WYKEHAM, Theobald (d.c.1405), of Tarrant Rushton, Dorset.

Wykeham’s parentage and career are both obscure, and it is hard to fathom why he was chosen to represent a county in two Parliaments. In 1390 he was holding a number of properties in Dorset at Shapwick, Sturminster Marshall and Charlton, but only for life: after his death they were to revert to William Turnay and his wife, Mariota, and the latter’s heirs. The territory he acquired by marriage was apparently more substantial, though his tenure was uneasy involving suits at the assizes over land in the Tarrant valley; and in 1395 he and his wife relinquished their rights to holdings near Wimborne and at Wareham, Blandford and elsewhere. As sheriff of Somerset, Wykeham was ex officio appointed to a commission of arrest at Norton Fitzwarren, which, however, he afterwards claimed (in 1401) he had never received. His acquittance for a payment by the steward of the guild merchant at Bridgwater, similarly dating from his shrievalty, has been preserved in the town.2JUST 1/1513 m. 19; Dorset Feet of Fines, ii. 210, 224; Bridgwater Bor. Archs. (Som. Rec. Soc. liii), 470; CPR, 1391-6, p. 359; CCR, 1399-1402, pp. 287-8.

Wykeham made his will at Tarrant Rushton on 9 Sept. 1404. He wished to be buried near the image of the Virgin in the parish church, and left £4 3s.4d. for masses for his soul. Other bequests in cash to individuals, to Salisbury cathedral, and to the Franciscans at Salisbury, came to over £11. To John Bathe, one of his executors, he left his best horse, and two gold cups were bequeathed to other friends. The residue went to his widow. The date of Wykeham’s death is not known, though it occurred before 3 May 1406, when his will was proved.3PCC 11 Marche.