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" In the name of God. Amen.
"On Saturday, the 30th day of October, in the
year of our Lord, 1367, I, Juliana de Leyborne, Countess of
Huntyngdon, make my testament after this manner :
" Of sound mind. First, I bequeath my
soul to God, and the blessed Virgin, and all His Saints; and my
body to be buried in the Church of the Monastery of St. Augustine
of Kent, in the new Chapel,1 on the south side of the
Church. Item, I leave all my goods and chattels, moveable and
immoveable, to the disposal of Sir Alexander Wayte, Canon of
Wyngham, Sir John Amublee, Rector of the Church of Harrietsham,
and John de Middleton, appointing the same executors of this my
testament, that they may dispose, for my soul, in rewards of my
servants, and other works of charity, as to them may seem most
expedient.
" Item, I appoint the Lord Thomas, the
Abbot of the Monastery of the aforesaid Church of St. Augustine's,
supervisor of this my testament.
" Done the day and year as above.
" In witness whereof, to this my testament my
seal is appended." 2
Thus closes the scene on all this pomp and
affluence; verily piety and charity had here their perfect work.
With this noble lady passed away the baronial and illustrious name
of De Leyborne. The palace at Preston soon degenerated into a mere
monastic farm-house (a fate which is soon after shared by her old
baronial castle of Leyborne), and not a trace now remains of the
grandeur which, as our inventory evidences, must once have there
existed.
L. B. L.
1 This chapel was of
her own foundation.
2 The above will of Juliana de
Leyborne is transcribed from the registry of Langham (p. 115. a.),
at Lambeth Palace. Probate was granted on the 18th November, 1367.
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