Thrale/Thrall history

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other Luton families such as the Attwoods and Jacques, the latter being often associated with the Thrale family.

The Register of the Guild and some accounts were found in possession of the Marquis of Bute¹¹ showing the Guild to be one of the most wealthy and splendid in the Kingdom. Annual lists indicate the Masters, Wardens, Brethrens, Sisters, and Bachelors and Maidens of the Guild, many members being of Royal rank as well as Bishops. Some examples cite John Lammer, Vicar of Luton, as Master with John Thrale and Thomas Perot of the Wyne as Wardens in 1476. In 1482 John and Richard Thrale and their wives of Thrales End were members, a year later John Thrale, senior, was Master, and in 1509 William Thrale was also Master.

During this period the usual normal transactions in land continued John Thrale, junior, witnessed a grant of land in Grave Granys (1471)¹² and later in 1477 of lands in Westhyde.¹³ Richard Thrale possessed land adjacent to Sare Croft in West Hyde in 1482.¹⁴

It is in 1493 and 1543 that two significant references are uncovered.¹⁵ The earlier item tells of a feoffment from Valentine Noris, Wilham Thrall, and Valentine Lawrens of Luton concerning message and crofts lying together in Thrales End and on land of Robert Thrall called Tufnal, (probably given this name by Robert Tufnall mentioned together with John Thrale in an updated Chancery proceeding early in the 15th Century). There is a modern road of this name in Harpenden. The later reference showing details of a marriage settlement of lands formerly belonging to Robert Thrale called Tufnalls should be especially noted. Having remarked the period of ownership of Robert Thrale for later observation, it is interesting to learn that a perpetual anniversary was to be kept in Luton Church for the soul of John Thrale, senior. John Thrale's will proved in 1505¹⁶ is rich in detail. Burial at St. Mary of Luton ... to Cathedral Church of Lincoln 2d ... to High Alter for Tithes forgot 2d ... to the greater necessities of the Church of Luton 20d... to fraternity of the Holy Trinity of the same Church 20d ... to light Holy Cross in "solio" 4d ... light of St. Mary "de ly Pety" 2d ... light of John Baptist Id ... light of St. Catherine 1d ... to a suitable Priest to celebrate half a year £3 ... to each Godchild 6d ... to Friars of Dunstable 3s 4d ... to Friars of Hitchin 20d ... to fraternity of St. Mary of Boston 20d. Such is the picture of a good churchman in pre-Reformation times. John's will also mentions his brother William Thrale and also indicates the establishment of a family of some standing with regard to the Colyn family for John granted to his servant John Colyn a house and land at the age of 28 on

Footnotes

11. Chiswick Press 1906.↩︎
12. Bedfordshire R.O. d.w. 229.↩︎
13. Bedfordshire R.O. d.w. 249.↩︎
14. Huckle Collection.↩︎
15. Bedfordshire R.O. d.w. 207 and d.w. 209.↩︎
16. Reg. 1, fo. 71d. Bedfordshire R.O..↩︎