Page:Notes and Queries - Series 11 - Volume 2.djvu/187

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was Henry Sever, D.D., S.T.P., whose will, dated 4 July, 1471, is among the Testamenta Eboracensia in the British Museum? From the 'D.N.B.' we learn that he was a member of Merton Coll., Oxford, in 1427, when he served as Senior Proctor in the University.

Unfortunately, the term of his Wardenship coincides with the time when there is a gap in the University Registers and College documents and records; but, even so, it seems extraordinary that absolutely no record should be left of the personal history, parentage, and antecedents of so eminent a man. Besides the references mentioned at the end of the article in the 'D.N.B.,' I have also searched the following list, where his name occurs, for some account of his pedigree, but without avail:—

In addition, I have examined many other manuscript and printed materials in the Bodleian likely to bear on the subject.

The libraries of Merton and of Eton College yield no further information, beyond the statement that Sever "is a shadowy figure, of whom little is known," which is not encouraging. But in the parlour of Merton College the arms of Dr. Henry Sever are prominent among the armorial bearings that adorn the walls. The field is argent; the three rings and three bands are red.

The only relative mentioned in his will is John Sever, to whom he bequeaths

Who was Richard Gaysgill? and, more important, who was John Sever? for the relationship is not stated. Other residences he leaves are "my manor of Pery," "my mansion in West Tillbury, co. Essex," "my house in Yelling, co. Middlesex," "my