Descendants of Robert Bigge

Robert Bigge ,the eldest son of Richard Bigge, was born born ca 144x, at Benenden,Kent. He was the older brother of John Bigge who was the great great grandfather of our Patience Bigge who married Thomas Foster in 1616. He made his will on 1 July 1500 which was proved 15 Sept 1500. In this will we find that his sons Edward Bigge and Thomas Bigge are designated as the executors of his estate. He requested that he buried in the churchyard of the parish church of St. George the Martyr in Benenden,Kent. Though subsequent generations of the family were much involved in cloth material, the will indicates cows and land which would lead one to believe that he was a yoeman(farmer) as were many of the people of Kent. The name of his wife is unknown.

Robert Bigge’s daughter, Elizabeth Bigge, died a few days following his death. Her will dated 17 July 1500 was likewise proved on 15 Sept 1500. In this will she does speak of “Robert Bigge” son of her brother Edward Bigge. She calls for her brothers, Edward and Thomas, to be executors of her will. She also requested to be buried in the churchyard of the fore-mentioned parish church. She also noted “To an honest priest to sing in said church for my soul, for my Father’s and Mother’s soul, and all Christian souls for half a year L3 6s.8d.”

Edward Bigge, son of Robert was born ca 147x at Benenden,Kent. Little is known of Edward except that he m Alice (–-), had a child Robert, and was, with his brother Thomas, an executor of the wills of his sister Elizabeth and his father Robert. It can be assumed that he is buried in the parish church of St. George the Martyr.

Robert Bigge was born prior 1500 at Benenden,Kent, the only known child of Edward Bigge. He married Elizabeth (–-) who survived him. He made his will 13 Jan 1548 which was proved 2 Jun 1548. His wife was noted as executor of his will. Robert had a fairly sizable holding of lands which is spoken of in his will. It can be assumed that he was a yoeman(farmer). Seven of his eight children children were underage at the time of his death. He also is buried in the churchyard of th parish church. He requested that alms be distributed at the day of his burial.

Alice Bigge, youngest daughter and perhaps youngest child, was born 1546 at Benenden,Kent and died 06 Jun 1617 at Wye,Kent. She married 10 Mar 1577 at Tenterden,Kent to Thomas Tilden.

References:FH6:34592; FH7:1st V1:155-162.