Edwin Sandys I, Archbishop of York

     Edwin was born in 1516 in Furnesse Fells, Haekshead Parish, Lancastershire, England, at Esthwaite Hall. He was the son of William Sandys and Margaret Dixon. Edwin was educated in Furnesse Fells Abbey & next attended St. John's College in Cambridge where he graduated in 1539 with a BA degree. He continued his studies & received his MA degree in 1541. He received his bachelor of Divinity degree in 1547 & his doctor of Divinity in 1549. By 1546, he had become the Vicar of Haversham. He was then chosen Master of Catherine Hall in 1547. After receiving his Doctorate of Divinity, on 12 December 1549, he became Canon of Peterborough. He was Vice Chancellor of Cambridge when Edward VI died in 1553. He supported Lady Jane Gray, and refused to proclaim Queen Mary at Cambridge. As a result, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London 25 July 1553. He was later removed to Marshalsea, and was able to escape from there and removed to Germany; he arrived in Antrup in May of 1554. He eventually settled at Strasburg where his wife and infant son joined him. Edwin married Mary Sandys in England. They were married while Edwin was still attending college. Edwin's wife, Mary, died in 1558 in Strasburg, Germany, leaving him a widower; She & her son died of the plague. He then moved on to Zurich staying at the house of Peter Martyr where he got the news of Queen Mary's death. After Elizabeth gained the throne in November of 1558, Edwin was able to safely return to England and arrived there in 1559. He was soon consecrated Bishop of Worcester from 1559 to 1570.⁵ Edwin married 2nd Cicely Wilford, daughter of Thomas Wilsford and Rose Whetenhall, between 19 February 1559 and 1560 in England. On this same day, Queen Elizabeth was coranated. He was nominated for being Bishop of London on 1 June 1570 & confirmed 15 July 1570 & remained until 8 March 1577. While there, he resided at Fulham Palace. On 8 March 1577, he became Archbishop of York until 1588. His offical residence was Bishopthorpe Palace, just outside of York in the Village of Pishopthorpe. Edwin made his will on 1 August 1587.

The will of Edwyne Sandes, minister of God’s Holy Word, Archbishop of York, dated 1^st August 1587.
Under owers given me by indentures made 4 June 18 Elizabeth between myself of the one part, and Miles Sandes of Lattimers, co. Bucks, esq., Francis Wilforde, Edward Fenner and Roger Brigges, esq., I assign the issues of Cursewold alias Crudeswood Park, co. Kent, to my wife Cicely for the residue of the term which the said Miles and others had of the grant of Henry Leonard.
If Elizabeth Norton, daughter of John Norton, late of Ripon, Yorks, esq. deceased, amd George Sandes, my youngest son, marry together, I will have settled upon them the tenements which John Samonde, gent., and Anne, his wife, conveyed to Thomas Spencer and Thomas Porter; and the said Elizabeth shall be discharged of her wardship and marriage, which belongeth to me; and the said Eizabeth shall having £300 at the age of 16.
My wife shall have the bringing up of my children Thomas, Henry and George Sandes, so long as she continues a widow, she having for the same their portions and the annuity out of the manner of Umbersley. If she die or marry, their portions shall be submitted to Samuel and Edwyne Sandes, my sons. Whereas I have according to mine ability sufficiently preferred and advanced all my children, viz. both my daughters Margaret Awcher and Anne Barne by marriage, to my great charges, as also all my sons, viz. Samuel, Edwyne, Myles, Thomas, Henry and George, so as they ought not by custom of this province of York to claim any their filial portions of my goods and chattels, I declare that my children shall hold themselves contented with their said preferments, and not challenge any reckoning with my executrix; but I give to them each certain special remembrances, viz. to Samuel a bason and ewer of silver, double gilt, the black armour of proof made for my own body, etc; to my daughter Margaret Awcher, one great salt of silver with a cover, etc. and six milch kine; to my younger daughter Anne Barne, one great salt of silver, double gilt, with cover, a dozen silver spoons, and one ambling gelding fir for her own saddle. To my brothers Christopher and Anthony Sandes £10 a piece. To my servant and kinsman David Sandes, one good gelding. Dr. Tobie Mathewe, Dean of Durham, and my son Edwin shall dispose of all my books of learning, save as are in English, which I leave to my wife to distribute among my children, reserving to th said Edwyne such as Dr. Mathewe shall think fittest for his study. All the rest of my goods to my wife, whom I make my executrix; and Sir Christopher Wrey, Lord Chief Justice of England, Dr. Toby Mathewe, aforesaid, my brother Miles Sandes, Francis Palmes and my son Samuell Sandes, esq., my overseers.
Witness: Richard Hudson, Anthony Higgin, Moyses Fowler, Jeames Cooke, Leonard Hutton, John Johnson, Robert Hall.⁶

Edwin departed this life on Sunday, 10 July 1588 in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England. He was buried in Southwell Minister, Nottinghamshire, England. His will was probated on 27 May 1590.