DEBNEY, Robert (d.1638), of Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, Norf.

Debney followed in his father’s profession as a scrivener, and became a wealthy member of Norwich’s ruling elite. In 1624 he was assessed at £12 for the subsidy, one of the highest ratings in the city,7 E179/153/583. and his will lists substantial holdings in numerous Norwich parishes and the surrounding area.8 PROB 11/177, ff. 251v-4v. He was wealthy enough to forgo his mayoral salary in 1624-5 and to accept a reduced payment for his parliamentary service in 1628.9 B. Cozens-Hardy and E.A. Kent, Mayors of Norwich, 76; Norf. RO, NCR Case 16/D/5, f. 245. Despite being in London for both sessions of the 1628 Parliament, he went unmentioned in the parliamentary records.

Debney leased property from the dean and chapter of the cathedral and served as cathedral coroner from 1596 until 1611, when he was removed for refusing to continue executing the office.10 Extracts from Min. Bks. Norwich Cathedral, 38, 45; PROB 11/177, ff. 251v-4v. He gave money to the poor of many Norwich parishes and £10 to the children’s hospital in St. Edmund Fishergate, and in 1626 donated 46s. 4d. for the beautification of the parish church of St. Gregory’s.11 F. Blomefield, Hist. Norf. iv. 274, 410. The family connection with St. Gregory’s was strong and Debney asked to be buried in the chancel near his two wives and parents. In a lengthy and detailed will he left most of his property to his son, John, including his house in Lower Goat Lane, a road now known as Stonegate Magna.12 Cozens-Hardy and Kent, 76. Although ‘sick in body’ when he drafted his will in 1634, Debney evidently survived another four years, as the will was not proved until 18 June 1638.13 PROB 11/177, ff. 251v-4v. No further member of the family sat in Parliament.