Ralph Underhill

     Ralph was born circa 1514 at Hunningham, Warwickshire, England. Ralph married Marie (?). Ralph was the epitome of the “Country Gentleman”. Descriptions of his manor house and his personal property, give evidence of a life style associated with the “Landed Gentry” and in the case of Ralph a high life style indeed. Ralph made his will on 4 May 1557. From the manner of the writing of his will, it is clear that Roger, like this elder brother Edward, had left the Catholic Church. It is also evident that the two were close as can be seen from the following extracts. After making provision for his widow, “duringe her naturall lyfe”, he constituted his brother heir to his estate. “After the decease of my said wife”, …”the remainder thereof and of all my other lands to my brother Edwarde Underhill and to theyre males of his bodie lawfullie begotten”. The last clause of the will emphasizes the same intent. “The rest of all my goodes moveable and unmoveable not given nor bequeythed (my dettes and legacies beinge paied and this my last will p’formed and fulfyylled. I give and bequeythe them to Marie my wyef and Edward Underhill my brother to be equallie devyded between them by even porcions.¹ Ralph departed this life on Tuesday, 7 May 1557 in Baginton, Warwickshire, England. His will was probated on 12 October 1557 at Lichfield, Staffordshire, England.