1576 JOHN STANFORD,
(186)
(Butcher)
Eldest son of AId. Thomas Stanford, mayor in 1559 ; born 1537, admitted a freeman 1558-9, a chamberlain in 1565, M.P. for the borough 1572 and 1592 ; married twice and had a numerous family. His second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of AId. John Heyrick of Leic., was buried at Barkby, co. Leic., 19 June 1611. In April 1588 he contributed £25 toward the defence of this country against the threatened invasion by the Spanish.
Towards the close of his life AId. John Stanford took up his residence on his estate at Elmesthorpe, co. Leic., where he died on Thursday, 17 March 1602-3. His remains were conveyed and interred in the chancel of Barkby church on Sunday, 20 March· 1602-3. Inquistion Post Mortem taken after his death, filed at the Public Record Office, London. Will, dated at Elmesthorpe 31 August 1602, was proved in the P.C.C., London, 17 May 1603.
The following inscriptions on separate alabaster slabs were formerly to be seen in the chancel floor of Barkby church :-
"Here lieth the body of John Stanford, gent., owner of the manor and rectory of Barkby, Thorpe and Hamilton. He departed this life 17 March 1602.
Think it not strange that man doth life resign This day his lot was drawn, tomorrow thine."
"Here lieth the body of Mrs. Elizabeth Stanford, wife of John Stanford, the elder. She departed this life 17 June 1611.
As thou art breathing so were all us three ; Thou must be breathless and as well as wee."
John Stanford, son and heir of the above, died in December 1603. M.L formerly at Barkby.
1592 JOHN STANFORD. (2)
