SQUYERE, Richard (Will)

The following summary of the will of Richard Squyere appeared in the August 1913 edition of the Badsey Parish Magazine. E A B Barnard, FSA, of Evesham, was a regular contributor to the magazine and wrote a series on “Old Badsey Wills”, in connection with his researches concerning the history of the Rural Deanery of Evesham.

Squyere, Richard, Badsey, 6 Feb. 1528 (Will in Latin).

My body to be buried in the Churchyard of the Blessed Martyr St. Egwin¹ at Evesham.

I bequeath to the Mother Church of Evesham, 12d.

• To Badsey Church, 3s. 4d.
• To Bengeworth Church, 8d.
• To Wyckhamforde Church, 4d.
• To my son John, 40s.

A trental of Masses² to be said for my soul.

NOTES ON WILL

1. This mistaken description of St. Egwin is unique so far as I am aware. There are several existing manuscripts concerning the life of the Saint, and the Evesham Chronicle (Rolls Series) there is the notable 'Life' written by Thomas Marleberge, Monk, and subsequently Abbot of Evesham, in which the last days of St. Egwin are vividly described. He was stricken by a long illness, and when he felt his end approaching he called the brethren of the Abbey round him, and spoke to them in words which showed his concern for the welfare of each and all of them. The Cotton manuscript, which is one of the oldest, gives the following summary of the Saint's valedictory address: "I pray and beseech you, reverend brethren and beloved sons, to strive to keep the commandments of God; and the vow that you have made to Him do your utmost to perform, for it is written, " 'Follow peace,' as the Apostle saith, 'and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.'"

2. Thirty Masses.