Note: I'd like to extend special thanks to researcher Jared Nathan for sharing his work pertaining to 1050784Thomas, especially for providing an English translation of his grandson's will.

1050784Henry Bettenham is mentioned in the will of his grandson 262696Stephen. (Specifically, the will reads Henrici Bettenham avi mei, i.e. "Henry Bettenham my grandfather.")1

1050784Henry witnessed two records dated 31 December 1307 and 6 April 1324 involving land in Cranbrook, Kent, England. In both transactions, Battle Abbey or one of its representatives was one of the parties,2,3 so perhaps 1050784Henry had some assocation with that abbey, although one can't be sure. (Interestingly, the 1324 deed shows that one of his co-witnesses was named John de Bettenham, although his relationship to 1050784Henry is unknown. The 1324 deed also had two co-witnesses named Henry le Baker and his brother Thomas Baker, who may have been related to 262697Helewys Baker, the future wife of 1050784Henry's grandson 262696Stephen.3 Similarly, "Henry the Baker ('Pistor') of Cranbrook" co-witnessed the 1307 deed, as well.2)

1050784Henry must have been born by 1290, since he presumably was an adult when he witnessed the 1307 deed.2

262696Stephen's will was proved in 1415,1 so if we assume a ~30-year span between generations, we can estimate that 1050784Henry died circa 1355, but of course this is merely a very rough approximation.

Sources Cited:

1: E. F. Jacob, ed., and H. C. Johnson, The Register of Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury: 1414-1443, Volume II (University Press, Oxford, 1937), pages 33-36. This a transcription of the will of Stephen Bettenham, which is in Latin. I privately obtained an English translation. I have been unable to find the original record that Jacob and Johnson transcribed.

2: Kent History and Library Centre archive reference U3848/T1 no 88 (f.19v), a lease record dated Sunday the eve of the Circumcision 1 Edward II [31 December 1307] from Brother John de Watlynton (sacrist of Battle Abbey) to Ralph le Deghere of Cranbrook.

3: Kent History and Library Centre archive reference U3848/T1 no 59 (f.12v), a deed dated 6 April 17 Edward II [1324] from Matilda (wife of John Orable) to the abbot and convent of Battle Abbey.