(The following information was collected by Opal Freer Spencer over a lenghty period of research. It is to be used only for personal research. Please respect the author's wishes)

Copyright 1998 ©

Additional information can be found on FRERE in BURKE'S LANDED GENTRY, Eighteenth Edition Volume 2, Pp. 225 - 230.

A suggested link with the Blaby Freers can be noted in the Frere Arms which includes a Ducal Coronet and a heraldic Antelope's head emerging from the Coronet and the Motto "Frere ayme Frere" (see p. 230 cited above). Click hereFreer/Frere Coats of Arms for more information on the Coat of Arms (Go to bottom of page).

---

---

Generation No. 1

1. JOHN OF SWEFFLING^l FRERE SR. was born Abt. 1225 in Sweffling, Suffolk, England, and died Abt. 1275 in Sweffling, Suffolk, England. He married ANNE THURSTON.

Notes for JOHN OF SWEFFLING FRERE, SR.:

Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere of Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng., living temp. Henry III & Edward 1, (Henry III crowned 1216 & Edward I crowned 1272), married Anne Thurston, daughter of John Thurston of Hoxne, Suffolk, Eng., and had issue.

According to Fox-Davies in his "Suffolk Collection of Pedigrees", (abridged), John Frere, (aka: John of Thurston), is the first known ancestor of the Frere Clan to have come to England about the time of the Norman invasion in the twelveth century and settled in Suffolk and Norfolk Counties of East Anglia. Family tradition states that they had been Huguenots who had fled from the Catholic persecutions of France and became very prosperous as members of the Gentry and Merchant class.

John Frere lived in Suffolk Co., Eng. where died about 1275. His only known child was Alexander, Gentleman of Sweffling.

Notes for ANNE THURSTON: Anne Thurston, d/o John Thurston of Hoxne, Suffolk, England.

Child of JOHN FRERE and ANNE THURSTON is:

2. i. ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING² FRERE, b. Sweffling, Suffolk, England; d. Aft.1334, Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.

2. ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING² FRERE (JOHN OF SWEFFLING¹) was born in Sweffling, Suffolk, England, and died Aft. 1334 in Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.. He married JOANE GLEMHAM.

Notes for ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLNG FRERE: Burke's Landed Gentry: Alexander Frere of Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng, living 1334, m. Joane Glemham and had John, with other issue.

Child of ALEXANDER FRERE and JOANE GLEMHAM is:

3. i. JOHN OF SWEFFLING³ FRERE, b. Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.; d. Aft.1371, Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.

3. JOHN OF SWEFFLING³ FRERE (ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ², JOHN OF SWEFFLING ¹) was born in Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng., and died Aft. 1371 in Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng. He married (I) JOANNA BRAMPTON. He married (2) JOANNA.

Notes for JOHN OF SWEFFLING FRERE: Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere of Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng., living 1371, m. Joan Brampton, and had issue, a son, Alexander.

Child of JOHN FRERE and JOANNA BRAMPTON is:

4. i. ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING⁴ FRERE, b. Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.; d. Aft.1404, Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.

4. ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLNG⁴ FRERE (JOHN OF SWEFFLING³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING², JOHN OF SWEFFLING¹ was born in Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng., and died Aft. 1404 in Sweffling, Suffolk, Eng.. He married Miss HOLLAND.

Notes for ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Alexander Frere of Sweffling, living 1404, m. a daughter of ___ Holland and had Alexander, with other issue.

Alexander Frere, Sr. was a Gentleman; and great grandson of John of Sweffling. He married a daughter of ___ Holland, but her given name is unknown. As late as the 1660's, the Freres of Barbados were linked to the Hollands, some of whom owned lands in Barbados. As the Frere family developed, it owned sizeable properties in Suffolk Co., England at Sweffling, Wickham Skeith. Occold and Finningham.

Child of ALEXANDER FRERE and MISS HOLLAND is:

5. i. ALEXANDER OF OCCOLDS FRERE, b. Sweffling, Suffolk, England; d. Occold, Suffolk, England.

5. ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD⁵ FRERE (ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING², JOHN OF SWEFFLING¹) was born in Sweffling, Suffolk, England, and died in Occold, Suffolk, England. He married MARGARET HENMAN.

Notes for ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Alexander Frere of Occold, Suffolk, Eng. married Margaret Henman, (d. hiswidow), daughter of Henman of Occold, and heiress of her brother John Henman and died ca. 1471 (will pr Mar 1471 /2), having had John Frere, with other issue.

Notes for MARGARET HENMAN:

Daughter of John Henman of Occolt, Suffolk. England, heiress of her brother John Henman.

Child of ALEXANDER FRERE and MARGARET HENMAN is:

6. i. JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶ FRERE, b. Occold, Suffolk, England; d. Bef 1532, Wickharn Skeith, Suffolk, Eng.

6. JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶ FRERE (ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD ⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING², JOHN OF SWEFFLING) was born in Occold, Suffolk, England, and died Bef. 1532 in Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng. He married JULIAN, daughter of RICHARD MARGERY.

Notes for JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere of Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng., married Julian, widow of Richard Margery of Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk, Eng., and d. ante 1532 (will dated 28 Aug 1530, pr. 1532), leaving issue, (John & Thomas Frere.)

John Frere of Wickham Skeith was apparently quite prosperous. He bought lands at Wickham Skeith and married Julian, (surname unknown), and had two notable sons, Thomas Frere of Occult and John Frere of the Abbey. Julian's first marriage was to Richard Margeny.

Notes for JULIAN:

d/o Richard Margery

Children of JOHN FRERE and JULIAN are:

7. i. JOHN⁷ FRERE, b.1510, Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng.; d.1558, Wickharn Skeith,Suffolk, Eng

8. ii. THOMAS OF OCCOLD FRERE, b. Abt. 1515, Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, England; d. Occold, Suffolk, England.

9. iii. ROBERT FRERE, b. Abt.1518.

7. JOHN⁷ FRERE (JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ², JOHN OF SWEFFLING) was born 1510 in Wickharn Skeith, Suffolk, Eng., and died 1558 in Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng.. He married AGNES BACON Bef. 1530.

Notes for JOHN FRERE:

Berke's Landed Gentry: John Frere, the eldest son, m. ante Aug 1530 (his father's will), Agnes Bacon, daughter of John Bacon of Hessett, and died 1558 (will dated 2 July, pr. 12 Oxt. 1558), leaving John Frere of Stuston, Suffolk, and afterwards of Wickham Abbey, with other issue.

Notes for AGNES BACON:

Agnes, daughter of John Bacon of Hessett, England

Child of JOHN FRERE and AGNES BACON is:

10. i. JOHN OF ABBEYS FRERE, b. Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng.; d. Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng.

8. THOMAS OF OCCOLD⁷ FRERE (JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD ⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING², JOHN OF SWEFFLING 1) was born Abt. 1515 in Wickham Skeith,Suffolk, England, and died in Occold, Suffolk, England. He married (I) MARGARET BACON Abt. 1539 in Suffolk, England. He married (2) ELIZABETH BAXTER Abt. 1547.

Notes for THOMAS OF OCCOLD FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Thomas Frere, a minor, Aug 1530 (his father's will), m. 1stly, Margaret, dau of John Bacon, of Hessett, Suffolk, and had issue: 1. Alexander, bapt. 25 Dec 1540; d.s.p., and 2. George, bapt, 18 Jun 1542; d.s.p.; & Margaret Frere.

He m. 2ndly, Elizabeth Baxter, (will pr. 1602), d/o Richard Baxter of Forncett, Norfolk, Eng, and by her had issue, Richard Frere of Occold and Harleston.

Notes for MARGARET BACON:

Margaret Bacon, d/o John Bacon of Hessett, Suffolk, had issue, Alexander & George Frere.

Notes for ELIZABETH BAXTER:

Elizabeth Baxter, d/o Richard Baxter of Forncett, Norfolk, Eng. had issue, Richard Frere of Harleston.

Children of THOMAS FRERE and MARGARET BACON are: i. ALEXANDERS FRERE, b. 25 December 1540. ii. GEORGE FRERE, b. 18 June 1542.

Child of THOMAS FRERE and ELIZABETH BAXTER is:

11. iii. RICHARD OF HARLSTON⁸ FRERE, b. 28 April 1548, Occold, Suffolk, England; d. 1626, Harleston, Suffolk, England.

9. ROBERT⁷ FRERE (JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD ⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ², JOHN OF SWEFFLING 1) was born Abt. 1518.

Notes for ROBERT FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Robert Frere, a minor, Aug. 1530 (his father's will).

Children of ROBERT FRERE are: i. AGNES⁸ FRERE, b. Abt.1540. ii. AWDREY FRERE, b. Abt.1542. iii. MARGARET FRERE, b. Abt.1544; m. JOHN PRETYMAN.

10. JOHN OF ABBEY⁸ FRERE (JOHN⁷, JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD ⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ², JOHN OF SWEFFLING¹) was born in Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng., and died in Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng. He married (1) KATHERINE RIVETT 24 May 1559 in Suffolk, England. He married (2) THOMASINE JESSOP Abt. 1562 in Suffolk, England.

Notes for JOHN OF ABBEY FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere of Stuston, Suffolk and afterwards of Wickham Abbey, Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng., married Istly, 24 May 1559, Katherine (d.s.p.s. bur. 28 Oct 1561), daughter of John Rivett of Rishangles, Suffolk, Eng.

He married 2ndly, Thomasine Jessop (bur. 15 Apr 1583), of Thornton, Suffolk, Eng. and by her had John Frere of the Green Farm, Finningham, with other issue.

John Frere, aka: John Frere of the Abbey, was called thus because he had purchased an Abbey which he used as his home. He first married Catherine Renslangles, no known issue. His second wife, Thomasine Jessop, had five daughters and three sons: John, b. 1562, Peter, and John II, who developed a distinguished line, which is still well represented in England.

Children of JOHN FRERE and THOMASINE JESSOP are:

12. i. JOHN OF GREEN FARM⁹ FRERE, b.21 October 1569, Wickharn Skeith, Suffolk, Eng.; d. l5 December 1633, Finningharn, Suffolk, Eng..

ii. PETER FRERE, b. Wickharn Skeith, Suffolk, Eng..

iii. FIVE DAUS FRERE, b. Wickharn Skeith, Suffolk, Eng..

11. RICHARD OF HARLSTON⁸ FRERE (THOMAS OF OCCOLD⁷, JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD ⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ², JOHN OF SWEFFLING¹⁾ was born 28 April 1548 in Occold, Suffolk, England, and died 1626 in Harleston, Suffolk, England. He married (1) THOMASINE FLOWERDEW Abt. 1578. He married (2) ALICE BLOSSE 1586 in Suffolk, England.

Notes for RICHARD OF HARLSTON FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Richard of Occold, and afterwards of Harleston, bapt. 28 April 1548, m. 1stly, Thomasine Flowerdew, daughter and heir of Martin Flowerdew of Hethersett, Norfolk, Eng, and had issue, Thomas Frere of Occold & Bressingham, Norfolk, Eng., Richard Frere, Tobias of Harleston, Anthony Frere. He married 2ndly, 1586, Alice Blosse, daughter of Thomas Blosse of Ipswich, Eng. and died (will pr. 1626, having by her had issue: Richard, Tobias of Harleston, & Anthony.

Notes for THOMASINE FLOWERDEW:

Thomasine Flowerdew, daughter and heiress of Martin Flowerdew of Hethersett, Norfolk, Eng. and had issue, Thomas Frere of Occold & Bressingham, Richard Frere, Tobias Frere of Harleston, Anthony Frere, Rector of Mulbarton.

Child of RICHARD FRERE and THOMASINE FLOWERDEW is:

13. i. THOMAS OF OCCOLD-BRESHM⁹ FRERE, b. January 1580/81, Occold, Suffolk, England; d.20 January 1653/54, Occold, Suffolk, England.

Children of RICHARD FRERE and ALICE BLOSSE are:

ii. RICHARD⁹ FRERE, b. Abt.1587, Harleston, Suffolk, England; d. l637.

Notes for RICHARD FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: will pr 1637

iii. TOBIAS OF HARLESTON FRERE, b. Abt. 1589, Harleston, Suffolk, England; d. 06 February 1654/55, Norfolk, England; m. SUSANNA CONSTABLE, 1630.

Notes for TOBIAS OF HARLESTON FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Tobias Frere of Harleston, M.P. for Norfolk, 1653 and 1654 m. 1630 Susana Constable of Hingham (who m. 2ndly John Wogan), and d. 6 Feb 1655/56 leaving issue.

iv.ANTHONY FRERE, b. Abt. 1591, Harleston, Suffolk, England; d. 27 December 1660. Mulbarton. Norfolk. England; m. ELIZABETH HARTSTONGE.

Notes for ANTHONY FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Rev. Anthony Frere, Rector of Mulbarton, Norfolk, Eng., married Elizabeth Hartstonge, d/o Henry Hartstonge of Wymondham, Norfolk, Eng., and was bur. 27 Dec. 1660, leaving issue.

Notes for ELIZABETH HARTSTONGE:

Elizabeth Hartstonge, d/o Henry Hartstonge of Wymondham, Norfolk, Eng.

12. JOHN OF GREEN FARM⁹ FRERE (JOHN OF ABBEY⁸, JOHN⁷, JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD ⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING ⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING², JOHN OF SWEFFLING) was born 21 October 1569 in Wickham Skeith, Suffolk, Eng., and died 15 December 1633 in Finningham, Suffolk, Eng. He married ANNE SANDWICH.

Notes for JOHN OF GREEN FARM FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere of The Green Farm, Finningham, Suffolk, Eng., bap 21 Oct 1569, married Anne Sandwick, daughter of John Sandwick of Finningham, and was bur. 15 Dec. 1633, leaving issue, a son John Frere of Finningham Hall.

Notes for ANNE SANDWICH:

Anne Sandwich, daughter of John Sandwich of Finningham, Suffolk, Eng.

Child of JOHN FRERE and ANNE SANDWICH is:

i. JOHN OF FINNINGHAM HALL; FRERE, b. 13 May 1606, Finningham, Suffolk, England; d. 09 March 1679/80, Finningham, Suffolk, England; m. ELIZABETH SHEPPARD, 12 June 1634, Suffolk, England.

Notes for JOHN OF FINNINGHAM HALL FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere of Finningham Hall, bapt. 13 May 1606, married 12 June 1634, Elizabeth Sheppard (bur 2 May 1680), daughter of John Sheppard of Mendlesham, Suffolk, Eng., and died 9 March 1679/80, having had John Frere of Finningham, with other issue.

He purchased Finningham Hall in 1664.

Notes for ELIZABETH SHEPPARD:

d/o John Sheppard

13. THOMAS OF OCCOLD-BRESHM⁹ FRERE (RICHARD OF HARLSTON ⁸, THOMAS OF OCCOLD ⁷, JOHN OF WICKHAM SKEITH⁶, ALEXANDER OF OCCOLD⁵, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING⁴, JOHN OF SWEFFLING ³, ALEXANDER OF SWEFFLING², JOHN OF SWEFFLING¹) was born January 1580/81 in Occold, Suffolk, England, and died 20 January 1653/54 in Occold, Suffolk, England. He married ANNE WALLIS Abt. 1604 in Fersfield, Norfolk, England, daughter of EDMUND WALLIS and BRIDGET BLOMEFIELD.

Notes for THOMAS OF OCCOLD-BRESHM FRERE:

Burke's Landed Gentry: Thomas Frere of Occold and Bressingham, Norfolk, Eng., married Anne Wallis, daughter and co-heiress of Edmund Wallis of Fersfield, and half-sister of Roger Stone of Fersfield, and had issue, six sons, of whom the yst.

Thomas Frere of Occold & Bressingham, born January 1581, d. 1654, the eldest son of Richard Frere of Occold & Harleston, England. He became a prosperous merchant who married about 1603 to Anne Wallis, d. 1660, d/o Edmund Wallis of Fersfield, Norfolk, England.

Thomas and Anne continued to live their lives in England as their children went abroad and became the founders of the Frere dynasty of Barbados. Thomas & Anne Frere had 6 sons and 3 daughters. Their sons: Tobias Frere, Esq, Thomas Frere, Alexander Frere, John Frere, William Frere, and Richard Frere, went to the British Colonies in America as merchants, adventurers, attornies and planters. Elizabeth Frere and two other of their daughters (Christian names unknown) also went to Barbados. Elizabeth married Capt. John Jackson of Christ Church, Barbados; another daughter married John Piddock of Barbados; and the third daughter married Benjamine Payne of Barbados.

Thomas Fryer was prosperous merchant who was among a group of merchants: Thomas Plum, John Wild, John Shaw, Barnaby Gibson, Philip Allen, Thomas Mott, Nicholas Jones, Richard Prisman, John Scott, and Michael Cooper who financed ships going to the Colonies. In 1637, a suit was brought against Mr. Richard Lambert of Colchester, Essex, Eng., Master of the ship, "Thomas & John", who was obligated for money borrowed on bottomry from these merchants for a voyage from London to Virginia and returned in 1636 and 1637.

Thomas Frere died and was buried at Fersfield, Norfolk, England on 20 January 1653. His will was dated 13 Oct. 1643, proved 21 Apr 1656, (Prin. Prob. Registry). In 1654, Thomas was not mentioned in the will oftheir eldest son & heir. Tobias Frere, Esq., but Anne was mentioned as his Mother.

Notes for ANNE WALLIS:

Anne Wallis, d/o Edmund Wallis & Bridget Blomefield of Fersfield, Norfolk, England. Bridget Blomefield was the eldest daughter of John Blomefield of Fersfield. She had three sisters who married John Aldrich, Abraham Young and the last died without issue.

In the will of John Blomefield dated 1 Feb 1604, proved 21 Mar 1604, he mentions his grandchildren: Marie Wallis & Anne Wallis, older half sisters of Roger Stone, & Bridget Stone, who were children of their mother by a later marriage to Mr. Stone.

Anne was buried 4 Feb. 1661 and administration to her effects was granted to her son, Thomas Frere on 5 July 1661. (Prin. Prob. Reg.)

Children of THOMAS FRERE and ANNE WALLIS are:

i. RICHARD; FRERE, b. l6 April 1605, Occold, Suffolk, England; d.02 February 1645/46, Harleston, Suffolk England; m. (I) MARGARET CREVIER, December 1636, Occold, Suffolk, England; m. (2) ALICE BLOSSE.

Notes for RICHARD FRERE:

Richard of Harleston, England, eldest son & heir of Thomas & Anne Frere. He first married in Dec.1636 to Margaret Crevier, d/o Edward Crevier of Corine, Norfolk, Eng. and widow of John Gaudron. Richard died 2 Feb 1646 and she married a third time to John Croft of East Reiston, Norfolk, Eng. She died July 1660.

Their issue: Richard Frere, Jr., Thomas Frere and Tobias Frere

Richard had acquired some property in Barbados. His will was dated the day of his death, 2 Feb 1646, proved 10 Feb 1648. He named his oldest brother, Tobias Frere, Esq., to be the Executor of his estate and guardian of his sons, Thomas Frere and Tobias Frere. His monument is located in the Occold Church yard, England.

During the 1670's, his brother, Tobias Frere, Esq. sought the Barbados Council's assistance in claiming legacies for Thomas Frere, the elder son & heir of Richard Frere, dec'd, from the estates of John Gunning and John Jackson, the husband of Elizabeth (Frere) Jackson, and sister of Richard & Tobias Frere.

In 1683, Tobias Frere, Esq., made a provision in his will that if his son & heir, Tobias Frere, Jr. should die without heirs, then his estate would be inherited by his nephews, Thomas & Tobias Frere, sons of his brother Richard Frere. Thomas Frere, the elder nephew, was to inherit two-thirds of his estate and Tobias Frere would receive one-third. However, Tobias Frere, Jr. died three years later in 1686 but did leave two children and heirs, Susanna and Tobias Frere, III.

Notes for MARGARET CREVIER:

Date of death stated as 1646, but would be before childrens' birth

ii. THOMAS FRERE, JR., b. 29 March 1607, Occold, Suffolk, England; d.18 August 1674, Clampham, Suffolk, England; m. (I) ANNE BROWNE,1632, England; m. (2) JANE GAUDRON, Abt.1647; m. (3) ANNE STONE, Bef October 1653, Suffolk, England; m. (4) BARBARA ROBINSON, Abt.1664, London, England.

Notes for THOMAS FRERE, JR.:

Thomas Frere of Clapham, 2nd son of Thomas Frere & Anne Wallis of Occolt & Bressingham, Suffolk, Eng., and married Anne Browne. He was an English Merchant, Citizen and Skinner of London.

His brother, Tobias Frere, Esq., of Barbados, made an early will in 1654 and named "his brother, Thomas Frere, as his Executor, or should he die, then his brother Capt. John Frere should be his Executor".

In 1655, Thomas Frere, his brother Tobias Frere, Thomas Middleton, Col. James Drax, Jonathan Andrews, Robert Hooper and Thomas Tron, who were English Merchants, petitioned the Lords of Trade for permission to trade in arms to Barbados. They were allowed to remove arms from the Tower for the trade.

In the will of 17 Dec. 1666, Williarn Robinson of London mentions his son-in-law, ThomasFrere and his wife, Barbara Robinson, (the testator's daughter).

At age 67, he wrote his will on 31 May 1674, proved 8 Nov 1675. Ieaving a daughter, Barbara Frere, but no known male heirs. This will is often referred to as "Uncle Thomas's will" in the Frere Pedigree by Horace Frere, ie: "Tobias, Anne, Elizabeth & Joan are the only children mentioned in Uncle Thomas's will of 1674."

On 28 June 1683, his brother, Tobias Frere, Esq., made a second will in which he mentioned his "niece Barbara Frere, daughter of brother Thomas Frere, deceased."

Notes for ANNE BROWNE:

Anne Browne, d/o Ambose Browne of Milton, Kent, England, died 25 Jan 1643 at the age of 29. Monument in Fersfield Church, Norfolk, England.

Notes for JANE GAUDRON:

Jane Gaudron, d/o John Gaudron of Carbrook, Norfolk, Eng., died 16 Jan 1643 aged 29. Her monument is in Fersfield Church, Suffolk, England.

Notes for ANNE STONE:

Anne Stone, d/o Roger Stone of Eye Luff, Eng., half brother of Anne (Wallis) Frere, wife of Thomas Frere of Occolt & Bressingharn, Eng. Married her cousin Thomas Frere of Clapharn, Eng. before Oct 1653, the date of the will of her father-in-law,Thomas Frere.

Notes for BARBARA ROBINSON:

Barbara Robinson, d/o William Robinson of Stanmore, Middlesex, Eng. & Citizen and Mercer of London, Eng. In his will (dated 17 Dec 1666, proved 9 July 1667), William Robinson mentioned his son-in-law, Thomas Frere and his wife, Barbara Robinson,(the testator's daughter).

Barbara outlived her husband, Thomas Frere. and proved his will on 8 Nov. 1675. Her will is dated 27 March 1706 and proved 23 July 1706.

ANTHONY FRERE, b. 1608, Occold, Suffolk, England; d. 10 May 1658, Mulbarton, England; m. (I) ANNE SANDYS; m. (2) BEATRICE JANNET, 25 May 1656, England.

Notes for ANTHONY FRERE:

Anthony Frere of Aldgate, Eng., 3rd son of Thomas Frere & Anne Wallis of Occold & Bressingham, baptized 1608, was an ammunitioner. Anne Sandys was his first wife and mother of two of his children (names unknown). His second wife, Beatrice Jennet ____, was granted administration as "Jennet Frere, his relict", to his effects on 25 May 1658. On 19 Jan 1666, his brother, Thomas Frere, was granted administration and guardianship during the minority of Anne & Reginold Frere, the natural and legitimate children of Jennett alias Jane Frere, late of St. Botolph's Aldgate, widow, deceased.

Notes for ANNE SANDYS:

Anne Sandys was the first wife of Anthony Frere and the mother of two of his children, names unknown.

Notes for BEATRICE JANNET:

Beatrice Jannet _, (aka: Jannet or Jane Frere), was granted administration of her late husbands effects as "Jennet Frere" on 25 May 1658, sold on her death. She was called "Beatrice Janet" in a chancery suit brought by her against Shingsly, the Executor of the Deputy Lieutenant of the Ordinane in 1658.

Limited administration granted on 19 Jan 1666 to Thomas Frere as guardian of her children, Anne & Reginald Frere, minors, the natural and legitimate children of "Jennett alias Jane Frere", late of St. Botolph's Aldgate, widow, deceased.

iv. ANNE FRERE, b. 02 December 1611, Occold, Suffolk, England; d. 01 August 1679, Barbados; m. JOHN PIDDOCK, 02 February 1630/31.

Notes for ANNE FRERE:

Daughter of Thomas & Anne Frere of Suffolk, Eng, (Christian name unknown), married John Piddock, and their sons, Alexander and Tobias Piddock lived in Barbados.

v. ALICE FRERE, b. 23 March 1615/16, Occold. Suffolk. England; d. Diss, Norfolk, England; m. BENJAMIN PAYNE, 1633.

Notes for ALICE FRERE:

Christian name unknown, d/o Thomas & Anne Frere, married Benjamin Payne.

vi. TOBIAS FRERE SR, b. 23 July 1617, Occold, Suffolk, England; d. Bef. 07 August 1683, Christ Church,Barbados; m. ELlZABETH MIDDLETON, Abt. 1663.

Notes for TOBIAS FRERE, SR:

Tobias Frere, 4th son of Thomas Frere & Anne Wallis of Occold & Bressingham, Eng., baptized 23 July 1617, died at Barbados, will dated 28 June 1683.

On 15 May 1635, after having attest to the conformaties to the orders and discipline of the Church of England, his name was registered as a passenger aboard the "Plaine Joan" of Mr. Richard Buckam, bound from London to Virginia with: Thomas Turner age 21, Robert Lewes age 23, Tobias Frier age 18, Richard Fleming age 24, Edward Wilson age 22, Thomas Lloyd age 20.

On 17 September 1647, Tobias Frere and Mr. Robert Vause bought 400 acres in Yorke Co., VA from John Hartwell located on Queens Creek bounding along Hartwells Creek and Maiden Swamp Creek, as part of a 650 acre grant assigned to Vause & Tobias Frere, & by Nicholas Jernew, Atty. of sd. Freer, wholly assigned to sd. Vause.

Tobias was a merchant and planter who removed to Barbados sometime before 1650. In 1654, he had invested in 3,000 acres of land in Suriname with his friends, John Arnett and John Egron, who were also land owners in Christ Church Parish. Before making the hazardous voyage to Suriname and England, he prepared an early will which identified Anne Frere as his mother, (but did not mention his father, Thomas Frere, who had died in January 1953) and John Jessop as a near kinsman. As his Executors he named his brother Thomas Frere, or should he die, then his brother Capt. John Frere. He also mentioned his other brothers and sisters, but did not named them.

In 1654, he leased or sold 125 acres of land to his brother, John Frere, near the estate of "Coverley". Witnesses to this transaction were: Charles Sandford, Robert Hooper, Thomas Hazzlewood, John Arnett, Gilbert Jennings and Tobias Frere.

In 1655, Tobias and his brother Thomas Frere, Thomas Middleton, Col. James Drax, Jonathan Andrews. Robert Hooper and Thomas Trott had petitioned the Lords of Trade for permission to trade in arms to the country. They were allowed to remove arms from the Tower to trade to Barbados.

On July 18, 1659 as recorded in the Lord Mayor's Court Deposition at Corp. of London Record Office, Andrew Moorwood, Gent. of "Hallows", Derby, Eng., aged 30, deposes that a plantation & goods left in the hands of John Arnet, Gent. of Barbados and listed in an inventory of March I, 1652, were the property of the deponent's brother, Anthony Moorwood, to which the deponent is entitled as administrator. By deed of 13 Dec 1653, the deponent surrendered the property to the said John Arnet, Tobias Frere, Esq., Sgt. Maj. Thornhill, Capt. Philip Bishop and Capt. Christopher Carew of Barbados, but had no receipt from Arnot. He names as his attornies, Mr. Charles Sanford, Mr. Thomas Hasselwood, and Robert Marriot of Barbados, merchants.

In 1660, Tobias provided his brother, John Frere with another 330 acre plantation in Christ Church which was bought by a merchants' syndicate which included: John Frere, Thomas Waite, Robert Rumballs, Thomas Thompson, Samuel Adams and Edward Estwick. This syndicate owned over 10,000 acres of land and used Hopcon as their surveyor. In the 1640s, Estwick had sold his land to the Seawells.

About 1663, Tobias Frere, Esq. married Elizabeth Middleton, daughter of Thomas Middleton, an English merchant from London who owned the estates of "Mount" and "Valley" in St. George's Parish, which was managed by Tobias as one of his attornies. Tobias & Elizabeth had two children, Tobias Frere, Jr. and Elizabeth Frere.

In 1670, a dispute arose between Capt. Tobias Frere and his brother, Col. John Frere over the ownership of some 120 acres of land which embittered their relationship for many years. It was taken to the Court of Error and John Frere was given control of the land. However, after many years of fighting, this decision was overturned by the Council and the land was given to Tobias Frere.

In 1670, Alexander Piddock, son of his sister & John Piddock, made a will leaving Tobias as his Executor. The will named his wife, Mary Piddock, and their son, Tobias Piddock. It stated that the Piddock's were related to the Freres. Tobias leased the estate to his son, Tobias Frere Jr., and their neighbor Lt. Col. Philip Bishop of "Gibbons". The six acres of land were bounded by: Tobias Frere, Philip Bishop, John Williams and Mary Ann Tyler. Witnesses were: Samuel Williams, Thomas Lett is (former husband of Rose Frere), and Henry Moseley. This small plantation was somehow later owned by Tobias Frere.

In 1672 his father-in-law, Thomas Middleton, died and his son, Benjamin Middleton, took control of the 379 acre estate of the "Mount".

Tobias became the Executor for the estate of his brother, Richard Frere and guardian of his sons, Thomas 11 and Tobias. In the 1670s, he sought the Council's assistance in claiming legaciesfor Thomas from the estates of John Gunning and from John Jackson, who had married his sister, Elizabeth Frere, in 1651.

In 1673, Tobias Frere was listed as having 400 acres of land in Christ Church on the report sent by Gov. Atkins to the King of eminent citizens of Barbados. In 1675, he and his partner, Philip Bishop leased lands and storehouses in Oistin from Richard Williams.

In the 1679 Barbados census, Capt. Tobias Frere, Esq. of Christ Church Parish was in Col. Samuel Newton & Col. Simon Lambert's Regiments of Horse, Richard Elliott's Co., having 3 horses & 6 defaults. owning 400 acres of land, 5 white servants and 150 negroes.

In 1682, Tobias released Benjamin Middleton of any debts owed to him. Witnesses: James Fauntleroy, William Fauntleroy, and Edward Burke.

Capt. Tobias Frere, Sr. Esq. died in 1683 in Christ Church Parish. (His date of death could not have been 24 Oct 1683, because his will was proved on 7 Aug 1683). His will (28 Jun 1683, Pr. 7 Aug 1683) stated, "To be buried in my garden in the vault where I have erected for that purpose & where the corpse of my late wife lieth; ...to daughter Elizabeth Frere a legacy of 1,000 Lbs. paid out of the estate at 21; ...to last wife's dau Arrabella Pott, now wife of Samuel Pott, Gent; ...to neice Barbara Frere, dau of brother Thomas Frere dec'd; ...to nephew Tobias Frere, s/o brother John Frere; ...to neice Alc Will widow; ...to Godson Richard Hasselwood, s/o Thomas Hasselwood Esq; ...to son & heir Tobias Frere Executor. If son die without heirs, then nephew Tobias Frere, s/o brother Richard Frere dec'd, would inherit two thirds of the estate and nephew Thomas Frere, s/o brother Richard Frere dec'd, would inherit one third of the estate. Witnesses: Capt James Fauntleroy, William Spight. Anthony Harris, Thomas Hayward.

Notes for ELIZABETH MIDDLETON:

Elizabeth, d/o Thomas Middleton of London, d. 1672

vii. ALEXANDER FRERE V, b. Abt. 1623, Occold, Suffolk, England: d. 06 August 1682. St. Michael's Parish, Barbados.

Notes for ALEXANDER FRERE V:

Alexander is not mentioned in his father's will of Oct. 1643. He never married.

viii. JOHN FRERE, ESQ., b. 21 October 1626, Occold, Suffolk, England; d. 15 May 1691, Christ Church, Barbados; m. (I) ANNE PEARSON, Abt. 1653, England; m. (2) FRANCES SEAWELL, 02 February 1664/65, Christ Church, Barbados.

Notes for JOHN FRERE, ESQ.:

Burke's Landed Gentry: John Frere, b. 1626, settled in Barbados, m. and had issue.

John Frere, Sr., 6th son of Thomas Frere & Anne Wallis of Occold & Bressingham, Suffolk, Eng., baptized 21 Oct 1626. As an English merchant and investor, he had gone to Barbados sometime before 1650 and was the first of the family to settle in Christ Church Parish, Barbados.

In England about 1653, he married his first wife, Anne Pearson, sister of the Bishop of Chester, and brought her to Barbados.

By 1654, he owned a plantation in Christ Church Parish called "Coverley" with 125 acres of land which had been purchased from two early landowners: Mr. Thomas Coverley with 80 acres, and Henry Gray with 45 acres. In 1654, John also provided his brother, Tobias Frere, Esq. with 125 acres of land by sale, lease or pannership. It was this land that caused many legal battles and a split between the brothers in 1670.

The minutes of Council recorded in May 1655 that Capt. John Frere had commenced an action against John Woodworth and his wife in 1654 in the precinct court of Christ Church for trading with one of his servants, Henry Brereton. In 1658, John Frere won the action and recovered 7,000 pounds of sugar in damages. The court held that Woolworth, by trading with the servant, had undermined Frere's property rights and title in his servant, and the servant's servitude was extended by two years.

On 25 October 1655, Henry Simons of St. Olave, Southwark, Surrey, citizen and tallow chandler of London, aged 53, deposed that on 20 August 1641, Richard Worsam, citizen and weaver of London, and his son John Worsam of London, merchant, signed a financial obligation to Mathew Wilton, citizen and tallow chandler of London, who had appointed John Fryer and William Fryer of Barbados, merchants, as his attornies. (Lord Mayor's Court of London, 6).

On May 30, 1660, Robert Dover, the younger, Gent. of Diss, Norfolk, Eng., aged 33, gave a deposition that Richard Dade of Diss, brother and administrator of John Dade of London, merchant, who died at sea on 30 April last, appointed Capt. John Frere and Mr. Thomas Haslewood, merchants of Barbados, as his attornies to recover his brother's estate. (Lord Mayor's Court Deposition at Corp. of London Record Office)

In 1660, John and Tobias Frere belonged to a Merchants' Syndicate with Thomas Waite, Robert Rumballs, Thomas Thompson, Samuel Adams and Edward Estwick. The Syndicate owned over 10,000 acres of land in Barbados and used Hopcott as their surveyor. Edward Estwick had sold his land to the Seawells in the 1640s. Tobias helped John to acquired 1/3 of a 330 acre estate in Christ Church Parish.

John Frere had established himself in the local plantocracy and rose in the ranks of the militia from Captain, to Major, and then a Colonel. He was a Justice of the Peace and elected to the House of Assembly for Christ Church Parish from 1661 to 1667. He was apparently a feisty and assertive individual and had plenty of controversy.

John and Anne had six children: Tobias Frere, Sr. (1655-1709), John Frere, Jr. (1656-1708), Anne Frere (1658-1693), Rachel Frere (1659-1661), Elizabeth Frere (b. 1660-1730), and Joan Frere (1663-1722). Their daughter, Rachel, died in 1661 and then on October 11, 1664, John's wife, Anne (Pearson) Frere died in Christ Church Parish, leaving him with five children between the ages of I to 9 years old.

Four months later, on 2 February 1665, Capt. John Frere married Frances Seawell, sister of Richard Seawell, a neighbor of his who owned about 550 acres in 1679. John and Frances had 4 daughters: Frances Frere (1671-1743), Martha Frere (1672-1673), Mary Frere (1674-1743) and Alice Frere (1689-1721).

He arranged for his children to receive an excellent education. It is assumed that his sons were educated in England as was the custom at that time, but it is not known where. However, his daughters, Anne, Elizabeth and Joan were taught by Sir Paul Paynter of "Lower Estate", Barbados and of "Muswell Hill" in Middlesex. Eng.

In October 1667/68, he bought 44 2/3 acres from Edward Oistin for 62,497 pounds of muscovado sugar. The land was bounded by Thomas Waite, Francis Carnsew, Henry Markland, Mr. Mahon, John Harrowe, Darby Dunne, Nicholas Stoakes and his other lands. Witnesses were: Nathaniel Kingsland, James Oistin, Richard Seawell and his brother, William Frere.

In 1672, Col. Philip Bishop complained to the Council that he had been assaulted by Col. John Frere. Col. Bishop was a partner of his brother, Tobias Frere, who was then in a bitter dispute with John Frere over some 120 acres of land. Tobias brought a case of slander before the Council against John in 1673.

When Gov. Atkins sent a census to the King in 1673, he listed John Frere as one of Barbados' substantial landowners having 300 acres of land. This included the 125 acres of land which was claimed by both John and his brother, Tobias. In 1670, the dispute arose and lasted for many years over the ownership of the 125 acres and was taken to the Court of Errors and the Council. At first the Court of Errors awarded its ownership to John, but then after many years, the Council reversed this decision by giving it to Tobias, who ended up with it. This embittered the relationship between these brothers.

In 1675, John bought 10 acres from Cornelius & Margaret Bryan, bounded by Garren Dillon and his own lands. Witnesses were: William Frere, Henry Markland, Richard Perryman and Christopher Clarke. This purchase consolidated his estate into 180 acres which formed the core of what today is still called, "Coverley" afler its first owner.

When the 1679 Barbados census was taken, Lt. Col. John Frere had 4 men complete with arms in Hon. Col Christopher Lyne's Regiment of Foot, in Col. Samuel Newton & Col. Simon Lambert's Regiments of Horse with 1 horse, and owned 180 acres of land in Christ Church Parish, with 80 negroes, and a total of 300 acres of land on Barbados.

In 1682, Col. John Frere, Esq. acted as the attorney for Francis Furness whho brought a case against Charles Bailey for torturing the slaves in his care by dropping melted wax on them.

Col. John Frere had a total of 10 children: 2 sons and 4 daughters with Anne (Pearson) Frere and 4 daughters with Frances (Seawell) Frere. There seems to have been an early settlement of his estate with the children of Anne (Pearson) Frere.

In 1682, Col. John Frere gave to his eldest son & heir, Tobias Frere, age 27, as a gifl "for his advancement" half of his plantation of 180 acres. This included half of the six coppers, three stills, two windmills, one boiling house, one stillone dwelling house, half of the outhouses & other appurtenances, and half of the horses, cattle and negroes, (there were 81 slaves, 4 horses & 30 cattle on the estate). The land was bounded by John Watkins, Richard Seawell, John Heywood, John Wise, William Frere and Henry Markland. Witnesses were: Abel Alleyne, Allen Culpepper and Richard Seawell. Abigail (Turner) Frere, a cousin of the witnesses, had been the wife of Tobias for 7 years.

It is not known what settlement was made to John & Anne's remaining children: John Frere, Jr., Anne Frere, Elizabeth Frere or Joan Frere, since they were grown or married by 1682. Tobias Frere, Sr. had married Abigail Turner in 1676. John Frere,Jr. (who was born either in 1656 or 1662) was not married in 1682. In 1678, Anne Frere married John Dorne who was from another prominent merchant family. Her second marriage was to Rev. Gilbert Ramsay, rector of Christ Church Parish Church. Elizabeth Frere had married Capt. Emanuel Hutson about 1678, and had acquired his plantation of "Hutson's" at his death. Her second marriage was to Major John Pilgrim in 1700. The estate formerly called "Hutson's" was changed to "Frere Pilgrim ". Joan Frere marriedfour different times to men of considerable wealth. Her first marriage in 1678 was to Col. Thomas Lewis of Christ Church. When he died in 1689, she acquired considerable property in England and Barbados. Her second marriage was to Samuel Crispe in 1691, her third marriage to Robert Carleton in 1695, and then her fourth marriage in 1704 was to Robert Lowther, who became the Governor of Barbados.

Therefore, when Col. John Frere made his will, "written 2nd year of William & Mary", he lefl the balance of his estate to his second wife, Frances, and their 3 surviving daughters. By his will (6 Jan 16____, Pr. 23 Apr 1691), he named his daughters: Frances Frere, Mary Frere, & Alice Frere, all under age, who received bequests of 500 Lbs. each at marriage or 21; and his wife, Frances, as executrix, & guardian of the minor children. Witnesses: E. Ethras. Isaac Ragg, Marcus Brandt. Elizabeth Smith, & Richard Cafford. (RB6/30, p. 17)

Notes for ANNE PEARSON:

Anne Pearson, d/o _ Pearson of Creoke, Norfolk, England and sister of John Pearson, the Bishop of Chester, was the mother of 8 of John's children. She died 11 Oct. 1664.

Notes for FRANCES SEAWELL:

Frances Seawell, sister of Judge Seawell of Barbados.

ix. ELIZABETH FRERE, b. Abt. 1628, Occold, Suffolk, England; d. March 1665/66, Christ Church, Barbados; m. CAPT. JOHN JACKSON, 24 March 1650/51, Christ Church Parish, Barbados.

Notes for ELIZABETH FRERE:

Elizabeth Frere, d/o Thomas & Anne Frere of Occolt, Suffolk, Eng., married Capt. John Jackson 24 March 1651 at Christ Church Parish, Barbados, died March 1666.

In the 1670's, her brother Tobias Frere, Esq., as the Executor of the estate of their brother Richard Frere, and Guardian of his sons, Thomas Frere IV and Tobias Frere, sought the Council's assistance in claiming legacies for his nephew, Thomas IV, from the estates of John Gunning and from Capt. John Jackson.

Monuments of the Jackson family in St. Michael's Cathederal, Barbados: "Elizabeth Jackson of Barbados, widow of Capt. John Jackson, wrote a will dated 5 May 1662, and requested to be buried in Christ Church near my husband...and mentions her "Cousins Freres"...Proved 21 March 1666."

(# 15) * "A very large stone, the space left for arms being blank: "Lieu. Col., Christopher Jacson, Esq. Iies here undemeath interred who departed this life the 9th day of Jan 1695/6 in the 37th yeare of his age." (b.1659) " 1695/6, Jan 10 Lt. Col. Christopher Jackson", (burial register).

* " 1710, Oct 18 Thomas Jackson, Esq., Provost Marshal".

* "1736, Aug 2 Coll'o Christ'o Jacson" (burial register)

Notes for CAPT. JOHN JACKSON:

The Jackson descendents need more work to clarify.

TO FRERE PEDIGREE OF HORACE AND ARTHUR HOWARD FRERE

TO JOHN FRERE OF SWEFFLING PEDIGREE BY BURKES PEERAGE

TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FRERE

TO FREER, U.S.A.

TO BARBADOS FRERE

TO FREER FAMILY RESEARCH DIRECTORY