RICHARD FERRIS, Serjeant-Surgeon.
But little is known of Richard Ferris, though he was doubtless a man of repute, as Gale speaks approvingly of him, and he held the office of Serjeant-Surgeon in Queen Elizabeth’s time; his portrait is preserved by Holbein in our great picture, and Henry VIII, by his will, bequeathed him 100 marks. He was twice Master of the Barber-Surgeons, viz., in 1551 and 1562.
His will, dated 17th March, 1566, was proved on the 22nd April, 1566, wherein he describes himself as “Richard Ferres Serjant Surgion unto the quenes majestie, sick of bodie.” He gives to “Em,” his wife, his house, field, and orchard at Paddington for her life, with remainder to his daughter Thomazine, and to her also the lease of the house where he then dwelt in St. Giles, Cripplegate. In the event of their deaths without issue, the property to be sold and distributed amongst the poor in the discretion of his overseer, John Field[330] and Dr. Gregorie Wisdom, except 40s. to his cousin Johanne Sympson. To his daughter Thomazine his “Courte bedd and bedstede,” also a feather bed and bedstead furnished, half a garnish of pewter vessels, &c., and £30 which was owing to him by Dr. Cunningham (Reader at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall).
Item I give and bequeth unto the Companie of Barbors and Sˀgions twentie Shillings in monney a grete Pandack and an other booke called a verroyce. To John ffelde my late srˀvaunt all my other bookes bothe of Surgerie and others excepet ffoure of theim wch I give unto John Griffine my Apprentice. Also I give and bequeth unto the said John ffeld all my Sˀgerie stuff and all my Instrumẽtes both of silver and other and also my gowne furred wth ffox wch I comonlie Ride in. Item I will and bequeth unto Thomas Baylie[331] one Booke called Peter de argilate and the Staff wch he gave me.
The residue to his wife, and she appointed executrix with John Field overseer.
JOHN PEN.
