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                                    EWENS         updated 10.6.2013

   Thomas EWENS

born before 1632, Somerset, England

The Will for Thomas is dated 20 Dec. 1685.

From the Will, I would deduce that he did not marry - all goods and chattles left to cousins, kinsmen, godchildren and people of Wincanton etc.

The Martin estate was subject to further division during the 17th century. Sir Edward Richards sold his share in 1632 and Sir Thomas Hamon in 1633, (fn. 76) and parts were acquired by the Wyndhams in 1660. (fn. 77) Thomas and Andrew Ewens bought Anne Floyer's share in 1632, (fn. 78) and by 1657 until after 1664 Thomas Ewens held a court in respect of one sixth of the manor.

Penslewood - The Ewens family were prominent farmers in the 17th century. Andrew and Thomas Ewens had shares of the manor from 1632, (fn. 12) and Andrew was a leading taxpayer in 1641. (fn. 13) Thomas and Alexander Ewens each offered 40s. to the king in 1661. (fn. 14) Thomas left goods and chattels valued at £1,455 in 1685. His farm stock comprised 6 cows, 18 young beasts, 5 horses and mares, 2 colts, and a Welsh pig. Crops were hay, wheat, and oats. (fn. 15)
 

CHURCH
The font, the south doorway, and the proportions of the nave and chancel suggest a church of the 12th century. (fn. 82) The living was a sole rectory until 1980 and from that date formed a plurality with Wincanton. (fn. 83)
Successive lords of the manor held the advowson from 1266, ....... 1628 (fn. 86) Sir John Wyndham, who owned the next presentation, granted it to Andrew Ewens in 1633, (fn. 87) and Ewens presented in 1645. The new rector agreed not to resign without first informing Wyndham. (fn. 88) The next presentation is recorded as having been made by Sir William Wyndham and Thomas Ewens, (fn. 89) but was in fact made by the lords of that third of the manor then largely owned by Thomas Ewens, William Still, Thomas Carew, and John Sparrow in which Sir William also had a small share. An attempt to present another man evidently received some local support. (fn. 90)
Thomas Ewens presented in 1674 but there was opposition from the Wyndhams when Thomas Strangways presented in 1719. (fn. 91) Henry Good the younger was patron in 1744 as owner of part of the divided third share of the manor. (fn. 92)

excerpts From: 'Penselwood', A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 7: Bruton, Horethorne and Norton Ferris Hundreds (1999), pp. 184-192.