Nicholas Babbs is first heard of in 1539 when he appears on the list of "Harnes appoyntd within the towne of Guldeford"; Constable in 1541, Flesh and Fish Taster in 1542, along with another man, 1544 on the jury, 1545 on the list of approved men indicating he had been a Bailiff, same year named as an Affeerer (an official who assesses fines and fees not already standardly fixed), 1545 Bailiff again, and same year listed as a fishmonger for the whole of Lent for which privilege he was assessed 6d. His burial record says he had been Mayor of Guildford. The family attended the church of Saint Mary, Guildford's oldest church, still standing on Quarry St.; 6 ch. by _abbs: Richard, Henry, Margaret, Helen, Nicholas, Edward (posthumous).
