearts wowld be light and our corrages stronge, for thes English wee have here have gott good things abowght them, and themselves and ther goods gott into stronge townes. The country is abandoned and in my Lords country is nothing left but ther cattell and a servant or tow in ther house. I howld yett in the parke, but one Munday or Tewsday I must to Yoghall, my wife is in that extremitie of feares (as cause she hath poore sowle) that I must not delay longer but leav the Lodg, nether will I mayntayne the Lodg with my life and what I have, and my lord allow me nothinge to itt. . . .
P.S.— Barrymore taks the field tomorrow with 60 dragowns and 70 lancers. Browghall goeth to the rendevous as stronge if not stronger.’ He asks that a case of pistols may be sent him, ‘for I will not stay in Yoghall, but will into the field with Barrymore, and see something that may inable my knowledge. I lack a sword wth a garded hilte, I want other armes, but have noe way to have them—bee we as patient as we can.’
... Sir John writes again in January 1642 from Youghal: ‘... I am now come to Yoghall with my company where we are as secure as in any Irish town; God knows there is no security but where a good English garrison doth secure. ... I do believe that whosoever shall live to this day twelvemonth shall see such a dearth and famine as hath seldom or hardly been known in Ireland; what cattle the rebels cannot come at, we are inforced to barrell up, for if the rebels take our cattle (which they have done in infinite number, both of fair sheep and goodly cattle as most in England), what they eate they kill with their skeens and let them lie and stink. The first work they did was to rob all the English of their cattle, to starve them which cannot subsist of roots and oats as they do. To conclude, our state is lamentable, if we but look to what was, to what now is, and to what of certain must be. For my particular I know not what to do in the turmoils; cattle I have in the park, but how long I am not certain, yet we are in a safe place as long as Yoghall continues good, which God grant. Monies are not to be had for any thing unless arms, swords, and muskets, which are gold and silver, and friends too; friends for money are not; plate, household stuff are not merchantable ... The old Earl of Cork is full of distractions, not like the man he was; his sons are most noble, and you should hear brave things of their undertakings and performances. . . . I should be loath to leave Ireland until the fire burns my heels. I beseech you send me a case of pistols and a close hilt sword. I have a desire (tho’ I am old) not to be an idler; a word from a friend or yourself might gain me a company to be garrisoned in Yoghall.
... P.S. this Wednesday morning the 12 wee have the ill newes the Rebells are within 4 myles of Lismore. my lord Dungarvan sent out xxiiii horse under the command of his cornett Honest Jack Travers who was by an ambush betrayd and himselfe slaine and 2 footmen. 500 were of the Rebells well appoynted.’
... In March Sir John writes: ‘Sir Charles Vavesor a noble gentillman who doth assure me he left you well and took his leave of you the day before he sett one his jorney for Irelande hath brought over 1,000 as brave carcases of men, as ever I beheld wth my eies and would fayne be in the feild and fightinge. they had well hooped that they should have fallen to pillaging the Irish of the towne of Yoghall and meetinge wth some Irish wemen that hadd mantells and crucefixes abowght ther neckes, wch the soldiers teore from them, but by ther commander were quieted, the preests are all stole out of the towne and noe masse sayd yesterday, beinge Sunday ... Our lands are all wasted and we shall have no p-fitt this many yeares.’ He entreats Sir Edmund to get him a company or to lend him some money. ‘I have gott four soldiers to keepe the house. ... Tom Badnedg [his son-in-law] is . . . now Capt. of the gard of our Yoghall, it is creditt but not a pownde proffittable. his dilligence and care is a great security to the towne. ... I Intreat yor cowncell and comfort to yor poore brother John Leeke.’
  He writes again a few days later"
  ‘... I am most miserable, money I have none, rent none to be paid, the rebells within a mile of the towne, the river only between, our towne supposed not to be sownd at heart, I mayntayned a gard of 4 men and a boy and a mayd to dress theire meate until 3 weekes since from 9ber, which was hard for me to keep tow houses, . . . my long service to his father and himself are forgotten. . . . If I may not get a company I cannot here live, no man can see to the end of this rebellion, nether will (if we had peace) 7 yeares reduce us into order, and that time is more than I can expect to live. I wish I had some pretty farm that might keepe my 20 cowes in any cuntry about you.’
,,, After this date [December 1642] there is little more correspondence between the Verneys and their unfortunate Irish friends. Sir John Leeke, ruined and hopeless, took refuge in England, and was followed by Lady Barrymore and her family. 

The diary entry below indicates that John probably left Ireland for London in April or May of 1642. He still had the patronage of the Earl of Cork for whom he continued to act in London until Boyle's death in September 1643, he appears to have a residence at Grey Friars in London and was able to "summer" in Chigwell, Essex, where his mother's family were landowners.
 
Diary of Richard Boyle: 1 April 1642: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 1 part 5 p211 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1886)
    April 1642.
  1. Mrs wheeler late wife to the Lo. Bicshop of ossorie, being Robd by the Rebels, and driven into this harbor with neer 300 english that were stripd at waterford, I lent her xli on her bill to repaie it georg Helliar at Bristoll; and directed Mr Heliar to receav it of her and deliver it to Sir John Leek, to bear his & his Ladies chardges to London, vppon his faithfull promise to deliver it to Mr Perckins within 3 daies after his coming thither. And I also appointed Sir John to receav in London for a whole yeeres Rent of Rootes, his farme of Ballykeely, xxxijli, and to pay it to Mr Wm Parckins, and parckins to receave of Mr Burlemachies frend, Mrs ffynche, iijli which I lent her, in all 45li, to be allowed Mr Perkins vppon thaccompt between vs. 

20 April 1643: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 2 part 5 pp122-124 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1888)
    DLXVI. SIR JOHN LEAKE TO CORKE: 1643.
... I am your Lordships most humble servant faythfully while I am JOHN LEAKE.
  Gray friers, this 20th of Aprill. 

The civil war between the Royalists and Parliamentarians was just getting going. Ann's half-brother, Sir Edmund Verney, was killed at the Battle of Edgehill in October 1642 as the standard bearer for the Royalists while his son, Sir Ralph Verney, joined the war on the sid eof the Parliamentarians.

In this letter, John describes some of the efforts being made to fortify London (during the First English Civil War), as well as stating his intention to summer in Chigwell, expecting to be in London only once a week.
9 May 1643: The Lismore Papers of Sir Richard Boyle vol 2 part 5 pp141-143 (Rev. Alexander B. Grosart, 1888)
    DLXIX. SIR JOHN LEEKE TO CORK: 1643.
... The cyttie of London and Westminster with ther subbarbs are now Intrenchinge with forts and breastworke as farr as Hideparke and Islington, and soe rownde. itt adds great strength to the Cytty. Itt is a gay sight to see the Cytizens of good rank march out with their drums and swords and feathers in their hattes, and spads, shovells, and pickaxes in ther hands. good mens wifes and mayd saruants with baskettes. One Tuesday ther were 1500 porters in their frocks. noe day so few as 1000 worke. God send vs peace that noe vse may be of thes thinges. I shall wright ere longe by Mr Ward, who is my next neighboure and comminge ouer: vntill when, I humbly take leaue and euer am your most faythfull and ready sarvant while I am JOHN LEEKE.
  Grey friers, this xi of May.
  When you shall pleas to wright to me I pray dyrect your letters either to Mr James Waters, a Chesmonger in the grey friers court gatehouse, or to Sir Ralph Verney, whos howse is now in Lincolns Inn feilds nere the Portugall Imbassadors. I shall once a week be in towne god willinge, for I shall sommer att Chigwell in Waltham forest, 8 myles from London. 

The English war continued to take a toll on John and family, who had taken in a niece, one of Sir Edmund Verney's daughters, Susan. This report is from August 1643:
Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 p172 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
‘August 30.—We advanceed to a village called Clayden ... our Regiment was quartered this night at Sir Ralph Verney’s House, a Parliament man, his father, the King’s Standard-bearer, was slain at Edgehill.’
  After this Susan Verney and Sir John Leeke  After this, Susan Verney and Sir John Leeke write doleful letters describing how his horses and Sir Ralph’s were carried off by the troopers; we ‘shoed [showed] them noates under your hand, but they would nott looke upon them Then we asked them for their commishtion but they would shoe none,’ says Susan, and her uncle mourns over the loss of his bay gelding and a beloved old horse Ormond, as ‘more grevios than my Irish plunders, for now the owld man must trampe on foote.’

Despite having sided with the Parliamentarians, Sir Ralph Verney refused to sign the Parliament's Solemn League and Covenant reforming the church along Puritan lines, and was forced into exile in Europe, leaving his orphaned siblings in Clayden financially supported by Sir Ralph from abroad. In September 1645, Ralph was expelled from Parliament.
Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 pp218-9 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
   A few weeks later, when Sir John Leeke is ill, Susan writes: ‘ I am commanded by my unkell to write to you which he cannot do himself, by reason he is this night extremely ill, he decays every day more and more, God Almighty bless him and send him well, if he should miscarry I should have a great loss. He has had discourse with some of your dear friends; one who appears very tender of you and your family; from divers of them he as bein tould that they are amazed that in all this time you should not make your way either to have continued in the House or to keep off your sequestration which is expressed shall fall upon you. Every day you are under the censure of an absolute neglect. It may be you have a more understanding of your bisnes than your friends conceive, but it is thought itt will draw you to a destruction of you and yours, which God of his mercy keep from you. They do generally wish you homewards within a month, or to procure dispensation for your absence, which may keep your estate in some safety; pray mould these into your serious consideration, that the advise of your friends may not be lost.’ 

The Verney sisters, meanwhile, were trying to marry themselves off, and incurring debts to keep up appearances. Susan borrowed 32 pounds from her uncle, John Leake, despite John himself being indebted. Susan wanted to marry one Richard Alport, supposedly worth 500 pounds a year but currently short on ready money "to content his creditors", and sitting in Fleet prison for debt. Ralph was trying his best to provide a marriage portion for his sisters
Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 p356 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
  On January 7, ’46, Susan writes her brother a long and piteous account of the trying circumstances in which she is placed.
... I have often writt you word that I am att greater expence than I am able to subsist with, yett I doe not find fault with my allowance, for I know itt is moer then my sisters have, yett itt will not keepe mee in london. . . . I am in debt for my diett. . . . My deare uncle and aunt, out of ther affections to mee, and because that I shall nott goe out of town till this busnes is ended one way or other, dus trust mee for my diett, although I know they doe boreow itt & pawne for itt. These things troubles mee extremely.’

Sir Ralph wrote to Susan in February 1646:
p358
It seemes that Mr, Alport knowes of noe more then £600 of yours in my hands, and that hee hath now againe promised you to quitt mee of all that I owe towards your Portion. Therfore you must bee sure to have him deliver upp all the Bonds for those moneyes that I owe towards your portion soe that the overplus of the £600 may goe to the payment of your Uncle Leeke and other creditors. Truly what this over plus comes to I doe not know, but I pray deliver this inclosed to your Uncle John Denton and desire him to informe mee; and then according to your owne desire (when Mr. Alport hath discharged mee of the whole) I shall deduct the money I lent you, & in the next place pay your Uncle Leeke (to whome you are infinitly obleiged), and the remainder you must dispose.

The trail of promises and money between Sir Ralph, Susan and Richard Alport is complex to trace, and not particularly relevent to Sir John Leeke, the debt to whom was only repaid after his death in September 1646. In the last months of his life, John stayed in the country because in town he would be "bauld att for his mony".
Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 p362 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
She is promised a certain overplus of 172l. 10s. 0d. to pay her debts with, and has acquainted Mr. Alport with their amount, but she is ashamed to tell him that a large sum is due to Sir John Leeke, and that until it is paid, his goods and all that he has are in pawn.
  After this the wedding follows pretty quickly, and on the day after she writes: ‘I was married very privatly, & this day my frinds heareing of itt came to mee, butt I have beged ther pardon for my abceince whilst I writt to you & my sister. In the meane time he keeps them company. . . . My uncle leeke after he had given mee away, stoll outt of towne.’ And then comes an earnest request that Ralph will lett her know what he is doing about her debt to Sir John.
... In this and the following letters there are urgent applications for money: ‘My uncle leeke is in the countrey, & duse send very often to mee for his mony: he would faine have his goods att home with him, that he might com to towne with outt being bauld att for his mony.’
... In the next letter she has been put to great shifts for money. Her uncle, Sir John Leeke, had died, and her aunt being without so much as a sixpence in the house to bury him, came to Susan for the 32l. so long owing. She, poor thing, declares it ‘was affliction upon affliction to mee, because I was not in a condition to help her . . . tell my husband of itt I durst nott’ ... My unkle dyed so much in debt has I feare wee shall have the corps seised upon before wee can gitt itt outt of towne. He desired to be buried at Chigwell, & thether I am goeing with him.’ After this Ralph contrived some means by which the 32l. should be paid. 

Buried: 24 September 1646, in Chigwell, Essex, England
Memoirs of the Verney family during the civil war vol 2 p364 (Frances Parthenope Verney, 1892)
My unkle dyed so much in debt has I feare wee shall have the corps seised upon before wee can gitt itt outt of towne. He desired to be buried at Chigwell, & thether I am goeing with him.

Sources:

Katherine (Leake) Machell

Father: Jasper Leake

Mother: Mary (Coleshill) Leake

Married: John Machell

John was born in May 1574, the son of John Machell of Woodbury, Cambridgeshire, and Frances Cotton, who was buried on 11 May 1574, presumably having died in childbirth. John was admitted to Gray's Inn on 1 November 1591.
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889 p79 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1591.
Nov. 1.  JOHN MACHELL, Junior, of Hackney, Middlesex, son and heir apparent of John Machell, of Hackney, Esq.

He is also likely the Machell with an unknown first name who was admitted to Peterhouse College, Cambridge in 1588-9, the connection being to a promise made in 1589 by "Mr Machell of Hackney" to help build the College Library at Peterhouse.
Alumni Cantabrigienses vol 1 part 3 p123 (John Venn, 1924)
MACHELL, ——. Adm. pens. at PETERHOUSE, 1588-9.

The Architectural History of the University of Cambridge vol 1 p28 (Robert Willis, 1886)
... the Library on the south side, due to Dr Andrew Perne (Master 1553—1589), as appears from the following singular passage in his last will:—
  “The Colledge Librairie of Peterhouse...I doe wishe to be newe builded at the east end of the Masters Lodginge longewayes towardes the Streate by some good Benefactor or Benefactors that I have spoken toe and wiche have promised to helpe to the buildinge of the same. That is Mr Customer Smithe, Mr Machell of Hackney, and Mr Thomas Sutton of Newyngton principallie

John predeceased his father, who died in 1625.

Children: Notes:
Katherine is named in the will of her maternal grandfather Thomas Colshill, dated 23 April 1593 and proved 12 April 1595, which is held at the National Archives (PROB 11/85/243)
...  Item I give and bequeathe to Ann Leeke the daughter of Jasper Leeke a hundered markes Item I give and bequeathe to Katherine Leeke her sister a hundered markes

Sources:
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