Transcription by me from a will held at the National Archives, Kew and then summarised here. If you use this summary please credit to this blog but please feel free to do so.
HIEROM GREGORY, CURATE, OF LITTLE MARLOW. WILL PROVED 1675. WRITTEN 1674. [Note in other records name can be given as Hieron but is usually Hierom]
Says he weak in body but of good and perfect mind and memory.
Puts soul into hands of Almighty God.
To be buried at discretion of his executor who is his son Isaac.
Oldest son Hierom excused debt he owes plus given 5 shillings.
Edward Dunkley husband of testator's daughter Hannah excused £20 debt he owes him.
John Dunkley son of the above given £5 for his apprenticeship.
Testator's daughter Rebecca Beesley, wife of Thomas Beesley, clerk*, £50 plus household goods comprising [amongst some things I could not make out] 2 silver spoons, one dozen of the best napkins, a featherbed, 2 feather bolsters, 2 pillows, 2 pillow covers, the best sheets, 2 joined stools, the great green chair, the low red chair and a needlework cushion. Thomas himself got "the first act from the Book of Martyrs" and all Latin books testator has.
Grandchildren Charles, John and Hannah Beesley £5 each.
Daughter in law * Sarah Mark £5
Kinswoman Anne Slaughter £5
Rest of goods and chattels to son Isaac who is the executor.
Will overseers his loving brother William Bailey of Oxford and kinsman Jeremy Gregory citizen of London.
Witnessed by John Cook and Elizabeth Bulter.
*Language has changed since the 1600s. Be aware the term clerk meant vicar as well as someone in administration. The term daughter in law was used for both a step child and for a woman married to your son. As I have not researched this family further I can't say what is meant specifically by the writer of this will.
Most wills of this period had both executors and overseers. To be excused a debt you owed the will writer was also common.
Will transcription and post by Charlotte Day.
To find every mention of a person on this blog use the Person Index option on the drop down menu.
So far this blog contains mention of
125
people from or associated with Marlow.
No comments:
Post a Comment