Extract form the will of Sir James Deane, 1608

Deane was the benefactor who founded Deane’s almshouses in London St, Basingstoke. Eight stone-built cottages for poor men and women were constructed to a high standard. The almshouses are still operated by Basingstoke charities in 2013. He was a merchant adventurer trading in India, China and the Spice Islands who was knighted in 1604. He also endowed two graduates: one to preach to the people of Basingstoke and the other to teach pupils in the Holy Ghost grammar school.

The will was proved in the PCC and the 23 page will is held in the National Archives. This extract, which contains the clauses relevant to Basingstoke, is in HRO, ref. HRO 5M52/C1.