In the December issue of the Berkshire
Family Historian (my first since joining) I
found, to my delight, an article on Jane AUSTEN
and also a mention of a Walter BATEMAN. Joan
Dils' article on archdeaconry records mentioned a
wealthy Reading clothier who I believe was mayor
at the time. I have an indenture, dated 1601,
which I have not completely deciphered yet,
between Robert HARRYS, William SHERWOOD, and
Walter BATEMAN all of Reading:
'The Indenture made the 14th daye of June
in the fortyeth yeare of the reigne of our
Sovereign ladye Elizabeth by the grace of God
of England, France and Scotland, Queen
defender of the faythe between Robert Harrys
of Reding in the Countye of Barke gent and
William Sherwood sonne and heir of Ruben
Sherwood of the one side and Walter Bateman
of Reddinge aforesaid in the sayd county of
Barke clother and Ursula his wife of the
other side wittneseth that the sayd Robert
Harrys and William Sherwood for the
consideration of some money to them repayd
and for diverse other considerations there
has granted bargained and sold and by these
so granted bargained and sold unto the sayd
Walter Bateman and Ursula his wife the
Mansion House
The document came with some family papers but
none of the names have shewn up in the family
history - although Jane AUSTEN has - via the
BRIDGES family.
