Will and Probate
Derived from The National Archives; Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Series PROB 11; Piece: 140
Will date: 9 June 1619
Witnesses: William Hann (notary publique), Barnard Chamberlayne, Leonard Hellyer
| Beneficiary | Relationship to Testator | Bequest |
| Church of Stalbridge | Institution | Ten shillings |
| Poor of Stalbridge parish | Community | Twenty shillings |
| Each godchild (unnamed) | Godchildren | Twelve pence each |
| Richard Watts (younger) | Grandchild (son of Richard Watts) | Ten pounds (to be paid when reaching age 21, by William’s daughter Elizabeth Graye) |
| Elizabeth Watts | Grandchild (daughter of Richard Watts) | Ten pounds (to be paid when reaching age 21, by William’s daughter Elizabeth Graye) |
| Joane Watts | Grandchild (daughter of Richard Watts) | Ten pounds (to be paid when reaching age 21, by William’s daughter Elizabeth Graye) |
| Christian Watts | Grandchild (daughter of Richard Watts) | Ten pounds (to be paid when reaching age 21, by William’s daughter Elizabeth Graye) |
| John Watts | Grandchild (son of Richard Watts) | Ten pounds (to be paid when reaching age 21, by William’s daughter Elizabeth Graye) |
| Ann Watts | Grandchild (daughter of Richard Watts) | Ten pounds (to be paid when reaching age 21, by William’s daughter Elizabeth Graye) |
| Grace Atkins | Kinswoman | Bible, twenty pounds, best bedstead with hangings and curtains, truckle bed with mats and cords, best feather bed, two bolsters, two pillows, two best blankets, best coverlet, pair of sheets, two pillow ties, one board cloth, one table board, three stools, one form, great chest, little chest with contents, best green carpet, six cushions, one chair, one gown, one dustbed with bolster and blanket, long green cushion, best crock, pair of pot hooks, best brass pan, great caldron, skillet, pair of andirons, pair of tongs, fire pan, pair of bellows, two broaches, great dripping pan, skimmer, brass ladle, baster, tin chamber pot, frying pan, chafing dish, one charger with plate, three platters, two potting pans, three saucers, pestle and mortar, great gridiron, butter dish, two brass candlesticks, salt cellar, two silver spoons, six tin spoons, one cup, six glasses, dozen trenchers, pair of hangings for crock, brewing vat, cowlA large tub, possibly with ears for carrying, or a cooling tub. It was used in butter making, brewing and... In full., long trendleA large oval tub or a trough used in brewing or in the dairy. In full., two barrels, two pails, long trough for salting bacon, kneading trendle, tub with cover for salting meat, search, fork, canvas bag, meal sear, fineA fine was a customary payment made to the lord of the manor upon changes to tenancy arrangements. It acknowledged... In full. rensive, peck measure for corn, eight bushels of wheat, eight bushels of barley malt, one hundred oak faggots, a pile of dry wood, six hogs, one heifer, and a swarm of bees |
| John Crewe | Shoemaker (unrelated) | Pair of breeches, doublet, jerkin, stockings, one shirt, band, hat, old cloak, and pair of shoes |
| Elnathan Atkins | Grandchild (son of deceased Thomas Atkins) | Share of money recovered from executors of Thomas Atkins via £800 bond; residue of all goods, chattels and cattle after debts and legacies paid; named as executor |
| Faith Atkins | Grandchild (daughter of deceased Thomas Atkins) | Share of money recovered from executors of Thomas Atkins via £800 bond; residue of all goods, chattels and cattle after debts and legacies paid; named as executor |
| Susan Atkins | Grandchild (daughter of deceased Thomas Atkins) | Share of money recovered from executors of Thomas Atkins via £800 bond; residue of all goods, chattels and cattle after debts and legacies paid; named as executor |
| Mr Robert Hill | Friend (gentleman) | Twenty shillings for services as administrator/overseer during minority of executors |
| William Hanne | Cousin | Twenty shillings for services as administrator/overseer during minority of executors |
Notes:
- Thomas Atkins (recently deceased) was William’s son-in-law, leaving three children who are named as executors
- Grace Atkins receives the most substantial bequest, including extensive household goods and livestock. For the full list, consult the reference document.
- The three Atkins grandchildren share the residue of the estate and money from a significant debt recovery (£800 bond)
- TNA record of the will contains a number of words that are unusual / hard to read with certainty. TNA record should therefore be used to resolve any concern.
Grant of Probate: 21 September 1622. Of the named executors in the will, Faith and Susan Atkins are awarded probate and the award for Elnathan is reserved and may be granted if he decides to ask at a later date.