Nicholas Fraunceis

Nicholas Fraunceis died 1526 - Combe Florey brass rubbing

Nicholas was born in 1487.  Nicholas' father was John Fraunceis and his mother was Florence Ashford.  His paternal grandparents were Nicholas Fraunceis and <Unknown>.  He was an only child.  He died at the age of 39 in 1526.

• General Notes

  Born about 1487 or 1491 at Powderham, Devon.
  See the International Genealogical Index at http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/frameset_search.asp
  
  A brass from the church at Combe Florey, Somerset and commemorates Nicholas Fraunceis, esquire, d. 1526.
  In his will, dated 13 June 1526, he asked to be buried 'within the Ile of the chauntry of our lady at Comeflory'.  As is common for esquires at this date, he is shown in armour to emphasise his status.  He married Cicely, daughter of Sir William Courtney of Powderham.  She is not shown on the monument, perhaps because after Nicholas's death she re-married and perhaps chose to be buried with her second husband.
  This is one of a series of brasses and incised slabs in the church to three generations of this family.  Alongside Nicholas's brass is another lias slab with an incised inscription, commemorating his sister, Agnes Moleyns, d. 1518, but this monument is unadorned by any brass inlay. The oldest brass, commemorates their grandparents, another Nicholas Franceys, d. 1480, and his wife Ellen Wynyard.  It was originally a most elaborate brass, with two figures with prayer scrolls above their heads leading to plates with images of saints, groups of children beneath their feet and shields at the corners, but only part of the inscription plate now survives.  He was the son of Henry Francis and his wife, Elizabeth Bampfield.  Nicholas and Ellen's son, John, d. 1485, and his wife, Florence Ayshford,  also chose to be commemorated by a brass; his figure is gone but her kneeling effigy and the inscription show it to have been a fine example.  In contrast, his son's figure, shown here, is poorly drawn and gives a clumsy appearance, despite having been made in a London workshop.
  *** This information and photo are posted on the website http://www.mbs-brasses.co.uk/page107.html
  

Details of Nicholas' family with Cicely Courtney