Brown-Crocker

The first date associated with Stephen Hopkins upon his return to Landon is that
of marrage to his second wife, Elizabeth Fisher, on 19 February 1617 (old style). He
was in England before 1617 and probably much earlier. While he was away in the
New World, his first wife Constance had borne a son in December of 1609, but both
had died soon after. His son William also disappears from records at this time.

After his return to London he was a merchant. He lived in the Aldgate sec-
tion of Bast London. Aldgate (Aelgate = free gate) was one of the four Original
gates in the London Wall. The old Roman road to Colchester (now known as
Whitechapel Road) passed through this gate.

His second marriage took place nearby at the parish of St. Mary
Whitechapel (also known as St. Mary Matfellon, the onginal name being
obscure). The church was in existence as carly as the 1300s. The edifice was in
poor condition in the later 17th century and was taken down in 1673. It was
rebuilt soon after. The building wus burned in 1880 and was rebuilt the next year.
A source reported that it was among the many buildings bombed during World
War II. The church no longer exists.