Family
 Benedict Filmer 1)Son of John Filmer and Joane May. Born 1427 Otterden, Kent, England 2) Died Nov 1508 Otterden, Kent, England, 80 or 81 years 2) 1) Buried Nov 1508 St Lawrence the Martyr, Otterden, Kent, England 2) Will signed: 16 Nov 1508 Otterden, Kent, England 1) Notes: "By 1460 it seems probable that all the sons with the exception of Bennet (or Benedict) were established running their own farms possibly inherited from their father or leased. In that year Joan clearly decided it was time to make provision for her youngest, Benedict, by letting him farm her land in Otryngden (Indenture, Jan.10th 1460/61 K.A.O.). By a deed dated 1460 he took over the managemebt of the farm at an annual rental of £4.6.8d to be paid to his mother and he undertook to give her a room with board, fire and lighting. In 1467 Benedict married a close friend of the family, Joan Pepere. The Pepere family had been close friends for some time and were to remain so. This is evidenced by the many previous deeds witnessed by them: a Simon Pepere in 1387,1398 and 1407 being followed by John Pepere in 1413, Simon Pepere in 1433 and Simon and William Pepere in 1436. Joan was the daughter of Simon Pepere. Again a marriage settlement was effected, and possibly Simon the second youngest son was also more fully provided for by his mother, Joan. She remised to Simon and Benedict, her sons, the tenement called 'Filmers' with 40 acres adjoining in the parish of Otrynden then held of the Court of Sutton. Three days later, on the 31st October, 1467 Simon gave up his right in the property to Benedict. The property is then given by way of marriage settlement to Simon Pepere of Otrynden, William Wrethe of Wychling and Richard Fylkys of Dodington. These deeds were also witnessed by John Pepere:- Deed November 3rd, 1467. I, Bennet Filmer of the parish of Otrynden in the county of Kent give etc. to Simon Pepere of Otrynden, William Wrethe de Wychelynge and Richard Fylkys of Doddington all my tenements etc. lying in the parish of Otrynden and held of the court of Sutton Valence in a place called Filmer which contains in all forty acres of land etc. Given 3 November 7 Edward IV. These being witnesses - John Pepere, Thomas Berne, Simon Filmer, John Pakynham, John Sharpe, Nicholas Terry and others. Deed October 31st, 1473 Know ye etc. that I Simon Peper of Otringden demise to Richard Godyn of Stallisfield and William Edmer of Newynham two parcels of land in Otrynden aforesaid called Southfeld and Godsondescroft as the metes and bounds etc which same - I, the aforesaid Simon Peper together with William Wrethe and Richard Fylkys, now deceased, lately had by gift of feoffment to Bennet Fylmer between the other tenement and the tenement. To have and to hold etc. Given at Otryngden the 30th day of October 13 Edward IV. The intention of this feoffment is that if the aforesaid Bennet Fylmer his heirs executors and assigns do not pay or cause to be paid to Joan the wife of the said Bennet Fylmer or her assigns within two years next after the death of the said Bennet Fylmer £10 of good and lawful money of England that then the aforesaid Joan shall have and hold the aforesaid two pieces of land and appurtenances for the term of her life, and after her decease, the aforesaid two pieces of land and appurtenances shall remain to the heirs and assigns of the same Bennet Fylmer for ever by these presents. Witnesses: John .........., Simon Joclyn, Thomas Barnys, John Foxe, junior, Henry Peper. It also looks likely that John Pepere of Frenstede may have given in trust to the Filmer family some land at 'Crowchefeld' - thought to be Croftfield near Coldharbour now known as Strawberry Meadows. Benedict and his wife Joan continued to live in the old family residence called Filmers after his mother's death. This property was still an appendage of the Court of Sutton Valence and on the lst May 1487 he was appointed Beadle for the manor after the office was quitclaimed by Richard Lambe, a farmer of Alexander Clyfford, the lord of the manor. (K.A.0. U120 T124). 'Richard Lambe farmer of Alexander Clifford Esquire Lord of the Manor of Sutton Valence quit - claimed to Benet Fylmer one of the tenants of the manor aforesaid the office of Beadle to which he is elected 1st May 2 Henry VII.' He was also Warden at Otterden Church in 1502 according to the Archideaconal Visitation that year: Ottreden Sir John Bene R. War Benedict Filmer. Richard Lorman. Par Tho Wever, Jas Dunstone, Hugh Packman, Tho Badnolt, Joh Atlese. ('R' stands for Rector, 'War' for Warden and 'Par' for Parishioners. Benedict died in 1508 and his will, proved 15th November, 1508, is reproduced below: WILL of BENEDICT FILMER, of Ottrinden Dated 16/9/1508 Proved 15/11/1508 'In the name of God Amen the xvj daye of the moneth of September the yere of our Lord Jhu Criste 1508 I BENNETT FILMER of the pisshe of Ottrynden in hole mynde and good remembrannce make my Testament and last Will in forme folowyng: First I. bequeith my soule to Almyghty God oure lady saynt Marye and to the holye company of hevyn my bodie to be buried in the church yard of saynt Laurence the Martyr in the pisshe of Ottrinden aforesaid. Also I bequeith to the high Auter ther for my tithes and oblations forgotten and necligenthye paide xij-d. Also I bequeith to the repations of the pisshe Church of saynt laurence foresaid xiij-s, iiij-d. Also I bequeith to the mendyng of a broke chalis longyng to the said Church vj-s. viij-d. Also I wull that ther be att my buryeng to pray for my soule and all cristen soules vj prests and att my moneth mynde vj prests and att yeres mynd iiij prests and yerly for the space of iij yeres next folowyng my discease. Also I bequeith to JOHN BERNE my godchilde to be paid to hym when he comyth to the age of xx years vj-s. viij-d. and if it fortune the foresaid JOHN to discease or he come to the age foresaid then I wull the foresaid money shall remayn to JAMES my son. Also I bequeith to evy of my other godchildren iijd. Also I bequeith to JOHANNE my wiff a cowe xij ewes a seme of whet a seme of barley and half my instuff of howsold. Also I wull that the foresaid JOHANNE my wiff shall have mete and drynke and fre comyng and going to chamber and to fire for space of a hole yere next folowyng aftre my discease. The Residue of all my moveable goods unbequeith, my detts and bequeithis beyng paied, I give and bequeith to JAMES my son whome I make and ordeyn my sole executore to dispose for my soule and all Cristen soules as he shall thynke best to the pleasur of God. This is the last Will of me the said BENET Filmer made the day and yere abovesaid of all my lands and tenements sett lyeng and byeng in the pisshe of Ottrinden or enywher else in the Countie of Kent. In the which tenements and lands HENRY FRENDE RICHARD LORMER and others be enfeoffed as it apperith in a deade to them made to the use of me the said BENET of myn levies and assigneis. First I wull that my feoffs or their assigneis in cotinent aftre my discease or when they shalbe required shall deliver to JAMES my son a statement of all my lands and tenements foresaid to have and to holde all the said tenements and bonds to the foresaid JAMES to his heires and assigneis for ever more payeng yerlye to JOHANNE my wiff for terme of her liff at iiij termes in the yere by equall portions xiij-s. iiij-d. of laufull money of England and if nede should require a clause of distresse for none payment. Also I wull that JAMES my sonne shall paye within the space of vij yeres next folowyng to my doughter MARGARETT V marks and likewise to ISODE my doughter V marks of laufull money of England. And if it fortune the foresaid MARGARETT or ISODE to be wedded a fore the foresaid then I wull the foresaid JAMES shall paye them the foresaid money att their weddyng. Also I wull that if MARGARETT or ISODE my doughters discease afore they be wedded and within the space of vij yeres then I wull the foresaid money shall remayn to the said JAMES my son by these witnesses - Sir JOHN BEYNE. HENRE PAKNAME. JAMES FILMER and others.' Ref. U120 T200/3 ACC. A 11 40" http://hougham-huffam.org/getperson.php?personID=I15974&tree=hougham Married 1467 (40 or 41 years married) to:  Joane Pepere 1)Daughter of Simon Pepere and N.N.. Notes: " WILL of JOANE FILMER, of Otterden (the wife of BENEDICT FILMER, who died in 1508) Dated 28/9/1512 Proved 21/12/1512 'Body to be buried in the churchyard of St Laurence, Otterden. To the high altar for tithes and oblations omitted, 4d. To the high cross light there, 4d. A cow to keep 2 tapers in the church of Otterden of a pound apiece yearly, of which one to burn before Our Lady and the other before the brown rood. To the said church, a pair of sheets for 2 altar cloths, a houselling cloth, a towel and a coverlet. I will that there be bestowed yearly in the church of Otterden 6s 8d. for a yearly habit, one part to 3 priests to say three masses and three dirges for my soul, the soul of THOMAS, my son, and all Christian souls. Residue of said 6s 8d to be spent on bread and drink to give to poor people. The custom to continue as long as goods will last. To the poor at my burying, 12d, at month's mind, 12d, at year's mind, 12d. and so likewise yearly until said 6s 8d be spent. To daughter, IZOOTH, my best coverlet, 3 sheets, a translat, 2 dishes, 2 platters of pewter, a latin candlestick and a cauldron. To PHILLIS ANDREW, a sheet and a smock, and to ISABEL MORICE, an apron. To the wife of JAMES BOORN, my blue gown and a sheet. To WILLIAM BUTLER, a shirt cloth and to JOAN BUTLER my green gown. To THOMAS CAUFF a yard of linen cloth. To ALICE GOODWYN, a piece of yarn of 12 hundred. To MARY WYBEK and to JOAN PAWFREYMAN, half a yard of linencloth. To JOAN CHAMBYR, an apron; to AGNES CHAMBYR an apron; to LUCAS PANCAK's wife, a piece of yarn of 12 hundred. To MARY BROKHULL a kercher and a neckercher. To each of my godchildren, 4d. To THOMAS BARON, a little stuppyn pot and a lamb. To MARGARET CLARKE, 2 chests, an iron spit, a great pan and a great cauldron. To RICHARDYN CLERK, a new gallon pan. Residue of instuff to MARGARET CLARKE and JOAN BARON to be divided equally between them and MARGARET CLARKE to have the best part. NICHOLAS CLARK and HUGH PAKMAN to be executors. Witnesses, LUCAS PANCAKE, PETER WILLIAMSON and others. ` Ref. A.C.C. A 12 132 Note: It is not immediately apparent who many of these people were. Margaret Clarke was her married daughter, married to Nicholas Clarke in 1509, and clearly Izoothe was still unmarried. Lucas Pancake was mentioned in the Subsidy Roll of 1521 for Faversham." http://hougham-huffam.org/getperson.php?personID=I15973&tree=hougham Children: 1. Thomas FilmerBorn between 1469 and 1476 Died before 1512 2. Margaret FilmerBorn between 1472 and 1480 3. Isolde FilmerBorn between 1475 and 1484 Died 1568 Stalisfield, Kent, England 4. James Filmer 3) 4)Born between 1478 and 1490 Died 1571 Otterden, Kent, England 3) Will signed: 22 Jun 1571 Otterden, Kent, England 3) Notes: Of Otterden. When James was 70 years old, Clarenceaux King-at-Arms, confirmed the arms of the family viz. sable three bars or, and as many ciquefoils in chief or, and granted his son, Robert, a crest - a golden falcon with expanded silver wings rising from the tower of a castle also in gold. This implies that at least one of James' ancestors had been designated 'Esquire' (Armiger) and as such had borne heraldic arms. "Dated 24/4/1552 Proved 22/6/1571 JAMES FYLMER's will was made originally in April, 1552. He did not die, however, until 1571 when it was proved: 'In the name of God Amen The xxiiijth daye of Apryll in the yeare of our lord god a thousand fyve hundrethe fyftye and two, and in the syxte years of the Reigne of our sovereigne lorde Edwarde the Syxte by the grace of god Kynge of Englande Fraunce and Ireland defender of the faythe And in earthe supreame head of the Church of Englande and Ireland I, JAMES FYLMER of Otterden in the Countye of Kente sych in bodye and whole of mynde and of perfect remembrance thanks be unto god doe ordayne and make my last wyll and Testament in manner and forme followynge, fyrst and chyeflye I, gyve and bequeathe my sowle to all mightye god my creator Trustynge assuredlye that thorowe the precyous bludsheadinge and marytter of his sonne Jesus Chryst my only advocate mediator and savyor to be an inherytor of the Kyngdome of heaven in to whose handes I nowe doe and when I shall departe out of this Transytorye worlde and vale of myserye I shall comytt my spirytt. Also I gyve unto the poore mens boxe of the Churche of Otterden aforesaid xij-d. Item I gyve to the Reparations of the said Churche vj-s. viij-d. Item I gyve to the Reparations of the Churche of Wytchelynge vj-s. viij-d. Item I give to MARGERYE my wyef one of my best kyen, one quarter of wheate, one quarter of ottes. Also I gyve to my sayd wyef fourtye shillinges to be payd unto her within one yeare after my decease. Also I give to REGYNALL my Sonne in corne cattell and other things to the value of twentye markes, (a. mark was worth 13s. 4d.) to be delyvered unto hyrn by my executors within one quarter of a yeare next after my decease. Also I gyve to either of my daughters AGNES, BENNETT and MARGARETT Tenne poundes to be payd unto them and either of them in the dayes of their severall mariages by my executors. Item I gyve to RABIGE my daughter tenne poundes to be paid unto her in the daye of her marriage by my sonne ISAAKE at the oversight of my executors. Also I gyve to GEORGE my Sonne my greate brasse pott. Item I gyve to ROBERT my sonne and to the sayd GEORGE all my chestes cupbordes spyttes brandyrons and one greate maultynge fate (vat). To be equallye devyded emongest them. And the resydue of my howshold staff I gyve and will equallye to be devyded between my sayde wyef and the sayd GEORGE. The resydue of all my goodes and cattells not wylled nor bequethed my dettes and legacies payde and fulfylled I give to the sayd GEORGE and ROBERT my sonnes whome I ordayne and make my executors. Item I will that ROBERT BARNES be the overseer of this my testament and last will and to have for his labor xiijs. iij-d. This is the last will of me the sayd JAMES FYLMER made and declared the day and Yeare above wrytten for the order and disposytyon of all my lands and tenements in the countye of Kente. First I gyve to the above named ROBERT and GEORGE my sonnes all my messuage or Tenement with all lande medowe pasture and woodd thereto belonging with the appurtenances in Otterynden wherein I nowe dwell together with xxvj acres of lande and woodd in Bordfeilde to have to them and to the heyers of their hodies lawfully begotten forever. And yf yt happen any of my sayde Sonnes to departe without yssue then the survyvor of the sayd ROBERT or GEORGE to be the others heyer, and if yt happen the sayd ROBERT or GEORGE to make sale of his parte of the premisses the other of them to by yt, and to have the preferment thereof before any other, if he wyll, and if yt happen the sayd ROBERT and GEORGE to departe without yssue of their bodycs lawfullye begotten. Then I will that the said messuage or Tenement with all and synguler the premysses and appurtenances shall remayne to REGYNALL my Sonne and to the heiers of his bodye lawfully begotten for ever upon condycyon that the sayd REGYNALDE his heyers or assignes shall paye or cause to be payde to JOHN and WYLLYAM my Sonnes or the heyers of their bodies lawfully begotten within two yeares next after such Remaynder to hyrn or them happened either of them twenty poundes, and if it happen the said REGINALD to dye without yssue of his bodye lawfully begotten before such Remaynder to hym happened Then I will that the said messuage or Tenement with all and synguler the premysses and appurtenances shall wholye remayne to the sayd WYLLYAM my sonne and to his heyers for ever uppon condycyon that the said WYLLYAM his heiers or assignes shall paye or cause to be payde to his sayde brother JOHN or to the heyers of his bodye lawfully begotten Twenty poundes within one yeare next after such Remaynder to hym or them happened. Also I will that my foresayd wyef shall have one chamber at her owne electyon with free egresse and regresse in my said messuage or Tenement with fyer and fuell as long as she will contynue therein and also that her cowe aforesayd shall be there kepte the wynter and somer at the costs and charges of the sayd ROBERT and GEORGE their heyers or assignes. Item I gyve to the sayd WYLLYAM my Sonne my Tenement at Slaide in Otterynden with the appurtenances with xxvij acres of lande belonginge to the same and vij acres of Woodlande which I lately purchased of ROBERT BARNES lyeing in Otterynden. To have to hym and his heyers for ever and if yt happened the sayd WILLIAM to dye without heyers, etc., then the sayd Tenement at Slayde with all and syngular etc. shall remayn to the said JOHN my sonne and to his heyers, etc. and if JOHN die without heyers, etc., the Tenement at Sleyde shall remayne to all my other sonnes then lyvynge equally to be devyded. Also I will that the sayd JOHN shall occupy the Tenement at Sleyde for a terme of five yeares after my decease payinge therefore yearlye to the sayd WILLIAM xxxiij-s. iiij-d. and payenge the lordes Rente and other charges thereof and keepynge the Reparations thereof tenants lyke at the oversight of my executor. Item I gyve to the abovenamed ISAACK my sonne my tenement with appurtenances at Paytonstrete in the parishe of Wytchelynge with all landes etc. to have etc. for ever. And if the said ISAAC dye without heires then I will the sayd tenement to ROBERT and GEORGE my sonnes etc. for ever. Also I gyve to my wyef one annuitye or yerelye Rente of xxvj-s. viij-d. goinge out to be payde to her out of my sayd Tenement at Paytonstrete at the feastes of thannunceacon of oure ladye and St. Mychell tharchangell by even portyons for the terms of her lyef. Also I will that the sayd REGYNALL my Sonne shall occupye my tenement at Payden strete until my sayd Sonne ISAACK come to thage of xxj yeares payenge yearlye therfore to my Executors five pounds and keapynge the Reparations thereof Tennate lyke. Moreover I gyve to the sayd JOHN and REGYNALD my Sonnes two acres of Woodlande lyenge in Otterynden to the landes of St. ANTHONY AUCHER, Knight, East and Northe and to the lands of me the aforesayd JAMES West and South equallye to be devyded between them. (The will continues further indicating if the said JOHN or REGINALD die without heirs of his body, the survivor of them to be the other's heir, if both should die without such heirs, the said piece of woodland shall remain to son WILLIAM). Wyttnes ROBERT BARNES, AUGUSTYNE HENEKER and others. Proved 22nd June, 1571.' Ref. Arch C.C. - A 41 36; K.A.O. U120 T200/5" http://hougham-huffam.org/getperson.php?personID=I16016&tree=hougham | |||
Sources
1) Source: Kent, England, Tyler Index to Wills, 1460-1882 Name: Benett FilmerProbate Date: 16 Nov 1508Testator: Benett FilmerRelationship: TestatorLast Residence: OttryndenOthers Mentioned:Name RelationshipBenett Filmer TestatorJohn Filmer OtherJames SonJohanne Wife. External Linkhttp://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1900&h=36914&indiv=try. Reference: IHGS; The Tyler Collection; Notebook: Filmer; Notebook Number: 43(3?) (Data from secondary evidence)
2) Source: UK and Ireland, Find A Grave Index, 1300s-Current Record for Benedict Filmer. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=60526&h=754912&indiv=try (Questionable reliability of evidence)
3) Source: Kent, England, Tyler Index to Wills, 1460-1882 Name: James FylmerProbate Date: 22 Jun 1571Testator: James FylmerRelationship: TestatorLast Residence: OtterdenOthers Mentioned:Name RelationshipJames Fylmer TestatorMargerye Fylmer WifeRegynald Fylmer SonAgnes Bennett DaughterMargarett Fylmer DaughterRabige Fylmer DaughterIsaac Fylmer SonRobert Fylmer SonGeorge Fylmer SonJohn Fylmer SonRobt Barnes Other. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1900&h=36957&indiv=try. Reference: IHGS; The Tyler Collection; Notebook: Filmer; Notebook Number: 43(3?) (Data from secondary evidence)
4) Source: The Visitation of Kent Taken in the Years 1619-1623 (Data from secondary evidence)