John Crokatt d.1719

John CROKATT d.1719

Books

A bookplate "John Crokatt of Walthamstow in Essex Gent." (Franks 7402) was evidently used by a man of that name whose details have not been traced, beyond what can be deduced from his will, proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury in 1719. This reveals an extensive family of brothers, sisters and cousins, but has no mention of a wife or children; his property (including a house at Walthamstow) was bequeathed around his mother, siblings and friends. Beyond financial bequests, there are references to plate, jewellery and other household goods (but not to books), suggesting that he was affluent, and perhaps died relatively young (some of his brothers were under 21). The arms on the bookplate are not found in Papworth but similar ones suggest that the family may have been of Scottish descent.

Sources

• Will of John Crokatt, The National Archives PROB 11/569/84.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903-4.