Nicholas Stephenson of Swordhouse, Browyeat and Yoadepark
Probably son of William Stephenson, tenant of Sword House (who died in 1617) - born c1590
Married Jennet
Children
Nicholas, baptised on the 16th of August 1628 at St Catherine's, Eskdale, Cumberland
Robert, baptised on the 24th of April 1632 at St Catherine's
Bridget
Isabel
Died May 1665 leaving will
Notes
1 Admitted to Swordhouse in 1617 following the death of his father, William. (D/Lec/299 - Margaret Russell)
In the year 1654, Robert, son of Nicholas Stephenson, took a tenement originally belonging to his father (Browyeat) but surrendered it to his brother, Nicholas in 1656.
In April 1665 Robert Stephenson/Stevenson took a tenement surrendered by by Nichol Stephenson/Stevenson (Sword House). Possibly he and his father, knowing his father was very sick, arranged this to avoid having to pay the fine on his father's death as well as for a transfer from his brother (who would have inherited the property). Robert was only left 5/- in Nicholas's will whereas his brother was left £10 as well as the residue of the estate.
2 It is not certain that the Nicholas who made his will at Yoadeparke, in the parish of Muncaster, (naming Robert, Nicholas, Bridget and Isabel) is the Nicholas of Miterdale who had sons Nicholas and Robert, but it fits together if Nicholas moved to Yoadepark around 1655, leaving Sword House and Browyeat to be farmed by his sons.
3 Yoadepark no longer exists but is believed to have been around Muncaster Head. In his will most of Nicholas's animals were beasts and horses - implying a valley bottom farm. There is still an area called Horse Parks to the west of Muncaster Head. The Eskdale And District Local History Society Mary Fair Project for 2005/6 investigating that area has found references to Yoadepark (and Ald Park).