‹ E-CIPM 23-307: JOHN SON OF NICHOLAS BENTON ›

John Burdon ,...viginti years and more, swears that John Benton was born at Bishopstone, baptised in the church of St Mary the Virgin there, and was aged 21 on 25 July last. Asked how he knows, he says that he married Joan... on the day that John Benton was born and baptised and 21 years have passed since then. Robert Wayte , 70 and more, says that Robert his son celebrated his first mass in the church after [he became a priest]. John Stamford , 71 and more, lost a ship in a sudden storm at sea. John Wodehous , 75 and more, says that his barn in Bishopstone and the grain inside suddenly caught fire. Edward Muryweder , 84 and more, says that William his son died after a long illness. John Pynkeney , 77 and more, was parish clerk and held the book before the priest at the baptism. John Walrond , 70 and more, says that such a wind blew up on the day of the birth that he and others feared the collapse of their weakened houses. John Justice , 72 and more, says that Joan his wife gave birth to a son called Gilbert. Ingram Walrond, 73 and more, gave water to the godfather and godmother, so that they could wash their hands after the baptism. Thomas Fermour , 78 and more, fetched Alice Weston to nurse John Benton . Richard Waryn , 76 and more, carried 2 silver pots full of wine to the church, to refresh the godparents and other bystanders after the baptism. Thomas Stokke , 74 and more, saw both godfathers give John Benton 6s. 8d. after the baptism.