William Robinson

We, Frans Adryaenszoon van Leeuwen and Willem Govertszoon van der Aer, aldermen, declare that there appeared before us Willem Robintszoon, Englishman, leather-dresser, who declared that he had bought from Cornelis Gijsbrechtszoon van Groenendael, carpenter, a newly built house and yard standing and situated within this city on the south side of the Nieuwestraat, running along the Groenehasengracht, being a part of the rearmost archery grounds (doelen), bordered on the one side by Willem de Jepsin, likewise an Englishman, and on the other side by the aforesaid Cornelis Gijsbrechtszoon, running in front from the aforesaid Nieuwestraat to the rear as far as the rearmost archery grounds.

The appearer acknowledged, over and above the burden of a ground rent of six guilders per year in free money left upon the aforesaid house and yard at his own charge, that he owed the aforesaid Cornelis Gijsbrechtszoon van Groenendael, on account of the said purchase, a sum of thirteen hundred guilders of 40 groats each, which he promised to pay in this manner: namely, at May-day of the year sixteen hundred and ten, at the taking of possession of the aforesaid house and yard, one hundred and fifty of the aforesaid guilders in cash, and thereafter yearly, each following May-day, one hundred guilders, except that in the last year fifty guilders [should be paid], continuing thus from year to year until the full payment of the aforesaid thirteen hundred guilders.

The appearer further promised, on his honour and good faith, in place of an oath, to pay all the aforesaid moneys in free money, without any deduction or reduction, whether for aids, subventions, assessments, land taxes, or other contributions of a hundredth, fiftieth, twentieth, tenth part or more or fewer pennies, however these might be named, and by whomever they have already been imposed and levied or shall be — even should it be declared by placard or otherwise that on these and similar purchase moneys a reduction or discount should or must be allowed — of all advantage and benefit of which he, the appearer, expressly renounced and waived hereby.

Further, there also appeared and came before us aldermen aforesaid the aforesaid Willem de Jespin, who hereby constituted and made himself surety for the debt and likewise as principal in this matter for the aforesaid Willem Robintszoon, both as concerns the discharge of the aforesaid ground rent of six guilders per year and the principal sum thereof, and also the free payment of the aforesaid thirteen hundred guilders — to which end he hereby waived and set aside the benefits of order and of execution, of the force and effect of which he declared himself fully informed — hereby binding, first, the aforesaid Willem Robintszoon specifically with the aforesaid house and yard, and further both appearers generally with all their respective goods, movable and immovable, present and future, none excepted.

The aforesaid Willem Robintszoon accordingly promised to release his aforesaid surety in this matter, under the same binding as above. In witness whereof this is confirmed with our seals, on the 28th of April of the year sixteen hundred and ten. Signed below: J. Swanenburch, and was sealed, etc.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.

We, Frans Adriaenszoon van Leeuwen and Willem Govertszoon van der Aer, aldermen of Leiden, make known that before us came Willem de Jespin, Englishman, carpenter, declaring that he had bought from Cornelis Gijsbrechtszoon, likewise carpenter, a newly built house and grounds, standing and situated within this city on the south side of the Nieuwstraat running along the Groenhazengracht, the ground thereof being a portion of the rearmost archery-range ["doelen"], bordering on the one side on Jacob Fredericxzoon, timber merchant, with a common side wall, as high as the wall-plate of the building of the aforesaid Jacob Fredericxzoon extends, and above that the wall is free and belongs solely to this purchased house; and on the other side on Willem Robintszoon, leather-dresser, likewise Englishman, running in front from the aforesaid Nieuwstraat to the back as far as the ground of the rearmost archery-range.

And he, the appearing party, acknowledged, over and above the charge of a ground-rent of six guilders, free money, per year, left upon the aforesaid house and grounds at his, the appearing party's, own charge, to owe the aforesaid Cornelis Gijsbertszoon van Groenendael a sum of thirteen hundred guilders of 40 groats each, which he the appearing party promised to pay in this manner, namely: on May Day of the coming year sixteen hundred and ten, with the commencement of the aforesaid house and grounds, one hundred and fifty of the aforesaid guilders in cash, and thereafter yearly, on each following May Day, one hundred guilders, except that in the last year fifty guilders, continuing thus from year to year until the full payment of the aforesaid sum of thirteen hundred guilders.

He, the appearing party, further promised, on his honor and integrity in place of an oath, to pay all the aforesaid moneys in free money without any deduction or reduction, whether for aids, subsidies, assessments, land-tax levies, or other contributions of a hundredth, a fifth, a tenth, or more or fewer pennies, however they may be named, and by whomsoever they have already been imposed and assessed, or shall be, even should it be declared by placard or otherwise that a discount or reduction should or must be allowed on these and similar purchase moneys — of all benefit and advantage of which he the appearing party expressly renounced and hereby relinquished.

Furthermore there also appeared before us, the aforesaid aldermen, the aforesaid Willem Robintszoon, leather-dresser, who constituted and made himself hereby surety in money and also as principal, concerning the free payment of the aforesaid sum of thirteen hundred guilders, on behalf of the aforesaid Willem de Jepsin, renouncing and setting aside for this purpose the benefits of order and of prior execution [i.e. requiring the debtor be pursued first], the force and effect of which he declared himself fully informed of; binding hereunder, first, the aforesaid Willem de Jepsin specifically as to the aforesaid house and grounds, and further, both appearing parties generally, all their respective goods, movable and immovable, present and future, rights and debts receivable, none excepted; in consideration whereof the aforesaid Willem de Jepsin promised to relieve his aforesaid surety in this matter, on account of the aforesaid suretyship, without cost or damage, under the like obligation as above.

And all this in good faith and without deceit or guile. In witness whereof this is confirmed with our seals, on the 28th of April in the year sixteen hundred and ten. Below was written: J. Swanenburch, and it was sealed, etc.

In the margin: Note, this original of the deed registered alongside here was shown cancelled at the secretary's office on the 20th of September in the year sixteen hundred and nineteen.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.

We, Frans Adryaenszoon van Leeuwen and Willem Govertszoon van der Aer, aldermen of Leiden, make known that there appeared before us Cornelis Gijsbertszoon van Groenendael, carpenter, who acknowledged for himself and his heirs to have sold, and hereby sold, to Willem Robintszoon, Englishman, leather worker, a newly built house and ground standing and situated within this city on the south side of the Nieuwe Straat, running along the Groenehasengracht, being part of the rear Doelen.

Bounded on one side by Willem d'Jepsin, likewise an Englishman, with a house and ground which he likewise bought from the appearer, and on the other side by the appearer himself. Running from the front on the aforesaid Nieuwe Straat to the rear at the back Doelen, subject to a redeemable ground rent of six guilders of forty groats each, free money, per year, redeemable at the rate of one-twentieth, payable to the dean and headmen of the civic guard of this city, with right of pre-emption and registration as often as the aforesaid house and ground shall come to be alienated, according to the deed thereof.

And otherwise free of any further encumbrances, save that the buyer must tolerate that the aforesaid house and ground shall specifically remain bound: first, for such purchase moneys as the appearer still owes the aforesaid dean and headmen from the purchase of the ground of this sold house; and further for a rent of eighteen guilders and fifteen stuivers, in the aforesaid free money, per year, together with the principal sum thereof, owing to Gerrit Pieterszoon van Immerseel, which the appearer retains at his own charge, and which he promised to keep the buyer free from. Also, to make the aforesaid house and ground wholly free of the aforesaid obligation and mortgage of these same charges before the last three hundred guilders of the purchase price promised by the buyer shall fall due.

Further, with the following conditions: first, if this buyer and the aforesaid Willem d'Jepsin should wish to have a rainwater cistern of ten barrels' capacity made, at a place to be designated by them both, the appearer shall bear the cost of the bricklaying work, as well as the timber and labour needed for it, and the said cistern, once so made, shall be used and maintained jointly by this buyer and the aforesaid Willem d'Jepsin.

Secondly, that the aforesaid Willem d'Jepsin shall have to allow this buyer joint use of the privy drain running beneath the house of the said Willem d'Jepsin, provided that, should this buyer cause the said drain to become blocked or fouled, he shall bear and pay the costs of repairing the same drain jointly with the aforesaid Willem d'Jepsin, half and half.

Thirdly, with such temporary conditions regarding the completion of the aforesaid house as are contained in the transfer deed. And fourthly, with such conditions and warranty as are contained in the old warranty deed thereof, the right of which the appearer hereby transferred to this buyer insofar as it concerns this sold house and ground, and the buyer shall be permitted, at his own cost, to obtain an authentic copy of that deed.

The appearer likewise promised, besides this and under the aforesaid charges and conditions, to warrant and keep the aforesaid house and ground free from any further encumbrance or claim that might have been brought upon it by him during the time of his ownership; binding generally all his goods, movable and immovable, present and future, none excepted.

Furthermore, the appearer acknowledged that he was well and fully satisfied and paid, down to the last penny, for the aforesaid sale, and that by a bond of debt for a sum of thirteen hundred guilders in the aforesaid currency, to be paid in free money, with one hundred and fifty of the said guilders in cash, and further with one hundred guilders per year — except for the last year, fifty guilders — the first payment at May sixteen hundred and eleven.

In witness whereof this deed is confirmed with our seals, on the twenty-eighth of April in the year sixteen hundred and ten. [Below was written:] J. Swanenburch, and it was sealed, etc.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.

We, Frans Adryaenszoon van Leeuwen and Willem Govertszoon van der Aer, aldermen of Leiden, declare that there appeared before us Cornelis Gijsbrechtszoon van Groenedael, carpenter. And he acknowledged, for himself and his heirs, to have sold, and hereby sells, to Willem d'Jepsin, Englishman, likewise a carpenter, a newly built house and grounds standing and situated within this city on the south side of the Nieuwstraat, running along the Groenhazengracht, the ground being a part of the rear Doelen.

Bounded on the one side by Jacob Fredricxzoon, timber merchant, with a party wall shared up to the height of the wall-plate of the said Jacob Fredricxzoon's building, above which the wall belongs freely and solely to this sold house; and on the other side by Willem Robintszoon, leather-dresser, likewise an Englishman, with a certain house and grounds which he has likewise purchased from the appearer. Running from the aforesaid Nieuwstraat at the front to the rear as far as the grounds of the rear Doelen.

Subject to a ground rent of six guilders of forty groot each, in free money, per year, redeemable at the twentieth penny, payable to the deacons and captains of the civic guard of this city, with right of pre-emption and registration as often as the aforesaid house and grounds shall come to be alienated, according to the deed thereof. Otherwise free of any further charges, save that the buyer must accept that the aforesaid house and grounds shall remain specially bound, first, for such purchase money as the appearer still owes the aforesaid deacons and captains from the purchase of the ground of this sold house, and further for a rent of eighteen guilders and fifteen stuivers of the aforesaid currency, in free money, per year, together with the principal sum thereof owed to Gerrit Pieterszoon van Immerseel, which the appearer retains at his own charge and from which he promised to release the buyer. Likewise, to free the aforesaid house and grounds entirely from the said obligation, mortgage and charges before the last three hundred guilders of the buyer's promised purchase money fall due.

Further, subject to the following conditions. First, that if this buyer, together with the aforesaid Willem Robintszoon, should wish to have a rainwater cistern of ten barrels' capacity made, at a place to be agreed by them both, the appearer shall bear the cost of the masonry work, together with the timber and labour necessary for it; and the said cistern, once made, shall be used and maintained jointly by this buyer and the aforesaid Willem Robintszoon.

Second, that this buyer must accept the aforesaid Willem Robintszoon's joint use of the privy drain running beneath this sold house, provided that, should the said drain become blocked or fouled, Willem Robintszoon shall share the cost of repairing it together with this buyer, each bearing half.

Third, subject to such temporary conditions concerning the completion of the aforesaid house as are contained in the declaration (inbreng). And fourth, subject to such conditions and warranty as are contained in the old deed of warranty thereof, the right to which the appearer hereby transfers to the buyer insofar as it concerns this sold house and grounds; and the buyer may, at his own cost, obtain an authentic copy of that deed.

The appearer promised, moreover, likewise under the aforesaid charges and conditions, to free and warrant the aforesaid house and grounds against any further encumbrance or claim that might have been placed upon it by him during the time of his ownership, under the general obligation of all his goods, movable and immovable, present and future, none excepted.

Further, the appearer acknowledged himself, by reason of the aforesaid sale, to be fully and entirely satisfied and paid, the last penny with the first, by means of a bond of deferred payment (custingbrief) containing, over and above the burden of the aforesaid rent, a sum of thirteen hundred guilders of forty groot each, payable in free money, with one hundred and fifty of the aforesaid guilders in ready money, and further one hundred guilders a year, except for the last year at fifty guilders, the first payment falling due on May Day in the year sixteen hundred and eleven.

In witness whereof this is confirmed with our seals, on the twenty-eighth of April in the year sixteen hundred and ten. Below was written: J. Swanenburch, and sealed, etcetera.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.

Willem Robertszoon, Englishman, is admitted as a citizen on the testimony and surety of Bernaert Ros and Rogier Wiltzon, on the day and year as aforesaid.

In the margin: received 3 pounds 4 shillings.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden. This entry is a brief citizen's registration record rather than a full notarial act.

There appeared before the undersigned aldermen William d'Jepsin, Englishman, as seller, and William Mintas, likewise an Englishman, as buyer. And they acknowledged, mutually and reciprocally, to have sold and bought a house and grounds standing and situated within this city on the south side of the Groenhazengracht, bounded on the one side by Jacob Fredericxszoon, timber merchant, and on the other side by Willem Robintszoon, leather-dresser, likewise an Englishman, running from the street of the aforesaid canal at the front to the rear as far as the back of the Doelen (the archery grounds), all just as the aforesaid house presently stands built and made, and as it is used and inhabited.

This is subject, first, to a ground rent of six guilders of forty groot each, in free money, per year, redeemable at the rate of the twentieth penny, payable to the deacons and captains of the civic guard of this city, with right of pre-emption and registration as often as the aforesaid house and grounds shall come to be alienated, according to the deed of issue thereof. This rent, chargeable to the buyer, shall begin to run on May Day of this year sixteen hundred and thirteen, together with the taking possession of the aforesaid house and grounds.

And further, with a sum of eight hundred and fifty guilders in the same coin, owed once, from the previous buyer of the aforesaid house and grounds, payable to Jacob Corneliszoon de Haes as having the right and transfer from Cornelis Gijsbertszoon, carpenter, likewise in free money, in instalments of one hundred guilders a year, the first term of which, chargeable to the buyer, shall fall due on May Day of the year sixteen hundred and fourteen.

And further subject to the conditions, stipulations and warranty contained in the old deed of warranty thereof, which the seller promised to transfer and hand over to the buyer, together with all rights thereto. And he promised, besides, to free and warrant the aforesaid house and grounds, under the aforesaid charges, conditions and stipulations, against any further encumbrance or claim with which it might have been burdened by him, under the general obligation of all his goods.

For which aforesaid house and grounds the buyer, over and above the aforesaid charges, acknowledged himself indebted to the seller in a sum of three hundred guilders of forty groot each, which he promised to pay entirely in free money — likewise of the excise of the fortieth penny, together with the fee for the writing and sealing of the deed of transfer — on May Day aforesaid of this year sixteen hundred and thirteen, together with the taking possession of the aforesaid house and grounds, in ready money, the aforesaid house and grounds remaining specially bound as security therefor; and the parties released one another from providing further warranty or surety. Done the… [the original document breaks off here; the date is not given].

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.

We, Andries Jasperszoon van Vesanevelt and Mr Garbrandt Warmondt, aldermen of Leiden, declare that before us appeared Willem d'Jepsin, Englishman, who acknowledged, for himself and his heirs, to have sold, and accordingly hereby conveyed to Willem Munter, likewise an Englishman, a house and grounds, standing and situated within this city, on the south side of the Groenehazengracht, bordered on the one side by the property of Jacop Fredericxszoon, timber merchant, and on the other side by the property of Willem Robints, leather-dresser, likewise an Englishman; extending in front from the street of the aforesaid canal to the rear, to the grounds of the rearmost Doelen.

All just as the aforesaid house presently stands built and made, and is used and inhabited, subject to the encumbrance, first, of a ground-rent of six guilders of 40 groot each, free money, per year, redeemable at the twentieth penny, owed to the deans and captains of the civic guard of this city, with right of pre-emption and re-registration as often as the aforesaid house and grounds shall come to be alienated, pursuant to the deed of grant thereof, which rent, chargeable to the buyer, has already begun to run from May Day of the year 1613 last past. And further of a sum of eight hundred and fifty guilders of the aforesaid currency, in a lump sum, owed to Jacob Corneliszoon de Haes, as having the right and assignment from Cornelis Ghijsbertszoon, carpenter, arising from a previous sale of the aforesaid house and grounds, and to be paid to him, likewise in free money, in instalments of one hundred guilders per year, except the last year of fifty guilders, the first falling due on May Day of the year 1614.

And further subject to the conditions, terms and warranty contained in the old title deed, to which this present deed is transfixed and pierced through, which the appearing party hereby delivered to the buyer with all the right and claim pertaining thereto. The appearing party further promised, subject to and under the aforesaid encumbrances and conditions, to warrant and defend the aforesaid house and grounds against any further claims or charges that might have been imposed upon it by him during the time of his ownership, binding thereto generally all his goods, movable and immovable, present and future, none excepted.

Furthermore, the appearing party acknowledged that, on account of the aforesaid sale and conveyance, he had been fully and completely satisfied, paid and contented, the last penny with the first, provided that he remains duly indemnified from the aforementioned encumbrances, and in addition paid a sum of three hundred guilders of the aforesaid currency in ready cash.

In witness whereof this is confirmed with our seals, on the tenth of September of the year sixteen hundred and fourteen. And it was signed, J. Swanenburch, and sealed with two seals of green wax.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.

Property register (Bonboek), North Rapenburg. Willem Robints, Englishman, tanner. Groenhazengracht, south side.

Sold by Dirck Block, as curator of the estate and goods of Willem Robbertszoon, to Jacob Janszoon de Haes, charged with a redeemable annuity of six guilders yearly, redeemable at the rate of one-twentieth [i.e. twenty years' purchase], accruing to the deacons and headmen of the civic guard here, with right of pre-emption and re-registration as often as it is alienated. In addition, [charged with] one, etc. And it was delivered by voluntary decree of this court on the [date left blank in the original], 1 February 1637.

Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden. This entry is drawn from the city property register (Bonboek) rather than a full notarial deed; the original leaves a blank where a specific date should appear.