Jasper
Robert Jasper of Ash, 1389
We meet Robert in 1377 when he is mentioned as being constable of Hartley and Fawkham at the time of the Poll Tax. For Ash he was not the constable but instead listed as one of the two leading men of the parish.
There are some links to Hartley. He leaves 5 shillings for repairs to All Saints' Church, which may well mean he had land in Hartley too. One of his bequests is to the wife of Robert Crabbe, who lived in Hartley according to the 1380 Subsidy Roll.
The same subsidy roll lists the following beneficiaries as living in Ash: William Bere, Clement Wodeman, and Peter Jasper.
In the name of God, Amen. I Robert Jasper of the parish of Assch of sound mind, do make my will in the following manner on 19 May 1389. Firstly, I leave and commend my soul to Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish of Assche in Rochester Diocese. Item I leave to the fabric of the church 13 shillings 4 pence. Item, I leave to the high altar 10 shillings. Item I leave to Peter Jasper my brother 20 marks (£13 13s 4d). Item, I leave to Joan my sister 6 shillings 8 pence. Item, I leave to Alice wife of Robert Atte Wode 10 shillings. Item, I leave to Richard Jasper my godson 6 shillings 8 pence. Item: I leave to Agnes, wife of John Payn of Northflete 10 shillings. Item: I leave to Alexander Mendecourt of Ash, 10 shillings. Item, I leave to Sybil wife of Richard Veysy and my goddaughter 10 shillings. Item I leave to Thomas Mendecourt, 1 bushel of wheat. Item: I leave to Robert Barles my godson, 1 bushel of wheat. Item: I leave to Robert Mendecourt, 1 bushel of wheat. Item I leave to Robert son of William Boolde, 2 bushels of wheat. Item: I leave on the day of my burial ……. 40 shillings. Item I leave to the son of John Clerk my godson, 2 bushels of wheat. Item: I leave to the daughter of William Bere, my goddaughter, 1 bushel of wheat. Item: I leave to Beatrice, wife of Simon Warner, 10 shillings. Item: I leave to Isabel Chymblyny, 4 shillings. Item I leave to Christine wife of Robert Crabbe, 4 bushels of wheat. Item: I leave to the parish clerk and sacristan in the same church, 4 bushels of wheat. Item: I leave to Peter my brother, 1 tunic of bluet (blue cloth). Item: I leave to Simon Warner, 1 other tunic lined with red and bluet. Item: I leave to Clement Wodeman, 5s. Item I leave to Alexander Mendcourt, 1 robe fur lined with sundry coloured cloth. Item: I leave to William atte Wode, 1 robe of tan fur. Item: I leave 32 marks (£21 6s 8d) for church services in the church of Assche for my soul and that of Alice my wife, and the souls of my benefactors, to be celebrated in each of the four years after my death, that is 8 marks per year. Item: I leave to each boy of Simon Warner, 12 pence. Item: I leave to Roger son of Roger son of Robert atte Wode, 1 bushel of wheat. Item: I leave to Sybil Veysy, 2 bushels of Palm Barley. Item: I leave to Thomas Mendecourt, 1 bushel of Palm Barley. Item: I leave to Christine Horrecokk, 1 bushel of wheat. Item: leave to the Carmelite Friars of Eylesforde, 1 quarter of wheat. Item: I leave to the chaplain, who shall celebrate service for us at the spending of the said 32 marks, for the first year, 13 shillings 4 pence. Item: I leave to Simon Warner, 5 marks (£3 6s 8d). Item: I leave for services in the church of Assche aforesaid, 17 marks (£11 6s 8d) in the 2 years next after the said 4 years above named are complete, for me and Alice my wife and for all benefactors, and for payment for my soul and the souls of Alice my wife and my benefactors. I assign Simon Warner of Assche aforesaid, my faithful attorney, so that payment to a suitable chaplain aforesaid shall be made by him during the 6 years. Item: I leave to the poor and needy on the day of my funeral, should they come, 5 shillings, to each one ½d. The remainder of all my goods not bequeathed, I give, leave and assign to Alice my wife, so she can arrange things as seems best for the expedition of accomplishing and profiting this my will in all respects. I ordain, make and constitute my executors viz Peter Jasper, my brother and Clement Wodeman of Assch. Given under my seal the day, place and year above written. Item: I live to the fabric of the church of Hertlegh 5 shillings. Item: I leave to Alice Atte Wode, 5 shillings.
Note saying Vicar General delegated authority to John Scharyngton, rector of Bromlegh on 2 July 1389.