John Epse, the Younger, of St. Clement's Parish

John Epes, the Younger, was the eldest child and only son of John Epes the Elder, of St. Clement's Parish, and first wife Margaret. He was born c.1480 in Old Romney, Kent, England, and died in 1526. His will was proven on February 1, 1526/7. He married Alice (?) and had five known children - four sons and a daughter. His sons were all under the age 20 at his death.

Alice's last name has not been proven, although many web-trees claim it was Harle or Harley. This is possible as there were Harleys in the area and his son married a Harley, but it could just be confusion with his son's wife. Alen married Agnes who was either a Harley by birth or marriage. The will of Alice (dated Feb 2, 1526 /27, proved June 3, 1527) was undoubtedly written immediately after her husband's death. She, herself, died four months later.

In his will (dated Jan 1, 1526/27, proved Feb 1, 1526/27), John described himself as John Epse of the Parish of St. Clement, Old Romney, Kent. He asked to be buried at the feet of his father in the aisle of St. Clement's. Like his father, John made bequests to the High Altars of St. Martin's and of St. Lawrence's in New Romney. He refers to his "mother-in-law Johane Eps," the term meaning at that time "step-mother." John is believed to have ordered the brass for the grave of his father and mother shortly before his own death less than a month later. His will confirms the names of his sisters' husbands, through bequests made to the sisters or their children.

At the visitation of the Heralds during the years 1619-1621, the arms of John were described in the pedigree given for the GODFREY family of the adjoining parish of Lydd, through his daughter Joan's marriage into the Godfrey family.

Children of John Epes the Younger and wife Alice:

• William Epes, born before Jan 1506/7, died 1581, and was buried in St. Nicholas Parish Church. He apparently was unmarried and childless, leaving the bulk of his estate to his brothers Alan and John.
• Alan Epes, married Agnes Harle (or Harley).
• John Epes, born after 1513/4, married 27 Feb 1540/1 at Old Romney Joane Browne
• Joan Epes, born after February 1514/5, was buried 10 June 1556 at Lydd. She married Peter Godfrey of Nod, died 10 March 1566/7 at Lydd, son of Thomas Godfrey (died 1542).
• Thomas Epes, born 1522, jurat, buried 22 October 1580 at Old Romney, leaving will dated 19 October 1580 and proved 14 December 1580

Links to additional material:

• http://www.tc.umn.edu/~timsx001/Epes.html
• http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=104554055
• (http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=marshall1...)
• http://www.theromneymarsh.net/history/churches.htm#clement - includes photos of the church to which he made bequests

The Will of John Epse

To be buried in the church at the foot of my father. To High Altar of Old Romney and of St. Martins and St. Lawrence. To the celyng of the rode lofte of Old Romney. To buying of a new crosse for Old Romney Church. To Joan my daughter, under the age of 20, 20 marks. Alys my wife and the children, Alys Roger my sister, Agnes Roger. John Roger son of John Roger. Elizabeth Roger, John Garrard, my sister’s son. John Epse of Ivy church. Reserve to William Epse, Aleyn Epse, John Epse, Thomas Epse and John Epse my sonnes. To wife of John Garrard the younger. John Roger the elder.

Will. A feoffment made unto Wm Epse, Aleyn Epse, John Epse, William Mersche. John Whatman and Edwarde Clarke. Alys my wife. All sons under 21. Lands late purchased of Henry Husbarne. My two sones Thos. Epes and John Epes the younger. Stone to be layed upon my grave to be in pictored with me, my wyffe and all my children. John Epps the elder shall have a mare of the age of 12 years to be delivered to him at 14 years.

John (Epse) Epes

• Birth: 1480
• Kent, England
• Death: 1526
• Old Romney, Kent, England
• Date Note: Dates are approximate.
• John lived at one time in Lydd according to the London College of Arms.
• Some records have shown Margaret as John Epes wife but it actual may be his mother as John has been confused with his father and he may be buried very near to his father if not actually next to his father.
• John died some time between Bef. 01 Feb 1526/27.

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