Oliver Family

[Dorset.] C.1956. Demise by John Cripce and William Rakerayne, treasurers of the borough of Brideport, to William Olyver and Joan his wife, and Alice and Elizabeth their daughters, of a cottage in Kyllynggeslane, [Bridport], for their lives. Witnesses:—Richard Burgh, one of the bailiffs (Thomas Stockefysh, the other bailiff, being dead), and others (named). Michaelmas day, 14 Edward IV.

Item, to Joan, now my wife, all my lands and tenements in Briddeporte, Weymoth, Wyke, Melcomb Regis, and half the ferry of Smalemouth, and one house and two acres of land in Wyke to hold for her life, and after her death the premises shall remain to Alice and Elizabeth, my daughters, and their heirs equally. Each of my daughters shall have of my goods according to her degree for her marriage at the discretion of my said wife, if they marry with her advice, otherwise not.

Knighted March 20, 1518. Died about January, 1529.

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. The vjth day of the moneth of Janyver the yere of our Lord God a thousand fyve hundred twenty and eight and the XXti yere of the reign of King Henry the eight. I, Sir Thomas Exmewe, Knyght, Citizein and Alderman of London, being of hole mynde and in good memory, lawde and praising be unto Almighty God, make and ordeyn this my present testament and laste wille in maner and fourme folowing, that is to say, First—I bequeath and recomende my soule unto Almighty God my Maker and Redemer, to the moost glorious Virgen our lady Saint Mary his moder, and to all the holy company of Hevyn, and my body to be buried within the parishe Churche of Saint Magdaleyn in Milkstrete of London. And for my sepulture there to be had I have agreed with the parishens of the said parishe church, howbeit my will is that there shalbe fourty poundes, parcells of suche dettes as the churchwardeyns and parishens of the said parishe doo owe unto me for redy money by me to them lent and delivered, shalbe applyed and bestowed in and upon the werks of the body of the said parishe church by the discrecion of myn executours. Provided alway that I will that myn executours shall have the custodye of the said fourty poundes untill the Churchwardeyns and parishens of the said parishe Church be in wille and doo goo in hande with the werks of the saide Churche and fynyshe the same werks. And I will that myn executours shall ordeyn and provide xxiiij convenient torches foure convenient tapers, and two tapers of white wax with braunches to bren at my burying. And I will that every of the xxiiij pour men that shall fortune to bere the forsaid xxiiij torches and also that every of the foure men that shall fortune to bere the forsaid foure tapers shal have blak gownes and a hoode of the value of iiijs. And I will have a hersse made after such maner and forme as I late ordeyned for Dame Elizabeth my late wife, whose soule Jesu pardon. Provided alwey that the said hersse and all other my funeral expenses shall not extende the sume of oon hundred poundes. Whereof I will that myn executours shall expende and lay owt the day of myn exequies or on the morowe folowing by th'advise of the wardeyns of the Feliship of Goldsmythes at the Goldsmythes Hall in brede meate and drynke for those that be of the lyverey of the same feliship, ten pounds st. Also I give and bequeth unto every of the foure men of the lyverey of goldsmythes that shall goo by my body to my sepulture iijs. iiijd. sm. xiijs. iiijd. Item I give to evry order of the fyve orders of freres in London to the intent they shall come and bringe my body to my buriall and pray specially for my soule and the soules above said, xs. sm. ls. Item I bequeth to be distributed to the pour sike people being in every of the fyve lazarhouses next aboute London, to th'entent they shall pray specially for my soule and the soules abovesaid vs. sm. xxvs. Item I bequeth to every of the Anachorites and Ancresses in London and Westminster to pray for my soule and the soules above rehersed vs. Item, I bequeth to my lord maior of the citie of London fvve yards of blak clothe for a gown and a hood at vjs. viiijd. the yarde and to every of his foure hed officers and the water bailly foure yardes of blak cloth for their gownes at vs. the yarde. Item, I bequeth to Sr John Mundy Knyght and my lady his wife six yardes of blak clothe at vjs. the yarde and to Sir Thomas Baldrye Knight and to Lady his wife ix yardes of blak clothe of like value and to Sir Thomas Seymer and my lady his wife ix yardes of blak clothe of the same value and to John Hardy Aldreman and to his wife ix yardes of blak clothe of like value. Item, I bequethe to Maister John Baker Recorder of London xls. in money and ix yardes of blak clothe for a gowne for him and my maistres his wife at vjs. the yarde. Item, I bequeth to Maister Doctor Goodrich fyve yardes of blak cloth for a gowne and a hood of the same value and xls. in redy money to th'entent he shall be with me at the tyme of my departing owt of this mortall worlde and geve unto me goostly councel and comforte and also make a sermon at the tyme of myn exequies. And to John Brown late Alderman of London fyve yardes of blak cloth of like value. Item, I bequeth to Robert Palmer, mercer, and to his wife ix yardes of blak cloth of like value and to William Colsell, mercer, and his wife ix yardes of blak clothe of the same value. Item, I bequeth to William Pavver gentilman foure yardes of blak cloth of vs. the yarde and to Richard Chopping my deputie foure yardes of blak cloth of like value and to John Lamkyn foure yardes of blak clothe of the same value. And I bequeth to Joane Lamkyn wife of the said John xxs. in money. Item, I bequeth to every of Rauf Rowlet, John Pyke, Henry Averell, and Thomas Calton goldsmythes four yardes of blak cloth at vs. the yarde to th'entent they shall stand at the churchedore and at my gate at home to see good order kept during the tyme of myn exequies according to the olde laudable custume for suche causes ordeyned. Item, I bequeth to either of my neeces Agnes Stanley and Margaret Stanley foure yards of blak cloth of the said value. Item, I bequeth to either of my godsonnes Thomas Palmer and Thomas Colsell two yards of blak cloth of like value. And to every of the two daughters of Thomas Kytsonne mercer and the sonne of Aldaye two yardes of black cloth of the same value. Item, I bequeth to Willm Billesdon the bastard iij yardes of blak clothe at iiijs. the yarde and xxs. in redy money. I bequeth to John Byrche the coke and his wife vij yards of blak cloth of like value. Item I bequeth to either of my two bedills Bouer and Willm. foure yardes of blak cloth at iiijs. the yarde. Item I bequeth to my godsonne Thomas Burnell two yards of blak cloth of like value and xxs. in redy money. Item I bequeth to every of Willm Strangwisshe Robert Travforthe and Thomas Robynson my servants foure yardes of blak cloth at iiijs. the yard and xxs. in redy money and to Joane Hicks my maide servant thre yards of blak cloth of like value and xxs. in money. Item I bequeth to every other of my servants that shalbe in my house and service at the tvme of my decease a blak gown at iiijs. the yarde and xxs. in money Item to John Gough Wyerseller and his wife vij yardes of blak cloth at iiijs. the yarde and xls. in redy money. And to Thomas Kyng my late bedill and his wife vij yardes of blak cloth of like value. Item, I bequeth to William Carkeke Scryvener xls. in money and vij yardes of blak cloth at vs. the yarde for a gowne for him and his wife. Item I bequeth to Margaret sometyme my servant nowe dwelling in Colman Stret xs. And I will that those my vj lyverey gowne clothes nowe being in oon of my presses shalbe dyed blak and to be gevyn amonge the other gownes above expressed and to stande as parcell of them. Item, I will that all my vestments, boks and chapell stuffe except my best chalice and my two best vestments shal be solde and also my best carpett of Turkey making, my thre best chests or coffers in my compting hous, my coffer with two locks beneth in the porters lodge, two chests in my hall and all my harnysse, bitts, glevis, holberds, mayle and armore and also the principall or best of myn apparell as gownes, jacketts and dobletts shalbe solde by myn executors shortely after my decease and the money therof coming to be converted towards the perfourmaunce of this my testament and last wille. And I will that the residue of myn apparell shortely after my deceas shalbe given and distributed by the discrecions of myn executours to and amonge honest por householders suche as they shall thinke most convenient for the helth of my soule and the souies above expressed. Item I will and bequeathe my said best chalice and my two best vestments to serve for the preest that shall singe for me at the awter of Jesus in the litle chapell where I have ordeyned my tombe within the said parishe Churche of Saint Mary Magdaleyn as long as the said chalice and two vestments will therunto endure. Item I geve and bequeth unto the said Agnes Stanley my susters doughter all the residue of my household stuffe and implements of household now being or at the tyme of my deceas shalbe within my dwelling home in the parishe of Saint Mary Magdeleyn aforsaid, as bedding, naprye. hanginges brasse pewter and all other stuffe of householde except plate or juells of golde or silver, upon condicion and to th'entent that she therof shall geve and deliver to Margaret Stanley her suster as muche of the said stuffe as it shall be praised as shall amount to the sume of thirty pounds sterlinge or ells shall paye unto his thirty pounds in redy money. And to Margery Stanley his suster as moche of the said stuffe as it shalbe praised as shall amount to the value of ten pounds sterlinge or ells shall paye unto hir tenne pounds in redy money. Also I bequeth to the said Agnes, Margaret and Margery Stanley in gilt silver plate at vs. the ounce or in parcell gilt at iiijs. iiijd. the ounce to the value of twenty pounds or ells xxli. in redy money, equally to be divided amongs them thre by the discrecon of my executors. Item I bequeth fyfty pounds to provide and purchase londes and tenements within the said citie for the use of Dame Elizabeth Exmewe my doughter nowe being nonne at Depford in the countie of Kent during her life. And after her deceas the profite of the same londes and tenements to remayn to the use of the said house of Depford for the maytennce of an yerely obite of xxs. within the said house for ever according and after suche maner and fourme as shalbe advised by myn executours or their assignes. Item I bequethe to be distributed towards th'exibition of pour scolers studying att Divinitie in either of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge twenty pounds sm. xlli. Item I bequeth to the wife of Stevyn Herenden haberdasher vjli. xiijs. iiijd. Item I bequeth to the wif of Humfrev Pakington mercer iijli. vjs. viijd. Item I bequeth to my lord Edmonde Howard a ring of golde of the value of xls. Item I bequeth to be distributed to and amongs the poor housholders inhabiting within the said paryshe of Saint Mary Magdeleyn and other nygh there abouts by the discrecion of myn executours xxli. Item, I bequeth twenty pounds for to provide and bey Coles therewith and the same to be distributed by the discrecions of myn execytours to and amongs pour housholders inhabiting within the ward of Crepulgate of London shortely after my deceas. Item I bequeth to Doctour Hopton Frier Prechor in Oxford fyve pounds. Item I bequethe to the preests of the bretherhede of Pappy in London whereof I am a brother to th'entent they shall come to my buriall and pray specially for my soule and the soules abovesaid xls. Item I bequeth xls. to be distributed to and amongs the poor housholders being fremen of the feliship of goldsmythes of London. Item I will that mvn executours shortly after my deceas shall cause a newe grate of iron and a dore to be made in my newe chapell within the said parishe Church of Saint Mary Magaleyn and also thre clenly candlesticks of lateyn to sett thre tapers therin. Item I bequethe to James Dayne goldsmyth xxs. And to Nicolas Holborne xxs. Item I bequeth to William Burwell mercer xs. Item I bequeth to Dame Elizabeth Exmewe nonne at Dertford my doughter a lymned mattens boke coveryd with crymsyn velvet with two claspes of silier and gilte. Item I bequeth to Maistres Palmer late my wifes doughter another lymned mattens boke covered with blewe velvet. Item, I bequeth to Maistres Colsell the wife of William Colsell mercer a lymned mattens boke covered with crymsyn velvet. Item I bequeth to Maistres Kytsonne a lymned mattyns boke covered with grene velvet. Item, I bequeth to Maistres Broket two fyne vaylls. Item I bequeth to Antony Bonyvauntes wife two fyne vaylls. Item I bequeth to Thomas Thomys wife a fyne vayll. Item I bequeth to Elizabeth Blewet late my servant a gown clothe of the price of xiijs. iiijd. Item I bequeth to Willm Campion grocer foure yards of blak cloth for a gowne. Item I bequeth to Agnes Wells iij yards of blak cloth of the price of xs. Item to Garard Ferys Surgeon a blak gowne. Item I bequeth to my Lady Acheley a blak gowne and to my Lady Aylmer another blak gowne. And to John Goots wife a blak gowne. Item I will that if any time hereafter I for any cause reasonable doo alter at or chaunge anything conteyned or specified in this my present testament and last wille or ells adde any other thinge in writing, cedule or codicill the whiche shalbe hereafter to this my present testament and last will annexed, I will and declare that the same writing cedule or codicell and everything in them and every of them conteyned and written shalbe taken reputed executed and fulfilled as parcell of this my present testament and last wille according to the true intent and effect of the same. The residue of all and singular my goodes catalls and detts after my detts paide, my burying and funeralls expenses made and doon and these my legacies conteyned in this my present testament and last wille performed and fulfilled I will shalbe dispoased by myn executors or their executors in dedes of charitie as in fynding of pour scolers of good name and fame in the said universities being good studiaunts and towards scolers lacking exhibicion, also in singing of masses, marying of pour maidens, releving of poor housholders and pour persones, amending and repayring of highe wayes and bridges and specially in amending of the condytt at London Wall agenst Colman Strete end whiche I late dyd there to be made. And of this my present testament and last wille and for the true perfourmyng of the same I make and ordeyn William Brokett goldsmyth and Thomas Kytsonne mercer citicens of London myn executuers and I bequeth to either of them for his labor in that behalf xli. in redy money and ix yards of blak cloth for gownes for himself and for his wife. And of th'execution of the same my testament and last wille I make and ordeyn Henry White, gentilman and Sir Willm Robynson Preest, overseers. And I bequethe to the said Henry White for his labor in that behalf fyve pounds and ix yards of blak cloth for a gowne for himselfe and his wife. And I bequethe to the said Sir William for his labor in that behalf xxxli. and foure yards of blak cloth for a gowne. And I the said Sir Thomas Exmewe revoke cancell and adnull all and almanr of former testaments, willes, cedules, and codicills by me in any wise before the day and yere above rehersed made and declared soe that noon other wille testament cedule nor codicill stande for me in any effect but only this my present testament and last wille made this present day of the date hereof whiche I afferme confesse and declare to be my very testament and last wille. IN WITNESS whereof to this my present testament and last will, I, the said Sir Thomas Exmewe have sett my seall yeven the day and yere above said these witness. Henry White, Gent—Sir William Robynson and William Carkeke—per Thomam Exmewe.
Proved 9th March 1528.
[This date and that at the beginning of the Will are, of course, stated in the reckoning used between the years 1153 and 1752, which regarded each year as beginning on March 25.]
There is another will of Sir Thomas Exmewe enrolled in the court of Hustings which has to do with real property. The following précis of this will is copied from Dr. R. R. Sharpe's Calender of Wills enrolled in the Court of Husting (Vol. II, page 636). In his Introduction to Vol. I he says “It was not unusual, as well within the City as without, for as testator to make two separate and distinct wills, one disposing of his real estate and the other of his personal goods and chattels.”
Proved A.D. 1533, Monday, the Feast of S. Faith, Virgin [6 Oct.].
EXMEWE (Thomas), Knight and Alderman.—To John Hardy, Alderman of London, and Master of the Guild or Fraternity of S. Katherine of the Craft of Haberdashers of the City of London, and wardens of the same, a certain tenement of which he had become solely seised in Hogenlane in the parish of S. Michael in Wood Street, charged with the observance of an obit for the souls of John Mathewe, late Yeoman of the Chamber to King Henry VII, citizen and baker of London, Katherine wife of the same, and others, with distribution of sums of money, &c., in manner as directed. In case of default the property is to go over to the Master and Wardens of the Craft and Fellowship of Whytte Bakers of London under like conditions, with further remainder to the parson and Churchwardens of the Church of S. Michael aforesaid. Dated December 17, A.D. 1528.

8 Feb. R. O.
5275. JOHN WEST, Friar Observant, to WOLSEY.
... My father-in-law, Sir Th. Exmew, died Saturday last, 6 Feb., and held from me and my sister, Kath. Colswell, certain evidences of lands in Middlesex, which I sold her and her husband William at the death of my mother, lady Eliz. Exmew, who died 14 Feb. 1528. He also withheld from my sister 20l. sterl., also a chalice and vestment, a chain of gold of 42 oz., 6 rings of gold set with stones, and 5l. 6s. 8d. bequeathed me by Wm. Browne, late alderman of London. My father-in-law, Exmew, promised that my sister and her husband should be his executors; but his executors, Th. Kyttson, mercer, and one Brokett, goldsmith, retain all his goods. Greenwich, 8 Feb. 1529.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: To my lord legate of England's grace. Endd.

... Item, I bequeath to my cousin, John West, mercer, a ring of gold of the value of 20s, and to my cousin, his wife, another gold ring of the value of 40s;
Item, to my godson, William West, their son, £3 6s 8d;
Item, to John West, brother of the same William West, 40s;

Dorset. C.2786. Demise by William Preston, late of Byrporte, co. Dorset, merchant, to William Campion, of London, grocer, John Sturgeon, of London, haberdasher, and John Archer, of Hakeney, co. Middlesex, Hackeneyman, of a moiety of three tofts with gardens in Stake lane, of three tenements in ‘le market place,’ of a barn and garden in ‘le Cherche lane,’ of a piece of land called ‘Morterhaye’ on the north side of Mylle lane, and of land in Myghhell lane, Byrporte; and of four tenements with a garden in Weymouthe, of land upon the hill by the church in Weymouthe parish, and of a tenement and land and half the ferry of Smalemouth in the parish of Weke, which moiety aforesaid Preston acquired from John Weste and Elizabeth by indenture dated 4th July, 8 Henry VIII.: to hold to the use of Thomas Exmewe, knight, alderman of London, and Elizabeth aforesaid his wife, a daughter and co-heiress of William Olyver, late of Byrdporte, and late the wife of the said John Weste, late mercer and alderman of London. 11 November, 17 Henry VIII. Seal.
Endorsed: Memorandum of livery of seisin, 22 November, 17 Henry VIII.

[Dorset.] C.3141. (1.) Grant by John the abbot, and the convent, of Sherborne, to William Olyver and Joan his wife, for their lives, of a yearly pension of 13s. 4d., for the surrender of land called ‘Dyrdauntes’ and closes of pasture called ‘Southamclos’ and ‘Selcrofte’ which Baldewin Whittok lately held in Stalbrugge. The chapter house at Sherborn, Thursday before St. Barnabas the apostle, 2 Edward IV.
(2.) Grant by the same, to the same, as above, but amplified, the yearly rent of 13s. 4d. to issue from land called ‘Dyrdauntes’ and closes called ‘Southamclos’ and ‘Selkecroft’ &c. Drafts. Paper.

... Item, to Joan, now my wife, all my lands and tenements in Briddeporte, Weymoth, Wyke, Melcomb Regis, and half the ferry of Smalemouth, and one house and two acres of land in Wyke to hold for her life, and after her death the premises shall remain to Alice and Elizabeth, my daughters, and their heirs equally. Each of my daughters shall have of my goods according to her degree for her marriage at the discretion of my said wife, if they marry with her advice, otherwise not.
Item, I will that my wife shall have all my goods in Dertemouth, in the county of Devon for her life, upon condition of finding one chaplain to celebrate yearly during her life for the soul of William Mountford, as in certain writings and evidences thereof made more fully appears.
The rest of all my goods I bequeath to my wife, Joan, whom I make my sole executrix, and John Newbourgh and William Hudfeld, esquires, my overseers.
Proved 5 July, 1476, by the executrix named [P.C.C. 23 Wattys].

[Dorset.] C.459. Demise by John Harrys and John Bytesgate, cofferers and wardens of the lands, rents, &c., of the town of Bridport, to William Olyver, Joan his wife, and John their son, for their lives, of a tenement and curtilage in Kyllyngeslane, Bridport, adjoining the garden of John Chidiok, knight. Bridport, 16 January, 23 Henry VI. Seal, and fragment of seal.

County: Devon
Plea: case: repair of gutter
Plaintiff: Brussheford, John
Defendants: Mountford, Alice, of Brytport, Dorset, widow of Mountford, William; Olyver, William, of Brytport, merchant; Olyver, Thomas, of Kyngesbrigge, merchant

Eventually in 1414, after another petition and remonstrance, Bishop Stafford, with the consent of the Dean and Chapter, the Abbot of Buckfast, and Roger Bachelor, the Rector of Churchstow, issued his ordinacio for carrying into effect the petition. This ordinacio was also agreed to by Robert Hull, junr., John Hacche, John Holdyche, John Wordell, and Walter Legh, parishioners of Churchstow ; and Roger Saundere, John Veel, John Torryng, William Sormound, Andrew Blakehalle, John Redewyll, Richard Lockynton, Roger Dyer, Thomas Leuere (or Lever), Robert Bold, David Ryder, Robert Blake, and Thomas Olyver, parishioners of Kingsbridge. Bishop Stafford dedicated the enlarged church on the 26th August, 1414, and the new churchyard on the following day.

[Devon.] C.1243. Grant by Thomas Olyver to John, Duke of Bedford, John Trewman, John Wybbury, esquire, William Mountfort, Henry Drewe, Thomas Sormond, Peter Ruchemond, and William Kent, of all his lands in Kyngesbrygge and Dodebroke. Kingsbridge, feast of St. Gregory the Pope, 9 Henry V.

[Devon.] C.1638. Grant by Richard Treby, clerk, to Thomas Olyver, of Kyngesbrigge, of a virgate of land in Dodebrook, adjoining the highway from Dodebrook to Charleton, which he had of the gift of Elena, late wife of William Falcombe, for his life, with remainder to his daughter Elena and the heirs of her body, &c. 31 May, 8 Henry VI. Seal.

A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds vol 6 pp230-43 Deed C.5592 (1915)
[Devon.] C. 5592. Quitclaim by Stephen atte Forde to John Waryn, clerk, John Jayben, Thomas Olyver and William Olyver of his right in two feet (pedibus) of land in South[t]on Dertemouth which Richard Inthecombe lately gave to William Mountfort. 1 July, 11 Henry VI.

[Devon.] C.1093. Confirmation by Humphrey Stafford and William Bonevyle, knights, William Wynard, and William Heighehouse, clerk, of the estate and possession of Master John Wareyn, canon of St. Peter’s, Exeter, John Jaybien, of Plymouth, Thomas Olyver, of Kingsbridge, and William his son, in lands and tenements in Southton Dertemouth. 3 August, 13 Henry VI. Seal.

William Oliver, of Kingsbridge, in Devonshire, Esq.
Arms, azure a dexter hand and arm issuing from the sinister side fess ways grasping a sinister hand couped at the wrist proper, impaling or three lions passant in pale sable.
Memorandum that in the Armes of the Olivers the Dexter hand which grasps the Sinister one coupe is tricked out in some collections coming out of a Cloud proper.
... Thomas Oliver
Arms, Oliver, impaling argent a chevron sable between three bats gules.

Arms. Argent a chevron between three bats displayed Sable [Battiscombe].
Or, five bendlets Azure [Mountford or Montfort].
Azure from clouds issuing from the sinister side proper a dexter hand fessways Argent, grasping another in pale of the same couped below the wrist Gules and dropping blood [Oliver].
... The arms of Oliver are extremely curious, and are no doubt derived from some forgotten deed of chivalry.
They were borne by a William Oliver, a knight in Cornwall, temp. Henry II., likewise by Jordan Oliver, one of the King’s Justices itinerant 12 Henry III., who sat in Devon (Note book of T. Risdon, 1608-1628 by Dallas 1897), and who was Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset 24 Henry III. One of the same name was witness to a charter of St. Nicholas’ Priory, Exeter, about Ric. I. (Collect. Top. et Her. vol. I., p. 252).
A family settled about 1600 at Lewes produced them to the heralds at the Visitation of Sussex without proof, and the Olivers of Boston in Massachusetts also assumed them in the 18th century.
Greenhill House, Weymouth. V. L. OLIVER.

[Devon.] C.555. Grant by Henry Oliver to John Oliver his brother, of a messuage, lands and tenements in the boroughs of Kyngusbridge and Dodebroke. Witnesses:—Ralph Richerd, John Cok, reeves of the said boroughs, and others (named). Dodbrook, Thursday the vigil of St Peter ad Vincula, 45 Edward III.

Devon. C.785. Grant by John Austyn and Nicholas Arnel to Millicent, late the wife of John Olyver, of messuages, lands, &c., in Kyngesbridge and Dodebroke, for her life. Witnesses:—William Sormunde, provost of the borough of Kyngesbridge, and others (named). Monday the vigil of the Circumcision, 10 Richard II. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.2272. Bond by William Olyver, of Brideport, merchant, to Roger Broune, of the same, for 10l. to be paid at Easter next. Monday after St. Hilary, 20 Henry VI. Cancelled.

William Oliver was Bailiff 18 times between 1438 and 1474, and M.P. 20 Hen. VI.

MEMBERS FOR GLOUCESTER.
1442. Jan. 1. Thomas Stephenes. William Olyver.
Oliver was Bailiff 1430, 1436, 1442, 1446.

Cornw. C.55. Bond from Robert Hunt, of St. Germains, Cornwall, merchant, to William Olyver, of Bridport, for 5l. 10s. Friday, the Vigil of St. Bartholomew, 15 Henry VI. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.34. Demise by John Burgeis and William Olyver, bailiffs of Brideport, to William Lacke, of Wodemille in Merswoievale, butcher, of a shamble in Bridport for life. Monday after Easter, 16 Henry VI. Seal and fragment of seal.

[Dorset.] C.136. Release by John le Meire, alias Leche, clerk, to John Burges and William Olyver, bailiffs of Bridport, of all actions. St. Blaise’s day, 18 Henry VI. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.146. Letters of attorney from Joan, late the wife of Philip Bryce, of Weymouth, sister and co heiress of Gregory Marleburgh, to William Marchall and John Harryes, to deliver seisin to William Olyver of a tenement in West Street, Bridport, between a tenement of the chantry of St. Michael, and a tenement of the commonalty of Bridport. 23 March, 18 Henry VI. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.422. Grant by Joan, late the wife of Philip Bryce, of Weymouth, sister and co-heiress of Gregory Marleburgh, to William Olyver, of Bridport, of a tenement on the north side of West Street, Bridport, between a tenement of the chantry of St. Michael and a tenement of the commonalty of Bridport. Witnesses:—John Burgeys, one of the bailiffs of Bridport, and others (named). 24 March, 18 Henry VI.

[Dorset.] C.3856. Release by Nicholas Bryce, of Waymouth, son and heir of Joan Bryce, of the same, to William Olyver, of Brideport, of all his right in a tenement in the west street of Brideport. Witnesses:—John Burgeis, one of the bailiffs of the said town, and others (named). 3 April, 18 Henry VI. Seal, broken.

Dorset. C.2272. Bond by William Olyver, of Brideport, merchant, to Roger Broune, of the same, for 101. to be paid at Easter next. Monday after St. Hilary, 20 Henry VI. Cancelled.

[Dorset.] C.308. Grant by William Hychecok, of Malmysbery, son and heir of William Hychecok, late of Bridport, to William Olyver, of Bridport, of land by Kyllyngislane called ‘Mortehay,’ in Bridport. Witnesses:—John Burges, one of the bailiffs of Bridport, (the said William Olyver being the other), and others (named). Wednesday the Vigil of the Ascension, 23 Henry VI. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.72. Release by John Crull, of Brideport, and Isabella his wife, to William Olyver, of all their right in a parcel of land by Kyllyngislane, called ‘Mortehay,’ in Bridport. Witnesses:—John Burges and William Olyver, bailiffs of Bridport, and others (named). Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin, 23 Henry VI. Two seals.

Dorset. C.544. Grant by Joan late the wife of John Moryer, daughter and co-heiress of William Drawlaunce and Katherine his wife, sister of William Sherard, to William Olyver, John Harreis, John Bydesgate, and Andrew Mannyng, of lands, &c., in Waldyche, by Bridport. Tuesday after St. Laurence the Martyr, 28 Henry VI. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.434. Release by Edith, late the wife of John Frampton, late of Dorchester, sister and heiress of John Crook, formerly of Bridport, to William Olyver, of Bridport, of all her right in a messuage in East Street, Bridport, adjoining the lane leading to Kyllyngesmulle; with warranty against John abbot of Middleton and his successors. Witnesses:—Robert Skarlet, Thomas Stokfysshe, bailiffs of Bridport, and others (named). 20 April, 34 Henry VI. Seal.

Dorset. C.1151. Bond of John Towke, alias Clerck, of Bridport, to William Olyver, of the same place, for 4l. 16 February, 35 Henry VI. Seal.

[ ] C.1979. Bond by John Olyver, clerk, and William Olyver, to John Beatiscombe for 50s. Tuesday after St. Katherine the Virgin, 5 Edward IV. Cancelled.

Devon. C.1081. Bond from Joan Wenyngton, late the wife of Robert Wenyngton, of Dertmouth, to William Olyver, of Bridport, for 3l. 2s. 4 November, 6 Edward IV. Seal.

[Dorset.] C.1116. Bond of William Bewschyne, esquire, to William Olyver, of Brydporte, for 40s. Saturday before St. Luke the Evangelist, 14 Edward IV.

William Oliver, of Kingsbridge, in Devonshire, Esq.
Arms, azure a dexter hand and arm issuing from the sinister side fess ways grasping a sinister hand couped at the wrist proper, impaling or three lions passant in pale sable.
Memorandum that in the Armes of the Olivers the Dexter hand which grasps the Sinister one coupe is tricked out in some collections coming out of a Cloud proper.
... William Oliver
Arms, Oliver, impaling bendy of ten azure and or.

WILLIAM OLIVER, OF BRIDPORT.— The following abstract of an early Latin will relating to Bridport may be of interest.
William Oliver, 5 May, 1475. My body to be buried in the parish church of St. Mary of Briddeporte, on the East side of the tomb of my master, William Mountforde, with my head to his feet, and directly by the side of Joan, my former wife.
Item, I bequeath to the fabric of the cathedral church of Salisbury 3s. 4d. To the fabric of the church of Briddeport 6d. 8d. To the fraternity of St. Gregory in the church there 6s. 8d. To the fraternity of St. Mary there 6s. 8d. To the rector of the said parish church 3s. 4d. To the reparation of the poorhouse there or the maintenance of the poor people therein 6s. 8d. To the fabric of the chapel of St. Andrew there 3s. 4d. To the fabric of the chapel of St. Mary of Waldiche 12d.
Item, to Joan, now my wife, all my lands and tenements in Briddeporte, Weymoth, Wyke, Melcomb Regis, and half the ferry of Smalemouth, and one house and two acres of land in Wyke to hold for her life, and after her death the premises shall remain to Alice and Elizabeth, my daughters, and their heirs equally. Each of my daughters shall have of my goods according to her degree for her marriage at the discretion of my said wife, if they marry with her advice, otherwise not.
Item, I will that my wife shall have all my goods in Dertemouth, in the county of Devon for her life, upon condition of finding one chaplain to celebrate yearly during her life for the soul of William Mountford, as in certain writings and evidences thereof made more fully appears.
The rest of all my goods I bequeath to my wife, Joan, whom I make my sole executrix, and John Newbourgh and William Hudfeld, esquires, my overseers.
Proved 5 July, 1476, by the executrix named [P.C.C. 23 Wattys].

The Oliver Family

Alice (Oliver) Hill

Elizabeth (Oliver, West) Exmewe

Joan (_____) Olyver

John Olyver

Thomas Olyver

William Olyver

William Olyver