FRANKE, John (by 1493-1560/64), of Hastings, Suss.

There is some doubt whether it was the father or his eldest son and namesake who was MP for Hastings in 1554 and 1559, but as the father was still bailiff of Hastings at the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign it is likely that he was also the port’s representative in Parliament. He owned ‘a great shop to make fish’ and several coopers’ shops in Hastings. By his will, made as Jan. 1560 and proved 13 Apr. 1564, he appointed his wife executrix and residuary legatee. The son died v.p.Vis. Suss. (Harl. Soc. liii), p. 116; Cinque Ports white bk. passim; LP Hen. VIII, passim; APC, 1547-50, p. 484; Lewes archd. ct. A5, f. 166; PCC 8 Bodfelde, 12 Streat.