ABSTRACT
The L’Estrange family were settled at Hunstanton in north-west Norfolk from the twelfth century. Sir Hamon L’Estrange (c.1583-1654) was a patron of both literature and music and his three sons, Nicholas (1604-55), Hamon (1605-60) and Roger (1616-1704), all played their parts, as did Sir Hamon’s wife, Lady Alice. She meticulously kept and wrote the household accounts, which incorporate many references to music and especially to the viol. She herself played the instrument, as an entry on 15 February 1611 shows:
Ensuing entries give more evidence for viol-playing:
24 July 1611 for Viall stringes 3s. 0d. 4 January 1611/12 for a viall stick 3s. 0d. 24 April 1612 to Mr Wallis his man for bringing an instrument from Mr Briggs 1s. 0d. 2 August 1612 for viall stringes 2s. 0d. 18 February 1612/13 for viall stringes 2s. 0d. to one that brought the violl 6d. 23 February 1612/13 for Carying the viall 6d.2
