My Family Tree

William was first mention on Court Rolls for a session on July 3, 1392 where he was named the heir of his father Robert and awarded six acres of land as his right an heritage. This suggests that he was of age by that date. However, he was the elder of the two sons (Drake in England, p. 72), and since it is highly likely based on Court Rolls that his brother was born before 1356, it is plausible to conclude that his latest birthyear was before 1356. He was regularly named in the Court Rolls between 1393 and 1420, "this usually for paying pannage on two pigs or piglets, or for minor offences such as leaving a dung heap on the common." From "Drake in England" p. 72: "A curious entry, on 27 November 1410, shows him being presented for having three pigs aged 8 years, i.e., which were too old to be productive. As we have seen he was named with his brother and cousin John Drake in the list of those doing homage in 1400 and likewise partnering them in being fined for default of Court in 1413. Between 1407 and 1408 he was fined for failing to do his office as aletaster and again in 1416 and 1418 for the same offence. (As this inolved sitting in a pool of the ale being tasted to find if there was too much sugar, in which case the leather breeches would stick to the bench, the reluctance of aletasters to fulfill their office is perhaps understandable.)"