WILLS AND INVENTORIES
Included here are a number of wills from the 16th to the 18th century. It is interesting to explore them and see how the bequeath their estate to to family and friends. And because we are also interested in the material culture (archaeology) of the period, these documents also paint a picture of the type of things people owned and used.
In the name of god Amen the xxv (25) day of Aprell in the yere of owre lord god a thousande five hundert and lii (52) that I William Howrobyn of the parish of Shene sicke in bodie and holle in mynde and reymembrance make my laste wyll in manner and forme folowynge.
Fyrst I bequeth my solle to God almightie and my bodye to be beried in the churche yarde of Shene.
Fyrste I wyll that I be brothe home my detts and my bequeste prayed opon ye holle of my goodes and then ye rest of my goodes to be delte in thre parts, ye one part to my wyffe and ye other two parts to be delte amonges my thre dattrs by even partyons.
Item: I wyll that my wyffe have my wyne (wain or cart) and my plo (plough) and al thyngs that be be longes to husbanddre so long as she leves and after her desshese to reymeyne to my sone William Howrobyn.
These be the detts that be owyng me, fyrst John Kardar 9 shillings, Robert Bateman 9 shillings.
Also I order and make my wyffe Margerye and Olyener Pertyngton my true and lawfull executors and Nicholas Sleyghte oversear. These beying wyttnenes ryt malkyn William Mylward and Rychard Persevall
This ys ye true ynventarie of all the goodes and cattells of William Howrobyn of Shene of everye sort and kynde by them selfe and preysed by these named folowyng firste Hugh Sleyght, Jhames Sleyght, Hugh Persevall and Nicholas Sleyght.
Jhames Sleyght, Hugh Persevall and Nycholas Sleyght.
Staffordshire Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry wills and probates 1521-1860 13/04/1553.
Staffordshire Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry wills and probates 1521-1860
Hugh Warde of Sheen. Will and Inventory proved June 12 1579
In the name of god Amen the xth daye of desember and in the yeare if our lord god 1578 I hugh warde of the parishe of Sheene sike in body but of good perfecth Remenbrans make this my laste will in manerand fourme followeing first I geve and bequeath my soulle to almightie god and my body to be buried in the churche yarde of Sheene Item I will that I bebroght home my dettes and my funnerale expenses paid upon the howle of my goodes Item I will that my wyffe shall have the thirde parte of my goodes Acordinge to the lawe Item I bequethe to my sonne John warde one ammorie one Arke one borrd and my best bedstied one wayne one plought one harrowe Itm I bequth to my sonne George warde xl shilinges for his childes part be cause he will not com at mie Item I geve and bequethe the Renvrion of my goodes to my sonneThomas warde Item I ordayne and make my wyffe and my sonne John ward my trewe and lawfall executors thies being witness Richard malkyn william horobine william mottrom with other mo.
Probat apd uttoxater xii Ao Junnij 1579
Com’ss xc Joh’ ward xc et Janne relict
Curia Curatede Shene ... xc
A trewe Inventory indented made the firste day of may 1579: of all the goodes cattles debtes and chattles of Hughe ward lte of the paryshe of Shene in the dioces of Coventry & Lichfeild yoman, now deceased than sene vewed and truly and indifferently valued and pryied particularly by us William Horowobyn Richard morte Thomas ward & William monyfold
Imprimis iiij kyne price iiij li xiij s iiii d £4 13s 4d
Item iij Tywnter younge beastes xls 40s
Item ij yereling yonug (young spelt incorrectly)? beastes xvjs 16s
Item ij Caples xxs 20s
Item xxiiij shepe & vij lambes iij li £3
Item ij yong calfes vs 5s
Item iij gese & one gander xvid 16d
Item iij hyves iijs 3s
Item all the corne hie, & twlth (?) growing iiij li £4
Item one wayne & wollen pere of whiles vs 5s
Item J plough & ij harroes ijs 2s
Item all the Jron ware & husbandry stuff iijs iiijd 3s 4d
Item ij brasse pottes xs 10s
Item ij brasse panes xs 10s
Item alittle pan xvjd 16d
Item vi puterdisshes iiijs 4s
Item ij socers j puter can (possibly abbreviated) xijd 12d
Item ij little candlestuke vjd 6d
Item j brand Jron racknet pothoke & tonges viijd 8d
Item v cheres and stoles xijd 12d
Item vj quysshions (cushions) xijd 12d
Item all the wood ware xijs 12s
Item ij pere of bedstockes xijd 12d
Item iij old covrlettes viijs 8s
Item iij old Blanckes iijs 3s
Item ix pere of shites xs 10s
Item I bord clouth viijd 8d
Item all his apparel xs 10s
Item iij flytches of bacon vjs 6s
Item ij old matures (mattresses)& ij olde bolsters ijs vjd 2s 6d
Suma .... xxij li ixs xd £22 9s 10d
................. apud Uttoxater
xij o die Juni 1579
Staffordshire Archives: Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521 -1860:
Richard Botham, Whittle, Sheen Probate Documents:
· Will written 17th May 1578
· Inventory written September 1st 1578
· Proved 12th June 1579
In the name of god amen The xii daie of Maie 1578: I Richard Botham of Whitle in the parish of Shene in the County of Staff husbandman being sick in body but sound & perfect in remembrance do make this my last will and testament.
First I bequeath (&) give, my soul into the hands of almighty god my maker redeemer & saviour & my body to be buried in the church yard of Shene.
Item my will & mynd is yt Katheren my daughter have one kowe one heifer my greatest pan & my my greatest puter dishe one little potte and achafinge dishe fower shite iij blankette & one coverlette.
Itm my mynd & will is that Alice my daughter have my balde cowe thre shite ij blankette one cov(er)let one windowecloughe one puter dishe.
Itm my mynd & Will is that Thomas my son have one kowe my gretest pott one puter dishe one yewe hogge one coverlet.
Item my will & mynd is that Henry my sone have my mare two shepe viz one baren Ewe & one hogge & one litle potte.
Item my will and mynd is yt humfrey my sone have the vijs which he oweth me vj shepe & my middleste potte.
Itm my will & mynd is yt Katheren my daughter have my house & garden stedd/stidd/? & one dole of ground which I have in taking under William Mottram for iij yeres yet to come.
Itm my will & my mynd is that Thomas my sone have my barne & one dole of land which I have under hughe Manyfold for iii yeres yet to come.
Itm my will & mynd is that Thomas my sone & Katheren my daughter have equally divided (?) between them one Ricke of olde haie & the corne that shall springe of one daie worke of A ploughe in the highe field.
Item my will & mynd is that I being brought home the rest of my goods to be divided amongst my children at the honest discrecrecion of William horobyn & Roger percyvall.
And I make Humfraie Goodwyn & Thomas my sone my truwe & lawfull executors hereof to se that that my will be discharged and performed .
In witness of : Humfrey Goodwyn William horobyn Rog percivall & Richard Goodwyn.
(In a different hand in latin …. Apud uttox xii .. 1579 comss ..ec humf goodwyn ec p… ec . This is reference to the will and inventory being proved at Uttoxeter 12 June 1579 by Humfrey Goodwyn etc )
The trewe Inventory incl…. made the firste daie of September Ao 1578: of all the good & catles and debte late of Richard Botham of Whitle in the parishe of Shene in the County of Staff husbandman now deceased And then ……sene priced rated and valued reasonably & indifferently by us William horobyn Roger percyvall Thomas Ffrogat and John Warde
In his cottage house
Imprimis j little borde iiij d
Itm iij stoles iij d
Itm j quysshion iij d
Itm j brand Iron iiij d
Itm ij little panes v s iiij d
Itm iij puter dishes xx d
Itm all the wood ware xiiij d
Itm vij shite vj s
Itm vj blankette iiij s vj d
Itm iij cov(er)lette vij s iiij d
Itm j windocloughe iiij d
Itm iij olde broken little brass potts iii s iiij d
Itm vj infected shepe vj s
Staffordshire Archives: Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521 -1860, Roger Percevall, (Percival) Sheen, Oct 12 1581 Will dated 1580 June 6
In the name of God, Amen. The 6th day of June and in the year of Our Lord 1580. I Roger Percevall, of the parish of Sheen, sick in body but of good and perfect remembrance make this my last will and testament in manner and form following: First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and my body to be buried in the church yard of Sheen.
Item I will that I be brought home, my debts and my funeral expenses be discharged upon the whole of all my goods.
Item I will that my wife shall have her third part according to the law.
Item I bequeath to my son Roger Percevall my great ark, my amborey, and the timber of my dishboard(?)
Item I bequeath that my wife and my son Roger shall have all my husbandry gear between them as waynes, ploughs, yokes, harrows and all things thereto belonging.
I bequeath to my two daughters that be unmarried, Katherine and Joan, either of them one vat, one coverlet and one pair of sheets besides their child’s part.
Item: I bequeath to my daughter Alice one sheep.
Item to my daughter Ellen, one sheep.
Item to my daughter Joan, the elder, one sheep.
Item to my daughter Grace one calf of a year old.
Item to my son Richard Percevall his looms and his gears that he works with.
Item I bequeath to my godson Roger Percevall one lamb.
Item I bequeath to James Percevall, my son’s son, one lamb.
Item I will that the reversion of all my goods, not bequeathed, be (dealt?) to my children James, Robert, Richard, Katherine and Joan by even portions.
Item I ordain and make my wife Katherine Percevall my true and (lawful?) executor and Nicholas Percevall and Richard (Nicholson?) overseers. These being witnesses Richard Malkyn curate,Thomas Ward with other men.
Inventory undated
An inventory of all the goods and cattles of Roger Percevall of the parish of Sheen … (possibly ‘quick’ with abbreviation for ‘and’) … dead and praised by these names following.
First Hugh Sleyght (Sleigh),Richard Mort, Thomas Warde (Ward) and William Howrobyn (Horobin).
First one ox the price 20s
Item 4 kye the price £4
Item two heifers the price 26s 8d
Item 17 sheep the price £3 6s
Item 5 hogs the price 10s
Item one mare the price 6s 8d
Item in brass & pewter the price 30s
Item in bedding the price 53s 4d
Item in raiment the price 10s
Item one wain, one plough, & one harrow and all things thereto the price 15s
Item in iron ware the price 2s
Item in wooden ware the price 16s
Item in treen ware the price 2s
Item 3 swine the price 20s
Item in hens the price 12d
Item in corn and hay the price £4 10s Item in meal and malt the price 10s
Item in butter and cheese the price 4s
Item in turves and peat the price 3s
Total £23 5s 8d
Staffordshire Archives: Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521 -1860: Richard Pearsevall, (Percival) Sheen dated 27th October 1591
The inventory of all and singular the goods and cattle both quick and dead moveable
and immoveable of Richard Percifal late of the parish of Sheen within the county
of Staff deceased, seen and praised the 17th day of October anno domino 1591
By us George Holme, John Hadfield, Henry Clay and George Chrichlow
Imprimis: Two kyne priced 4 marks
One stirk priced 14s
One calf priced 10s
Half of one stirk 6s
14 old sheep £3 10s
Five hoggs 16s 8d
13 pounds of wool 9s
One old sheet 12d
One old shirt and a pair of nether stockings 12d
One old windowing sheet 2s 6d
One pair of weaver looms with all gaires (gears?) and furniture thereto belonging 16s
One coffer priced 3s 4d
One other old arke 12d
One Cloak 2s
One board cloth 2s
One little skillet, one little pewter charger and one saucer 12d
Ove vat 16d
One pair of shoes 16d
One pair of hooks to make roapes ( ropes?) 6d
One harrow x(illeg)d
One hand saw 5d
One old sheet 4d
One hatchet 8d
One little piece of carsie 6s
(Added) one jerkin one doublet 2s
Debts owing to the above named deceased
First John Milwarde of Poole 40s
Next Thomas Warde of Sheene 31s
Next Ellen Percifall 9s
Sum total £14 15s 10d ( with 2s added above)
Administration given to Raphe Bestwicke and Grace his wife (Richard’s natural sister). Also mentions Francis Paddy of Alstonefield (confirms death?) 14th October Litchfield
The inventory of John Ward, Whitle, Sheen (Skyene) 1592
NB Sheen has been transcribed as Skyene . The far right hand side of the page is either folded or torn so it isn't possible to give the correct price
The inventorie of all, & singular, the goodes of Jhon Ward of Whythill deceased apraysed the xxx day of aprill anno domini 1592; be Jhon harrison, hennrie Cooke, hugh manifold, & Thomas Ward.
In primis iii oxen the pric ............................................ viii (£8 plus?)
Item vii kyen the pric .................................................. x (£10 plus?)
Item ii hefferes the pric .................................................. xls
Item ii calves the pric .................................................. xs (10s plus?)
Item ii mares, & ii coltes the pric .....................................liiis iiiid
Item ii swyne the pric ........................................................... xs
Item bees, & pullen the pric ................................................. iiis iiiid
Item corne & hey in the house & uppon the ground the pric ............ v li (£5 plus?)
Item meale & molte the pric ....................................................xxs (20s plus?)
Item potes, pannes, & pewter dishes with all
other pewter & brasse whatsoever the pric .......................................iiiil (£3 plus?)
Item i feather bedd; iii mattresses, with all sheites, blanktes bolsters, pyllowes, & all other beddinge whatsoever the pric ................................................. (?)
Item xiii sackes, & i window sheite the pric .........................................xiiis iii
Item i borde clothe with other lynens the pric ..................................... iii
Item i ombrie with all arkes, cofers, bedstockes, & bordes
lomes, with all other wooden implementes the pric .............................. xl (£10 plus?)
Item beiff & bacon the pric ................................................................ xx
Item i Iron, bound wayne, I baren wayne,
& all plowes, harrowes yokes, temes, with all other
husbandrie ware whatsoever the pric ............................................iii
Item i irone crowe, & certaine barres of irone,
& i hammer of irone, with wedges, pickes & all other irone
stuff whatsoever the pric ................................................................iii
Item i paire of tainters, ii paire of sheres with all
other implementes pertaynynge to that trade the pric .................xxx
Item his purs, & his apparell the pric ................................................iii
Item tymber framed for iii beys of an house
with all ioystes, bordes, dowers & divytyotes
whatsoever to the said buildinge belongeth ye pric ...................xi
Item iii thousand slates the pric ..................................................iii (£3 plus?)
Item free stone readie hewan the pric ........................................ x?
Item glasse the pric ......................................................................... vis x (6s 10plus?)
Item certanye strikes of lymme the pric ................................................x
Debtes that are oweinge me
In primis Robert Buxston and William Buxston of Chelmorton ..............
Item Robert daken my brother in law .......................... xvili xiii (£16 13 plus)
Item Thomas Harrison of glutton .................................... x
Item Robert Gylman of Longner ...................................... x
Item John Roger of Sternedale ........................................ iiili xi (£3 11 plus)
Item William Lummas of the Haslynehowses ...................xiiis
Item William Heaton of the eaves .......................................xlii
Item Thomas Ward my brother xvj steane of ma
Debt that I do owe To William Ensore .........................xlii s
In the name of god amen. The foure and twentith daye of Aprill, anno Domini, A Thowsand Five hundreth Ninety Twoe. I John Warde of Whithill Bancke in the parishe of Sheine and County of Stafford yeoman sicke in bodye but of wholle and perfecte remembraunce thankes be given to god make this my Will and Testament in manner and forme following First I bequeathe my Sowle to Almighty god my maker and Redemer and my bodye to be buryed in the parishe Churche yarde of Sheyne Also I give and bequeathe for my mortuarie according to the Quenes Actes. Item I give and bequeathe to Jane Warde my mother, tenne shillinges Item I give and bequeath to Michaell White one pyed heifer. Item I give and bequeathe to Anne Hunte one blacke heyfer. Also I will that the Rest of all my goodes not bequeathed moveable and immoveable quicke and deade whatsoever their shall remaine when this my Last Will is performed my Funerall Costes discharged shall remaine to Katherine my wyfe and Parnell my daughter equally to be devided betweene them yf she the saide Katherine my Wife fortune not to be with childe. Provided allwayes that if my saide wyfe Katherine chaunce to be with childe Then my full intent and will is that my saide wyfe Katherine shall have the thirde parte of all my goodes according to the Custome of the Countrye And the Rest of my goodes not bequeathed and Funerall Costes as before mencioned discharged shall remain to my saide children in equall parties to be devided Also I ordayn make and constitute Katherine Warde my wyfe my true and Lawful Executrix to see this my Last will performed Also I make Thomas Warde of Sheyne and Anthony Alexander supervisors of the same.
Debtes that are owing me:
In primis Robert Buxston and William Buxston of Chelinton seaven poundes
Item Robert Daken my brother in Lawe Sixtene poundes thirtene shillinges foure pence
Item Thomas Harrison of Glutton tenne poundes.
Item Robert Gilman of Longner Tenne poundes Item John Roge of Sternedale Three poundes thirtene shillinges four pence
Item William Lummas of the Haselyne howses eighte shillinges foure pence
Item William Heaton of the Eaves Fortye twoe shillinges
Item Thomas Warde my brother xxvj stonie of marle
Debtes that I owe:
To William Ensore Forty twoe shillinges
These being Wittnesses Thurstane Dale Raphe Alexander and Richarde Manifolde
Probatum fuit Testamentum supra scriptum apud London’ Coram Venerabili viro nostro Willelmo Lewyn Legum Doctore Curie Prerogative Cant’ Magistro Custode sive Commisario Legitime deputato Quarto die mensis Julii Anno Domini Millesimo Quingentesimo Nonagesimo Tertio Juramento nostri Willelmi Cirate notarii publici procuratoris Catherine Warde notarii publici procuratoris Relicte dicti defuncti et executricis in huiusmodi Testamento nominate Cui commissa fuit administracio et cetera De bene et fideliter administrand’ et cetera Ad Sancta Dei Evangelia Jurat’ Examinatur (TNA PROB 11/82/171) 82 Peeling Back the Layers Final Report.
Staffordshire Archives: Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521 -1860: Roger Percivall, Sheen, June 6 1597
Inventory dated 1590 May 8
Administration granted dated June 6th 1597
‘An Inventory of all the goods and cattels of Roger Persifall of the parish of Sheen lately deceased praised the 8th day of May anno domini 1590 by these men whose names …(illeg) subscribed viz Hugh Sleighe, Richard Morte, Thomas Persifall and William Howrobyn'
First Three little beasts £5
Next two stirks 33s 4d
Next two calves 13s 4d
Next Two horses 26s 8d
Next Corn and Hay 20s
Next Pewter and Brass 6s 8d
Next Bedding 20s
Next All wooden ware 5s
Next All iron ware 4s
Next One Swine 5s
Next Two hens 8d
Next All his apparel 6s 8d
Total: £12 1 s 4d
Staffordshire Archives: Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521 -1860: Register June 6th 1597 Roger Percivall, Sheen.
Refers to administration given to ‘Ellena Percivall alias Woolley relict’. In a different hand it states an inventory was exhibited at Lichfield on 24 October 1598.
Last will and testament of William Mottram the elder of Whitle, husbandman. 14 January 1602.
In the name of god Amen: The xiiijth daye of Januarie in the yeare of our Lord god one thowsa[n]d sixe hundered and one: I William Mottram thelder of Whytle in the parishe of Sheene in the countie of Stafforde husbandman Sicke in bodie but of good and perfect memorie the Lorde therefore be praysed, make and ordaine this my laste will, and testament in manner and form following First I commende my soule unto Almightie god my maker, and creator, and un[to] Jhesus Christe my Savyour, and Redeemer, And my bodye to be buryed in the parishe Churche yorde of Sheene aforesaid. Item I geive and bequeathe unto Regynolde Mottram my sonne, three shillinges and iiijd for and in the name of all and singuler his filiall, or Childes part of my goodes: Item I geive, and bequeathe unto Richard Mottram my sonne Twelve pence for and in the name of all, and singuler his filiall, or Childes parte of my goodes: Item I geive, and bequeathe unto John Mottram, Thomas Mottram, and Robert Mottram my sonnes everie one of them twelve pence for, and in the name of all theire severall Childes parte of my goodes: Item I geive, and bequeathe unto William Mottram my eldest sonne one old potte, one old panne, and my beste Coate: Item I geive, and bequeathe unto the said John my sonne one dublet: Item I geive, and bequeathe unto the said Richard my sonne one pair of hosen Item I geive and bequeathe unto Margaret my daughter one pewter dishe and a Chaundeler for, and in the name of all her filiall, or Childes part of my goodes: Item I geive and bequeathe unto Jane Froste iiijd: Item my debtes, legacies, and funeral expences beinge payd, and discharged, I geive and bequeathe all the reste of my goodes and Cattell whatsoever unto Agnes my wief: Item I Constitute, ordaine and make William Mottram my said sonne the sole, and lawfull executour of this my laste will, and Testament to execute the same accordinge to my truste in hym reposed Theise beinge witnes William Wheeldon senior Robert Gylmon, and Humfrey Goodwyn.
Debts which the aforesaid testator doethe owe:
Inprimis unto William Mottram my sonne xs vjd
Item unto Ralph Sleighe, senior vs
Item unto Richard my sonne vs
Item unto Thomas Jeller ijs viijd
Item unto Richard Howesler xxjd
Item unto James Wheeldon xd
Item unto Margaret Wheldon widowe vijd
Fiat probacio testamenti supra script’ Ad qro Exec’ in testamento nominat’ John Weston deputat Staffordshire Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry wills and probates 1521-1860. Peeling Back the Layers Final Report.
Staffordshire Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probates 1521-1850.
Ralph Sterndale, the younger
1605 July 19th Hartington
It is very badly torn and illegible in many place .
It is possible to make out it was written 21st February 16….. by …. Stearndalle of Crowdycote who was sick in body.
He bequeaths to:
· Richard Sterndale, my brother, 5 sheep
· D?....., my sister, 5 sheep
· …………, my sister, 5 sheep
· Ellen Sterndale, my sister, 5 sheep
· John Sterndale …. (presumably his brother)
· Robert Sterndale, my brother, 5 Sheep
· George St……… (presumably my brother) £4
· ……. as/os (Thomas/James?) my brother £4
· Ralph Sterndale my (father?)……………………..
· ……………
· And Will?......... 13s 4d
· ……………. 6s 8d
· ………………… Mee 13 4d
· George Holme 5s
· Christopher Wheldon …….
· ……………. Mylward 3s 4d
· William? Smythe 6s 4d
· ………………….. £10
· To every … sisters 20 shillings?
· Poor people ……. 6s 8d to be distributed…
· Poor of Earl Sterndale …4d
· Poor of Crowdicote 3s..
· Ralphe Sterndale – residue
Witnesses? -Richard Sheldon my cousin?
The Will also includes a very long list of people who owe him money including what looks to be Christopher Wheldon, .. Mylward above but it is very difficult to work out the amounts. Often last name or amount owned only can be seen.
Here is a transcription of the will of James Sleigh. You may notice that James is not currently on the updated Sleigh family tree. This is in part due to difficulty tracking records and that he was a resident of Haddon (Derbyshire) and so his relationship with the Sleighs of Pilsbury is as yet unclear.
Will of James Sleigh, Haddon NA PROB/11/106/407
1 In the name of god Amen the twentieth day of
2 October in the third yeare of the Raigne of our Sovereigne lord James by the grace of
3 God Kinge of England France and ireland defender of the faith etc And of his raiggne
4 of scotland the nyne and thirtieth Anno Domini One Thousand six hundred and five
5 I James Sleigh late of Haddon in the county of Derby yeoman being sick in body but
6 in good and p[er]fect remembrance doe in the feare of God make this my last will and
7 Testament in manner and form following _______ first I commende my soule to the holy
8 and blessed trinitie three p[er]sons and one god without begynnynge or ending who in
9 the p[er]son of his sonne Jesus Christ hath redeemed my soule from the tyranny of the
10 devilland from everlasting damnation by the __________ only of his bytter death and
11 passion and by the same onely I trust and believe to have remission of all my sins
12 and to be savedand made partaker of his glorious presence and everlasting kingdom
13 and my body to be buried wheresoever it shall please god call me out of this life
14 Item I give and bequeth to my dearly beloved father Hugh Sleigh ten pounds Item
15 I give and bequeth to my brother Richard Sleigh one hundred pounds Item I give devise/demise
16 and bequeth to my brother John Sleigh and his heiresforever one cottage with the
17 appurtenances in Hartington now in the tenure of John Sleigh and Edward
18 Douglas als Bateman or one of them And also one hundred pounds in money Item
19 I give and bequeth to my brother Thomas Sleigh one hundred pounds Item
20 I give and bequethto my brother Ralph Sleigh one hundred pounds Item I give and
21 bequeth to my two sisters Grace and elizabeth ten pounds _______ either of them five
22 pounde Item I give and bequeth to my nephew John Sleigh servant to my father
23 twenty poundes Item I give and bequeth to my nephew Hugh Sleigh now apprentice in
24 London fifty poundes Item I give to my nephew Robert Sleigh of Derby towne thirty
25 poundes Item I give and bequeth to my cosen Hugh Sleigh of Hartington three pounds Item
Item I give to my cosen Richard Sleigh of Mydleton four poundes Item I give and bequeth to
27 my cosen Grace, Ellen and Katherine sisters of the said Richard and Hugh Sleigh as
28 followeth viz to grace three poundes to Ellen _______ five poundes and to Katherine
29 forty shillings Item I give to my cosen Thomas Sleigh Haddon ten poundes Item I give to
30 my loving friend Thomas Hill of Nottingham vintner fortie shillings Item I give to
31 my neice Cicely Sleigh tenn poundes I tm I give and bequeth to my cosen Thomas
32 Ashton habberdasher and his _______ thirteen poundes six shillings and eight pence Item
33 I give to Thomas Northe of Bakewell fortie shillingsItem I give devise and bequeth
34 to my brother Gervase Sleigh all my land tenements and heredita ments whatsoever (except
35 before excepted) together with all the residue of my goods chattels debts
36 and demands whatsoeverto me due or hereafter to be due within the realm f Eng
37 lande And doe hereby make ordaine and institute mysiad brother Gervase Sleighmy
38 true and lawful executor trusting he will see this my last will and testament p[er]formed
39 accordinglie In witness whereof to this my will subscribed withwith my own hande and I have
40 putt my seale the daie and yeare first above written by James Sleigh sealed and
41 delivered in the presence of ________ ____________ Edward Carter scrivener Henry Feldus Thomas Colson
In the name of God Amen the twentieth day of October the year of our lord god 1606 I William Horobyn the elder of Whittle in the paryshe of Sheen in the countie of Stafford husbandman being of sounde and perfect memorie the lord therefore be praysed and concerninge the confirmation of deathe and the time thereof may be uncertaine and not mynded to dye Intestate I doe ordaine and make this my laste will and testement in manner and forme following:
Firste I commend my soule unto Almightie god my maker and creator and unto Jesus Christ my saviour and Redeemer and my body I will to be buryed in the paryshe church yard of Sheen aforesaid.
Item: I geve and bequeathe unto William Horobyn my son all my ploughes, waynes, harrowes, yoakes, iron teames, all my woodden and treene wares, as boardes formes trestles, bedstocks, cuppboard, disheboard and all other implements of husbandrie, with all coffers and cheste and coffer excepted with I doe geve unto Katherine my daughter.
Item: I geve and bequeathe unto the said Katherine my said daughter the one halfe of all my quicke goodes.
Item: Out of the other halfe of my quicke goodes I geve unto Sir John Horobyn clarke my sone the beste cow that he can chuse.
Item: Out of the said halfe part of my quicke goodes I geve unto Ellen Robynson my daughter a calve of a yeare olde.
Item: I geve unto Reygnold Barnes my sone in law all the reste of the said one halfe part of my quicke goodes.
Item: I geve and bequeathe unto the said Katherine my daughter all the reste of my goodes whatsoever, debtes legacies and funerall expenses being paid and discharged of the whole of my said goodes.
Item: I constitute, ordayne and make Mr John Horobyn my said sone the sole executor of this my last will and Testament to see the same executed as my trust in him reposed is he will doe.
Item: I ordayne and appoynt William Horobyn my said sone supervisor of this my will and testament.
Theise beinge witnes:
Raphe Sternedale, Thomas Percivalle, William Mottram, Humfr: Goodwyn.
The Inventorie of all and singular the goodes and chattell bothe quicke and dead moveable and immoveable of William Horobyn the elder of Whytle in the paryshe of Sheene in the Countie of Stafford, husbandman deceased, seene and praysed the 17th day of November in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand sixe hundered and sixe by us Raphe Sleighe, Thomas Percivalle, William Bateman and William Mottram.
Will of John Harrison of Earl Sterndale, 1609 (formerly of Whittle Banke)
Public Record Office catalogue ref: Prob/11/115
1. In the name of God Amen the tenth day of March
2. One thousand sixteen hundred and nyne I John Harrison of Earle Sterndale in
3. the parishe of Hartington in the countie of Darbie yeoman being of sound healthe and
4. memory (the Lord therefore be praised) knowing the certeyntie of deathe and the
5. theretof most uncertayne and therefore not mynded to dye intestate do ordayne and
6. this is my last will and testament in manner and forme following firste and principally
7. I commende my soule unto to Almiightie godmy maker and creator unto Jesus ……..
8. My savyoure and merciful redeemer whose merits I trust and steadfastly believe to
9. Have remission and pardon for my sinnes and my bodye I will to beinterred and buryed in the
10. Parishe church or churchyard of Hartington aforesayed. Item I give and bequeath unto
11. All the children of Edmund Dickenson my sonne in lawe and of Katherine his wife thirtie pounds
12. To be equallie divided amongst them which saied some thirtie pounds of my will and ….
13. Mynde …..? shalbe ymployerd and putt fourthe to the best of the said children until they
14. Shall accomplishe the full and generall ages of twentie and one yeres and for evry saied child
15. Soe accomplished the age of twentie and one yeres shall have and retaine his part and potcion
16. of the said somme of thirtie pounds which said somme shall be Ymployed and put fourthe
17. aforesaid by my exectors hereafter named and by the sayed Edmund which sayed some
18. of thirtie pounds shall be paide within one ‘yere’ whole yere next after my decease to the use of
19. the said children and to be employed and aforeSayed item I give and bequeath unto
20. Thomazine Matter (unclear text) my daughter an anuall and yerelie rent of ffortie shillings
21. lawfull money of England to be paid leveeyed reteyened out of one meadow called
22. ffullowe meadow situate in the manor of hartington a forsayed and during
23. such tearme of yeres as I ha(unclear text) the same meadowe by virtue of a lease to me thereof
24. made by henry Cavendishe the esquire if she the sayed Thomazine so longe shallhappen to live
25. and after her decease ? dying or deceasinge within the sayed terme my will and mynd is that
26. For the children of said Thomazine shall have then living shall have and reteyne the sayed annuall
27. or yerelie rent of ffortie shillings for and during the revertion of my said Thomazine (unclear) of yeres my
28. Said meadow which said somme of ffortie shillings yearlie during the sayed terme
29. On the ffeaste of Saint Michael the Arkanngell onlie one item I give and bequeath unto
30. Thomas Harrison my grandchilde and sonne of Abraham harrison my sonne twentie poundes
31. Of lawful money of England item I give and bequeathe unto Anne Harrison daughter
32. of Abraham my saed sonne five pounds thirteen shillings and fourteen pense
33. item I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Harrison daughter of William harrison my sonne ffyve
34. poundes. I give and bequeathe unto Anne daughter of the sayed William
35. ffyve poundes. Item I give unto John Harrison son of sayed William
36. all of my husbandrye ware and woodden wares within the house and without to be delivered unto
37. the sayed John after the decease of my wife Katherine (all my said wives chestes and
38. my own chestes cofers excepted) the use occupation of which sayed husbandrie
39. and wooden wares my will and mynd is that Katherine shall have during
40. her natural life item I give and bequeathe unto Katherine my said wife all the rest of my goodes within
41. house whatsoever and all such corne as shall be either j(unclear)ed or growing upon my groundes within
42. Earle Sterndalle aforsayed I give and bequeath to my wife fouer of the best kyne
43. She can choose Item I give and bequeath unto my said wife twentie ewes to be chosen amongst
44. Ffortie ewes to be sett fourthe Item I give unto my said wife twentie wether sheep to be chosen out of fortie wethers. Item my will and mynd is that my saied wife shall have pasturing
45. for twoe kyne in the ffullowe meadow and pasturing for other two kyne in Alderscliffe during
46. (blank)
47. (lives so long) I item my will and mynd is that my saied wife shall have and reteyne and take twentie
48. strikes of malt yerlie during naturall life out of Buxton milles, hoping that John
49. Harrison my sonne will not contradict or with stand the same. Item my will and mynd ys
50. that my executors hereafter named shall occupie and enjoye the saied milles called Buxton milles
51. and all profits and issues thereof shall have retayne to theire proper uses for the
52. ende and terme of fouer yeres next ensuing the day of my decease yielding and paying
53. yerlie during the saied terme of fouer yeres unto the said john Harrison my sayed
54. Sonne the rent some twentie poundes of lawfulmoney of England in the ffeast
55. days of sainte Michael the Arkangell and the Annunciation of the Ladye be even portons
56. and only in regarde that I did take the lease of the saied milnes and payed for the same
57. with my own propper goodes which saied terme of fouer yeres and if the saied John refuse to performe
58. then my will and my mynde is that saied John shall have but onlie twelve pense in recompense
59. and (unclear) of all his filial or childes parte of my goodes and chatell. Item whereas I
60. hould in ffee fferme to me mynes heire and assignes for ever the saied mylnes called Buxton
61. mylnes and all the soake suite and service thereto belonging so I do hereby give and grant
62. unto William Harrison second son of William Harrison my sayed sonne the moytie or
63. halfe parte of all the suite and service and profittes arisinge coming out of
64. the same mylnes to have and to hould the saied moytie or halfe parte of the sayed mylnes
65. and other premises unto the saied William his heeres and assignes forever under the
66. rented and duties therefore yerlie due and payable. Item I do give and graunt into Edmund
67. harrison son of Abraham Harrison my sonne the other moytie or half parte of the sayed
68. mylnes and the moytie ofall the soake suite from iservice from issues profittes and
69. commodities coming and arising out of the said milnes to have and to hould the sayed
70. moytie or half parte of the saied mylnes and other premises unto the said Edmund his
71. heires and assigneses forever by and under the rents and duties therefore due and accustomed
72. Item I do give and assigne unto Abraham Harrison my sayed sonne all myne interest
73. righte and title which I have in the third part of the pasture called Thurtolowe*
74. in the said parish of Hartington for and during all revertion of my fearme therein
75. I do give and assign unto John Goodwyne my servantte the lane calle ffullowe
76. meadowe lane and the keeping or attending the sayed meadow during all myne
77. interest therin (unclear) the said John doying the same as he doeth unto me. Item I give unto
78. Thomas Kington my servantte five markses. Item I give unto Elizabeth Buxton my
79. servannte ffyve markes. I give unto Margaret Standon my servante five markes
80. Item I give unto John Standon my servantte tenne shillings. Item I give unto Thomas
81. Standon my servant tenne shillings one ewe and lambe. Item my will and mynede
82. ys thay y f william harrison to remove and flytte Thomas Mottram my servant from
83. weany (?) meadow that saied Thomas shall have one calfe heifer to be delivered
84. unto him by my executors. Item my will and mynde is that my executors shall give at
85. twoe next christmas days next after my decease either day twentie peckes of oatmeal
86. whereof the one halfe to be distributed amongst twentie poore folks about Buxton
87. and the other half to be given amongst twentie poore folk about Earl Sterndale aforsayed
88. the sighte and direction of my executors. Item my will and mynde ys that
89. my executors hereafter named shall occupy and enjoye all my lands and cattell
90. chattel or leases before not bequeathed ioyatley for one whole yere next after my decease for paying
91. and distharding of my legarcies before bequeathed and after the ende of the sayed one yere
92. shall have all the saied goodes cattels chattel before bequeathed to be equallie divided
93. betwixt them upon intent and purposes yf either of my saied executors do dye within the
94. saied one yere that the survivor shall not have anymore of the saied goodes cattels chattel
95. or lease but one halfe thereof. Item my will and mynde ys that william harrison my saied
96. sonne shall permit and suffer Katherine my sayed wife to have and enjoy all the house and ferme
97. in Earl Sterndale aforesaid and for an during her natural life paying therefore yerelie unto
98. William his heires or assignes twenties shillings in the ffeast of St Michael
99. angell onlye provided always that my sayed William and Abraham my saied sonnes
100. or any of them my saied children do not performe this my will and testament that then such
101. and so many as shall not fulfil my saied will and testament shall have but onlie twelve pense
102. in full recompense and satisfaction of all such their filial or childes parte of my goodes and
103. chattel. Anything herin contayned not withstanding. Item I give unto
104. the said William and Abraham my sonnes one coffer and one trunke and all such goodes
105. withinthem to be equallie divided between them. Item I constitute ordeyne and make
106. sayed William and Abraham my saied sonnes the true and lawful executors of this my last
107. will and testament revoking and (unclear) all former willes legarcies and bequests
108. whatsoever in witness where I have herein put my hand and seale the day and yere forst
109. written above. Silligum duti testoris
110.Humphrey Godwyn
John Horobin Scropton 1612 September 12
An Inventory of the goods and movables of John Horobin Clarke late curate of Scropton deceased.Praised by Ralphe Elis? Richard Archer of Scropton yeoman Henry Locke? Jo: Malborne of ffosten George Warlow? John Twigg & Reginold Barnes
Imprimis a cloake cloth .....................xxxvs (35s)
Item a blacke gowne .................xxs (20s)
Item a rydinge cloake with sleeves? Xs (10s)
Item the best cloake .......................... xxxs (30s)
Item the worst cloake ........................vs (5s)
Item the best dublet & breeches .............. viiis (8s)
Item 2 other dublets and a paire of breeches ...... viijjs (8s)
Item a blacke Jerkin....................................... ijs (2s)
Item a new blacke hat & (treble?) bands .....xijs (12s)
Item an ould black hat ........... js vjd ( 1s 6d)
Item a paire of shooes ...................... iijs 4d (3s 4d)
Item a (napie) hangers and girdle .........................vs (5s)
Item one fine linen (sook)...................................viijs (8)s
Item a paire of new hempton sookes................vij s (7s)
Item ould torne? sookes ...............................vijd (12d)
Item tow new shirtes .......................... xs (10s)
Item a paire of (book/boot)hose & toppes ... viijd (8d)
Item a ( lin d or box?) ................ijd (2d)
Item 3 Koverlides ............................ xvijs (27s)
Item 2 Blankettes ...........................vis viiid (6s 8d)
Item a boulster.............................. 4s
Item a wooll bed.......................................xiijs 4d (13s 4d)
Item a bedstid and painted clothes ............vjs viijd (6s 8d)
Item a deske with boxes ..................................vjs viijd ( 6s 8d)
Item 2 pillowes ........................................... xvjd (16d)
Item a standing candlestick ........................... viijd (8d)
Item a chea(r/n?)e ..................................... vs (5s)
Item a mouse trapp and co(u/n)ser ........................ iijd (3d)
Item 6 little boards or shelves ............................xxd (20d)
Item a forme ...............................viijd (8d).
Item a new board .............................vs (5s)
Item a a locke?...............................iijd (3d)
Item an ould sadle stirrups and letherings ....................... 10s (10s)
Item a little table in the house ..........................ijs vjd (2s 6d)
Item a load of Coles.............................. vjs (6s)
Item 4 pewter dishes foure spoones and a candle sticke .................vijs (7s)
Item flax and hemp in the rough? ...........................xx4s 4d (24s 4d)
Item a land iron ................................xbjd (16d)
Item a paire of books.......................xijd (12d)
Item all his books.......................... xs ixd (10s 9d)
In Latin but states that Adinistration Bond was made for John Horobin lately living at Scropton now dead . Elizabeth Horobin alias Barnes his sister said he had died.
Executors Reginald Barnes of Rodesley, County of Derby, husbandman and Lawrence Staden.
The Inventorie of William Horobin of Whittle Banke, Sheen, 1617 (There is no will)
The Inventorie of all and singular, the goods and cattell, bothe quick and dead moveable and immoveable of William Horobin of Whittle Banke in the paryshe of Sheene and in the Countie of Stafford deceased sene and praised the 28th day November 1617 by us.
George Goodwyn, William Mottram, Richard Stearndale, Henry Crichelowe and John Newton.
Signed by Agnes Horobin of Whittle Banke in the Countie of Stafford
Signed by William Mottram, husbandman.
1. In the name of God Amen, the eighteenthe daye of
2. Julye in the yeares of the raigne of our sovereigne Lord James by the
3. grace of God kinge of England France, and Ireland the eighteenth and of Scot
4. land the three and fiftith defender of the faithe etc 1620 I Hugh Manyfold
5. of the over water houses in the p[ar]ishe of Alstonfield and Countie of Stafford
6. yeoman somewhat diseased in bodie but of good sound and p[er]fect remembrance
7. I praise God for the same knowing the certaintye of death but the tyme thereof
8. most uncertaine, doe ordaine and make this my present will and testament in
9. manner and forme followinge First I commend my soule unto Almightie God my
10. maker and to Jesus Christ my onelye Saviour and redeemer being assured and
11. most stedfastly beleving that throughe his deathe and passion I shall have
12. remission forgiveness of all my sinnes and my bodie to be burid where the
13. Lord shall appoint Item my will and mind is that Elizabeth my wife shall be
14. the principall taker of this my farme ______________ over water houses aforesaid for
15. her owne lief and for the lyves of Hughe Manyfold and John Manyfold
16. my sonnes yf the Right Worshipfull Sir John Harpur my maister and landlord
17. will thereunto Consente and agree Item my will and mind is that after my
18. debts, legacies and Funerall expencies shall be paid and discharged all the
19. reste of my goods Cattells, Chattells, household stuffe debts whatsoever
20. shall be equallie devided amongst my wife and Children And my will and
21. minde is that Elizabeth my wife shall have the said goods cattells, chattells
22. household stuffe and debts unto her owne use and behofe until my said children
23. shall accomplish the severall ages of of one and twentie yeares and when they
24. shall come to the said age of one and twentie then my said wief shall paye
25. them their said porc[i]ons And my will and mind is that my said wife shall
26. maintaine and keepe my said Children with sufficient meate, drink app[ar]ell
27. and lodginge until they shall accomplishe the said severall ages of one and
28. twentie yeares and until such tyme as their said porc[i]ons shall be paid
29. unto them Item my mind and will is that if my said wief shall take my said
30. arme at over water houses aforesaid that she shall assigne the said farme
31. unto Hugh and John Manyfold my said sonnes If she the said Elizabeth
32. my said wife shall fortune to marrie again Item I doe constitute ordaine and make
33. the said Elizabeth loving wife the sole executrix of this my present will
34. and testament and doe hereby revoke,frustrate and make void all my former
35. wills legacies and bequethes whatsoever
36. Debtes owinge by the said Hugh Manyfold
37. In primis to Raphe Sleighe of neather water houses due accordinge to a bill therof
38. made Two and twenty pound To Will[ia]m Bagshawe of Hardinge Boothe eight
39. pound sixteene shillinge To Roger Bagshawe of Hardinge Boothe six pound
40. fouer shillinge To William Wardle of Neather Haddon due at Christmas
41. nexte eighteene pound To Rowland HeatheCoate of Harley seaven pound sixteene
42. shillinge, eight pence To Thomas Chamber Jnr of Longnor Nyne pounde eighteene
43. shillinge Sume three score eight pound two shillinge eight pence
44. Debtes owing unto the said Hugh Manyfold
45. Thurston Wye Fouer pound, Henry Bagworthe seaven shillinge Thomas
46. Hulme five shillinge Osmonde Wye Fiftie shillinge, William Sheldon tenn
47. shillinge, John Cresswell Sixteene shillinge, John Buxton of Kingesterndale
48. fouer shillinge, Roger Noden of Holescloughe tenn shillinge, Thomas _______
49. tenn shillinge, Nicholas Kydd twentie shillinge, old Lomas of haslen houses seaven
50. teene shillinge, Thomas Houlmes wief of Longnor for oates fouer shillinge six
51. pence Humfrey Johnson seaven shillinge Sume eleaven pound seaventeene
52. shillinge sixe pence, Sigmun ________ Theise being witnesses Raphe
53. Sleighe, Will[ia]m Bagshawe, and William Bagnald
Last will and testament of Richard Sleigh of Broadmeadow, yeoman. 17 August 1620.
(The National Archives PROB 11/136/348. This copy taken from Final Report Peeling Back the Layers by Dr Simon Harris )
[Marginated] Testamentum: Richardi Sleigh
In the name of God Amen the seaventeenth daye of August in the yeare of our Lord god one thowsand six hundered and twentye I Richard Sleigh of the Broademeadowe in the parishe of Sheene in the Countye of Stafford yeoman som what weake in bodie but of sound and perfect memorye (the Lord be praysed) knowinge the certainetye of deathe and the tyme therof most uncertaine and therfore not minded to dye intestate doe publishe ordaine and make this my last will and testament in manner and forme followinge First and principallye I comend my soule into the handes of almightie god my maker and Creatour and to Jesus Christe my saviour and most mercifull Redeemer by whose onelye I trust and stedfastlye beleeve to have remission and pardon of all my sinnes And my bodye I comitt to the earth from whence it came Item whereas I have purchased to me and my heires for ever of Sir Robert Nedham of Shavington in the countye of Salop knight one Close or pasture called the Oxe close containinge five acres of lande be yt more or lesse together with threeskore sheepe gates in through and uppon the mores and Comons belonginge to the same lyinge and beinge at Nedham Graunge in the parishe of Hartington in the Countye of Derbye Soe havinge noe yssue of my bodie lawfullye begotten and being minded that the said Close or pasture and sheepe gates shall remaine and continue in the lyne and blood of the Sleighes I therefore give graunt and confirme unto Gervase Sleigh my nephewe and eldest sonne of Raphe Sleighe my brother the said close or pasture called the Oxe close the said threeskore sheepe gates and all houses commodities and hereditamentes whatsoever to the same belonginge or in any wise appertaininge with thappurtenances And all deedes writinges and evidences touchinge and concerninge the same To have and to hould the said close or pasture the said threeskore sheepe gates and all other the premisses with thappurtenances to the said Gervase his heires and assignes to the sole and proper use of the said Gervase his heires and assignes for ever Item I give to Gervase Sleighe my brother twentie poundes Item I give unto John Sleighe my brother five poundes over and besides all such somes of money as he oweth unto me Item I give unto Richard Sleighe sonne of the said John five poundes Item I give unto Joane Sleighe daughter of the said John fortie poundes Item I give unto my cosin John Mosselye alias Slighe fouer poundes Item I give unto everie one that I am unckle unto Twentye shillinges a peece Item I give unto Richard Sleighe my nephewe nowe dwellinge With me One fether bedd the best One Matterisse beinge also the best foure best blanckettes, three paire of sheetes foure Coverlettes One boulster and twoe pillowes Item I give unto Elizabeth Sleighe wife of Gervase Sleighe my nephewe fortie foure shillinges Item I give unto Marie Sleighe youngest daughter of Ralphe Sleighe my brother and for Hellen Sleighe daughter of the said Gervase twoe of my best brasse pannes to be devided betweene them Item I give to the said Richard Sleighe last named my best Cheste or Cofer Item I give unto the said Gervase Sleighe my nephew all my weanes yokes ploughes harrowes all my iron and woodden wares and husbandrie wares and ymplementes of husbandrie and all my house hould goodes togeather withall my white meate Flesge at the rooffe and weale and my malte all my woll Item I give unto the said Gervase Fortie poundes which Richard Harris hathe received from me at the handes of the said Gervase uppon a certaine mortgage of a house and a lease within the Lordshippe of Ashford in the Countye of Derbye Item I give unto Bridgett Hall my servaunte twentye shillinges if she be dwellinge with me at my decease Item my debtes legacyes and funerall expences beinge paid and discharged I give unto Raphe Sleighe my brother all and singular the rest of my goodes Cattells and Chattells of whatsoever nature propertie or kinde the same are Item I constitute ordeine and make the said Raphe Sleighe my brother the sole Executor of this my last will and testament to execute the same accordinge to the true meaninge herof Item I appointe and hartelye desire Gervase Sleighe my said brother John Froggatt my nephewe Gervase Sleighe my said Nephewe and John Mossaley alias Sleighe my nephew to be Overseers of this my will. In Wittnes wheare of I have hereunto putt my hand and sealle in the presence of John Frogatt, John Chicklowe and Humfre Godwyn signum dicti testatores.
Probatum fuit testamentum supra scriptum apud London coram Domino Johanne Benett milite legum doctore Curie Prerogative Cantuariensis magistro Custode sive Comissario legitime constituto vicesimo sexto die mensis Octobris Anno Domini Millesimo sexcentesimo vicesimo Juramento Radulphi Sleighe fratris naturalis et legitimi dicti defuncti et executoris in eodem testamento nominati Cui Comiss’ fuit administracio bonorum iurium et creditorum dicti defuncti de bene et fideliter administrand’ et cetera vigore Commissionis alias in ea parte emanat’ Jurat’ examinatur
Raphe Sleigh 7/04/1623 NA Probate
In the name of God Amen. The seventh day of April in the year of our Lord God 1623 I Raph Sleigh of the Neather Waterhouses in the parish of Alstonefeild, in the County of Stafford, yeoman somewhat weak and diseased in body but of sound and perfect memory, the Lord therefore be praised. Knowing that nothing is more sure than death and nothing more uncertain than the time when and therefore not minded to die interstate do publish, ordain and make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
First and principally I ommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my Maker and Creator and to Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer by whose only merits and faith in him I steadfastly believe to have pardon and remission of all my sins.
And my body I will to be buried in the Chancel of the parish Church of Alstonefeild aforesaid.
Item Whereas I have a special? ….. ……. for the …….. of my wife and children hereafter named to be advanced? and performed??? by such worldly goods as almighty god have lent me. And whereas there is a suit in law commenced against me by Marie Sleigh my sister in law touching certain goods which the said Marie claimeth at my hands in the behalf of Richard Sleigh, her son, my will and full mind is that the said suit so commenced as aforesaid shall be defended and answered in all points by my executors out of the whole portion of my goods.
Item I give unto Dorothy Sleigh, my daughter, the sum of two hundred and four score pounds of lawful money of England.
Item I give unto Marie Sleigh, my youngest daughter, two hundred pounds to be paid when she shall accomplish the full age of twenty and one years.
Item I give unto Ralphe Sleigh, my youngest son, one hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be paid when he shall accomplish the full age of twenty and six years.
Item I give unto Elizabeth, my daughter, two pieces? of twenty two shillings a piece? over and besides her marriage goods I have already given her.
Item I give unto Gervase Sleigh, my eldest son and heir, five marks.
Item I give, grant and devise unto Thomas Sleigh my second son, his heirs and assigns for ever all those messuages , lands , tenements, and heriditaments with all and every their appurtances situate, lying and being within the town fields and territories of Longnor now within the County of Stafford aforesaid.
Item I give, grant and devise unto the said Thomas Sleigh, my son, his heir and assigns for ever all those? my two cottages in Hartington in the county of Derbie and one croft belonging to the same with all gardens with the appurtances to the same likewise belonging.
Item I give and bequeath unto Raphe Bradburie, my servant, twenty shillings.
Item I give unto Humfrey Brunte?, my servant, ten shillings.
Item I give to Jane Knowles, my servant, twelve pence.
Item All my debts ,legacies and funeral expenses being paid and discharged of the whole of my goods, I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth , my wife, all and singular the rest of all my goods, cattles and chattels whatsoever.
Item I constitute ordain and make the said Elisabeth the sole executrix of this my last will and testament to execute the same according to my trust in her reposed.
Item I desire and heartily ….. Gervase Sleigh my brother and Gervase Sleigh my son be supervisors of this my last will and testament and to see the same performed on all points according to the true meaning hereof.
Item My will and mind that my two of my best sealed??? (solid???) beds two of my best tables with the frames and forms thereto belonging shall remain and conti…. to my eldest son and heir ……. In my house.
In witness whereof I have hereto put my hand and seal in the presence of use whose names are subscribed …. sign…. …… testators Geo. Goodwin, Gervase Sleigh, Humfrey Goodwin.
(An interesting question here is what was the source of the apparent wealth?)
Elizabeth was the daughter of Arthur Manifold of Nether Waterhouses, She married Ralph Sleigh, who was the brother of Richard Sleigh of Broadmeadow Hall. Ralph and Elizabeth lived at Nether Waterhouses all their life, with their eldest son Gervais taking over Broadmeadow. Gervais’ son Ralph would inherit Broadmeadow in turn.
Elizabeth seems to have been quite a shrewd business woman independently buying and leasing farms after her husband’s death.
Names only spelt as they are in the document.
Elizabeth Sleigh ( Manifold) 20/06/1632 Will ( Only names have kept the scribes spelling)
In the name of God Amen. The twentieth day of June Anno Dom one thousand six hundred and thirty two and in the eighth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles by grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland defender of the faith.
I Elizabeth Sleigh of Neather Waterhouses, in the parish of Alstonfield, in the county of Stafford, widow, somewhat sick and diseased in body but of good an perfect remembrance, thanks be given unto God, knowing the certainty of death and the time thereof most uncertain not willing to die untestated do ordain and make my last will and testament in manner and form following.
Imprimis I commit and bequeath my soul to Almighty God my creator, and Jesus Christ, my redeemer through whose merits I steadfastly believe to have immortality and life everlasting. Item My will and mind is that my body (is/be?) buried in the chancel of Alstonfield.
Item I give and bequeath all my housing and lands, situte, lying and being at Ridgend, in the parish of Shene. in the county aforesaid, which I lately purchased off one Richard Milward , unto Thomas Sleigh my son, his heirs and assigns forever. To the only use and behalf of Thomas Sleigh, his heirs and assigns.
Item I give, bequeath and assign all my houses and lands situate, lying and being at Poole, within the said parish of Sheene, which I hold under the demise and grant of one Thomas Milward , unto the same Thomas Sleigh, my son, his executors and assigns for and during all such time and term of years as I have to come in the same.
Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Elizabeth, wife of the said Thomas, an even twenty shillings piece of gold.
Item Whereas my son Gervas Sleigh lately owed my one hundred and twenty pounds, whereof he hath paid me forty pounds, I give an bequeath unto the same Gervas the sum of forty pounds being the half part of the sum of four score pounds remaining unpaid by the said bill.
Item I give and bequeath unto the same Gervas five silver spoons.
Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Elizabeth, wife if the said Gervas, an even twenty shillings piece in gold.
Item I give and bequeath unto my grandchild Raph Sleigh son of the said Gervas, twenty shillings.
I give and bequeath unto five more of my grandchildren being the children of the said Gervas, my son, every one of them ten shillings to be paid immediately after my decease.
Item Whereas my son in law John Woodhouse lately owed me the sum of one hundred pounds by bond, whereas he hath paid fifty pounds I give and bequeath unto the said Joh Woodhouse the sum of twenty and five pounds being the half part of the fifty pounds remaining unpaid of the same Bond.
Item I give unto Dorothie, my daughter, wife of the said John Woodhouse, two even twenty shilling pieces of gold.
Item I give unto the same Dorothie five silver spoons and my best stuff petticoat.
Item I give and bequeath unto my grandchild John Woodhouse, son of the said John Woodhouse, the sum of twenty shillings.
I give and bequeath unto four more of my grandchildren, being the children of the said John Woodhouse, every one of them ten shillings to be paid unto them immediately after my decease.
Item I give and bequeath unto my grandchild Dorothie Machin, daughter of John Machin, the sum of thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence of lawful money of England to be employed by my executors when she comes to the age of sixteen years until she shall accomplish the full age of twenty and one years.
Item I give and bequeath unto five more of my grandchildren, being the children of the said John Machin, every one of them ten shillings to be paid unto them immediately after my decease.
Item I give and bequeath unto John Manifould, my brother, and Katerine Willson, wife of Robert Willson, my sister, either of them ten shillings if they chance to survive and overlive me.
Item I give and bequeath unto Marie Sleigh, my daughter, the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England.
Item I give and bequeath unto the same Mary, my daughter, two of my best feather beds, my best mattress, my best bedhilling (bed covers/quilt), six coverlets , six blankets, ten pairs of sheets, two new bolsters, two pillows, four pillow beres (pillow cases), twelve (trench??? I don’t think it is french) napkins, one tablecloth, four new sacks, the one half of all my pewter and brass, five silver spoons, my best dress, two of my best gowns, my best red petticoat, the one half of all my woollen and linen cloth which is uncut, six (soft? sett for seat??) cushions, one pair of curtains with a fringe to hang about a bed, the one half of all my small linen and napery ware as kerchiefs, aprons, ruff bands? and the like.
Item I give unto John Johnson twenty shillings, which he oweth me.
Item I give and bequeath unto Humfrey Chambers three shillings, which he oweth me.
Item I give and bequeath unto every servant dwelling with me at my decease twelve pence.
Item after that my debts and legacies been paid and my funeral expenses hereby discharged all the test of my goods, cattles, chattels and debts whatsoever which can or may be proved by Bill, bond or otherwise I give and bequeath unto Thomas Sleigh my son.
Item I nominate and appoint the same Thomas, my son, my sole executor to see this my last will and testament performed as mu trust is in god and him revoking and disannulling all former wills whatsoever. In testimony whereof I have hereto put my hand and seal the day and year above written. ( latin: Signum et sigillum … test.. ?) These being witnesses Geo Goowyn Senior, Raphe Stearndall, Thomas Yate, George Goodwyn junior.
The seventh day of January Anno Dom one thousand six hundred and thirty two
Memorandum that the same day the said decdent desired her executor to let her son Gervas Sleigh and her son on law John Woodhouse have the debt, which they owed unto her mentioned in her will, wholly given unto them if sobe? they would make no claim unto any goods which were her sons Raphe Sleigh late deceased and there upon took.. will in her hands and delivered?? it to Raphe Stearndall and said this is my last will keep it. These being witness George Goodwyn Junior, Raph Staerndall, Rowland Bestwicke his mark John Billing.
Source – Lichfield Consistory Court/Find My Past
1 The nun cupit will or will parall of Jane Sleigh
2 late of Broadmeadow in the county of Stafford
3 deceased July the thirtieth Anno Domini 1669
4 (in primis –in margin) she gives unto her brother Ralph Sleigh the sume of five
5 pounds alsoe to her nephew Gervase Sleigh Twentie shillings
6 also to three other of her brother Ralphs children the
7 sume of nine pounds to be equally devided amongst thm
8 Also she gives unto her brother Samuel Sleigh the sume
9 of twentie pounds
10 Also she gives unto her sister Helen Endon the sume of
11 tenne pounds also to her nephew Thomas Endon twentie
12 shilings and alsoe to seven more of her sister Helens
13 children the sume of twentie and one pounds to be
14 equally deided amongst them
15 Alsoe she gives unto her sister Elizabeth ________ the sume
16 of fortie shillings Alsoe to her two children twentie
17 shillings to be equally devided betwixt them
18 Alsoe she gives unto her sister Dorothie Pearcifall the sume
19 of tenne pounds Alsoe to her nephew John Pearcifall twentie shillings
20 (this line inserted above the following line) Alsoe to her neice Sarah Pearcifall tenne pounds and to two other of her sister Dorothies children
21 the sume of fifteen pounds to be equally divided amongst
22 them Alsoe she gives to her sister Martha Shaw the sume
23 of tenne pounds Alsoe to her sister Marthas husband
24 William Shaw foure pounds
25 Alsoe she gives unto her sister Sarah Sleigh the sume of
26 twentie pounds
27 Alsoe she gives to her neece Dina Crichlow the sume of
28 Three pounds
29 Alsoe she gives unto the poore of Sheene fortie shillings
30 Asoe she gives unto the poore of _____ _______ five pounds
31 As for her wearing apparell dead goods and money in
32 her purse she left to the diposing of her sister Sarah
33 Sleigh and after her funerall expenses discharged and
34 all charges defrayed the residew remaynder if any
35 be _____ she left to the disposal of her executors
36 and she desired her two brothersinlaw Samuel Endon
37 and Thomas Pearsifall to be her executors
38 and this is the full of her will to the best of our knowledge
Lichfield 25 August 1669
Will of Ralph Sleigh of Broadmeadow, 1688
(Transcibed fron Find my Past)
1. In the Name of God Amen The eighteenth daie of April in the third
2. Yeare of the Raigne of our Sov[er]aigne Lord James the Second by the grace of God of England Scotland France
3. And Ireland kinge Defend[er] of the Faith etc. Anno D[om]in[i] 1687 I Ralph Sleigh of Broadmeadow in the parishe
4. Of Sheene and countie of Stafford gentleman somethinge diseased in bodie but of sound mind and perfect memory praised
5. Bee almighty god therefore knowing and considering the uncertaintie of this mortall life and that all flesh must
6. yield unto death when it shall please god to call Doe make ordaine and declare this my last will and Testament
7. In manner and form following First and principally I commit my soule into the hands of almighty god my creator
8. And to Jesus Christ my Redeemer in and through whose merritts I trust to have eternall life and my bodie to bee
9. Buried in the chancell of the parishe church of Sheene aforesaid as near as conveniently may be to the place where
10. My First wife was laid And as concerninge my worldly estate both reall and personall I doe order give and
11. Dispose of as followeth. It is my will and mind that all such debts as I owe to anie p[er]son or p[er]sons be well &
12. Truly satisfied and paied and for paiem[en]t thereof my will and mind is and I give and demise unto Elizabeth my
13. Lovinge wife and my very loving nephew Thomas Endon their heires & assignes for ever all these Two
14. Severall messuages or tenem[en]ts hereafter mentioned that is to say one messuage or tenem[en]t scytuate standinge and beinge
15. At Wterhouses in the said countie of Stafford and houses edifices buildings closes landes tenem[en]ts comons and
16. Appurten[an]ces thereunto belonginge and all that messuage or tenem[en]t stytuate standinge and beinge at Ov[er] Whytle
17. In the said countie of Stafford late the inheritance of Ralph Sterndale, and all houses edifices buildings closes
18. Lands tenem[en]ts comons proffitts and apputten[an]ces thereunto belonginge and my very will is that the said messuages( difficult to see but I think it must be plural )
19. Landes and tenem[en]ts before menc[i]oned shall by the said Elizabeth my wife and the said Thomas Endon be sould soe
20. Soon as conveniently may be after my Decease for paim[en]t of my debts and towards discharging the legacies
21. Hereafter in this my will bequethed (the previous phrase is on the fold of the doc and difficult to read) Item I Give and demise unto the said Elizabeth my wife and the said Thomas
22. Endon so much of my goodes and debts in the countie of Yorke as will amount unto the sume of Three Hundred
23. Poundes towards the further discharge of my debts legacies and funerall expenses Item I give and demise unto
24. My lovinge wife and the said Thomas Endon all the rest and Residue of my p[er]sonall whatsoever for full and absolute
25. Satisfactionof my debts and legacies Item I give and bequeth unto Elizabeth my Daughter the sume of Two
26. Hundred poundes to be paied to her within twelve months next after my decease Item I Give & bequeth unto
27. Samuel my son the sume of Fiftie poundes to bee paied to him within twelve months next after my decease
28. Item I give and bequeth unto my daughter Jane the sume of two hundred poundes to bee paied to her
29. When she shall attain the age of Four and twentie yeares Item I give and bequeth unto my son Ralph
30. The sume of one hundred and fiftie poundes to bee paied to himwhen he shall attain the age of Foure & twentie yeares
31. Item I give and bequeth unto my son Edward the sume of one hundred and fiftie poundes to bee paied to him when he
32. Shall attain the age of Foure and twentie yeares Item I give and bequeth unto my son Hugh the sume of
33. One hundred and fiftie poundes to bee paied to him when he shall attain the age of Foure and twentie yeares
34. And further my will and mind is that if it happen that any of my said sixe children depart this naturall life before their said
35. Porc[i]on bee paied or shall bee Respectively due that then such the porc[i]on legacie of the deceased chyld or children
36. Shall bee paied unto such of my said sonnes as shall bee then livinge equally amongst them at what tyme the same sume
37. Of money should or ought to have been paied if such the then Dec[eas]ed child or children had beem livinge Item
38. I give and demise to Gervase Sleigh my eldest sonne his heires and assignes for ever all those severall messuages
39. Landes tenem[en]ts and houses (this word is barely readable ) hereafter particularly menc[i]oned (The dower of the said Elizabeth my wife excepted) That is
40. To say all that messuage (damaged ) at Broadmeadow wherein I now dwell And all houses edifices buildings barnes
41. Stables closes landes tenem[en]ts comons and hereditam[en]ts thereunto belonginge and all those landes and groundes lyinge
42. Beyond Mort-Hey (location?) in the saide parishe of Sheene called the Demesne lande with all their Rights member & App[ur]ten[an]ce
43. And Alsoe all that messuage or tenem[en]t called Nether Whytle scytuate and beinge in the said parishe of Sheene and
44. County of Stafford and now in the tenure of me the testat[or] and John Hinchcliffe and all Closes landes tenem[en]ts and
45. Hereditam[en]ts thereunto belonginge And all that close or p[ar]cell of inclosed land lyinge and beinge in the parishe of Hartington
46. In the countie of Derbie called the _______ ( this name is almost completely blacked out) provided and it is my will that if default bee made of paim[en]t of the said sume
47. Of Three Hubdred poundes in this will before menc[i]oned beinge goodes and debts within the countie of Yorke
48. That then the said Elizabeth my wife and the said Thomas Endon their Exec[utors] or _________ shall have hould and
49. Enjoy and take all and ev[er]ie the profitts of the said land and groundes called the Demesne landes and the said
50. Close or p[ar]cell of inclosed land called the Oxclose within one yeare next after my Decease until they have
51. Had and received out of the profitts thereof the full sume of three Hundred poundes anything before in this
52. My will to the contrary not withstandinge Iem it is my will and mind that after my debts legacies and funerall
53. Expenses bee paied and discharged that the overplus of the money to bee raised out of the said messuages landes
54. And tenem[en]ts at Waterhouses and O[er] Whytle together with my personall estate shall bee distributed by my said wife
55. At her own Discretion among my Children and lastly I ordaine and Appoint and make the said Elizabeth my
56. Deare wife and the said Thomas Endon my nephew executo[r]s of this my present last will and testament
57. Hopeinge they will p[er]forme the same according to the trust I have and doe in them Repose In
58. Witness whereof I the said Ralph Sleigh to this my last will contained in Two sheets have to the First
59. Putt my hand and to this latter sheet put my hand and seale the daie and yeare first above written
Sealed and signed and published Ralph Sleigh (signature plus seal)
In the presence of
Raphe White
Ra Sleigh
John \froggat ________ 29 March 1688
Know all men by these present that I Alice Horobin Widow and Relict of William Horobin late of the parish of Sheen decesed have renounced and quitt claimed and by these present doe Renounce and quitt Claime all my right Title interest Claime and dues and of us and to the Condition ? of the goods rights and Creditts Cattle and Chattells of the said William Horobin deceased and by these present doe constitute and appoint Nathanael Hinckes Notary Public one of the Proctors of the Bishops Consistory Court of Lichfield, my true and lawfull Proctor for me and in my name to appeare before his Worshipfull William Wakinesley Esq. Chancellor of the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry or his Surrogate and to Exhibit this my renunciation and pray and procure the same to be enacted and whatsoever my said Proctor shall doe or consent unto in the processes, I doe hereby promise to allow and Confirme.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale the 6th day of October 1705
Sealed and delivered in the presence of us:
William Sheldon Alice Horobin Richard Housley her mark and seal his mark R
A true and perfect Inventory of all the Goods and Chattells, Debts and Creddits of William Horobin deceased, taken and appraised the sixe of October one thousand seaven hundred and five by Robert Ollivere, Michael Slack as folloeth:
Imprimis: his purse and apparrell ................... £1 10s 0d Three paire of bed sticks .......................... 15s 0d his bedding......................................................... £2 10s 0d two Chests and an old trunk ............................ 10s 0d one old ark ........................................................... 5s 0d two little tables and two little buffits (stools) .........15s 0d one old cubbord and two old Cheers .................. 5s 0d one old Dishbord ..................................................... 1s 0d old puter and Brass .......................................... £1 5s 0d one old plank and three Chees bords ........................ 4s 0d all things els praisable and unpraisable .................... 2s 6d
Total £8 2s 6d
Taken and appraised ye day aforesaid
Michael Slack his mark Robert Ollivere
The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounden William Horobin sone the Administrator of all and singular the goods chattells and creddits of William Horobin late of the parish of Sheen deceased doe make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods chattells and creddits of him the said William Horobin or into the hands and possession of any person or persons for him and the same soe made doe exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Bishops Court at Lichfield at or before the last day of December next ensuing and the same goods chattells and creddits and all other the goods chattells and creddits of the said deceased at the time of his death which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said William Horobin or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him doe well and truly administer according to law and further doe make or cause to be made a true and just accompt of his said admon at or before first day of December anno Domine 1706 and all the rest and residue of the said goods chattells and creddits which shall be found remaining upon the said Administrators accompt the same being first examined and allowed of by the Judge or Judges for the time being of the said Court shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively as the said Judge or Judges by his or their decree or sentence persuant to the true intent and meaning of a late Act of Parliament made in the two and twentieth and three and twentieth yeares of the raigne of our Late Soveraigne Lord King Charles the second (Instituted an act for the better settling of Intestates Estates) shall limitt and appoint and if it shall hereafter appeare that any last will and Testament was made by the said deceased and the Executor or Executors therein named doe exhibit the same into the said Court makeing request to have it allowed and approved accordingly if the said William Horobin above bounden being thereunto required doe render and deliver the said ? of Admon (approbation of such Testament being first had and made) in the said Court then this Obligation to be void and of none effect or also to remaine in full force and vertue.
Sealed and Delivered in the presence of
William Horobin, Michael Slack
Staffordshire Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry wills and probate 1521-1860
( With thanks to Jean Durbin for allowing us to use her transcription and Gwyneth (horobin ) for accessing it at https://www.geocities.ws/gwynethart/ )
In the name of God Amen, I William Horobin of Whittle in the Parish of Sheen and County of Stafford Senior being weak of Body but of Sound mind and memory, Blessed be Allmighty God for it, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say,
First and Principally I commend my soul into the hands of Allmighty God my Great Creator, hopeing that through his mercy in Jesus Christ my Ever Blessed Saviour and Redeemer to Receive free Pardon and forgiveness for all my sins and my Body I Commend to the Earth to bee decently Interred att the discresion of my Executor hereafter named and as Touching my disposall of my Temporall Estate which God Allmighty hath bestowed upon mee, I give and dispose thereof as followeth;
Imprimis: my will is that all Just debts and funerall Charges shall bee Paid and Discharged.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Anne Downs the wife of James Downs the sum of Twenty Shillings of good and Lawful money of Great Brittain.
Item: I give and Bequeath unto my daughter Parnell Piersefull the wife of Nathan Piersefull the sum of Twenty Shillings.
Item: I give and Bequeath unto my Grandaughter Dorathy Downs the sum of Ten Pounds to bee Paid her when she shall attain to the age of one and Twenty years.
Item: I give and Bequeath unto my Grandson Nathan Downs the sum of Ten Pounds to bee Paid him when hee shall attain unto the age of one and Twenty years.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my three Grand Children Elizabeth Crouchlow and John Crouchlowand Anne Crouchlow Every of them the sum of ten Pounds of godd and Lawful money of Great Brittain to be paid severally to each of them when they shall attain to the age of Twenty and one years of age.
Item: I give and Bequeath unto my two Grand Children Nathan Piercefull and Mary Piercefull Each of them the sum of Ten Pounds a Piece to be Paid to them as they shall attain unto the age of Twenty and one years.
Item: I give and Bequeath unto my son William Horobin all that Fee simple or Parcell of Land belonging to mee and lying and being near Wormill Bridge in the County of Derby called Knocklow together with all the Appurtenances and all Rights and Privillidge and thereunto bellonging for and during his natural Life and then to his heirs and Assigns for Ever.
Item: I give and Bequeath unto my son William Horobin all my Houses Lands Tenements household Goods Cattles and Chattles and Estate both Real and Personall in Possession or Reversion to him and his heirs and Assigns for Ever, hee Paying my Just debts Legacies and funerall Charges and Lastly I doo nominate and Appoint my Said Son William Horobin full and Sole Executor of this my Last will and Testament and I doo hereby Revoke disanull and make void all other former wills and Testaments by me heretofore made and doo publish this and declare it to bee my Last will and Testament. In wittness wherefore I the said William Horobin the elder have hereunto set my hand and Seal the first day of January and in the first year of the reign of our Sovraign Lord George by the Grace of God of Great Brittain, france and Ireland, King Defender of the faith Anno Domine 1727.
Signed Sealed and Published by the said William Horobin as his last will and Testament in the presence of us who did also set our hands as wittnessed thereto in presence and att the Request of the Testator himself viz.
Thomas Wardle Thomas Charlesworth George Brooke
A True Perfect Inventory of the goods and Chattles of William Horobin of Whiteall in the Parish of Sheen and County of Stafford, Senior taken valued and appraized the Twenty fifth day of Decmber and in the seventh year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the decond by the Grace of god of Great Brittain france and Ireland King defender of the faith and in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and thirty and three by us Robert Oliver and George Brooke as followeth:
First: his Purse and Apparell .................£1 10s 0d
Item: all that Parcell of Land lying and being near
Wormhill Bridge in the County of Derby called Knocklow valued and sett att Twelve pounds a year............................. £60 0s 0d
Due to the Deceis from Joseph Charlesworth .............................10s 0d
Item: for the morgage money lying on a Parcell of Land att Sheen moor topp
the sum of ...................£50 0s 0d
Item: for money Lent John Oliver of Taddington ........................£5 0s 0d
Item: Lent to Thomas Gould of Sheen the sum of....................... £30 0s 0d
Item: Lent to John Brunt of Ipstones the sum of ....................£4 4s 0d
Item: in the Parlour one Bedstead and Bedding thereunto Bellonging the sum of 3 0 0
Item: one small Table and a few Chairs and a smal old Cubbard and silver spoon and one old dishbord with some other old things £1 5s 0d
The Sum £134 17s 0d
? £73 7s 0d
Praisers - Robert Oliver, George Brooke
With thanks to Jean Durbin for allowing the use her transcrition and Gweneth (Horobin) for accessing it on her site https://www.geocities.ws/gwynethart/
In the name of god Amen I William Horobin of Whitle in the parish of Sheen and County of Stafford Husbandman being of sound diposeing mind and memory praised be god for the same I make publish and declare this my last will and Testament in manner and form following:
First I commend my soul to Almighty god my Creator Jesus Christ my Redeemer and the Holy Ghost my comforter trusting through the alone merits of Jesus Christ to have my sins forgiven me and to enjoy everlasting life in the kingdom of Heaven. Also I will that my body be decently buried in a customary manner at the discretion of my Executors here after named.
Item: I will that all my just debts legacies and Funeral expenses be paid and discharged and the charge of proveing this my said will and attending the Execution thereof be paid and discharged by my Executors herein after named out of my personal estate.
Item: I give to my son William Horobin the tithe of his farme to him and his Heirs forever and my Husbandry ware and Household goods except my Chest and the furniture in it.
Item: I give to my daughter Parnell Goold the sume of thirty five pound to be paid out of my personall estate and to be wholey at her own disposeall amongst her Chilldren without the consent of her Husband notwithstanding her couverture.
Item: I give to my son Joseph Horobin the sume of Ten pound.
Item: I give the further sume of Thirty pound to be equally divided amongst so many of my son Joseph's chilldren as shall be living twelve months after my decease at the discression of my Executors.
Item: I give my son Joseph all my wearing apparrell.
Item: I give my son George Horobin the sume of Thirty Eight pound.
Item: I give to my son Danniell Horobin the sume of sixty nine pound.
Item: I give to my Three Grand children Hannah, Thomas, and Henry Whelldon, daughter and sons of my daughter Mary Whelldon late deceased, the sume of Five pounds a piece when they shall attain the age of Twenty one years but in case any of them die before they come to age then the part to be equally divided between the survivors.
Item: I give to my two Grandaughters Hannah and Elizabeth Horobin daughters of my son William Horobin the sume of Thirty pound a piece to be paid them when they shall attain the age of twenty one years but if either of them die before they come to age then the sixty pound to be paid to the survivor, when she comes to age, but if it happens that there is interest made of the said sume of sixty pound left to my two Grandaughters and the further sume of Twenty pound left to my three Grandsons and daughters of my son William Horobin, my will and mind is that it shall be paid for schooling and other education, the overplace if any there be to buy them necessaries at the discretion of their father and my Executors.
Item: I give to my two Grandsons Joseph and James Horobin sons of my son William Horobin the sume of Five pound a piece and to George Horobin son of my son William Horobin the sume of Ten pound to be paid by my Executors towards putting all the three sons to trades by the consent and order of their father and my Executors but if either Joseph, George or James die before they come to age then the survivor or survivors shall receive their respective share.
Item: I give to William Horobin son of Nathaniel Horobin deceased, the sume of Three pound.
Item: It is my will that no legacies shall be payable by my Executors untill Twelve months after my decease be expired that are heretofore by me bequeathed.
Item: I give and bequeath to my cozen William Olliver of Broome edge in trust the sume of Three Hundred pound in the hands of Mr Bagshaw of Wormhill and Interest what shall happen to be in order to defray all my debts legacies and funerall expenses the overplace if any there be and the rest of my personall estate I give to be divided between my son William Horobin and my son Joseph Horobin equally to be divided.
Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my cozen William Olliver, Thomas Wardle and George Horobin, Executors joyntly of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking disanulling and declareing void all other will or wills formerely heretofore by me made.
In witness whereof I the said William Horobin have to this my last will and Testament put my hand and seall this the nineteenth day of June in the year 1762.
Signed sealed and declared by the Testator to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us.
John Wardle
Thomas Wardle junior
Thomas Wardle senior.
Probate granted 28 April 1763
With thanks to Jean Dubin and Gwyneth (Horobin) for allowing us to use and access these transcriptions.
This is the last Will and Testament of me William Horobin, of Whitle in the Parish of Sheen, and County of Stafford, yeoman, First it is my will and mind that all my just Debts, Funeral Charges, and Expenses in proving this my Will shall be paid by my Executors, herein after named; out of my Personal Estate;
Also, I give to my eldest son William Horobin , the sum of Twenty shillings to be paid to him twelve months after my decease;
Also, I give to my Daughter Hannah, wife of Joseph Goodwin, the sum of Fifty pounds to be paid to her within six months next after the death of my wife Elizabeth Horobin, if my said daughter be then living; and in case she be then dead, then I give the same unto, and equally amongst all the children of my said daughter Hannah, whether sons or daughters, share and share alike, and to be paid as they shall respectively attain their Ages respectively of Twenty one years;
Also, all those two Messuages or Dwelling Houses, situate and being near Beresford, in the Parish of Alstonefield, in the said County, and all those several closes, pieces, or parcels of land to the same belonging, heretofore purchased by me, from Mr Charles Ensor, John Ensor, and William Lowe, or some of them; and late the Estate of John Taylor, late of Wetton, cheese factor, deceased; I hereby give, devise and bequeath the same, unto my beloved wife Elizabeth, for and during the term of her natural life; she my said wife well and sufficiently maintaining, cloathing, and finding for my two sons, George Horobin and James Horobin, with meat, drink, washing, and lodging, and apparel of all sorts, and all other necessaries suitable to their degree during her life; and I do earnestly devise her to take care of them, in pity to their infirmities, during their indisposition; and from and after the decease of my said wife Elizabeth, I hereby give, devise, and bequeath the said Messuages, Lands and Premises, with their and every of their Appurtenances, and all other my real Estate whatsoever, and wheresoever, to my youngest son John Horobin, his Heirs and Assigns, for ever, upon condition, nevertheless, it is my Will and mind, that said youngest son John Horobin, his Heirs or Assigns do and shall as soon as he or they become entitled to the said messuages, Land, and Premises, and my said real Estate, well and truly pay to his said two brothers, George Horobin, and James Horobin, the several sums of five pounds apiece yearly, at two days or times of payment in the year, to wit, at Michaelmas, and Lady day, by even and equal portions and payment, the first payment to be made on such of the said days as shall first happen next after my wife's decease; and also do and shall find, provide, and allow unto and for the said George Horobin, and James Horobin, any sons and the survivors of them, during the time they live with him, or their natural lives, good sufficient and wholesome meat, drink, washing, and lodging, suitable to their degree, provided always; and it is my further Will and mind, that if my said sons, George Horobin and James Horobin, or either of them, shall not be content to live and cohabit with their brother John, his Heirs or Assigns, and to have their and either of their maintenance and necessaries, and five pounds a year apiece paid them in manner aforesaid, for their respective lives, and are desirous and take a mind to remove and live elsewhere, from their brother, it shall be lawful for them, or either of them so to do, and then upon their removing and living asunder and elsewhere, from the said John Horobin, I give to each of them, the said George Horobin and James Horobin, the yearly sum of Ten pounds a year, for their lives respectively apiece, to be in lieu, stead and satisfaction of the maintenance, and annuities I have before given to them before by this my Will, and to be paid to each of them upon their removal and living asunder from their said brother, at the aforesaid days and times before mentioned; for payment of their annuity of Five pounds, and to make my said real Estate to be charged, and chargeable, with the payment of the annuity, and maintenance of my said two sons George Horobin and James Horobin, in manner aforesiad, provided also, it is my Will and mind, that my said sons George or James Horobin, or either of them shall not at any time hereafter during their lives, or the life of the survivor of them; have power to grant or convey, mortgage or sell, the said several annuities, or any part thereof, to any person or persons whomsoever;
Also, from and after the death of one and my said wife Eizabeth, I hereby give, devise and bequeath all my said real Estate situate and being near Beresford in the Parish and County aforesaid, with all appurtenances to the same belonging, unto my son John Horobin, his Heirs and Assigns for ever, subject nevertheless to the annuities and yearly payments before mentioned;
Also, all and singular my household goods, implements, and utensils of household furniture, stock of cattle, husbandry ware, and all other my Personal Estate whatsoever, or wheresoever, I hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my said wife and unto my son John, their Executors and Administrators, equally betwixt them, share and share alike; and lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my said wife Elizabeth and my said son John, to be Executor and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament; and revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made, do make this my last;
In Witness thereof, I the said William Horobin have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two sheets of paper, to the first whereof I have set my hand only, and the second my hand and seal, this twenty second day of January, in the thirtieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the third, by the grace of God, King over Great Britain and so forth, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety one.
Signed, sealed, published and declared as and for the last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in the presence and at the request of the Testator and in the presence of each other subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto.
W. Rogers
Abraham Harrison X his mark
Mary Fern X her mark
Probate granted at Lichfield 24th July 1794 to John Horobin and Elizabeth Horobin.
With thanks to Jean Durbin for allowing the use her transcrition and Gweneth (Horobin) for accessing it on her site https://www.geocities.ws/gwynethart/
Staffordshire Archives: Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521 -1860:
Thomas Buxton, Broadmeadow Hall, Sheen Probate Documents:
Will written 18th October 1800 No Inventory
Proved 10th January 1801
The Will of Thomas Buxton of Broadmeadow in the Parish of Sheen & County of Stafford I Will that all my Lawfull Debts are paid. I Will I give and bequeath to my lawfull Wife, Twenty Pounds yearly and every year so as she continues un Married I also give to my son Thomas and his Heirs all my Estate and Effects subject to all such Legacies herein Mentioned I give and bequeath to my Brother Richard the sum of Ten Pounds. I do Constitute and appoint Richard Gould of Pilsbury in the County of Derby & Richard Buxton od Macclesfield in the County of Chester my Executors of this my Will Sign’d dated published and Declared in the presence of, this 18th Day of October One Thousand Eight Hundred Thomas (almost illeg.) Buxton
Mary Gould (signs name) John Horobin (signs name) John Bradbury x his mark
(Executors swear that all his goods, chattels and credits come to less than £600)