Thomas CROCHERODE [8239]

  General Notes:

That Thomas is the son of Thomas [4786] is conjectural

The Manor of Husses (Husee's) Toppesfield: William Cratchrode Jnr held this Manor in 1585, about the latter end of Queen Elizabeth it was holden by John Alston of Belchamp-Oton, who gave it to his third son . . . . . Matthew, and he having no issue bequeathed it to . . . . . Thomas Cracherode.
Ref: History of the County of Essex. Rev P Morant Vol II ERO

ALSTON v. CRACHROD.
Bill, 6 June 1679, by William Alston of Heddingham Sible, co. Essex, gent., brother and executor, of Matthewe Alston, late of Topsfeild, said co. gent., decd., v. Thomas Crachrod, Christopher Layer and Mary Hobart.
The said Matthew was possessed of a messuage and about 60 acres of land in Topsfeild, of the yearly value of about L30 and personalty worth about L300 besides securities; and about three years since, finding himself very weak in body and infirm by reason of the greatness of his age, and not sufficient effectually to manage his business and affairs of such concern, he did betake himself to sojourn with one Thomas Crachrod of Cusse Hall in Topsfeild, gent., where he soon after died. But before his death, viz. about October 1677, he made his will, under which complainant was residuary legatee. And very soon after, before complainant was or could be permitted to come into the room where the goods and chattels, and writings &c. of the said deceased were contained, the said Crachrode went into the said room and removed the said effects. They have also wrongfully possessed themselves of the said
messuage &c. &c.
Defendants know nothing as to the value of Matthew's estate, but say that for 4 or 5 years before his death, he being very diseased and infirm in his body, and having some time before demised away the said messuage, reserving only a room or two to himself, he being there in a helpless condition, and wanting conveniences of all sorts, came to Thomas Crachrode's house, and did frequently eat and drink at his table, and was there received and entertained, at first as a neighbour, and afterwards as a sojourner. Crachrode denies possessing himself of the goods of deceased.
Matthew sold the said farm (called Hoses) to Crachrode about 5 years since, a fine being duly levied thereof.
Ref Hamilton 552 1679
Alstoniana Pg 181

CRATCHERODE v. ALSTON.
Bill, 27 June 1681 by Anne and Dorothy Cratcherode, infants, by Thomas Cratcherode their father, v. William Alston, brother and executor of the late Matthew Alston of Topsfeild, co. Essex, gent.
The complainants demand payment of legacies of L5 apiece bequeathed to them as " daughters of his cousin Cratchrode of Cusshall " by the said Matthew, and which William refuses to pay because they are still under age.
Ref Hamilton 88/58 1681

Essex Record Office D/ABW 68/178
Level: Category Archdeaconry records
Level: Fonds COMMISSARY OF BISHOP OF LONDON
Dates of Creation 7 November 1677
WILL
Scope and Content:
Matthew Alston of Toppesfield, gent
Yet to search (2006)