Thomas Dickinson (-1665)

 

Thomas Dickinson (c1588-1665)


It is likely that Thomas was baptised between his two sisters, though the baptism isn't in the register (which has gaps). He is listed in the Protestation.

His illegitimate son, James, by Agnes Wood was baptised in Lamplugh in 1612/3, when Thomas was described as of Woodend, younger. Agnes was of the other farm in the hamlet, and one suspects that the pregnancy was to force their parents to agree on a marriage contract. If so, the ploy succeeded - they married in Lamplugh 22-12-1614.

Whether the marriage would have legitimised James for inheritance is a moot point. He didn't inherit, so is probably the James Dickinson who was buried in Lamplugh 17-04-1640.

Thomas and Anne had a further five children: Agnes (16-04-1615), Dorothy (21-09-1617), John (17-02-1620), David (16-03-1622/3) and Lancelot (20-08-1626).

 

Dickinson of Woodend top. Wood of Woodend bottom. This map reflects the situation in 1837, when southern Woodend incorporated part of Lackerton Wood.

Thomas died in 1665 (when the register doesn't exist) - his inventory being prized 08-11-1665. He didn't leave a will.

The prizers of the inventory were: William Dickinson, Henry Wood, John Wallace and Thomas Wood. The value at £60 6s 1d is surprisingly low. It is likely that he had divided up the inheritance between his sons John, David and Lancelot. David would have gotten a cash sum to buy into Lackerton Wood, while John and Lancelot shared Woodend. The farm only becomes united again after the death of Lancelot in 1703.

There is a slight oddity in his probate bond in that there were only two bondsmen (his son Lancelot as administrator [both James and John having died before him], and George Lamplugh) and that one of them was the parish rector.


Agnes or Anne Dickinson (1615-)

 

Her brother Lancelot refers on his 1703 will to his 'Cousan Elizabeth the daughter of my late sister Ann Dickinson'. He also mentions a Cousin Henry Rothery, whom I haven't identified. So it seems quite possible that Agnes/Ann married a Rothery.


Dorothy Wood of Murton Hole (1617-)

 

Dorothy married John Wood of Murton Hole in Lamplugh. He was son of John Wood of Redhow, immediately north of Woodend. The Woods of Redhow were almost certainly a sprig of the Woods of Woodend, but have a separate existence going back to at least the 1590s.

Dorothy is very useful genealogically, as without her mention in probate it wouldn't be possible to prove the Wood connection between Redhow and Murton Hole.

She probably married quite late, and had only one child Henry (baptised 27-05-1655 in Lamplugh). The Woods continue at Murton until at least the 1790s.

Her brother John was a bondsman for her husband in 1662. Lancelot in 1703 calls her son Henry his 'cousin'.


John Dickinson of Woodend (1620-1666)

 

John inherited Woodend and married an unknown Margaret.


David Dickinson of Lackerton Wood (1623-1702)

 

David was a cooper. It's not known how he got Lackerton Wood, whether through marriage or purchase or a combination of the two - but outright purchase is the most likely. He married Ellinor Harrison of Todhole.

See separate entry.


Lancelot Dickinson of Woodend (1626-1703)

 

Lancelot was a bondsman both for his father in 1665 and for his brother John in 1666.

He was described as a bachelor in his probate inventory of 1703 and seems to have remained at Woodend throughout his life - at least, he was there when he died. His inventory, in its very minimal personal possessions, confirms that he was an old man.

It is likely that the farm was in some way divided between he and his elder brother John.

His will was written 03-04-1703 and is very detailed. His inventory was prized by Henry Wood and John Dickinson, and valued at £87 11s (including desperate debts of £30).

His executor was his great-nephew, John Dickinson of Woodend. The bondsmen were John's sisters: Margaret Wood of Brownrigg and Mary Dickinson of Woodend (soon to marry John Mirehouse of Miresyke). All these three were described by him as his cousins. He also described their mother, Mary Dickinson, widow, as his cousin.

And the list of Cousins goes on. I've inserted the references elsewhere.