Notes:

This is whom the Branches of Virginia descend.

Notes:

Richard was a wooolen draper. Settled in Abingdon, Berkshire, England, in the early part of the sixteenth century. He was a man of considerable importance, being for many years head of the Fraternity of the Holy Cross. Originally this Guild had been founded for the dispensation of charity, but a long and active existence, together with ownership of considerable property, had make it the center of the civic life of Abingdon.

Died:
He was buried in the north or Jesus Aisle of St. Helen's Church on 16 September, 1544.

Richard's Will;
To the high altar of St. Elen's church 21s. to be prayed for.
To Thomas Branche my eldest son a feather bed, a covering with a mitre upon it, and 10s.
To my son William Branche my gown that I had of Mr. Wodword and 10s.
To Thoms Branche my youngest son 20s.
To my son John Branche a black gown lined with St. Thomas wolsted and 10s.
To Margery my daughter a girdlewith a dymycent of silver and gilt, a silver spoon, all her grandfather's bequests unto her, a saucer of the new fashion and 20s.
To Marion my daughter a pair of jet beads with silver gawds, a silver spoon, beside the one that Mr. Wodword gave her, and 20s.
If any of my forenamed children die before they come to years of discretion, their parts shall be distributed amongst those that shall then be on live.
Residuary legatee and executrix, my wife Elizabeth. Overseers, Humfrey Bostock and Thomas [blank].
Witnesses: Sir William Druett, brotherhoodpriest, Richard Maiot, Humbostoke, Thomas Erle. No Probate. [Archdeaconry of Berks: Register C; 164.]

Richard + Elizabeth [Beauforest] Branch. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Beauforest) and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Was from Deane, Gloucester County, England