66 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Nicholas Tindal, M.A.,100 Surrogate for the Bishop of London,
shows him to have been of substantial means. He describes
himself as "Gentleman," and declares himself of "a sound,
perfect, and disposing memory," though "advanced in years,
and therefore must shortly put off the body."
All Dale's children having pre-deceased him, except the
youngest (a daughter, Christian, aged 53101), and both his wives
being also dead, he disposed of most of his property among his
nephews (sons of his elder brother Francis), his assistants, and
his servants.
First, to his cousins, John Ruggles, of Bocking,
clothier,102 and Thos. Heckford, of Braintree, draper, he gives
his messuage in Bocking, in the occupation of Moses Griffith,
surgeon, together with all his messuages in Little Leighs, then
in occupation of Wm. Drake, Robt. Schooling, and Jas. Shonke,
upon trust, for the term of 69103 years, for the maintenance
of his daughter Christian, should she live so long; the trustees
to maintain the premises in tenantable repair; each of them
to have 40s. a year for his trouble; and, after the death of
Christian, the property to go to his nephew, John Dale,104 sub-
ject to the payment of £10 annually, in two equal portions,
to another nephew, Francis Dale,105 during the latter's lifetime.
To his nephew, Francis Dale, aforesaid, he gives one shilling,
to be paid when demanded; he to pay his fair share of taxes,
repairs, etc., "so there may be no contention.
To John Dale, aforesaid, he gives his messuage or tenement
known as Wigley House, in Ovington, Essex; also certain
tenements in the parish of St. Gregory, Sudbury, Suffolk, and
a tenement called the White Horse, in Braintree, in the occu-
pation of Francis Little, victualler.
To his servant, Samuel Clapham, he gives a cottage in
Braintree, in the occupation of Henry Spooner; also all his
100 The Rev, Nicholas Tindal (1687-1744) was vicar (1722-40) of Great Waltham and author
of the earliest (published) History of Essex (1732), of which two parts only were issued (see Essex
Review, ii., pp. 168-179).
101 See ante, p. 59.
102 A "clothier" was, at the period, a weaver of woollen cloths: not, as now, a dealerin made-
up clothing. The woollen industry, formerly of very great importance in Bocking and other
adjacent Essex towns, had nearly died out at this date. John Ruggles was a member of the
family now represented by the Ruggles-Brises, of Spains Hall, in Finchingfield, a beautiful Tudor
mansion some eight miles from Bocking. How he and Thomas Heckford came to be Dale's
cousins does not appear ; but the fact that they were so explains, perhaps, the reason why Dale,
when a young man, began his professional life at Braintree.
103 Why 69 years, I know not. Possibly it is an error for 99.
104 A son, doubtless, of Dale's elder brother Francis (see ante, p. 52).
105 Another son of Dale's elder brother Francis (see ante, p. 52).