Gazetteer of Plasterers - F

FAWCET (FAWSYTT), Christopher (fl. 1572-3)

A Plasterer who paid his abling fine on 7 November 1572 and on 27 March 1573 he made a donation for the poor. He was working with Thomas Warbishe at Ironmongers’ Hall in 1570-71 so may have been his apprentice.[1]

FAWCET (FALSSET, FAWSET), John (fl. 1587; d. 1588)

A Plasterer who was apprenticed to Robert Garsett (15 February 1576/7) and paid his beadleship fine (1 September 1587), although the date of his freedom is not recorded. He was a parishioner of St Giles Cripplegate and All Hallows the Less and was recorded in the parish registers of St Giles at the burial of a daughter Catherine on 20 August 1587.[2] He was buried at All Hallows the Less on 16 May 1588.[3]

FIELD (FEILDE, FEYLD, FIELLD), Arthur (fl. 1600-39)

A Plasterer whose name first appears when his abling fine was paid by Ellis Piggen (23 April 1600). A previous entry naming him as John Field was presumably clerkly error. As John Field he had been turned over to Piggen from William Ashley II (5 November 1596) but his apprenticeship must have been anonymous. He paid his beadleship fine (14 August 1601) and was fined for absence and ill work in Watling Street (25 March 1602). He took over William Britten as his apprentice when Britten’s former master, William Barrye, died (11 April 1606). His apprentice Edward Rutland (25 July 1607) departed from his master at Michaelmas 1607 and Field presented Richard Gowen in his place (8 June 1608). He was followed by John Browne (15 July 1609) and William Ireland, son of a Kent weaver, for 9 years (3 May 1615). John Wilson, son of a Middlesex silkweaver, was presented for 8 years (8 May 1623; freed 4 February 1635/6); William Wilson, son of a Yorkshire yeoman, was apprenticed for 7 years (6 February 1628/9; freed 8 March 1635/6). Field remained in the Yeomanry throughout his long career, incurring relatively few fines: for ill work in Noble Lane (25 April 1606) and for bad work in two places (16 November 1615). He was committed for an unspecified offence (19 March 1623/4) and fined for absence (22 October 1630). He was last recorded paying arrearage of quarterage on 14 October 1639. Field made a will on 4 January 1640/1, while living in the parish of St Sepulchre.[4]

FISHER, John I (fl. 1599)

A Plasterer who was apprenticed to Roger Spencer on 25 July 1588 and paid part of the fine for his admission on 14 October 1599.

FISHER, John II (fl. 1626-42)

A Plasterer, son of a Yorkshire weaver, who was presented by Richard Talbott for 7 years (29 May 1617) and paid his abling fine (5 December 1626). His beadleship fine followed (1 September 1628). Thomas Crooke, son of a Middlesex victualler, was apprenticed to him for 9 years (25 July 1632; freed 11 November 1641). On the same date Fisher promised 20s toward the cost of rebuilding the Corner house, to be paid in two instalments. Another apprentice, Richard Procktor, son of a Yorkshire clerk, was apprenticed for 7 years on 23 April 1642, the last date on which Fisher’s name appears in the Company records. (Procktor’s indenture was cancelled after he ran away, 9 February 1642/3). Fisher remained in the Yeomanry throughout his career.

FISHER (FYSSHER), Richard (fl. 1599-1635)

A Plasterer who was presented by William Oldham (11 October 1590) and made a payment for his abling and for being allowed to complete his apprenticeship a year early (9 November 1599). His beadleship fine was paid on 1 August 1601. He was paid £39 18s. by the Bakers’ Company in 1606-07 ‘for lathing and laying with lyme and haire of the two ceelings and walls of the said fram and other roome therto adioyning by great’ (£39) and for ‘fowr trayes of lyme and hair for stopping the ceeling aboute the wainscott in the upper roome for whiting all the staire for spanishe white (18s.).[5] On his election to the Livery, Fisher paid for his ‘pattern’ (6 August 1608).

On 4 March 1610/11 he took over from Richard Rawlidge as Junior Warden and paid 40 marks (£26 13s 4d) to do so. This gave rise to a complaint from Walter Hill et al to the Court of Aldermen that there were many Plasterers who had served longer in the Livery than Fisher and on 9 April 1611 the matter was referred to three aldermen. On 21 May they reported that Fisher had paid 40 marks to the Master and Wardens to be chosen which seems to have been regarded as a bribe and resulted in further investigation of the Company’s financial governance. As a result, it was not until 24 September that the decision to replace Fisher with Rawlidge was reached. Fisher was to return to his correct place in the Livery, have his 40 marks returned and to have his extra apprentice transferred to a new master.[6] On 17 October, however, the Court of Aldermen revised their decision, accepting that Fisher had served as Junior Warden properly, despite obtaining the post improperly, and he was allowed to continue as an Assistant and keep his extra apprentice. The Court expressed its continuing disapproval of the corrupt behaviour of the Master and Wardens of the Company. Despite this momentary setback, Fisher was sworn in as Senior Warden for 1618-19 (29 September 1618). He made his mark to an agreement concerning Company loan repayments (23 May 1619) and was among the men chosen to try to obtain an agreement with the Painter-Stainers’ Company (25 April 1619). Thomas Widmore was fined for ‘stryving with Mr Fisher in the having the prioritie of place’ (3 August 1621). After two Plasterers each paid £5 to avoid serving as Master, Fisher was elected to serve for 1624-25 (11 September 1624). When the Company hall was undergoing refurbishment, his man [Anthony Parker] received 1s 8d for one day’s work (12 August 1625). Matters of protocol continued to be an issue throughout Fisher’s career. Robert Whiting was given precedence over him because he had been elected Master before him; and although Whiting had failed to serve he had paid the £5 fine to discharge his obligation (13 October 1627). On 22 June 1629 Mr Fisher was ordered not to attend Court Days until he was willing to ‘submitt himselfe to this howse’, perhaps on account of his frequent absences. He stood unsuccessfully in the election for Master for 1632-33 (10 September 1632) and again for 1634-35 (15 September 1634). On 9 August 1635 Fisher made a gift of £1 to the Company. He had already made his will on 26 March 1635, leaving small amounts of money to his two brothers and his nephews. His residuary legatee and executrix was his wife, Margaret, and probate was granted on 2 January 1635/6 (Lambeth Palace MS W.VH 95/673). The Compoany recorded his decease on 4 February 1635/6.

The following were apprenticed to him: Raphe Bird of Plymouth, Devon for 10 years (2 November 1604); he was fined for keeping a boy unbound for more than six months when he presented William Fisher (4 June 1610; it was recorded on 23 April 1618 that Fisher had been given permission to reduce his term from 7 to 6 years); Richard Cotterill (26 April 1611); Francis Ramsey, son of a Worcestershire innholder, for 7 years (13 August 1618); Anthony Parker was turned over to him from Paul Sleigh (11 June 1619; freed 29 March 1627); Robert Gouldinge, son of a Huntingdonshire husbandman, for 7 years (3 July 1626); John Naylor, son of a Bristol plasterer, for 8 years (30 November 1627; turned over to Amos Jackson on 12 September 1631 and freed 28 November 1634); John Mathewe, son of a Buckinghamshire wharfinger, for 8 years (9 December 1631. On 4 February 1635/6 he was turned over to Edmond Lake on Fisher’s death; and on Lake’s death he was turned over to William Walters (28 May 1638), finally gaining his freedom on 27 August 1638). Numerous fines were imposed in the course of Fisher’s long career: for abusing Mr Capp (7 September 1605); evil work, with Edmond Deverell, in Tower Street and Cornwall (25 January 1605/6); at Sir William Stone’s (6 November 1606); in Rood Church (6 November 1607); absence on Search Day (27 April 1612); lateness (11 June 1612); absence (13 October 1612); ill work in Botolph Lane, London (4 November 1612); for taking work in Philpot Lane where Percival Godbeheare had worked previously, with money still owing to him for hair (25 February 1612/13); for sitting in the wrong place – 4d; and Walter Hill was fined the same for not giving place when Mr Fisher should have sat down (25 July 1614); absence (19 May & 31 October 1615); for absence and taking work of a carpenter in Lime Street (2 February 1615/16); absence (25 July 1618); bad work at Rood Lane End (27 November 1618); for absence on Election Day (4 November 1620); for disgraceful speeches against Cotterill (20 August 1622); absence (23 April 1624); for taking work of a bricklayer (8 November 1627); absence (18 August 1628); absence on two Court Days (31 August 1632).

FISHER, William (fl. 1618-61)

A Plasterer who was presented by Richard Fisher, who was fined for keeping a boy unbound for more than six months (4 June 1610). On 23 April 1618 Richard Fisher was given permission to reduce the term of apprenticeship from 7 to 6 years (although the dates do not seem to tally) and William was duly freed (25 July 1618). His first apprentice was John Lightman, turned over from William Walters (7 May 1630; freed 4 September 1634). Alexander Blunt was turned over to him from Edmond Foote (8 August 1650; freed 25 July 1653). Fisher was among four members of the Yeomanry who were summoned to attend the Master and Wardens at the next Search (20 September 1650). John Steeres, son of a London woodmonger, was apprenticed to him for 7 years (11 October 1653) but was turned over to John Barnett (22 September 1657). When Steeres was freed Fisher was fined for not enrolling his man (25 January 1660/1) and this was the last date on which his name appeared in the Company records.

FLAWNE, Robert (fl. 1618-19)

A Plasterer who was apprenticed to William Whiting, who was fined for keeping a boy unbound for one year and for setting him to work (4 June 1610). He paid his abling fine and became free (30 June 1618) but his name only appears in the Quarterage Accounts until 1619 and is crossed through in 1620.

FLEMYNGE, John (fl. 1549-1559)

One of six plasterers who worked under Patrick Kellie at Westminster Palace in late October and early November 1549;[7] and one of the seven plasterers working under Patrick Kellie on the long gallery at Whitehall Palace in May 1559, in preparation for the visit of the French embassy. Flemynge was paid at the rate of 11d. per day for six days’ work.[8]

FLETCHER, John I (fl. 1588)

A Plasterer who was apprenticed to Richard Johnson (29 April 1580) and freed on 30 August 1588.

FLETCHER, John II (fl. 1616-23)

A Plasterer presented by Henry Bettes (30 March 1609), who was freed on 27 May 1616, when Bettes was fined for releasing him early. He paid his beadleship fine (27 May 1618) but his name only appears among the Yeomanry in the Quarterage Accounts until 1623 and is crossed through in 1624.

FLOOD (FLOUD, FLOYD, FLUDD), Hugh (fl. 1601-26)

A Plasterer who was apprenticed to Thomas Ancell on 24 July 1594. He was turned over to John Hinde (28 April 1596) and turned over again to Thomas Johnson (23 April 1597) before obtaining his freedom (1 August 1601). On 24 September 1602 he presented the Company with a silver spoon with his initials, H.F. His beadleship fine was paid on 25 July 1605. He was fined for evil work (25 April 1605); for ill work at Lambeth with John Lea (Court Day, August 1606); evil work in Warwick Lane (14 August 1607); evil work in Paternoster Row (21 August 1609); bad work in Drury Lane (8 July 1613). His apprentices were: William Lightfoot (25 July 1606); John Howell (10 February 1608/9); Flood was fined for setting a boy to work unbound and presented John Francome (11 August 1609); John White of Somerset for 8 years (1 May 1617).

On 13 June 1617 expenses arising from Hugh Flood’s business at Guildhall and the Sessions House were recorded. Flood was last recorded paying arrearage of quarterage on 25 July 1626. He had made his will on 26 August 1625, when he was living in Silver Street, in the parish of St Olave, leaving all his goods and chattels to his sister, Elizabeth Thomas, who was to care for and 'have the tuition' of his children until they were 14 years old. Probate was granted on 31 January 1625/6; but Flood's widow, Catherine, was granted adminsitration of his estate, valued at £15 16s in June 1628.[9] On 20 February 1626/7 Widow Flood paid 5s 'in full of all demandes whatsoever', excepting quarterage. Further payments were made by Widow Flood (14 June 1627, 25 January 1627/8) but she is not recorded in the Quarterage Accounts after 1628.

FLOOD (FLOID, FLOYDE, FLUD, FLUDDE, LLOYD), Thomas (fl. 1572; died 1609)

A Plasterer who paid his abling fine on 13 October 1572 and his admission fee of 6s 8d on 8 May 1573. He contributed to the costs of the Parliamentary bill concerning artificers (Court Day, March 1580/1). He was fined for offering a ‘pece of copper mony’ (18 November 1575); for bad work with William Bottom (5 February 1579/80); for ill work in Cornhill (3 September 1597); for ill work (15 July 1598); ill work in Creed Lane (10 November 1598); for ill work (6 February 1600/01); ill work in Addle Street (19 May 1603); evil work in Petticoat Lane (20 April 1605); evil work in Fetter Lane (1 August 1605); evil work in Petticoat Lane and Puddle Wharf (28 November 1605); evil work in Chick Lane (14 August 1607). He took several apprentices: John Rowke (5 February 1579/80); Thomas Davies (1 March 1593/4, after Flood was fined for setting him to work before he was bound); fined for ‘keepinge his son’ (29 November 1598) and paid to have his son [William] as his apprentice (25 June 1599); David Jones, son of a Denbighshire yeoman, for 7 years, after keeping him above six months unbound (1 August 1601); Griffin ap Jones (27 October 1608). In his nuncupative will made on 26 May 1609 Flood is recorded as Lloyd (LMA DL/C/B/004/MS09171/021, f. 143v). The will suggests that his son, William, had not followed in his father's footsteps, as 'all his scaffolding poles and ladders as were then remaining in or about his yard or in any other place' were left to Davy Jones, his son-in-law. Davy and Jone Jones were also to inherit a large quantity of household items on the death of Flood/Lloyd's widow, Alice. Alice and their son William were residuary legatees and joint executors of the will, which was proved on 11 July 1609. Flood is noted in the Quarterage Accounts for 1609 as having died but his widow continued to pay the dues until 1618.

FLOOD (FLOYD), William (fl. 1601-33)

A Plasterer who paid his abling fine on 8 May 1601. In Thomas Flood's will his son William is named joint executor with his mother, making it almost certain that he was the unnamed son of Thomas who was working with his father from at least 1598 (especially since Thomas took another apprentice in 1601). William’s beadleship fine followed (1 August 1601). He was fined for ill work (30 April 1602) and sent to the Compter on two occasions (10 September 1605 and 12 March 1609/10). Evil work incurred another fine (4 July 1606). William Phillipps was presented by Flood (4 May 1606) and George Smythe (26 February 1606/7). In his father's will all the scaffolding poles and ladders that would have been used by a plasterer were left to the apprentice and son-in-law, Davy Jones, which suggests that William may not have followed in his father's footsteps. His name does not appear after 1610 in the Court records but he is listed among the Yeomanry in the Quarterage Accounts until at least 1633. It is just possible, therefore, that he was the City Bricklayer of the same name from 1614-30 (LMA COL/CA/01/048, f. 368v, 26 October 1630).

FLOWER, Thomas (fl. 1612-49)

A Plasterer who was the son of a Gloucestershire tailor, was presented by Edmond Deverell for 8 years (2 November 1604) and was made free (18 November 1612). He remained in the Yeomanry of the Company throughout his carrer. A fine for ill work at a house in Coleman Street was levied on 25 June 1613. Flower was one of those putting his mark to a Company order concerning apprentices (23 February 1616/17). He received a benevolence from the Company (13 October 1617) and was fined for absence only once (5 February 1618/19). His first apprentice was John Page, turned over to him on the death of his master, William North (2 September 1618). Thomas Baylie, son of a Wiltshire yeoman, was apprenticed for 8 years (22 May 1626; freed 2 May 1634). Flower was fined for not enrolling his apprentice and presented John Clay from Bromley for 8 years (2 May 1634) Clay was freed on 26 July 1641, when Flower was fined for releasing his apprentice one year early. Thomas Todd, son of a Gloucestershire husbandman, was apprenticed for 8 years but his apprenticeship was cancelled when he ran away after six months (11 August 1641). John Tarsey, son of a Warwickshire innholder, was apprenticed to Flower for 8 years (1 August 1643) but turned over to Thomas Bayliffe (30 October 1643; freed 4 August 1651). John Tillier, son of a Middlesex bricklayer, was apprenticed for 7 years (1 May 1645; freed 7 May 1652). Widow Flower paid arrearage of quarterage on 23 April 1651 and 7 May 1652. Flower put his mark to the will he made as a Citizen and Plasterer of the parish of Christ Church on 19 October 1648. He left 12d each to Elizabeth, wife of Robert Woodward, and Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Page. The residue of the estate was bequeathed to his wife and executrix, Elizabeth. The will was proved on 21 May 1649.[10]

FORD (FOARD, FORDE), Richard (fl. 1605-33)

Ford’s apprenticeship to [blank] Patrick was not recorded but he was freed and donated a gilt spoon to the Company at a Friday meeting in January 1604/5. He paid his beadleship fine (25 July 1607). However, it was noted on 5 March 1607/8 that Richard Ford, free of this Company but using the trade of a Chandler, shall take his two apprentices into that trade, although he has not been a householder for 5 years; but because he is now a chandler he is ‘tollartated’. The apprentices were William Heath and George Emery (who resurfaced on 23 April 1659, when he was made free and donated 10s to the Company. He paid his beadleship fine and presented Jonathan Hicks, son of a London joiner, as his apprentice for 7 years on 17 May 1659. He was last recorded paying arrearage of quarterage on 21 May 1660). Ford presented another apprentice, Samuel Lewis, for 9 years (30 November 1610). He was fined for absence and presented Henry Bilboe, son of a York innholder, for 8 years (29 April 1613). William Tylston, son of a Middlesex yeoman, was apprenticed for 7 years (2 February 1613/14). Ford was paying quarterage as a member of the Yeomanry until 1633 (when the record ceases) but he must have died by 1637 as Richard Ford, son of Richard, deceased, was made free by patrimony on 30 November 1637.

FRANCOME (FRANCAM, FRANCUM, FRANHAM, FRANKSON, John (fl. 1616; d. 1625)

A Citizen and Plasterer of St Sepulchre without Newgate. He was apprenticed to Hugh Flood (11 August 1609) and became free on 16 December 1616. His beadleship fine was paid on 13 August 1618. His first apprentice was John Netherway, son of a Bristol brewer, for 8 years (25 January 1622/3); but Francome was fined for taking an apprentice when he had not served one year as a journeyman (4 September 1623). Netherway was turned over to William Walter on the death of Francome for the remainder of his term (29 March 1627; freed 4 February 1629/30).

Frankson made his final will on 8 August 1625. He bequeathed 10s. each to his father Thomas and his mother, 12d. each to his brothers Thomas,  John and William, 2s. 6d. to his sister. The rest of his goods were given to his son-in-law Tristram Harding, the son of Richard Harding. Tristram Harding, William Layghton and Edmund King were named executors and Lancelot Bromley and Felix Borman overseers. Probate was granted on 9 September 1625.[11]  

FRANKE, George (fl. 1568-9)

A plasterer working with others under Thomas Kellie at Greenwich Palace, earning 12d per day (and night) in January 1567/8 (24 days and 7 nights), February 1568/9 (24 days) and May 1569 (24 days).[12]

FYNLOWE, Lawrence (fl. 1568-9)

A plasterer working with others under Thomas Kellie at Greenwich Palace, earning 12d per day, in January 1567/8 (22 days) and January 1568/9 (24 days).[13]


 

[1] LMA CLC/L/IB/D/001/MS 16988/002, f. 212.

[2] LMA P69/GIS/A/001/MS 06418.

[3] LMA P69/ALH8/A/001/MS 05160/001.

[4] LMA DL/C/B/006/MS 09172/048, will no. 1. The details of the will are not shown on the Ancestry website. The will is recorded in Marc Fitch (ed), Index to Testamentary Records in the Commissary Court of London, British Record Society, 97, Vol IV, 1626-1649 & 1661-1700 (3 vols), British Record Society (1992-8), p. 236.

[5] LMA CLC/L/BA/D/001/MS 05174/002.

[6] LMA COL/CA/01/033, ff. 97v, 112v, 116v-17, 179v-180, 200v-201.

[7] TNA E 101/474/19.

[8] TNA E 101/474/26.

[9] LMA DL/AL/C/MS 09051/006; DL/C/B/001/MS 09168/018.

[10] TNA PROB 11/208.

[11] LMA DL/C/B/007/MS 09172/035.

[12] Bodleian Library MS Rawlinson A.195.c, ff 30r, 114v, 120v.

[13] Bodleian Library MS Rawlinson A.195.c, ff. 30r and 106v.

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