Butcher of Shelton, Norfolk

Updated 18 June 2013

Shelton and Hardwick are adjacent parishes, just north of Alburgh and Pulham (Map) . The Shelton parish register starts in 1557, and Butchers were there from the start. It is tempting to suppose that they might have come from Forncett, a few parishes west, as there we find a lease from the Manor of Forncett in 1491 to “W. Bocher and s[on]” of 1 acre and 3 rods of land (F. G. Gardner, 1906, The Economic Development of a Norfolk Manor, 1086-1565, Appendix VII). Between Forncett and Shelton, there was a John Bocher in Long Stratton (Stratton St. Mary ) by 1482 (NRO MC 484.1, 747 x 7). He died childless and made a will on 23 Oct. 1500, probated in 1505 (NCC 180 Ryke). This mentions his wife Margaret (left house late John Barnard’s), brother William, and godson John Grene.

We first find in Shelton the following early deaths, one of which may represent the father of the next generation.

John Butcher, bur. Shelton Mar. 1558

Simon Butcher, bur. 2 Nov. 1558

Agnes Butcher, bur. 22 Aug. 1559

Willm. Butcher, bur. 22 July 1561.

Administration on the estate of William Bocher of Shelton was granted in August 1561 (NCC Adm. Act Book 1560-63, f 180), although I have not been able to decipher the name of the administrator.

We also find the following unplaced early baptisms in Shelton:

Katheryne Butcher, bp. 28 Nov. 1560 (parents not shown)

Mary Butcher, daug. of Emyly(?) Butcher, widow, bp. 7 Dec. 1561. “Emyly” was likely the widow of William. We then find a marriage between John Bassey & Emyly Butcher, 24 Oct. 1568.

In Shelton we next find three probable brothers or cousins:

i. Ralph Butcher, bur. Shelton 16 Feb. 1571. He married there on 24 June 1563 Margt. Linbork (?). They had:

i. Eme, bp. _______, 1564

ii. John, bp. 21 Apr. 1568, bur. 27 May 1568

ii. John Butcher appears as a father in Shelton in 1572 with wife Rose. He may then be the John Butcher later found in nearby parishes with wife Grace, but marriage records have not been found. Potential children:

i. Robert, bp. 21 Dec. 1572 Shelton, son of John Butcher and wife Rose

ii. ? he may also be the John Butcher who by wife Grace (?) had a son Peter bp. 30 Oct. 1575 Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk and

iii. John bp. 11 Jan. 1582/3 Pulham St. Mary the Virgin, Norfolk

iii. Robert, likely born around 1540/45 (see below).

Robert Butcher of Shelton, likely born around 1540/45, had a wife Joane. Robert married in Shelton on 8 Sep. 1573 Jane Ward. He made a will in Shelton on 13 July 1606(?), probated later that year (Archdeacon of Norfolk wills, W69:31)(abstract) , witnessed by John Ward, Raphe Ward, and Raphe Ward the younger and appointing his wife Joane executrix. Robert was buried in Shelton 20 May 1606. Jane may be “The Widdow Butcher” buried there 20 May 1616. Left the following children:

i. Roger, bp. Shelton 22 May 1575, son of Robt, and Jane, He does not seem to be named in his father’s will – but parts are illegible. He is likely the same as the Roger Butcher early in the adjacent parish of Pulham St. Mary the Virgin, Norfolk. Roger’s first wife, Alice, was buried there 3 Sept. 1611 and his second wife Maria 14 Oct. 1613. He then married on 25 May 1614 Isabella Rust, who was buried 9 June 1615. Children:

i. Ralph, bp. 22 May 1604 Hardwick, as “Radolphus”, “filius Rogeri’, bur. Pulham St. Mary the Virgin 10 Jan. 1613/4.

ii. Thomas? (“Toma”?), bp. Pulham St. Mary the Virgin 26 June 1606 (“filius Rogeri et Alicie”). FreeReg reads this as a daughter, Anna.

iii. Frances (“Francisca”), bp. 27 Feb. 1608/9 Pulham St. Mary the Virgin. Might be the Frances Butcher who mar. in Homersfield, Suff. 31 Dec. 1629 John Wright.

ii. Ralph, probably born about 1580 (see below).

iii. Robert, probably born ca. 1580/85 (see below).

iv. Francis, probably born around 1600/05 (see below).

v. Judith, bp. 18 Sep. 1592

vi. Joane, bp. 27 ?? 1589

vii. Susan, bp. 23 May 1591

viii. Sibila (?), bp. 6 May 1596

Ralph Butcher, son of Robert and probably born about 1580, was a thatcher. He made a will in Hardwick, Norfolk (adjacent to Shelton) on 22 Mar. 1654, proven in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury 8 Feb. 1658 (11:287; the will was proven there because during this brief period of the Protectorate all wills were required to be proven in the PCC), witnessed by Thos. Gleane, Abram Cadiwoods, and John Gleane (abstract) . He appointed his wife Jane and brother-in-law Robert Tune or Turner of Shelton executors. There is a marriage in Shelton for Raph Butcher and Jane [Augur?, illegible] dated 30 Sep. 1610. Children:

i. Robert, son of Ralph & Jane, bp. Shelton 23 Dec. 1611. He may be the Robert Butcher who married in Shelton on 2 Aug. 1631 Alice Brackett or Rockett and had:

i. Ann, bp. 5 Aug. 1632 Shelton

Robert seems a possibility for the father of William Butcher of Seething, born around 1635 (see separate section at the end of this file).

He may also be the Robert Butcher junr. who by wife Elizabeth had a child in Shelton, then more in Topcroft. Elizabeth was bur. Topcroft 6 Sep. 1687; Robert 13 Sep. 1687. They had:

ii. Robert, bp. Shelton 5 May 1644. Bur. Topcroft 22 Aug. 1717. His first wife Mary was bur. 18 May 1682. Robert Butcher, widower, married secondly in Topcroft on 4 July 1686 Anne Bagly [or Bayley], widow (Bishops Transcripts; the extant parish register has this as 1656, but that is likely a recopying error). Robert made a will in Topcroft, Norfolk on 4 Mar. 1716, witnessed by Will. Chasteny, John Smyth, and Mary Parnell and proven in the Court of the Archdeacon of Norfolk (abstract) . He left all his property to his wife Ann Butcher, except for 20 Shillings each to his sons Robert Butcher of “Cetringham” [Ketteringham, Norfolk] and Thomas Butcher of “Curbey Cane” [Kirby Cane, Norfolk]. Robert and Mary had:

i. Mary, bp. 22 June 1673 Topcroft, bur. 7 Apr. 1678

ii. Elizabeth, bp. 29 Aug. 1674

iii. Robert, bp. 21 May 1676 Topcroft, of ”Cetringham” in 1716 – apparently Ketteringham, between Norwich and Wymondham, where he was a blacksmith and married on 26 Sept. 1704 Mary Dexter. She apparently was bur. 28 Mar. 1714 (FreeReg), but, if correct, Robert had a second wife also named Mary. Robert Butcher, blacksmith, was bur. Ketteringham 2 Oct. 1743 or 44 (FreeReg); his widow Mary was bur. there 30 Dec. 1757. Administration on the estate of Robert Butcher of Ketteringham was granted in 1743 (NCC , administration bonds, 1743, no. 27, not examined). Robert Butcher, Blacksmith, and his wife or wives Mary had:

i. Robert, born 6 Nov., bp. 11 Nov. 1705 Ketteringham (Bishop’s Transcripts and FreeReg). Perhaps the Robert bur. Ketteringham 2 June 1729.

ii. John, b. 3 Sep., bp. 17 Sep. 1710 (FreeReg).

iii. Mary, bp. 4 May 1712, bur. 4 May 1714 (FreeReg).

iv. Mary, bp. 21 Nov. 1714. Probably the Mary Butcher who mar. in nearby East Carleton in Oct. 1738 John Rudd.

v. Samuel, b. 27 Sep., bp. 14 Oct. 1716. Of Ketteringham, mar. 30 Sep. 1739 in St. Stephens, Norwich to Margaret Francis of St. Bennet’s, Norwich. His wife might be the widow Bucher bur. Ketteringham 30 Dec. 1757 (FreeReg). By wife Margaret had:

i. Samuel, bp. 1 July 1740 Topcroft, bur. 21 Dec. 1740

ii. Mary, bp. 6 Dec. 1741 Topcroft

iii. Samuel, bp. 25 Mar. 1744 Topcroft

iv. Elizabeth, bp. 24 Mar. 1744 Ketteringham

v. Margaret (“Bucher”), b. 25 Jan. 1747, bp. 29 May 1748 Ketteringham

vi. Elizabeth, b. 27 Sep., bp. 4 Nov. 1718, mar. Ketteringham 24 Jul. 1748 Thomas Watling of Stanfield.

vii. Thomas, b. 16 Jul., bp. 30 Jul. 1721, bur. 6 Nov. 1721

viii. Thomas, b. 1 Mar., bp. 10 Mar. 1723

ix. Benjamin, b. 12 Nov., bp. 3 Dec. 1725, bur. 9 Dec. 1725

x. Sarah, b. 14 Sep., bp. 21 Sep. 1727, bur. 7 Jan. 1728

iv. Thomas, bp. 12 May 1679, of “Curbey Cane” in 1716. Probably the Thomas Butcher who mar. in Ketteringham 31 Jan. 1713 Susanna Gedge. Thomas was bur. Kirby Cane 7 Feb. 1721/2; Susan on 5 Jun. 1728. They had

i. Mary, bp. 7 Nov. 1714 Kirby Cane (FreeReg)

ii. Sarah, bp. 20 Apr. 1718

and by wife Anne

v. Sarah, bp. 17 June 1687, bur. 2 Jan. 1687/8

iii. Elizabeth, bp. 30 Nov. 1646 Topcroft, Norfolk

iv. Francis, bp. 4 Mar. 1648/9 Topcroft. Bur. Topcroft 31 Aug. 1719. By wife Sarah (bur. 30 Aug. 1695) had:

i. John, bp. 6 Jan., 1677/8, bur. 13 Feb. 1677/8 Topcroft

ii. Sarah, bp. 6 Jan. 1685/6

v. Jane, bp. 1 Jan. 1651/2 Topcroft, bur. 2 Jan. 1651/2

vi. Dorothy (twin), bp. 1 Jan. 1651/2

vii. John, bp. 3 Apr. 1659.

viii. Thomas, bp. 27 Aug. 1661

ix. Jane [FreeReg has her name as “Anne”], bp. 3 June 1666.

ii. Frances (Francisca), bp. XX July 1618 Pulham St. Mary the Virgin (“filia Radulfi Bucher”)

iii. Mary (“Maria”), bp. Pulham St. Mary the Virgin (“filia Rodolphi Butcher & Jane”) 23 Jan. 1620/1.

iv. Ralph (“Radolphus”), bp. Pulham St. Mary the Virgin (“filius Rodolphi Butcher & Jane”) 4 Nov. 1627

Robert Butcher Jr. of Shelton was likely born around 1580/5, son of Robert Sr.. He married in Shelton on 11 Feb. 1609 Mariam or Martha Ward. An agreement dated 20 May 1616 between Henry Shelton of Carrowe and Sir Ralfe Shelton of Shelton refers to land in Shelton and Hardwick late in the occupation of Robert Butcher, Ralfe Ward, and others (Hollis Library, Harvard Law School, English Deeds Collection BCY1877). He may be the Robert Butcher buried in Shelton 20 Dec. 1652; a widow Martha Butcher was buried 25 Dec. 1652. Children in Shelton (the first by wife Mariom):

i. Jane, bp. 3 June 1610

ii. Marion, bp. 9 Jan., 1613/4

iii. Eden, bp. 18 Apr. 1616, mar. in Shelton on 29 Feb. 1643/4 William Turner.

Francis Butcher, probably born around 1600/05, son of Robert Sr., was a tailor in Shelton. As “ffrancis Butcher the Elder of Shelton...Taylor” he made a will on 19 Sep. 1688, proven in the Court of the Archdeacon of Norfolk on 9 April 1691 (abstract) . He appointed his wife Mary and son Francis executors, witnesses were Thomas Bacon, James Monge, and George Thrower. Francis Butcher senr. was buried in Shelton on 28 Mar. 1691. His widow was either the widow Mary Butcher bur. Shelton 2 June 1701 or the one bur. 11 Nov. 1705.

i. Francis (Jr.), bp. Shelton 29 Jan, 1651, estate administered in Shelton around 1700/02, according to the index. Francis was buried in Shelton 19 Jan. 1700/01. His three children are named in the will of Francis Sr. Issue by wife Mary (who may be the widow Mary Butcher bur. Shelton 2 June 1701 or the one bur. 11 Nov. 1705):

i. Francis (tertius), bp. Shelton 5 Nov. 1678, bur. there 27 Jan. 1700/01.

ii. Robert, bp. 14 Dec. 1682, died young?

iii. Mary, bp. Shelton 14 Aug. 1677. Probably the Mary who married in Shelton on 28 Oct. 1703 John Chase.

iv. Robert, bp. 3 April, 1689, bur. 4 June 1689

ii. Mary, bp. Shelton 3 Aug. 1646, married to a Mr. Francis in 1688 with children Mary, Elizabeth, and James Francis

iii. daughter, died before 1688 leaving a son William Thurlow

George Butcher first appears in the Shelton register on 2 April 1594, when he married Sarah Standworthy, widow. He may have married again, as Jane Bucher ye wife of George Bucher was bur. 25 April 1607, and George Bucher and Ann Howard were mar. in Shelton 7 Oct. 1613. Issue:

i. Henry, bp. 21 June 1594 Hardwick. Henry Butcher of Shelton had by wife Ann:

i. George, bp. 8 July 1632

ii. Katherine, bp. 9 Dec. 1639, bur. 22 July 1640

ii. Richard, bp. 16 Apr. 1596 Shelton (see below)

iii. George, bp. 21 Oct. 1603. Probably the George Butcher the younger bur. Shelton 12 Nov. 1631.

Richard Butcher, likely son of the previous, seems to have been buried in Shelton on 24 Oct. 1638. By wife Martha he had:

i. Mary, bp. 10 Apr. 1636 Shelton, bur. 3 Dec. 1637

ii. Robert, bp. 20 June 1639 (see below)

Robert Butcher, posthumous son of Richard, may be the Robert Butcher later found in Shelton with wife Elizabeth. He is probably the Robert Butcher who married in Topcroft, Norf. on 6 July 1676 Elizabeth Davy (IGI). Elizabeth, wife of Robert Butcher, was bur. Shelton 2 June or 28 Sept. 1704 (two entries). In the NRO there is a settlement certificate from Shelton to Hardwick, 27 Jun 1692, for Robert Butcher, his wife, and children. Robert Butcher of Shelton, widower, married secondly in Pulham St. Mary the Virgin on 15 Oct. 1705 widow Elizabeth Cock. Robert Butcher of Pulham St. Mary the Virgin was buried in Hardwick on 18 April 1711. His wife is likely the widow Elizabeth Butcher buried in Pulham St. Mary the Virgin in 1721 (Bishops Transcripts, not found in the original register). Robert and Elizabeth (Davy) had:

i. Robert, bp. Shelton 6 Aug. 1677

ii. Richard, bp. 21 April 1679 (see below)

iii. Ezekiel, bp. May, 1681. Ezekiel Butcher of Shelton, single, mar. in Hardwick on 30 Oct. 1709 Hannah [Win?]gate of Hardwick. He may be the Ezekiel Butcher bur. in St. Paul, Norwich 19 Apr. 1765, although the age is given as 92. Ezekiel and Ann Butcher had two children bp. there:

i. John, bp. 3 Jan. 1718/9 St. Paul, Norwich

ii. Ann, bp. 5 Jun. 1723

iii. ? perhaps Ezekiel, b. abt. 1733/4, bur. St. Stephens, Norwich 14 Jul 1812, aged 78 (FreeReg). He married in Eaton 19 Oct. 1761 Mary Wann. By wife Mary he had:

i. Mary, bp. Eaton 30 Jan. 1763

ii. Ezekiel, bp. 15 Sep. 1766 St. Stephens Norwich, bur. there 9 Dec. 1827 (age 55), mar. (1) Mary Green; mar (2) St. Stephens Norwich 25 July 1813 Sophia Tillott. Widow Sophia Butcher was administrator of her brother John Tillott in Norwich 1851.

iii. Elizabeth, bp. 19 June 1768

iv. Elizabeth (“Bulcher”), bp. 10 Oct. 1687

v. John, bp. 31 Aug. 1690, bur. 2 Nov. 1690 Shelton

vi. Martha, bp. 5 June 1692, could be the Martha Butcher who mar. in St. Paul, Norwich 19 Jan. 1719/20 Robert Hancock

vii. Constance, bp. 3 July 1694 Hardwick. She is probably the Constance Butcher, single, of Starston who mar. in Starston 5 Dec. 1715 John Lincolne.

viii. Joseph, bp. 25 Mar. 1696 Shelton, bur. 22 Feb. 1697/8

Richard Butcher, probably the one bp. 1679, may have married first in Occold, Suffolk on 8 Feb. 1706/7 Maria Frost. By 1709 he had a wife Lydia and is found first in Shelton then in nearby Redenhall, Norfolk. In the NRO there is a settlement certificate, 17 Mar. 1712 from Shelton to Redenhall for Richard Butcher, his wife Lidia, and children Thomas and Lidia. Richard Butcher was bur. 14 July 1728 Redenhall. His widow was probably the Lidea Butcher bur. Shelton 24 Dec. 1755. Issue:

i. Thomas, bp. 2 May 1709 Shelton. Likely the Thomas Butcher in Shelton with wife Margaret and children:

i. Elizabeth, bp. 21 Feb. 1736/7 Shelton (“Bulcher” on FreeReg)

ii. Richard, bp. 7 Mar. 1738/9 (“Bulcher” on FreeReg), bur. 9 Mar. 1738/9 Shelton (“Bulcher” on FreeReg).

ii. Lydia, bp. 17 June 1711 Shelton. She may be the Lydia Butcher, spinster, bur. Shelton 12 Oct. 1794 (FreeReg).

iii. Richard, son of “Richd Bouchier & Selvia” bp. 8 Apr. 1715 Redenhall. He is likely the Richard Butcher who married Eliz. Spalding in Pulham St. Mary the Virgin, Norfolk July 7, 1745.

iv. Constantia, born 16 May bp. 20 July 1722 Redenhall, mar. there 20 Sep. 1748 Edward Twickert

Ezekiel Butcher of Hardwick and Shelton, of uncertain origin, but likely related to the previous families, was buried in Hardwick 28 Mar. 1697. He married in All Saints, Norwich 17 Aug. 1674 Sarah Wright. His widow was likely the Sarah Butcher of Shelton bur. in Hardwick 24 Dec. 1711. He had by wife Sarah:

i. Sarah, bp. 16 Aug. 1675 Alburgh, Norf., mar. ??

ii. Ezekiel, bp. 23 Jan. 1676/7 Hardwick. He seems to have moved to Norwich for a time, as the Calendar of Freemen of Norwich (Norfolk Record Society, v. 23) shows that Ezekiel Butcher of St. Pauls, woolcomber, was made a freeman 6 April 1723. Ezekiel Butcher of Shelton, woolcomber, made a will on 19 July 1729, proven 22 Sep. 1735 (Norwich Consistory Court). This names as heirs his wife Hannah, sister Elizabeth Crickmore, and the child of his sister Sarah (name not given). He was buried in Hardwick 18 Sep. 1735. His widow may be the Hannah Butcher of Hardwick who mar. in Tivetshall St. Margaret 7 Jan. 1735/6 Robt. Laws (FreeReg).

iii. Elizabeth, bp. 13 Feb. 1678/9, mar. Crickmore

iv. Mary, bp. 14 Nov. 1680, perhaps the Mary Butcher bur. Hardwick 28 Feb. 1725/6.

v. Susanna, bp. 6 Jan. 1682/3 Shelton, bur. 18 Nov. 1684 Hardwick

vi. Robert, bp. 5 April 1685 Shelton (“Bulcher” on FreeReg), bur. 10 Apr. 1685 Hardwick

vii. Robert, bp. 4 June 1686 Shelton (“Bulcher” on FreeReg), bur. 10 July 1686 Hardwick

viii. Robert, bp. 20 July 1687 Shelton (“Bulcher” on FreeReg), bur. 23 July 1687 Hardwick

A Francis Butcher of Tharston [Norfolk] married in Brockdish on 24 Sep. 1710 Ann Door (both single), and might be related to the Butcher families from Shelton. However, there was also a John Butcher in Brockdish at this time (who had a son Francis bp. 1715) who is perhaps from Suffolk (see the Henry-Mark Butcher families under Henry Butcher of Denham). Francis and Anne appear to have been the parents of:

i. Francis, bp. 19 Dec. 1711 Bale, Norf. (FamilySearch)

ii. Mary, bp. 8 Nov. 1716 Long Stratton St. Mary, Norf.

There was a Francis Butcher in Ashby, Norf., where we find no baptisms, but Sarah, dau. of Francis Butcher was bur. 15 Nov. 1710, and Francis Butcher (infant) was bur. 6 Sep. 1719. Sarah would seem to be the Sarah dau. of Francis Butcher bp. Rockland St. Mary 20 Jun. 1705, which would not fit with the marriage to Ann Door. Francis Butcher and Ruth Ellis were mar. in Rockland St. Mary 8 Oct. 1704 and had daughter Sarah bp. there 20 June 1705. Francis and Ruth Butcher had dau. Frances bp. 24 July 1726 and bur. 19 Sep. 1727 Carleton St. Peter (FreeReg) and a son Robert bur. there on 2 Aug. 1725. Ruth wife of Francis Butcher was bur. there on 30 Dec. 1740.

One of these is probably the same as Francis Butcher (of Fritton, wid.) and Jane Croxton who mar. 26 Jan. 1734 Saxlingham Nethergate, Norf. He may be the Francis Butcher who was buried in Ditchingham on 8 Feb. 1746/7, but who does not otherwise appear in the Ditchingham records. (There was also a Francis Butcher who by wife Mary had dau. Elizabeth bap. Hempnall, Norf. 30 Jun. 1728 and 6 Jan. 1731/2 (FreeReg), also another Francis and Mary who had a son John bp. 17 Feb. 1739/40 Eaton. The latter Francis mar. in Eaton in June 1738 Mary Seaman, both single (FreeReg)) Jane, wife of Francis Butcher was bur. Fritton 2 Dec. 1735, having died in childbirth. One child recorded for this couple:

i. Anne, bp. 2 Dec. 1735 Fritton, bur. 20 Dec. 1736 (FreeReg).

Thomas Butcher had children by wife Ann in Ashwellthorpe (not far from Shelton, Hardwick, and Ketteringham), but no marriages or burials have been noted there (FreeReg has the ATs from 1725-1812, but not earlier records). They had:

i. Elizabeth, bp. 7 Apr. 1732 Ashwellthorpe

ii. Francis, bp. 11 Mar. 1738/9 (see below)

iii. Frances (dau.), bp. 11 Mar. 1740

iv. Robert, bp. 14 May 1743. Perhaps the Robert Butcher who mar. in nearby Tacolneston on 15 Aug. 1766 Elizabeth Laund. He may then be the Robert Butcher in Bunwell, adjacent to Tacolneston, who mar. there on 15 Jan. 1776 Mary Blake (FreeReg shows the groom’s name as “Richard”, but births of children are recorded for Robert Butcher and Mary Blake). Robert Butcher, age 50, pauper, was bur. Bunwell 7 Mar. 1790. Children appear to be:

i. William, bp. 28 Dec. 1766 Tacolneston (FreeReg)

ii. Mary, mar. Bunwell 18 Sep. 1795 George Sturman

iii. Ann, mar. Bunwell 24 Sep. 1795 William Castleton

iv. Sarah, mar. Bunwell 10 Dec. 1799 William Hilling

v. George, bur. Bunwell 14 Jun 1789

vi. Charlotte, bp. 25 Aug. 1782 Bunwell, mar. there 15 Sep. 1802 William Castleton

vii. Ezekiel, b. 6 Dec. 1784 and bp. 26 Jan. 1785. (He is seemingly not the Ezekiel Butcher who mar. in Stanton, Suffolk 22 Nov. 1805 Elizabeth Carter as that man married first in 1798 Ann Calver). Living in Bunwell on the 1841 Census. An Ezekiel Butcher was bur. in Bunwell on 4 Jul. 1855.

viii. John, bp. 17 Sep. 1786, bur. 12 Nov. 1794

v. Henry, bp. 19 Jan. 1744 or 15 Jan. 1743/4 (both on FreeReg)

vi. Sarah, bp. 5 or 19 May 1745

A Thomas Butcher and wife Ann had a son Ezekiel bp. Tacolneston bp. 12 June 1767 (ATs on FreeReg). This may be the Ezekiel who mar. in Stanton, Suff. on 7 Mar. 1798 Ann Calver and second in Stanton Suff. 22 Nov. 1805 Elizabeth Carter.

Francis Butcher Sr., of Carleton Forehoe, born ca. 1737/8, perhaps descends from the Shelton Butcher group – but see also the various Francis Butchers in the Henry Butcher family and in the Watton area. He might be the Francis bp. Ashwellthorpe 1738/9 (above), although the given name Thomas is not repeated among his sons. (There was, however, an Una, dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth Butcher, bp. Carleton Forehoe 21 Feb. 1730.) As a resident of the parish, Francis mar. in Carleton Forehoe, Norf. 7 Jan. 1766 Elizabeth Barns (FreeReg). There is a memorial inscription for Francis Butcher in Carleton Forehoe dated 1825, giving his age as 87. Widow Elizabeth Butcher was bur. in Carleton Forehoe 1 May 1831, aged 88 (NBI2). She left a will dated 2 July 1828 and proven 14 May 1831 (Archdeacon of Norfolk, 1831-34 fo. 98), appointing William Spencer of Carleton Forehoe Executor and naming her seven surviving children. Issue:

i. John, bp. 9 Mar 1766 Carleton Forehoe (FreeReg); apparently died young as he is not named in his mother’s will.

ii. Francis, bp. 22 Nov. 1767 (see below)

iii. Sarah, bp. 5 Jan. 1772, unmarried in 1828

iv. Elizabeth, mar. Wymondham 15 Oct. 1793 Robert Livick of West Acre

v. Anne, bp. 10 Apr. 1774, mar. Mattishall 1795 William Bowes (FreeReg)

vi. Hannah, bp. 28 Apr. 1776, bur. 8 Nov. 1782

vii. William, bur. 4 Nov. 1782

viii. Miles, bur. 11 Nov. 1782

ix. Susan, bp. 20 Oct. 1782, mar. in Carleton Forehoe 6 Jan. 1803 Daniel Lane (FreeReg). They had children baptized in Barford, Norf.

x. Charlotte, mar. Wymondham 16 Nov. 1818 James Kemp

xi. Hannah, bp. 5 June 1785. Her share of the estate was to be held in trust, then to go to her two illegitimate children:

i. Francis bp. Carleton Forehoe 13 Nov. 1808, referred to as “Francis Butcher otherwise Norton” in his grandmother’s will. He is the Francis Butcher of Carleton Forehoe, who mar. Barnham Broome 22 Nov. 1831 Harriet Pitcher and had:

i. Charles, bp. 11 Mar. 1833 Barnham Broome, bur. Carleton Forehoe 28 Apr. 1836

ii. Emily, bp. 11 Oct. 1835

ii. Robert “Butcher otherwise Lackey”, b. abt. 1818 Carleton Forehoe, died there in 1899. As Robert Butcher, married there on 21 May 1844 Elizabeth Hudson, the marriage record showing his father as Joseph Lackey

Francis Butcher, bp. 22 Nov. 1767 Carleton Forehoe, was born ca. 1765/6 acc. to burial. He married first in Colton on 15 Apr. 1794 by banns Sophia Goward, both being of that parish and signing by mark. Witnesses were Thomas Goward and Elizabeth Moore. Francis Butcher, widower, mar. 2^nd in Colton in 1819 Hannah Stacy (NTA). She was buried there in 1822, aged 52. Married third in Colton 1832 Susannah Vincent. Francis Butcher was buried in Barnham Broome (adjacent to Colton) on 8 Aug. 1854, aged 88.

Francis and Sophia (Goward) Butcher had:

i. Sophia, bp. Colton 8 Jan. 1794 (FreeReg), mar. there on 20 Apr. 1824 Solomon Harvey.

ii. Elizabeth, bp. Colton 28 Aug. 1796

iii. John, bp. Colton, 8 July 1798 (“Bucher”; FreeReg), although his birthplace is given as “Bixton” [Buxton], Norf. on the 1861 Census, which lists him as aged 54. Buried Barnham Broome 4 Sep. 1862, aged 62. Living with wife Rebecca, 45, and no children at home in 1861.

iv. Charles, bp. 30 Nov. 1800 Colton (FreeReg), mar. in Barnham Broome 27 Sep. 1825 Emily Tooley. Occupation shown as laborer. Of Barnham Broome on 1851 Census. Emily was bur. Barnham Broome 1 July 1862 age 58. Charles was bur. Barnham Broome 2 July 1875, aged 75 (NBI2)

i. John, bp. 5 Apr. 1829 Barnham Broome

ii. Robert, bp. 30 Sep. 1832, bur. 7 May 1860, aged 27.

iii. ? perhaps William, aged 6, bur. 5 Apr. 1837.

iv. Mary M., b. abt 1835/6

v. William, bp. 23 Apr. 1837, bur. 19 Jan. 1856, age 18.

vi. James, bp. 25 Feb. 1838, bur. 26 June 1842

vii. William, bp. 30 Aug. 1846

v. Robert, bp. 20 Feb. 1803 Colton, bur. Colton 12 July 1829, aged 26 (NBI2)

vi. William, bp 10 Feb. 1805 Colton, First wife Ann, bur. 15 July 1836, aged 24. Second wife Sarah? Occupation laborer.

i. Elizabeth, bp. 21 Feb. 1830 Barnham Broome, d. William and Ann

ii. Charles, bp. 2 Nov. 1845 Barnham Broome, s. William & Sarah. He mar. in Forehoe District, June Quarter 1866 Rachel Filby. Moved to Hessle, Yorks.

vii. James, bp. 8 Jun. 1806 Colton, bur. Barnham Broome 9 Oct. 1837, aged 33. By wife Sarah

i. Sophia, bp. 21 Feb. 1830, bur. 7 Apr. 1830

ii. Thomas William, bp. 17 Feb. 1833, bur. 27 Mar. 1846

iii. Elijah, bp. 31 May 1835

iv. William, bp. 23 Apr. 1837, bur. 19 Jan 1856, aged 18.

after James’ death, Sarah had several illegitimate children, surname Butcher. Sarah was bur. Barnham Broome 19 May 1871, aged 64.

v. Charles, bp. 3 Mar. 1840

vi. Emily, bp. 27 Apr. 1842, bur. 5 May 1842

vii. John William, bp. 3 Sep. 1843

viii. Francis, bp. 29 Oct. 1809 Colton, bur. Barnham Broome 6 Jan. 1810.

Alburgh, Norfolk

Most of the Butcher families in Alburgh in the later 18^th and 19^th century derive from the family of Wilby, Suffolk (which see). Alburgh is, however, adjacent to Shelton, and some earlier Butchers found there seem likely related to the Shelton family.

John Butcher (Sr.), probably born around 1540, was living in Alburgh by 1567. He might be from the Shelton family, or else is possibly the John bp. in Wingfield, Suffolk in 1541/2 (see Other Early Butcher Families in Hoxne District.) John was buried in Alburgh in Mar. 1585/6. A husbandman, he made a will in Alburgh on 24 Feb. 1584/5 (Archdeacon of Norfolk wills)(abstract) . He owned a leasehold to a half acre of pasture and house from the manor of Alburgh and names wife Elizabeth and sons John and Robert. Issue:

i. John, born prior to 1563 and of age in 1584/5 (see below).

ii. perhaps Robert, son of John Butcher, bp. Alburgh 22 Aug. 1567, a minor in 1585.

iii. Richard (“Boocher”), bp. 2 Jan. 1569/70 Alburgh, son of John and Elizabeth, bur. 23 Feb. 1570/1. Rychard son of John and Elizabeth “Beecher” is also shown on FreeReg as being bp. 22 Jan. 1569/70 Denton.

iv. ? Robert (“Boocher”), bp. 21 Feb. 1573/4 Denton, son of John and Elizabeth, bur. 13 Aug. 1574 Denton.

The younger John Butcher was likely born around 1560 and appears in Alburgh, also with wife Elizabeth. John Butcher and Elizabeth Welles were mar. in Gissing, Norf. in 1587 (FreeReg). They had:

i. John, bp. 20 Nov. 1592 Alburgh, buried same day.

ii. Robert, bp. 20 Jan. 1593/4; probably the Robert Butcher buried Alburgh 26 Jan. 1609/10.

iii. William, bp. 19 Dec. 1596

iv. Simon, bp. 4 Nov. 1599. Appears in the adjacent parish of Hempnall, Norf. by 1632 with wife Anne. Anna wife of Simon Butcher was bur. Hempnall 30 Nov. 1641. Appears to have married there secondly on 9 Jan. 1641/2 Elizabeth Read.. Elizabeth Butcher wife of Simon was buried in Hempnall 12 Oct. 1664. Issue by wife Anne:

i. Edward, bp. 3Mar 1632/3 Hempnall, bur. 1 Apr. 1633

ii. John, bp. 19 Jan. 1639/40

v. John, bp. 20(?) July 1603 Alburgh

Alles Butcher married in Alburgh in May 1579 John Welles. She was perhaps a daughter of John Sr., although not named in his will.

Thomas Butcher married in Bungay St. Mary, Suffolk on 3 Sep. 1620 Thomazine Orrich (IGI reads this as Pirish). Thomasine, wife of Thomas Butcher, was buried in Alburgh 28 July 1623. They had:

i. Sarah, bp. 11 Aug. 1622, bur. 2 July 1624 Alburgh

Robert Butcher of Alburgh had a daughter Katherine (?) buried 31 Sep. 1625.

Long Stratton, Norfolk

Several Butcher wills are found in [Long] Stratton, adjacent to Hardwick and Shelton. These families possibly relate to the Shelton group.

At the NRO (MC 484.1, 747 x 7) there is a grant dated 4 Feb. 1482 by John Swayne, John Barnard and Stephen Magott to John and Thomas Johnson and John Bocher of one acre formerly Newmans in Long Stratton. In the Campling Papers (NRO MC 44/62, 500 x 3) there is a grant dated 25 Dec. 1503 from William Burnham, clerk to John Bocher, John Henynham Esq. and John Parson Rector of St. Mary Virgin, Long Stratton.

John Bocher of Long Stratton made a will on 23 Oct. 1500, probated in 1505 (NCC 180 Ryke). This mentions his wife Margaret (left house late John Barnard’s), brother William, and godson John Grene.

Inventory of the estate of George Butcher of Long Stratton was made in 1595 (NRO DN/INV 12/218). He was bur. there 3 Mar. 1595/6. One Margaret Butcher, widow, made a will in Long Stratton on 31 May 1614, proven 20 July following (NCC 134 Bill). This mentions daughter Katherine (surname not given), and various grandchildren, including the children of “my son” Steven Butcher. George and Margaret Butcher appear to have had:

i. Marie, bp. 5 June 1571 Long Stratton St. Mary

ii. George, bp. 10 Feb. 1572/3

iii. Stephen, bp. 2 Nov. 1576 Stratton St. Michael

The register of [Long] Stratton St. Michael shows Stephen, son of George Butcher, bp. 2 Nov. 1576. This is apparently the Stephen Butcher who married there on 28 Aug. 1599 Anne Stanton, “daughter of Richard Stanton”. They had:

i. Raphe, bp. Stratton St. Michael 25 Feb. 1599/00

ii. Steven, bp. Long Stratton St. Mary 25 Nov. 1602.

The latter might be the Stephen Butcher, baker, who was made a freeman of Norwich in 1628. Stephen Butcher and Audry Bennett were married 11 June 1626 at Norwich All Saints. He was bur. Norwich St. Stephen 14 Jun. 1648. His sons Stephen and Henry, also both bakers, were made freemen in 1650 and 1661, respectively.

i. Edward, bp. 5 Nov. 1626 Norwich St. Stephens, bur. 12 Dec. 1626

ii. Stephen, bp. 24 Feb. 1627/8. A baker, made freeman in 1650. His wife Rachel died the plague and was bur. Norwich St. Stephens 4 Oct. 1666. He seems to have left a will in Norwich in 1687 (not yet examined). Children included:

i. Stephen, of St. Michael at Pleas, bur. Norwich St. Stephens 26 Aug. 1675. He left a nuncupative will dated Aug. 1675 (see copy), being still indentured, leaving all his money to his wife Elizabeth, and wishing for her sake, “a penny were a pound.” The will mentions money due from his uncle Henry.

ii. John, a worsted weaver, son of Stephen, made freeman of Norwich in 1677. He is likely that John Butcher with wife Hannah in Norwich St. Giles who had:

i. Stephen, bp. 23 Nov. 1679 Norwich St. Giles (IGI; see below?)

ii. Elizabeth, bp. 30 July 1682. Mar. 29 Sep. 1702 John Sabberton

iii. Sarah, bp. 15 Oct. 1686

iv. Henry, bp. 12 Apr. 1691

iii. Anne, bp. 3 Oct. 1630

iv. John, bp. 7 Apr. 1633

v. Anthony, bp. 16 May 1635

vi. Mary, bp. 7 Feb. 1637/8

vii. Henry, bp. 24 Apr. 1642. A baker, made freeman of Norwich in 1661. He seems to have left a will in 1704 (not yet examined). By wife Lidya he had

i. Anthony, bp. 9 Apr. 1662 St. Stephens Norwich, bur. 12 May 1670

ii. Lydia, bp. 9 Dec. 1663

iii. Rose, bp. 18 Nov. 1666

iv. Henry, bp. 5 July 1668

v. Anthony, bp. 31 Aug. 1670, bur. 18 Sep. 1670

vi. Anthony, bp. 17 May 1674 St. Peter Southgate, Norwich

vii. Stephen, bp. 9 July 1676 St. Peter Southgate, Norwich. As son of Henry Butcher, baker, made freeman in 1704 (see below?).

viii. Lydia, bp. 10 Feb. 1677

ix. “Mathew” (Martha? – female) bp. 22 Mar. 1678

A Stephen Butcher (perhaps the son of John or Henry above) was bur. back in Long Stratton St. Mary 4 May 1721, and two of his daughters also appear to have been buried there. This Stephen had by wife Mary:

i. Elizabeth, bp. 6 Aug. 1717 Long Stratton, bur. 11 Aug. 1717

ii. Mary, bp. 6 Aug. 1717, bur. 11 Aug. 1717

iii. Mary, bp. 28 June 1719

Most of the other 18^th century Butchers in Long Stratton appear to belong to the Wilby family. See Samuel Butcher (1132265) in that file.

Seething, Norfolk

William Butcher, perhaps born around 1635, appears in Seething, Norfolk by 1664 with wife Mary. It seems possible that he might be a son of Robert and Alice Butcher of Shelton and Topcroft (see above). Widow Mary Butcher of Seething, Norfolk made a will on 13 July 1709, proven 1714. She apparently moved prior to her death, as Mary Butcher of Beighton was bur. at Seething on 13 May 1714. Mary’s will names children:

i. Mary, bp. Woodton, Norfolk 19 Jan. 1661/2, mar. Henry Andrews

ii. daughter[who is likely Alice, b. 1 July 1664 and bp. 1664 Seething] , married --- Clarke and died prior to 1709 leaving:

i. Alice (Clarke). An Alice Clarke was bur. Bergh Apton 14 Oct. 1737 (FreeReg).

ii. Robert, probably Robert, s. Robert & Alice Clarke, bp. Bergh Apton 3 May 1706

iii. William (Butcher),bp. Seething 4 Sep. 1665, apparently of age and married in 1709. I suspect he is the William Butcher who mar. in Bergh Apton (next to Seething) 29 Sep. 1696 Anne Barley (FreeReg). The following grandchildren of Mary Butcher, named in her will, may or may not be his offspring:

i. William. There was a Wm. son of Wm. and Anne Butcher b. 19 Oct. and bp. 24 Oct. 1708 Stockton, Norf.

ii. Ann. She may be the Anne Butcher bp. Mundham 8 Apr. 1702 (parents not shown).

iii. Robert, born prior to 1709. He may be the “Goody Butchers son Robert” born Mundham 15 Nov. 1702. May be the Robert Butcher who made a will in Bedingham, Norf. on 21 Jan. 1781, pr. 9 June 1781 (CAN, 1781:49), naming as heirs his wife Sarah and daughter Sarah, wife of William Butcher of Bedingham. He was buried in Bedingham 1 May 1781, aged 70. (Note that the age, if correct, is not consistent with mention in the 1709 will of Mary Butcher.)

i. Robert, bp. 14 Apr. 1742 Bedingham, apparently died young

ii. Sarah, bp. 3 July 1743 Bedingham. Sarah Butcher of Bedingham mar. William Butcher of Thwaite in Thwaite St. Mary (adjacent to Seething) 30 Sept. 1766, with Robert (X) Buttcher (sic) as witness. This William Butcher was not bp. in Thwaite, but may have been married previously as William and Christian Butcher had a daughter Catherine bp. there 15 July 1765, bur. 20 July. I believe he was likely from the Wilby family, via Ellingham (see #11322621 in Butcher of Wilby). Sarah Butcher was bur. Bedingham 29 May 1807, aged 63. William Butcher was bur. in Bedingham 8 Feb. 1818, aged 77. William and Sarah Butcher of Bedingham had:

i. Robert, bur. Thwaite 9 Apr. 1769

ii. Henry, bp. Topcroft 18 Oct. 1771 (of Bedingham), bur. Thwaite 6 Nov. 1771.

iv. Robert, bp. Seething 12 Jan. 1667/8, executor of his mother Mary. Robert Butcher of Seething mar. in Sisland 7 Oct. 1700 Ellen Lacy (FreeReg). Ellen Butcher was bur. Mundham 3 May 1729. Robert Butcher and Elizabeth Fulcher were mar. in Seething 29 Sep. 1730 by banns. He seems to be the Robert Butcher of the adjacent parish of Mundham who made a will on 20 Aug. 1738, pr. 21 Dec. 1739 (Archdeacon of Norfolk, 1738/9:151) naming as heirs his wife Elizabeth, Robert Clarke of Bergh Apton, and Alice Love (perhaps my mis-transcription of Clarke?), spinster. Robert was buried in Mundham on 18 Dec. 1739. Widow Elizabeth Butcher of Mundham then mar. in Seething 12 June 1740 Mathew. Batcheler of Sisland, widower. She was bur. in Sisland in 1757, aged 60. Robert and Elizabeth had one child:

i. Mary, bp. and bur. 15 May 1732, Mundham

William Butcher of Raveningham, Norf., husbandman (who might be from Seething?) made a will on 9 June 1720, pr. 12 Nov. 1722 (ANF W 177:154). He left his property to his wife Ann for life, then to his daughter Ann Butcher. Witnesses were Thos. Wolsey, Thos. Curtis, and John Johnson.