Will of William Beardmore of Alveton, 1723
William Beardmore of Alveton, yeoman, made this will on 18 May 1723; it was proved in 1725. He is very probably the William who married Mary Shaw at Alton in 1676/7 and was buried as “Senex” on 11 April 1725: his legatees are the children of William and Grace Shaw, and his heir is his grandson William Nixon, son of his daughter Sarah. Olive Dale could not decide which of two Williams he was, so where he fits in the tree is still open.
Source: Original will, Lichfield diocesan probate records, held by Staffordshire Archives. Image on Findmypast, “Staffordshire, Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry Wills and Probate 1521–1860”, film 007622938, images 286–287. The images are © Staffordshire County Council and are not reproduced here.
Transcription
In ye Name of God Amen I William Beardmore of Alveton in ye County of Stafford yeoman being of sound and perfect Memory to make and ordaine this my last will & Testament (this eighteenth day of May 1723) in manner & form following: Viz.
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Grandson Wm Nixon all my reall estate of Lands, houses & appurtenances any way belonging to ye same; as also all my Goods Household Stuff & Utensils of what Quality soever Cattle & Chattels that shall be found upon the premises at my decease he paying the debts that shall then appear due from me to any person, as also ye Legacies wch I here give as followeth.
Item I give to Joseph Shaw one pound & tenn shillings. Item I give to Elizabeth Shaw ye sum of one pound & tenn shillings. It I give to Ann Shaw ye sum of one pound & ten shilling, all of them ye Children of William Shaw by his wife Grace. Item I give & bequeath to Mary Armishaw who now liveth with me ye sum of tenn shillings:
And lastly I doe constitute and ordaine my Grandson William Nixon (above named) Sole Executor of this my last & Testament revoking all former Wills by me made, & this to be my last will & testament.
Sealed signed & published in ye presence of us: John Cope, his mark; Alice Cope, her mark; Wm Barnett [?]. — William Beardmore.