Signature of a Catholic Notary 1680

[Llanfihangel]

Hi!

This is an unusual signature for the time and place (Breconshire 1680). It is found on a few Welsh Wills as a witness, but I think he was a notary or lawyer by occupation. Most importantly he was a known Catholic in the Parish of Battle, Beconshire, and this signature is taken from his recantation of his Catholic religion to satisfy the clerics for a burial in the Church Cemetary.
As a result, the signature was probably developed in this style when he attended Catholic insructions as a child.
I would like your comments regarding the likely status of Hugh Beavan in the attached signature.
Thanks!

Llanfi 

[Bookbox]

The extract posted is from the Will of Hugh Beavan, proved in the court of the Archdeaconry of Brecon in 1680 (did you post the wrong page)? I would say the signature is not particularly unusual for the period.

Attached to the will are further documents, including bonds, explaining that Beavan had been under sentence of excommunication but had renounced his Catholic faith and wished to be reconciled to the Church of England.

He is most unlikely to have been a lawyer or notary. After the passing of the Test Act of 1673, Catholics were prevented from holding any public office of this kind.

[Llanfihangel]

Hello Bookbox!
Thanks for your comments.
Hugh Beavan's signature appears on several Wills of that period, all within a few miles of Battle, Breconshire. He was a Bondsman (along with David Williams of Battle) for Thomas Pugh's estate in Merthyr Cynog, 1670.
Hugh Beavan was a bondsman on two Wills of the Williams family of Battle, where he is described as  a "yeoman".
John Williams, Gent of Battle, is a bounder for Hugh Beavan's Will of 1680, so the reltionship was still quite close, even when the Parish of Battle required the recantation.
Interesting that David Williams, the above John Williams son, required confirmation in the Church of Wales to get married in 1695!
Thanks again!

Llanfi