The Becher Family of Howbury

Summary

“HENRY BECHAR of Bishops Morchard in com. Deuon gent. 1564 yongest of eleuen sons, and was heire to all their lands wch they had in gauel kind in Kent.” Thus commences the pedigree of this family as recorded in the Herald’s Visitation of the county of Beds, taken in the year 1634. He married, for his first wife, Alice, d. of Thomas Heron or Herne of Edgecombe House, Croydon, and by her had issue ten children as under:—

• (1.) Henry, of whom hereafter.

• (2.) Edward, Esquire of the body of Queen Elizabeth, born in the parish of All Hallows, Bread Street, London; admitted of Lincoln’s Inn 10 Feb. 1595-6. He married, at St. Lawrence Jewry [Bp. of London’s Lie. dated 5 Oct. 1580] Frances Brooke, only d. of William, Lord Cobham, born at Cobham Hall 12 Jan. 1561-2, twin with her sister Elizabeth, and widow of Thomas Coppinger of Davington, co. Kent.

• (3.) Fane, Phane or Vane married 12 May 1572, Susan, d. of George Dabridgecourt of Stratfield Say, co. Hants. By his Will, dated 26 Sep. 1592, wherein he is described as Phane Beecher late of the parish of St. Olave, Silver Street, London, he gives to his wife Susan all his worldly goods, his debts being first fully discharged. As to his lands in Ireland, he wills that they be sold by his brother William Becher and the money thereof made to augment unto his said wife, if his goods and chattells shall not amount thereunto, the sum of ￡ 500 or so much as may purchase an annuity of ￡ 50 during her life and the life of his son Phane Becher or the longer liver of the two, the residue to be divided among his other children at the discretion of his brother William whom he appoints executor. Proved 17 Jan. 1592-3 by the above named executor [P.C.C. Nevell 3 Probate Act Book]. Phane Becher, the s. of this Phane, appears to have followed a military career, for in his Will, made at Drogheda and dated 21 Sep. 1649, he is described as Quarter Master General of all the Forces raised under the command of His Excellency the Lord Lieut, of Ireland.