ABSTRACT
A bass from Worcester, Yardley was sworn as a gentleman of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court on 7 June 1662, after the resignation of George Lowe. He was one of the minor canons at Worcester, listed in 1671. He was at Windsor for the St George's Feast that year (24-30 May) and again in 1674 from 18 May to 3 September. In 1682 he was there from 22 April to 23 June and 8 July to 10 September. Yardley sang at the coronation of James II on 23 Apr 1685 and was sworn again on 21 Nov 1689 following the accession of William and Mary. The Cheque-Book fails to record his death at the end of 1691. (Another George Yardley witnessed the will of the Worcester clerk John Sayer* on 23 Jan 1693/4.)
Probate: Will: PCC: Lpro, PROB 11/407, q.227, 12 Oct 1691; proved 19 Dec 1691 by relict Christian. Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, living in the precints of Worcester; to his wife Christian his tenements in Newent, Gloucs., his present dwelling house in the precincts, leased from the cathedral; £250 to dau. Catherine; £250 to dau. Anna Maria; a guinea each to dau.-in-law Mary Yardley and to her child; residue of estate to wife, she to be executrix. Witnesses: Giles Trimlett; Mary Weson; (x) Eleanor Westley.
[BDA; CBCR; RECM I, V; Spink]
[A.A.]