Person Page

     Robert Lawrence was born in 1399.² He married first Amphilis Longford.² He married second Agnes Croft of Dalton in 1429.³ Robert died on 3 April 1450.³
     

     Robert was also known as [Sir] Robert Lawrence.

     Robert was the fourth Squire of Ashton. In 1426 he purchased one-fourth part of the manor of Bolton.⁴

     It has been stated that Robert married Amphibilis daughter of Edward Longford, Esq. However, in 1429, he married Agnes daughter of Nicholas Croft. Upon his marriage to Agnes Croft he received lands in Middleton, Heysham, and Lancaster. Also in 1429 he was Knight of the Shire and in Parliament complained of trespasses at Carnforth.⁴

     Schuyler Lawrence also indicates that Robert's son and heir to Ashton, James, was age 22 when his father died in 1450⁴ which would indicated that his birth date was 1428, a year before Robert married Agnes Croft. From this, since James was the heir and therefore the oldest son, one might speculate that James was a son by his first wife Amphibilis and the rest of the children were by his second wife. Perhaps Amphibilis died in child birth. However, this is not a known fact.

     Schuyler also indicates in his manuscript, The Lawrences, Squires of Ashton, Lancs. that there was a fouth son, Thomas, who died without issue. However, in his Communication to the Editor of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society he names only three sons as do other sources.

     Robert Lawrence who had (or claimed) the advowson of Warton Church held three messuages, etc. of the king in socage by 1d. rent in Warton.³

     In 1429 he complained that the men of Bolton had trespassed on his closes at Carnforth. Also in 1429 he was knight of the shire.⁴

     There is some confusion as to how many male children Robert had. Sir James and Robert are known for certain. Somerby also inicates that there was Nicholas who was the Nicholas of Agercroft who had a seven sons. Schuyler Lawrence indicates that this Nicholas could not have been the Nicholas of Agercroft as his descendants would have inherited the vast Lawrence estates. Schulyer also indicates that the children of Robert could not have had issue for the same reason. Also, Schulyer indiates another male child, Thomas, who had no issue.

     At his death in 1450, Robert held the manor of Carnforth of the king as duke in scoage paying 4d. yearly,³ moities of the manors of Scotforth of the king as duke in socage by 1d. rent³ and Middleton by rent of 2d.,³ four messuages etc. of Richard Molyneux and Henry Pleasington in Ellel in socage,³ lands in Bolton by rent of 2d.,³ burgages in Lancaster, lands in Skerton,⁴ and four messuages in Ashton of the king as duke in socage by a rent of 4d.³ He also held a moiety of the manor of Carleton of the king as his duchy of Lancaster in socage by 1d. rent³ and a moiety of the manor of Stavely in Westmorland which was formerly the sixth part of the manor of Kirkby in Kendal.³

     Robert Lawrence was born circa 1371 in England.² He married Margaret Holden.³ Robert died on 8 September 1439 in England.³
     

     Robert was also known as [Sir] Robert Lawrence.

     Sir Robert was the third Squire of Ashton. He was Knight of the Shire in 1403, 1406, and 1414. In 1402 he was a commissioner to arrest sedition mongers. In 1403 he assembled knights and yeomen in Lancashire and brought them to the king to fight against the Earl of Northumbland in Scotland.³

     Robert Lawrence was escheator of the county in 1404 and later complained of disseisin in 1407, and it was alleged against him that Edmund had left no heir. He was made a knight and had a son and heir of the same name.²

     He not only inherited his father's lands and manors, but added to those estates in Ireland and the manors of Southworth and Dillicar in Co. Westmoreland.

     A considerable contingent from Lancaster accompanied Henry V in 1415 on a campaign that ended at Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War. John Lord Harcourt, bannert, took two knights, twenty-seven men-at-arms, and ninety archers; seven knights, James de Harrington, Richard de Kighley, Ralph de Stavely, Nicholas de Longford, William Botiller, John Southworth, and Richard de Radcliffe, and two esquires, John Stanley and Robert Laurence each served with fifty archers.² A History of Lancaste Golf Club also states that Robert Lawrence fought against the French at Agincourt in 1415.

     In 1419 he was a commissioner to raise a loan for the King and in 1421 commissioner to bring 400 archers to France during the Hundred Years' War.

     He was knighted in 1417 or 1437 according to Schuyler Lawrence.³ I believe it probably was 1417 as he is referred to as Sir Robert Lawrence in 1426.

     Nicholas Hesketh died in 1416 leaving a son and heir Thomas who was ten years old. Later it appears that Sir Robert Lawrence was guardian. Thomas Hesketh died in 1458 and it is usually said that he married Sir Robert's daughter, Sibyl.²

     In 1426 Sir Robert agreed to pay Maud Wyresdale of Bolton 10s a year for her life for the fourth part of the lordship of Bolton with lands, etc.² In 1429, Robert complained that the men of Bolton had trespassed on his closes at Carnforth.²

     Walter Strickland, receiver of the lordship of Kendal in 1439 accounted for £6 13s. 4d. of the arrears of Sir Robert Lawrence, late farmer of Ashton and Carnforth.²

     1440, Inquest taken at Burton ..... 18 Henry VI, before Walter de Strikland, esquire, escheator, by the oath of John Berwyk etc., who say that :Robert Laurence, knight, was seised of the manors of of Rauthesworth and Dilacre; by his charter dated Thursday next before St. Thomas the Apostle, 17 Henry VI (18 December, 1438), he granted certain messuages and lands in the vill and hamlet of Nateland to his son Thomas Laurence to hold for his life, with remainder to Robert's right heirs by virtue whereof Thomas became and stil is seised thereof. The premises in Nateland worth 10 marks yearly clear, are held of Thomas Strickland "chivaler" by service unknown. By another charter dated Friday next before St. Thomas the Apostle, 17 Henry VI (19 December 1438), he granted the manor of Dulacre to his son William Laurence to hold for his life, with the remainder to Robert's right heirs, by virtue whereof William became and is still seised of the said manor, which is worth 10 marks yearly clear, and is held of Thomas del Parre, knight, in socage, by service unknown. By another charter of the laste date (19 December) he granted the manor of Rauthesworth to his son Edmund Lawrence for life, with remainder to Robert's right heir, by virtue whereof Edmund became and still is seised of the said manor, which is worth 10 marks yearly and is held of Roger Petwardyn, esquire, in socage, by services unknown. Robert Laurence, esquire, his son, is his next heir, aged 40 years; Excheq.Inq. p.m., ser. i, file 167, n. 9.⁴

     Robert Lawrence was born circa 1460.¹ He married Unknown Stanley, daughter of Thomas Stanley II and Eleanor de Neville.^2,1 Robert died without issue in 1511 in England.²
     

     Robert was also known as [Sir] Robert Lawrence.

     It is reported that Robert married one of the daughters of Thomas Stanley but which one is not known.

     Robert Douglas Lawrence was born on 10 March 1924 in Smyrna, Cobb Co., Georgia.¹ He married Geneve Aldridge, daughter of John Lewis Finley and Mildred Hendricks, on 26 May 1989 in Hopkinsville, Christian Co., Kentucky.²
     

     Robert Douglas Lawrence was listed as a son at age 6, born in Georgia, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence [Sr.] in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, in the Census of 1930 enumerated 21 April 1930.¹

     Robert enlisted in the U. S. Army on 27 November 1942 in FT. McClellan, Alabama. Enlistment was for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law.³

     Robert Lawrence Jr. was born circa 1639 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.¹ He married first Unknown ? before 1662.² He married second Joane Gay after 1688.² Robert died before 23 January 1720/21.
     

     Robert's birth date is based on an affidavit he made in 1708. "Robert Lawrence of Nansimond County aged about sixty nine years Examined and sworne saith. That abouth forty seven years ago this Deponent seated a plantation on the south west side of Chowan River abuth three or four miles aboth the mouht of Morattock where he lived about seven years, by which means he had often occassion of passing and repassing the Chowan, in which he often took notice and still very well knows a large creek on the said South west side of Chowan commonly called and known both by the English and Indians by the name of Weyanoke Creeke which creek issueth into Chowan abouth twenty miles above Morattuck River mouth and accortind to the best of his Deponents judgement abouth twenty miles below the mouth of Maherine River and this Deponent further saith that he never heard either the Blackwater Nottaway or Maherine River or any other River or Creek but that above mentioned called by the name of Weyanoke Creek. Signed: Robert R. Lawrence Sworn and addressed as the former."³

     Robert's second wife, Jane, was the widow of Henry Gay who died in 1688. Jane's children by Henry Gay are believed to be Henry Gay and John Gay listed as "son-in-laws" in Robert Lawrence's will, and Thomas Gay. It is believed that Robert was married previously and that the first wife was the mother of his children.

     On November 24, 1653, a Robert Lawrence was used as a headright by Francis Grey of Charles City County, which might indicate that Robert Jr. had been sent to England for a visit and upon his return was used as a headright by Francis Grey.⁴

     Robert Lawrence, Jr. patented 625 acres west of the Chowanoke River in North Carolina on September 25, 1663, for transportation of thirteen colonists. On April 13, 1664, Robert Lawrence, the younger, sold George Pierce, smith, of Nansemond Co. 300 acres on Beaver Dam Swamp from 600 acres patented on May 20, 1673, in Nansemond Co. George Pierce assigns this land to Hodges Council on November 20, 1674.⁴

     On "this sict day tenth month in ye year 1679" (6 December 1679) a Robert Laurenc witnessed the wedding of Thomas Jordan and Elizabeth Burgh.⁵ This may be this Robert or may be his father the elder Robert.

     On July 27, 1682, Robert Lawrence, William Scott, Robert Couger, and Francis Hutchins witnessed the will of Peter Edwards of Isle of Wight Co.⁶ On November 6, 1682, Robert Lawrence, Richard Booth, and John Brown, witnessed a deed of Mathew Strickland and his wife Eliz. of Lower Parish to William Evans of Upper Parish 800 acres on the main swamp of King Sale for 4,000 bls. of tobacco.¹

     On "this tenth day of ye fift month in 1683" (10 July 1683) Robart Laurenc witnessed the wedding of Robart Jones and Martha Rice.⁵ Again I'm not sure whether this is Robert or his father the elder Robert.

     Robt Laurence Senior and Joone [sic] Lawrence witnessed the wedding of John Mory and Elizabeth Hichins "this fifteenth day of the Second month in the yeare 1686" (15 April 1686.)⁵ Robert's father has probably died by this time and Robert is now known as Robert Senior as he has a son Robert Junior.

     On July 9, 1689, Robert Lawence, Robert Cooper, and Thomas Sykes requested administration of the estate of Thomas Cullen of Isle of Wight Co., recorded on October 20, 1689.⁶ On October 23, 1689, Robert Lawrence, Jeremiah Exum, Francis Bridle, William Mayo, William Smelly, and William Murphy, appraised Cullen's estate.⁶

     On December 9, 1689, Robert Lawrence and John Brown witnessed a deed of John and Ann Smith to John Mackmihill. On March 22, 1696/7, Thomas Mumford, planter of Isle of Wight, sold Daniel Sanbourne some land assigned to Munford by Robert Lawrence adjoining Giles Lawrence.¹ On April 10, 1699, the will of Hodges Council bequeathed land bought from Robert Lawrence and George Pierce to his son John. In 1704 Robert Lawrence owned 400 acres in Nansemond County⁷ and 400 in Isle of Wight County.⁷

     On "this 11 day of the 11 mo in the year 1699" (11 January 1699/1700) Joana Lawrence and Robt Lawrence Juner witnessed the wedding of Thomas Gay (son of Joana Lawrence) and Rebecca Page.⁵

     On October 8, 1705, Robert Lawrence, Sr., Robert Lawrence, Jr., and Thomas Brown witnessed will of George Green.⁶ (Robert Sr. here is probably Robert Jr. the son of the immigrant Robert, and the Robert Jr. here is probably his son.)

     On January 9, 1706/07, Robert Lawrence, son and heir of Robert Lawrence deceased, sold to Robert Crawford of Lawne's Creek Parish, Surry, "150 acres of land granted to my father 28 September, 1643." This land patented by the elder Robert Lawrence, lay next to the land of the widow Alice Bennett and the deed of his son, Robert, Jr., was endorsed "This day being the 8th of April, 1706, William Bennett has given peaceable possession of these premises to Robert Lawrence of Isle of Wight in the presence of these witnesses, Carter Crawford, William Brantley."¹ He also sold to Robert Crawford on the same date, 100 acres east of Lawne's Creek patented by his father on August 25, 1642, witnessed by William Bennett, John Berryman, and Thomas Bagnell.⁸

     On "15 day of the 11 mo 1707" Robert Lawrence and Elizabeth Lawrence were witness to the marriage of James Denson and Sarah Dryton.⁹

     On April 29, 1708, Robert Lawrence, Richard Exum, and Robert Cooper witnessed the will of Thomas Sikes.⁶ On July 25, 1715, Robert, Richard Wooten, and James Tullaugh appraised the estate of William Mayo.⁶ His own estate was appraised by Thomas Sikes, Jacob Darden, John Pope, and Thomas Gale on February 27 1720/21.⁶

     Robt Lawrence Junor and Joane Lawrence witnessed the marriage of Thomas Gay and Rebecca Page "this 11th day of the 11th mo in the year 1699."

     Robert made a will on 20 April 1720 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia. The will is damaged beyond complete reading, but the following items are legible:

     (1) wife to have use of all movable property,
     (2) son Robert to have the lands
     (3) son-in-law (this word was also used for a stepson in those days) Henry Gay to have a chest, iron rack, and a pair of iron wedges
     (4) son-in-law and executor John Gay to have a long table, great brass kettle, and great iron pot, and
     (5) witnesses Ambrose (A) Sanders and Jane Gay.⁸

     His will was probated on 23 January 1720/21.

     Robert W. Lawrence was born on 6 April 1854 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee.¹ He married Alice Rhea Murphy on 26 December 1878 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee.² Robert died of "hardening of the brain" caused by printing ink fumes on 19 February 1892 in Hopkinsville, Christian Co., Kentucky, at age 37.^1,3 He was interred on 22 February 1892 in Green Lawn Cemetery in Franklin, Simpson Co., Kentucky.⁴
     

     Robert W. and his brother Henry Smith were twins. He worked as a printer in Kentucky.^5,3

     Robert W. Lawrence was listed at age 6, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of Lemuel Lawrence in Sumner Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 14 June 1860.⁶

     Robert W. Lawrence was listed at age 16, born in Tennessee, occupation as a farm laborer, as a member of the household of Lemuel Lawrence in Sumner Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1870, enumerated 23 June 1870.⁷

     In the Census of 1880, enumerated 1 June 1880, Robert W. Lawrence was listed as head of household in Franklin, Simpson Co., Kentucky. He was listed at age 25, occupation as a printer, born in Tennessee. Also enumerated in the household: Alice Rhea Lawrence.⁸

     Robert Lawrence [III] was born circa 1662 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.¹ He married his cousin Sarah Exum, daughter of Jeremiah Exum and Ann Lawrence, say 1701 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.²
     

     On 28 September 1719, Robert and Sarah Lawrence, Barnaby and Mary Mackinne, Elizabeth Exum, William and Jane Outland, William and Mourning Scott, Christian Norsworthy, and Catherine Scott, heirs of their brother Richard Exum of Nansemond County, deceased, sold to George Norsworthy of Isle of Wight County, 200 acres at the head of Indian Creek on Western Branch in Nansemond County adjoining Mr. Jeremiah Exum and Henry Gay, witnessed by John Dunkley and John Watts.³

     Robert Lawrence [IV] was born say 1702 in Nansemond Co., Virginia.¹ He married Anne Council, daughter of Hardy Council and Susannah Fulgham, say 1723.^2,3 Robert died before 28 January 1744/45 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^2,4
     

     Robert owned land adjoining that bequeathed in the will of John Barnes on 27 March 1736.⁴

     Robert made a will on 1 November 1743 in Newport Parish, Isle of Wight Co., Virginia. Robert's will:

(1) son Hardy, half of home plantation, horse, bridle, saddle, gun, sword, 2 sows with pigs, and a set of iron wedges; (2) son Robert, half the home planation, mare, cow and calf; (3) son George, £6 when he comes of age, cow and calf, 2 leather chairs, and black walnut table; (4) son Charles, £ when he comes of age, 4 leather chairs, and a small cedar table; (5) daughter Sarah, feather bed, bolster, sheet, blanket, bedstead, 2 pewter dishes, and 6 pewter spoons; (6) daughter Priscilla, feather bed, 2 pewter basis, 6 pewter spoons, iron pot; (7) wife and executrix Ann, rest of the estate, the use of half the plantation in her lifetime; (8) brother John Lawrence to look after George's estate; (9) Charles Lawrence left in the care of his grandfather Hardy Council. Witnesses, William Lawrence, John Lawrence, and Hardy Councill.²

     His will was probated on 28 January 1744/45.

     Robert Lawrence [V] was born say 1725. He married Sarah Eley on 23 March 1786 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2
     

     There is a conflict about which Robert is the son of Robert Lawrence IV and Anne Council. Boddie in Historical Southern Families, Vol. I, names this Robert who married Sarah Eley as does the Enfield-Bryant Genealogy. Johnston in his manuscript names Robert who married a Priscilla and whose will is recorded in Southampton Co., Virginia as the son of Robert IV and Ann. The correct one is probably Robert who married Sarah Eley. I've included both until this can be sorted out.

     Robert was bequeathed land in his father will in 1743. His birth date is estimate as 1725.

     Sally S. Lawrence was born on 20 March 1858 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee.¹ Sally died on 19 July 1864 in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tennessee, at age 6.¹
     

     Sally S. Lawrence was listed at age 2, born in Tennessee, as a member of the household of Lemuel Lawrence in Sumner Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1860, enumerated 14 June 1860.²

     Samuel Lawrence was born in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 He married Unknown Darden.⁴ Samuel died before 25 October 1763.¹
     

     Samuel Lawrence was called brother-in-law and executor in the will of Jacob Darden on 25 March 1739/40, and was asked to care for Charles Darden and certain land in Nansemond County during Charles' minority, witnessed by George Lawrence and John Marshall. On 7 March 1752/3, Samuel Lawrence's land in Upper Parish of Nansemond County was processioned by Robert Lawrence and Thomas Pinner in the presence of John Lawrence and himself. He may have died without heirs as his land belonged to John Lawrence on 25 October 1763.¹

     Sarah Lawrence was baptized on 4 June 1592.^1,2 She married Richard Colvile of Newton Hall, Isle of Ely, Cambridge.³ Sarah died on 17 April 1631 at age 38.¹ She was interred in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.
     

     On the same wall as the monument to Thomas Lawrence, her father, is the monument of Mrs. Sarah Colvile. It represents the deceased, in a winding-sheet, rising from her tomb, and bears the following inscription-- "And you shal know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your sepulchres." Ezeh. 37. vers. 13.

     Sacred
     to y^e blessed memory of that
     vnstayned copy & rare example
     of all virtve
     Sara
     wife of Richard Colevile of Newton
     in y^e Ile of Ely in y^e covnty of
     Cambridge Esq. davghter to
     Thomas Lawrence
     of Iver in y^e covnty of Bvckingha Esq.
     who in y^e 40^th yeare of her
     age received y^e gloriovs reward
     of her constant piety
     being y^e happy mother of 8 sons
     and 2 davghters

     Wonder not (Reader) how this stone
     Should be so smooth and pure: Theres one
     That lyes within't by whose fayer light
     It shines so cleere & looks so bright.
     The Cutter's art could only giue
     A forme vnto't: no power to liue
     Nor shall it euer loose this grace
     Till she arive and leaue the place
     For losse of whome y^e mournfull Vrne
     Shall fire and to cynders tvrn.
     She dyed y^e 17^th of April
     1631

     Arms: Quarterly, 1 and 4. Azure, a lion rempant argent, a label of three points gules; 2 Argent, three chessrooks gules, Walshingham; 3. Argent, on a bend sa. a benzant, pinchbeck; impaling Laurence. Crest: 1. A lion rampant arg. 2. A chessrook.¹

     Sarah Lawrence married John Parsons.¹

     Sibyl Lawrence married Thomas Hesketh.¹ Sibyl died in 1459/60.¹
     

     Sibyl was well-dowered and left her son, Thomas Hesketh Jr. a considerable estate.

     Stanley Ross Lawrence was born on 18 November 1954 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹ He married Barbara Ann Cantrell on 30 June 1978 in Argo, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹
     

     Stanley was also known as Ross.

     Steven Wayne Lawrence was born on 17 July 1951 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.¹ Steven married first Nona Jane Heavington on 15 June 1974 in Argo, Jefferson Co., Alabama.² Steven married second Teresa Lynn Williams.³

     Thelma Marie Lawrence was born on 6 June 1915 in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee.^1,2 She married James Robert Newsome on 3 November 1934 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama.³ Thelma died on 17 December 1992 in Las Cruces, Dona Ana Co., New Mexico, at age 77.⁴
     

     Thelma Marie Lawrence was listed as a daughter at age 6 (age incorrect), born in Tennessee, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence [Sr.] in 11th Civil District, Davidson Co., Tennessee, in the Census of 1920 enumerated 2 January 1920.¹

     Thelma Marie Lawrence was listed as a daughter at age 13, born in Tennessee, in the household of Carl Greenville Lawrence [Sr.] in Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Alabama, in the Census of 1930 enumerated 21 April 1930.²

     
     

     On "the 15 day of this instant mo being the first mo of the year 1702" (15 April 1702) the marriage of Thomas Page and Isabell Lawrence was witnessed by brothers Michall Lawrence and Thomas Lawrence (brothers of Isabell), Elizabeth Lawrence (probably Isabell's mother), Joane Lawrence (wife of Robert Lawrence, and Mary Lawrence (wife of John Lawrence).² Isabell was the daughter of Henry Lawrence, brother to the aforementioned Robert and John, and Elizabeth Edey.

     Thomas Lawrence was born say 1500.
     

     Thomas Lawrence resided in Chelmarsh near Bridgnorth in the community of Sallop. The two most notable buildings in Chelmarsh are the church and Chelmarsh Hall. The church was first endowed by Hugh de Mortimer in 1345 and the main part of the church dates from this time with later additions and modifications. The screen and the lynchgate were carved by a local carving class at the end of the 19th century. Chelmarsh Hall was formerly a granary and was granted to monks in 1379 by Edmund Mortimer, the Earl of March. It was thought to once be connected to the church by an under ground passageway. The Hall is now mainly Victorian with some late medieval doors and windows and fragments of a timber roof.^2,1

     Thomas Lawrence was born say 1410. He married Mabel de Croft, daughter of John de Croft.²
     

     Thomas Lawrence was a Member of Parliament in 1435.² In 1439, in addition to the estate in Yealand, he received lands in Natland, Westmoreland, from his father.^3,4 In 1443 Thomas Lawrence complained of various outrages, Thomas Beetham and others came to kill him and they set his house on fire.⁵

     He was sheriff of Lancashire from 11th to 23rd Henry VI (1433-1445).⁶

     There is a contradiction in Schuyler Lawrences manuscripts concerning Mabilla Redmain. In Part IV of The Lawrence Family Record Series, Lawrence of Chelsea, Middlesex he indicates that this Thomas married Mabilla Redmain. In Part II The Lawrences: Squires of Ashton, Lancs. he indicates that Mabilla Redmain was the wife of Sir Thomas Lawrence, 6th Squire of Ashton. I believe the latter may be incorrect. Schuyler cites Somerby as the source for this marriage and Somerby's pedigree is know to contain errors.

     Nichols in Herald and Genealogist indicates that this Thomas married Mabilla Redmain, daughter and heir of John Redmain of Yealand-Redmain, whose pedigree is in the Bodlien Library, Dodsworth, vol. 120.⁶

     Upon further examination of the history of Yealand Redmayne in the Victoria History of Lancashire I believe that Mabilla Redmain is actually Mabel de Croft also known as Mabella (possibly 'my beautiful one'), daughter of John de Croft of Yealand Redmain. A scrap of pedigree in Kuerden gives the descent thus: Adam (de Redmayne), daughter Elizabeth (who married Roger de Croft), son John (de Croft), son John (de Croft), daughter Mabel (de Croft).⁵ The history of manor of Yealand Redmayne extracted from the Victoria History of Lancashire⁵ follows.

     Thomas Lawrence was born say 1470.¹
     

     Schuyler Lawrence indicates that Thomas Lawrence of Chelmarsh may have been the son of Arthur. Nichols' The Herald and Genealogist indicates that Thomas Lawrence, the goldsmith, was the son of Thomas of Chelmarsh near Bridgenorth and was probably born there, where also Thomas' grandfather resided. This would make three generations of Thomas Lawrences and makes the generations better align. Therefore, Thomas Lawrence of Chelmarsh was the son of this Thomas and Thomas, the goldsmith, the grandson.

     Thomas Lawrence was born circa 1539.¹ He married Martha Cage of All Saints in Honey Land, London, daughter of Anthony Cage and Elizabeth Dale, on 22 July 1572 in All Hallows Honey Lane.^2,3 Thomas died on 28 October 1593.^4,1 He was interred on 7 November 1593 in Chelsea, Middlesex, England.⁴
     

     Thomas was also known as [Sir] Thomas Lawrence.

     Alfred Beaver wrote in 1892, that the oldest portions of Chelsea Old Church are the Chancel and the north chantry or chapel. The main fabric of the latter dates from the early part of the fourteenth century and is known as the Lawrence Chapel, from a family in whose possession is was for about a century and half (beginning with Sir Thomas Lawence.) It is generally supposed to have been the manor-chapel, built by one of the early lords of the manor, to have passed with the manor into the hands of Henry VIII, and to have been granted by him, with the old manor-house, to the Lawrences. No chapel, however, is mentioned in Lord Sandys' grant of the manor to Henry VIII in 1536, nor in a Particular of the Manor drawn up in 1544, nor in any of the manorial grants and assignments; and Alfred Beaver indicates the he can find no reason for supposing the Lawrence house to be identical with or on the site of the old manor-house other than the fact that it was near the Lordship Yard (originally the site of the manor-barns and stables) and a vacant piece of land (now occupied by Carlyle Mansions) called the Lord's Waste, and that these names were supposed to indicate the near neighborhood of the old manor-house. Alfred concludes that the chapel does not appear to have belonged to the manor or to have been used for burial in the time of the Brays (early owners of the manor). Had the chapel belonged to the manor, it is most probably that the Brays would have been buried there. No monuments, however, earlier than that of Thomas Lawrence, 1593, is to be found there. Alfred concludes the the chapel first became the private property when Thomas Lawrence purchased some property in Chelsea, and builid a house near the church in the late sixteenth century.⁵

     In Two Villages, Borer writes that during the later part of the sixteenth century the old manor-house was acquired by Sir Thomas Lawrence, goldsmith and merchant adventurer of the City of London. He too build a chapel in the parish church and his memorial there is dated 1593, but his family was to live on in the Chelsea until the end of the seventeenth century.⁶

     The Lawrence Monuments are placed in the chapel which bears their name. On the north wall is that of Thoams Lawrence (d. 1793), the earliest of this family to be found her. On the right are the effigies of his three sons, facing those of his wife and six daughters, all kneeling. On the cushion on which his wife kneels are the figures of two infants.⁵ This would indicate that there were possible three sons and six daughters plus perhaps two infants who died in infancy in the family. The names of only two sons and four daughters are known.

     Sir John Lawrence (d. 1638)--the second son represented in the previous monument--has an ornamental black tablet on the east wall. One of the daughters of Thomas Lawrence, Sarah, who married Richard Colvile, of Newton, in the Isle of Ely, has a monument on the same wall. On the floor is an inscription to Henry, Sir John Lawrences youngest son.

     Thomas was living in St. Michael Bassishaw Parish when he married Martha. He was a goldsmith in Chelsey in Middlesex and citizen of London. The London Goldsmiths 1200-1800 lists Thomas Lawrence, goldsmith, Parish of St. Mary Woolnoth, 1582-1624. This likely refers to both father and son.⁷ Thomas made a considerable fortune in his business as goldsmith, which in those days generally included banking, and in that of merchant adventurer.⁸

     Adjacent to Chelsea Old Church is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the parish, call Laurence or Lawrence Street, in memory of a family long connected with Chelsea. Lordship Place, leading from Lawrence Street into Cheyne Row (celebrated as the residence of Thomas Carlyle "the sage of Chelsea" was formally called Lordship Yard and marks the site of the manor barns and stables.⁵

     The Lawrence or Monmouth House stood to the north of Lordship Yard. The Lawrence Chapel, which belonged to this property was sometimes called the Manor Chapel.
⁵

     In 1583 Thomas Lawrence bought the old manor-house of Chelsea and the lord's chapel in Chelsea parish church attached to it, since known as the Lawrence Chapel, where on his death he was buried and where his son Sir John and his daughter are also commerated by monuments.⁸ The house, known as the Lawrence (or Monmouth) house was demolished in 1835.⁵ In 1714, Lady Lawrence let her Chelsea house to Ann, Duchess of Monmouth.⁵

     In 1590, he purchased Delaford Manor, Iver in Stoke Hundred, Buckinghamshire⁹ Deleford Manor is a typical example of the stately yet homelike Elizabethan mansion of red brick with its ample stone-mullioned windows and bays, it ranges of gables and grouped chimney stacks soaring above red tile roofs. The plan of Sir William Young's estate in Iver made in 1770 when the house was still standing shows that it was built around four sides of a courtyard with a larger courtyard surrounded by out-buildings in front of it. The interior must have contained many pleasant panelled rooms, including perhaps a long gallery, and carved chimneypieces and staircases. The gardens were douptless of the formal type usual at the period. A portion of such a lay-out subisted in 1770 to the west of the house, though it no longer, as it must have done formerly, extended to the eastern side where the oblong fishpond or "stews" still lies.⁸

     A History of the Manor and Parish of Iver states "In 1589, shortly before his death Sir Richard Blount, with his wife Mary and his son Richard, sold the Manor of Delaford and Edred's to Thomas Lawrence, citizen and goldsmith of London ... till the time of the Commonwealth the Lawrence family was one of the most influential in the parish. There had been Lawrences in Iver at least as early as the first half of the fourteenth century, but there is no evidence of their kinship to this Thomas Lawrence who came of a yeoman's family of Chelmarsh in Glouchesterhire, though his descendants attempted to trace descent to a more distinguished Lancashire family of Lawrences ... . He was succeeded at Chelsea and Delaford by his son John. There is neither trace or record of the manor house of Delaford such as it was in the days of the Fords and Blounts. Thomas Lawrence must have begun at once to rebuild it for in his will made on 20 August 1593 he sets aside a sume of 400£ for his executors to employ "in the best order in and abowte the finishing the buildings which are at hand at Iver." The new manor-house may have been structually almost complete by that date. That the family did not make it their principal residence at once appears from a letter written in 1621 by Sir John Lawrence to Sir Edward Cicil in reference to the latter's right to a pew in the Lawrence Chapel at Chelsea. "When I dwelt here," he says, "before I went to my house at Iver there stood a seat in which my parents in their life time sate, and I their heyre so long as I continued heere." Since Sir John was born in 1588 the move cannot have taken place much before the end of Elizabeth's reign. "Finishing" seems to have hung fire even then, for at his death in 1638 Sir John left 100 marks for this purpose."¹⁰

     In 1593 the College of Heralds granted Thomas the following coat of arms: Argent, a cross raguly gules, motto: "In Cruce Salus." In other words, a red cross of the "raguly" type is on a silver shield.⁷ The motto loosely translated is "In the Cross there is Salvation." Full description of the Arms: Argent, a cross ragulée gules, on a chief azure three leopard's heads or; an escucheon of Ulster. Crest: A demi-turbot, tail upwards, gules.

     The Lawrence Chapel at Chelsea is to the north of the chancel, and the monument of Thomas Laurence is affixed upon its north wall. It exhibits within two arched recesses kneeling effigies of the citizen and his wife, with three sons behind him, and behind her six daughters, besides two babes in swaddling-clothes laid on a cushion before their mother. Above the cornice are three shields of arms; the personal coat of the deceased in the centre, between those of the Merchant Adventurers and the Goldsmiths. This first is Argent, a cross raguly gules, on a chief azure three leopard's heads or. On another shield, placed behind the middle pillar on the monument, is the same coat impaling, 1 and 4. Per pale [az.] and [gu.] (tinctues gone), over all a saltire or, for Cage; 2 and 3 A swan flying for Dale. The inscription is as follows:

     The yeares wherin I livd ware fifty-fowre,
     October twenty-eyght did end my live,
     Children five of eleven God left in store,
     Sole confort of theyr mother & my wife.
     The world cn say what I have bin before,
     What I am now examples still are rife,
     Thus Thomas Larrance spekes to tymes ensving,
     Than Death is sure & Tyme is past renuing.¹¹

     Abstract of will of Thomas Lawrence:

Thomas Laurence, citizen and goldsmith of London -- his wife Martha. To the poor of Chesey parish. To his executors 400£ to be employed by them in "the finishing of the buildings which are in hand at Iver, in the county of Bucks." To my sister-in-law Katherine Cage, wife of Mr. John Cage. To my sister Lowton's children. To my sister Heades children. Cousin Joice Jackson. Executors his wife and son Thomas. Overseers, brother-in-law Mr. John Cage of London, salter, and John Taylor of London, mercer. Real property in Bucks, Chelsea, and London. To his wife his house at Chelsey, with all the grounds, archardes, gardens, &c; over to his son Thomas in tail; over to his son John in tail. Daughters Blanch, Martha, and Sara. Proved at Hadleighe, co. Middx Nov. 1593.¹¹