Will of William Beardmore of Farley, 1598
William Beardmore of Farley, son of Thomas (d. 1573), made his will on 6 May 1598; it was proved on 20 September 1598. The original survives, in a difficult Elizabethan secretary hand, so this is a careful summary rather than a full transcription; uncertain readings are marked [?].
Source: Original will and probate, Lichfield diocesan probate records, held by Staffordshire Archives. Image on Findmypast, “Staffordshire, Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521–1860”, film 007620642, images 482–484. The images are © Staffordshire County Council and are not reproduced here.
Summary
In the name of God, on 6 May 1598, William Beardmore of Farley in the parish of Alveton, “sicke in body but yet in good & perfecte remembrance”, makes his testament containing his last will. He commends his soul to Almighty God and his body to be buried in the churchyard of Alveton.
He gives to his daughter Alis Beardmore all his land in Uttoxeter, in the holding of William Percivall of Uttoxeter, “my brother in lawe”, to her and the heirs of her body; for want of such heirs to his daughter Katheryne and the heirs of her body; and then to his own right heirs. If Alis marries without the consent of her mother and of his brother Percivall, the land is to go to his right heirs.
To Elen his wife the goodwill of his house while she keeps herself a widow; if she marries, the goodwill is to go to one of his daughters, Katheryne or Alis, as it shall please “my Ladies [grace?]”. To his wife the crop on the ground, both corn and hay, “to kepe my children togyther”. Small bequests, including hogs, to [Humfrey?] Wollescrofte “his sonne”, to the children of Thomas [Ghotte?], and to Thomas [Ghotte?].
The rest of his goods, his debts paid and his body honestly brought to burial, to be divided into three equal parts: the best part to his wife, and the other two equally to his two daughters, within a year of his death. If his wife marries, her part to remain with the daughter who keeps the house.
Executors: Elen his wife and William Percivall his brother in law. He then lists the debts he owed (to Thomas [Ghotte?], John Snape and others) and the debts owing to him, among them from William [Parnell?], Richard Botte, William Botte, John Birch, and John [Chaplen?].
Witnesses: Hugh [Dichton?], Thomas Smith; “Thomas [Rawlins?], William Percivall, Roberte Beardmore & others”.
Probate
In Latin at the foot: probate of the will and administration of the goods granted to the executors named, Elen the widow being sworn.