Will and Probate
Derived from The National Archives’ reference PROB 11/261/551.
Will Date: 2nd December 1656
Witnesses: John Carter (the mark of)
| Beneficiary | Relationship to Testator | Bequest |
| William Loder | Son | All the plough harness, two hutches, table board, stools, cupboard in the hall, furnace pan, two standing bedsteads in lower chambers, all doors and glass, salting trough, and iron pot (all after death or surrenderSurrender was the formal procedure of returning a copyhold tenancy to the lord of the manor. It served several purposes:... In full. of Mary his wife). Conditional on paying forty pounds total to his two sisters Christian and Mary (twenty pounds each at specified times after their mother’s death). |
| Thomas Loder | Son | One yearling bullock; appointed as overseerMany wills of the period appointed one or more Overseers. An Overseer is distinct from an Executor and acts as... In full. of the will |
| John Loder | Son | One yearling bullock; appointed as overseer of the will |
| Christian Loder | Daughter | Forty pounds to be paid within five years after the testator’s decease, plus great brass pan, little brass pot, and one featherbed with all belongings (after wife’s decease). Additionally, twenty pounds to be paid by brother William within one year after their mother’s death. |
| Mary Loder (daughter) | Daughter | Forty pounds to be paid in installments (twenty pounds in third year after decease, twenty pounds in fourth year), provided this uses the money her grandmother Eathell gave her. Also receives great brass pot, little brass pan, and one featherbed with furniture (she makes first choice). Additionally, twenty pounds to be paid by brother William within two years after their mother’s death. |
| Marie Loder | Grandchild | Two ewe sheep |
| Six other grandchildren (unnamed) | Grandchildren | Each receives one ewe sheep |
| Mary Loder (wife) | Wife | All the rest of testator’s goods; named as sole executrix |
Notes:
- John Loder had a wife Mary and at least three sons (William, Thomas, and John) and two daughters (Christian and Mary), and at least seven grandchildren, including one named Marie Loder
- Conditional payments are included with William receiving the bulk of household goods but obligated to pay his sisters
- Daughters receive cash bequests (£40 each) plus specific household items
- The will is typical of many in that:
- The later generations are rewarded with a lamb.
- The wife is protected as many bequests are conditional on her death or surrender.
Grant of Probate: Proved at London on 18th February 1658 and probate awarded to Mary Loder the relictThe surviving spouse of a deceased person, almost always the widow. The word appears frequently in probate documents, where a... In full..