Occupation: Linen Draper

An ancestor's occupation as described in a vellum Indenture: 

Mortgage of 130 acres of marshlands and premises situate in the Level of West Maytham in the Parish of Rolvenden, Kent for securing £250 at 5 per cent dated 17 July 1705, Thomas Sharpe, Linen Draper of the ancient town of Rye, Sussex, to Mrs Elizabeth Collington

Draper: originally a term for a retailer or wholesaler of cloth that was mainly for clothing; dealer in fabrics

 

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Sharpe & Odiarne of Sussex & Kent

While researching our Odiarne ancestors I came across a wonderful website - FamilyDeeds.org - which gathers and provides a large amount of free online information taken from their collection of old deeds and documents that can aid in family history research.  
On this site I was able to find a record that relates directly to our ancestors.

The basic extract is provided for free.  

If you determine that the record is a direct hit, you can purchase the full transcription (which I did).  FamilyDeeds.org was also very kind to send me pictures of the original document including close-ups of the signatures and seals on the original record. 
Needless to say, I am very thrilled & can highly recommend them.  

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