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REYNOLDS, George I (by 1518-77), of Rye, Suss.
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Biography Detail
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Family and Education
b. by 1518, poss. s. of George Reynolds of Rye. m. (1) Margaret, da. of John Wytfield of Wadhurst, s.p.
Offices Held
Chamberlain, Rye l539, 1543; jurat from 1546, mayor 1551-2, 1552-3, 1556-7, 1564-5, 1565-6, dep. mayor 1571-3; bailiff to Yarmouth 1554.
Biography
Reynolds, who kept a tavern in Rye, was described in 1556 as ‘the Queen’s Majesty’s servant’. He remained in government favour under Mary, and continued an active official of his town until at least 1569. He made his will 17 Sept. 1577, died 1 Oct., and the will was proved on 4 Oct. The will refers to his ‘last two wives’, near to whose tombs in Rye parish church he wished to be buried. He bequeathed 10s. to the minister who preached the funeral sermon, 12d. each to the four men who carried his body, and £3 6s.8d. to the poor of Rye, to be distributed on the day of his burial. No children are mentioned, and Reynolds’ property was divided among relatives and friends. The will was contested by one John Rolf of Rye.
Vis. Kent (Harl. Soc. lxxv), 119; E. Suss. RO, Rye mss; Cinque Ports white bk. passim; Suss. Rec. Soc. lxiv. 13; (A. Vidler, New Hist. Rye, 159-60, list of mayors, has the wrong name for 1564); CPR, 1554-5, pp. 236-7; APC, v. 327; vi. 112; Lewes archdeaconry, wills bk. A7, f. 67.
