c17th Rare Vellum Indenture Dealing With Thomas Watson Property Issues c1698

This Indenture is in good condition, with some loss at the folds and needs the careful hands of a museum to conserve it. It dates to c1698. It is signed by Puritan Minister Thomas Watson and Edward Porter. It deals with property and other issues. It measures 36" x 30" and has an additional addition where the signatures are made. A very rare piece and worthy of much research.

Thomas Watson was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge,[1] where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a 16-year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook.Watson showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for Nonconformity. Notwithstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity.Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a licence to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly, while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.[2]