As they lived so near, this was probably seen to at once. Agnes Arden died shortly afterwards, and was buried at Aston Cantlow, 29th December 1580, Her death caused a re-arrangement of claims. From tenants, the Ardens had become owners in each part. Robert Webbe, already owner of the bulk of the estate, proceeded to purchase more. Edmund Lambert, who had not been pressed by poverty to realize his reversion, agreed to sell his share. On 1st May 23 Eliz. (1581), there was granted to Robert Webbe, by Edmund Lambert of Barton in Henmarche, and his wife Joan, one of the daughters of Robert Arden, all their moiety, part, pourpart, or share of the property for £40 (Misc. Doc., ii, 80).
On the 2nd of May a subordinate deed was drawn up, signed by the marks and seals of Edmund and Joan Lambert, appointing their well-beloved William Cookes and William Meades their true and legitimate attorneys to hand over their third part to Robert Webbe, or any attorney he may choose. This was signed in the presence of William Cookes, Thomas Nicholson, William Maydes, John Perkes, and Edward Cornewell (Misc. Doc., ii, 12).
On the same date, with the same witnesses, Edmund Lambert executed a bond of £80 in favour of Robert Webbe if he should not fulfil the conditions agreed upon (Misc. Doc., vii, 153).
A general release by Edmund Lambert to Robert Webbe of the interest of him and his wife in the Snitterfield property was handed over on 1st June 23 Eliz. (1581), before the witnesses John Dafferne, John Scarlett, Edward Cornewell, Henry Talbot, and John Butler. The seal has H. T. on it, probably being that of Henry Talbot (Misc. Doc., ii, 84). See also Birthplace Deeds, Appendix 276.
The final concord appears in the Feet of Fines, P.R.O., “Warr. Pasche, 24 Eliz.,” between “Robert Webbe, qu., et Edmund Lambert et aliis deforc., de terre,” etc. Robert Webbe had by this time become apparent owner of the whole of the old Mayowe property, and empowered to face the lagging Chancery suit alone.
But another complexity had arisen, and a new set of deeds, which have not yet been fully worked out. Robert Webbe was about to marry Mary, the daughter of John Perkes of Snitterfield, evidently a prosperous farmer and an affectionate father. The arrangements were extraordinary. There is an undated deed (with pieces cut out) providing that William Perkes should enjoy one tenement, one orchard, and all appurtenances, etc., now in the possession of Edward Cornewell, with no claims from the Ardens, for the sum of £20; that if William Perkes or his assigns do not enjoy the same and pay for it at the rate of £3 6s. 8d. a year, and do depart, then the said Edward Cornwell to have the same again (Misc. Doc., ii, 7). This seems to have been some first draft.[5] The “settlement” in extenso is preserved between Robert Webbe and Mary Perkes, 1st September 23 Eliz. (1581). In consideration of a marriage hereafter to be held between them, and also in consideration of £35 of lawful English money to be paid him by John Perkes, Robert Webbe devised and let to farm two messuages with the appurtenances, and one yard land and a half, to John Perkes from the feast of St. Michael for six years, to have and to hold, paying to Robert Webbe or his executors the sum of fourpence at each term. John Perkes was to repair the premises at his own cost, and at the end of the term to yield them to Robert Webbe. During that term Robert Webbe should have twenty sheep kept for him during the winter months by John Perkes;
and the said John Perkes shall find and allow for the said Robert Webbe; Mary the daughter of John Perkes, his wife; Margaret, mother to the said Robert; and Edward Cornell, father-in-law to the said Robert, during the term, within the dwellinghouse of the said John Perkes, necessary, convenient, and holesome meate, drinke, chamber lodging, and fier, at the proper cost and charge of the said John Perkes, the said Edward Cornell paying for his bording as aforesaid, yearelie to John Perkes, the some of three pounds of English money. And if it haps that the said Robert Webbe and Mary his wife have any child or children during the said term, John Perkes shall find and allow for the same, meat, drink, chamber lodging, and fier, with free entry in and out of the said chamber, to and for the said Robert, Mary, Margaret, Edward, and the said children.
At the end of the term John Perkes was to yield up the land sown with all manner of corn and grain at his own charge, so that the said Robert and Mary should have it for their own use after the six years. In witness whereof both parties set their hands and seals in the presence of Thomas Nicholson, Edward Cornewell, and Thomas Pittes (Misc. Doc., ii, 14). On the same day, and before the same witnesses, Robert Webbe signed a covenant, on his marriage with Mary, daughter of John Perkes, to hold a messuage in Snitterfield to the use of himself for life, with remainder to Mary for life, with remainder to the right heirs.
It is evident that grim economy was necessary to Robert Webbe, after his efforts to buy up the other shares, and sit free on his grandfathers property. This was intensified by the unknown dangers and expenses of the Chancery suit hanging over him. John Perkes had done what he could to help him.
Still one other purchase, at least, had Robert Webbe to make. Halliwell-Phillipps, “Outlines,” ii, 173, says: “How Robert Arden’s other two daughters, Elizabeth Scarlett and Mary Shakespeare, became entitled to portions, is not known; but that this was the case can be shown by the conveyances to Robert Webbe.” Elizabeth Scarlett is referred to neither in Robert Arden’s will nor in the settlement of 1550. It may be she was an elder daughter who had received her portion at her marriage. She might still share by common law in the inheritance of sisters who died. Halliwell-Phillipps suggests that she had married John Scarlett; but both the John Scarlett of Henry VIII and the John of Elizabeth had wives named Joan. Halliwell-Phillipps enters Elizabeth’s death in the Ardens’ pedigree table as in 1588, giving no authority. But John would not have been heir to his mother in 1582 if she had been alive. The Birthplace Deed 433 shows that