The Clifton Family

Adelina Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Married: Edward Stanhope

Children: Notes:
Adelina is mentioned in the will of her father, Sir Gervase Clifton, in 1491. The will also mentions her husband, Edward Stanhope, providing contemporary confirmation of the marriage.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
  April 27, 1491. I Gervas Clifton, knyght. ... I pray my wiff to se for my doghter Adelyne, if she happyne to stande in necessitie. ... To my son Edward Stanop oon of my best stagges in Hodessok park.

The Peerage of England vol 3 pp259-60 (Arthur Collins, 1768)
  Thomas Stanhope, Esq. ... married Mary, daughter of John, and sister to Edward Jerningham, of Somer-Layton, in com’ Suffolk, Esq. and left issue Edward his son and heir.
  Which Edward Stanhope ... departed this life on June 6, 1511, the third of Henry VIII. having been twice married: fi st to Avelina, daughter of Sir Gervase Clifton of Clifton in com’ Nottingham, Knt. of the Bath; and secondly, to Elizabeth, daughter of Foulk Bourchier Lord Fitz-Warren, grandson of William Earl of Ewe in Normandy, by Anne his wife, sole heir of Thomas Plantagenet of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, younger son to King Edward III. The said Elizabeth, after his decease, married Sir Richard Page of Beechwood, in Hertfordshire, Knight. Sir Edward Stanhope had by his first wife only two sons, Richard and Michael, that lived to maturity; and by his second wife an only daughter, Anne, second wife to Edward Seymour, the great Duke of Somerset, Protector of his nephew King Edward VI. and the realm; from which Anne, the late Dukes of Somerset lineally descended.

Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights pp8-9 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855)
  His son, SIR EDWARD STANHOPE, was one of the principal commanders of the Royal army at the battle of Stoke, against the partisans of Lambert Simnel. In 1497 he was knighted by King Henry VII. on the field of battle of Blackheath, for the valour he had shown in that engagement. He was afterwards Knight for the Body to the same prince, and was constituted Steward of Wakefield and Constable of Sandale Castle, in the county of York. He was also, like his predecessors, Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and died in June 1511.
  The name of his first wife appears in Collins as Avelina. Hence it has been thought that Avelina, or Evelyn, is an old family name of the Stanhopes. But, on referring to the earlier authorities (as in the original edition of Thoroton, p. 147., and again p. 392., ed. 1677) it appears that the true name was Adelina, nearly equivalent to the German Adelheid, or the French Adele; so that the Avelina of Collins is simply a misprint.
  This ADELINA, then, was the daughter of Sir Gervase CLIFTON, of Clifton, in Nottinghamshire. By her Sir Edward had two sons, Richard and Michael. His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Foulk Bourchier, Lord Fitzwarren, and grand-daughter of William “Earl of Ewe” (Comte d’Eu) in Normandy. She left him an only daughter, Anne, who became the second wife of the Protector, Duke of Somerset.

Sources:

Gamaliel Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Education: Cambridge University, where Gamamiel proceeded B. Can. L. in 1503-4, and later earned a doctorate.
Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 1 p356 (John Venn, 1922)
CLIFTON, GAMALIEL.  B.Can.L. 1503-4 (Doctor later). Incorp. at Oxford, 1521. Preb. of York, 1500-41. Canon of Windsor, 1522. Preb. of Hereford, 1528. Dean of Hereford, 1530. Died Apr. 29, 1541. Will (P.C.C). Gamaliel Cliston; LL.B.; of Yorks.; was ord. acolyte, Ely, Mar. 13, 1499-1500; sub-deacon, Apr. 18, 1500. (Cooper, 1. 78.)

Occupation: Clergyman

Notes:
Gamaliel is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
  I will that my feoffees make severall dedes of annuyties unto my sonnes Hugh, Gamaliel, Silvan, and Ezechie,* and to everyche of theyme, of c s. for terme of their lyves, to be takyne of the maner, etc. in Wilford.
  † Even the names of some of these children have not been previously known.
  Gamaliel Clifton was a distinguished man. At his father’s death he must have been very young. On Feb. 17, 1499-1500, Mr. Gamaliel Clifton, scholar and bachelor of laws, of Clifton, had letters dimissory. (Reg. Rotherham, 267 b.) On July 30, 1500, he was instituted to the rectory of Hawton, Notts, on the presentation of Thomas Molyneux, esq. (MS. Cotton, Galba, E. x., 135a.) On Aug. 3 in the same year he was admitted to the stall of Wistow at York. (Acta Capit. Ebor.) On Sept. 19 and Dec. 19, 1500, he was ordained deacon and priest, respectively, on the title of his living and stall. (Reg. Arundel at Lichfield, 292.) On Feb. 12, 1508-9, he was instituted to the rectory of Wilford, Notts, on the presentation of Robert Clifton, of Clifton, esq. (Reg. Savage, 6a.) On 8th August, 1522, he was appointed canon of Windsor by patent, a post which he held till 1541. (Le Neve, iii. 392.) In 1525 he became prebendary of Pratum Minors at Hereford, which he resigned on May 16, 1529, for the prebend of Colwell. (Ibid. i. 499-525.) On 5 July, 1529, he was elected dean of Hereford. (Ibid. i. 477.) This office, together with the rectory of West Ildesley, Berks, and other posts and dignities, he held till his death. His will is dated April 28, 1541, and, dying in that year, he was buried in Hereford cathedral. (Willis, ii. 635.) He proceeded bachelor of civil law at Cambridge, and subsequently doctor, and supplicated for incorporation at Oxford in 1521. He was of high repute as a canonist, and was one of the lawyers who were concerned with the divorces between Henry VIII. and Katharine of Arragon and Anne of Cleves. (Ath. Cant i. 78, 533. Fiddes's Life of Wolsey, appendix, 203.)

Death: 29 April 1541

Burial: Hereford Cathedral, Herefordshire, England

Will: dated 28 April 1541

Sources:

Gervase Clifton

Father: John Clifton

Mother: Catherine Cressy

Married: Isabella Francis

Children:
Notes:
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p54 (Robert Thoroton, 1677)
    Clifton.
  The son and Successor of Sir John Clifton was Sir Gervase Clifton of Hoddesak, who married Isabell, the daughter of Sir Robert Franceis, Knight, and left her a widow 8 Dec. 32 H. 6.

Death: 8 December 1453

Burial: In his will, Gervase requests to be buried in the priory of Blyth, Nottinghamshire, before the top altar, near the tomb of his mother Katherine Clifton.

 Will: dated 26 November 1453 and proved on 16 January 1453(4).
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 pp169-70 (1836)
    CXXXVII. TESTAMENTUM DOMINI GARVASII CLYFETON MILITIS.
  In Dei nomine, Amen. Vicesimo sexto die mensis Novembris, Anno Domini Millesimo CCCC. quinquagesimo tercio. Ego Garvasius Clyfeton* dominus de Hodesake, miles, compos mentis et sanæ memoriæ, Deum præ oculis habens et mortem timens, sciens nichil certius morte et nichil incertius hora mortis, condo testamentum meum in hunc modum. In primis lego animam meam Omnipotenti Deo Creatori et Redemptori meo, Beatæ Mariæ semper Virgini et Omnibus Sanctis; corpusque meum ecclesiasticæ sepulturæ coram summo altari Monasterii Beatæ Mariæ de Blida juxta sepulcrum dominæ Katerinæ Clyfeton* matris meæ. Item lego iiij. ordinibus Fratrum de Doncastria, Pontisf’ et Tykhill xiij s. iiij d. inter dictas domus equaliter dividendos. Item lego ad sustentacionem unius capellani per unum annum pro anima mea celebraturi septem marcas, qui quidem capellanus in singulis missis suis durante anno predicto dicet devote pro anima mea hanc collectam Deus qui in terra promissionis etc. cum Secreto et Post Com’ ad dictam collectam pertinentibus. Residuum vero omnium bonorum meoruni non legatorum do et lego Isabellæ† uxori meæ, ut ipsa predicta bona disponat pro salute animæ meæ prout sibi melius videbitur expedire, quam hujus testamenti mei meam facio et ordino executricem. In cujus, etc.  [Prob. 16 Jan. 1453-4.]
  * The chief of a very ancient and illustrious family. He bears the favourite name of his house, Gervase, a name which was adopted from the Cliftons by many of the Nottinghamshire families. ...
  * Catherine, daughter of Sir John, and sister and co-heir of Sir Hugh Cressy of Hodsock. Her first husband was Sir John Clifton, the father of the testator, who was slain at Shrewsbury. After his death she remarried Ralph Makerel. The parish church of Clifton is rich in monuments of the Cliftons, but the early memorials of that family are no longer to be found among the remains of the Abbey Church of Blyth.
  † Isabella daughter of Sir Robert Francis, Knight, died on the 13th of June, 1457, and was buried in the church of Clifton.

Rough translation:
    137 TESTAMENT OF GARVASIUS CLYFETON, KNIGHT
  In the name of God, Amen. On the twenty-sixth of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand four hundred and fifty three, I Garvase Clifton, lord of Hodesake, knight, of sound mind and sound memory, having God before my eyes and fearing death, knowing nothing more certain than death and nothing more uncertain than the hour of death, I make my covenant in this manner. First of all, I give my soul to the Almighty God, my Creator and Redeemer, of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints; and my ecclesiastical body to be buried before the top altar of the monastery of Blessed Mary of Blyth near the tomb of my mother Katherine Clifton. Also I give to the orders of the Brothers of Doncaster, Pontisf', and Tykhill 13s. 3d. to be divided equally among the said houses. Also I bequeath for the maintenance of one chaplain to celebrate my life  for one year, seven marks. The chaplain in each of his Masses during the aforesaid year will say devoutly for my soul this collection, Deus qui in terra promissionis etc. cum Secreto and Post Com’ pertaining to the said collection. But I give the remainder of all my goods, not to my embassadors, and bequeath to my wife Isabel, so that she may arrange the aforesaid goods for the safety of my soul, as it will seem better to her, than I am making my executrix of this covenant and my order. In Whose etc. [Prob. 16 Jan. 1453-4.]

Sources:

Gervase Clifton

Memorial brass of Gervase Clifton
Gervase Clifton
photo from Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project: Clifton St Mary
Father: Robert Clifton

Mother: Alice (Booth) Clifton

Married (1st): Alice (Neville) Thurland in the chapel of Thomas Neville at Rolleston, Nottinghamshire, England. The license for this marriage was granted on 7 November 1456.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 3 p334 (1865)
  1456, Nov 7. Licence to John, prior of Lenton, to marry, in the chapel within the manor-house of Thomas Neville at Rolleston, Gervase, son of Robert Clifton, esq., and Alice, widow of Richard Thurland of Nottingham. After banns. Reg, W. Booth 195 a.

Children: Married (2nd): Agnes (Constable) Griffith in Burton Agnes, Yorkshire, England, by license issued on 10 September 1483
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 3 p347 (1865)
  1483, Sept. 10. Licence to the vicar of Burton-Agnes to marry in the church there, Sir Gervase Clifton of Hodsack, knt., and Agnes, widow of Sir Walter Griffith, knt. (Griffyn.) Banns once. Ibid. 39 a.

Agnes was the daughter of Sir Robert Constable of Flamborough, Yorkshire. She married, firstly, Sir Walter Griffith, with whom she had a son, also Sir Walter Griffith. Agnes died on 23 January 1505(6) and was buried in the church at Burton Agnes, Yorkshire. Her will was dated 14 January 1505(6) and proved on 12 March 1505(6).
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp242-4 (1869)
    CXXXVIII. THE WILL OF DAME AGNES CLIFTON, WIDOW OF SIR GERVASE CLIFTON, KNT.
    [Reg. Test. vi. 216-16.]
  Jan. 14, 1505-6. Agnes Clifton,* widdow. To be bured (in) Anesburton church, in the chauntre closett therin, by our Lady, as my sonne knawthe. I will that a vertuose prest praye for my saule in Anesburton church x yere after my disces, and to have yerely to his exhibicion iiij li. xiij s. iiij d. To my son Griffithe ij basyns of silver, ij (blank), ij silver pottes, a silver gilt pott, iij silver bolles gilt under a covereng, iij silver peces under a coveryng, ij grete silver saltes under a coveryng, ij lese silver saltes under a covereng, x silver spones gilt, and xvij spones, and the fiole of silver for rose water. To my doghter his wife the standyng writhen gilt pece, and one owche that is for a crisome; and ij rynges, a safor and a rube. To Agnes Griffithe, my Sonne’s doghter, a flat gilt pece wt a rownd knop, a par of rownd curiall bedes wt silver gilt gaudes, a litill Watton purce, and all the perlis that I have. To my sonne, Ezachie Clifton, a silver pece wt a coveryng, writtyn and percell gilt, a yong horse trottyng next my corce presaund. To my doghter his wife a ryng that she wed wt, and sex silver spones. To Maister Crisse, vicare of Anesburton, the flatter gilted pece and vj silver spones of the beste. To Robert Tone x markes; and to his wyfe a silver goblet wt a coveryng, and vj silver spones wt lions. To my abovesaid sone Griffith all hangynges of chambres, hall, and parlour, etc., at Burton, and all leides and vessells, etc.; and other such stuf as I had when I kept howse ther, or in any other place as at Scardburgh, Kelk, Northsted, or any other place. To ye church warkes of Annasburton x li. To ye church of Harpham iij li. vj s. viij d. And Grauncemore chappell xiij s. iiij d. To be distribute in Notynghamshyre for ye well of my saul, as shal be thought most expedient by myne executours, xiij li. xiij s. iiij d. To the chauntres funded by Laurance Boith, late archbisshop of York, at ye college of Southwell, xvij li. To ye dean and chappiter of Southwell ye landes late purchessed of Christofer Cokshott, of yerely valow of xx s., apon condicon yt they shall uphold and reparell for ever ye said chauntres. To Margaret Ussher ye beid house yt she dwelles in at Burton during her lyve, and she to have yerely x s. to fynd her wyth, yf she kepe her a wydow. Also in lyk maner I gyve to Jenett Houpe. And to Jenet Yong I gyfe ye (house) she dwelles in lykwise and to have iij s. iiij d. by yere, if my son releif her wt potage as I dyd: and, if he do nott, then I will yt she also have x s. during her lyve and a wydow; and thus after ye rate, if my son kepe house, sumtyme and sumtyme not. The rest to my son Sir Walter Griffyth and Mr. John Crisse vicar of Annasburton, whome I mak executours. Yevyn at Scardburght. Witnesses Ezachie Clifton esquyer, Sir Bauf Hoton preist, etc.
    [Pr. 12 March; adm. to Sir Walter Griffith kt.]
  * Agnes, daughter of Sir Robert Constable, the wife, in succession, of Sir Walter Griffith of Burton Agnes, E. R. Y., and of Sir Gervase Clifton of Clifton. The wills of both her husbands have been printed (Test. Ebor. iii. 269; iv 64-71.), and I have nothing to add to the account of them that has been already given.
  The testatrix died Jan. 23, 1505-6, "et sepulta est in media nave capelto, ex parte boriali eccl. de Annsburton praedictae." (Misc. Geneal. i. 64.) There is here much valuable information about the Griffiths of Burton Agnes. It will illustrate Test. Ebor. iii. 269-70.

Children: Notes:
Sir Gervase Clifton was esquire of the body to Edward IV., and Knight of the Bath. He was of Clifton, Nottinghamshire.

Gervase was a witness to the will of his uncle, Archbishop William Booth, dated 26 August 1464.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 pp264-7 (1836)
CCIX. TESTAMENTUM REVERENDÆ MEMORIÆ DOMINI WILLELMI BOTH NUPER EBORACENSIS ARCHIEPISCOPI.
Item do et lego Roberto Clyfton† militi, uni executorum meorum, pro execucione facienda testamenti mei xl. libras argenti, ulterius expensas suas circa dictum testamentum. ... Hiis testibus, magistro Willelmo Worsley, magistro Willelmo Brande, domino Thoma Byrom, Radulpho Radclyff armigero, Gervasio Clyfton armigero et domino Johanne Avereli capellano.
  †Sir Robt. Clifton of Clifton, Co. Notts, the testator’s brother-in-law and the head of an ancient and illustrious family. He was the eldest son of Sir Gervase Clifton of Hodsack, whose will has already occurred (No. cxxxvii.) At his father’s death in 1453.4, he was 30 years of age. He married Alice, daughter of John Boothe, Esq., and sister to the Archbishop, by whom he had several children. He died on the 9th of April, 1478, and was buried in the church of Clifton, near his wife, who died on the 9th of September, 1470. Sir Robert had several children. Gervase, his eldest son was one of the witnesses of the testator’s will

Translation:
209 TESTAMENT OF THE REVEREND AND MEMORY OF THE LORD WILLIAM BOTH, LATE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK.
Also I give and bequeath to Robert Clifton, knight, one of my executors, for the execution of my will 40 pounds of silver, besides his expenses concerning the said will. ... Witnesses: master William Worsley, master William Brande, lord Thomas Byrom, Ralph Radcliffe, squire, Gervase Clifton, esquire, and lord John Avereli, chaplain.

The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp54-5 (Robert Thoroton, 1677)
    Clifton.
  Sir Robert his son being then above thirty years of age, who married Alice, the Sister of William Bothe, Archbishop of York, and begun to found the Colledge dedicated to the holy Trinity at Clifton, but died Apr. 9. 18 E. 4. before he had accomplished his design; yet his son Sir Gervase religiously performed it, who had to his first wife Alice, the daughter of Thomas Nevill of Rollaston, Esquire, the Relict of Richard Thurland. There is a fair Alabaster Tomb for her in the North-East end of the North Ile in Clifton Church.
  This Sir Gervase was Esquire of the body to Edward the fourth, and Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of R. 3. who, for his singular and faithful service, gave him in the first year of his Reign, by his Letters Patents, bearing date Apr. 24, the Mannors of Ratcliff on Sore in this County, and all the Lands which were Henry Duke of Buckinghams in Ratcliff and Kinston, and in Kegworth in Leicestershire; the Mannor of Overton Longvile in the County of Hunt. together with the Advowson of the Church, which Sir Roger Tocotes of Bromeham, Knight, lately forfeited; and the Mannor of Dalbury, and Dalbury Lyes, with the Advowson of the Church, and all the Lands there, and in Etwell and Wirkesworth in the County of Darby, which were late Henry Duke of Exeters. About 22 E. 4. this Sir Gervas married to his second wife Agnes, the daughter of . . . . Constable of Flamborough, the widow of Sir Walter Griffith, and his second son Sir Gervase to Agnes the daughter of the said Sir Walter Griffith, and the said Agnes. His first Son and heir Robert was a Clergy-man, as was Robert his Uncle, who was Arch-Deacon of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Upon the aforesaid Marriage he settled Jan 10. 22 E. 4. on Mr. Robert Bothe, Cler. Dean of York, William Constable, Cler. William Rokeshaw, Cler. Stephen Capendale, Cler. Robert Yole, Cler. and Thomas Orston the Mannors of Clifton, Wilford, and Broughton Sulney, with the Advowsons of all the Churches, the Soke of Hoddefak, viz. Hodfac, Holme, Oulecotes, Harmeston, Flithorp, Stirap, Letwell, and Gildenweles in this County, so that he was not seized of any when he died, which was 12 May, 6 H. 7. his son the said Sir Gervase, being then above thirty years of age, by the Inquisition taken at Blith, 30 of Octob. before Thomas Hunt, Eschaet. 7 H. 7. Another Inq. taken at Newark, 21 H. 7. saith he died 5 H. 7. on Ascension day.
pp57-8
  In the Church were these Inscriptions in the North Ile.
...
  Orate pro anima Gervasii Clifton, militis, filii & heredis Roberti Clifton, militis, fundatoris Collegii de Clifton, finiti & stabiliti per Dominum Gervasium qui obiit in domo fratrum pradicatorum apud London 12 Maii 1491. Cujus Corpus abinde per Agnetem filiam Roberti Constable de Flamburgh, militis, secundam uxorem ejusdem Gervasii, & alias ejus executores juxta voluntatem suam istuc hororificè & decenter conductum fuit, & sub hoc lapide marmoreo hic humatum. Cujus anime propitietur Deus. Pro cujus quidem Agnetis prosperitate dum vixerit & pro cujus animâ cum ab hac luce migraverit, speciales ordinantur memorie, & orationes per Gardianum & Capellanos Collegii predicti juxta Composuionem & Statuta inde ordinata perpetuis futuris temporibus devote fienda.
  There is a very good Tomb of Alabaster for this mans first wife, with her Figure upon it, and the Arms of Clifton, and Nevil of Rolleston on the side, and at the head of it another, either for this man or his son, without Inscription, or Arms, saving that upon his breast is a Lyon Ramp. 

Death: 12 May 1491, at the Friars Preachers, London, England

Memorial brass of Gervase Clifton
Memorial brass to Gervase Clifton in St Mary, Clifton, Nottinghamshire
photo from Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project: Clifton St Mary
Burial: St Mary, Clifton, Nottinghamshire, England
Transactions of the Thoroton Society 17 (1913)
Notts monumental brasses
By Mr Joseph Bramley
SIR GERVASE CLIFTON. 1491.
CHURCH OF ST. MARY, CLIFTON.
   The brass of Sir Gervase Clifton is a good example of the early Tudor brasses, as he died in 1491.
   The knight is clad in a mail collar, pauldrons, and cuirass. The cuirass is strengthened by placcates buckled on the centre. His coudieres are small compared with other examples of about this date, such as the Wollaton brass of 1471. He has a taces of three lames, from which hang two rather large tuiles. His cuisses, genouillieres, and jambes are normal, and his sollerets pointed, with long rowel spurs attached. His sword is suspended diagonally, and he has the usual misericorde. He has a lion at his feet.
   The figure is 35½in. in length.
INSCRIPTION.
“Orate pro aia Gervasii Clyfton militis filii et heredis Robti Clyfton militis ffundator collegii de Clyfton finiti / et stabilit p doni Gervasiu qui obiit in domo fratrum p’dicator apud london duodecimi die mese maii Ao. dni M°CCCC / lxxxxi cui corpus abinde p Agnetam filiain Rob’ti Constable de fflamburgh militis secunde uxor ejusdem / Gervasii et alios ejus executores juxta voluntatem suam istut honorifice et decent conductu fuit et sub hoc lapide / marmoreo hic humatu cuius anime ppiciet deus pro cuius quidem Agnetis pspitate dum vixit et p’ejus anima / cum ab hac luce migravit Speciales ordinantur memorie et oraciones per Gardianum et Capellanos / collegii pdci juxta composicoem et statuta inde ordinat ppetuis futuris temporibus devote fiende.”
TRANSLATION.
“Pray for the soul of Gervase Clyfton Knight son and heir of Robert Clyfton Knight founder of the college of Clyfton completed and firmly established by Sir Gervase who died in the house of the friar preachers in London on May 12th A.D. 1491 whose body by Agnes daughter of Robert Constable of Flamburgh Knight and second wife of the same Gervase and by his other executors according to his wishes was brought hither with honour and seemliness and interred beneath this marble stone here on whose soul may God have mercy; for the prosperity of this Agnes while she lived and for her soul when she departed from this world special memorials and prayers are established to be offered by the Warden and Chaplains of the aforesaid college according to the deed and statutes there laid down as to be faithfully carried out in all future time.”

Will:
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
    XXXI. THE WILL OF SIR GERVASE CLIFTON OF CLIFTON, GENT.
    [Reg. archiep. Rotherham, 346-7.]
  April 27, 1491. I Gervas Clifton,* knyght. To be buryed in the parishe church of oure Ladie of Clifton beside Notingham. I bequeth for my principall my best horse. I will that my feoffees make severall dedes of annuyties unto my sonnes Hugh, Gamaliel, Silvan, and Ezechie, and to everyche of theyme, of c s. for terme of their lyves, to be takyne of the maner, etc. in Wilford. I will yat my executors have the maner of Stanton unto such tyme as my will be fully performed; and, if nede be, to sell the said maner; and, also, for to kepe ye Prior and convent of Warsop harmelesse ayenste Mr. John Porter of an annuytie of xv li. graunted unto hyme for terme of his live by the said Prior and convente at my desire and instance. I will that William Kyndir have an annuytie of xl s., in recompense of his wages, and xl s. over. Also, as for all such landes and tenementes as is in Blith, of my fadir purchase, they belongen unto the spitell of Blith of my said fadir gift, and hit is my will yat the said spitell have theyme. And I require my here also yat he make a sufficient graunte unto the preste of ye saide spitell of all such landes and tenementes wt th’appurtenaunce as I have purchased in Blith aforesaid, in augmentacion of the said preste of ye said spitell lyvelode there. If my wife will take upon her to be myne executrice and prove my testament, as I trust verelie she will, then I will yat she have my maner of Hodesok, hole to gadir, wt all oyer landes and tenementes in Wodhowse, Oulcotes, Holme, Kilesalv, Flixthorp, and Harmeston, for terme of her lyve, sofering my son Gervas to have the maner of Broghton which is parcell of her feoffement. I will yat my son Robert Clifton have all such stuff of cornez as is growyng upon the demeyne land at Clifton, and all ye bedding and oyer stuff of houshold ther, and a draght of oxon, and all my kyne at Clifton. I pray my wiff to se for my doghter Adelyne, if she happyne to stande in necessitie. I will yat liij li. which is in my handes of my lorde Laurence Both, late archebishop of Yorke, goodes, be emploied and spended for the reparacion and wele of his chauntre and chapell at Southwell by my executours. Also I stand detable unto th’executours of Richard Wilughby in x li., which I will, and also thies parcelles of plate undir writtyne, yat is to say ij basynnes of silver wtout ewers, iij cours cuppez, standing, gild, and covered, a white peace, and also a graunte of annuytie undir the convent seale of Bevall touching Forde lande, be delyverd unto the parson of Torlaton and oyer executours of ye said Ric’ Wilughby. I will yat my son Gervas have all the residue of my lyvelode in Carleton and all oyer places, which in this my testament is not bequethed nor assigned. I will yat Sir Edmonde Chaderdon have the heire of Cresses for x marc yat I owe unto hyme, and for such money as I have receyved of ye lande of ye said Cressy. Also I will and require myne executours to distribute l li. in almous for ye saules of Thomas Thurland and dame Johane his wiff, for such plate as I had of theires. Also I ough to Robert Bateman iij li.: and I will yat he have his annuytie of xl s. which I graunted hyme for terme of his lyve. Also I owe to Sir Thomas Bryan x marc. I will yat all ye lyvelode in Wodehouse besides Northwell, which I purchased of Christofor Cokshote, be yeven to ye chapitour of Suthwell, yif they will take upon theyme ye charge of the reparacion of my lorde Laurance chapell for ever more, undir the chapitour seale: and, elys, the said lyvelod to be yeven by my feoffes unto ye prestes of my said lord Laurence chauntre, and they to kepe ye reparacion of the said chapell. Also I require my wiff to fynde a preste for oon yere to pray for my modir saule, which I ame bownde to doe, at such place as shall pleas her. Also I yeve and bequeth to my wiff a cup of gold, iij bollys of silver gilt, of a sorte, wt a covering. To Thomas Orston oon of my beste standing cuppis, over his costis and rewardes such as shalbe convenyent for his labour; and to ye parson of Clifton a white covered pece. Item Henry Newton of Notingham has ij basynes of silver and ij ewers of myne, which I will be delyverd unto myne executours. Item I will yat an obligacion of xvij li. which ye Priour of ye Trinities in York is bownde in to my lorde Laurence, be sued, and the money yerof commyng be imploied abowte the reparacion and oyer necessaries of my said lord chauntre; and chapell at Suthwell. Item I will yat all ye auter clothez of silk, a bed of cloth of gold bawdkyne, and an oyer bed of russet satan, which were my said lord Laurence be delyverd unto his said chauntres at Suthwell, to make vestimentes and oyer ornamentes of, by th’advise of Thomas Orston; and parte of theyme to be delyverd to ye chauntrez of my lorde William Both at Eccles. Item William Tunstall hase the testament of my lorde Laurence, and yer is an exemplificacion yerof at Clifton: I will yat he cease, and have no lenger auctorite for to sue for any dettes which were due unto my said lord Laurence in ye bisshoprik of Duresme. I will yat my son Gervas have halff of ye stuff of bedding and hangginges beyng at Hoddessoke, and vj bullokkes, and vj quees, and oyer stuff of houssold, such as my wiff will reward hyme wyth, at her pleasour. And I will and require my feoffes yat they make a sufficient estate unto my son Roberte, for terme of his lyve, of ye maner of Clifton wt th’appurtennance and also of th’advosones of the churches of Wilforde, Broghton, Claypoll; and of the hospitall of Blith: ye remayne of theyme to my heires. To ye Blake Freers of London xx s. Item I had of Pynson, some tyme parson of Wilford, iiij marc, which I will and charge my executours to dispose for his saule. Item I will yat my son Robert Clifton have a cup, and my son Gervas anoyer, such as shall pleas my wiff to giff theyme. Item I will in discharging of my saule yat if ye church of Slatburn may be recovered oute of ye kynge’s handes by ye means and labour of any kynsman or frende of myne lorde William Both, late archebisshop of Yorke, yat myne executours imploy and spende yerupon c marc or a c. li.; if hit can be made sure unto my said lorde’s chauntrez at Eccles according to his appropriacion. I will yat none of my childerne have noone of my goodes, moveable nor unmoveable, nor to clame noo childir partes, but onlie to hold theyme content wt yeir annuyties and such lyvelode as I have ordeyned for theyme. I will yt everich of my servanntes which was wont to ride wt me have his twelmoneth wage of reward aftir my decesse, over all such money as is due to everych of theyme for their wages beyng byhynde unpaid in my lyve. I will yat my sonnes Roberte and Gervas have all my wod and tymbir being or growing at Bevall: and, also, yat my wiff have all my wod and tymbir beyng or growing in ye Nonnes’ wod at Wallandwelles. I will yat Richard Parkar have xiij s. iiij d. of reward. Item I bequeth to ye Priour and convent of Blith iij quarters of rye and iij quarters of malt. To my son Edward Stanop oon of my best stagges in Hodessok park. Item I owe to ye parson of Broghton iiij marc, which I require and charge myne executours to pay and contente hyme. I owe to ye parson of Clifton x marc which I charge my executours to pay. Item if Sir Henry Perpoynte make any title or clame to any lande in Stanton upon the Wald, hit is but an oxgang of lande at ye uttirmast. The residue I yeve to Agnes my wiff, Thomas Orston, and Sir Robert Yole, parson of Clifton, whome I make myne executours. And if they will not take upon theyme ministracion, and prove this my testament by fore my lord archebisshop of Yorke or his officers, thenne I will that my sonnes Roberte and William Clifton, clerkes, take upon theyme administracion. In to wittenesse of all thies premisses, I, ye said Sir Gervas Clifton, to this my testament and last will have sett to my seale, thies personnes beyng presente, Roberte Constable, Roberte Clifton clerke, Gervase Clifton esquier, and Richard Blounte, with other moo. Writtyne at London, the daye and yere above saide.*
  [Pr. at Cawood. 22nd August, 1491, and adm. to Agnes his widow. Aug. 19, comm. from the archbp. to Mr. Wm. Rokeshawe, S.T.P. to comm. adm. to Agnes, the widow.]
  *The will of the testator’s grandfather is in Test. Ebor. ii. 169-70. The administration of his grandmother, Lady Isabel Clifton, of Clifton, was granted on October 8, 1467, to John Clifton of Clifton, esq., her son. (Reg. Test. iv. 246a.)
  His father, Sir Robert Clifton, knt., made his will April 1, 1478, desiring to be buried in the church of Clifton, in the chapel of the Holy Trinity, near the tomb of his wife. The residue is left to Gervase, his son. He, Oliver Blackewall, rector of Blarton, and Thomas Orston, are executors. [Pr. June 30, and administration to Gervase Clifton.] (Reg. Test. v. 124a.) He died on April 9. (Thoroton’s Notts. 57.) His wife was Alice, daughter of John Booth, and sister of archbishop William Booth. She died Sept. 9, 1470. (Ibid.)
  In 1456 the testator Sir Gervase married Alice, daughter of Thomas Neville, esq., and widow of Richard Thurland of Nottingham. (Test. Ebor. iii. 334.) In 1483 he married another widow, Agnes, widow of Sir Walter Griffith. (Ibid. 347.) Her will occurs afterwards (See Test. Ebor. iii. 269.) Sir Gervase left many children, and was a worthy representative of his illustrious family. He died at the Friars Preachers, London, May 12th, 1491, and was interred at Clifton. (Thoroton, 571.) He was esquire of the body to Edward IV., and Knight of the Bath.
  * The testator died May 12th, 1491. I take this date from the Misc. Geneal i. 305, where some valuable dates relative to members of this family are given from a book of Hours which was at one time in their possession.   

Probate:
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Henry VII vol 1 p299
714. GERVASE CLYFTON, esq.
Writ 14 May, 6 Hen. VII; inq. 30 Oct., 7 Hen VII.
  By deed dated 10 January, 22 Edw. IV, he gave all the under-mentioned manors, advowsons, and lands, to Master Robert Bothe, clk., Dean of York, William Constable, clk., William Rokeshawe, clk., Stephen Copendale, Robert Yole, clk., and Thomas Orston, who by deed dated 12 Nov., 1 Ric. III, gave the manor of Broughton Sulny, the advowson excepted, to him, and Agnes his wife, who survives, and his heirs.
  He died 12 May last. Robert Clyfton, clk., aged 30 and more, is his son and heir.
NOTTS. Manor and advowson of Clyfton by Notyngham, worth 20l., and the manor and advowson of Wilford, worth 20l. held of John Lescrop, knt., as of the manor of Langer, co. Nott,s by service of 1d. yearly, for all service.
  Manor and advowson of Broughton Sulny, worth 20l., held of the King, as of the honor of Tutbury, parcel of the duchy of Lancaster, by 5s. yearly, for all service.
  Manor of Hoddesak, with the soke of the said manor, viz. Hoddesake, Holme, Oulecotes, Harmeston, Flixthorp, Sterop, Letwell, and Gildenwelles, worth 4l., held of the King, as of the honor of Tikhill, parcel of the duchy of Lancaster, by service of 3 knight’s fees.
C. Series II. Vol. 7. (35.) 

Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp5-6 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
         Gervase Clyfton, knight.
    Delivered into Court, 26 November . . . 
Inquisition taken at Blythe, 30 November, 7 Henry vii [1491]; before Thomas Hunt, escheator, by the oath of John Jebb, Richard Adamson, William Fulo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lylly, Hugh Fryth, William Smyth, and Richard Wrighte, who say that
  Gervase Clyfton, knight, held nothing in chief of the King or of any other either in demesne or in service on the day he died, but before his death he was seized in his demesne as of fee of the manors of Clyfton, . . . Wilford, Broughton Sulny, and the advowson of the churches of Clyfton, Wilford, and Broughton, and of the manors of Hoddesake, . . . Oulecotes, Harmeston, Flixthorp, Sterop, Letwell and Gildenwelles.
  So seized by his charter, 10 January, 22 Edw. iv. [1482-3], he granted the whole to Master Robert Bothe, clerk, Dean of the Cathedral church of St. Peter at York, William Constable, clerk, William Rokeshawe, clerk, Stephen Cap—dale, Robert Yole, clerk [Rector of Clifton, 1479-1506] , and Thomas Orston. To have and to hold to them and their heirs and assigns for ever. By virtue whereof they were thereof seized in their demesne as of fee, and so seized by deed, 12 November, 1 Richard iij [1483], granted, among other things, the manor of Broughton Sulny, except the advowson of the church, to the said Gervase and Agnes his wife. To have and to hold to them and the heirs of Gervase for ever. By virtue whereof Gervase and Agnes were thereof seized, that is to say Gervase in his demesne as of fee, and Agnes as of her free tenement.
  So seized Gervase died and Agnes survived him and still survives and remains seized.
  The manor of Broughton Sulny is held of the King as of his honor of Tutbury, parcel of his Duchy of Lancaster, by the service of 5s. yearly, and is worth besides reprises £20.
  The manors of Clyfton and Wilford are held of John Lescrop, knight, as of his manor of Langer by the service of 1d. yearly.
  The manor of Clyfton is worth yearly besides reprises £20, and the manor of Wilford is worth yearly besides reprises £20.
  The manor of Hoddesak with soke of the same is held of the king as of his honor of Tikhill, parcel of his Duchy of Lancaster, by the service of three knights’ fees and is worth yearly besides reprises £40.
  They say that Gervase Clyfton held no other or more lands of the King or of any other either in demesne or in service on the day he died, namely, on the 12 May last past, and that Robert Clyfton, clerk, is his son and nearest heir and is aged 30 years and upwards.
Inq. p. m., 5 Henry vij, No. 35.   


Sources:

Gervase Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Married (1st): Agnes Griffith
Agnes was the daughter of Sir Walter Griffith and Agnes Constable who, after Walter's death, married Gervase's father, also Gervase Clifton, and so was his stepmother.

Children:
Married (2nd): Joan (Bussy) Byron about October 1505
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 3 p364 (1865)
  1505, Oct 18. Dispensation for Gervase Clifton of Hodsack and Joan Byron, widow, to marry. Twice related in 3rd degree. Issued by Julius II. s. m. Reg. Savage, 105a.

Joan was the daughter of John Buffy and the widow of Sir Nicholas Byron.

Notes:
In the dispensation for his second marriage, Gervase is described as being "of Hodsack".

Gervase is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
... If my wife will take upon her to be myne executrice and prove my testament, as I trust verelie she will, then I will yat she have my maner of Hodesok, hole to gadir, wt all oyer landes and tenementes in Wodhowse, Oulcotes, Holme, Kilesalv, Flixthorp, and Harmeston, for terme of her lyve, sofering my son Gervas to have the maner of Broghton which is parcell of her feoffement. ...  I will yat my son Gervas have all the residue of my lyvelode in Carleton and all oyer places, which in this my testament is not bequethed nor assigned. ...  I will yat my son Gervas have halff of ye stuff of bedding and hangginges beyng at Hoddessoke, and vj bullokkes, and vj quees, and oyer stuff of houssold, such as my wiff will reward hyme wyth, at her pleasour. ...  Item I will yat my son Robert Clifton have a cup, and my son Gervas anoyer, such as shall pleas my wiff to giff theyme. ... I will yat none of my childerne have noone of my goodes, moveable nor unmoveable, nor to clame noo childir partes, but onlie to hold theyme content wt yeir annuyties and such lyvelode as I have ordeyned for theyme. ... I will yat my sonnes Roberte and Gervas have all my wod and tymbir being or growing at Bevall ... In to wittenesse of all thies premisses, I, ye said Sir Gervas Clifton, to this my testament and last will have sett to my seale, thies personnes beyng presente, Roberte Constable, Roberte Clifton clerke, Gervase Clifton esquier, and Richard Blounte, with other moo.

He was also an executor of the will of his brother, Robert, dated 24 February 1501(2) (Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 p69n).

The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp54-5 (Robert Thoroton, 1677)
    Clifton.
  About 22 E. 4. this Sir Gervas married to his second wife Agnes, the daughter of . . . . Constable of Flamborough, the widow of Sir Walter Griffith, and his second son Sir Gervase to Agnes the daughter of the said Sir Walter Griffith, and the said Agnes. His first Son and heir Robert was a Clergy-man, as was Robert his Uncle, who was Arch-Deacon of the East Riding of Yorkshire. Upon the aforesaid Marriage he settled Jan 10. 22 E. 4. on Mr. Robert Bothe, Cler. Dean of York, William Constable, Cler. William Rokeshaw, Cler. Stephen Capendale, Cler. Robert Yole, Cler. and Thomas Orston the Mannors of Clifton, Wilford, and Broughton Sulney, with the Advowsons of all the Churches, the Soke of Hoddefak, viz. Hodfac, Holme, Oulecotes, Harmeston, Flithorp, Stirap, Letwell, and Gildenweles in this County, so that he was not seized of any when he died, which was 12 May, 6 H. 7. his son the said Sir Gervase, being then above thirty years of age, by the Inquisition taken at Blith, 30 of Octob. before Thomas Hunt, Eschaet. 7 H. 7. Another Inq. taken at Newark, 21 H. 7. saith he died 5 H. 7. on Ascension day.
  Sir Gervase, the son, took to his second wife Joan, daughter of John Bussy, widow of Sir Nicholas Byron, about 21 H. 7. but he left her a widow again Jun. 5. 23 H. 7. and his son Robert Clifton, Esquire to succeed him

Death: 5 June 1508

Burial: in his will, Gervase requests to be buried in Westminster Abbey in the chapel of St Michael

Will:
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp276-7 (1869)
    CLXII. THE WILL OF SIR GERVASE CLIFTON, KNIGHT.
    [Reg. Test. vii. 65a.]
  June 3, 1508. Gerveys Clyfton,† knyght. To be buryed in the chapell of Sentt Mighell within th’ abbey of Westminster. To the high awter of the pariche chirch of Seint Margarett vj s. viij d. I woll that my executors fynde on honest prest to syng for my soule in the parische churche of Clyfton for a yere after my decesse. I woll that my chapeleyn and all my houshold yomen have mete and drynke a quarter of a yere next after my decesse, and ther hole yeres wages. To the Grey Freres and the Whitte Freres in Notingham, to pray for my soule, xx s. (each). To the reparacion of the parishe chirch of Clyfton xx s. To ye monastery of Blyth, to have my soule in remembrance, xx s. To the parishe chirche of Blythe xiij s. iiij d. The residew to the disposicion of my executours, whome I make the Prior of Wirksopp, Sir Edward Stanhop knyght, Symond Dygby squier, and Robert Clyfton, my son and here; and my overseer Sir Thomas Lovell, knyght.
    [Pr. 20 Nov. 1508, adm. to Robert Clifton esq.]
† The will of the testator’s father, Sir Gervase Clifton, has been already given, together with much information respecting his family. He married, according to Thoroton, Agnes daughter of Sir Walter Griffith of Burton Agnes, East Riding of Yorkshire, by his stepmother Agnes Constable, and died June 5th, 23rd Henry VII. (Thoroton’s Notts, 53.) I find, however, that in 1505 Gervase Clifton of Hodsack, had leave to marry Joan Byron widow (of Sir Nicholas Byron). (Test. Ebor. iii. 364.)

Sources:

Hezekiah Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Agnes (Constable, Griffith) Clifton

Notes:
Hezekiah is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
  I will that my feoffees make severall dedes of annuyties unto my sonnes Hugh, Gamaliel, Silvan, and Ezechie,* and to everyche of theyme, of c s. for terme of their lyves, to be takyne of the maner, etc. in Wilford.
  † Even the names of some of these children have not been previously known.
... Hezekiah Clifton lived at Burton Agnes in Yorkshire, and will occur afterwards.

He is also mentioned in, and was a witness to, the will of his mother, Agnes (Constable, Griffith) Clifton, dated 14 January 1505(6), from which we also learn that Hezekiah was married by that date.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp242-4 (1869)
    CXXXVIII. THE WILL OF DAME AGNES CLIFTON, WIDOW OF SIR GERVASE CLIFTON, KNT.
... To my sonne, Ezachie Clifton, a silver pece wt a coveryng, writtyn and percell gilt, a yong horse trottyng next my corce presaund. To my doghter his wife a ryng that she wed wt, and sex silver spones. ... Witnesses Ezachie Clifton esquyer, Sir Bauf Hoton preist, etc.

Sources:

Hugh Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Notes:
Hugh is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
  I will that my feoffees make severall dedes of annuyties unto my sonnes Hugh, Gamaliel, Silvan, and Ezechie, and to everyche of theyme, of c s. for terme of their lyves, to be takyne of the maner, etc. in Wilford.

Sources:

Robert Clifton

Memorial brass of Robert Clifton
Robert Clifton
photo from Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project: Clifton St Mary
Birth: about 1423
Robert was aged upwards of 30 years at his father's death in December 1453.

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Isabella (Francis) Clifton

Married: Alice Booth

Children:
Notes:
In 1458, Robert was bequeathed a book in the will of Thomas Chaworth.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 p227 (1855)
CLXXIX. TESTAMENTUM DOMINI THOMÆ CHEWORTH MILITIS DEFUNCTI.
Jan. 16, 1458. Ego Thomas Chaworth, miles
... And to my cosyn Robert Clifton squyer a newe boke of Inglisse, ye which begynnyth with ye lyffe of Seynt Albon and Amphiabell and other mony dyvers lyfeȝ and thynges in ye same boke

Robert was an executor of the will of his uncle, Archbishop William Booth, dated 26 August 1464, for which service he was bequeathed 40 pounds of silver.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 pp264-7 (1836)
CCIX. TESTAMENTUM REVERENDÆ MEMORIÆ DOMINI WILLELMI BOTH NUPER EBORACENSIS ARCHIEPISCOPI.
Item do et lego Roberto Clyfton† militi, uni executorum meorum, pro execucione facienda testamenti mei xl. libras argenti, ulterius expensas suas circa dictum testamentum. ... Item ordino, facio et constituo executores meos Robertum Clyfton militem, Ricardum Bothe et Seth de Worseley ad perimplendum et exequendum dictum testamentum et ultimam voluntatem meam.
  †Sir Robt. Clifton of Clifton, Co. Notts, the testator’s brother-in-law and the head of an ancient and illustrious family. He was the eldest son of Sir Gervase Clifton of Hodsack, whose will has already occurred (No. cxxxvii.) At his father’s death in 1453.4, he was 30 years of age. He married Alice, daughter of John Boothe, Esq., and sister to the Archbishop, by whom he had several children. He died on the 9th of April, 1478, and was buried in the church of Clifton, near his wife, who died on the 9th of September, 1470. Sir Robert had several children. Gervase, his eldest son was one of the witnesses of the testator’s will; his younger brother, Robert Clifton, was more immediately under the patronage of the Archbishop.

Translation:
209 TESTAMENT OF THE REVEREND AND MEMORY OF THE LORD WILLIAM BOTH, LATE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK.
Also I give and bequeath to Robert Clifton, knight, one of my executors, for the execution of my will 40 pounds of silver, besides his expenses concerning the said will. ... Likewise, I order, execute, and appoint my executors, knight Robert Clifton, Richard Bothe and Seth de Worseley, to carry out and execute the said will and my last will.

The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp54-5 (Robert Thoroton, 1677)
    Clifton.
  The son and Successor of Sir John Clifton was Sir Gervase Clifton of Hoddesak, who married Isabell, the daughter of Sir Robert Franceis, Knight, and left her a widow 8 Dec. 32 H. 6. Sir Robert his son being then above thirty years of age, who married Alice, the Sister of William Bothe, Archbishop of York, and begun to found the Colledge dedicated to the holy Trinity at Clifton, but died Apr. 9. 18 E. 4. before he had accomplished his design; yet his son Sir Gervase religiously performed it
p57
  In the Church were these Inscriptions in the North Ile.
...
  Orate pro anima Roberti Clyfton, militis; fundatoris trium Capellanorum Collegii in hac Ecclesia, qui obiit nono die mensis Aprilis, Anno Domini M.CCCC.LXXVIII. Cujus anime propitietur Deus, Amen.
 
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64n-65n (1869)
    XXXI. THE WILL OF SIR GERVASE CLIFTON OF CLIFTON, GENT.
    [Reg. archiep. Rotherham, 346-7.]
  April 27, 1491. I Gervas Clifton,* knyght.
  * The will of the testator’s grandfather is in Test. Ebor. ii. 169-70. The administration of his grandmother, Lady Isabel Clifton, of Clifton, was granted on October 8, 1467, to John Clifton of Clifton, esq., her son. (Reg. Test. iv. 246a.)
  His father, Sir Robert Clifton, knt., made his will April 1, 1478, desiring to be buried in the church of Clifton, in the chapel of the Holy Trinity, near the tomb of his wife. The residue is left to Gervase, his son. He, Oliver Blackewall, rector of Blarton, and Thomas Orston, are executors. [Pr. June 30, and administration to Gervase Clifton.] (Reg. Test. v. 124a.) He died on April 9. (Thoroton’s Notts. 57.) His wife was Alice, daughter of John Booth, and sister of archbishop William Booth. She died Sept. 9, 1470. (Ibid.)

Death: 9 April 1478

Memorial brass of Robert Clifton
Memorial brass to Robert Clifton in St Mary, Clifton, Nottinghamshire
photo from Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project: Clifton St Mary
Burial: St Mary, Clifton, Nottinghamshire, England
Transactions of the Thoroton Society 17 (1913)
Notts monumental brasses
By Mr Joseph Bramley
SIR ROBERT CLIFTON. 1478.
CHURCH OF ST MARY, CLIFTON.
  The armour in which Sir Robert Clifton is shewn is almost the same as that in which Sir Gervase is depicted in 1491. In this case, however, the sword grip is ornamented, and the figure stands on a greyhound. Probably a crest and lambrequin at one time adorned the figure, as the remains are yet to be seen. The increase in shading should be noted.
  The figure is 35in. in height.
  Sir Robert died in 1478.
INSCRIPTION (Black letter).
“Orate pro anima Roberti Clyfton militis fundator trill capplor collegii in hac ecclia qui obiit nono die mensis Aprilis anno domini millimo CCCClxxviii cuius anime propiciet de amë.”
TRANSLATION.
“Pray for the soul of Robert Clifton Knight founder of a College for three chantry priests in this church who died the ninth day of the month of April in the year of the Lord 1478 on whose soul may God have mercy.”  

Will: dated 1 April 1478
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 p65n (1869)
  His father, Sir Robert Clifton, knt., made his will April 1, 1478, desiring to be buried in the church of Clifton, in the chapel of the Holy Trinity, near the tomb of his wife. The residue is left to Gervase, his son. He, Oliver Blackewall, rector of Blarton, and Thomas Orston, are executors. [Pr. June 30, and administration to Gervase Clifton.] (Reg. Test. v. 124a.) He died on April 9. (Thoroton’s Notts. 57.) His wife was Alice, daughter of John Booth, and sister of archbishop William Booth. She died Sept. 9, 1470. (Ibid.)

Sources:

Robert Clifton

Father: Robert Clifton

Mother: Alice (Booth) Clifton

Occupation: Clergyman, becoming archdeacon of the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Notes:
Robert is mentioned in the notes to the will of his uncle, Archbishop William Booth
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 pp264-7 (1836)
  †Sir Robt. Clifton of Clifton, Co. Notts, the testator’s brother-in-law and the head of an ancient and illustrious family. ... Gervase, his eldest son was one of the witnesses of the testator’s will; his younger brother, Robert Clifton, was more immediately under the patronage of the Archbishop. On May 13, 1454, the Archbishop presents him to the stall of North Muskham, in the church of Southwell, which was vacant by the resignation of Robert Clifton his father, who was the guardian of Gervase Clifton, the last canon. On the 13th of March, 1463-4, the Primate raises his nephew Robert Clifton to the Archdeaconry of the East Riding, and on the 28th of May following he was appointed canon of the stall of St. Michael in the church of Beverley, which was vacant by the death of William Scrope. Clifton all this time was merely an accolite, but twelve days before his patron’s death, on the 12th of Sept. 1464, he received his permission to proceed to the more advanced sacerdotal degrees. Whether he did so or not cannot be now ascertained, but we know that he did not survive the Archbishop long, as the permission to administer to the effects of Master Robert Clifton, Archdeacon of the East Riding, was granted on 27th August, 1467, to Robert Hill and William Heseham.

Robert is also mentioned in the notes to the will of his brother, Gervase Clifton.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 p65n (1869)
  Robert Clifton, brother of Sir Gervase, was archdeacon of the East Riding. On May 3rd, 1454, he was collated to the stall of North Muskham at Southwell, on the resignation of Robert his father, as proctor of Gervase his brother. (Reg. Wm. Booth, 31b.) A nice specimen of archbishop Booth’s nepotism! ... On May 28, 1463, Robert Clifton was collated to the prebend at St Michael’s altar at Beverley (Reg. Wm. Booth, 56a.); and on March 13, 1463-4, his uncle collated him to the archdeaconry of the East Riding (Ibid. 58a.) At this time he was only an acolyte, and on Sept. 12, 1464, he had leave to proceed to the higher orders. (Ibid. 223b.) The archdeacon died young and intestate. On Aug. 27, 1467, administration to his effects was granted to Robert Hill and William Heseham. (Reg. Test. iv. 238a.)

Death: about 1467
Administration of Robert's effects was granted to Robert Hill and William Heseham on 27 August 1467.

Sources:

Robert Clifton

Birth: about 1461
Robert was aged "30 or more" at the Inquisitions Post Mortem of his father, held on 30 October 1491 (Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Henry VII vol 1 p299)

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Occupation: Clergyman
Robert was collated to the stall of Wistow at York on 2 November 1479. He resigned it in 1500 in favor of his brother Gamaliel. On 13 December 1479, he had letters dimissory. He was ordained sub-deacon on 18 September 1479 and ordained priest on 24 September 1485.

Notes:
Robert is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
I will yat my son Robert Clifton have all such stuff of cornez as is growyng upon the demeyne land at Clifton, and all ye bedding and oyer stuff of houshold ther, and a draght of oxon, and all my kyne at Clifton. ... And I will and require my feoffes yat they make a sufficient estate unto my son Roberte,† for terme of his lyve, of ye maner of Clifton wt th’appurtennance and also of th’advosones of the churches of Wilforde, Broghton, Claypoll; and of the hospitall of Blith: ye remayne of theyme to my heires. ... Item I will yat my son Robert Clifton have a cup, and my son Gervas anoyer, such as shall pleas my wiff to giff theyme. ... I will yat none of my childerne have noone of my goodes, moveable nor unmoveable, nor to clame noo childir partes, but onlie to hold theyme content wt yeir annuyties and such lyvelode as I have ordeyned for theyme. ... I will yat my sonnes Roberte and Gervas have all my wod and tymbir being or growing at Bevall ... The residue I yeve to Agnes my wiff, Thomas Orston, and Sir Robert Yole, parson of Clifton, whome I make myne executours. And if they will not take upon theyme ministracion, and prove this my testament by fore my lord archebisshop of Yorke or his officers, thenne I will that my sonnes Roberte and William Clifton, clerkes, take upon theyme administracion. In to wittenesse of all thies premisses, I, ye said Sir Gervas Clifton, to this my testament and last will have sett to my seale, thies personnes beyng presente, Roberte Constable, Roberte Clifton clerke, Gervase Clifton esquier, and Richard Blounte, with other moo.
  † Robert Clifton was collated to the stall of Wistow at York, Nov. 2, 1479 (Reg. Laur. Booth, 7b): he resigned it in 1500 in favor of his brother Gamaliel. On Dec. 13, 1479, he had letters dimissory. (Ibid. 116a.) On Sept. 24, 1485, he was ordained priest (Reg. Rotherham ad finem) having been ordained sub-deacon Sep. 18, 1479. (Reg. Laur. Booth.) He made his will Feb. 24, 1501-2, desiring to be buried in the church B.M. (at Clifton), near his grandfather’s tomb. For distribution among the poor on the day of his burial, 10l. For funeral expenses, 4l. To Gervase Clifton, knt., his brother, a silver-gilt cup, formerly his father’s. To the poor within the limits of his prebend of Wistow, 3l. To the fabric of the church of Clifton, 3l.. To the college of Clifton, 20s. To Friar John Kington, to pray for me, 6l. 13s. 4d. To be distributed among the poor for the soul of Mr. John Butler, 20s. The better part of his bedding, etc., to his brother Gervase; the rest to the poor. The residue to his brother Gervase: he executor. Robert Yole, rector of Clifton, Friar John Kington, S. T. P., a Minorite, and dan. John Ripon, warden of Clifton, witnesses. [Pr. 21 April, 1502.] (Reg. Test. vi. 25a.)

Death: between 24 February 1501(2), the date of his will, and 21 April 1502, when the will was proved.

Sources:

Silvan Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Occupation: Clergyman

Notes:
Silvan is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
  I will that my feoffees make severall dedes of annuyties unto my sonnes Hugh, Gamaliel, Silvan, and Ezechie,* and to everyche of theyme, of c s. for terme of their lyves, to be takyne of the maner, etc. in Wilford.
  † Even the names of some of these children have not been previously known.
... Silvan Clifton was instituted to the rectory of Clifton on May 30th, 1506 (Reg. Savage, 61a.), and gave it up in 1531 for Norbiton in the diocese of Winchester.

Sources:

William Clifton

Father: Gervase Clifton

Mother: Alice (Neville, Thurland) Clifton

Occupation: Clergyman
William Clifton was collated, on 3 July 1479, to the stall of Paleshall at Southwell.

Notes:
William is mentioned in the will of his father, Sir Gervase Clifton, dated 27 April 1491.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71 (1869)
The residue I yeve to Agnes my wiff, Thomas Orston, and Sir Robert Yole, parson of Clifton, whome I make myne executours. And if they will not take upon theyme ministracion, and prove this my testament by fore my lord archebisshop of Yorke or his officers, thenne I will that my sonnes Roberte and William Clifton, clerkes, take upon theyme administracion.
  † ... William Clifton was collated, on July 3rd, 1479, to the stall of Paleshall at Southwell. (Reg. Laur. Booth, 9-10.)

Sources:
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