Thomas Wells, weaver, was born Cir 1600 probably in or near Evesham, Worcestershire, England

He died in Feb 1636/7, Evesham, Worcestershire, England as evidenced by his will.

Married: 13 Oct 1625 Frances Albret/Albright in All Saints Parish, Evesham.

The children of Thomas and Frances Wells were:

So far nothing has been found of Thomas before his marriage. We know his father was still living in February 1636/7 as he was included as a beneficiary of Thomas' will, however his name was not stated, and no likely candidate was found in a search of burial and probate records of Evesham and surrounding areas.

We have not been able to determine the identity of Frances Albret/Albright's parents or her place of residence before marriage, but she had brothers named John Albright and Richard Albright, and we have a residence of the latter. Richard Albright lived at Alderminster -- the marriage of Richard to Ann Kelbie on 7 June 1631 is recorded there, two children of this marriage are christened there, and Richard died there (inventory, 6 March 1638/9). Richard Albright left bequests in his will to his three children,and his "brothers" John Albright and Griffen Low. This would indicate Griffen Low (or Loe) was the husband of Frances' sister. Richard and several of these same individuals were also named in the will of Thomas Wells. Alderminster is located about 10 miles east of Evesham in County Warwick.

Nearly all of our information about Thomas Wells comes from his will, dated 9 February 1637 [actually 1636/7 based on the burial record], in which he nominated his wife as executrix, but again he failed to give a name. We can assume with a high degree of certainty that this is the same Thomas Wells who married Frances Albret/Albright because he left bequests in his will to his brothers[-in-law], John Albright and Richard Albright.

Thomas left bequests to each of his living children: "eldest son Thomas [Wells]," daughter Mary [Wells], son John [Wells] and he even left a contingency bequest "if my wife be with child." The christening of three children, and the burial of one daughter, of Thomas Wells are recorded in the records and/or transcripts of the two parishes of Evesham: All Saints and St. Lawerence.

In addition to the bequests already mentioned, Thomas Wells left two shillings to each of the following individuals (the family relationship, if any, of some of whom is yet to be determined): Joseph Clifford and John Welles, godsons; John Albright and Catherine Albright, children of Richard Albright; Ann Albright and Jone Tege, daughters of John Albright; John Loe and Sara Loe, children of Griffen Loe (Richard called him brother [-in-law] Low); Joel Pathit; and Sara Orduay -- Edward Orduay, William Lampit and Thomas Hardy were witnesses to the will.

This would seem to indicate that Thomas had a brother who had a son named John Welles and he probably had a sister whose married name was Clifford and who had a son Joseph Clifford.

The mystery: Who were the parents of Thomas Wells? Who were his brother and sister as implied by the will? Who were the parents of his wife, Frances Albright? Who was Griffen Low/Loe?

If you have any information on the ancestors of Thomas Wells please send an e-mail to: