We have confirmation that Nicholas Cushing was the son of Stephen Cushing. We see that Gilbert Cushing owned the same piece of land in 1742 that Robert Cushing transferred to his eldest son Robert in 1659. We have to be talking about Gilbert, born to Gilbert and Elizabeth in Hardingham, in 1714, the grandson of the Gilbert we seek. However, this is a crucial piece of evidence linking Gilbert to Robert Jr. (and Eleanora) and Robert Sr. (and Faith) since in 1742, this early transfer must have been referred back to when Gilbert was admitted to the land. The only reason to refer back to this early entry is if the land remained in the family and when it came to Gilbert wanting to be admitted to the land, the court wanted to look back at the entry to see the wording of Robert Jr’s admission. This stated ‘to hold to him the said Robert Cushin his heirs and assigns…’. This meant that under the terms of his admission it was his desire that the land should remain with his heirs. Of course, it was ultimately up to the Lord of the Manor who was admitted as copyhold tenant, but the Lord of the Manor tended to go along with the wishes and wills of his tenants, unless there was a good reason not to. A tenant might sell his copyhold title also, but if this had been the case here, then there would have been no reason for the court to look back at an entry which was some 100 years old. So this is a vital piece of evidence telling us that Gilbert was an heir of the heirs of these two Roberts
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Regarding Shipdham property given by Robert to Gilbert, these are dated 2.6.1687,23.10.1671, 24.10.1665, 11.10.1664, the last left to Gilbert and Mary. Obviously preparing for his demise, and indicative of a close relationship with Gilbert |