John Pleydell of Shrivenham 1635

John Pleydell's Will was dated 28 July, 1635. He is described as a 'Gentleman' and wanted to be buried in the Chancel of Shrivenham church. He left £12 pounds and 19 shillings to remain as a stock unto the world's end for the poor of Shrivenham, the interest to be paid on Good Friday and the Feast of St Thomas to the Vicar and Churchwardens. He also left 20 shillings (= £1) for the repair of the road called, 'Weekstones,' leading towards Ashbury.

There were conditions to this legacy. That; "No money was to be given to anyone that shall be knowne to be a breaker of hedges, a stealer of corn out of the fields or otherwise vehemently suspected to be a burglar or privy stealer of corn out of barnes."