STEPHENS, Thomas (d.1613), of the Middle Temple, London and Over Lypiatt, Glos

Stephens was a Middle Temple lawyer, who probably owed his return for Weymouth and Melcombe to another Middle Templar, William Weston, recorder of the combined boroughs. Stephens made a fortunate marriage, and a few years before his death purchased the Gloucestershire manors of Cherington, Over Lypiatt, Chipping, Little and Old Sodbury. He obtained a court appointment under James I, and in 1609 intervened on behalf of two Middle Templars who had killed a royal stag. He left his landed property to be divided between his three sons, all of whom were under age, gave his wife a life interest in Over Lypiatt, and left portions of £2,000 each to his two daughters. The will, dated 8 Mar. 1612, was proved 24 Nov. 1613. Stephens died on 26 Apr. of that year.Vis. Glos. (Harl. Soc. xxi), 151; Atkyns, Glos. 218; M. T. Bench Bk. 92; M.T. Recs. i. 336, 426; ii. 440, 445, 523, 554, 557, 589; PCC 109 Capell, 70 Spencer; S. Rudder, Glos.338, 674, 713; C142/335/30.