Evidence

Candidate D: Robert Gurney's 1625 will and the 1623/4 Drapers' freedom by redemption

Robert Gurney, citizen and draper of London, died in late September 1625; his will, written 18 January 1621/2 and proved at the Archdeaconry Court of London on 23 September 1625, names his son John Gurney sole executor and gives him the shop, cellar, and hall of the Old Change dwelling. Robert had been a Drapers' Company freeman since 16 December 1581, already styled 'Tailor, Old Change' at his own admission, and John was himself admitted to the Drapers' Company by redemption -- not patrimony, though Robert's freedom would ordinarily have entitled him to it -- on 11 February 1623/4, in the same event record naming Robert as his father. Robert's household had an earlier chapter: a first John Gurny baptized 1595/6 and buried 1600, a daughter Marye baptized 1597/8 and buried 1601, and a stillborn son buried 1601 all predate Robert's 4 April 1611 marriage to Anne Morris at St Magnus the Martyr by a decade or more, so Anne cannot be assumed the mother of the John Gurney who later inherited Old Change.

Confidence: High

Date: will written 18 January 1621/2; John's Drapers' freedom by redemption 11 February 1623/4; will proved 23 September 1625

Topic file location: Identity — Candidate D: London Draper, Old Change