Q
Rycharde Colcloght, will dated 3rd May 1536, inventory taken 21st April 1537, date of probate 26th April.
Will
In dei no[m]i[n]e Ame[n] tertio die maij A[n]no d[omi]ni mcccccxxxvj I Rycharde colcloght of the paresche of wolstanton bKeyeng seke in body & woll in mynde make my testyment on thys wyse foloyeng: furst I beqweth my sowle to All mycthty gode to o[u]r blessyt lady sanct mary & to all the wolly cu[m]peny of heue[n] & my body to be buryt w[i]t[h] in the chyrche of wolstanton: Also I gyf & beqweth vnto my ij Sonnys Jamys colcloght & wyll[u]m clocloght All my purchesyt lande: Also I wyll that my iij forseyde Sonnes Jamys & wyll[u]m shall gyf & paye vnto my ij degther Anes colcloght And ?llyn colcloght xxvjs viijd sterlyng: Also I gyf & beqweth vnto owr lady s[er]ues of wolstanton xxd: Also vnto sanct nycolas s[er]ues of wolstanton iijs iiijd: Also to the s[er]ues of thursfelt chapell xxd: Also to s[er] Joh[a]n turm[o]r my gostly father viijd to p[ra]y for me: Also I wyll yt when I Am brogrtht whom & All my dettes payde of ye woll the resydue of my godes eyqually to be deuydyd be twyx warbers my wyfe And my chylder: Also I orden & make warburs my wyfe And Joh[a]n my son my tru And leyfull executors to fulfyll thys my last wyll. These wytnes s[er] Joh[a]n turm[o]r curat Joh[a]n colcloght of colcloght Thomas colcloght Joh[a]n Addams w[i]t[h] other.
hoc est veru[m] et legittimu[m] Inve[n]toriu[m] omj et singuloru[m] bonoru[m] que fueru[n]t Richardi Colcloghe nup[er] defu[n]cti appo'at' per nos Ric[ar]d[u]m burn et Richardu[m] Caltan vz xxj die me[n]sis ap[r]ilis anno d[omi]ni mcccccxxxvij
iiij oxon
iiij keyne
ij Calfes
a mare
iiij Coverlettes & ij mattras
vij peyre of sheetes
ijy twyll sheetes
a panne & ij pottes w[i]th skellyttes a frying panne and a Chaffyng dyshe
v pewtre dyshesse & a pics & a chandiler
a chymley
a cheere & a borde
an arke & a cowfer
a brendart & a hyrn cheene
trene towmes
xx strykes of Oettes
an axse & a byll
a peyre of harrowys & a plowghe
[P[er]r?] yoolkes w[i]t[h] a coppesowlle
Robert Woodde, husbandman, will undated, inventory dated 1559, date of probate 4th Jan 1559/60.
Will
He bequeaths his soul 'unto almighty God my creator and redeemer, unto our Lady saint Mary and unto all the celestial company of heaven'
My body to be buried in the parish churchyard of St Margaret's of Woolstandeston near the burial place of my wife.
To Robert my son: the indenture that is now in the holding of Robert Wodde on [?of] Adderley Crene: to the uttermost of his profit, so that he takes in hand the indenture of this mansion house called the 'vicarsage of Woolstandeston', so that the one bears the expenses of the other.
To Jone Woodde my daughter: £2 13s 4d; a feather-bed with the greatest brass pan.
Residuary legatees: Thomas and Robert my sons and Jone my daughter.
Executors: Thomas and Robert my sons.
Overseers: Hughe Woodde and Thomas Musere.
Witnesses: Thomas Fletcher, curate, Rychard Colcloghe gentleman, Rychard Honson, John Tunstall, Henry Tunstall with others.
Debts due to be paid to me “with the hindrances & losses that I have sustained and suffered of William Collier my landlord”
1. 2 crops in the wallcrofte to the value of £13 6s 8d.
2. The Barncroft to the value of £6 13s 8d.
3. 4 day works in Brompton to the value of £10.
4~. The hindrance of the orchard to the value of £2 13s 4d.
5. (?now/more) of Deue unto Mr John Truope the sum of £2
6. of Roger Machin 2s
7. of Mr Steven Lovatt 5s 8d
8. of John Turmore 1s
9. of Rafe Buthes 1s 4d
The sum of the debt is £2 10sd
Inventory dated 1559 - the total (with the debts) £18 0s 8d Appraisers: Rycharde Honson, Raffe Woodde, James Leey (with many witnesses of it)
Note
The lease of the vicarage entailed the collection of tithes due from the parish of Wolstanton. That would pay for the expenses of Adderley Green. The latter is probably in Penkhulgl, or at any rate somewhere nearer than the present-day Adderley Green is.
Richard Colclough of Chell, yeoman, will dated 30th [or 31st?] Mar 1573, inventory taken 20th April 1573, date of probate 22nd April.
Will
Mentions Richard Smyth of Cleyton Griffith, uncle of Jane Coclough, his daughter-in-law's daughter. Divides his estate in three: a third for his wife Ellen, a third for Anne (daughter-in-law) and a third for Jan his daughter. A good list of debts owing to him! E.g. Richard Tailior of Talke, John Cartelech of Norton, John Crockett of Burslem.
Ao dni mccccc lxxiijto vicesimo die Aprilis
this is the true & p[er]fect Inventorie of the goodes of Richard Colclugh at his decese presed by John Rowley of Ridgwaye Geffere Rowley of Wedgwoode Thomas Rowley of Chell Richard Burne of bankehowse.
vjth keene & towe calves ..................................... £7 6s 8d
vth younge beastes .............................................. £3 6s 8d
xviijte sheeppe & vj lambes ................................ £2 3s 4d
one mare & towe twenter coltes ........................ £4 0s 0d
iiijth younge swyne ............................................... 12s 0d
iijth geese .............................................................. 3s 0d
iijth duckes ............................................................ 9d
iijth hennes & one coke ...................................... 1s 0d
all brasse & pevter ............................................... £3
the beddinge coverlets & sheetting
with meate cloths and towells ........................... £3
his appearell that belongeth to his bodye ....... £1 6s 8d
one which w[i]th certen cowfers
& other trene warue ............................................... 13s 4d
one plugh plouyrens harrowes with
one one axe one hatchett & other yren ware .. 6s 8d
iiijth seeckes ......................................................... 4s 0d
the corne in howsse
corne groinge one grounde & heye .................. £2 0s 0d
the fleshe hinginge at Rowff .............................. 5s 0d
one ould saddull .................................................. 1s 0d
peinted cloths ....................................................... 1s 0d
sum[m]a totalis £29 11s 1d
[the total of thes figures is £28 11s 1d]
Notes
1. He is elderly, a grandfather, with an old saddle which has been his all his life.
2. 'corne groinge one grounde' ie growing on the ground.
Agnes Alcocke, widow, of the parish of Wolstanton, no will?, administration granted 26th May 1575, inventory taken 2nd June 1575.
A trewe and a p[er]fect Invetory of all the goodes which wher annes alcooke la wydo Latelye Decessed presed by vs John Cartwryght william glover and william alcooke, wryter the secounde Day of June, 1575.
one brasse pote .............................. 8s
iij chargers ........................................ 1s 6d
one chaffing dyshe .......................... 1s 0d
one candilstycke .............................. 4d
one ce kettell .................................... 4d
one materes ..................................... 1s 0d
too payer of shetes ......................... 8d
one twylshete ................................... 6d
iij slyppinges of twyl ........................ 3d
one cover .......................................... 1s 0d
one focer ........................................... 1d
the Reperrrell of the sayd
annes alcooke ................................. 3s 0d
The whole sume is 15s 7d
[Actual: 17s 8d]
Notes
1. 'slyppinges of twyl' - 'Twill' refers to a type of cloth, while 'slippings' refers to yarn. Difficult to reconcile these, unless 'twill' can also refer to yarn.
The 'cover' must be a coverlet to go over the rest of the bedding.
2. 'focer' is an obsolete word for a chest or coffer.
3. The prices given suggest a really poor widow, with bedding worth only 2s 2d. However, there needs to be a comparison with a lot more others of this date.
William Henshawe, will dated 26th May 1579, inventory dated 28th June 1581, date of probate 30th June 1581.
Will extract
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my son Richard Henshawe: (with the money I owe him) £6 13s 4d, half to be paid at Michaelmas, half at the feast of St John the Baptist (Midsummer's Day).
To Elsabethe Henshawe the younger: one heiffer sterk, being brown.
To Elsabethe Henshawe my wife and to Elsabeth Henshaw my son John's daughter: 3 ewes and 3 lambs between them.
To Elnor Dalye: 1 strike of wheat to be paid next harvest.
My will is that Elsabethe my wife shall have half [check] of my house and grounds, keeping my name during my copy.
My will is that Thomas Henshaw my son shall have the other half.
[?more]
My will is that Thomas Henshaw my son shall have 2 butts of ground lying in the Walcroft amongst Hughe Moreton ground, lying five butts beside [a sydd] the further hedge for 3 crops, when Hugh Moreton ploughs it.
Inventory
The appraisers are: Thomas Hueatt, Peter Malpas, John Tunstall, Rychard Glover
iiij kynne ...................................................................... £6
tow twynters ............................................................... £2
tow owes & the lambes and iij gylde shepp ........ 13s 4d
tow swynne ................................................................. 6s 8d
certen pullen ............................................................... 2s
one fetherbed tow coverletes and matteres
towe bolsters iiij payre of shettes withe
the Rest of the lynnens in the howsse .................. £1
all the brasse in the howsse ................................... 10s
all the pewter in the howsse..................................... 5s
all the trynne ware in the howsse ........................... 2s
all the Iren ware in the howsse................................ 1s
the Reperell of the sayd William henshawe ........ 10s
The whole sume is £12 10s [Actual £11 10s]
Notes
1. William Henshaw was a thirdborough for Wolstanton in 1560, 1561, 1563, 1568 and 1572.
He must have died quite young, as his brother Richard of Great Chell lived until 1620.
2. William Henshaw seems to imply that he was dependent on Hugh Moreton for ploughing the strips in the Walcroft. The 1590 probate inventory of Hugh Moreton says that he had six oxen and an unspecified number of ploughs; the inventory total is given as over £59. It may be significant that the probate inventories of the next generation show one (John Moreton 1638) having four oxen and the other (Thomas Henshaw 1632) having none.
As the butts were interspersed with those of Hugh Moreton, it made sense for one ploughman to do the ploughing. Payment no doubt was involved.
In 1615, Thomas Henshaw and John Moreton were both tenant farmers. Possibly their fathers were too.
In 1581 William Henshaw's widow Elizabeth was renting a messuage an‚d land from Raph Smith, gentleman. Thomas Henshaw was granted a lease for 21 years from 1593, and a new lease for lives in 1610. In 1615 Sir William Cotton, Henshaw's landlord, held the Wallcroft. (It can be identified tentatively with a field next to the Marsh - near the present (2006) Marsh Head pub, where a well is marked on a OS map of a century ago.)
3. On the back of the will there is a note, presumably from the court: 3s 6d paid. This was still the rate 80 years later.
4. The appraisers, Peter Malpas and Richard Glover, were thirdboroughs for Wolstanton on at least two occasions in Elizabeth's reign.
Richard Bourne of Wolstanton parish, date of probate 31st May 1588
Will (fragmentary)
Wife is ?Jone
Executors: Henry Bourne son and heir apparent of John Bourne of Chesterton, yeoman, and John Welche of Bignall End, Audley parish.
Witnesses of will: John Rowley John Welche Richard Willat Roger Bettuyson with others.
Inventory (fragmentary)
Two wains, two ploughs, two chains, three yokes with all other iron ware ...... 20s
Bacon, 12 cheeses and 2 pots of butter .................................................................. 10s
Inventory total .... £49 13s
Note
He may be of Field House or Wall end (as mentioned in the Wolstanton pew list).
Thomas Burne, no will, inventory taken 12th October 1588, administration granted 30th October 1588
The trewe Inventorie of all & singler goodes & catelles the w[hi]ch weare thomas burnes of the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton the tyme of his death p[re]sed by Richard Colcloughe Richard knight & John lauder the xijth daie of october anno d[omi]ni 1588
quicke goodes
iiij kyene
ij twinters ij stirkes & iij Calves
iiij capulles
iiij Shiepe
ij Swyne
Certayne pullen
brasse & pewter
beddinge & napp[er]ie wares
treyne wares 10s 0d
coffers & bordes
Iron wares
app[ar]ell for his bodie
Certayne mucke
corne & haie
Dettes' owinge
thomas meare for a mare
Edmunde askewe
Raffe eggerton gent[leman]
John oulcott
Dettes w[hi]ch the said thomas bourne did owe
to Elizabeth bourne
to Raffe bourne
to henrie bourne
to Raffe batwiche
to John lauder
to thomas Cleyton
to edward tunstall
to John lambe
to Robert parker
to John brode
Notes
1. It is an indented inventory
2. The lowest valuation of a mare so far discovered locally is the one belonging to Robert Rathbone which in 1603 was classed as: - one old mare - 13s 4d.
3. capulles = horses.
4. There are strong points of similarity between his inventory and that of his widow Ellen Burne 'of the Ewtrey', especially in those things that are unlikely to have changed. Therefore he must be of Ewtree, and be the father of the William Bourne of Ewtree who lived until 1642.
5. Is his widow's surety, John Welshe of Bignall hill, a relative?
Thomas Brett of Wolstanton, gentleman, no will, inventory taken 23rd July 1589, date of probate 26th July 1589.
A true Inventory of all the goodes & cattels late to Thomas Brett late of wolstanton in the Countie of Staff[ord] gent[leman] prised the xxiijth day of July in the xxxith yeare of the Reigne of o[u]r sou[er]eigne lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England Fraunce & Ireland Quene Defendor of the faith &c by Henry Broxe James Badeley Antony Broxe & John moreton.
vj oxen ............................................................................... £18
ix kine ................................................................................ £18
fiue two yeareoldes or twint[er]s .................................. £7
fiue stirkes or yeareoldes ............................................. £4 15s
vj sucklings ...................................................................... £2
one mare & two coltes ................................................... £7
xviij shepe ......................................................................... £2
iij old swine & foure yong swine or pigges ................ £1
x geese & vj duckes ........................................................ 3s 4d
iiij hens a cocke ij capons & xvj chickens ................... 1s 8d
ij brasse pannes ............................................................. £1 13s 4d
iij brasse kettells ............................................................. 4s
iij pottes ............................................................................. £1 3s 4d
iij candlestickes & a chafing dish ................................. 3s
xj charg[er]s of pewter ..................................................... 11s
viij poting[er]s or smaller charg[er]s ............................. 5s
xij counterfeites or potage dishes ................................. 4s
x saucers ............................................................................ 1s 8d
ij pewter saltes .................................................................. 1s 6d
two featherbeds & an old feather bed ticke ................. £2 13s 4d
iij wolle matteires .............................................................. £1 6s 8d
fiue cou[er]lettes & iij Cou[er]inges ................................ £2 15s
fiue blankettes .................................................................... 16s
vj twillsheetes ..................................................................... 13s 4d
fiue bolsters & fiue pillowes ............................................ £1 6s 8d
fiue paire of flaxen sheetes ............................................. £2
vij paire of co[ar]se or round sheetes for s[er]uantes . £2
v pillowebeares .................................................................. 5s
iiij flaxen tableclothes ........................................................ £1
one dozen of table napkins .............................................. 6s
fiue flaxen towels ................................................................ 6s 8d
xxiiij yeards of new linnen cloth ........................................ £1 10s
ij pieces of wollen cloth conteyning v yeards in all ....... 7s
ij doublettes two paire of hose Jerkins &
his other apparell ............................................................... £2
vj dayworke of dredge ........................................................ 6s 8d
xij dayworke of oates .......................................................... £3
ij carpet clothes ................................................................... 4s
vij quishons .......................................................................... 4s
ij tables with frames ........................................................... 13s 4d
vj formes ............................................................................... 6s
iij roundtables ....................................................................... 6s
iij buffet stoales .................................................................... 1s
a skummer ............................................................................ 4d
fiue chaires ............................................................................ 2s
vj bedstockes & a trill [sic] bed ................................................... £1 6s 8d
vj silu[er] spones & viij pewter spones ............................. £1 6s 8d
ix lowmes iijs ij Coumpes xs
a malt whitch & a corne whitch xiiis iiijd
vij bowkes ijs iiij kimnels viijd
ij treen dishes or platters jd
ij kneyding troughes xvjd a hoope & an half
hope measure iiijd ij tenels ij bottels ij kans
a piggin a dozen of treen dyshes & ij dozen
of trenchers ijs ....................................................................... £1 12s 9d
(£94 12s 11d)
ij dreeping pans ..................................................................... 4s
a cresset & a frying panne ................................................... 1s 8d
an yron grate & a brandyron ................................................. 10s
an yron fire shouell & a paire of tonges ............................. 1s
iij spittes & a paire of Cobyrons ........................................... 4s
ij liu[er]y tables & iij coffers ........................................................ 10s
one yronbounden waine, a muck cart
& a waines bodye .................................................................. £1 10s
iiij chaines ............................................................................... 4s
ix yokes .................................................................................... 4s 6d
mares geares ........................................................................ 6d
iij plowes ................................................................................. 1s 6d
one paire of harrowes ........................................................... 2s 6d
ij pikeforkes ............................................................................. 6d
iij awgers .................................................................................. 8d
iij wimble bittes a wimble beare a chosill
& a spokeshaue ...................................................................... 6d
an axe ij hatchettes & ij billes ............................................... 2s 6d
ij sithes geared ........................................................................ 2s
ij mattockes & ij worthinghooks ........................................... 8d
a skellett .................................................................................... 6d
a brasen moreter & pestill, a grydyron
pothooks & chaine ...................................................................4s 6d 4s 4d
a buckett & a chaine ................................................................. 1s 8d
foure chese bourds & vj shelfes ........................................... 2s
one paire of plowe yrons ......................................................... 1s
ij bench clothes .................................................................... 8d
one stone of wolle ............................................................... 6s 8d
x slippinges of canvas yearne ..................................... 2s 6d
ij yron wedges ...................................................................... 8d
one pewter bolle .................................................................. 10d
iij course towels ................................................................... 6d
ij chamber pottes ................................................................. 1s
a kilne heare cloth ................................................................ 6s 8d
vj shearing or reaping hokes sickels ............................... 6d
a cartrope ............................................................................... 8d
ij paire of sheres & one pair of scissors .......................... 3d
ix day math of grasse newly mowen ................................. £1 6s 8d
Sum[m]a £101 10s 6d
Notes [actual: £100 1s 6d]
1. A very detailed inventory. In fact the detail is probably due to the the person who commissioned it - the regularity of the number five in the contents of the bedding and linen suggests an organised housewife.
2. One of his oxen, price £3, was taken as a heriot. This information comes from the records of Newcastle manor court, which also indicate that he died some time in the three months previous to this inventory. His son Randle Brett was of full age and inherited his father's copyhold lands which consisted of three pastures called Wolstanton wasts with a newly built house, and two meadows.
3. 'dredge' - generally taken to be a mixture of oats and barley, sown and harvested together. The prices of growing corn are very low, compared to thirty, forty or fifty years later - in the same parish. Compare the rate of 5s per daywork for oats, with 13s 4d in a 1619 inventory and 25s in one of 1641!
4. kans - a can was a metal vessel for holding liquid. But a Bowdon inventory classes 'Cannes' among the tryne ware.
5. 'iij wimble bittes......' - three drill bits, the drill itself, a chisel and a spokeshave. These are carpentry tools, which would be used for making joints.
6. 'geared'. The OED (2nd ed) has an example of 1588, referring to yokes and forks, and suggests that it means provided with handles or other appendages.
7. The husbandry ware is worth 22s 11d, and added to the transport [?] makes a penny less than £2 14s. In seventeenth century inventories the word gear when associated with a horse (as here: 'mares geares') appears to be referring to something specific. One suggestion has been that horse gears included the traces and other parts of the harness involved in traction.
8. Is he Thomas Brett of Wolstanton, mentioned in the 1583 Heralds Visitation as having sons Randolph, Thomas and William? Yes, as it is very likely that the Margaret Brett, who in her will says that her youngest son was called William, was his wife.
Is he the builder of Marsh Head? Yes, as this is what the record of Newcastle manor court implies.
9. Round sheets are also to be found in the inventory of John Kelsall of Stockport (Feb 1603), where four pairs were priced at 13s 4d - making one pair worth 3s 4d. (Thomas Brett's were priced at 5s 8½d a pair) The meaning of 'round' seems to be given in the inventory; it was almost a synonym for 'coarse', and probably meant 'plain'.(John Davenport of Woodford (Cheshire) on the edge of Macclesfield, had 20 pairs of round sheets worth £5, making them 5s each. This was in 1686/7. This is consistent with the meaning suggested above, as they seem to have been described as such, in contrast to the 17 pairs of holland and flaxen sheets in the previous line.) A Scottish glossary definition of round sheets as 'sheets put round the mattress to bind it' is not plausible (Morayshire Family History Sharing).
10. He was probably connected with a number of local families. We know that he had a grandson Anthony Brocke through his daughter Elenor's marriage to Henry Brocke of Hanley Hall.
Hugh Moreton of Wolstanton, will dated 8th April 1589, date of probate 3rd May 1590
Will
Being in good health; to be interred in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Elinor Poole, my daughter: £6 13s 4d.
To Hughe Heaton, the son of John Heaton: 20s.
To John Heaton the elder: 12d.
To Margret Heaton the wife of John Heaton: 10s.
To Raphe Moreton: 6s 8d.
To William Bullocke of Wolstanton: 5s.
To every godchild which I have: 4d.
Residuary legatee: Agnes Moreton, my wife,.
Executors: Agnes my wife and William Bullocke aforesaid.
Overseers: John Moreton of Wolstanton and John Vardon of Handley.
Signed: Hugonis moreton
Witnesses: Henrie Stevenson vicar, Henrie Bourne of Chesterton.
Inventory
six oxen ................................................................. £13 [?+]
eight kine .............................................................. £16
three twinter beastes ............................................. £4
three stirkes ............................................................ £2
tow mares ............................................................... £3
fyve shepe ......................................................................... 10s
three swyne ....................................................................... 10s
geese hennes and othe pullen .......................................... 3s 4d
corne upon the grond ......................................................... 3s
corne & hay in the barne ....................................... £2
on weane ploughes yokes & harrowes,
chaynes and other implementes of husbandrie ...£3
beddige sheetes bousters pillowes and
other thinges thereto belonginge .......................... £4
foure table clothes towels and other [?linnens] ... £1
fyve pottes and fyve [blands?] ............................... £2 13s 4d
platters spoones [?forkes] & other pewter & brasse .....13s 4d
tables tow arkes cheines[Check - cheires?] [?stooles] and other
tren wares ................................................................ £1
bacon beiffe butter [?chise] and other
such meates ............................................................ £1
the apparell of the sayd Hughe moreton ............... £1
dounge .................................................................................. 6s 8d
a grate broches and other iron wares................................. 2s 8d
paynted clothes ................................................................... 2s
s[um]m[a] tot[alis] £59 7s 8d
[Actual £56 4s 4d]
James Rowley of Ramscliffe, will dated 28th July 1590, inventory taken 29th November 1590, date of probate 7th December 1590.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Margaritt Rowley my daughter: £6 13s 4d to be paid at the end of five years after my decease. (If she dies before this, then the sum is to remain to my wife Agnes and my son James Rowley, equally to be divided.) After my wife's decease: my best pan.
To William my son: half of all my implement wares belonging to husbandry, together with one bed, promised me by Thomas Keene of Croberowe and not yet received, the which standing in the nether barn, a cupboard (after my wife Agnes' decease) standing in the house, a meat board standing in the nether kitchen and a chair.
Residuary legatees: my wife and James my son, as follows: the residue of all my goods and cattles when my debts, legacies and funeral expences are discharged and I brought home of the whole, I give to Agnes my wife: the half, to James my son when he reaches the age of 21.
Executors: Agnes my wife and Richard Smyth of Colpersgreyne.
Witnesses: Richard Knight Richard Handley and others.
Debts owing to me:
William Badley 6s 8d
William Rowley 13s 6d
Ellen Bourne 5s
James Rowley 6s 8d
Indented inventory
This a trew Inventorie of all & singuler goodes & cattelles of James Rowley of Ramscliffe of the p[ar]ish of wolstanton deceased the daie wherein he died p[ri]sed by thomas bourne Richard beech & Richarde knight the xxixth daie of novemb[e]r 1590
quicke goodes
ij oxen £4
Small kyne £6 13s 4d
ix calves £3
one mare w[i]t[h] a coulte £1 3s 4d
iij stirkes £2 8s 0d
ij twinter bullockes £2 6s 8d
pullett viz geesse & hennes 1s 8d
towe swyne 5s 0d
Dead goodes
brasse & pewter £2
beddinge & napp[er]ie wares £2 10s 0d
treyne wares Imple[me]ntes of husbandry
w[i]t[h] all Mann[er] of Iron wares £1
corne & haie £2 13s 4d
butt[e]r & chesse 5s
app[ar]ell for his bodie £1
The somme £28 11s 4d [Actual £29 6s 4d]
Dettes w[hi]ch the said James Rowley dide owe & was indetted
to James Rowley £4
to Richard Smyth £3 3s 0d
to Renolde Willison £3 15s 0d
to the wiffe of the same Renolde 6s
to Lawrence Jeavis £1 2s 6d
to Richard Thickens £1
to Rondull Thickens £1
to Margaret Thickens 2s 0d
to Ellen Beech £1
to Edward Ralenson 6s 8d
to Ellen Fenton 5s 0d
to Richard Fenton for one howpe of Rye
to Richard Hawley 1s 5d
to Homfrey Smythe 6d
to James Rabon 7s 7d
to John Shawes wyffe 1s 10d
to widdow Shawe of Talke 10s 0d
to John Joneson 1s 6d
to the same John for candell 4d
to Raffe Vnwin 4d
to John Mier 5s 0d
to John Butler of Audley 11d
to Raffe Hexam 5s 0d
to John Duncalffe 3d
to Thomas Teyler 2d
to William Whythaughe 3d
to John Butter of talke 6d
to Anthonie Fellope [Philip?] 1s 5d
to Elizabeth Snelson 13s 4d
to Jane Thickens 10s 0d
to Walbir Smyth 4s 0d
to Agnes Pirrie £2
to Ellen Bourne £1
to Rondull Whitaughe £1
to Agnes Pirrie one busshell of Rye
to the same Agnes 9s 0d
to Anne Fenton 2s 0d
to William Rowley 5s 4d
to Mr Thomas Bowyer £5 10s 0d
to James Rowley 3s 6d
to Margarett Rowley 6d
for brekinge the tyle 3s 4d
to Mrs Vnwin 4d
to Lawrence Hancockes wiffe 4d
to Roberte Sneides wiffe 3d
to Mathewe Sharpe 4d
to Margarett Coleclough 2d
to John Thickens £2
to Widow Keene for one busshel of otes
to John Gallimore 6d
The somme £26 11s 11d
Note
The list of debts is interesting. Only occasionally are the names of the creditors repeated, even though it is a long list (consisting of 48 names). It looks as if the appraiser did some grouping of those debts with the same surname before committing them to writing so as to ensure this result. We must therefore allow for the possibility that some figures are a consolidation based on more than one debt to the same individual.
Also, despite the theoretical position of the wife in law [Check] at least some debts that are owing to her are not attributed to her husband.
There are two debts only which add the place of the debtor, Audley and Talke - which incidentally are both outside the parish. Presumably the appraiser had no extra information in his hands about the addresses of the other people. But surely it doesn't mean that these remaining 46 names are unique to the parish at the time. Was there only one William Rowley? Or one Ellen Bourne? One or both of the executors - Agnes Rowley (the deceased's widow) or Richard Smyth - must have possessed the knowledge to identify where to pay the debts.
The total of the debts comes to £32 0s 1d. This is much more than the stated total and changes the overall estate to a negative balance. There is also an error in the other direction in the total of quick (live) and dead goods. It looks as if the total of debts was added up first, and then the other total was calculated, as it looks as if the latter was squeezed in as an afterthought.
William Bullock of Wolstanton, yeoman, will dated 25th July 1590, inventory taken 20th August 1590, date of probate 3rd November 1590.
Will
To be buried in churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Elizabethe Bullocke my wife: a third of my goods, moveable and unmoveable.
Residuary legatees: Cathren Bullock and Elizabethe Bullocke my daughters.
My will is that Thomas Bullock my son shall pay my daughters £20, to be divided equally between them, within a year after he enters into possession of any of my lands.
Executors: Henrie Bourne of Chesterton (my brother-in-law), and Thomas Bullock of Mole (my brother).
Overseers: Henrie Stephenson, vicar, Nicolas Barrett of Rudgehouse.
The debts which I owe:
To Thomas Boyer gent £10
To Widow Simpson of Burslem £5
To Widow Moreton of Wolstanton £4
To Margret Merrie spinster £1
To Pheles Merrie spinster £2
To Ellen Martin 3s
The debts which are owing to me:
William Unwinne of Chatterley gent £17 6s 8d
John Pateson of Knutton £2 6s 8d
Thomas Bullocke of Newcastle £2
Edwarde Beardmore of Newcastle 13s 4d
Thomas Keelinge of Newcastle 8s
Rondull Mayer of Wolstanton 9s
Richarde Mayer his son 12s
Roger Tomkinson of Park Lane £1
Richard Tomkinson 1s 4d
William Burslem thelder 6s
William Burslem the younger £1 9s
Raphe Bagnalde of the hay house 16s
John Rowley of Thursfeild thelder £1
John Toft 19s
William Bothes 15s
Margerie Keelinge of Bemmersleye £2 3s 4d
Richard Taylor of Bedulphe £1
John Taylor his son 13s 4d
William Burslem of Brownelees 5s
Thomas Burslem of Park house 3s
Thomas Malpas 13s 4d
Peter Malpas £5 6s 8d
Thomas Dale 10s
Thomas Vardon 3s 6d
Richard Ratcliffe 3s 4d
A true & perfecte Inventorie of all & singler the goodes (both moveable & vnmovdeable of Will[ia]m Bullocke of Wolstanton in the Countie of Stafforde yoman latelie deceased, vewed & praysed by Peter malpas Richard Hanson & Raphe Moreton the xxth day of August 1590
three kyne £5 6s 8d
three heighfeyres £4 10s
tow bullocke stirkes £2 6s 8d
three Calves £1 3s 4d
a mare and a coult £2 2s 8d
three swyne & towe pigges £1
geese henes & other pullin 6s 8d
corne & hay in the barne £7 6s 8d
Dounge 6s 8d
waynes plowes yokes harrowes
& other implementes of husbandrie £1
an axe, a bill, a spade & a mattocke w[i]th such like 3s 4d
beddinge £6
table clothes, hand towels & other linens 13s 4d
a cupborde, a table, chestes, cheyres
& other trien wares £1 6s 8d
brasse & peuter £3
spittes & other iron wares 4s
butter cheese bacon beiffe & other meate 10s
the apparell of the sayd will[ia]m Bullocke £2
Sum[ma] tot[alis] £39 10s 8d
Notes
1. Henrie Bourne and Thomas Bullocke of Mole refused to act as executors, so the will was proved with Elizabeth the widow being granted the administration of the goods and the upbringing of the three named children. The 20 statute acres of land his son Thomas owned in Wolstanton in 1614 were presumably the same lands as his father had.
2. Nicolas Barrett's house was less than three miles away. 'Barrett was at this time owner of the Ridghouse in Shelton' comments John Fenton on a passage of the court rolls of Elizabeth's reign. This farmhouse was close to where the Moat House Hotel now stands at Festival Park.
3. The debts are fascinating. He owes money mostly to ladies, but his creditors are (with one exception) men. If the debts owing to him are trade debts, what trade was he in? Clue: Thomas Keelinge of Newcastle had a tanning business. Also, had he sold two calves to John Pateson in Knutton?
4. The network of debts extended no further than ten miles away. Of the creditors, the furthest away was probably Richard Taylor who came from the township of Biddulph. John Toft's location is not known, but identications can be made of some of the others: Roger Tomkinson is not otherwise known - but Park Lane is believed to have been in Hanley or Penkhull; the Hay House was in Bradwell.
5 The inventory is indented on the top edge, meaning that the inventory was copied more than once. One copy was for Lichfield and is the one that survives. What the copyist worked from was a document produced by more than one hand (one of whom put commas in lists).
Raffe Tunstall, date of will 6th January 1590/1, inventory taken 10th July 1591, date of probate 29th July 1591.
In the name of god ame[n] in the vjt daie of Januarie in the yeare of our lorde god 1590 I Raffe tunstall of the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton Sicke in bodie & wholle of mynde prayse be to god make this my laste will & testam[en]te in mann[er] & forme folowinge firste I geue & bequeth my Sole to all mightie god my Saviour & Redemer It[e]m I geue & bequeth to James tunstall my brother foure markes of moneye Reymeyninge in the handes of James bailley of tunstall It[e]m I geue & bequeth to euerie one of my Sisters xij It[e]m the Residue of all my dettes & goodes when I ame brought home my dettes legasies & funerall expenses discharged I geue to henrie tunstall my brother & to thomas denell my brother in lawe It[e]m I ordeyne & make the said thomas denell my trustie & lawfull execut[o]r to so that this my laste will & testam[en]te be p[er]formed to the glorie of god & the helth of my Sole these beinge Witnes Richurde Ivies John Warde & Henrie tunstall.
This is a trewe Inventorie of all & Singler goodes of Raffe tunstall of the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton deceased p[re]sed by Richarde Knight & Richarde bourne the xth daie of Julie in the yere of our lord god 1591
halfe one coulte ............................................................... vjs
one ewe & one lambe .................................................... vjs
tow coffers & one broch )
certayne implem[en]tes of housholde stuffe ) ........... ixs
Dettes owinge to me
William bourne ...................................................... iiijli xs
James badley .......................................................... liijs iiijd
Richard bourne ....................................................... xxixs iiijd
Richard knight ....................................................... xvjs viijd
Richard colcloughe .............................................. xvjd
James lee ................................................................ xijd
dettes w[hi]ch the said Raffe tunstall did owe
to Jone cartlech ...................................................... is
to Richard knight .................................................. xxs viijd
to Richard Ivies ..................................................... xiijs iiijd
Notes
He mentions his brother Henry Tunstall (whose brief inventory is included in this collection). Unfortunately this Raffe Tunstall isn't the one who had 6 daughters, all heiresses.
Richarde Beeche of the Wood in the parish of Wolstanton, yeoman, will dated 12th January 1590/1, inventory taken 31st December 1591, date of probate 20th January 1591/2.
Will
Being in good health; my body to Christian burial in my parish churchyard of Wolstanton, near to my son Raphe.
To Andrew Beeche, my son and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten; and failing this, to John Beech my son-in-law and assignes for ever: all my copyhold lands and tenements with their appurtenances in Halmerend in the lordship and manor of Audley.
To Ellen Beech my wife and her assignes for life, and then to John Beeche my son, his heirs and assignes for ever: all my freehold lands in Audley parish.
To John Beeche my son: £20 which I promised him at the day of his marriage.
To Andrew Beech my son: £5.
To my daughter Ellen: 10s.
Residuary legatees: Ellen Beeche my wife and Richard Beeche my son.
Executors: my wife, and my son John Beeche.
Overseers: Andrewe Beeche, clerk, my brother, Robeat Wood of Knutton and John Colclughe of Gro[bbe]rs Hill.
Given at Audley.
Witnesses: Andrewe Beeche, clerk, my brother, William Kelsall, clerk and John Colclughe.
The debts and legacies hereafter written were acknowledged and bequeathed by the testator above-named as part of his last will a little before his death.
It is my will that my written will shall be of force and further it is my will that John my son shall have all such corn and other goods as I promised at the time of his marriage, and also my cupboard and all boards tables forms stools and dripping pan two broches or spits viz the best and the third of my spits and the third part of the debt which William Woode owes me by specialty.
It is my will that Ellen my daughter and my son-in-law her husband shall have such goods as I covenanted they should have at my decease and another third part of William Woode's debt. And also it is my will that my son Andrewe shall have my bargain and lease in Podmore paying the other third part of William Woode's debt, my second and fourth iron broches or spits and all my new sawed boards. And it is my will that my harriots shall first be paid out of my whole goods and that Catheryne Dorington my maid shall have one ewe sheep. And that Ellen Burseley shall have one heiffer calf and that the same shall be kept upon the ground until Michaelmas next. And finally it is my will and I charge my son John that he bring such surrenders as I am charged with to the next great court to be held at Audley and then and there to present and deliver up the same according to the custom, for me and in my name as lawfully as I my self should do if I were living.
Item there be some debts due unto me as my specialties will make mention. And without specialty John Harryson of Newcastle owes me 25s 6d; John Reeve of Audley parish 10s; John Garnett of the same parish 4s 8d; Roger Sparrye of the same £4; and John Beech of Knotton 9s 2d and Humfrey Burges 9s 8d.
Witnesses: Ellen Beech, John Beeche, Andrew Beeche, John Colcloughe, John Beeche of Knutton.
The Inventorie of all the goodes & Cattels moveable & Vnmoveable of Richarde Beeche late of the woode in the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton in the Countye of Stafforde yoman deceassed valued & praysed by the estymac[i]on of John pateson Robearte Woode Andrewe Smythe and John Colclughe of the p[a]rishe of Wolstanton aforsaid yomen the laste daye of decembre in anno d[omi]ni 1591 as followethe
foure oxen
vij kyne
fyve twynt[e]r beaste
foure stirkes
Sixe Calves
one mare & one yeare olde Colte
xxijti sheepe
three Swyne
Geese and pullen
Corne & haye in the Barne
Corne vpon the Grounde
waynes plowes yokes, Cheynes & all other implementes therto belonginge
vij Coverlettes and vij twylsheetes
fyve payre of flaxen sheetes
twelve payre of Canves sheetes
foure blamckette
foure mattresses boordclothes towels & all other soche napperie ware in howse
boordes formes cheres Cupboarde coffers bedstockes & all dother soche Implementes
trene ware as turnels lomes Compes & all soche trene ware in house
all Iron ware in howse
paynted Clothes
flesshe at the Roofe & in powder
whitmeate as Butter & Cheise
App[er]ell woole, towe & yorne
App[er]ell for his bodie
So[m]ma totalis
Notes
He is to be distinguished from John Beech of Knutton - but how? His house is likely to be the one with four hearths in 1666 occupied by William Tomkinson.
'flesshe at the Roofe & in powder' ie sides of meat lying in a salting dish ('in powder') and preserved meat hanging from the rafters.
John Baddeley of Houldiche, yeoman, will dated 8th February 1589, inventory taken 19th March 1591/2, date of probate 1st April 1592.
Will
Sick in body; to be interred in the churchyard of the parish of Wolstanton
To my two sons John Baddley and Henrye Baddeley: my team of oxen, to be equally divided.
To George Baddeley my son: four kine.
To James Baddeley my son: two kine.
To my daughter Mode Baddeley: one cow and heifer stirk
To my daughter Margret Chetwine: 12d for her child's part.
To my daughter Elenor Cowall: 12d for her child's part.
To my daughter Elizabeth Whilocke: 12d for her child's part.
To Thomas Baddeley my son : 12d for his child's part.
To John Cowall the son of Henrie Cowall of Chesterton: one calf.
Residuary legatees: all my children that I had by my latter wife Jane.
My will is that George Baddeley my son and his child's part during the time of his minority shall be governed by Thomas Baddeley my son and Henrie Cowall of Chesterton my son-in-law, unto whom I commit his tuition and education.
Also my will is that if any herriot be due and if any of the oxen which I have given to my two sons be seized for the herriot then the rest of the children which I had by my latter wife Jane shall make allowance to them for three parts of the same ox in money as shall be thought reasonable by my executors.
Executors: Henrye Cowall my son in law and Henrye Baddeley my son
Overseers: Henry Baddeley of Houldiche my son, and Richard Heath of Houldine.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventarie of all & singler the goodes both moveable & vnmoveable Debtes & cattell of John Baddeley of Houlditche latelie deceassed vewed & praysed by John Bourne John Pateson Richard Gloover & Robart Wood the xixth Day of marche 1591.
foure oxen ........................................... £14
seven kyne .......................................... £15
twynter beastes ................................... £6
towe stirkes ......................................... £3 6s 8d
swyne .................................................. £1 6s 8d
geese & hennes .................................... 3s 4d
corne & hay .......................................... £2 13s 4d
corne on the ground ............................... £5 6s 8d
husbandrie wares .................................. £1
brasse & pewter & other househould stuffe £7
fleshe butter & cheese .......................... 10s
Dounge .................................................. 3s 4d
his apparell ............................................. £2
40s w[hi]ch George Hodgeson owed the sayd John Baddeleye
[Total £58 10s]
Notes
1. A team of oxen - four in this period, but eight in Domesday times when animals were smaller.
2. His daughter Elizabeth married Ralph Whilocke; the latter died about 1615.
3. He is referred to as "John Baddeley, yeoman" to distinguish him from 'John Badeley, gentleman' who in 1590 was appointed to be the 'lerned steward' of Newcastle under Lyme.
4. In 1639 John Baddeley of Holditch referred in his will to John Cowall as his cousin. This will shows the link was Elinor Cowall - who died as a widow in 1632.
Thomas Burne of Chellheath, will dated 6th August 1592, inventory taken 5th January 1592/3, date of probate 17th February 1592/3.
Will
To be buried in such part of Christian burial as my friends and executors shall be thought convenient.
To my son Edward Burne: the lease of my house or tenement for the remainder of the term that I have.
To my son Heneri Burne: 40s
And to his children: 20s to be divided equally.
To my three children viz. William Burne, Johane Burne and Margrett Burne my two daughters: 6s 8d each.
Residuary legatee and executor: Edward Burne.
Witnesses: Thomas Burne of Coclught and Heneri Burne of Chesterton.
Overseers: Heneri Burne of Clanwaye.
Inventory
tow key .............................................. £3
fore littell bease ............................... £4
one mare ........................................... £1
vij shepe ............................................ £1 3s 4d
iij swyne ............................................. 10s
certene pullen ................................... 2s
my tenement ..................................... £6
brase & pywter .................................. £2
bedinge & bedstockes .................... £2
all naperi ware .................................. 13s 4d
heay & corne in the barne ............... £1 10s
all Iyron ware ...................................... 5s
all tryne ware ...................................... 3s 4d
bordes & formes ............................... 2s
one cubbard w[i]the coffers ............. 10s
husbandry ware ................................. 1s
Reparell belonginge to his body .... £1
Sume is £24
Note
Thomas Burne had a lease for years of what was probably a cottage rather than a messuage. The appraisers, having seen a copy of the lease, value it at £6.
Ellen Bourne of the Ewtrey, died and inventory taken 9th February 1593/4, administration granted 28th February 1593/4.
This is a trewe Inventorie of all & Sing[u]ler goodes cattelles & Dettes which Weare of Ellen bourne of the ewtrey of the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton the daie wherin She died p[re]sed by Richard Colcloughe Anthonie beech Richard bourne & Richarde knight the viiijth daie of februarie in the yere of our lord god 1593.
quicke goodes
vj kyene £10
towe twinters £3
one stirke & ij calves £2
towe ould nagges £2
tenne Shiepe £2
towe store Swyne 6s 8d
Certayne pullen 1s
Brasse & pewter
brasse & pewter £2
beddinge & napp[er]ie Wares £2 6s 8d
treyne Wares 10s
coffers & bordes 6s 8d
Irone wares 10s
app[ar]ell for her bodie d £1 6s 8d
Certayne dunge 2s
corne & haie 13s 4d
[£27 3s 0d]
Dettes owinge
Richard welch of weme £1 10s
Dettes w[hi]ch the testat[or] did owe
to Henrie Bourne £1
to John bourne my sonne the eld[er] £1
Notes
1. The household goods match in nature and value those of her husband - as would be expected. Thomas Burne died 6 years previously. The extra 6s 8d in Ellen's bedding and napery wares (which would include ) could refer to items which she had brought into the house at her marriage.
2. Richard Welch is likely to be a family connection, and the location must be Wem in Shropshire.
Richard Lovatt, inventory undated, exhibited at Lichfield 13th November 1594.
The Inventorie of the goodes & cattelles w[hi]ch weare late the goodes & cattelles of richard Lovatt decessed praysed by Raufe Dawson & Randull Swynn[er]ton
twoo fetter beddes iij boulsters and one pillowe ................................ £2 13s 4d
vj coverlettes ij wynnow sheetes a bed coveringe ........................... £1 10s
napperey Ware ........................................................................................... £1 2s
iij stricke & half a hoope of Rie .................................................................. 9s
his apparell & money in his purse )
a womans hatt & cap )....................................................... £1
xxij peeces of pewter one candlesticke a salt & a basen )
& viij counterfettes ) ................ 18s
ij brasse ....................................................................................................... £1 14s
vj Cushions.................................................................................................. 10d
one Cubborde foure
bordes and other treene ware ................................................................ £1
yron ware .................................................................................................... 13s 4d
foure v sheepe ........................................................................................... 10s
one gray geldinge ..................................................................................... £1 6s 8d
three kyen ................................................................................................... £5
the lease of the house late of the said Richard in Newcastle ....... £1
the lease of the spittle croft .................................................................... £1
v thrave of strawe ...................................................................................... 2s 6d
Sum[m]a £18 8s 2d
10s 8d
Notes
1. Is he the Richard Lovatt who lived in the Lower House in Clayton and whose two younger sons were called Thomas and Nicholas? And who was the mortgagee of various lands in Penkhull more than once in the previous 13 years?
2. The amendments show that this inventory was not a copy. The writer in the end put 'bed coveringe' instead of 'bed hillinge' (which means the same).
3. The colour of the horse (geldinge) is given to distinguish it from another one kept with it.
4. A 'stricke' is a strike, a measure of corn.
5. The listing of the woman's headgear in the inventory indicates that he was a widower.
John Beeche, administration granted 17th February 1594/5
(from the Act Book - the other probate documents have not survived.) Administration of the goods of John Beeche of Wolstanton parish, deceased, was granted to Margaret of the same, relict, in the form of an oath sworn for administering them for the benefit of Richard Beeche, Joan Beeche, Andrew Beeche, William Beeche and John Beech the natural children of the deceased as well for her own benefit.
Margaret Bourne, date of probate 17th February 1594/5
Margaret's son William Bourne was her executor. (From the Act Book)
Ralph Morton, date of probate 26th June 1595
His son Ralph Morton was executor of his will. (From the Act Book) The probate documents have not survived.
John Rowley, date of probate 20th November 1595
(from the Act Book - the other probate documents have not survived.) The executors of the will of John Rowley were his sons Thomas Rowley and John Rowley, with reserved powers granted to James Rowley and Richard Drakeford. Possibly this deceased person was from Wedgwood.
Henrie Tunstall, no will?, inventory taken 29th June 1597, administration or probate granted 13th July 1597.
This is a trewe Inventorie of all & Singler goodes chattelles moueable & Vnmoueable quicke & Deade of henrie tunstall of the p[ar]isshe of Wolstanton taken & presed by William Bourne Richard knight Anthonie beech & Roberte Sneid the xxixth daie of June 1597.
quicke goodes
iiij kyne ................................................................ £9 6s 8d
iiij twinters .......................................................... £7
iiij stirkes ............................................................ £4 10s
ij weyninge Calves ........................................... £1 6s 8d
one mare w[i]t[h] a coulte ................................ £2
one yerelinge coulte ........................................ £1 6s 8d
ij Swyne .............................................................. 13s 6d
ij hennes & one cocke ..................................... 1s 4d
Dead goodes w[i]t[h]in the house
brasse & pewter ............................................... £3
beddinge ............................................................ £2 13s 4d
napp[er]ie wares ............................................... 5s
treyne wares ....................................................... 5s
Irene wares ......................................................... 4s
bordes coffers & bedstockes formes &
cheires & stowles ............................................. 15s
ij wevers lowmes
w[i]t[h] Reedes & other geeres ....................... £1 6s 8d
one whych ........................................................... 8s
Implem[en]tes of husbandrie .......................... 5s
Certayne whitmeate ........................................... 6s 8d
flesshe at Rowffe ................................................ 6s 8d
corne in the house .............................................. 6s 8d
corne vppon the grounde ................................... £3 6s 8d
certayne mucke .................................................... 5s
app[ar]ell for his bodie ........................................ £1 6s 8d
tacke groundes ................................................... £13 6s 8d
Dettes w[hi]ch was owinge as folowith
thomas bouthe to be paid at martilmas next £2 4s
fraunces babnolde £1
William caplande 6s 8d
Dettes w[hi]ch weare owed
to Richard Sneid £2 4s
to margarett Sneide £2 14s
Notes
1. He is unlikely to be the Henry Tunstall who is mentioned in Newcastle manor court records. His widow lived in Ramscliffe and still had the two weaver's looms in the house at her death four years later. He had a brother Ralph Tunstall whose will is in this collection (date of probate 29th July 1591).
2. A reed (also known as a slay) was a weaver's instrument for separating the threads of the warp and beating up the weft.
3. 'tacke groundes' refers to land that he leased for a term of years. The value (£13 6s 8d) suggests it was more than one field.
Margaret Brett, will dated 11th May 1598, no inventory, date of probate 20th September 1598.
Will
Being sick in body; to be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Elenor Broxe my step daughter: one frieze gown, a flaxen smock, my best hat, two kerchers and one partlet.
To my second daughter Margaret Moreton: my best gown being of broad cloth, my best apron, one partlet, two kerchers and one towel.
To Marie Broxe my youngest daughter: a frieze gown, my best red petticoat, one chest, two kerchers, one pair of women's hose and a towel.
To Jane Baker: one petticoat, two pair of women's hose, two pairs of shoes, two partlets and two kerchers.
To Joane Johnson: a partlet and a kercher.
To Joane Henshawe: a hat, a white petticoat and a [?stomacher].
To Anne [?Nicklin]: a smock, a kercher, a night case and a pair of women's hose.
To Emet Baker: an apron.
To Ellen Baker: a partlet.
To William Brett, my youngest son: a towel and a handkerchief.
which apparell of the said deceassed John moreton and Henrie Wincle having seene & vewed have esteemed & praised the same to iiijli vjs viiid.
Notes
1. To be buried inside the church indicated a high status in the parish. She was the widow of Thomas Brett, gentleman, who died nearly ten years before. As she indicates by her reference to her 'step daughter', Elenor, Thomas Brett had married again. She was probably living at Marsh Head House which was owned by her eldest son Randle Brett. A chest of clothes (more than twice the value of her husband's clothes) was all that she could call her own.
2. 'frieze gown' (Fryse gowne) - a gown made of a coarse cloth whose name is derived from Friesland. A gown made of broad cloth would be the best because that was the most expensive material. A kercher (or kerchief) is a woman's head-covering, and a partlet is a piece of linen which women of that period used to cover the neck. As a guide to prices - on 17th July 1608, Thomas Toogood and two others broke into a house in Barton under Needwood, it was alleged, and stole three partletts worth 2s and three kerchers worth 12d, among other things.
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
John Bourne of Chesterton, yeoman, will dated 1st August 1597, inventory taken 11th March 1599/1600, date of probate 21st March 1599/1600
Will (summary)
Being in good health of body; to be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Henrie Bourne, my eldest son, in the name of his heirs: one silver salt (gilt), 12 silver spoons, 1 long table, and a square table in the parlour and 2 forms and 1 carpet belonging to it/them, 4 chairs, 2 joint beds, 2 pair of bedsteads in the chamber over the buttery, 1 long brooch, 1 pair of iron-bound wheels, 3 iron chains and all my yokes, 1 harrow and plough with the plough-irons, 1 pair of goberts, 1 hutch or whytch, 1 great coffer or chest, and 1 pot.
To my daughter Marie Baylie (whom I have already bestowed in marriage): 10 shillings, for her portion.
My debts and funeral expenses being discharged of the whole, I give and bequeath to Elinor Bourne my wife and to my two sons William Bourne and John Bourne the residue of all my goods, moveable and unmoveable, to be divided in three equal parts amongst them.
Executors: Henry Bourne and John Bourne.
Witnesses: Henry Bourne, William Bourne, William Brett.
The Inventorie of all the goodes Cattell & houshould stuffe of John Bourne of Chesterton w[i]thin the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton Lately Deceased, taken by Henrie Bourne Henrie Cowall Thomas Wood & Raffe Whyllocke the xjth daie of march in the yere of our lord 1599 & in the xlijth yere of the raigne of of our sou[er]aigne ladie queene Elizabeth &c.
Foure oxen ......................................................................................... £16 6s 8d
seven kyne ......................................................................................... £16 6s 8d
Three twynt[e]rs ................................................................................. £4 6s 8d
fyve calves ......................................................................................... £3 6s 8d
one mare ............................................................................................. 13s 4d
the Corne & hay in the barne ........................................................... £2 10s
Corne on the ground ......................................................................... £8
one Sylver Salt & spoones ............................................................... £4
all the Poultrie ..................................................................................... 4s 4d
the Brasse & Pewter ........................................................................... £4
the bedding & napry ware ................................................................. £6 13s 4d
bedsteedes tables Chestes & all other treene Ware ...................... £5
Butt[e]r, Cheese, fleshe & other houshold p[ro]vision .................. £1
Brooches gobertes Brandart & other Iron stuffe ............................ 6s 8d
Cart plowes yokes & other husbandrie Implementes ................... £1
the Dunge ............................................................................................. 10s
his wayring Apparell............................................................................. £2
S[um]m[a] tot[alis] ..... £76 16s 8d
[Actual £76 4s 4d]
Notes
1. Wills in which the testator declares that he is in good health tend to be the exception in this period, and, more often than not, such wills are written some time before death. John Bourne's will is included here as he evidently died in 1600. (The appraisers followed what was normal practice att this time of putting the old year for any date occurring between 1st January and 24th March. In my headings and notes I have given this as 'old year/new year' where it occurs.) Details (of burials etc) from the Wolstanton parish register only survive from 1624.
2. Wills of later centuries - which are concerned with the disposal mainly of sums of money - are much less informative about household and farming goods. In the period 1600-50, money (in the absence of banks) was tied up in land, goods and loans to borrowers. Of these, bequests of land are not found in the wills of all land holders. (Sometimes the man transferred land during his life. Otherwise it passed to the heir in accordance with the traditional custom of the manor in which the land was held - usually to the oldest son, with a third of it reserved to the widow for her life.)
3. Household goods: the salt is a salt-box; and the 'Brooches gobertes Brandart & other Iron stuffe' are the equipment of the hearth.
4. The appraisers (those who undertook an inventory of the deceased's goods and valued them) were neighbours of similar social standing to him. Henry Bourne is a resident of Chesterton, but not necessarily related.
5. The inventory does not mention a lease. But he is likely to have been the tenant of the lord of the manor of Chesterton and living in the manor house.
6. The bishop's court at Lichfield had to make the decision about probate ie the proving of the will so it could be accepted as valid. The probate records that survive at Lichfield for John Bourne are the inventory, the will and a piece of paper with nine lines of Latin on it. This seems to be a record of Henry Bourne's renunciation of the role of executor. On the back of the will is a note of the court's decision to grant letters of administration to the widow Elinor, empowering her to administer her late husband's estate.
John Bourne of Chesterton, no will, inventory taken 16th April 1598, date of admon 9th April 1600
The Inventorie of all the good[es] moveable & vnmoveable of John Bourne of Chesterton latly deceassed taken by Henrye Bourne Thelder Henrye Bourne the younger Thomas Woode & John Colclouge the xvjth daye of Aprill in the yeare of our lord god 1598 & in the fortith yeare of the raigne of our sou[er]aigne Ladye Elizabeth etc
Foure Featherbedes three matresses w[i]th the
boulsteres & the residue of all the beddinge
all the sheetes & naprye ware
all the pewter and brasse
all the tables beddstiddes Chestes of coferse copboord
wth all other treene ware
one grat two brooches & all other iron ware
the geese and pultrie
twoo carpites five quyshions twoo sakes & linen yarn
corne in the house & on the grond
the dunge
his purse & wayringe apparell
Sum[m]a £15 19s 6d
John Meere, no will, inventory taken 9th February 1599/1600, administration granted 14th February 1599/1600
Nono die February 1599
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes of John Meere late deceased praised by Thomas Burslem William Bourne James Beech and John Rowley
all his bedding ...................................... £1
iiij quishions .......................................... 1s
all his apparell ...................................... 10s
one ould framing saw one grate
nogars and all other Iron ware .......... 6s
all the boordes and trine ware .......... 2s
all the pewter ........................................ 4s
all the brasse ........................................ 13s 4d
Su[m]ma £2 16s 4d
Debtes owing vnto the said John
Richard Doson ................................. £3 6s
Raphe Moreton .................................... £2 4s
John Rowley ......................................... £1 10s
The debt which the said John oweth is ..11s
Thomas Shawe of Chell, will dated 23rd March 1599/1600, died and inventory taken 26th March 1600, date of probate 28th March.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Margerett my wife: a half of a messuage and half of all my freehold lands in Chell, for her life if she keeps herself sole and unmarried; and half of all my goods and chattels (except one great ark or whiche, one tubstone, with half of all my husbandry wares, which I give my son Thomas Shawe).
Residuary legatees: my sons Henry Shawe (two-thirds) and James Shawe (one third).
Executors: Margerett my wife and Thomas Shawe my son.
Overseers: Anthony Beeche of Chell and (?John) (?R)owley my brother-in-law.
Witnesses: John Rowley of Wedgwood, William Bourne of Chell, James Rowley, with others.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all and singuler the goodes and Cattals the w[hi]ch weare of Thomas Shawe of Chell in the p[ar]ish of woolstanton w[it]hin the Countie of Stafford at the day of his death: praysed By William Bourne. Anthony Beeche and Richarde Bourne of Chell, the xxvith day of Marche Anno D[omi]ni 1600 Annoq[ue] Regina Elizabeth xlij.
foure yonge oxen .................................................................. £12 15s
fyve kyne and ij sucinge Calves ......................................... £13
foure Twynters ....................................................................... £8 10s
syx Styrkes .............................................................................. £8
foure yearelinge Calves ....................................................... £4
one mare and one Colt ......................................................... £2 13s 4d
seven olde sheepe and ij lambes ...................................... £2
ij yonge swyne ........................................................................ 13s 4d
c[er]tayne pullen ..................................................................... 3s 4d
Corne & hay in the barne and [?on the grond] .................. £3
Brasse and pewter ............................................................... £3
all man[er] beddinge ............................................................. £3
one great Arke and c[er]tayne coffers ................................. £1 6s 8d
c[er]tayne nappery wares ...................................................... 6s 8d
c[er]tayne tryne warres ........................................................... 6s 8d
c[er]tayne Iron ware ................................................................. 10s
Bordes formes Cheares stooles & cushins ...................... 10s
all man[er] Implem[ent]es of husbandry ............................. 13s 4d
one Weau[er]s loome ............................................................ 3s 4d
c[er]tayne maynore .................................................................. 10s
c[er]tayne wayne tymber j tubstone & j grindlstone ........... 5s
App[ar]ell for his body ............................................................. £1 10s
S[um]ma tot[a]lis £66 13s 4d [Actual: £66 16s 8d]
Note
The weaver's loom indicates one of Thomas Shawe's sources of income, and it looks likely that one of his sons continued in the weaving trade (see the will of Thomas Shaw of Great Chell who died in 1626). However, the investment in four oxen (a ploughing team) indicates a commitment to arable farming, together with the husbandry ware (farming gear).
Margaret Shawe of Chell, widow, will dated 10th May, inventory taken 14th May, date of probate 19th May 1601.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton near the place where my husband lies.
To Thomas Shawe my eldest son: one stirk and certain rye standing in a compe in the barn.
To Margarett Shaw my daughter-in-law: one pair of silver hooks.
To James Sawe my second son: one stirk.
To Eve Harrison my sister: my best petticoat, my best smock and my best kerchief ('kercher').
To goodwife Beeche: one flaxen smock
To good Rowley: my elsteyd apron.
To my aunt Alice Cartliche: one smock and a kercher.
To Robertt Hochkynson: a half hoop of rye.
To Joane Harrison my servant: one old petticote, one smock and one kercher.
To Richard Tormoure: one jerkin.
To his wife: my old gown.
Residuary legatees: James Shawe and Henry Shawe.
Executor: James Shawe.
Overseers: John Rowley and James Rowley of the parish of Norton.
Witnesses: John Rowley, James Rowley and Anne Beech with others.
The true Inventorie of all and singuler the goodes and Cattales the which weare of margarett Sawe of Chell in the p[ar]ish of woolstanton in the countie of Stafford wyddowe, at the day of her death, pryced, by will[ia]m Bourne of Chell Anthony Beech and Richard Bourne the xiiijth day of may Anno d[omi]ni 1601 Annoq[ue] Reginae Elizabeth[e] xliij
iij kyne ........................................................... £6
iij Twynters ................................................... £4
ij styrkes ........................................................ £2
ij wayninge Calves ...................................... £1
j mare ............................................................ £1 16s 8d
ij swyne ......................................................... 13s 4d
iiij sheepe ..................................................... £1
Corne in the howse .................................... £2 6s 8d
Corne one the grownde ............................. £2 10s
c[er]tayne take grownd ............................... £2 10s
Brasse and pewter ..................................... £1 6s 8d
all maner Beddinge ................................... £2 10s
all man[er] nappery ware ........................... £2
c[er]tayne newe Cloth ................................. £1
hempe and yearne ...................................... 10s
c[er]tayne coffers or Chestes .................... £1
Bordes, formes, tressles, bedstockes,
cheres stooles and Cushins .................... 6s 8d
Bacon at the Rouffe .................................... 10s
Butter and Cheyse ...................................... 8s
all man[er] tryne ware ................................. 5s
Iron ware ....................................................... 10s
husbandry ware ........................................... 6s 8d
c[er]tayne manur or donge ......................... £1
App[ar]ell for her body ................................. £1
one Bakestone w[i]t[h] all other
implem[en]tes of houshold before
vnpryced ......................................................... 3s 4d
Sum[ma] [£36 13s 0d]
Notes
1. The will and inventory are in the same handwriting and are probably copies. Some mistakes in the will are probably due to the haste of the copyist and maybe (in the case of 'elsteyd apron') to the illegibility of the original.
2. Overseers were called upon to advise and adjudicate; they were usually more senior figures who were not necessarily part of the family. As the bulk of Margaret Shaw's possessions were not specifically donated in the will, the overseers would have to see that the goods were divided equally between the two brothers, helping to settle such tricky questions as: who was to get the mare?
3. The dairy was regarded as the wife's province; Margaret's servant Joan would have been the dairy maid, while Margaret's sons James and Henry would have concentrated on the arable farming. But she has corn on the ground.
4. Her late husband Thomas had left her half of his goods and chattels, and their respective probate inventory totals reflect this fairly closely.
5. Take grownd ie tack ground, that had been leased for a term of years.
6. Silver hooks were also bequeathed two years later by another female parishioner, Margaret Colclough.
7. The compe where her rye was stored was different from the ark or whiche which her husband had at his death and bequeathed to a son.
Margaret Burne of Chesterton, single woman, will undated, no inventory, administration granted 6th August 1600.
In the name of god amen I Margrett borne of chesterton in the countye of stafford single woman doe bequeath my solle to the keping of almyghtye god and my bodye to be buried in the chearche yard of woolstanton first I giue unto my brother Thomas borne my best hatt a pursse and a ring I giue to Ellen torner my sister one durance apurne Item I giue unto Jone torner my cossin one gerdle Item I all the rest of my wearing apparill I geue to Katterne borne Item I giue unto Margreate wood to the use of hir eldest doughter sixe shillings eigth pence Item I giue unto Jhon bo[u]rne twelue pence Item I geue unto Jone hanson xijd. my funer[al expences] deschard and payd It[e]m I giue unto thomas bo[u]rne and kathern borne my sister all the resudye of my goods mouable and unmoueable equallye to be deuydid
in the presence of thesse whose names are under written
Thomas Wood margarett wood Jhon borne Jone hanson
Notes
1. Thomas Burne of Brodwall (Bradwell), husbandman, accompanied by Randle Meare of Woollstanton, yeoman, had to travel to Lichfield to be granted the administration of his sister's goods. The other sister Katherine had to go to the vicar of Wolstanton Henry Stevenson to be sworn on oath.
2. The will refers to the payment of her funeral expenses, but not the payment of any money she owed, so it can be inferred that she didn't. Likewise there is no evidence of anyone owing her money.
3. The OED gives the definition of 'durance' as 'stout durable cloth' - so presumably Margaret Burne's apron was made of a material such as hemp or canvas - or leather?
Andrew Smith of Heath End, yeoman, nuncupative will dated 31st January 1600/1, undated inventory, date of admon 17th Feb 1600/1
In the Name of God Amen The Last day of Januarie. Anno d[omi]ni 1600 In the p[re]sence of John Peeke of Keele, John Coolcloughe of Grubbershill & Margrett his wyef this ones good neighbour Andrew Smith late of Hea[th]end wth y[n the] Parrishe of Woolstanton & Countie of Stafford yoman hath by word of mo[uth] vttered and declared his last Will & Testament Nuncupative in such mannor as followeth
I Andrew Smith sicke in bodie but of good & perfect memorie, Thankes be to God for it, by reason of the extremitie of sickenesse & want of tyme, fearing least I should not be able to putt downe in wrytinge this my last Will & Testament am willinge in p[re]sence of you my good neighbours & frendes to expresse [the] same:
First I bequeath my soule into the handes of Almightie God from whence cometh my salvation & my bodie to be buried in the parrishe churchyard of Woolstant[on]
Also I give my house & lande w[i]th it appurtena[u]nces to John Smith my sonne too enter vppon the same at such tyme as he shall accomplish the full age of one & twentie yeares vntill w[hi]ch tyme my wyef shall occupye the whoole, further my Will is that Isabell my wyef shall haue the vse & occupac[i]on of the one half of my said house & Landes togeather w[i]th my sonne duringe her naturall lyef
Also I gyve to the said John Smith my sonne the whoole Terme of my Tacke Lyinge in Woolstanto[n] beinge tow parcells of ground called the over flattes & the Lower flattes to enter vppo[n] the same when he shall accomplishe the full age of sixeteene yeares vnto w[hi]ch tyme my wyef shall haue the occupac[i]on therof
Also fo[r] his heirees I give to my sonne one yron boane Wane, a Wytch, & Table a Cubword & a Grate and all my husbandrie ware, savinge that Isabell my wyef shall haue the occupac[i]on therof togeather w[i]th him duringe her naturall [lyef] keep[ing] the same in good & sufficient reparac[i]on Also my best bedd as it now standeth furnished so shall remaine to John my sonne to enter vppo[n] the same at the day of his marriage. Also I give to my sister in law Mary Smiths children everie one of them vjs viijd and I give to everie godchyld xijd
All the rest of my goods & Chattels moveable & vnmoveable, quicke or dead of what sorte or in whose handes soever they bee, my Debtes paid & funerall expenses discharged I whoolelie give to Isabell my wyef & Ellen my daughter equallie to be devided betwixt them, and my will is that my wyef shall haue the bringinge vp of Ellen my daughter & the rule & governement of her goods vntill she come to lawfull age vsinge & bestowinge them to her best p[ro]fitt & com[m]oditie. And I ordaine & make Isabell my wyeff my sole & lawfull executrix iustlie & trulie to execute & performe this my last will & Testament accordinge to the trust I repose in her In Witnesse wherof we the foresaid John Peeke, John Coolclough & Margrett his wyf haue putt to our handes the Tenth day of Februarie in the three & fourtith yeare of the Raigne of the Queens ma[jes]tie that nowe is. These beinge Witnesses
John Pateson Rand[a]ll Pateson
John Peakes Marke x Richard Peake & Thoma[s] Smithe
John Coolcloughes x w[i]t[h] others
& Margrett Coolcloughes x
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debtes owynge to mee Andrew Smith as foloweth
Thomas Baddeley of Holdiche........ [40s?]
Homfrey Burgis................................... 36s
Richard Glover of Knutton................. 16[s?]
Widdow Cowper................................. 10s
John Morgen of Keele....................... 10s
Thomas Beeche.................................. 16s
Margrett [Ashley?]................................. 2s
Richard Smith of Newcastell............. 12d
Mr Sabshed.......................................... 20d
Mr Keelinge.......................................... £4
John Pateson...................................... £23
John Clownan....................................... 40s
Widdow Heath.......................................... 6s 8d
William Vnwin ..................................... 10s
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the good and Chattells of Andrew Smith late of Heath end deceased, praysed and Valued by thestimac[i]on of Richard Glover John Coolclough Richard Peeke John Peeke w[i]th others
foure Oxen............................................................................... £25
Tow steares............................................................................... £5
Three Lesser steares............................................................... £6
Threetine Kyne & heyfers...................................................... £26
Sixe Twynters..................................................................... ..... £7 4s
Sixe Calves................................................................................ £4
Tow Meres & a colte................................................................. £5
Tow & fourtie sheepe................................................................ £9
Three swyne.......................................................................................15s
Geese & hennes..................................................................................4s
Corne in the barne.....................................................................£7
Hay.............................................................................................. £3 6s 8d
Corne vppo[n] the earth........................................................... £5
Brasse & pewter........................................................................ £4
Beddinge & all other napperie ware..................................... £5
Butter & cheese......................................................................... £1 10s
Fleshe at the house.......................................................................... 13s 4d
Chestes & all other treene ware............................................. £1
Iron Ware & other implement belonginge to husbandry.... £2
His Tack Taxe or Chattels..................................................... £10
Apparell for his bodie .............................................................. £2
Sum[m]a £1[2]9 13s
Notes
1. 'Tacke' - lease. The Over flattes and the Lower flattes (containing about 8 statutory acres) were owned by Rondull Meare in 1615.
2. At the time of this inventory - which was taken in February - there was a lot of hay, which could be in a barn or stack. Haystacks are to be found at this time eg a Cheshire inventory of February 20th 1610/11 has 'all the hey in the hey barne and standing in a stack' valued at £3 6s 8d.
3. 'yron boane Wane' in the will is an iron-bound wain (cart or wagon).
William Hancocke of Knutton, will dated 26th February 1598, inventory taken 24th February 1600/1, date of probate 5th March 1600/1
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the church of Wolstanton in St Nicolas' aisle there.
To Mathewe Peart my son-in-law: 12d.
To my daughter Ellen Peart his wife:12d.
To everyone of their children: 12d each.
To Joane Hexom my daughter: all the goods that sometime were in the possession of my late wife Anne Hancock, mother of the said Joane.
Residuary legatee: Joane my daughter
Executor: Thomas Keelinge of Newcastle under Lyme.
A true Inventorie of all the goodes & chattles of William hancock of knutton in the countie of Staff[ord] deceased, taken & praised the 24 Februarie 1600 by Richard Bagnall and John dorington.
one featherbed, one Matrisse, one payre of sheetes, one table cloth, & ij old tableclothes, one wallett & two course towells
foure bolsters, & ij course pillowes, one bedcou[er]inge, a cou[er]lett & ij Quishions
Apparell of the deade
ij payer of bedstids, iij Coffers, one Cupbord, iiij Chears & one table & tressles
two broches, & one payer course golberts, yro[n] grate & other yro[n] ware of lyttle value
two Candesticks, one scorrer, ij course salt sellers, & in sawcers & other pewter thertene pieces
one pott and litle posnett
three pannes a spade and some other implem[en]t[es] of household of little value or worthe
Notes
1. His executor was an alderman of Newcastle. William Hancock served as thirdborough for Knutton in 1567, 1574, 1581 and 1595. He owned land which was freehold, but the will does not say to whom it passed after his death. However it must have been to his daughter Joane who was married to Ralph Hexam, as the latter was acting as constable at Easter 1602 for Knutton for the tenement that was William Hancock's.
2. 'course' (coarse) conveys the same meaning as 'of low value'.
3. His deceased wife's possessions, bequeathed to his daughter, are likely to have included her clothes.
Elizabeth Tunstall, no will, inventory taken 20th November 1601, date of admon 16th May 1602.
A true & lawfull Inventorie of all the goodes cattelles & chattelles of elizabeth tunstall deceassed w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of owlstanton taken the xxth daye of november in the xliiijth yeare of elizabeth the quenes ma[jest]ie that nowe is by vs Richard knyght Antho[n]y beche edwarde sneyde and Robert sneyde pressors
sixe kyne
towe twinters heffers
iij sterkes
ij calves
one mare & a coulte
ij swyne
certen pullen
brasse & pewter
certen beddinge
naperi ware
trene ware
Iyron ware
bordes formes coffers & bedstockes
cheres & stoles
towe wevers lommes w[i]th furniture
one wich ...... 6s 8d
empelmentes of husbandrie
certen whytemete
corne & heye in the barne
certen mamure or dounge
certen tryfeles if there be any vnpressed
Apparell for her body
for the lease of certeine a house and certeine grounds at held hill £8
Notes
1. From the probate records it appears that Elizabeth Tunstall left behind five boys (William, Richard, John, Henry and James). Her nearest relative William Burne of Chell, yeoman, came forward to take on the administration of her goods and the bringing up of the children.
2. The family lived at Held Hill or Hield Hill; the present designation is ................... It lay at the edge of Rainscliffe township on the lane eastwards from Peacock Hay. A tailor John Tunstall was living in Rainscliffe in 1622; and later ― between 1631 and 1684 ― at least two William Tunstalls lived at Hield Hill. In 1666 it was the first house listed for Rainscliffe in the list of Hearth tax payers. It was a one-hearth dwelling. Much of the parish in this period was dotted with farmsteads, rather than large groups of houses.
3. The household items are mainly summarised in categories according to what they were made of. The bedding would include mattresses (referred to as 'beds'), bolsters, blankets and bed coverings. The sheets and pillow cases are not listed separately in this inventory, so they must be included under 'napery ware'. The beds themselves are referred to as 'bedstocks'. Tables are represented by 'boards'. Brass vessels for the most part are for food preparation and cooking, while pewter vessels and dishes are generally for serving and eating from. Ironware in this inventory refers to the grate and other implements of the hearth. 'Treenware' seems to refer to items made from wood such as pails, barrels and tubs. In this case the very low valuation for 'treneware' suggests: a few pails, a set of wooden trenchers and the household's spoons.
4. The weaver's looms are interesting. Nesta Evans (1985) in The East Anglian Linen Industry says 'the [hand-looms] used by weavers today are rather more sophisticated than those worked in the past'. Women could learn to operate them, but the presence of the looms in Elizabeth Tunstall's inventory must indicate that they once belonged to her late husband, Henry Tunstall.
Robert Rathbone of Ramscliff, husbandman, will dated 4th January 1602/3, inventory taken 15th January, date of probate 3rd February.
Will
Being aged and sick in body.
My body to be buried in Wolstanton churchyard near my father's grave.
To Margrett Rathbone, my son Richard's wife and to his children now living: 12d each.
To Ellin Hill, being John Hill's daughter: 12d
To John Hill and his now wife and the rest of his children: 2s each
To Alice Teylior my now servant: 2s
To Elizabeth Hill, Thomas Hill's daughter: 2s
To John Hill, son and heir apparent of Thomas Hill: 12d
To Raph Hall: 12d
To Elizabeth Unwin & Margery Teylior my goddaughters: 12d each.
To Randull Rathbone and his now wife, and to Katerine Rathbone, Elizabeth Rathbone, Margerie Rathbone and Anne Rathbone, my brother's daughters: 12d each.
To Jeis [C]oolcloe: 12d [check original]
To Richard Scot's two children: 4d
To Jone Hardin: 4d
To Jefferyie Swinerton my workdays doublet and coat and 12d.
To the said John Hill, my wife's son: muy best horse doublet and jerkin.
To Thomas Beech: 12d.
Residuary legatees and executors: Agnes Rathbone, my wife and Richard Rathbone, my son. (John Hill to have the use of the mare after my wife's decease).
Overseers: Randull Rathbone and John Hill.
Debts whch I owe
To my son Richard: 20s
To Richard Scot: 6s 8d, which was of my son Richard's rent.
Witnesses: Randull Rathbone, William Baddeley, John Hill, Thomas Beech
--------------------------------------------
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie taken the Fiftinth day of Januarie in the Fyve & fourtith yeare of the Raigne of our moust gracious quene Elizabeth yt now is etc 1602 of all the goodes & cattles moveable or vnmoveable of Robertt Rathbons of kidc [crossed out] the p[ar]ish of wolstanton in the countie of Stafford husbandman late valued & prised, by Anthonie Rowlley & William Rowlley honest men.
foure kyne & A heffer Sterk ............................................ £9
one [S]owe & a hogg ......................................................... 8s
one little pigg ....................................................................... 2s
one ould mare ..................................................................... 13s 4d
hey & corne .......................................................................... £2 13s 4d
pullen .................................................................................... 1s
Brasse & Pewter w[i]th one ould frying pane ................. £1 6s 8d
all man[er] of Bedding w[i]th napperie ware .................. £2
coffers Beddstockes formes bordes formes
tressels cheirs stooles one cubbord w[i]th one which .. £1 10s
All manor of trine ware w[i]th a spining whiele .............. 8s
one plow one harrow one grate w[i]th
all man[er] of Irone ware ..........................................Ä........... 11s
a pack sadle & hackney sadle .......................................... 2s
peanted clothes ................................................................... 1s
Ap[ar]ell for his Bodie ......................................................... 5s
one little closse called the Bath ........................................ £1 10s
[Total £20 11s 4d]
Notes
1. If the writer of the inventory hadn't crossed it out, this would have been a reference to 'Kidcrew', later to become 'Kidsgrove'. At that time it was no more than a few houses in the township of Ramscliff.
2. The connection with the Hills is through his wife Agnes: Thomas Hill and John Hill are her sons, presumably by a previous marriage. Robert Rathbone was owner with her and Thomas Hill of a cottage and 10 acres of land. The last item of the inventory indicates that he had also taken out a lease on 'The Bath' for a term of years - a field situated probably on the east side of present-day Bath Pool.
3. 'peanted clothes' are painted cloths, popular as hangings in the Elizabethan period.
4. His clothes are priced at a low amount – presumably due to their age rather than their quality. Robert Rathbone is old enough to be a grandfather, and probably if Agnes his widow had not been alive, more items than the frying pan would have been described as 'old' by the appraisers. (His widow and son, as executors, would have commissioned the inventory)
5. It is likely that the location of his father's grave in the churchyard was marked with a painted wooden head-board. (Although wooden grave-markers do not survive from this period, ones from the Georgian period and Victorian era are known.)
Edward Colcloughe, will dated 15th September 1602, inventory taken 24th September, date of probate 6th October.
Will
To be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To James Colclough, my oldest son, in the name of all his heirs, after my wife's decease: my best pan (which was my father's pan), my best coffer, one which standing in the barn, my meal-board, bench and form in the house with all the painted cloths in the house, one plough and one harrow, one iron grate and one voyder the best in the house.
To John Reeve, my daughter's son: one shershipe being a ewe sheep.
To Agnes Reeve, my daughter for her child's part: one ewe sheep.
To Margarett my wife: all my tack grounds for the term I have in them, if she lives so long; and after her decease, the reversion or reversions to James my son, who is to pay yearly to Ellene, Jone and John Colcloughe his sisters and brother the sum of £5 ie 46s 8d to Ellen, and 26s 8d to each of Jone and John to be paid within 6 months of Margarett's death. In default of payment the remaining term is to go to Ellene, Jone and John. My will is that James shall permit John his brother to have a bedroom within during his life if he is unmarried and stands in need of it using himself honestly.
To James my son: one heifer stirk with a white ball in the head to be kept with his mother's cattle until she is a cow.
To Margarett my wife: all my corn upon the ground for and towards the keeping of my children if they be out of service.
Residuary legatees: Margarett my wife (a third) and my children Ellene, Jone and John (two-thirds to be divided equally).
Executrix: Margarett my wife.
Overseers: Richard Kinges and John Henshawe.
Witnesses: Edward Ley and others.
The Inventorie of all and Singler goodes and Cattelles the which Were Edwarde Colcloughes of the p[ar]isshe of Wolstanton & Countie of stafforde late deceased p[re]sed by Richard knight William Burslem Richard colecloughe John henshawe and James Colcloughe in the countie afforsaid yeomen the xxiiij th daie of septemb[e]r in the xliiijo yeare of our Sou[er]igne ladie Elizabeth the quenes magstie yt nowe is anno d[omi]ni 1602.
v kyne
ij bullockes
one heffer stirke
one Calffe
one oulde mare
iiij Small Sheipe
ij yonge Swyne
one gowse & a gonder
Certayne pullen
Deade goodes
brasse & pewter
beddinge & napp[er]ie Wares
treyne Wares 6s 0d
one oulde Which & certayne coffers
bordes & formes
bedstockes
Irone Wares
Implem[en]tes of husbandrie
butter & cheisse
flesshe at Rowffe
corne & haie
app[ar]ell for his bodie
Certayne hempe & flaxe
Certayne mouck
Notes
1. He owned a third of an acre in the township of Oldcott, and lived there too. (In 1601 Edward Colclough was headborough for Oldcott.) The 'tack grounds' are additional land for which he has leases for the lives of himself, his wife and James who, according to the manor court rolls, was the heir after his father's death. They are bringing in (or expected to bring in) an annual rent of £5.
2. James the oldest son and John the youngest child do not appear to get on. His father in his will wants James to provide lodging for John, under three conditions, one of them being that John will behave in a respectable manner ('using himself honestly'). One daughter is married and has her own house; the other children are unmarried, and either living at home or else in service and living with an employer.
His wife runs the dairy, probably with the help of Ellen and Jone. Edward is evidently a husbandman.
3. The harvest is late. Edward is thinking ahead to Michaelmas at the end of the month, when his children's one-year employment contracts come up for renewal. There is no money in his purse - it is set aside for paying the next rent instalment which will be due at Michaelmas. The money bequests to Ellen, Jone and John are deferred and will have to be paid by James.
4. His wife died 5 months later. Comparison of the two inventories shows the changes brought about by his wife having a third of the unbequeathed goods, as well as the depletion by household consumption during the winter.
Agnes Rowley of Ramsclife, widow, no will, administration granted 28th March 1600, inventory taken 19th November 1602, exhibited 3rd February 1602/3.
A true Inventorie of all the goodes and Chattelles late Agnes Rowleyes of Ramsclife Widdowe deceased presed by Willia[m] Bourne of Ewtree and Willia[m] Rowley of Ramsclife the xix daye of Nouember in the fiue and fourtith yeare of our sou[er]aigne Ladie Elizabeth that now is an[n]o 1602.
two kye and one heffer £5 6s 8d
one swyne and two pigges 13s 4d
all the pullenn 1s 0d
all the corne both in the house & barne £3
all the hay £1 3s 4d
all the hempe 3s 4d
all the brase and pewter £2
all the Iron ware 3s 4d
all the wudden ware as boardes chestes formes
tressules dishboardes cuppoardes lowmes boukes
dishes and all such 10s 0d
all the bedinges and napperie ware £2 6s 8d
all the p[ro]vition in the house both flesh and
whitmeate 13s 4d
all the manore 1s
one womans saddle and forniture thervnto belonginge 6s 8d
one ould packsadle 6d
one spininge while 8d
all her wearinge apparell £3
£19 9s 10d [checked]
Deptes owinge the sayde Agnes Rowley at the tyme of her death
Andrewe Betson £1 10s
Deptes which the sayde Agnes did owe at the daye of her death
To John Thickines £2
Robert Smith £5
Thomas Baddeley £4
Alice Podmore £1
the executors of John Smith £1
Richard knight 10s
to Mr Varname of Haslington £10
Som[m]e is £23 10s
Notes
1. Administration of the goods was granted to her son James Rowley of Ramscliffe, blacksmith, with her brother William Rowley having reserved power.
2. The inventory was taken three years after her death, during which time the holding was managed presumably by her son. Deciding what were his goods and what could be attributed to his mother would be open to interpretation. The delay in producing the inventory was probably due to the situation arising from her large debts. Her husband James Rowley died in 1590 and left goods and cattle whose value was less than the total of his very long list of debts.
3. Instead of the usual 'treen ware', the dishes are lumped in with all the other items made of wood ('wudden ware'), except for the spinning wheel, which perhaps was added as an afterthought.
4. It was probably for her work rather than her leisure that she travelled on horseback.
Joan Turnock, inventory taken 30th ?, administration granted 22nd November 1602.
Inventory
ie of all & Sing[u]ler the goodes Rightes &
dowe deceassed late of the p[ar]ishe of
Staff[ord], w[hi]ch were seene & praised the 30th
by Henrie Bourne, Henrie Bourne
Robert Sneyd & Raphe Whittall.
£2 10s
£4
£1 4s?
6s
12s
£1 16s
r certayne yeares yet enduringe £3 ‘ 6s 8d
12s
10s
alled milne croft £2 5s?
9s
5s
6s 8d
all Linens £1
are 6s 8d
a grate 2s
ii of the deceassed 10s
S[u]m[ma tot[alis] £19 16s 8d
[Actual £17 1s 0d]
Notes
1. The inventory, torn in half, is all that survives of the probate records, except for an entry in the Act Book which says that administration was granted to her son John Turnock.
2. The presumed lease of Milne Croft is worth xlxs - which does not make sense.
3. The two Henrie Bournes are from Chesterton which perhaps gives a clue to
..
Joan Baddeley, widow, no will, inventory taken 3rd May 1603, administration granted 25th May 1603.
A True & p[er]fect, Inventorie of all the goodes, deebtes & Catles of Joane Baddeley wyddowe of the p[ar]ishe of woolstantone w[i]t[h]in the diocesse of Cov[e]n[trie] & Lich[field] latley deceassed valewed & pryced the iijd daye of maye: 1603. by Thomas Burslelem Thomas Baddeley & John Boweyer w[i]t[h] others in man[ner] & forme followinge Viz
all her aparrell & the money in her purse ...................... £10 3s
all the Beaddinge 8 payre of sheetes
w[i]t[h] all lynenes & Apernerie ware ............................... £3 6s [8d]
all the Brasse in the howse wh[a]tsoeu[er] ................... £1 6s 8d
all the peyces of pewter whatsoeu[er] ............................ 6s 8d
all the Implementes of howshold
stuff, beinge woodden & tryneware whatsoeu[er]......... £1
all the Cattles whatsoeu[er] the[y] be ............................ £15
all the Corne in the howse & vpon the grounde ........... £2
one Sywne ........................................................................... 7s
all the salt meate ................................................................ 10s
all the husbandrie ware & yron ware whatsoeu[er] ..... 13s 4d
all the manu[re] or mucke whatsoeu[er]
about the howse ................................................................. 16s
the S[u]mme is £35 13s
Note [Actual: £35 9s 4d]
Administration was granted to her daughter also called Joan Baddeley.
Margrett Beech of Wolstanton, widow, will dated 2nd September 1603, inventory taken 2nd September 1603, date of probate 16th September.
Will
To be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Thomas Beech my son: the house in which I live and the buildings and land belonging to it for the remainder of the term which I have in it; a great chest, the table in the house [hall], the dishboard, a chair, all the boards and bedstocks, two chargers, and the bed which he lies on with the furniture (bedding) belonging to it; my share of a ewe and a lamb that we have between us; and a third of my corn and hay, both in the barn and in the field.
To Margrett Merrie my daughter: a chest standing at the foot of my bed, a brass pot, two chargers, two sheep, a pair of sheets and a bolster, a new flock bed and a [?winnowing sheet].
To Pheles Merrie my daughter: a chest standing in the lower chamber, two chargers, two [?saucers], a brass pot, a pair of sheets, a bolster, a ewe and a lamb, and a towel.
To my daughter Ellen Caulton: a little brass pan for her child's part.
To John Caulton: 12d.
To Margrett Caulton: 12d.
To Thomas Sneyd: a lamb.
Residuary legatee: Joan Beach, my youngest daughter.
Executors: Richard Caulton William Brett.
Debts which I owe:
To my daughter Pheles Merrie: £5.
To my daughter Margrett Merrie: 5s.
To Thomas Sneyd: 2s.
A tr[ue] & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Rightes & Debtes of Margrett Beach widowe lat of Wolstanton seene & praised by John Eaten Thomas Bullocke & John Sneyd the second Day of September 1603.
tow kine
the corne
hay
on stirke
a calf
a swine
six sheepe
brasse
pewter
iron ware
on fryinge pan & a cresset
trien ware
beddinge
all Lin[n]ens
all the cheeses
bacon
five hens
hempe
her apparell
dounge
the lease of the house & the grondes therevnto belonginge for the space of foreteene yeares
Notes
1. 'the lease of the house & the grondes therevnto belonginge for the space of foreteene yeares' - In September 1575 Raph Sneyd esquire renewed the lease of a tenement in Wolstanton to the tenant Thomas Beech and his assigns for 21 years. This is recorded in a Newcastle manor court roll for that year. The roll for the second half of 1596 doesn't survive, but if this lease was renewed in 1596 for another 21 years, then in 1603 it would have 14 years to run. The low valuation is comparable with that of other cottages (eg Edward Bourne 1608 and Roger Bettison 1610)
2. On 28th June 1605 the administration of Felice/Pheles Merrie's goods was granted to her brother Thomas Beech, with powers reserved to her sister Margaret Merrie. This information is in the Act Book at Lichfield (which records each probate case in date order). It also states that the court required an inventory to be exhibited - but if it was it hasn't survived.
As for Margaret Beech's first husband, the Newcastle manor court roll for 1560 records that William Sneyd, knight, leased a cottage and a croft containing 2 acres of customary land in Wolstanton to John Merrey and his assigns for the term of 26 years. He had to pay 7s 2d a year, perform a day of haymaking at haymaking-time and two days of reaping at harvest-time each year, and render each Christmas two fat capons. These were not token conditions - his great-grandson William Sneyd personally recorded that he received 25 capons from his Keele tenants in 1694, and listed those who had rendered hay-making services that year.
3 The chargers and saucers - if is that is what the reading is - have been included in the 6s 8d worth of pewter that was inventoried. A charger was a large flat dish for serving meat, and a saucer was a dish or deep plate for holding salt and sauces at table.
4. It is fairly clear that the mother (Margaret Beech) and her two daughters had an equal share of the corn in the field and in the barn, priced at 27s in the inventory.
Agnes Morton of Wolstanton widow, will dated 4th July, inventory taken 7th July, date of probate 20th October 1603
Will
Sick in body.
To be buried in in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To John Eaton: my great weeting compe, all my husbandry ware ie wains, ploughs, harrows, yokes, chains, and all implements of husbandry such as axes, hatchets, augers [Aukers], forks, shovels and such-like; one brewing pan and the greatest pot save one.
To Margret Eaton my daughter: the greatest pan save one and a press; two kine: one called Tadge, the other called Blackwall.
To Hugh Eaton: the best heifer stirk of colour black.
To Thomas Eaton; one other heifer stirk of colour red.
To Henrie Eaton: one bullock stirk.
To William Eaton and Elizabeth Eaton; another bullock stirk.
To John Eaton: half the corn on the ground and in the house, and half the corn for three crops in the field of Thomas Turmor, and for two crops in the field of Raphe Morton.
Residuary legatees and executors: Henrie Stevenson, clerk, John Eaton, and John Moreton to the use and behoof of Ellenor Poole, my daughter, and afterwards shall remain and be to such person and persons as Ellenor shall at any time [.......
............................................................................................................................................]
such gift and conveyance to the next of her kindred. This applies to the residue of all my goods etc especially all my right, title and interest in one close or pasture called the Ouldforde in Handley of the surrender of John Hill of Shelton the elder.
Overseers: Thomas Henshaw and Raphe Morton.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all and singular the goodes rightes and debtes of Agnes Morton widowe late of Wolstanton, taken and priced the vijth day of Julie 1603 by Richard Hanson William Prince Raphe Morton Thomas Vardon Thomas Henshawe Roger Dale and William Brette
the winter corne in the Stonifeild
Oates and Barlie
4 calves
six Oxen
two kine given to Margret Eaton
fiue kine
fiue stirkes
three twinters
a mare and a colt
a colt
one sheepe
one daymath of meadowinge
one croft or pasture called Stonifeild for 2 yeares
the third p[ar]te of a croft called ouldford
the swine
geese
husbandrie wares
donge
three Pottes
fiue Pannes
Pewter
two chafers
one iron grate 2 broaches and other iron wares
spin[n]ing wheeles
two arkes and a compe
halfe a stone of hemp
Treene wares
the table in ye house and a forme
three chestes
beefe and bacon
sheetes towelles and other linnens
beddinge
foure paire of bedstockes
butter and cheese
corne in the house
hay in the barne
a frying pan
the apparell of the deceased
Notes
1. The 1615 survey of the Manor of Newcastle says (under the heading 'Shelton') that John Hill held 'one Close of erable ground called the old forde by est[imacion] 7 [customary] acres'; and under 'Wolstanton' it gives three owners of fields called Stonifields, which probably lay between The Marsh and what is now Etruria Rd.
2. 'my great weeting compe' - For comparison, a Bowden yeoman has 'a great waiting vessel standing in the barn'. Possibly a wooden vessel for steeping barley grains as a first step in the brewing process.
3. The winter corn was sown in the previous autumn.
4. John Eaton (or Heaton), her son-in-law,¨ owned land in Wolstanton until his death in 1612 or 1613.
5. Her other son-in-law was Robert Poole, who until 1614 owned (but did not occupy) a cottage and a croft in Wolstanton.
6. The vicar Henrie Stevenson refused (18th Oct 1603) to be an executor.
7.A Newcastle manor court roll dating to April 1575 may refer to her: It mentions Ralph Sneyd esq leasing a messuage etc in the holding of Hugh Moreton to Raph Whelock for 21 years following on after the decease of Agnes Morton and John Swettenham her son. If so, Ralph Whelock had an awfully long time to wait!
(My assumption is that she was born about 1540.)
Margarett Colcloughe, widow, will dated 13th February, inventory taken 18th February, date of probate 1st March 1602/3.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Anne Reeve my daughter: a round silk hat & a cap, my flaxen smock and my best muffler.
To Anne Reeve her daughter: 12d.
To Margarett Henshawe: 12d.
To Margarett Ley: 12d.
To James my son: a piece of white cloth about some three yards, my best hat, one flaxen shirt ['Shortt'] which was his father's, 3 quarters of white caresie [kersey] and 2 shillings of money which I borrowed of him.
To John my son: 3 yards of russett cloth and 3 shillings of money which I borrowed of him.
To Elizabeth Colcloughe of Bradfield: a red petticoat with a flaxen body [bodice] and one peck of barley.
To Joyse Colcloughe: my old petticoat and my old waistcoat.
To Jone Colcloughe my daughter: my best gown, a smock with a flaxen body and and a pair of sheets.
To Emote Ley: a pair of hose and 2 aprons, and a hoop of oats.
To Ellen my daughter: a durance apron and a pair of silver hooks and 26s of money which I borrowed of her.
To Thomas Colclough of the Heahede: 20s which I borrowed of him.
To Ellen Leyler: a hoop of oats.
To Jarvice's wife: a peck of barley.
Residuary legatees: John Colcloughe, Ellen Colcloughe and Jone Colcloughe, to be equally divided amongst them.
Executrix: Ellen Colcloughe my daughter.
A trewe Inventorie of all & Singler goodes and Cattelles the which weare margarett Colcloughes of the p[ar]isshe of wolstanton & countie of Stafford Widdowe at the tyme of her death and p[re]sed by Richard knight Richard Colcloughe John henshawe & John Reeve in the saide Countie yeomen the xviijth daie of februarie in the xlvth yeare of The Raigne of our Soueraigne Ladie Elizabeth the quenes maijstie yt nowe is 1602
quicke goodes
ij kyne & the third p[ar]te of bullocke £5 8s 4d
third p[ar]te one mare 13s 4d
ij little Shote pigges 3s 4d
Dead goodes
brasse & pewter £1 2s 0d
bedding & napp[er]ie wares £1 6s 8d
treyne wares 2s
certayne coffers 3s 4d
bordes & formes 1s 8d
bedstides 10d
Irone wares 2s
Implem[en]tes of husbandrie 2s
Certayne corne in the barne 8s 4d
Certayne haye in the barne 6s 8d
app[ar]ell for her bodie £1
Certayne hempe and flaxe 1s
Notes
1. If she had a married grand-daughter, then she must have been quite old. In deference to the family, the appraisers have not mentioned the age of the widow's furniture and farm equipment, but the low valuations are a plain indication. Ellen and Jone her daughters presumably lived with her and had a share in the livestock. In the inventory her third share of her husband's unbequeathed goods shows up in a number of instances. The share of the mare is of course notional, and the same may apply to some of the 'dead goods' as well.
2. Some bequests in her will are repayments of debts, and in a looser sense other bequests may be too. The will hints at how Margarett got by in a small community of neighbours and relations. Margarett appoints Ellen 'my trusty and lawful executrix to see my last will performed' and she adds (unusually) 'to the glory of God and the health of my soul'.
2. durance apron ('durance app[er]ne') - type not known, but if it was attached with silver hooks it must have been rather special.
3. The 'howpe of oates and 'pecke of barley' tell us what her crops in the barn are. A peck is a quarter of a bushel and is a measure of capacity. In terms of troy weight, there are 16lb to a peck, according to a seventeenth century description of weights and measures. The peck of barley bequested represents the output of a plot no more than 9 yards by 9 yards, after allowing for the rector's tithe. At the price of barley prevailing in 1600, a peck of barley was worth 63/4d. [?6¾d) The hoop of oats would have amounted to a quart ie an eighth of a peck; it refers to a measuring cup for meal. (But Richard Knight's inventory suggests 6 hoops might be one bushel)
4. Bradfield ie Broadfield (presumably in Broadfield Rd, Goldenhill) was held by the Colclough family from at least 1549 (VCH Staffs Volume VIII p 89)
Ann Unwin of Hardinges Wood, widow, will dated 25th January 1602/3, inventory taken 1st Mar 1602/3, date of probate 17th June 1603
Will
Being sick in body
To be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To John Unwine and Edward Unwin my sons: 12d for child's part.
To Mary Unwine, Margeri Unwine, Anne Unwinne, Elizabeth Unwinne and Ursula Unwinne my daughters: 12d for child's part.
To my daughter Ursula: 20s which was given to her by John Unwine of Burslem late deceased - to be put for her best profit by the executors at midsummer next after my decease.
If my goods will not extend to pay my debts then one meadow called Walle Meadow and Smythy Fields thereunto adjoining - the meadow being parcel of Hardinges Wood - shall be set by my executors to pay the rest of my debts.
My will is that one close called Whakley, now in the occupation of Raphe Wood and Richard Shawe, after the term is ended which was made by my husband to Richard Wood, shall be set by my executors to pay the rest of my husband's debts.
Executors: William Bourne my brother-in-law and my said son John.
Overseers: Raphe Whilton and Richard Ratcliffe
My will is that the parcel of meadowing now in the holding of John [Hall?] shall be set by my executors to discharge William Wood.
Debts which I owe:
Richard Scott due at midsummer next...... 44s
Raphe Woode ............................................... 12s
Mistris Unwine .............................................. 3s
John Roweley of Wedgwood .................... 40s
William Unwine of Keele ............................. 36s 4d
Witnesses: Richard Ratcliffe, Heneri Gibbens, Thomas Beeche, Richard Scott
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A trew And p[er]fecte Inventorie of All the goodes that were Anne Vnwyns deceased At the tyme of her death vewed And praysed by William Borne John Rowly Raffe whilton And Richard Ratcliffe the first daye of march In the xlvth yeare of the Raigne of Elizabeth the queenes ma[jes]t[i]e
one twinter heffer ........................................................................... £1 10s
one horse payd for Aheriote ............................................... £1 13s 4d
fowre shepe .................................................................................... £1
one swyne ....................................................................................... 10s
two hennes ..................................................................................... 1s
corne And hey in the barne .......................................................... £2 10s
donge .............................................................................................. £1
All beddinge .................................................................................... £1 13s 4d
beddsheetes And naprie ware ..................................................... 10s
her Apparell ..................................................................................... £1
All brasse And pewter .................................................................... £2 3s 4d
one chafinge dish And Acandesticke .......................................... 2s
one grate one broch one brendiren one payre of golbordes
one cressett two fryinge pannes ................................................... 11s
coffers And And bedstockes .......................................................... 10s
one dishbord, w[i]th two tables And fore shilfes And cheires .. 18s
one Axe one hachet one mattocke A payre of
plow Irens one bill, And two Iren wedges .................................... 4s
shovell shole, One payre of bellowes, and payre
of pot hokes one payre of tonges ................................................. 1s 4d
All treene ware ................................................................................. 6s 8d
quishens ............................................................................................ 2s
sertene towe And yorne .................................................................. 8s
two yokes two ladders, w[i]th All other implem[en]tes ............... 2s
[Total £16 16s 0d]
Notes
1. Anne Unwin was widow of Ralph Unwin, gentleman. John, Mary and Margery (and possibly Edward too) were the children of Ralph and herself; the different spelling given to the surnames of Anne, Elizabeth and Ursula Unwinne looks deliberate - perhaps to indicate that they were the children of another marriage - to another Unwin, it seems. Ralph's brother was William Unwin, gentleman, who in the 1590's was owner of the woods, pastures and meadows called Hardinges Woodes, which may also have comprised a messuage, cottage and corn mill. The 'mill in Hardingswood' is mentioned in 1577 as a boundary point: it was at the north-west corner of the manor of Tunstall, and also of the parish of Wolstanton. A corn mill and large mill pond are visible on a 19th century OS map.
William Unwin was a substantial landowner in the district, [mainly in Rainscliff but also in Brerehurst, and Olcott] owning 230 statute acres of land, 4 messuages and 6 cottages, in addition to Hardinges Woodes.
2. The total of her debts is £6 15s 4d, the total of bequests is £1 7s 0d and the total value of the testator's goods is £15 2s 8d after the heriot is deducted. The item 'one horse payd for Aheriote' was inserted after. The amount of her husband's debts is not known.
3. Hardingswood was in the township of Brerehurst. Ann Unwin would now find this part of Kidsgrove unrecognisable. After the middle of the eighteenth century, it acquired two canals, lime kilns, a railway line, an iron foundry and a gas works, and now a Tesco's superstore and its car park.
4. The Unwins who built and owned nearby Clough Hall (which was in Audley parish) were close neighbours but very distantly related. A John Unwin died in 1641, having rebuilt Clough Hall as a substantial building. He has more connection with Audley parish eg he left a sum in his will for the education of children in Audley and Talke. The John Unwin mentioned in Anne Unwin's will is likely to be the husbandman who died in 1635 (see his will and inventory).
5. William Bourne (who subsequently refused to act as executor) was married to Ralph Unwin's sister, Mary. It is just possible that he is the same as the William Bourne who died in 1642 having reached an age to be a great-grandfather. (However, as her son Edward in his will (1641) mentions a Bourne of Little Chell as a cousin of his, it makes it less likely.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Glover of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 1603, inventory taken 16th June 1603, date of probate 28th November 1603.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish church of Woollstanton in the place that seems best to my executors and overseers.
To Agnes Glover my sister in law: 20s.
To John Gloover my nephew: 20s.
To Henrye Gloover, another son of my brother's: 20s.
To Jone Glover my brother's daughter: 40s.
To Ellin Glover another of my brother's daughters: 20s.
To Dorothie Glover a third daughter of my brother's: 20s.
To Edward Hensye: 20s.
To Sampson Bolton my servant man: a ewe and a lamb.
To William Boothes: another ewe and lamb.
To Thomas Clownam, eldest son of John Clownam: a ewe and lamb.
To Randle Clownam and John Clownam, sons of the said John: a ewe and lamb each.
To Ellin Clownam: one ewe and lamb.
To Margery Clownam: one ewe and lamb.
"My debts being paid and funeral expenses discharged, I give all the rest and residue of my goods & Cattells to Margery Hensye to whom I think both by the law of God and nature I am bound to do for."
Executor: John Clownam my nephew.
Overseer: my neighbour John Fenton.
Debts owing to the testator
In the hands of Roberte Baggley .............. 40d
In the hands of William Hill ........................ 6s 10d
In the hands of John Whyte ....................... 10s
Debts the testator owes
To John Beeche ............................................ 40s
To Thomas Baddeley ................................... 30s
To John Thicknis ....................................... 26s 8d
To Thomas Burne ......................................... 28s
To John Bleste ............................................... 26s
To Roger Bolton ............................................ 16s
To William Lytton ........................................... 10s
To Thomas Harrisson .................................... 9s
To John Nieens .............................................. 5s
To Richard Nieens ......................................... 5s
To Rondull Lovatt ........................................... 3s 4d
To Otewell Stubbes ....................................... 8s
To Charles Samiles ...................................... 7s
To Widow Smythe robe maker ................... 22d
To John Bowyer .............................................. 2s 2d
To John nieens Junior .................................... 12d
To Henrye Taylor ............................................ 3s 4d
A true & p[er]fecte Inventorye of all the goodes & Cattells of Richarde Glover of knooton in the Countye of Stafforde yoman decessed, made & praysed by Thomas Baddeley John Bowyer Runulphe Patson Roger Elkin John Fenton John white the xvjth daie of June, in Anno d[omi]ni 1603.
in readie money ....................................................................... 6s 8d
his apparell ............................................................................... £2
Fetherbeddes, Matrazes, Cou[er]littes & blankittes .......... £2 13s 4d
Naperye & Lynnen ...................................... ............................. £2 6s 8d
Treene ware ............................................................................. 6s 8d
Brasse ...................................................................................... £1 4s 2d
Pewter ....................................................................................... 10s
bordes frames formes cheeres & stooles ......................... 5s 6d
Iron wares ................................................................................. 8s 3d
Tooles & Implem[ent]es of husbandrie ............................... £1 3s 2d
twoe paire of Iron bounde wheeles ...................................... £4
bedde stiddes ............................................................................ 5s 4s
one presse ................................................................................ 2s
iiij Coffers ................................................................................... 4s
pawnes & gages ..................................................................... £1 0s 8d
Corne in the Barne ................................................................... 13s 4d
Rye growinge on the grounde ............................................... £3
ye Oates growinge ................................................................... £3
vj O[xen] ...................................................................................... £20 13s 4d
viij kyne ....................................................................................... £17 6s 8d
ij heffers ..................................................................................... £3 6s 8d
ij stirkes ..................................................................................... £3
vj Calues .................................................................................... £3
one Mare .................................................................................... £1
one Colte ................................................................................... £2 6s 8d
xv Cooples of Ewes & lambes ............................................... £3 15s
xiiijteene hogges sheepe ......................................................... £2 16s
the swyne Livinge ..................................................................... £1 13s 4d
beefe & bacon at ye roofe ........................................................ £1
Geese & poultrie ........................................................................ 5s
butt[er] & Cheese in ye howse ................................................ 6s
oates in ye howse ..................................................................... 4s
hempe & Flaxe ........................................................................... 3s 4d
the Middinge or woorthinge ..................................................... 10s
[Total £84 14s 5d]
Debts owing to Testato[r]
In the hands of Roberte Baggelie.............. 40d
In the hands of Will[ia]m Hill ........................ 6s 10d
In the hands of John White ....................... 10s
1. Who was Margery Hensye? Richard Glover's reference ('by the law of God and nature') is to common law, so was Edward Hensye the son of his common-law wife?
2. The total of Richard Glover's debts is £11 2s 4d. I calculate that, taking into account the discharge of debts and funeral expenses, the payment of bequests and cost of proving the will, Margaret Hensye would have been left goods worth about £62 13s 4d.
The inheritor of his land and executor of his will was John Clownam (date of probate 15 June 1648). To obtain probate of the will, John Clownam swore before the vicar, thus saving the cost of a 60-mile plus round trip to Lichfield and back.
3. 'pawnes & gages' - these are worth 20s 2d, and what is owing to him (listed separately) comes to 20s 8d. Sometimes money owingw was included in the inventory total (as in Hugh Wilkinson's in 1623) but this was deliberately not done in this case.
4. A lamb and its mother are priced in the inventory at 5s. He bequeaths seven of them ('cooples'), which indicates that the will, though undated, must have been made very close to his death as the inventory records all the sheep having their lambs.
5. 'hogges sheepe' - these are yearling sheep that have not been shorn.
6. The Newcastle court rolls show that Richard Glover was thirdborough for Knutton in 1565, 1572, 1579 and 1586. (If they had survived for all the years of Elizabeth's reign, they would have probably have recorded him in subsequent years too.) Assuming that it is the same Richard Glover each time, his age at death must have been at least 59.
7. His Newcastle connections: Otewell Stubbs was an alderman of Newcastle. In 1599 Richard Glover already owned (or became the owner of) the following property in Newcastle: two messuages, two tofts, a barn, three gardens and eight acres of land, an acre of meadow and two acres of pasture.
8. The 'twoe paire of Iron bounde wheeles' were valued separately from the rest of the husbandry ware because they were so expensive. This is the only piece of evidence - and it can hardly be called strong - that wains at this time had four wheels, not two as in the Middle Ages.
John Drakford, no will, date of admon, 5 July 1604, inventory taken 1st Sept 1604 [Sat]
A true And perfecte Inventorye of All the goodes And cattells that were John Drakfordes At the tyme of his death, vewed And praysed by William Stonior And Thomas Rowley the firste daye of September in the yeare of our lord god 1604
his Apparrell......12s
The Reste of All the goods And cattells that the sayd John Drakford had, he (In his lyffe tyme did (by his Deed in writinge geue or sell the same for good considerac[i]o[n] vnto John Drakford his Thomas Rowley brothers sonne / And the court was soe satisfied
Note
John Drakeford was thirdborough for Wedgwood in April 1604. The indented inventory is all in the same writing - including 'And the court was soe satisfied'.
Thomas Bullock of Thursfield, no will, administration granted 10th July, date of inventory 14th July 1604
A trewe and p[e]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattels Debtes and Chattells that late were the goodes of Thomas Bullocke of the hamlet of Thursfilde w[i]thin the p[ar]ishe of Wolstonton & in the Countie of Staff[ord] husbandman deceased seein and praysed by Williame Burnne of Vewtrie in the said Countie gent[leman]. John Welde of newbolde and of Singlewood in the Countie of Chester Randall Brooke Richard Caulton Rauffe Whilton and Randull Whitall the xiiijth daye of July anno d[omi]ni 1604.
eighte oxene ......................................................................... £21
eight Kyne .............................................................................. £13
twoe twinter bullocks ............................................................ £2 13s 4d
fyve stirkes .............................................................................. £4
syxe wayninge Calves ......................................................... £3
one nagge. one olde mare & a twinter colte .................... £4
twoe hogges .......................................................................... £1
one suckinge pigg ................................................................ 1s 4d
geese duckes & pullen ....................................................... 4s
pannes pottes skelletes & suche brasse vesseles ......... £2
pewter dishes platteres counterfettes
Candlestikes saltes and pewter vesselis .......................... 13s 4d
one Cubbord tables formes dishebord
bedstides and all suche timber stuffe ................................. 16s 4d
all treene vessell .................................................................... 5s
twoe old fetherbeddes w[i]th there furniture
and all theer beddinge .......................................................... £1 13s 4d
Sheetes Lynenes and naperie ware .................................. £1 6s 8d
two payre of Irone bound whiles
w[i]th plowes harrowes and all other
tooles and ymplementes of husbandrye ........................... £2 13s 4d
one yrne grate brindrethe . hookes
Rackes tonges and all suche yrone stufe .......................... 4s
Chares stoles formes & quishenes ..................................... 2s
corne in the barne vnthrashene .......................................... 6s 8d
corne in the howse ................................................................ 10s
fleshe at rowfe & in the howse ............................................. 10s
cheese and whitmeate .......................................................... 10s
paynted Clothes ...................................................................... 1s 4d
the deceadantes apparrell .................................................... £1
otes growinge on the grounde ............................................. £4
mucke in the dungehill .......................................................... £1
hempe growinge..................................................................... 1s
money in the howse at his decease ................................... £4
one bill of debte from William Prince
and Rauffe moretone ............................................................. £7
one bill of debte from James Caulton
and John Caultone his sonne ............................................. £2
owinge by John fernihaughe and
hughe his sonne p[ar]cel of a greter
some w[hi]ch is all payd savinge the some of .................. 13s 4d
sadles and brydles ................................................................. 3s 4d
haye gotten in to the barne ................................................... 3s 4d
some tymber broken. w[i]the sawe ...................................... 10s
three milnestones ................................................................... 13s 4d
a Leace of the longe haye medowe
for three yeares yet in beinge from
thannunciac[i]on of o[u]r lady next cominge ...................... £2 10s
a riverc[i]on of the leace of his ten[e]m[en]te
for one yeare from thannunciac[i]on of o[u]r lady next .... £4
Sum[ma] total[is] £88 5s [Checked]
Notes
1. Single Wood is near Sandbach.
2. 'fleshe at rowfe & in the howse' - the bacon and beef were stored under the rafters, and in the main room of the house.
3. Administration was granted to his wife Anne and she was given until Michaelmas to exhibit an inventory.
John Bourne of Tunstall, no will, inventory taken 19th October 1604, administration granted 22nd October 1604.
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all & singler the goodes Rightes & debtes of John Bourne late of Tunstall in the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton deceassed, taken & praised the xixth daye of October 1604 by Richard Knyght Thomas Brett & Thomas Baddeleye.
tow kine ...................................................................... £4
3 sheepe ................................................................... 10s
on brasse pan .......................................................... 13s 4d
on coffer & on chaine .............................................. 3s
the apparell of the deceassed .............................. 10s
a bed w[i]th furniture ................................................ 10s
debtes owinge to the said deceassed in the
handes of Will[ia]m Unwin gent[leman] ............... £10
of Richard Tunstall .................................................. £1 13s 4d
of Raphe Unwin latelie deceassed ...................... £3 6s
Sum[ma] £21 15s 8d
[should be £21 5s 8d]
Note
Administration of his goods was granted to his sister Margaret Beech, so he is presumably single. The contents of the inventory indicate that he is living in someone else's house, but not as a servant or a temporary lodger. Sheets have not been mentioned in the inventory so they must have been provided by the householder. Also, he may be relying on the householder for the hay for the cows in the coming winter.
Richard Calton [of Brerehurst], yeoman, will dated 31st July 1604, inventory taken 20th November 1604, date of probate 16th January 1604/5.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried at the parish church of Wolstanton.
For the disposition of my lands and tenements: my wife is to have her jointure as previously recorded - for her own use and profit; and my wife is to have the rest of my lands - to bring up my two children according to my calling and keeping my name; and when they reach their full age, their share of the profits is to be accounted to them.
To Ellen Calton my wife: the third of my goods, except the goods which I give to my son ie a table as it now stands with the form and bench; my dishboard, a pair of woollen wheels, a great chest and my best bedsteads.
To my son and daughter, equally to be divided between them: the rest of my goods.
My intention is that if my wife has the good fortune to be expecting at the time of my decease, then the child is to have as good a share as the other children.
I desire my wife to see my debts paid for my soul's health:
To Joane my wife's sister: five nobles [£1 13s 4d]; 3s 4d; 13s; 6s.
To Felixe Merie I owe 20s.
To George Twemlowe 5s 2d and two trees, which are known.
Debts owing to me:
John Bothe owes me 2s.
Executors: Ellen Calton my wife and Raffe Whilton yeoman.
Overseers: my two brothers in law John Burselem and Richard Colclughe, yeomen. Witnesses: Roberte Lawton, John Podmore, Richarde Colclughe and John Henshawe.
.............................................................................................. Richarde Calton of the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton in the County of Stafforde yeoma[n] deceassed Valued and praysed by thestimac[i]on of of Richarde Colclughe John mylnes & Rondle Whitaughe the twentithe day of November in the yeare of o[u]r lorde god 1604 as followethe
sixe kyne whereof one was his harriott .................................. £10
two twynters bullockes .............................................................. £3
two bullock Stirkes & a heffer Stirke ....................................... £3
foure waynelinge Calves & one mare .................................... £4
certayne Sheepe ........................................................................ £1 19s
two Swyne ................................................................................... £1
geese hennes or pullen ........................................................... 2s 4d
Corne and haye ......................................................................... £3 6s 8d
one payre of wheels, a harrowe, a plowe, & all
other thinges belonginge to husbandrie .............................. 12s
brasse and pewter .................................................................... £2
two trinde of Felles .................................................................... 2s
boordes, formes, cheires, Coffers, bedstockes &
all trene ware .............................................................................. 10s
beddinge & all lynnens & Napperyware in house ............... £2
certayne whitmeate ................................................................... 10s
the lease of a pasture called Vnwyns feilde
for xvne yeres ............................................................................... £10
apparell for his bodie ................................................................ £1
Som[m]a totalis £43 7s [Actual: £43 2s 0d]
Notes
1. Both the will and the inventory are in the same hand - small writing but legible. The top line of the inventory is now missing.
2. The jointure is the land which the lady had for her use after her husband's death. It would have been recorded separately at the time of her marriage, but her husband, when he was alive, would have counted it as his land.
3. Richard Calton expects the children on maturity to be given an account of the rents received from tenants and of the expenses, so that they will be able to see that their mother has given what was due to them during their childhood. (He owned over 50 statute acres of land and his house was in Whitehill.) An unpublished manor court roll gives further information. In order to transfer his copyhold land legitimately to his illegitimate son John, Richard Calton's sister (the true heir according to the custom of the manor) attends the court (perhaps at a date when John had come of age) to give the land to him.
4. Margrett Beech's will dated 2nd September 1603 supplies extra information about his relations: Felice Merrie and Joan Beech were his sisters-in-law, and his children were called John and Margarett. It is likely that John was over 14 at the time of his father's death. He lived in Whitehill for the rest of his life and died in 1671.
5. The cattle are listed in descending order of age. Twinters are two-year-olds. Stirks are yearlings - either female (called a heifer stirk in this inventory) or castrated male (bullock stirk). And 'waynelinge Calves', nowadays spelt 'weanling', are newly weaned calves.
The price of sheep varied with the season of the year. The valuation represents about 13 sheep.
6. two trinde of Felles - enough felloes (curved segments of the circumference of a wooden wheel) to make a set of four wheels for a farm vehicle.
7. 'Nappery ware' probably included tablecloths, table napkins and towels.
8. By 'certayne whitmeatt', the writer meant butter and cheese.
9. 'the lease of a pasture called Unwyns feilde'. A lease, if for a term of years, was regarded as a chattel, and thus included in the inventory.
10. The apparell for his body, valued at a pound, was probably about average for someone of yeoman status at this date. Usually probate inventories written in this area of England included 'money in his purse' at this point. Either Richard Calton had no money in his purse. Or the inventory was taken a long while after burial, which is more likely as the heriot (harriott), his best beast, had already been handed over.
Richard Bourne of Chell, yeoman, date of will 8th January 1604/5, inventory taken 21st January, date of probate 31st January 1604/5.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton, as near to the grave where Jeffrey Bourne my late father was buried, as conveniently as may be.
To Geffrey Bourne, my eldest son: one coumpe, one meal ark and one moulding board.
To Margarett Smalwoode my daughter: 12d.
To Marie Bourne my daughter: 3 sheep.
To William Bourne my son: the bed which he lies in.
To Thomas Bourne my son: one bed to be delivered to him at the discretion of Ellen Bourne and Anne Bourne my two daughters.
To Ellen, Anne and Marie my three daughters: all my bedding with all my brass and pewter and other goods within the house.
Residuary legatees: William, Thomas, Ellen, Anne and Marie my children.
Executor: William Bourne my son.
Overseer: Anthonie Beech.
Witnesses: Richard Knight, John Baggeley and others.
The Inventorie of all & Singler goodes Cattelles & chattelles the which weare the goodes of Richarde Bourne of chell of the p[ar]isshe of wolstanto[n] and Countie of Stafford yoman at the tyme wherin he died & p[re]sed by Will[ia]m bourne Richard knight Anthonie beech & John baggeley in th[e] Said p[ar]isshe & Countie yomen the xxjth daie of Januarie in the yeare of our lord god 1604
quicke goodes
iij kyne ..................................................................................................... £6 13s 4d
ij bullock stirkes .................................................................................... £2
iij Calves ................................................................................................. £1 10s
one mare ................................................................................................ 16s 8d
iij Shiepe ................................................................................................. 12s
one Shoat Swyne .................................................................................. 4s 6d
Deade goodes
Corne in the barne ................................................................................ £2 6s 8d
haie in the barne .................................................................................... £2 6s 8d
beddinge brasse & pewter & Certayne coffers................................. £5 6s 8d
napp[er]ie wares ..................................................................................... 5s
Irone Wares .............................................................................................. 12s
treyne wares ............................................................................................. 6s 8d
one ould cupborde ................................................................................... 5s
bordes formes trestles & cheares ........................................................ 5s
meale & malte in the howse ................................................................... 6s 8d
one strike of barley .................................................................................... 3s 4d
flesshe at Rowffe ....................................................................................... £1
Certayne Whitmeate .................................................................................. 5s
one fielde taken & paid for for iiij yeares or there aboute ................... £5
app[ar]ell for his bodie ............................................................................... £1
Certayne bedstockes w[i]t[h] one ould disshbord &
one peire of belowes ................................................................................. 4s
Certayne manure ........................................................................................ 3s
[£31 12s 2d]
Notes
1. Of his seven children, only Ellen, his unmarried daughter, left a will which survives. At the time of her will in 1632, her sisters Anne and Margaret had already died. The eldest son, Geffrey Bourne lived until 1648.
2. 'one coumpe, one meal ark and one moulding board'. The coumpe (or compe) is probably a container of grain, the ark is used for holding meal and the moulding board is for shaping loaves, suggesting his son Geffrey baked bread. His wife must have already died.
3. The 'Shoat Swyne' is a young pig, according to a later Wiltshire glossary, three or four months old.
4. Richard Bourne probably owned no more land than the 2 customary acres which his son Geffrey Bourne of Chell owned in 1619, even though he is classed a 'yeoman'. Besides the lease for years of a field, (mentioned in the inventory), he is likely to have had a lease for lives of his house and other land.
Edward Sneid, no will, inventory taken 15th April, date of probate 17th April 1605.
The Inventorie of all & singler goodes & cattelles The which weare of Edward Sneid of the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton at the tyme of his death p[re]sed by Richarde knight thomas badley Roberte parker Richard glover & Richard Clewley in the countie of Stafford yoman the xv th of aprill anno d[omi]ni 1605
quicke goodes
ij kyne
one heffer
ij twinter heffers
ij ould horses
one Shote Swyne
iij geise & one gonder
iiij hennes
deade goodes
corne in the barne & corne vppo[n] the ground
brasse & pewter
beddinge & napp[er]ie wares
treyne wares 2s 4d
Iron wares
coffers bordes & cheares
app[ar]ell for his bodie
Certayne donge
Notes
1.Administration was granted to Elizabeth, his widow. Thomas Clayton, described as a yeoman of Newcastle, had to enter into a bond.
2. Shote swyne = young pig.
Isabelle Smith, [widow] will dated 5th March 1609 [recte 1605], inventory taken 26th April 1605, date of probate 30 April 1605.
Will
Sick in body.
To be buried in the parish churchyard of Woolstanton.
To John my son: all the bedstocks, chairs, forms, with all other wooden and treen ware within the house, saving my daughter Ellen shall have three of my chests; one woolbed with a coverlet, a bolster, two twill sheets, two pillows, six pair of sheets, a dyable boardcloth, a pillow bere two pots the best pan saving one, eight pewter dishes, two saucers, the best candlestick, one salt and one chafing dish, for and in the name of his heir's or his child's part; all the corn on the ground, and corn and hay in the barn, and all the provision of flesh and whitemeat, with the swine, geese and pullen. He is to pay my daughter Ellen £20 at the day of her marriage.
To my brother Rondull's children: 3s 4d each
To my sister Ellen: an in-calf heifer.
To her child: a ewe and lamb.
To my sister Mary's six children: 6s 8d.
To the son of John Smith of the Carre: 3s 4d each
To the son of Thomas Smith of the Cowhay: 3s 4d.
To Elizabeth Halfpenie, my maid: 6s 8d and a pair of sheets.
To Edward Smith: half a strike of rye and half a strike of malt.
To Edward Bearsley: a ewe and a lamb.
To every godchild: 12d.
Residuary legatee: Ellen my daughter.
Executors: Mr Stevenson and Rondull Pateson.
Overseers: John Colclough and John Peake.
Debts owing to me Isabell Smith
John Beech the younger of the over doure: £3 4s.
John Beech of the lower doore: 4s.
John Fenton: 19s.
Elizabeth Lythgoe: 2s 4d.
Goodwyfe Huitt of Keele: 20d.
Witnesses: William Yardley Richard Beech Edward Smith Edward Bearsley with others
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all sing[u]l[a]r the goodes Rightes & Chattells of Isabell Smith widdow late of Wolstanto[n] taken & priced by John Coulclough, Edward Rowley Robert Wood & Richard Peake the xxvjth day of Aprill An[n]o 1605.
Seven Oxen ............................................................................................... £26
Nyne kyne & three calves ........................................................................ £20
fower heffers ............................................................................................... £7 10s
sixe Twinters ............................................................................................... £8 10s
foure yearelinge calves ........................................................................... £3 13s 4d
One Mare ..................................................................................................... £2
Tow Cooltes ................................................................................................ £4
Eeight & thirtie sheepe .............................................................................. £10
Three swyne ................................................................................................ £1 4s
fowre geese & twentie geslinges ............................................................. 6s 8d
fyve Henns & a Cocke ................................................................................ 2s
fleshe at the Rafe ......................................................................................... £1 10s
fiue dayes worke of Winter Corne ............................................................ £6 13s 4d
Nyne day woorke of Oates ....................................................................... £4 10s
Twelve Thraue of Rye ............................................................................... £10 8s
Twelve stryke of Malt .................................................................................. £1 4s
Three Pannes .............................................................................................. £2
Three Pottes ................................................................................................. £1
Tow skelletts one Candlesticke a chafinge dishe & a ski[m]mer ........ 3s 4d
xiij pewter dishes v saucers one pewter boale tow saltes ................... £1 10s
Sixe peeces of Linnen Cloath ................................................................... £2 6s 8d
Tow fether beddes one flock bed one woole bed & one Chaffe bed . £3
Three boolsters & foure pillowes ............................................................... £1
Tow Coverleddes & one bedhillinge ........................................................ £1 7s
Tow twill sheetes & one blanket ................................................................ 13s 8d
Three other twilsheetts & tow Chaffebeds ............................................... 13s 4d
Nyne & twentie paire of sheetes & all other napperie ........................... £8 5s
Three stone of woole ................................................................................... £2
The deades Apparell ................................................................................... £2
The Worthinge .............................................................................................. £1
[Total £134 10s 4d]
Notes
1. Her husband was Andrew Smith of Heath End (in this collection); however she is described as 'of Wolstanton', which is where the two pieces of land ('The Flats') mentioned in her husband's nuncupative will were situated. 'The Flats' were fields which had two cottages in them - or at least they did in 1581.
There is no mention of wains, ploughs, harrows or other husbandry ware in the probate inventory, so she has not been involved in farming in her last years. She has found a tenant for the tenement at Heath End. This must be John Fenton - he was the one who took Andrew Smith's place amongst the thirdboroughs for Knutton for 1605. (And is 19s the rent that he owes?)
2. The dyable boardcloth mentioned in the will is a cloth for covering a table or cupboard, and 'dyable' presumably means that it hasn't been dyed, the last stage in the production of cloth. Or it may a mis-hearing by the scribe of 'diaper'.
3. The whitemeat is butter or cheese, but these are not mentioned in the inventory.
4. Her sister Joan Pattson had died three years previously;and a sister Ellen Hareison; her brother John Pattson (not mentioned in her will) was thirdborough for Knutton in 1599 and witnessed her husband's will; her brother Rondull Pattson may have outlived John, being referred to as 'Rondull Pattson of Knutton, yeoman' at his death in summer 1623.
5. Making the vicar of her parish and her brother joint executors of her will was unusual, particularly as they both carried the responsibility for bringing up her daughter Ellen who was a minor.
6. 'John Smith of the Carre' - This was in Audley township. Richard Parrott, writing 120 years later, records that it belonged to the Smiths for many generations. And this is borne out by the Audley parish register, which Parrott must have based this on; the earliest example is the baptism in 1608 of Anne, the daughter of John Smithe of Carr.
Elizabeth Wood of Tunstall, widow, will dated 18th May 1605, inventory taken 29th May, date of probate 3rd July.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Raffe Wood my son: 30s and a flaxen sheet.
To Elinor Broadfould my daughter: 40s for her child's part.
To Joane Parker my daughter: 6s 8d for her child's part.
To Henry Wood my son: a bullock sterk.
To Margerie Woodd my daughter: 10s.
To Margaret Wood my daughter: 10s, a feather bed and a pair of flaxen sheets.
To everyone of my children's children: 12d.
Residuary legatees: Raffe, John, Henry, Margerie and Margaret my five children, equally to be divided between them.
Executor: Thomas Wood, my eldest son.
Witnesses: Richard Knight & Robert Parker & others.
A true Inventorie of the goodes of Elizabethe Woode of Tunstall widdowe decesed taken the xxixth of maye A[nn]o 1605
towe oxen
sixe kyne whereof some of them have calves
iij sterkes
one mare & Coulte
Swyne
pullen
corne & malte in the house
corne on the grounde
Husbanderie ware
hempe & flaxe
Ieron wares in the house
brase & pewter
naparie ware
beddinge
Silver sponnes
trine ware 10s 0d
cofferes & Chestes
Sawed bordes
her weringe aparell
p[ro]vcion in the house
yarne
Praysed by vs the daye & yeare aboue written
Anthonye Beeche Thomas Brett Thomas Baddelye Robert Parker
Jefferie Bourne of Tunstall, will dated 29th May 1605, inventory taken 1st June 1605, date of probate 12th June 1605.
Will
Being sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard at Wolstonton.
To Richard Baddelye: one twinter heifer.
To Henrie Baddelye: one chest.
Residuary legatee and executor: Tame Bourne my wife.
I owe John Leigh of Brodwall .. 20s
I owe Margerie Brode ................ 20s
I owe Margratt Sneyde ............... 10s
I owe Margratt Bourne ................ 6s
I owe Robert Sneyde .................. 8s
Witnesses: Richard Clewley Thomas Baddelye John Baddelye
The first daye of June A[nn]o 1605
A true inventorie of the goodes of Jefferie Bourne of tunstall Desessed taken the daye & yeare aboue written
towe kyne ..................................................... £4 13s 4d
one mare ..................................................... £1 10s
pullen ............................................................ 4s
Corne on the grounde ............................... 15s
all mannore of househoulde stuffe and
p[ro]vicion in the house ............................. £1
his weringe apparell .................................. 10s
husbandrie ware ........................................ 2s 6d
[£8 14s 10d]
Prayssed by vs Thomas Brett Rob[er]t parker Thomas Baddelye
Notes
1. He died indebted, with no cash at all. It was not usual for 'Household stuff' (a common expression for household contents) to be summarised in one line of an inventory. Both the will and inventory refer to him as Jefferie Bourne of Tunstall - this is because there was another person of the same name in Great Chell.
Tunstall had nothing urban about it in 1605, being a hamlet like all the others in the parish. Jefferie Bourne rented arable land in Tunstall's open fields. Eight years later, all the open fields in Tunstall were enclosed by agreement amongst the landowners (including Thomas Brett and Thomas Baddeley), probably leading to a reduction in the amount of arable.
2. The note of probate says the executors were his widow Anne Bourne and son William Bourne. Yet only one executor is named (strangely!) in the will. [Check!]
Thomas Bourne of Colclughe, no will, inventory taken 15th October 1605, administration granted 25th October 1605.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes and cattels late Thomas Bournes of Colclughe of the p[ar]ish of wolstanton deceased taken and praysed the xvth day of October in the third yeare of the raigne of our sou[er]aigne Lorde James by the grace of God Kinge of England France and Ireland defendour of the faith and of Scotland the xxxixth by william Bourne of the Ewetree Richard wouldrich of whitgreeve Edward Bourne of Chell heath beinge Indiferentlie chosen 1605
foure oxen ................................................................................. £14
foure kyne ................................................................................. £8
two twinter bullockes .............................................................. £4
three sterkes and two calves ................................................ £5
one ould mare ......................................................................... £2
foure sheepe ........................................................................... 13s 4d
foure Swyne .............................................................................. £1 6s 8d
all the giese duckes and henes ........................................... 3s 4d
all waynes, plowes, yokes, chaynes, & other
husbandrie ware ..................................................................... [torn - ?£1]
all haye and corne in the barne ............................................ £10
all brasse and pewter ............................................................. £3
all beddinge boardclothes and other naperie ware .......... £4
all chestes bedstides & boardes formes, tressels
cupboardes & other trine ware .............................................. 13s 4d
all whitmeate & other provision in the house ..................... £1
all hemp and woole .................................................................. 6s 8d
all corne meale and mault ....................................................... 6s 8d
all Iron ware ................................................................................. 6s 8d
all his wearinge apparell ......................................................... £1
money in his purse .................................................................... 5s
owing by william Bourne of Shelfcroft .................................. £40
Sum[m]a nyntie five poundes one shillinge eyght pence
Debtes owinge by the foresaid Thomas Bourne
to John Burne of the Ewetree ........................................................................... £2
to John Adames .................................................................................................. £8
to John Stevenson .............................................................................................. £4
to Joane Bourne .................................................................................................. £26 12s
to John Butterton ................................................................................................. 16s 8d
to Thomas Bourne .............................................................................................. £6 16s
owinge ................................................................................................................... 5s
to be bestowed upon the poore by the appoyntment of my Lorde Bishop ... £1
Notes
1. Administration of his goods was granted to his wife Agnes.
2. He lived somewhere along Colclough Lane, now situated in Goldenhill but then in the township of Olcott. There were quite a few families with the surname Bourne at the time. The ones at Ewetree were the nearest. Shelfcroft is probably to be identified with 'Sheild Croft' on Yates map of 1775 and 'Sealscroft' on the 19th century Ordnance Survey one-inch map, lying just in the parish of Norton. One of the 'indifferently chosen' appraisers lived at Whitgreave, between Yarlet and Great Bridgeford, a distance of over 16 miles to the south.
3. The value of the farming equipment (husbandry ware) is expressed in shillings. The guess that it is 20s assumes that the person working out the total missed £2 somewhere. The most expensive items are the means of transport - carts and wains. The number of chains and yokes needed make these the next most important items eg Thomas Brett's inventory in 1590 list 4 chains totalling 4s and 9 yokes totalling 4s 6d. The same inventory shows 3 ploughs (not counting plough irons) priced at 1s 6d, and one pair of harrows priced at 2s 6d. Other tools to be expected are hatchets, bills, scythes, sickles, shearing tools, mattocks, worthing hooks, forks, shovels and axes. 'Husbandry ware' sometimes included woodworking tools such as augers, which would have been used for construction or repair work.
4. boardes - in this context, they could have been 'dressing boards' for meat preparation, or table-tops for meals.
Richard Burne, will dated 22nd January 1606/7, inventory taken 19th February, date of probate 25th February 1606/7.
Will
In the name of god amen the xxij daye of Ianuarii in the yeare of our lord 1606 I Richarde burne of the bancke house within the p[ar]ishe of owlstanton And countie of Stafford yoman sicke in body but of good And p[er]fect memorie god be p[rai]sed for the same doe make & ordayne this my last Will and testament in maner and forme folowinge that is to saye first I com[m]end my soule into the handes of god my maker hopinge assuredly by th›ugh the onely merrites of Jesus criste my saveour to be made p[ar]taker of life everlastinge And I com[m]end my body to the earthe whereof it is made And to be buried w[i]thin the p[ar]iche churche of owlstanton. Item my will And mynde is to be honestly brought home Item I geve And bequest to mari shawe John shawes wiffe one shepe And other towe shepe the one to mari shawe John shawes dowghter the other to John coclught allias Rowley Item I geve to Eme smythe servante in the hous[e] xijd. Item I geve to John shawe one littell pott Item after that my two funerall be discharged And Legacies And my Dettes payd all the Rest of my goodes catteles & chattels I geve vnto William Burne my nevie cosen And landlord And I doe nominatt & apoynte William Burne my cosen and landlord to be my trwe & lawfull executor to sey this my Last will And testament truly p[er]formed to the glorie of god In wyttenes whereof I have putt my hande these beinge wyttenes John shawe my tenant William coxen mari shawe wyfe of John Shawe
Richard burne
Dettes owinge vnto me R[i]chad burne Imprimis Richard bullocke xxxiijs iiijd
A true & lawfull Inventorie of all the goods And catteles of Richard burne of bankehouse within the p[ar]riche of owlstanton taken and presed the xixth day of februarij by thomas burne of olcott William coxen & John shawe presers A[nn]o d[omi]ni 1606
fore key
one sterke & a calfe
one horse
iij shepe
one pott iij panes
a chafen dich a candelsticke ix pecces of pewter
one silver sponne vij pewter sponnes
one kettell
ij coffers one wiche one cubbord iij bordes w[i]th some shilfes
a frynke pane a brunderd a broch a peare of goberts one gratt tounges pott chenes & houckes backestone ij cheres
one lome and a clouse boucke
ij fetter bedes iij coverlettes iij blanketes a twilshitt ij boulsters ij pillowes iij flaxen shettes ij hempen shettes a pillowe beare a bandcloth a towell
certen woolle bestockes hyron ware waynes plowes a harowe w[i]th some other small thinges
Reparrell for his body
hay in the barne ... 10s
a bushell of corne ....4s
one hacavitie bottell
towe turnels
certen mucke or dounge
Notes
1. The Bankhouse. There exist references to: Richard Burne of Bankehowse (1573), and William Burne of Bankhouse who had a pew in Wolstanton church in 1583. A predecessor, William Burne of Bankhouse, had a pew in Wolstanton church in 1583. A later occupant was probably Mary Bourne of Little Chell, widow, was died in 1628, as she had a lease of the Banckehouse. John Bourne of Bankhouse was churchwarden in 1635/6 and presumably was her bachelor son. In 1664/5 a daughter was born to Richard Baddiley of Bankhouse who was still living there in 1678. There is another reference to Bankhouse in 1686, but none afterwards.
2. Although he says William Burne is his cousin, 'nevie' is an obsolete form of 'nephew'. (The word occurs in an Essex will of 1555 referring to a grandson.)
3. fore key = four kine
4. 'owlstanton' represents one of the pronunciations of 'Wolstanton' at the time.
5. 'brought home' is paralleled in the will of Rycharde Colcloght of Wolstanton parish dated 3rd May 1536: (modernised spelling) "Also I will that when I am brought home and all my debts paid of the will the residue of my goods equally to be divided..." . The meaning is that he wishes his debts to be paid.
6. The inventory spellings disguise the fact that Richard Burne possessed a chafing dish, a frying pan, 2 feather beds, bedstocks, iron ware and an aquavita bottle.
7. Thomas Burne of Olcott is probably of Colclough lane house - a freeholder.
Margery Baddeley, no will, inventory taken 22nd May 1607, date of probate 27th May.
A true And p[er]fect Inventorye of All the goodes of margerye Baddeley of the p[ar]ishe of wolstanto[n] in the countye of Stafford deceased, praysed the xxijth daye of maye In the yeare of our lord god 1607 by John Rowley of wedgwood, John Rowley of tornehurst And Anthony Beech. [Total £134 10s 4d]
fyve yeardes of meddly cloth
her apparrell
two ould feather beddes
two bolsters And one pillowe
foure ould ould coverlets
one ould twill sheete
one payre of sheetes sertene napkins And A towell
certene lynnen yarne
All brase And pewter
one fryinge panne, two little broches, And other Irenwares
All bordes And formes
one cupbord, three cheires And three coffers
one turnell And all treine wares
fowr payre of bedstockes
certene towe
two geese, certene goslinges And one henne
paynted clothes
sum[m]a £7 4s 8d
Debtes owinge to the seyd margery
Thomas Rowley £1
Debtes w[hi]ch the seyd margery did owe
vnto John Rowley 7s
vnto margeret And William Stonior 2s 4d
vnto James Rowley 1s 2d
vnto katheren Rathbone 1s
vnto matilda stonier 4d
James tunstall 1s
vnto Anthony mylnes 8d
vnto Richard Scote 3d
Sum[m]a 13s 9d
Notes
1. She probably lived in the township of either Chell or Thursfield, or possibly in Tunstall. (The third appraiser, Anthony Beech, lived at Great Chell.)
2. The probate note refers to Anne Bosson as being the nearest blood-relation. Richard Bosson, presumably the brother-in-law, is stated to be a yeoman of Norton in le Moores. A crossing out of Margaret Cley's name perhaps refers to another relation.
Henry and Elizabeth Tunstall, no will, inventory undated, administration granted 29th April 1608.
An Inventorie of all the goodes And chatteles of heneri tunstall And elizabeth tunstall his wyffe deceased within the p[ar]ishe of owlstanton
the tenement or lease .... £8
Ellen Rathbone, widow, will dated 9th April 1608, inventory undated, date of probate 11th June 1608. [CHECK ALIGNMENT IN INVENTORY AGAINST ORIGINAL OR WHATEVER]
Will
In the name of god amen The ixth daie of Aprill in the yeares of the raigne of kinge James of England Fra[u]nc and Ireland the sixt and of Scotland the one and fourtieth 1608. I Ellen Rathbone of the p[ar]ish of wolstanton in the countie of Stafford widowe being aged and sicke in bodie and dreading the uncertayne of death naturall but nevertheles of good and p[er]fect memorie laude and praise be vnto almightie god therfore doe ordayne and make my last will and testament in manor and fourme followinge. first I committ my soule to almightie god my maker and redeemer and my bodie to the earth. It[em] I giue vnto Thomas Rathbone my sonne vjd and to John Rathbone my other sonne vjd for and in the name of their porc[i]on and childes p[ar]te of all my goodes It[em] I giue to Anne Cartlich margerie Tailer and marie Fallows three of my daughters everie one of them vjd for and in the name of their porc[i]on and filiall childes p[ar]te of all my goodes It[em] I giue vnto Ellen Rathbone my youngest daughter xxxs and all my apparell and a ewe sheepe & a little chest or coffer alwaies excepted that the said margerie my daughter shall haue my best hatt and my [?russett] cote. It[em] for the reste of my goodes vnbequeathed after my debtes legacies and funerall expenses discharged I giue vnto James Rathbone my third sonne. It[em] I make my said sonne James executor for the good confidence I repose in him witnesse herof John Duncalfe Richard Ratcliffe and Thomas Beech.
Debtes which the said testator doe owe
Thomas Followes ....................................... vjs
It[em] to James Rathbon .......................... viijs
Debts owing me the said testator
Richard Tailer Carpenter ............................... vjd
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes and cattels of Ellen Rathbone of the p[ar]ish of wolstanton widow late deceased taken by Thomas Bourne and John Duncalfe being praysers
one cowe
three Sheepe
beddinge
brasse and pewter
all the tryne ware
all the iron ware
a cupbord a coffer a spininge wheale boordes tressels bedsteedes with all other such implementes
the dong about the house
hir wearinge apparell
Notes
1. Some goods will have to be sold by the executor to raise the 30 shillings for the widow's daughter, Ellen - hence the time limit of a year. If, as it is probable, the latter was living in the same house as her mother, then her goods (including a spinning wheel maybe, and the clothes in the bequeathed chest) will not have been included in the inventory.
2. Probably she lived in the township of Ramscliff, where her brother-in-law declares he was living. Since that date, her husband Randull had died, and the daughters Anne and Margerie had married. The two younger daughters Mary and Ellen are not mentioned in the will. But the will mentions Katerine and Elizabeth, who may have been Randull's daughters from a previous marriage.
3. John Duncalf was a carpenter; James Rathbone grew hemp.
Edward Bourne of Chell Heath, husbandman, no will, inventory taken 9th August 1608, administration granted 14th August 1608.
This is a trewe Inventorie of all & Singler goodes Cattelles & chattelles the which weare of Edwarde Bourne of Chell heath of the p[ar]isshe of Wolstanton & countie of stafforde husbandman at the tyme of his death p[re]sede by Anthonie beech of Chell Will[ia]m bourne of Shildes crofte geffrey bourne of Chell & Richard knight of little Chell in the Countie afforsaid yeomen the ixth Daie of auguste anno d[omi]ni one thowsande Sixe hundreth & eight
v kyne ............................................................ £11
ij Sterkes ...................................................... £2 10s
ij weyninge Calves ..................................... £1 6s 8d
one yonge mare .......................................... £2 10s
xiij Sheipe .................................................... £1 13s 4d
Swyne ........................................................... £1
hennes ......................................................... 1s
Deade goodes
brasse & pewter .......................................... £4
beddinge napp[er]ie wares ....................... £6
treyne wares ................................................. 5s
Irone Wares .................................................. 6s 8d
ij Wevers lowmes with the
geares therto belonginge ........................... £1
bordes Cheares & formes
with Certayne bedstockes........................... 6s 8d
one cupborde & one disshborde .............. 10s
one whitch & Certayne coffers ................... 16s
one carte one ploughe & one harrowe .... 8s
app[ar]ell for his bodie ................................ £1 10s
Certayne otes vppo[n] the grounde
& Certayne haye in the barne..................... £4
Certayne pented Clothes
w[i]t[h] a fewe quisshines............................ 3s 6d
butter & Chiesse .......................................... 10s
flesshe at Rowffe ......................................... 1s
Certayne manure ......................................... 6s
his house & grounde
aboute one yeares terme ........................... £2
ij Saddelles & one cart saddell ................. 2s
one heare & iij stone troughes .................. 8s
Sum[ma] £42 12s [Actual £42 12s 10d]
Notes
1. Administration of his goods was granted to his wife Margery.
2. The appraisers were local men. William Bourne lived at Shildes crofte, which was less than a mile south of Chell Heath.
3. Weaving was generally a male occupation, and could well have been combined with farming.
He had 'One heare' - a haircloth (worth 5s) which could be for brewing or for cider-making.
4. treyne wares (treen) - Coopers made many small, staved watertight vessels for use as tubs, buckets and bowls; these are referred to in inventories sometimes as coopery ware. Another craftsman was the wood turner: treen bowls and platters were made by a turner from wood hacked straight from the tree and turned on a lathe.
Wooden ware was cheap: in the inventory of Thomas Brett of Wolstanton, gentleman, (1589), 9 'lowmes' (wooden vessels) were priced at 3 shillings altogether, and 2 'treen dishes or platters' were priced at 1 penny. In the 17th century, pewter dishes were superseding wooden ones on the dinner table. These were more expensive than wooden ones: in the same inventory, Thomas Brett had 11 chargers of 1s each, and a pewter bowl priced at 10 pence.
5. 'Certayne pented Clothes'. Painted cloths were imported into this country in the 15th and 16th centuries. Doubtless locally painted cloths met the big demand at all levels of society. They could depict biblical subjects - Shakespeare and other playwrights of the period refer to them - but we do not really know what they looked like because none seem to have survived.
6. At his death Edward Bourne had only one more year of his lease at Chell Heath to run. The lease had been held by his father who died in 1592/3, and Edward must have reEnewed it since then.
Elynor Bourne [?of Chesterton], widow, no will, inventory taken 19th August 1608, date of probate 23rd August.
The Inventory of all the goods of Elynor Bourne wydow lately deceased, taken by Henry Bourne Bourne thelder & william Berd the xixth day of August in the year of our lord god -1608
Four kyne ....................................... £10
Two young Swyne ........................ 13s 4d
Trene wares .................................. 1s 4d
money in hir purse £1 6s 8d
hir wayring apparell ..................... £2
Debts yt were owing to hir viz.
John Brett esquier ........... £3
John Gilbert of Shelton ... 16s 8d
John Hill of Shelton ......... 5s
Thomas Sutton ................ 1s 5d
Sum[ma] £18 4s 5d
Notes
1. Her son, Henry Bourne of Chesterton, yeoman, was granted the administration of her goods, with reserved power to her other children William, John, and Mary Bourne. Following the death of her husband, John Bourne of Chesterton (whose will is informative about the house she was probably sharing with son Henry at her death), Elinor Bourne had been the tenant of a house and large pasture in Hanley, but this property was in all likelihood occupied by a subtenant. According to the Newcastle manor records for 6th October 1608, she held, for life only, various properties in Shelton.
2. There are three appraisers.
3. John Hill, John Gilbert and Thomas Sutton were residents of Shelton and held various amounts of land there. John Brett was resident of Dimsdale Hall and lord of the manor of Knutton.
Thomas Beech of Wolstanton, date of will 1608/9, date of inventory 14th February 1608/9, date of probate 7th March
Will
In the name of god Amen in the yeare of our Lord 1608 I Thomas Beech of wolstanton in the diocesse of Covent[ry] and Lich[field] beinge sicke in body but of perfect remembrance do make and ordeyne this my present Testament conteyninge in it my last will in manner and forme followinge. Imprimis. I bequeath my soule into the hands of god & my body to be buryed in the churchyard of Wolstanton aforsaide. It[e]m I giue to Margrett Turnocke the wife of John Turnocke Thirty nyne shillinges wherof nyneteene shillinges is in the handes of Agnes Bullocke of Mole widdowe. It[e]m I giue to Henrie Morton the sonne of John Morton foure shillings. It[e]m I giue to Katerne Hancocke the daughter of Robert Hancocke Fourtye shillinges. Item I giue to Margrette Whytaugh the daughter of Richard whytaugh foure shillinges. All the rest of my goods rightes cattels and chattels whatsoeuer they be (my debtes and legacies payde and my funerall expences discharged) I giue and bequeath to my brother in Law Robert Hancocke. It[e]m I constitute and make the saide Robert Hancocke to be my sole executor to execute this my present Testament accordinge to the tenour & true meaninge of the same.
Witnesses: Henrie Stevenson Clerk, John Allerton, Joane Payne, Elizabeth Arriam.
A true and a lawfull Inventory of all the goods and chattels of Thomas Beech of Wolstanton taken the xiiijth day of February 1608 by vs Richard Hanson & John Morton Praisers
the lease of his house and all landes belonginge to it...................£10
his apparell............................................................................................. £1 10s
in the handes of John Payne............................................................... £2
two logges of Tymber............................................................................ 10s
all chests.................................................................................................. 8s
all the bordes benches Pickels Axes Spades Hommers Sithes
and other his husbandry furniture....................................................... 10s
[sum total £14 18s]
Notes
1. Joan Payne is the wife of John Payne - both their inventories are in this collection.
2. Thomas Beech lived in a cottage in Wolstanton, leased from Ralph Sneyd esquire. Some land went with the cottage, as indicated in the will of his mother Margaret Beech dated 7th Sept 1603. Robert Hancock, his brother-in-law, was known to be occupying it after his death and, as this inventory is not of a complete household, probably before his death too. In October 1609 the Sneyd family sold it, with Robert Hancock still in occupation, to John Eaton/Heaton. The cottage was mentioned in the 1615 survey under 'Heaton', and Robert Hancock in 1620 was in occupation of a cottage, garden and hemp-butt.
William Burslem of the Brownlees the elder, yeoman, will dated 4th April 1609, inventory taken 10th April, date of probate 19th May 1609.
Will
Sick of body; I commend my body to the earth whereof it is made.
To my two daughters Jhone and An: £60 each.
To my son William: 20 nobles.
Whereas my son John now oweth to me 20 marks to be paid at the end of five years next after the date hereof, if he the said John be then living and I and Agnes my wife both dead, my will is that the said 20 marks be paid to such person or persons as my wife shall limit and appoint by her last will and testament, or by her gift in writing in her lifetime.
To my son John's children Thomas, William and John, An, Katherene and Elizabeth: 10s each.
To John Burslem, son of the above-named William Burslem: 20s and one sterke.
To the children of my son-in-law Thomas Bowyer (Richard, Thomas, Francis and Marie): 20s.
To Hughe Jonsone my servant: one ewe lamb.
To my son-in-law Thomas Bowyer: my cupboard to be divided at the decease of my wife.
Residuary legatee: Agnes my wife.
Executors: Agnes, and my son-in-law Thomas Bowyer.
Debts to me owing:
John Heaton & William Turmer ............ £10
Raphe Moreton ....................................... £3 6s 8d
William Burslem Of Wolsteton ............... £4 6s 8d
John Milnes .............................................. £3 5s
William Podmore ..................................... £1 2s 6d
Olliver Dale ............................................... 8s 6d
my brother-in-law Prynce ........................ 8s
my son John Bursleme ............................ £3 (to be paid to my executor if my said son overlive me and his mother).
John Rowley of Wedgwood ................... 6s 8d
Sum total £26 4s [checked]
Debts by me owing
To my son John Bursleme ........... £6 13s 4d (to be paid at the end of two years next after the date hereof by Agnes my wife or her executors)
The Inue[n]torie of William Bursleme of the Brownlies Deceased takene & praysed by Thomas Bursleme Hughe Barlowe & Richard Coulcloughe w[i]th others the tenthe Day of Aprill in the yeares of the raignes of our sou[er]aigne lord James by the grace of god of England, France, & Ireland kinge Defendor of the faith the seaveanthe, & of Scotland the two & forteethe.
for iiij oxen
ix kyne & heafers
vj twinters
v calves
one mare & a fillie
Swyne
two geese & three henes
waynes, plowes & other husbandrie wares
one which, one compe, one Turnell & a bracke
trine wares 10s 0d
fore coffers
bordes, formes, tressels, & shilfes
one cupbord
two grates, two broches, one peare of goberts, two axes & a bill, one peare of pothookes, w[i]th two sawes & other iron wares
cheires & Stowles
brasse & puter
shites tableclothes w[i]th other linens
all Beddinge w[i]th one carpett
bedstockes fore
app[ar]ell
corne in the barne & vppo[n] the earthe
beeffe & bacone
tenne sheepe
Notes
1. He declares himself at the start of his will as 'William Burslem of Brownlees the elder' a phrasing which implies two people of the same name living either in the same house or in the same place. It is probably the latter, as the other William Burslem of Brownlees was either his son or his 19-year-old grandson. Brown Lees now is on the outskirts of Biddulph and the present-day map shows Brown Lees Farm. Its location would have been just inside the parish boundary, within the township of Stodmoreslowe.
Burslems were at Brownlees for the next seventy years at least, and it is clear they were not tenant farmers. In 1666 William Burslem was assessed for 2 hearths (corresponding to the two grates mentioned in his great-grandfather's inventory).The fact that in the 1620's John Burslem was paying a chief rent to the lord of the manor of Tunstall for his holding means he was the owner. (In the mid-eighteenth century, Mr Richard Podmore was paying 15s 10d (exactly double what John Burslem paid) as chief rent for 'Brownley')
2. A noble is 6s 8d; a mark is 13s 4d.
3. The cupboard valued at 16s did not necessarily have sides and doors. It would have been covered with a cloth (or with the carpet which is mentioned in the inventory) and used for displaying the pewter plate. What we call a cupboard today would have been called a press. The owner of The Three Swans inn in Banbury, Oxfordshire, at his death in 1617 had 'one press and cupboard' in his hall worth 10s. ie a single piece of furniture. Possibly William Burslem's cupboard was like this and would need to be divided (as his will says) before it could be removed to Thomas Bowyer's house.
4. At his death he had the farmhouse and 31 acres (equivalent to 66 statute acres), which is a sizeable farm-size for this period. The value of his crops is higher than average for this parish. The heriot due to the lord of the manor was one ox worth 78s.
5. It is clear from this that a which was different from a compe, the latter holding barley and water, while the ark held dry cereal.
Robert Lawton, no will, inventory taken 10th January 1609/10 [Tue], date of probate 12th February 1609/10.
The xth daie of January 1609
A Inventory taken of all the goods of Roberte Lawton Deceased in the p[ar]ish of Vlstentonn
4 bedsteds ............................................................. 13s
6 litle chestes .......................................................... 4s 6d
3 litle tables ............................................................ 6s 8d
3 old pottes ............................................................. 6s 8d
2 old pannes & a ketle ...........................................10s
3 litle spittes ............................................................ 2s
1 paire of Colbertes ................................................. 8d
1 pott cheane ........................................................... 6d
2 litle brunderd 1 Drypinge panes ........................... 2s
1 backe stone ........................................................... 1s 2d
2 ladles & a paire of old bellowes ........................... 8d
2 candlestickes ........................................................ 10d
3 old paire of sheates & 2 pillobers ......................... 4s
1 old fether bed 2 pillowes ......................................13s 4d
1 old coverled 1 old coveringe ................................ 6s 8d
2 blankettes 2 mattres ............................................... 8s
1 mucke forke 1 mucke hooke .................................. 4d
2 spininge wheeles .................................................... 1s 4d
3 old painted clothes old ........................................... 9d
3 old lumes ............................................................... 1s 2d
2 litle lockes .............................................................. 7d
1 dosen of Trenchers ................................................ 2d
3 litle Chesfates ....................................................... 10d
2 swine lumes .......................................................... 1s
1 coke 2 capens & a hene ........................................ 1s 8d
2 geese a gander & a ducke ..................................... 2s 6d
old haie .................................................................... 8s 8d
1 old fryinge pane .................................................... 6d
1 fier shovole & a paire of ŧǿᵰǥө tongues ............... 10d
old glasse .................................................................3s 8d
mucke or worthinge ................................................ 10s
1 hatchett ................................................................. 5d
1 morter & pestle .................................................... 2s 6d
1 Ierne widge ........................................................... 4d
1 beare pott .............................................................. 2d
1 chaffen dish .......................................................... 3d
1 old Cressett & a tostinge forke ............................. 8d
1 old carpett ............................................................. 1s
1 Ierne graite ........................................................... 3s 2d
2 litle formes ........................................................... 6d
3 old stooles ............................................................ 1s 6d
1 Chespresse ........................................................... 6d
1 paire of paniers .................................................... 4d
2 huckes .................................................................. 4d
1 litle Churme ......................................................... 6d
2 litle silver spones ................................................. 8s
2 litle cheares .......................................................... 8d
certaine old painted clothes .................................... 3s 4d
1 lornels [?turnell] .................................................. 10d
1 maslen pane ......................................................... 10d
1 chesse crach ......................................................... 6d
6 boardes ................................................................. 2s 8d
1 litle lader .............................................................. 2d
Some is £7 3s 1d
Henrj Tunstall Richard Glover
Notes
1.The terms 'little' and 'old', which the appraisers liberally applied to Robert Lawton's household possessions, are characteristic of the inventories of elderly people with no surviving close family. With the administrator who is the deceased's nearest relation being Robert Addrely (originally spelt 'Atherly' in the probate note) of Dilhorne, a parish some seven to ten miles away, no offence would be caused by these words, which the appraisers used so as to justify low valuations of the goods. There are references in the Tunstall court rolls to Robert Lawton, gentleman, who was presented for encroaching in Brerehurst and Thursfield. In addition he was essoined at two courts in 1604 by the headborough of Thursfield, suggesting he was living there at the time. Robert Lawton witnessed the will of Richard Calton [of Brerehurst], yeoman, in July 1604.
2. The probate inventory is not typical. The process behind it may be this. Henry Tunstall and Richard Glover wrote the list of the 53 lots that the goods were to be sold in. Then were added the actual prices that the items fetched in the sale after Robert Lawton's death. Finally the document was copied by an unknown scribe.
3. Although the total value of the household goods is small, the detailed inventory provides evidence that most forms of cooking (except baking) were practised. Colbertes (also coberdes, golbedes etc) were the rests either side of the fire which supported the spits for roasting the meat, the fat of which fell into the dripping pan and was used for basting the meat with a ladle. The kettle, suspended by a pot chain, is a cooking pot used for boiling food.
Brunderd (also brundred) - may in this case have served to support the dripping pan. It is defined as a fireplace implement, either a gridiron or an iron bar for supporting firewood.
Backe stone - a stone which, when heated, was used for cooking oatcakes or similar.
Further down the inventory we find a frying pan, This would have had a long wooden handle so that it could be held over the fire.
Lastly we have a toasting fork, which was for toasting bread, cheese or small cuts of meat in front of the fire.
4. old haie. The presence of such a large amount of old hay (ie from grass mown 18 months ago or longer) and muck raises the question - why wasn't it sold before this?
5. muck hook - muck rake.
6. old lumes/swine lumes - s are open vessels.
7. The reference to poultry (1 cock, 2 capons, 1 hen, 2 geese,1 gander, 1 duck) is more detailed than usual. The capons (castrated cocks) were destined for the cooking pot or the spit.
8. old glass - Window glass, wall partitions - even ceilings - could still be regarded as moveables in this period, and thus be included in inventories.
9. Ierne widge/Ierne graite. Iron wedges are found sometimes in the inventories - three in the case of one of the carpenters in this collection - and could be used in combination with a beetle for splitting wood.
10. chaffen dish - a chafing dish, a dish to put on a chafer to keep cooked food warm.
11. Cressett - a pole with a lantern on the end of it.
12. 1 paire of panniers - for a pack horse.
13. huckes - perhaps 'hutches', wooden receptacles for kneading dough or sifting flour.
14. lornels - The person copying out the inventory made several slips. This item may be a turnell, a kind of tub. A 'maslen pane' is a maslin pan ie a pan used for boiling, and made of brass or a similar alloy.
15. chesse crach - probably a wooden or wickerwork container for holding cheeses. A cheese cratch is mentioned in William Addams' inventory too.
Chesfates/Chespresse. Evidently several cheese vats were needed in cheese making. The cheese press is used for pressing the cheese and consists of two flat plates secured together with a large screw; plus there were separators between the cheeses.
17. No clothing, money, food or fuel are mentioned. The spinning wheels and the geese indicate a female occupant.
Roger Bettison [of Chesterton?], husbandman, will dated 18th April 1610, inventory taken 20th April 1610, date of probate 11th May 1610.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried at the discretion of my executors.
To my wife Elizabeth Bettison and to John Maxfilde alias Baddeley, my son-in-law: the lease of my house where I live with the appurtenances with all my goods, moveable and unmoveable during the life of my wife, and then wholly to John Maxfilde alias Baddeley, who, in consideration of the lease and goods, shall keep my wife with food, drink, lodging, clothing and all necessities appropriate to her. My will is that he should deliver from my goods within one month after my death a ewe and lamb to Richard Bettison my son, and pay him within a year of the death of my wife £4 10s, that is to say 45 shillings after six months and the other 45 shillings at the end of the 12 months.
Executors: my wife Elizabeth Bettison and John Maxfilde alias Baddeley.
Overseer: John Colecloughe of Chesterton
Witnesses: John Colcloughe, Richard Bettison, Margaret Johnson and William Beard.
A true & p[er]fitt Inventorye of all the goodes Cattels & Chattls of Roger Bettison deceased, valued and praysed, by Henrye Bourne, John Colcloughe, John Maxfilde, & Rondull Whytoughe, the xxth day of Aprill, in the yeares of the raygne oaf our most gracious soveraygne Lord James, by the grace of god Kinge of Ingland, Fraunce, & Ireland Defendor of the fayth the viijth, & of Scotland the xliijth.
two kyne, one hayfor, & three Calves .................................... £5
one horse, and a mare ............................................................ £1 13s 4d
poultrie ware .............................................................................. 2s 4d
fyfe sheepe ................................................................................. £1
manure or dunge ...................................................................... 5s
Brasse and peuter .................................................................... £2
beddinge & napperie ware ...................................................... £2 10s
one Cupbord, certayne Cofors, one table vpon a frame,
lowmes, Cheeres, formes, and all other treene ware ....... £1
one grate, one harrowe, & certayne other implements
of husbandrie, & all other thinges in the house before
not valued ..................................................................................... 6s 8d
a lease of the house, or Cottage.............................................. £2
his apparell .................................................................................. 10s
£16 7s 4d
Note
In the first half of seventeenth century, various Betsons lived in this, Keele and Stoke on Trent parish. Roger Bettison and his wife lived in a cottage for which he had a lease. It is probable that Roger Bettison had been living at least 20 years in the area, as he witnessed a will of a Chesterton man who died in 1588.
Thomas Turner of Brerehurst, husbandman, no will, inventory taken 19th December 1609, administration granted 6 July 1610
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes and Catells of Thomas Turner late of Brerehurst in the County of Stafford husbandman taken the xixth day of december An[no] d[omi]ni 1609 seene and praised by Richard Colcloughe Peeter Lownes and Richard Gregorye.
three kyne ................................................................................................ £7
one calffe ................................................................................................. £1
seven sheepe ......................................................................................... £1 10s
Corne and haye ...................................................................................... £1
iron ware and husbandry ware ............................................................ 13s 4d
tow ould sadels ..................................................................................... 11s
brasse and pewter .................................................................................. £2
tryne ware .................................................................................................. 3s
bordes formes shelffes & other implementes of houshold ............ 6s
coffers ......................................................................................................... £1
tow bedstiddes .......................................................................................... 7s
beddinge and lynnes ................................................................................ £1 6s 8d
butter cheese & bacon ............................................................................. 10s
mucke ........................................................................................................ 2s
his apparell ................................................................................................. 6s 8d
one leace for diu[er]es yeares yet enduring ......................................... £12
£29 14s 8d
[should be £29 15s 8d]
Note
More than six months after this inventory was taken, the administration of Thomas Turner's goods was granted to his wife, by now called Margaret Turner alias Meare. He had left two children called William and John who were still minors; Thomas Meare of Brerehurst the step-father had to enter into a tuition bond for the administration of the portions due to them.
Thomas Willatt of Chesterton, will dated 28th April 1610, inventory taken 7th May, date of probate 11th May.
Will
Being sick in body.
To be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Jhon Willat my son: my best wain or cart, the best plough, the best yoke and chain, the best harrow, a stone tub, a great hutch or coffer, the long table in the house, one iron grate, one brass pan: for and in the name of his heirs.
Residuary legatee and executrix: Elizabeth Willat, my wife (My funeral expenses being discharged, and debts being paid on the whole, I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Willat my wife the residue of all my goods, cattles, chattells and household stuff whatsoever towards the bringing up of my children.)
Witnesses: Henry Borne the eldest, Henry Borne the younger, Henry Borne the youngest and William Borne.
These are the debts which I owe:
To John Duncalf for building a barn £5
To John Turnocke £3 16s
To Raffe Wood 26s 8d
To my brother William Willot 26s 4d
To Elizabeth Whylocke 9s
To Peter Maxfild gent 16s 4d
The Inventory of all the goods Cattells & houshould stuffe of Thomas Willat of Chesterton lately deceassed taken the Seventh Day of Maie A[nn]o D[omi]ni 1610 by Thomas Woodd Henrye Bourne & William Bourne
Foure oxen
Foure kine
Three twynters
Three styrkes
one mare
sixe sheepe
twoo swyne
the poultrie
Corne vpon the ground
Corne in the howse
the Dounge
the houshould p[ro]vision
bedding & napry ware
brasse & Pewter
all Iron ware in the howse
the waines plowghs yokes chaynes harrowes
w[i]th all other Implements belonging to husbandrye
his Apparell
the table the Chests & all other treene ware
Note
Thomas Willatt had no cash when he died - there are no cash bequests in his will and the inventory omits the usual 'and money in his purse'.
There was a lot of borrowing and lending in this period. Much of it was of small amounts and of short duration - a matter of weeks only.
And these are the sort of debts which Thomas Willatt listed at the end of his will, knowing death was imminent.
The first one, though, is different. The building of the barn was likely to have been started recently. The last of the previous season's corn would have been threshed and the grain brought into the house, the stocks of hay would have been used up, and the old barn could therefore be demolished, saving any sound timbers for re-use. The sum mentioned (£5) is likely to represent the whole cost of building the barn.
William Burslem the younger of Wolstanton, will dated 3rd August 1610, inventory dated 21st August, date of probate 28th September 1610.
Will
In the name of god Amen the thirde day of August in the yeare of our Lorde god one thousand sixe hundred and ten. I william Burslem the yonger of Wolstanton in the countie of Stafforde and diocesse of Coventrie and Lichfeilde being of whole minde and and in good and p[er]fect remembrance and yet nevertheles fearinge that I shall not haue sufficient time to make my will in writinge by reason of the extremitye of my sicknes do in the p[re]sence of my good neighbours Thomas Fenton and Francis Lysat of Wolstanton aforsaide make this my last will in wordes as followeth. first I bequeath to William Burslem my father seaven beasts in regarde of the Somme of fourteene poundes which I owe to my said father. It[e]m my will is, that my debtes shall be paide of the rest of my goodes. And that which remaineth after my debtes are paide I giue and bequeath to my wife and my childe It[e]m I do make and ordaine my vncle Anthonie Beech of greate Chell and William Burslem my said father executors of this my last will.
A true and perfect Inventarie of all the goodes and Chattles late William Burslems the yonger of Wolstanton preysed by William Bourne of Ewtree John Heaton of Wolstanton Thomas Henshawe and Thomas Fenton of Wolstanton the one and twenteith of August 1610
fiue horses and there furniture for carriage
one geldinge taken for an heriot and his furniture
seaven beastes
tow barrels of Sope conteyninge a Ferkin
tow kettles one fryinge panne one brasse candelsticke foure pewter dishes
tow feather beds one boulster tow keverlets
all the woodden ware
one pounde and tow vnces of Indegall
tow pounde of Starch
powder blew
one pounde of pepper
all his wearinge apparell
all his Iron ware
hey
three bale of flaxe
all other small thinges
one sacke of salt
Notes
1. The Newcastle manor court roll for October 1610 records that William Burslem junior owned at his death half of a messuage and lands in Wolstanton; the heriot was a gelding worth £3; and his heir was his son aged 1 year. William Burslem had married Elizabeth Daniel at St John's Burslem on 5th October 1608.
2. Inspection of the inventory shows that the items were listed first (presumably by Thomas Fenton - who also wrote the will), then they were priced by different appraisers who put the amounts down in their own writing. (Additional confirmation that this was the process used is shown by the fact that the starch and powder blue are separately listed. If it had been known at the start that they were so small in value, they would have been combined in the listing.) Finally it was totalled by yet another person, who used arabic numerals.
3. William Burslem junior had 6 horses but no cart or husbandry ware.The inference is that most of them were pack horses. The unusual items (such as quantities of salt, pepper, bales of flax etc) are transportable by pack-horse, suggesting he was a trader. Some of these are connected with the cloth trade. Indegall is presumably indigo, a dye. Powder blue and starch were [perhaps] used in cloth preparation.
For comparison: in the 1560's Matthew Commin of Salisbury 'used many occupations. First he was a hosier....Then he was a merchant of cloth and small wares, and sold hops, salt, pitch, rosin, raisins, groceries and all apothecary drugs'. His wife had a stall in the town on market days where she sold flax and other things (from Simon Forman, Autobiography).
4. He was the son of William Burslem who was presented on several occasions for breaching the assize of ale, and who probably married in 1581. (A surrender in the manor court that year could be a marriage settlement.)
Richard Knight of Little Chell, yeoman, will dated 29th April 1609, inventory taken 19th December 1610, date of probate 16th January 1610/11.
Will
To be buried in the parish church of Woolstanston.
To Margreat, my eldest daughter and to heirs of her body lawfully begotten: two messuages and two cottages with 26 acres of customary land in Tunstall and Chatterley, paying to my three daughters, Ane Knight, Elizabeth Knight and Marie Knight the sum of £40 to be divided equally between them within three years of my decease. And if there is no heir then to Alice my daughter and to heirs of her body lawfully begotten, paying to my three daughters above-mentioned the sum of £80 to be divided equally between them within the next three years, with successive remainders to Ane, Elizabeth and Marie and their heirs lawfully begotten, and the remainder to the right heirs of Richard Knight for ever.
Whereas my wife and I own a messuage, a cottage and water-mill and 40 acres of freehold land going with them my intention is that they should be divided equally between my five daughters after my wife's decease.
To Jane Knight my wife: the third part of all my goods.
Residuary legatees: Ane Knight, Elizabeth Knight and Marie Knight.
To Alice my daughter: 3s 4d.
To my daughter's two children James Beech and William Beech: 6s 8d each.
To every one of my godchildren: 6d.
To every one of my servants: 12d.
Executors: James Beech, my son-in-law, William Lee of Ashes and Jane my wife.
Overseer: Thomas Burslem of Burslem.
These are owing me:
Richard Glover and Richard Baddiley of Tunstall for beef .............. 34s
Mr Unwine ...................8s 10d
Thomas Cartleiche ...................3s
James Baddiley ...................... 58s
Thomas Broode of Whittfeild ............15s
A true, perfect, & Just, Inventorie of all the goodes and Cattels moueable & vnmoueable of Richarde Knight of little Chell in the parishe of Woulstandstone lately deceased, praysed the xix daye of Dece[m]b[e]r by Mr John Telright William Burne, Thomas Burslem Anthonie Beeche and John Boughie: Anno dom[ini] 1610
6 oxen ........................... £34
13 kine ......................... £45 10s
7 Twinters .................... £21
7 sterks ........................ £14
8 Caul[ves] ................... £8
1 Mare ........................... £6 13s 4d
14 Sheepe ................... £3
4 Swine ......................... £1 10s
Certayne pullen ........... 1s
dead goodes
Heaye ....................................... £6 13s 4d
Corne in the barnes .............. £10
Treene ware ............................ 13s 4d
2 wenes, ploughes & all the
rest of husbandrie ware ........ £4
Dunge at Tunstalle ................. 5s
7 Bedsteeds ............................ 10s
2 bords, 1 forme & a frame ... 5s
2 Wiches 5 Chests & cofers .................................... 13s 4d
1 Iron Chimley 1 Iron grate, 2 broches 1 paire of
goberts, 1 paire of Racks 1 paire tongs 1 fyre
shoovle ......................................................................... 13s 4d
1 Tubstone 4 stone trowes ....................................... 2s
1 Tubstone at Tunstalle ............................................. 1s 4d
Cheares & stooles ...................................................... 2s
4 dayes works of Rye on ye ground ......................... £1
10 hoopes of malt in ye house ................................. 10s
10 hoops of oeates ..................................................... 10s
1 Busshell of tole corne ............................................. 6s
1 Butt of Rye at Tunstall .............................................. 2s
5 Fetter bedds 12 boulsters 3 pillowes ................... £5
4 Woole bedds ............................................................. £1
12 Coverlets ................................................................... £4
6 Blankets ....................................................................... 12s
14 paire of sheetes ....................................................... £3 10s
1 doozen of napkins ...................................................... 6s
Certayne clouthe & yarne ............................................. £2
8 kisshins ........................................................................ 2s 8d
21 dishes 3 salts of pewter ......................................... £1 11s
4 potts 2 panes of Brase .............................................. £1 10s
3 candlesticks ................................................................ 1s
1 Cubborde ..................................................................... 8s
4 Swine lyeing in salt ................................................... £1 6s 8d
Certayne Whitmeate ..................................................... £1
2 milestones 1 Wiche & pickes w[i]th other
necessaries in ye mile ................................................. £1
his purse & apparrell ................................................... £1 10s
Su[mma] totalis 184 18s 4d [checked]
Notes
1. It seems that within 10 years his daughters Alice and Elizabeth (or rather their husbands) ended up as the main beneficiaries. Richard Knight's wife had in her possession a house, water mill and a cottage. While her husband is alive, it is in joint names. After his death she has sole possession of it, but her husband's will directs what should be done with it after her death!
2. The sites of mills remained unchanged for centuries, even if their machinery and function altered. Richard Knight's water-mill is likely to have been situated near the junction of Little Chell Lane and Victoria Park Rd, Tunstall. It would have been on Scotia Brook, which formed the boundary between the townships of Chell and Tunstall. The exact location is uncertain, as no map shows its position. Thomas Beeche, presumably the grandson of Richard Knight, acted as churchwarden in 1642 'for the house of Millhouse'. 'Thomas Machin of Beeches Mill' sold his estate to Thomas Baddeley of Newfield in 1753 who subsequently used the mill for grinding flint. The last mention of the mill is in 1819 (Victoria County History of Staffs Vol VIII p 99).
The toll corn was the payment in kind made by users of the mill. The amount charged was set at a certain fraction of the corn brought to the mill to be ground; twenty bushels of corn (assuming the rate charged was 5%) represent either a very short period of milling operations or a very small acreage of corn - probably the latter.
In 1539, Richard Colclough of Little Chell owned this freehold land: a messuage, a cottage, a water mill, forty acres of land, ten acres of meadow, forty acres of pasture and six acres of wood in Little Chell and Tunstall.
Richard Knight had 13½ acres and 1 day work of arable land in the open fields of Tunstall; none of the three inventory items which he has in Tunstall implies that he had any farm buildings there.
3. The hoop referred to is a measuring container for meal.
4. A day work was a third of a customary acre in this locality. Butts varied in size but averaged out at half a day work. So this inventory shows some internal consistency in its pricing of rye.
5. '3 salts of pewter' = three pewter salt boxes.
6. The 'four swine lying in salt' were sides of meat covered in salt, each in their own container. It is interesting to compare their price with the price of the four live swine.
7. '2 milestones 1 Wiche & pickes' = a pair of millstones, a grain holder and possibly pitchforks (called 'pikeforkes' in the 1589 inventory of a Wolstanton gentleman).
Richard Hanson of Wolstanton, yeoman, date of will 29th December 1610, inventory taken 9th January 1610/11, date of probate 16th January.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my three daughters Margerie, Margaret and Ales Hanson: a messuage or tenement and one water mill, and all buildings, lands etc belonging in Bagnald, now in the occupation of one John Hanson of Bagnald; to have and to hold to Margerie, Margret and Ales Hanson from 1619 for twenty one years paying twenty shillings to them each year; unless my son and heir apparent George Hanson pays £80 to my 3 daughters within a year; if not, my will is that they should let it to my brother John Hanson of Bagnald, he paying a reasonable price.
To Elizabeth Hanson, my wife: half of certain lands called the Hygfeildes and half of a meadow called the great demath in Wolstanton for the remaining term; one croft called Baullcroft in Wolstanton during the term which I have in it; and the third part of all my goods.
To John Burslem of Brownelees: half of certain lands lying in Brompton which I lately purchased from Richard Hunt.
Residuary legatees: my three daughters. If one dies before the age of 21 or is married...
Executors: my wife and brother John Hanson
Overseers: Henrie Stevenson, clerk, and Thomas Henshaw.
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all and singuler the goodes rightes & debtes of Richard Hanson of Wolstanton in the Diocesse of Coventrie & Lichfeild the nineth day of Januarie 1610. by John Astbury Henrie Bourne Raphe Morton John Morton Thomas Henshaw.
foure oxen....................................................................................................£17
eight kine......................................................................................................£27 10s
six sterks.......................................................................................................£12
one twinter......................................................................................................£2
six calves........................................................................................................£6
on nag & on Filly............................................................................................£6 16s 8d
nineteene sheepe.........................................................................................£5 16s 8d
three swyne................................................................................................£1 5s
pooltrey........................................................................................................... 10s
on stawll of bees.......................................................................................... 5s
corne on the ground & corne in the barne & corne in the house.......£21
waines plowes harrowes yokes waine timber chaines plow Irons
saddles panniers & all other husbandry ware ........................................£5
on grate one paire of gorb[-]ates tow spites one paire of fire tongues
a fire shuvell and other Iron ware............................................................... 6s 8d
brasse and pewter.........................................................................................£6
beddinge & linnen clothes.........................................................................£12
butter cheese beife & bacon........................................................................£4 16s 8d
all tryen ware..................................................................................................£1 10s
on ioyned bed................................................................................................. 13s 4d
flax hemp & yorne.......................................................................................... 6s 8d
the apparell of the deceassed.......................................................................£5
syling timber................................................................................................... 6s 8d
a swyne tub a baking stone a grindinge stone & swine troughes........ 4s 4d
leases of certaine groundes......................................................................£5
[Actual total: £138 14s 4d]
Notes
1. Richard Hanson held land in Bagnall (halfway beween Hanley and Leek), Wolstanton and Brompton, the latter being one of the common fields of Newcastle. Richard Hanson's father and grandfather owned land in Wolstanton, and there is a connection through a female line with the Braymers who owned land in Wolstanton in the early 15th century.
2. His son George, aged 14 at the time, inherited the house and lands in Wolstanton. These passed to him by the customary laws of inheritance, so Richard didn't spell this out in the will. A heriot, the testator's best beast (which was an ox in this case) was due to the king, as lord of the manor.
3. 'syling timber' refers to the boards of the ceiling - or to wainscotting. The insertion of a ceiling over the large hall, previously open to the roof, was one of the developments starting to occur in contemporary houses in this region.
4. 'stawll' is hive.
5. In 1609 John Burslem leased a croft called Ball Croft in Wolstanton to Richard Hanson for five years.
Mary Knight of Chell, a singlewoman, will and inventory dated 4th November, date of probate 14th November 1611.
Will
To be buried in the parish church of Woolstanston.
To my brother James Beech's three children, James Beech, William Beech, and Margreat Beech: one cow.
To Brian Par: one sheep.
To Richard Tealer my godchild: 5s.
Residuary legatees: my four sisters, Margreat Knight, Alice Beech, Elizabeth Burne and Ane Knight.
Executor: John Boughey of the Wall in Awdley.
Debts owing to me
William Burne of Chell ............................................... £5
James Beech of Chell ........................................................ 7s
Thomas Burne of Chell .............................................. £2 10s
Jane Knight mother of the [testator] ....................... £10 3s
William Badley of the Flates for a measure of rye ...........2s 8d
Richard Knight of Alger ............................................ £4 8s 2d
A true and perfect inventorie of all the goodes and Cattelles of Marie knight praysed by william Lee James Beech, Richard knight and Thomas Burne the iiijth day of November
Quicke goodes
three yonge beastes ..................................... £5 13s 4d
one cowe ......................................................... £2 13s 4d
seven sheepe ................................................. £1 8s
her parte of ij oxen ......................................... £3 6s 8d
part of one mare and one hefer .................. £1
Dead goodes
Certayne bedinge ......................................... £1 13s 4d
Certayne bras and pewter ............................ 5s
her purse and aparill ..................................... £2
Certayne instore and husbandtrie woore .. £1 11s
Certayne Corne ............................................... £1 10s
one arke and Certayne Coffers .................... 10s
[£21 10s 8d]
Notes
1. The oxen were shared with one other person (on the basis of the price of an ox at this date), probably her mother. She was the youngest daughter of five, and her father had died the previous year. Alice Beech was an older sister. The large sum of money owing her by her mother can be understood as the consequence of the settlement of her father's estate. Her father's will divided the estate so that his widow got a third and Mary Knight and two of her sisters got two-ninths each. Mary has got less cattle than would have been expected from this division, so it is likely that her mother bought some of the stock from her. All in all it seems that where she was living, her mother was head of the household.
2. 'Alger' refers to the place Alsager in Cheshire.
3. 'a measure of rye' - the price suggests this measure was 2 (standard) bushels ie about 72 litres capacity. William Badley may be the only one of the debtors not related by blood or marriage. It is a sale.
Alice Burne of Great Chell, no will, inventory taken 14th Sept 1612, administration granted 23 Oct 1611.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes and chattells late Alice Burnes of great chell w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of wolstanton w[it]hin the dioc[ese] of Coventrie and [?Lich] prysed 14th daye of September a[nn]o d[omi]ni 1611 by Anthonie Beech of the towne aforesaid and William Burne of Ewetrie w[i]thin the said p[ar]ishe prysers indifferentlie chosen.
The apparell..........................................................................£1 10s
three little pewter dishes..................................................... 2s
one brasse pann................................................................... 10s
one twilsheete one cov[er]lett iij sheetes & one towell. 13s 4d
Sum[ma] £1 15s 4d
[Recte £2 15s 4d]
Debts owing to the s[ai]d Alice Burne
Anthonie Beech of Great Chell.............................£1 6s 8d
Jefferie Burne of the same towne.........................£4 [10s?]
John Baggaley of the same towne.......................£2 4s
William Rowley of the same towne.......................£2 4s
Edward Shaw and Richard Drakford...................£2 4s
John Burslem and Raffe Whitton........................£12
Sum[m]a £25 8s 8d
[Recte £24 8s 8d]
Note
Administration was granted to her son, Thomas Burne of Ewtree. William Burne of the parish of Stoke also had to enter into a bond. The inventory is not of a complete household.
Agnes Bullock of Wolstanton, widow, date of will 31st December 1611, inventory taken 27th February 1611/2, date of probate 3 March 1611/2
Will
Being sick in body.
To be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton
To Thomas Bullock alias Merrie: £13 16s 8d, to be paid within one year of my death. Until he reaches 21 years John Turnock, one of my executors, to have the use and disposition of it.
To Thomas Sneyd alias Chittie: £10; 40 shillings which Richard Harries owes me; one pot, one featherbed, a chaff bed, one coverlet, one blanket, two bolsters and a pair of sheets.
To William Sneyd of Chesterton: £5
To Anne Clare of Namptwich in the diocese of Chester: 40s.
To the four children of Richard Whitaugh of the White-hill in Wolstanton parish: 40s to be equally divided.
To Francis Drakeford: one half of two parcels of land called the Newfield and the Edge of the demise of John Boothes.
To Edward Bullocke: 20[s..................................................................................... To Joane Hancock the wife of Robert Hancock: all my [bedd]ing, wearing apparel and napery ware.
To John Turnocke aforesaid: all my pewter, brass, bonds, chests, and all other my household stuff.
To John Stonihewer: 16 shillings which he owes me.
Residuary legatees and executors: John Turnocke and Robert Hancocke.
John Turnocke to have £4 in trust to be by him disposed and paid to such persons as I have before Mr Stevenson vicar of Wolstanton appointed and directed him.
Witnesses: Henrie Stevenson, Raphe Stevenson, Margret Turnocke, Anne Hill.
Debts owing to the testatrix:
William Burslem ......... 20s
Rondull Tunstall ......... 3s 4d
John Turnocke .......... £4
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all and singler the goodes rightes and debtes of Agnes Bullocke widow late of wolstanton deceassed taken and priced by Thomas Henshaw and william Smithe the seaven and twentieth day of Februarie in the yeare of o[u]r Lord one thousand six hundred and eleaven.
three brasse pottes ........................................................................£1
one brasse panne a skellet and a candlesticke ...................... £1 6s 8d
all the pewter .................................................................................. 13s
all yron ware ................................................................................... 10s
all tryen ware .................................................................................. £1 10s
all the bedding linnens and the apparell of the deceassed .. £8 16s
one milstone ................................................................................... 4s
money owing to the deceassed ............................................... £53 7s
Summ tot[al] £67 1s
[Actual £67 6s 8d]
Notes
1. Merrie is a genuine Wolstanton surname of the period.
2. The widow has household stuff worth £14, which indicates a reasonable standard for widows. (Compare Alice Burne in this collection with just £2 15s 4d of household goods.) Elderly widows were either poor or a source of loans. In her will Agnes Bullock mentions only a fraction of the money owing to her.
3. Some of the names mentioned in this will crop up also in Thomas Beech's will, including Agnes Bullock herself. If it is the same person, then she must have moved from the extreme northern end of the parish to Wolstanton within a few years before her death.
4. The White-hill was in Brerehurst, and the area still retains the name. She could be Anne Bullock, the widow of Thomas Bullock.
Richard Ridgway of Knutton, will dated 1st June 1612, inventory not dated, date of probate 19th June
Will
Being sick in body.
Body to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To George Rigway my eldest son, John my second son, and Richard my youngest son, Margreat my second daughter and Mary my youngest daughter: 15 pence each.
To Anis my eldest daughter: all those my boards [boyreds] that lie over the house, with one little pot and one painted cloth.
Residuary legatee and executor: Dorothy, my wife.
Overseers: John Clownam & my son George.
A true and Perfit inventory of all the goodes and catelles of Richard Rigway, deceased.
Toow barin keyen ...................................................... £3 6s 8d
bracese and powter ............................................... 10s
one gratte one broch and cobertes with some
other Impelmentes of Irne ....................................... 5s
all the Irene ware ........................................................ 1s
one tabell and toow peares of bedstids ................. 5s
bedding and ther appryall shytes and close ......... £2
three cofferes and one cubbord ............................... 13s 4d
his aperell and money in his purse ......................... £1
his dung hill ................................................................. 5s
some is £8 16s
[actual total £8 6s 0d]
[Appraisers not named]
Notes
1. 'his' - the inference from each occurence of 'his' is that there is another one. This applies naturally to the money and clothes, but surprisingly it also means that there is another dung hill on the premises which is not his.
2. In October 1610 his daughters Margaret and Mary were each fined 5s for preventing Richard Braddock taking their hay from a meadow called Barrecroft Meadow. Richard Braddock must have been acting in an official capacity, perhaps distraining for debt.
3. His wife did not remarry and lived another 24 years, dying in 1636. His eldest son George is mentioned in 1620 as a tenant of Ralph Sneyd esquire, probably in Chatterley.
Robert Wood of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 22nd February 1612/13, inventory taken 20th March 1612/13, date of probate 22nd March 1612/13.
Will
Being in good health; to be buried where my executors shall think convenient or where it shall please God to designate.
To [the wife of] John Hill and to Elizabeth Heath, daughters of my daughter Joane Bowyer: 10s each, as I have already given them their marriage portions.
To Richard Bradocke: 3s 4d.
To every one of my god children: 12d.
To my daughter Joane Bowyer for her natural life, and to her son John Badeley (and his heirs and assigns) after her decease: 3 days work of arable land in Ashfeild which I purchased of John Broughall deceased, on condition that John Badeley, his heirs or assigns within a year of my death pay £20 to Ellin Bowyer and Sara Bowyer, Joan's daughters, otherwise the land is to go to them and their heirs.
Also to Joan for her natural life, and to her son John Bowyer (and his heirs and assigns) after her decease: all my copyhold lands within the manor of Newcastle which I purchased of John Hill and George Egerton.
To John Hill, son of John Hill of the Banke in Shelton and to Joan his wife, daughter of Joan Bowyer: any interest which I have in the copyhold land (whether leases for years or lives) of the inheritance of the said John of the Banke.
Residuary legatees: the children of my son-in-law John Bowyer.
Executors: John and Joane Bowyer.
Witnesses: Thomas Keelinge, John Townsend, Thomas Burnes, [Raph] Keeling
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes and Cattells of Robert Wood of Knutton deceased.
the halfe of 2 kime and a twynter bullocke
3 stirkes
one Mare halfe one Twynter filley, and halfe one Coult
twelue sheepe
one Cowe of his owne
beddinge
brasse and Pewter
his treene Ware
his Wearinge apparell
Debts owinge:
Jo[hn] hill thelder of the banke £21 6s 8d
Taken the 20th of March 1612 by vs whose names are vnderwritten
Richard Peake
Randull Patsson
Steven halles
Notes.
1. Aged over 70 at his death, Robert Wood had acted as thirdborough for Knutton in 1560, 1567, 1574, 1581 and 1595.
2. Ash Field was one of the common fields of Newcastle. The will says the strip of land (3 day works amounts to 2 acres in modern terms) was near Knutton, and it probably sloped down from Liverpool Road in the vicinity of either Hassam Avenue or Roberts Avenue. The copyhold lands which he owned within the manor of Newcastle were in Shelton and Hanley.
3. The 1615 survey of the manor of Newcastle shows John Bowyer with about 30 acres (in modern terms) of copyhold land.
4. The correction 'Mary' is supplied from his son-in-law's will. (John Bowyer's will and inventory are in this collection.) Also, it looks as if 'Sara' should be 'Margaret'.
5. Situated at the top of the bank in Shelton, The Bankehouse was a farmhouse with extensive land in the seventeenth century. In 1615 John Hill of the Bankehouse owned more than 120 acres in Shelton. Ward, in his book History of Stoke on Trent (1843), includes an engraving of the rambling and dilapidated building, by then one of the oldest in the locality and known as Shelton Old Hall. The remaining part of the farmhouse was demolished in the early twentieth century, and now only the name 'Shelton Farm Road' remains.
6. A Robert Wood mentioned in a Feet of Fines dated 1587 had a wife Ellen (?and sister-in-law Joan Browghall) who owned property in (the parishes of) Newcastle, Stoke and Wolstanton. Robert Wood of Knutton is several times mentioned as a mortgagee in the court rolls of Newcastle under Lyme.
7. In this locality a convenient way of enabling non-burgesses to graze their stock on the extensive common fields surrounding Newcastle was to grant a part-share to a burgess, and thus use their entitlement eg a limit of so many sheep per burgess. In October of the previous year, the borough of Newcastle banned this practice as far as sheep were concerned, and his burgess partner would have had until the end of November to dispose of his share in the sheep that he held to parts.
8. In this inventory 'treen ware' refers to all wooden items, including furniture, hence the higher than usual price for this.
Margerie Rowley of Olcott, widow, will dated 7th February 1612/3, inventory taken 21st February 1612/3, date of probate 22nd May.
Will
Being sick in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my son John the younger: one great coffer standing in the house.
To my son Thomas: one malt coffer; one bullock stirk.
To my daughter Jone one 'beene [or keeue?] bord'
To John my eldest son: my corn wain and my part of the mare.
To John Rowley, son of John Rowley my eldest son: one great meal board and a ewe.
To Anne his sister: one ewe.
To Margerie Colclough: one black wether hog.
To my daughter-in-law Sibill: my gown that was last made.
To my daughter Elenor: my best cow, one twinter heifer; all my household goods (whether owned by me or between us); one grate, one broche, one pair of tongs and pothooks; all my corn and hay; the reversion of one acre of land lying in Hodgfeild; all my cloth(e)s, both linen and woollen, bedding and bedstocks.
Residuary legatee and executrix: my daughter Elenor; 10s to be equally divided between my son John the younger, my son Thomas and my daughter Joan, and to be paid by Elenor.
Witnesses: Elenor Rowley, John Rowley and Randull Whitall.
A trewe And p[er]fect Inventorie of All the goodes And chattels that were margerie Rowleys widdowe the tyme of her decease, vewed, seene And praysed (the xxjth of februarie In the yeare of our lord god 1612.) by John Rowly of Wedgwod John Rowly of gilbanke, John, And Thomas Rowly, And James colclaugh
two keyne
two heffers
one bullocke stirke
one yonge swyne or pigge
three sheepe
fyve hennes
her Apparrell
beddinge bedshettes And naperie ware
brasse And pewter
Iren ware
treene ware
one cubbord, bordes formes, cheeres, coffers, And bedstockes
ould wayne And one ould harrowe
corne And haye
one Acre of tacke groundes
certene bacon w[i]th some other victels
certene mucke or donge
Debtes that the sayd margerie did owe, were £1 6s 8d
Notes
1. The eldest son John would have inherited on the death of his father. The will makes little difference to his position except that he now owns the corn wain and doesn't share the mare any longer. As well as this, he is probably due to take over the house, which his mother (or should it be stepmother?) has been sharing with Elenor. (There is a medium probability that the testator Margerie is a second wife. If so, John the eldest son would be the product of her husband's first marriage.) Then, perhaps only a few weeks after his (step-)mother, he dies: see his will and inventory in this collection.
2. The bequests to Elenor include cloths or clothes, almost certainly the latter.
3. Margerie has a life interest in the acre of land in Hodgfield (a lease for a term of years which is priced at 5s in the inventory).
John Rowly of Olcott, will dated 8th January 1612/13, inventory taken 17th March 1612/13, date of probate 26th Oct 1632
Will
To be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my son John Rowly: my 2 meat boards or tables standing in the upper and lower rooms of my house in the name of his heirs.
Residuary legatees: Joan my wife (a third), the said John my son and Anne Rowly my daughter (two thirds).
I have made a term or grant of two parts of my house and grounds unto certain of my friends upon special trust and confidence that they will either bestow my son John in marriage, or else let the house and grounds, and with the money taken for it, pay and discharge all my debts that are contained in this my last will. And after my debts have been paid, from whatever more shall remain, if any, I give and bequeath unto the said Anne my daughter £10, if the amount comes to it. And if it comes to more, the same sum to go to my son John; if not, then what is left is to go wholly to my daughter.
Executors: John Rowly of Wedgwood, James Bech and John Rowly my brother.
Witnesses: James Colclough, John Rowly younger, Elenor Brode, Jone Colclough with diverse others.
Debts: To Rondull Whitough ..................... £11 4s
To Richard Scotte ......................... £7 4s
To Richard Whytough .................. £13
To Elen Colclough .......................... £7 14s
Marsh's son-in-law .......................... £2 4s
John Rowly my brother ................... £9 14s
To Richard Henshawe .................. £4 8s
Richard Wildbloud younger ........... £4 8s
William Drakford of Tunstall ........... £2 2s
Jone Wood ......................................... £2 4s
To Thomas Lawton of Auger ........... £2
To Thomas Rowly my brother .......... £2 6s 8d
To my sister Elenor Brode ................. 15s
And for three hoops of oats to her
[Total] £69 5s 8d besides the oats
A true And p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes And cattels that were John Rowles of Olcott At the tyme of his decease, vewed And praysed the sevententh daye of march In the yeare of our lord god. 1612. by Anthony Bech Rondull Whytough, And James colclough.
two stirkes
one mare mare
one calf
corne haye And straw in the barne
one wens bodie
All corne in the howse
All victels in the howse
All carpentrie toles
All meat bordes, formes, And shilfes
All coffers
All beddinge
All bedd sheetes And naprie ware
All brase And pewter
All treene ware 10s 0d
bedd stockes
husbendrye wares
one grate And potthokes, tonges & bellows
geese And pullen
one swyne
his Apparrell
one cheire w[i]th stoles
one paynted cloth
broches A golbords
dunge or muck
Notes
1. The will was exhibited on 26th October 1632. The case papers that might explain the delay are not available. There is nothing that says that the will was proved.
2. The will and inventory (with the characteristic capitalising of every initial 'a') are in the same hand - by inference James Colclough.
3. In the 1590's Thomas Rowley held half a messuage and 15 customary acres, paying 6s 6d as chief rent. In 1615 John Rowley, a minor who was son of John Rowley of Olcott deceased, was owner of a messuage and 15 acres in Olcote. In 1681 William Marsh held 15 acres 'in the hamlet of Oulcott'. These all could be the same holding.
4. At the time of his death he owned a messuage and 15 acres which passed to his son John aged 17. The heriot taken by the bailiff for the lord of the manor was a stirk (a cow less than two years old) worth £1.
5. 'Auger' is Alsager, Cheshire. According to the relevant English Place Name Society volume for Cheshire, this is the old pronunciation of the name.
John Glover [of Tunstall], no will, inventory dated --- February 1612/3, administration granted 3rd March 1612/13.
A true & p[er]fect invitorie of all & singler the goods rights & debtes of John glouer late deceased in the p[ar]ish of wolstenton taken & priced the ----- February 1612 By Thomas Baddeley Robert Parker [and] Richard glouer.
the corne heay straw & menor ......... £1 6s [8d]
one cow sterk & a calfe ..................... £3 6s [8d]
Timber ................................................. 6s 8d
Hemp .................................................... 3s
one Brake swine trow & a forke ....... 1s
2 Busshell of oates ............................. 14s
2 Bages ................................................ 1s 4d
2 Bedsteeds ......................................... 3s
chestes .................................................. 8s
2 spining whiels .................................. 1s 6d
2 tables 2 formes & a buffet stowle .. 6s
Tryne ware ........................................... 7s
3 shilfes one disbord & a hopper ..... 5s
Iron ......................................................... 5s
one Tubstone ....................................... 2s
Puter ...................................................... 2s
Brasse ................................................... £1 6s 8d
Appar[r]ell ............................................. £1 10s
sheets & one table cloth .................... 11s 8d
Beding ................................................. 14s
Flesh meate ......................................... 13s 4d
cheares & stowles .............................. 1s 4d
The reuertio[n] of his lease ............. £17
Richard copland oweth him ............. £1
Thomas Hanley ................................ 10s
Richard Edge ...................................... 10s
Debts which John glouer oweth are as followeth
to Widdow Terrick .................................. [£ ]
Richard marsh ......................................... £5
John Daniell ............................................ £2 10s
Eme Daniell ............................................ £1 1s
Humfrey cowper ..................................... £2 10s
Margarett Alcok ...................................... £3
John peake ............................................. £2 8s
Raphe wood ........................................... £1 13s
Hew knight .............................................. £1 5s
Richard Baddeley .................................. £3 2s
Mr Bourne ............................................... 9s
William copland ................................... £1 3s 4d
John Willison .......................................... 2s
Thomas Bruck ...................................... 6d
Margery Bourne ..................................... 6s
William Bourne ..................................... 10s
Anne Machine ........................................ 2s 2d
Margaret sneade .................................... 1s 6d
Grant of administration
fiat administrac[i]o bonor[um] quae fuerunt Joh[ann]is Glouer nup[er] du[m] vixit p[ar]och[ie] wolstanton Johannae relict[e] dict[i] defunct[i]
Comiss[io] Vicario wolstanton
Oblig[etur] d[i]c[t]a Johanna Glouer de Tunstall in Comitat[e] Staff[orde] vidua et Thomas Burne de Shilef Croft in Comitat[e] Staff[orde] hu [Crossed out and yeoman substituted]
William Burne
Notes
1. John Glover lived at the Crosshouse in Tunstall, probably near Brownhills where he rented three acres of pasture. (Tunstall manor court roll for April 1607: Henry Adderley, gentleman, and Joan Adderley his wife ask to demise to farm to John Glover a messuage called the Cross house with an acre on the backside called the Crosse croft, one acre in Whitley feilde in Tunstall, 3 acres of pasture called the Brownehills in Burslem in Glover's occupation, for 21 years at 17s 4d a year. Entry fine 2s 6d.) His widow, Joan Glover of Tunstall, was granted the administration of his estate after his death. As was usually the case, she had to enter into a bond, together with a man of good standing, (in this case Thomas Burne of Shilef Craft, yeoman), that she would administer the estate well. The inventory was presented at the diocesan court where a clerk wrote at the bottom of it: Raph Adeley - Mr Johnson I pray S[i]r if you may to trust this gent[leman] w[i]th the bond, I can assure you he will see it safe returned [by] Hugh Bradock from Carswall [ie Caverswall]. Henry Adderley, gentleman, was John Glover's landlord in 1607, and Raph may have been his son.
2.The total of goods and chattels is £31 15s 10d; the money he owes is at least £25. (The debt to John Daniell stood at £2 in Jan 1609/10 when the latter made his will).
3. The 'Iron' is almost certainly ironware.
Ales Morton of Wolstanton, widow, date of will 7th April 1609, inventory taken 10th May 1613, date of probate 17th May 1613
Will
[No burial instruction; and reference to her being sick crossed out]
To my son John Morton: £4 to discharge my funeral expenses; and 20s, of which 10s is to be equally divided between his 2 sons Raphe Morton and Henrie Morton.
To my son John's two daughters Margrett Morton and Anne Morton: one cow, to be equally divided.
To his two daughters Marie Morton and Ales Daniell: 20s to be divided equally.
To my daughter-in-law Elizabeth Morton: one angel in gold.
To my son Raphe Morton's daughter Marie: one cow.
To his other two daughters Elinor and Margrett Morton: one cow and 20s to be equally divided. My will is that his sons John Morton and Thomas Morton are to have 10 shillings. (The cows and money are in the hands of Raphe Morton, except 20s which is in the hands of my son John Morton.)
To my son Thomas Morton: one cow (which is in the hands of Roger Townesende of Blourton) and 40s which is in his own hands, of which he is to give his two sons 10s to be equally divided.
To Elizabeth Daniell, Margrett Daniell and Ellen Daniell, the three daughters of my son-in-law Richard Daniell: one cow in the hands of my son Thomas Morton and one in the hands of Thomas Amison of Blourton - to be equally divided.
To my daughter Ellen Barlowe: 20s in the hands of my son John Morton.
To Thomas Daniell, son of the said Richard Daniell: 6s 8d.
To my daughter-in-law Margrett Morton: 6s 8d to be paid by my son John Morton also.
My will is that Raphe Morton shall have the whole house and the ground belonging to it after my decease; and half the sylinges [?panelling] of a meat table and forms and trestles and shelves and other such things within the house not hitherto dealt with.
To William Barlowe: 5s to be paid by my son John Morton.
Executor: my son John Morton.
Overseers: Raphe Morton and Hugh Barlowe, my son-in-law.
Witnesses: Thomas Brett, Hugh Barlowe.
A true and p[er]fect Inventarie of all and singler the goodes rightes and debtes of Ales Morton widow late of Wolstanton in the diocesse of Coven[trie] and Lich[field] deceased taken and priced by Thomas Henshawe and John Turnocke of Wolstanton aforsaid the tenth day of May one thousand six hundred and thirteene
seaven kine.................................................................................................................. £17 10s
one featherbed one bolster and tow coverlettes a pillowe and three sheetes.. £2
in money ....................................................................................................................... £12
the apparell of the said Ales ....................................................................................... £1
money in her purse ....................................................................................................... 12s
[Total: £33 2s]|
Notes
1. The reference to sylinges (sealing is wainscotting or panelling) is not completely clear, but it may be relevant that the inventory of her son John Morton in 1638 has 'seelinge vpon the benche in the house'. (The farmhouse where she was living was probably occupied by her son Raphe Moreton, his wife and family, as the furniture is not listed in the inventory. Raphe died in 1630/1, so it is quite possible for the house to be in John's hands subsequently.) A seeled bedstead occurs several times in inventories of this period in Wymondham, Norfolk, and also a seeled settle.
2. Six cows are bequeathed. The seventh is likely to be claimed as a heriot by the lord of the manor.
3. Probably she is living with her son John, so perhaps it is not so surprising that she remembers the names of all but two of her sixteen grandchildren. There is an interesting difference of treatment of Ralph's children: the grandsons get money and the granddaughters cows.
John Coleclough of Grubbershill, yeoman, will dated 20th April 1613, inventory taken 21st May 1613, date of probate 3rd June 1613
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in my parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To William Yardley, my son-in-law: my freehold lands in the parish of Audley.
To Raph Keeling, my son-in-law: my freehold lands in Knutton called Nickriddinges; (Raphe Keelinge is to pay £20 at any time before Michaelmas 1629 to the said William Eardley, his executors or assigns, and William Eardley is to receive the rents payable from the said land up to the time just mentioned.)
To Margaret my wife: 40s a year with her table to be paid out of my tack [land leased to me] by William Eardley, my son-in-law.
To my daughter Margaret Eardley: £10 for her child's part.
To my daughter Elizabeth Keelinge: £10 for her child's part.
To Raphe Keelinge's four children: £30 to be divided equally.
To William Eardley, my son-in-law: all the right, title, interest and term of years of my messuage and tenement called Grubbershill during the term of Margaret's life.
To Jane Blowe my servant: 10s for a legacy.
To Robert Bell my servant: one lamb for a legacy.
To the two children of my kinsman John Halpenie: two lambs.
To my son-in-law Raphe Keelinge: £10 for his child's part.
Residuary legatee and executor: William Eardley, my son-in-law.
Witnesses: Raphe Keelinge, Robert Bell.
Debts owing me as follows:
Owing to me from John Dale ..... £5
from James Cotton ..................... £3
Thomas Walker .......................... £2
John Burges ............................... 10s
from Raphe Keelinge ................. £10
The Inventorie of (the moiety of) all the goodes & Chattells of John Coolcloughe deceased valued & pryced by the estimac[i]on of Henrie Bourne, Roger Sparrie, John
John Dale & Richard Wood, the xxjth day of maye Anno d[omi]ni 1613.
fiue oxen
Tenn Kyne
Seven Twinters, eight stirkes & fiue calues
One Mare & Colt & tow twinter coltes
Sixteene ewes & lambes & xiiij geld sheep
Three Swine
Geese, hennes, & other poultrie
Corne growinge vppo[n] the ground
Corne in the house
In malt & groates
In Brasse & Pewter
In Beddinge, linnen and woollen w[i]th all other napperie wares
One Presse & Cubbord, tow longe tables w[i]th frames & formes therto belonginge, Chestes & coffers, bedstockes w[i]th all benches, formes & others sheilvs
One Hutch, a weetinge Compe, w[i]th all Turnells, Barrels, Peales & other treene ware
In yron ware, as a grate, spittes, gobettes chaines
Yron bound waines, yokes, plowes, harrowes & other husbandrie ware
In Salt, fleshe & whitmeats
The Apparell for his bodie
Woole, Hempe, Yorne, Dunge, quishions w[i]th all other thinges not before valued & prysed
Notes
1. His son-in-law Ralph Keeling was the son of an alderman of Newcastle and became mayor of Newcastle for the year 1615, and again in 1634. He married Elizabeth in 1602. 'Nickriddinges' is presently open land (in 1839 about 8 acres) at the back of Poolfields, Newcastle.
2. The wooden ware (treenware) included pails (peales), a receptacle for dough or flour (hutch) a brewing container (compe) and a tub (turnell)
Did John Colclough (or his wife) come from Audley parish?
3. Comparison with other inventories of the parish in this decade shows that his dairy cows (kine) are low-priced - indicating poor quality. Likewise his oxen.
4. The inventory. In the preamble 'the moitie of' has been inserted afterwards; for what purpose is unknown.
All the prices are expressed in roman numerals in the original.
John Colclough of Broadefeild, will dated 14th June 1614, inventory taken 27th June 1614, date of probate 15th July 1614.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the church of Wolstanton.
To Marie Colclough my wife: all the chattels that she brought from her father's house and one other cow more; five sheep and four lambs; one bed with furniture and all those household goods which she brought to my house; one day work of winter corn, and four days work of oats in the Barn Croft.
To my son Anthonie Colclough: £80. And my will is that my executor shall pay £30 of it at the feast of St John Baptist 1615, and the residue to be paid when Anthonie reaches 25 years.
To John Colclough alias Rowley: £3 6s 8d.
To Mary Colclough alias Rowley: £10 to be paid by 40s a year by my executor.
To Phillip Colclough: £10 to be paid to my wife Marie for Phillip's use at the feast of St John Baptist 1616.
'I giue to such other childe as my wife (being with childe) may bring forth' £10 to be paid at the feast of St John Baptist 1616 to my wife for the use of the child.
If one of the children die, the other child is to have the portion.
Residuary legatee: William Colclough, my eldest son.
To William and his heirs for ever: one cottage or tenement and 5½ acres of customary land belonging to it in Olcot within the manor of Tunstall in the separate tenures of me the testator, and of Rondull Whitaugh and James Colclough, on condition that William shall pay all my legacies; otherwise I bequeath them to Henry Stevenson, William Bourne of Little Chell, and Anthonie Beech and to their heirs for ever as to friends of trust towards the payment of the legacies.
Executor: William Colclough.
Overseers: Henrie Stevenson, William Bourne and Anthonie Beech.
A true and p[er]fect inventorie of all and sing[u]ler the goodes rightes and debtes of John Colclough deceased, late of Broadefeild in the p[ar]ish of Wolstanton taken the seaven and twentieth day of June one thousand six hundred & foureteene by Anthonie Beech of great Chell, John Colclough of Chesterton, Thomas Bourne of little Chell and John Beech of Whitfeild.
tenne kyne and a bull
eight yonge beastes
tow horses and saddles
nine calues
twelve sheepe and nine lambes
foure swyne
fifteene day workes of corne upon the ground
sawed bordes
one corne cart and a tumbrell, tow plowes yokes, harrowes and other implementes of husbandrie chaines axes hatchetes, a bill, spittes, grates, & other iron wares
bedding
linnen sheetes and linnens
brasse
pewter
a table bordes, chestes, and other trien stuffe
butter cheese flesh and other meates
dounge
a fowling peece and a lute
corne in the barne
glasse
a bow and arrowes
the apparell of the deceased
hemp and flaxe
trunkes quishions and bookes
hops
one geldinge or horse
Notes
1. The will and inventory are copies in neat writing. The last item in the inventory was added after in a different hand and ink (and different spelling convention) . This, plus the fact that the inventory is left untotalled, suggests that more items were expected to be added.
2. The inventory doesn't mention brewing equipment, but does mention hops. Growing started in England in the mid-16th century. Early adopters grew an acre or less.
3. His son, termed a gentleman in the probate note at the bottom of the will, was at Grays Inn. It cost a lot to study at the Inns of Court, which is where barristers were trained. In the 15th century a governor of Lincolns Inn suggested a student could not be well maintained there for under £28 a year. Inflation would have doubled that by the time of John Colclough. There is no record of his admission in 'Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn 1521-1889.'
4. This is the only example of a lute in the Wolstanton inventories of this period. John Colclough was called 'gentleman' in the list of jurors for Stafford quarter-sessions in 1609.
5. His widow Mary left the house immediately to live in Chell. (In a parallel situation in 1557 Richard Humphrey of Long Buckby in Northants, husbandman, actually instructed his pregnant widow in his will to take her things and leave the house.) For John Colclough it had been a re-marriage, and his wife was probably much younger than him. One possible interpretation of the names of the two children John Colclough alias Rowley and Mary Colclough alias Rowley is that the mother's name was Colclough and the father's was Rowley. The wife Mary was the daughter of William Bourne of Little Chell.
She is given no land but the winter corn and oats which are due to be harvested.
6. He had land which he farmed in Brerehurst.
John Beech of Knutton, yeoman, date of will 14th May 1610, inventory undated, date of probate 17th Feb 1613/4.
Will
Sick in body: to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To John Beech, my eldest son: my house and lands; one iron grate, and a tubstone, and one great turnell for his child's part.
To Raphe Beech, my son: one cow, one featherbed, of single coverlet, one twill sheet, two pairs of sheets, and my fourth part of corn which I have at Knutton; and £4 to be paid by Richard Beech, his brother, within a year of my decease, for his child's part.
To John Beech, son of Henrye Beech of Newcastle, one strike of rye.
Residuary legatee and executor: Richarde Beech, my son.
Witnesses: Thomas Keelinge John Bydul.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorye of all the goodes and Callets moueable and vnmoueable of John Beech of Knutton deceased
quicke goodes
one bullocke ...................................................................... £3
three kine ........................................................................... £8
one bullocke stirke ............................................................ £1
one calfe .............................................................................. £1
one sheepe ......................................................................... 2s 6d
two swine ............................................................................. 10s
deade goodes
beddinge & nappery stuffe ................................................ £3
his wearinge apparell & money in his purse ................. £1
implem[en]tes of husbandrye ........................................... 13s 4d
brasse & pewter ................................................................... £1
three payre of bedstides & one Cofer ............................... 10s
treene ware ............................................................................ 6s 8d
fleshe, butter & cheese ........................................................ £1 10s
hay, and Corne ...................................................................... £6
shilfes and thinges of smale value .................................... 2s
[Total £27 4s 6d]
praised and taken by
John Clownan Randull Pateston John Bowyer John Fenton John Beech
Notes
1. The Beechs' tenement took turns in providing one of the thirdboroughs for Knutton township - there was a John Beech every seven years from 1568 to 1617. The farmhouse, probably at The Wood, was a substantial one, having 4 hearths in 1666. A will of 1605 made bequests to John Beech the younger of the upper door and to John Beech of the lower door, suggesting it was then (temporarily) divided.
2. The house and the relatively immoveable things in it have been given to his eldest son, John. Richard's share of the moveable goods was at least twice that of Ralph's. The inventory is incomplete - there is no iron ware (principally the fire things), nor any of the items bequeathed to son John.
3. In a situation like this where there were three grown-up sons, one has to suppose that apparent omissions in the inventory such as a horse or mare were in fact on the premises, but in the ownership of one of the sons. A farmhouse which had four hearths when it was assessed in 1666 is likely to have had substantial lands going with it and much more in the way of livestock than presented in this inventory. The eldest son John has inherited the house and lands but not the livestock. Therefore he has already has livestock of his own (unless he is expected to buy it from his younger brother) and could well be farming his father's land already.
Richard Burne of Chesterton, husbandman, date of will 21st May, inventory taken 27th May 1614, date of probate 2nd June 1614.
Will
Sick in body.
To be buried in the parish church or church yard of Woulstanton.
Residuary legatees: my wife Elizabeth (a third); my four daughters Elline, Jone, Elizabeth and Mary Bourne (the remainder, to be equally divided at age 18).
If any die...
Executors: Randle Sharmon, my brother-in-law, and Elizabeth my wife.
Overseers: Henry Bourne thelder and Henry Bourne the younger
Witnesses: Henry Bourne, Henry Bourne, John Bourne, John Coughlow
Debts owing to me by William Bourne of Chesterton .......18s
by Henry Bourne the younger ........£3 2s
A true inventory of all the goodes Cattell and Chatteles of Richard Burne of Chesterton late deceased taken the seauen and twentiethe daie of Maie in the yere of our Lorde god 1614 By vs Thomas Woode, Henry Bourne theldeste, John Colcloughe John Bourne
on oxe
on Bullocke
6 kyne and their C[a]lues
on stirke
on mare
Eighte sheepe
on swyne
poultrie
Corne in the house & vppon the ground
implementes for husbandrie
Brasse & pewter
Beddinge & naperyware
the Cupbordes Chestes tables & all
trineware
the p[ro]vision of the house
the lofte bordes
Iron ware for the fyer
the manure
the Chattell of bytackes
in money
the Chattell that hee dwelleth vppon
his apparrell
Total £105 18s 0d [Actual: £106 0s 0d]
Note
1. Randle Sharmon, the executor of Richard Burne's will, is a yeoman of Endon according to the grant of probate.
2. 'the loft bordes'- indicates the house was open to the roof from which the meat (significantly, the 'provision of the house' was the previous item) was suspended. The boards are regarded here as moveable items; significantly, he has a lease of the house he lives in.
William Bourne of Little Chell, yeoman, date of will 25th February 1614/5, inventory taken 28th February, date of probate 27th March 1615.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To John Bourne my youngest son: the annual rent of 26s 8d from my messuage or tenement in Great Chell in the holding of John Baggeley or his assigns from the time of my decease until March 25th 1620; and then for a term of 21 years the messuage itself with all meadows, lands, and pastures belonging; and my cottage in Great Chell in the holding of Raphe Robinson with all lands, meadows and pastures for a term of 26 years from the time of my decease, paying the annual rent of 26s 8d for the messuage and cottage to my heirs from 25th March 1620 for a term of 21 years and a herriott [best beast or other goods] at the decease of any tenant during the tenancy.
To Marye my wife, Richard Bourne, John Bourne and Marie Colcloughe my three younger children, two thirds of the lands that I am now in actual possession of for one year after my decease, and by way of payment providing William Bourne my eldest son with sufficient food, drink, clothing and lodging fit for his position and £10 on 1st May and [?1st June check original] this year in equal portions; and if he doesn't like his food or clothing then they are to pay the £10 on 20th August this year.
To William Bourne my son: one young bald mare, my corn wain and the iron-bound wheels on which it stands, my plough and plough irons, my best broach, my best feather bed, bolster and pillow, coverlet, two blankets, 2 pairs of flaxen [?sheets - see original], the table in the parlour, and the which [ark] in the barn, the best bedsteads, a coffer in which my evidences lie, and three boards that I bought from William Colcloughe my nephew.
My intention is that my executors shall pay all the debts that William my son stands indebted to and for me to any person or persons whatsoever.
Residuary legatees: Marie Bourne my wife, Richard Bourne and John Bourne my sons, equally to be divided.
Executrices: Marie my wife and Marie Colecloughe.
Overseers: Raphe Sneyde the younger esquire, Thomas Docksie, William Forde, John Rowley and Anthonie Beech.
Witnesses: John Rowley of Wedgewoode, William Foorde of Foo[r]de Greene, Anthony Beeche of Greate Chell.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the Goodes and Cattalls and Chattells that were William Bournes of Little Chell in the Countye of Stafford at the tyme of his decease Seene Vewed and Praysed the eighte and Twentieth daie of february In the Yeare of our lord God one thousand Sixe Hundred and foureteene by William Forde John Baddeley Anthony Beeche & Thomas Bourne
Eighte oxen and foure Stires
foureteene keyne & a Bull
Twoo Twynter Heyfors & Eighte Stirkes
Eleven Calves
all Sheepe
foure Horses and one Colte
foure Swyne
Certeyne Geese and Pullen
all Corne and haye
Waynes Plowes Yoakes Corne Arkes
a Harrowe Chaynes a Weetinge fate, Tymber, Sawed boardes wayne Tymber & some other thinges belonging to husbandrie
Certeine Cole Woode
one payre of Bellowes at the Smythie c[er]teine Smythye Tooles Chercooles Iron and Iron Stone
a Lease for one Whole Yeare of Twoo p[ar]tes of all Those Groundes in Little Chell that Were in the Testators Actuall Possession
Brasse and Pewter
all Iron Ware
all Bedding Bedstides napp[er]ie Ware With Ten Silver Spoones and Wolle
all Coffers
one Cubbord
all Treene Ware
c[er]teyne meate Bordes formes Cheres and Shilfes
all dunge or Mucke with Two Tubstones
all fleshe and whitemeate
his Apparrell
Notes
1. Often the will gives a lopsided picture of what the heir gets, because the land which he inherits by the laws of inheritance is not mentioned. However, this is an unusual will and we can only guess at what lies behind the treatment of the eldest son William. In 1627 William Burne of Little Chell died.
2. The will and inventory of Mary Bourne the widow (who died in 1628) are in 'Wills of Wolstanton II'.
3. 'or his assigns' - meaning that John Bagguley may have sub-let it.
4. The corn and hay are a very high price, so the land which he had farmed himself ("in actuall possession") must have been very extensive. He was a substantial farmer, and smaller farmers in all probability paid him for the services of his bull and plough oxen.
5. The coffer contains his title deeds (evidences).
6. There is evidence of iron-working. The smithy is a bloom smithy. The 'cole wood' must be wood for converting into charcoal. A lease of 1717 of property in Shelton reserves for the landlord the right to 'pill barke cut down stock up Coard Cole & convert into charcoal any wood underwood & timber trees growing on the premisses.'
7. The price of sheep varied according to the month, February being the time of year when sheep fetched high prices. The size of William Bourne's flock would have been between 36 and 45.
The sterks are yearlings and the calves are slightly younger, judging by the price of them.
8. The will is on parchment.
9. He had a lease of lands in Little Chell. Part (a third) he had assigned (sold) to someone else; the remaining two-thirds he was holding at his death and has been valued by the appraisers at £40.
Richard Keeling, no will, inventory taken 25th March 1615, administration granted 7th June 1615.
March 25 A true & iust Inventory of all the goodes of Richard An[n]o D[o]m[ini] Keeling, late deceased, dwelling in the parishe of 1615 Wolstaneston & County of Staff[ord] Husbandman
The names of the praysers were Thomas Adams Steeven Drakfoord William Stonyer John Henshall John Newton
Three kine & one heyfer......................................................................£8 13s 4d
fowre sterkes.........................................................................................£4
Two mares.............................................................................................£6
One yew & a lambe.............................................................................. 6s
Pultery..................................................................................................... 5s
The coarne.............................................................................................£2 13s 4d
The haye................................................................................................. 10s
The husbandry wares...........................................................................£1
The greate Arke..................................................................................... 6s 8d
The boardes, formes, shilfes chayres, & spining wheeles............ 6s
The bedding & nappery.......................................................................£1 10s
The woole & yarne...............................................................................£1 4s 8d
The Brasse & Pewter............................................................................£2
The treene ware & other Implementes.............................................. 5s
The mucke or woorthinge.................................................................... 5s
The money in his purse & his apparell..............................................£1
The reu[er]c[i]on of his lease...............................................................£10
The debts which the sayd Richard Keelinge did owe
to John Daniell............£5
to Hugh Sherrat..........£4 8s
to Wm Hargreves........£3 10s
to John Wiliamson......£4
to Ellen Stonier...........£4 12s
Grant of administration
fiat administrac[i]o bonorum quae fu[er]unt superdic[ti] defuncti et administrac[i]o s[e]c[un]d[u]m tenorem eiusdem Margerie Keelinge relicte
Comissio Ministro de Wolstanton
Ob[ligentur] d[ic]ta Margeria Keelinge de Newchappell in Com[itatu] Staff[ordi] vid[ua] et Thomas Adams de Bemersley in d[ic]to Com[itatu] yeoman
[On separate sheet or on back:]
Cozen Mr Chauncelor is not willing to trust bands into ye Cuntrie yet hath he given Direction [?fore] the widow whoe is not hear & this bearer to be bound There is noe body to take this bond afor this man hath sealed & see her seale & Deliu[er] [ & return it - added after ]. Therefore I desire to knowe his pleasure.
Cozen I haue acquainted my m[aste]r herew[i]th and he is contented that the bond be trusted w[i]th this bearer, who hath protested for the safe retorne therof by Ridgwey the apparitor
Notes
1. The widow was Margery Keelinge of Newchapel. As an administrator she would be required to swear an oath, constituting a bond.
2. The apparitor is a court official, summoning people to court. In this case he was presumably local, as Hugh Ridgway, an apparitor, was buried at Wolstanton in 1634.
Richard Stonyer of Cobmore, yeoman, will dated 23rd October 1615, inventory taken 17th November 1615, date of probate 20th January 1615/6.
Will
Revokes all former wills.
Being sick in body; to be buried in the church or churchyard of Wolstanton or elsewhere if it pleases God to decide.
To my two sisters Margery and Ellen: £10 to be divided equally.
To William Bllower, my servant: £3 which he owes me; the bed on which I lie, with everything belonging to it except the best blanket and coverlet; a [torn] ...heel.
Residuary legatees and executors: William Stonyer and George Stonyer, both of Odd Rode are to discharge his debts, legacies, heriot and funeral expenses.
Witnesses: William Gibson, William Bllower and Margaret Bllower his wife, with others.
Debts owing to me
Raffe Stonyer ...... £10
William Colecloughe .... 32s
A trew & p[er]fett Inventory of all the goodes Cattelles & Chattells of Richard Stonier of Cobmore in the Countie of Stafford yeoman deceased; praysed & Rated by John Kennt Randull Hilditche, Richard whytehawghe & Richard Gregory in A[nn]o do[mi]ni 1615 the xvijth of novemb[e]r
a bed w[i]th appurt[en]ences ................................................ £1
a Cou[e]rlett & blanckett ........................................................ £1
napery ware ............................................................................. £1
his apparrell ............................................................................ £1
twoo kyne ................................................................................. £4 10s
a Chest ..................................................................................... 2s 6d
in money & debts owing to the testator .............................. £20 17s
[£29 19s 6d]
Notes
1. Perhaps explaining the apparent incompleteness of the inventory, Richard Whitehaughe, one of the appraisers, lived in half of this house (or at least was tenant of half the house), and was due to take on the tenancy of the whole house after Richard Stonyer's death. Going with it were 9½ acres of land in Brerehurst.
2. Of the other appaisers, John Kennt, lived in Odd Rode - if he was the same as the John Kente mentioned in a will twenty-six years later; Randull Hilditche lived in Scholar Green; and Richard Gregory was living in Brerehurst.
3. The testator is unusually circumspect about his future place of burial. He may have considered that he would end up in Odd Rode, which is in Cheshire, where a succession of Stoniers lived until the nineteenth century. The modern civil parish of Odd Rode embraces: the Cheshire part of Mow Cop, Scholar Green, Little Moreton Hall, Rode Heath and Thurlwood.
4. Both William Blower (in 1608) and Richard Stonyer (in 1600) are mentioned as victuallers in Audley parish.
William Drakeford [?of Wedgwood], no will, inventory taken 21st May 1616, administration granted 24th May 1616.
A true And p[er]fect Inventorye of All the goodes of will[ia]m drakford of the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton, that were the sayd will[ia]ms At the tyme of his decease, sene, And praysed the the xxjth daye of maye in the yeere of our lord god 1616 by John Rowley, will[ia]m Rowley, and will[ia]m Stonior
his Apparrell ............................................................ £1 6s 8d
one websters lome, and worppe stocke
And certene websters Reedes ............................ £1
one little coffer ......................................................... 2s
fryinge panne, one nawger one torth with [?]..... 2s
one ould sworde And dagger .............................. 6s
dettes owinge to him of John calton .................. £2
Notes
1. The administration of his goods was granted to his son John Drakeford. Possibly it was his house William Drakeford was living in.
2. Websters were weavers. They received spun yarn from the clothier to weave on their at home, and afterwards the cloth was collected for the later stages of production (fulling, drying, dyeing and finishing). For this reason, only William Drakeford's and ancillary equipment are mentioned in the inventory, not yarn or cloth.
3. There is no such word as 'torthwith' but that is what is spelt. It must be 'torch with'. The word 'torch' was applied to a lamp carried on a pole.
Raphe Burne of Ewtree, singleman, no will, inventory taken 6th April 1616, administration granted 10th April 1616.
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes & chattelles of Raphe Burne of Ewtree of the p[ar]ish of woolstanton in the countie of Staff[ord] singlema[n] latelie disceased as the weire viewed & praised this p[re]sent sixt daie of Aprill A[nn]o d[omi]ni 1616 by willia[m] Bourne of Burslem Thomas Bourne & John Whythough.
One vnled Mare ............................................ £1
Foure Coffers ................................................ 8s 6d
All the trine ware & some fewe bordes .... 4s
All the iron ware ............................................ 6s 6d
One ould coppe ............................................ 6d
The reu[er]sion of a Leace vppo[n] ye crofte
an intack vppon the waste .......................... 2s
all the beddinge ........................................... £1
All his wearinge apparrell .......................... £2
The monie in his presse ............................ 5s 9d
The monie owinge him by Thomas
Burslem of ye Parcke .................................. £4
One ould hackney sadle ............................. 1s 6d
Som[m]a £9 8s 9d [checked]
Notes
1. An unled mare = not part of a team of pack-horses.
2. Up till 1608 he had an income from Burslem mill and was styled 'husbandman'. In that year he assigned the remainder of the term of the lease to his nephew William, on condition that he kept him in food, drink and lodging. This was drawn up in a legal agreement. The cup valued at 6d presumably was a long-cherished drinking cup.
3. Although the two burial dates are not known, he must have died shortly before his married brother John, whose inventory follows.
John Bourne of Ewtree, no will, inventory taken and administration granted 9th July 1616.
A true & p[ar]fitt Inventorie of all the goodes & Chatteles late John Bournes of Ewtree w[i]thin ye p[ar]rishe of woolstanton & dyocese of Coventree & Lichfild deseseyd as ye were praysseyd by Thomas Bowyer of the p[ar]rishe of Biddulph Thomas Burslem of the p[ar]ke & Anthony Beeche of Chell w[i]thin ye p[ar]rishe of woolstanton the 9 day of Julye Ano 1616.
All his weringe aparell ....................... £3 6s 8d
The monye in his purse ..................... £2
Note
John Bourne was a copyholder owning land in Thursfield, Olcote, Tunstall, Ramscliffe and Burslem. At one time he had a messuage, a cottage and 38 customary acres of land, but by the time he died he was an old man, and had already given most or all of it to his son and heir William Bourne.
Eva Stonior, nuncupative will undated, died 27th April 1616, inventory taken 28th April [sun], date of probate 24 May 1616
Nuncupative will
'Eva Stonior of the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton dyed the seven And twentith daye of Aprill in this p[re]sente yeare of our lord god 1616. who before her death (beinge of good memorie) did (in the p[re]sence of these p[er]sons whose names Are subscribed As witnesse) make her last will And testamente noncupatiue (being nowe put in writinge) in man[er] And forme As foloweth. viz. first I freely com[m]itte my soule vnto Almightye god my maker, And my bodie to be buried in wolstanton churchyarde:'
To William Stonior, my brother William's son: £7.
To Anne Hochkinson, my sister Anne's daughter: 20s.
To each of my sister's other children: 4s.
To Margeret Alleines: 20s, and to each of her children: 4s.
To William, son of William Whytough, 20s.
To each of his other children: 4s.
Residuary legatees: William, John, Agnes, Ellen, Margerett and Katheren, my brothers and sisters; Margerett Hochkinson, my sister Agnes' daughter.
Executor: my brother William Stonior.
Witnesses: John Rowley, Margerett Stonior and Margeret Stonior, John Stonior, Anne Drakford and Anne Drakford.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of All the goodes And dettes that were Eva Stoniors At the tyme of her death praysed the eight And twentith daye of Aprill in the yeare of our lord god. 1616. by John Rowley, William Stonior, And Steven Drakford.
her Apparrell........................... £1 10s
one fether bedd [?ti]cke, one
boulster And one pillow ....... 13s 4d
Dettes owinge to her ............ £26 8s
more to her ............................. £7
more to her ............................. £2 4s
more to her where of she had
noe specialtye ........................ 12s
Notes
1. The inventory was taken on a Sunday.
2. She was presumably living at her brother's house - in Wedgwood? Feather beds were priced at £1 or more by the end of the period 1600-50. The tick (ie the casing) alone accounted for half or more of the cost. A blot caused the uncertain reading of the word at this point.
3. She falls into the category of single women who lent money or invested. She was owed £36 4s 0d at her death, almost all of which consisted of loans on security (ie bonds).
William Rowley of Ramscliffe, no will, inventory taken 8th July, date of admon 9th July 1616.
An inventary taken by me Edward Dickenson of the goodes and Cattells, of William Rowley of Ramsclife lately deceased And praysed by William keene, Richard Keene, and Anthony Rowley, & John Hill, thongar the eight of July Anno d[o]m[ini] 1616.
2 Oxen .........................£7 10s
10 kime ........................£27
5 stirkes .........................£6
3 twinter heyfars ..........£5
fiue wayninge calfes .... £3 6s 8d
2 mares ...........................£6
12 sheepe 4 lambes .......£4
Corne growinge on the ground ... £12
Corne in the house ......................... 7s
beddinge and bedstiddes ................. £6 13s 4d
brasse and and pewter ..................40s
a wayne ploughes yoakes and other husbandry ware ............. 40s
nyne Chestes .....................30s
tables, formes chaires .......... 53s 4d
one presse ................... 13s 4d
Linnen ware ..... 13s 4d
Apery ware ... 3s 4d
beefe and Bacon ...5s
butter and cheese ... 20s
one grate and other Iron ware .... 6s 8d
Coales and wood ...... 3s 4d
Mucke .........................5s
swyne geese and Henns ........................ 24s
all Saddells .............. 6s 8d
swyne trowes a cheese presse a lather ...18d
new cloth and woollen yorne ................. 8d
his apparell .........................................................£3
Owinge to william Rowley w[i]thout specialty of Jeffry Mayer . £10
in desporate debts ................................................£4 8s 0d
Summa ............................................................... £108 17s 6d
Debtes owinge by William Rowley
to Richard Keene £12
Randoll whitough £10 4s
to William Symson £5 10s
Notes
1. lathor = ladder
2. Apery ware = napery ware ie the linens.
3. There is bacon, but no swine. 'swine trowes' - A cheap swine trough could be made from a log, using an adze to gouge out the centre.
4. Possibly he is the brother-in-law of Agnes Rowley.
5. Note the distinction made at the head of the inventory between the person taking the inventory and those valuing the items. The actual inventory as presented shows evidence of this in that the figures given are not all written by the same hand.
Thomas Teylior, husbandman, date of will 14th April 1617, inventory taken 22nd April, date of probate 29th April
Will
"Being sick in body and incompetent and aged and dreading the uncertain time of death natural"
Revokes all former wills.
Place of burial not specified.
To John Teylior my son: 12d.
To Jone Teylior my wife, Elline Teylior my daughter, and to Elnor Teylior alias Shaw her daughter: one heifer equally between them.
To Ellin and Alice Teylior my daughters equally: the reversion of my term in the lease of the Delf field or croft.
To my son James Teylior: 12d.
To Anne Pickeren, my eldest daughter: 12d.
To Ellin Pickeren her youngest daughter: 4d.
Residuary legatees: my wife and daughter Ellin.
Executors: John Unwin of Hardinges Woodd and my daughter Ellin.
Overseers: Richard Scot, Richard Ratcliff.
Witnesses: John Unwin, Richard Scot, Richard Ratcliff, Thomas Beech (clerk)
Debts which I owe:
Margerie Twemloe ......................... 7s
My son John .................................. 13s
Elizabeth Ratcliff ..............................4s 7d
William Wodd of Talke ............................ 8d
Richard Scott ............................................ 8d
To Henrie Wilkensone ............................ 6d
Debts owing to me:
Katherine Cartwright widow ...........6s 10d
Rondull merwodd ............................. 4s
John merwodd ................................. 4s
Thomas Shaw ......................... £1 3s
A true & a p[er]fect Inventorie taken the xxij th day of Aprill A[nn]o dom[ini] 1617
of all the goodes cattles moveuble & vnmoveuble of Thomas Teyliors of the p[ar]ish of wolstanton in the countie of Stafford husbandman late deceassed valued & prised by Rondull wilkenson Richard Scott Robertt Amsone & John Hill.
one cow one heffer
another cow
one ould mare
Brasse & pewter
three hens
trine ware w[i]th three coffers
Pedloockes
Bordes tressels formes stoules a spining while and all maner of Iron ware & husbandrie toules
flaxe & towe
all maner of Beding & naperie ware
mucke
hey in the Barne
one pack sadle wyntie & garth
one leace of sixe years tearme
Ap[ar]ell for his Bodie
linon yorne
half of three lambes & halfe of [?fiue fleces] of woole
Notes
1. His death was presented to the manor court thus: "Thomas Tayler who lived on the waste at Ramscliffe died since the last court but what title the said Thomas had in the said cottage the jurors do not know, nor what is due to the lords of the manor." Thomas Taylier refused to serve the office of headborough for the hamlet of Ramscliff for the year 1605. It would involve him representing it at the regular sittings of the manor court for a year. Refusal carried a stiff financial penalty of ten shillings, imposed by the court. He accepted office the following year.
As headborough, he was required to report on the misdoings of the people of Ramscliffe, which could lead to their being fined. Thomas Taylier himself was fined 3s 4d by the court in 1611 for putting hemp in the common water where the cattle drank - this could be the brook separating Ramscliff and Chatterley. The Elizabethan versifier Thomas Tusser advised farmers for the month of September:
Now pluck up thy hemp, and go beat out the seed
And afterwards water it as ye see need;
But not in the river where cattle should drink
For poisoning them and the people with stink.
In 1610 he was presented at the manor court for refusing to allow his mares to be used for repair of the highways. According to the act of 1562 every farmer had to send a cart with two of his men for 6 days each year to do this work.
2. 'one pack sadle wyntie & garth' - they were all used together; the wyntie refers to the means of securing the horse gear. There was quite a variation in the price of horses - 11 shillings is near the bottom of the range.
3. John Unwin was not (apparently) related, so maybe the choice of him as executor was because of a business connection - perhaps textiles. When the will was proved, the administration of it was granted to Ellen Taylor, with reserved power to John Unwin.
4. Padlocks were used when the lock was not integral to the gate, door or chest. The premises consisted of at least two buildings. If this was a self-built cottage, the doors originally may not have had locks fitted. This is the only mention of padlocks in the inventories. Does it mean that Thomas Teylior was more security conscious than his neighbours?
5. The amount of hay, as indicated by the price (1s), was small and would have occupied little space in what was perhaps a small barn. It represents perhaps a quarter of a cartload. (A cart-load of hay was valued at 4s at an inquest in Stafford in 1614. (SHC 4th Series, Vol XVI, 1994 Matthew Cradock's Book of Rememberance, 1614-1615))
6. The lease of the field, valued at £2, is for a term of 6 years, and the will has to specify the beneficiary.
Thomas Richardson of Knutton, carpenter, will dated 28th January 1617/8, inventory undated, date of probate 19th February 1617/8.
Will
To be buried within the churchyard of St Margaret in Wolstanton, in such place as my executor shall think convenient.
To John Filpotte: £6.
Residuary legatee and executrix: Margaret my wife.
Debts owing to me:
Richard Lovat of Cleaton ... £2
Raphe Smithe dwelling near Hudsons in the lane .. 4d
Invent[arium] o[mn]iu[m] singulor[um] bonor[um] inriu' et Catellor[um] Thom[e] Richardson. de Knutton in Com[itate] Staff[ordie], Carpenter Couent[rie] et Lich[field] diocesse decessi. tempore mortis sue existen[tium] app[re]ciat[orum] p[er] Joh[ann]em Clownam Joh[ann]em Bowyer Joh[ann]em Beech et Thom[em] Peake.
one heffer
hay and Compost
his tooles
trineware
brasse and pewter
Ironware
bedinge
sheetes
linnen Cloath
2 saddles
yarne and towe
one grindlestone
butter and Cheese
fiue little Coffers
his apparell
money in his purse
money oughinge
foure bagges
Notes
1. The available evidence suggests that where Thomas Richardson lived wasn't his house, and that his widow moved to the parish of Stoke immediately after his death - perhaps to Clayton, where we know that a Josua Richardson at this time had two acres of land.
2. Presumably the two sums of money owing to him were for carpentry work. Despite there being no mention in the will of money which he himself owed, the bequest to John Filpotte strongly indicates a debt.
3. Even though hard-up, he had clothing worth £1 - a figure suggesting a desire to keep up appearances. His widow would have been left destitute, after the cow and carpentry tools and other things had been sold to pay John Filpotte.
4. Much of the will is taken up with the expression of his faith in his salvation and bodily resurrection. This emphasis is not typical of the wills in this collection.
5. 'near Hudsons in the lane' - this address suggests that, apart from the outlying farms, the houses in Chesterton at this time were strung along a single lane. Alternatively it could be in Hartshill (in 1561 James Hudson was granted leave to build a barn on waste land "in a lane called Meyre lane leading from Stoke to Newcastle, near his dwelling house"; and we know that in 1615 a James Hudson owned a cottage within the township of Penkhull.)
6. The use of Latin for the inventory preamble goes back to the 16th century and before, but the layout of the valuation figures in columns is several decades in advance of other inventories.
7. He has no horse but he would need one to get around for his work. His two saddles reflect perhaps a more prosperous past.
Robert Snead of Brodwall, will dated 4th April 1618, inventory taken 2nd May, date of probate 12th May 1618.
In the name of god amen I Robeart Snead of Brodwall in the Co[u]ntye of Staff[ord] beinge sicke in bodye but of good & p[er]fecte memorye thankes be to god therefore doe make this my laste will & testament in mannor and forme folowinge first I give & bequeth my sole to almightye god my maker & to Jesus Christ my redimer & to the holy gost my sanctifyer & p[re]server & my body to bee buried in the parishe Chriche yeard of wolstanton secoundly I geve to my sonne Robeart Snead xijd for & in the name of his Childes part also I geve to my said sonne viijs in the handes of one yearly about Norton yf he can get it also I geve to my sonne John Snead for & in the name of his Childes parte xls in the handes of Thomas Ruston of Blurton also I geve to my said sone John my best sute of aparell. also I geve to my brother Rondull Snead my second sute of aparell also I geve to Ales Snead my wife one pide cow one heghfer & a calfe also I geve to my doughters Child tow keyne one red Cowe & a barren Cow to be bestwed of my said doughters Child at the discretion of Thomas wood of Chesterton & John Leaghe, servant to Mr Snead of Keele so that my will is that out of these fower keyne that there shalbe paid xliiijs w[hi]ch I ow vnto Raphe wood of Chesterton also I geve to Ales Snead my wif tow partes of my houshold goodes & the threed part to my doughters Child is to be bestowed at the discretion of the said Thomas wood & John Leyghe & my clock at the disposing of my worshipfull maister also my will is that my funerall expenses shalbe paid out of my whole goodes also my will is that[,] yf the aboue named Thomas wood & John Leyghe see cause [,] to divid my Houshovld goodes w[i]th my said wife for the good of the child also I ordeane & make my trustye welbloved in god Ales Snead my wife my true & Lawful executrix.
In witnes wheareof I have put to my hand & seall the iiijth day of aprill 1618.
Sealed & d[elivere]d in the p[re]sentes of John Leyghe Thomas Harvye Thomas Fenton
A true & p[er]fect Inventarie of all & s[i]ngler the goodes Rightes & debtes of Robert Sneyd of the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton in the diocesse of Coventrie & Lichfeeld latelie deceassed. priced by Francis Bagnald John Sparry William Alcocke & Thomas Fenton the second day of May 1618.
4 kine .......................................................................................... £14
brasse & pewter ....................................................................... 16s
bedding & sheetes .................................................................. 16s
tow Chestes .............................................................................. 5s
a fryinge pan on chaire a morter & an Iron bakeston
& a fyre shovell & a paire of tonges ...................................... 3s 4d
an asse & a handsawe .......................................................... 6d
the apparell of the decessed ................................................. £1
Sum[ma] tot[alis] £18 0s 10d
[Actual £17 0s 10d ]
Notes
1. As a servant [employee] of Mr Sneyd (as seems likely), he may have had the clock as a present from his master. [Are all the Bradwell testators on the Sneyd payroll?] Alice Sneyd, widow, was buried in Wolstanton in 1629 (and 1638.) So it is possible that she stayed in Bradwell after her husband's death. The absence of bedstocks or other wooden furniture suggests their accommodation was in Bradwell Hall itself. The testator directs that the debt of 44 shillings is to be paid off through the four cows; this would be by hiring them out, as there is nothing to show that he or his wife maintained the cows themselves. They may have been looking after their daughter's child - the daughter is unnamed, suggesting that it was their only daughter and that she was dead. I suppose that the child was a daughter, on the basis that a daughter was more likely to be given a cow (compare Ales Morton's differential bequests to her grandsons (money) and granddaughters (cows).
2. 'asse' must be axe.
3. Markham (1657) says that the best cattle in this country "are bred in Yorks, Darbyshire, Lancs, Staffordshire, Lincs, Glocestershire and Somerset - these generally black with exceeding large horns." Robert Snead's pied (pide) one and red one may be unusual for the area therefore. Bradley, an early eighteenth-century writer on agriculture, said that the red cattle were the largest in England, their milk rich and nourishing.
4. An unusual way of mentioning desperate debts: "also I geve to my said sonne viijs in the handes of one yearly about Norton [around Norton in the Moors] yf he can get it"!
Francis Bagnald [of Chatterley], husbandman, will dated 19th September, inventory taken 24th September, date of probate 2nd Oct 1618.
Will
Being sick in body and aged.
My body to the earth.
To Eline Willat my daughter: 12d for her child's part.
To Margreat Willat, daughter of John Willat, my son-in-law: one ewe lamb
To John Bagnald, son of my brother John Bagnald: another ewe lamb.
To John Bagnald, my son: £10 to be paid by the discretion of Emme Bagnald, my wife, John Bagnald, my brother, and Thomas Wright, my brother-in-law for his best profit.
Residuary legatee: my wife, keeping herself sole and unmarried; and if she marry, then the goods to go to my son John, using himself honestly and being a good husband and thrifty, to be delivered him at the discretion and oversight of my brother John Bagnald and Thomas Wright.
Executrix: my wife.
Overseers: my brother John Bagnald, Thomas Wright, John Willat
Witnesses: Thomas Biche, clerk, John Smithe, William Verna[n]
A true & p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes & Cattels of Francis Bagnald of the p[ar]rishe of wolstanton decesed the xxiiijth September 1618
p[re]sed by vs Thomas [R]ight Thomase Richard Willat John Bagnald
Quicke goodes
tow oxen
five kyne
tow twinter bullockes
one sterke
three calves
one mare
foretine sheepe
one swine
poltre ware
Geese
Dead goodes
Corne & haye
Husbandry ware
Brase & pewter
Trine ware
bordes & bedstockes Cofers & a copbord
Iron ware
Beddinge & nappery ware
Butter & Cheese & houshold provision
His wearinge apparill & money in his pourse
All other thinges of small valew
Dounge
Notes
1. The value of the 'one sterke' is given as £30. I have corrected this.
2. A note on the back of the will giving a commission to the minister of Newcastle (rather than the vicar of Wolstanton) suggests one of the parties lived there.
3. The testator desires his son John to be honourable ('honest') in his dealings and careful with his money and possesssions ('a good husband and thrifty'); in other words, like his father, who appears neither to have incurred debts nor lent money.
4. The Tunstall manor court roll for 1604 helps to identify him. At the court held 12th April 1604 he was a member of the jury of freeholders, and also headborough for Chatterley.
5.Thomas Beech (clerk) was a witness to the will of Thomas Teylior, husbandman, of Ramscliff in 1617.
6. The value of the dung is unusually precise and may be a copyist's error
Henry Stevenson, vicar of Wolstanton, will dated 31st July 1618, inventory taken 10th September, date of probate 28th November.
Will
Sick in body.
To be buried within the chancel of Wolstanton church.
To my loving wife Elizabeth Stevenson: part of the messuage called Peele House in the manor of Audley i.e. from the entry towards the orchard on the east side of the messuage; the third of the barns and other houses of office belonging to the messuage; the great orchard on the east side of the messuage; one pasture or parcel of ground called the Sandeflatt, another parcel of ground lying on the backside of the messuage and adjoining to the Mott, one meadow called Whalley Meadow, one parcel of ground called Cawdey Croft and two other parcels of land called the Middle Fields (all these lying together); to have and to hold to the said Elizabeth Stevenson and her assigns during her life, for and in the name of her jointure according to the custom of the manor of Audley.
To John Stevenson my son: one cottage together with the orchards, backsides, buildings and lands belonging, in the holding of Robert Sonderland, and certain parcels of land called the Anakers and one parcel of land called the Little Taylors Field lying next to Cowpers Green; to have and to hold to John Stevenson, his heirs and assigns for ever, under this condition: if my son Thomas Stevenson pays John £100 within 6 years of my death then he can inherit the cottage and the other premises forever according to the custom of the manor of Audley.
To my son Henry Stevenson: one other cottage and all buildings, orchards, backsides and lands belonging, now in the holding of Robert Joynson and John Blowre; one meadow called the Oxehay Meadow, one parcel of land called the Great Tealors Field; to have and to hold to Henry Stevenson, his heirs and assigns for ever according to the custom of the manor of Audley, on condition that if my son Thomas pays £100 to Henry Stevenson within 6 years of my death, then he shall inherit the cottage and the other premises, to have and to hold etc.
Residuary legatees (all my goods, corn, cattle and chattels): my wife Elizabeth Stevenson and my sons John Stevenson and Henry Stevenson.
Executors: My wife, and Thomas Jolly of Leeke my son-in-law.
Overseers: my brother-in-law Anthonie Beech of Chell, and my cousin Robert Burslem of the Parke House.
[Signed] Henry Steuenson
Witnesses: Ottewell Stubs, Raphe Keelinge, John Morton, Thomas Bullock
A true and lawfull Inventorie of all the goods of Henrie Stevenson Clarke late vicar of Wolstanton deceassed taken and praised the tenth day of September 1618 by Anthony Beech Randall Patesonn John Stevenson, James Beech
all the corne hay and straw .................................................... £40
fiue kine, one sterke 3 calves ................................................ £18
2 mares, one horse, and a coult ............................................ £12 10s
2 Swine and a pig .................................................................... £2
all the poultery wares ............................................................... 3s 4d
2 witches ..................................................................................... 10s
all the moult ................................................................................ 3s 4d
all the husbandre ware as Carts plowes yokes cheanes
harrowes & swine trowes ......................................................... £2 10s
all the sadles .............................................................................. 10s
all the worthinge ....................................................................... £1 10s
foure fetherbeds & coverlides one caddow fiue blankets
fiue boulsters and one pillow .................................................. £11 6s 8d
all the sheets and nappery wares .......................................... £3
all the brasse and pewter ........................................................ £4
all the Ironware spits rackes Coberts grats fier shoule
tounges potthookes potcheane ............................................. £1
all the bedstides ....................................................................... £3
chests ......................................................................................... £1 10s
all the tables .............................................................................. £2 6s 8d
stooles cheares quishines ..................................................... £1
woole hempe flax and feathers ............................................. £4
butter cheese and flesh att the roufe .................................... £2
all the woodne and treene ware ........................................... £1
all his bookes ............................................................................ £3 6s 8d
for a mill ..................................................................................... £4
a pented clouth ........................................................................ £1
a heare cloth ............................................................................ 6s 8d
his apparell ............................................................................... £6 6s 8d
[Total £125 10s 0d]
Notes
1. In the inventory preamble, the writer had originally omitted the 'l' in 'Wolstanton'. The common pronunciation of the name at that time was Wosington or even Hosington.
2. In his will the vicar's first concern is for his wife, who would have to vacate the vicarage on his death. A jointure is property settled on a woman in consideration of marriage who is to enjoy it after her husband's decease. His widow's burial is recorded in 1639 in the Audley parish register.
3. Peele House - now Old Peel Farm, situated at the end of Peel Hollow in Audley, and close to the M6. 'Messuage' means house. The moat was clear to see on the north and east side until nearly the end of the twentieth century. Parrot in 1733 (An Accountt Who Hath Enjoyed the Severall Estates in the Parish of Audley and Hamlett of Talk in the County of Stafford for 200 Years last past) refers to 'Parson Stephenson who bought the Peel Estate', and a Stephenson was living there in Parrrot's day.
4. Cowpers Green is present on the 1st edition one-inch Ordnance Survey map, half a mile to the north-east of Old Peel Farm.
5. He had been vicar of Wolstanton since 1588. In diocesan reports of him made in 1602 and 1604, he is described as well instructed in holy scripture, though without a degree; no adverse comments on him are made.
6. He doesn't owe any debts. He requires his executors to pay his funeral expenses. Burial in the chancel would have required the permission of the impropriator, i.e. Ralph Sneyd esq.
7. Ottewell Stubs was an alderman of Newcastle.
8. The chief use of straw in early modern England was for bedding down livestock. It was also the chief material for thatching buildings and stacks.
9. 'all the corne hay and straw ....... £40'. At this time of year, all the harvested crops would be in the barn. (In 1698 the barn of the vicarage was of only three bays.)
10. 'pig' - a young pig.
11. 'witches' - not the magical ones. My suggestion is that they were in the barn and held the malt mentioned in the next line.
12. 'worthinge' - muck
13. 'coverlides' are coverlets; a caddow is a coarse woollen covering, here for a bed.
14. 'potcheane' ie the chain for hanging the large cooking pot over one of the fires. (Treat 'ea' as representing the 'ai' diphthong at this period.)
15. 'quishines' - pronouncing, and spelling, 'cushions' in this way was common then.
16. feathers - used for feather beds. The birds ('all the poultery wares') may have consisted mainly of geese and ducks, whose feathers give higher insulation. Between 1600 and 1650, 128 Wolstanton parish probate inventories mention stock of some kind, mainly cattle, of these 85 had sheep. Considering that wool is mentioned in Henry Stevenson's inventory, it is surprising that he did not have sheep at his death. But it may be that they belonged to his wife and were kept in Audley.
12. 'att the roufe' - the sides of beef, bacon etc were hanging from the rafters.
13. 'for a mill' - for grinding the mealt probably. It must have been a large contraption, perhaps the same one as appears 61 years later in the mill house in Isaac Keeling's inventory.
14. 'a pented clouth'. Painted cloths were going out of fashion. Judged by its value, this must have been a splendid work of art. Alternatively, 20s could be a miscopying of 20d, a more reasonable figure.
15. 'his apparell'. At £6 6s 8d, his clothing tops all others in this collection in value.
16. A month before his last will, he had to pronounce in church the excommunication of William Bourne, a leading figure in the parish. This was part of a dispute that started in April over who should act as churchwarden. William Bourne then brought an action against the Archdeacon in the bishop's consistory court. The case was still being heard in the court after Henry Stevenson's death.
17. John Stevenson was minister of Burslem from October 5th 1645 and was possibly his son. This person did not graduate from Cambridge until 1627, and would be too young to act as executor - which would fit the case.
18. Some produce that he will have had in tithes from his parishioners. Flax and hemp, for example, were paid in kind.
William Prince of the parish of Wolstanton, yeoman, will dated 26th May 1618, inventory taken 17th June 1618,[Tue] date of probate 19th June.
Will
Being sick in body
Body to be buried in Wolstanton churchyard.
To Pennell Tylor my daughter: one cow.
To Elizabeth Prince my wife: the third of my copyhold lands that is out of lease for her life and £3 6s 8d to be paid yearly by my son Raffe and his heirs out of the rest of my copyhold lands; if she claims or has by custom or otherwise more than the third, then only 33s 4d yearly; 1 mattress,1 boulster, 2 pairs of sheets, 2 blankets and coverlet.
Residuary legatee and sole executor: my son Raffe Prince.
Witness: John Rowley of Wedgwood (and I will publish the same as my will to diverse other persons as namely John Burslem and Richard Podmore).
A true And p[er]fect Inventorie of All the goods and cattells that were William prince At the tyme of his decease seen vewed and praysed the xvijth daye of June In the yeere of our lord god 1618 by John Burslem John mylnes and William Stonior.
two steres £9 10s 0d
two twynter bullockes £6 13s 4d
sevene keyne £20
three stirke £3 6s 8d
foure wayninge calves £2 13s 4d
one mare And one coulte And one yonge nagge £7
ix sheepe £3 13s 4d
three swyne £3
geese and pullen 6s 8d
waynes, plowes wth All other husbandry wares £2 10s
corne in the howse And vpp[on] the grounds £10
certene haye in the barne £1
All beddinge bede sheetes And naparie wares £10
brase and pewter £7
certene coffers £1 13s 4d
All bedstiddes, tables, formes, cheeres, And shilfs £1
Iren ware £1
All treene ware 10s
flesh meate and whitmeate £2
his Apparrell £3
certene silver spones £2
Sum £96 6s 8d
[Actual £97 16s 8d]
Notes
1. Some or all of his land is copyhold land. He expects to pay a heriot (which is the best beast of the deceased) to the lord of the manor. Examples of heriots in this collection are the ox taken from Thomas Burslem (1619) and a horse from Ann Unwin (1603).
2. Thomas Fenton, tailor, was summoned to appear at Stafford Quarter Sessions for assault and battery on William Prynce at Wolstanton in 1598.
3. Elizabeth Prince, widow, was clearly expected by her husband to move out of the house, taking only her bedding with her. She was buried 15th March 1628/9.
4. The value of cattle increased with age. In order of increasing value, the sequence runs: calves, stirks, twinters and kine; and in a separate category: steers and oxen.
Calves are likely to be either female or castrated males destined to become respectively dairy cows (kine) or oxen.
Stirks are yearlings - either female (called a cow stirk in one inventory) or castrated male ( a bullock stirk).
Twinters are two-year-olds, sometimes distinguished as twinter heifers (female) or twinter bullocks. A heifer is a young cow which has not yet calved.
Kine. In modern Britain the average life-cycle of the dairy cow is about six years, the last four of which are spent bearing calves and providing milk.
Steers are younger than oxen, and were used for pulling. William Prince's inventory indicates that steers were more than two years old.
Richard Still, will dated 18th March 1619/20, inventory taken 21st March 1619/20, [Mon] date of probate 26th April 1620.
Nuncupative will
Sick in body.
To be buried in the ladies aisle in Wolstanton church.
To Randle Still his brother: his best suit of apparel, and 26 shillings owed
To John Willett: his leather doublet.
To William Bell: the residue of his apparel.
To Ellen, wife of Rich Wolriche: one brass pan.
To John Smyth: his twinter colt, the bed whereon he did lie, and his best hat.
To Ellen Ridgway: 12d
Residuary legatee and sole executrix: Ellen Still his wife.
Witnesses: John Rowley, John Smyth, Jone Bothes and others.
A true And p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes And cattells that were Richard Stilles of the p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton At the tyme of his decease seene, vewed, And praysed the xxjth daye of march In the yeare of our lord god 1619 by John Rowley Roger Smyth John Rowley And Robert Whytaugh
two oxen ............................................................................. £9
three keyne & three heffers ........................................... £18
two twynter heffers ............................................................ £2 13s 4d
two calves .......................................................................... £2
one ould mare ................................................................... £2
one twynter coulte ............................................................. £2 10s 0d
one swyne ......................................................................... 10s
geese, duckes And pullen .............................................. 6s 8d
corne And haye ................................................................ £3
brasse and pewter ........................................................... £5
beddinge, sheetes & lynen clothes ............................... £5 6s 8d
husbandrye wares ............................................................ £2
Iren ware ............................................................................. 6s 8d
one Arke And coffers ........................................................ 10s
beddstides .......................................................................... 5s
bordes, formes, shilfes, And cheeres ............................ 6s 8d
treene wares ...................................................................... 4s
one ould cubbord .............................................................. 2s 6d
fleshe And whitmete ......................................................... 10s
his App[ar]ell ...................................................................... £1
A dette owinge to the deceadant by Raffe Whillett ..... £2 13s 4d
Summa totalis £58 3s 10d [checked]
Notes
1. Ellen his wife survived him by almost 20 years.
2. Ellen Ridgway at the time of the widow's death was a servvant.
3. 'one twynter coulte' - a two-year-old colt.
Jane Knight, widow, no will, inventory taken 4th May 1619, administration granted 28th May.
A true & p[er]fect inventory of all the goods mouable & vnmouable chattels rights & debts of Jane Knight widdow late deceased intestate as the were praysed by William Bourne of vtree Raphe Adderley & Anthonie Beech the fourth day of May 1619
5 Kine
2 twinter heafers
2 sterkes
1 Mare
3 swine
10 sheepe
Rye in the house
one cow taken for a herriat
Pullen
Dung
Beding & napriware
Brasse & Puter
tables formes & all other wooden ware
waines yokes plowes & Irne ware
all such things as are within the milne
corne vpon the ground
money in her purse & wairing apparrell
vittles in the house
all other things about the house
Debts oweing her
John Heaton William Turnor
Rent in the wich
Sum[m]a totalis
Debts which she oweth
To Anne Knight
To Alse Perrie
to Thomas Bourne
to Frances Lysat
James Beech
to Thomas Ryshson
Notes
1. On her death, her best beast is claimed by the lord of the manor - this is called a heriot. The lord would know which properties in his manor he could by ancient right claim a heriot from. A feet of fine of 1612 or 1613 seems to refer to a sale (or confirmation of a deed of gift) by Jane Knight, widow, to Elizabeth Bourne, her daughter, and to two others, probably also her children. Included in the sale is a house and water-mill, plus land in Little Chell, Tunstall and Sneyd. Sneyd is just outside the parish, so Little Chell or Tunstall are possible alternatives for her home.
2. 'all such things as are within the milne'. The mill referred to here is the water-mill her husband Richard Knight had owned and probably was situated on the stream between Tunstall and Chell.
3. 'Rent in the wich' - the word 'wich' in this locality and period refers to a receptacle for grain. I assume that the rent is due from the miller and is in kind ie it is grain.
4. The main victuals ('vittles') are likely to be sides of beef and bacon.
5. Letters of administration were granted to her daughter Elizabeth Bourne, which specified that the oath was to be administered to Thomas Bourne of Chell, yeoman, who was the husband of Elizabeth.
6. The debt of £24 owed by William Turnor is a large one. It is interesting that John Heaton's name was crossed out. Topping the list of debts owing to William Burslem of Brownlees in 1609 when he died was £10 from John Heaton & William Turmer. Perhaps the two were in partnership, and John Eaton had paid off his share of the debt to Jane Knight.
Hughe Knight of Tunstall, will dated 1st November 1619, inventory taken 20th November, date of probate 24th November.
Will
Being in good health; to be buried in the churchyard at Woolstanton.
To Thomas Baddelie, son of Thomas Baddelie of The Pale in Tunstall: 20s
To Richard Perrie of Tunstall: 20s to be employed for the good of William Perrie his son.
To Alice Baddelie of The Flatts: 12d.
To John Baddelie alias Teliar of the mill: 12d.
To Robert Crewe, Richard Teliar, John Parker, and Richard Gallimore: 12d each.
I remit Thomas Handley 25s which he owes me.
Residuary legatee and executor: Thomas Smith of Tunstall.
Witnesses: W. Bourne, Randle Whiteall.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goods, depts and Chattels, late Hughe Knighte of ye p[ar]ishe of Woolstanton, within the diocesse of Couentrie and Lichfeild late deceased, taken and preysed by Raphe Adderley of Tunstall gent[leman] William Bourne of Ewtree and James Beech of Tunstall afforesaid yeomen, the xxth daie of nouember in the Seauenteenth yeare of the Raigne of our Sou[er]aigne Lorde James of Englande France and Irelande and of Scotlande the three and Fourteethe. An[n]o d[omi]ni 1619
One brasse pott
Two Couerletts an ould boulster filled w[i]th chaffe one chaffe bed one paire of ould sheetes
One ould Twillsheete
Certaine Whittmeate
Wearinge Apparell
monie in his purse
one paire of ould bestidds & two little Chestes
diuers other smale thinges
Sum[m]e is
Dettes owinge him at the tyme of his deathe
William Bourne & Richard Bourne
Richarde Baddelie
William Gloouer
Richarde Gloouer
George Ridgwaie
John Baddelie
Richarde Coplande
Thomas Sabsheade
William Beeche
Notes
1. Like Shakespeare in his will, he declares himself to be in good health at the start of the month and is dead before the end of it. However, he signs it with an unshaky hand. His intention, he says, is to dispose of his goods to God's glory and the good of those to whom he is most beholden. He may have outlived his relatives.
2. Because of damage to the edge, it is not known which debt has 6d missing.
3. He lived on his own. (The appraisers refer to 'apparell', not 'his apparell'). His standard of living was poor - the chaff bed and chaff bolster; the lack of any table, stool or form - but he had a lot of money to lend. The indications are that he came from a yeoman family - there were two pews in Wolstanton church in 1583 belonging to Knights; the appraisers of his goods were of yeoman status or higher; he could sign his own name - yet his small stock of clothes and the absence of a horse show that he must have fallen on hard times.
Thomas Baddely of Holditch, yeoman, date of will 16th August 1619, inventory taken 20th August 1619, [Thurs]date of probate 17th September.
Will
Sick in body but in good and perfect memory.
To be buried in the churchyard near the corpse of my father.
To my son John Baddely: 12d for his child's part.
To my daughters Marie, Margaret and Ellenor: 12d likewise.
To William Baddely, the eldest son of my son John: two tables now standing in the hall with the forms and benches belonging, and one great hutch in the barn.
To Anne Dakin daughter of Randulphe Dakin my deceased son-in-law: £10, and £5 which is in the hands of my son-in-law John Beech, to be spent on her upbringing until she is 14.
To Randulphe Dakin, son of Randulphe Dakin: £10 which is in the hands of William Hard of Barleston payable at the latter's death.
To Ellenor Beech and Anne Dakin: the rest of the goods in the chamber in which I lie.
To my sons-in-law Anthony Coclough and James Hancocke: 12d.
To Alice Baddely my daughter-in-law: £10.
I allow towards my funeral £6 0s 8d.
Executor: my trusty and well-beloved friend John Beech, my son-in-law.
Witnesses: Frauncis Capps, John Beech
Item I remember I do owe to Ellenor Cowall 6s which shall be paid
at my decease out of the legacy of Ann Dakin aforesaid.
The Inventorie of the good and chattalles of Thomas Baddely deceased and taken by John Bourne and Thomas Fenton the xxth day of August anno d[omi]ni 1619
a pare of bedstockes and a bed w[i]th that belongeth to it..................£3 4s 4d
twoe chestes................................................................................................ 5s
his wearing aparrell....................................................................................£2
money in his purse...................................................................................... 5s
Iron ware....................................................................................................... 3s 4d
one little kettle one skellet one pewter dish........................................... 3s
two ould cheares and one paile w[i]th other thinges of small value.. 3s
Sume £6 3s 8d]
Note
Thomas Baddely was one of at least ten children of John Baddeley of Houldiche, yeoman who died in 1592. Ellenor Cowall was a sister of his.
The Holditch estate in the 19th century comprised a block of land of more than 145 acres. It had a mill at one end of the estate and Holditch Hall stood at the northern end (between present-day Holditch Rd and Peacock Rd). Almost certainly, the estate was the same size in Thomas Baddiley's time. (Chancery records show his son John owning 143 acres). For maybe two centuries or more there were Baddileys at Holditch. A deed of 1482/3 was witnessed by Henry Badeley of Holdych. The last one was William Baddiley, gentleman, who died in 1672.
His father John Baddiley of Houlditch had a seat near the front of Wolstanton church, indicating his high status within the parish. It is therefore surprising that his and his son's burial-place was in the churchyard.
There is no signs of any involvement with farming. He is a widower, probably living in a downstairs room of Holditch Hall.
Thomas Burslem of the Parke house, will dated 4th Feb 1617, inventory dated 8th May 1619, date of probate 28th May.
Will
Being in good health.
Body to be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Thomas Burslem my eldest son, and Robert Burslem and John Burslem two of my younger sons: 12d for their child's part.
To Elizabeth Kent, Joyce Milnes and Margret Macclesfield my three eldest daughters: 12d for their child's part.
To Richard Burslem and William Burslem two other of my younger sons: £20.
To Catherine Burslem, one of my youngest, and Marie Burslem, my youngest daughter: £50
To Robert Burslem - one close, pasture or parcell of land called Armitage lying and being in the manor of Newcastle under Lyne to have and to hold to him and his heirs from the day of the date of this my present last will unto the full end and term of threescore years from thence next following, giving and paying yearly the rent of 19d of lawful English money at the feast of St Michael the Archangel and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary by even portions and also paying all chief rents due to our Sovereign Lord the King's Majesty that now is and his heirs and successors.
Residuary legatee: my wife Joyce Burslem.
Executors - Joyce Burslem wife and son Robert.
Overseers: Henrie Stevenson vicar of Wolstanton & Anthonie Beech of Great Chell.
Witnesses: Henrie Stevenson, Edward Ley, Anthonie Beech, John Rowley of Gilbank.
[Signed] Thomas Burslem
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes moveable & unmoveable Rightes Chattels & debts of Thomas Burslem of the p[ar]ke. Latte of Wolstanton decesed taken & p[re]sed the viijth day of May by Raphe Adderley William Bourne John Burslem James Beeche Anno 1619.
Nine oxone eight steares ................................................................. £28
therteene keine 10 [?] cauleus [calves].......................................... £43 6s
Neyne twinters ..................................................................................... £18
Eight sturkes ......................................................................................... £9
one Mare ............................................................................................... £3
twoe Coultes ......................................................................................... £2 6s 8d
Foure Swyne ......................................................................................... £2
Fourteene Ewes & Lambes)
Eight geeld shipe ) ............................................................... 8s
all the pultrie [crossed out: as geeise gesslinges diges hens & turkies] 13s 4d
all the Brasse & pewter ......................................................................... £6 13s 4d
all the Bedinge ...................................................................................... £13 6s 8d
all the standinge tables ........................................................................ 10s
all the Bedstides .................................................................................... £2
all the Chestes & shilfes ....................................................................... £1
all tressles Cheares & formes & stoules ............................................ 6s 8d
all wooden & trine ware in the howse ................................................ £2
one byble ................................................................................................. 10s
turniles whiches & Coumpes ................................................................ £1
all the weanes ......................................................................................... £3 6s 8d
all ploughes yokes Cheanes harrowes
plowe Irones & husbandlie furnture ..................................................... £2 10s
all the Ladders ......................................................................................... 3s 4d
all the stone troughes at the parke ....................................................... 6s 8d
all mamor of timber ................................................................................. £2
all Linen sheetes & napriware ............................................................. £10
all twilshates
all the quishions ........................................................................................ 8s
all grattes fyre shoules tonges brundreles pothookes & pott Rakes. £1
all the spittes gobertes dripinpan & bastinge Ladle ............................ 10s
all billes Axes haccettes shoules mattoke & weane Rope ................. 8s [5s?]
one heare .................................................................................................... 8s [5s?]
all the sawed bordes ................................................................................ £2
all the Linon yorme & ij knithe of hempe ............................................... 10s
one peece of Twill att the weavinge ....................................................... 4s
one sillver spoone ..................................................................................... 5s
all pykittes .................................................................................................. 2s
all manor of ladles .................................................................................... 6s 8d
grindle stons ............................................................................................... 1s
bakstones .................................................................................................... 1s
xij daye worke of otes att Burslem ......................................................... £8
iij day workes of Rye ..................................................................................£3
Corne on the grounde at the P[ar]ke .................................................... £9 9s
Corne & hey in the barne ......................................................................... £4
Corne in the house ....................................................................................£2
Mealle & malte in the whiche .................................................................. £1
fleche at the Rouffe ..................................................................................... £1
hempe & flax one the grounde ................................................................. 2s
one Chaliesed an lease for yeares of padax w[hi]ch is
houlden of Thomas telright ........................................................................ 10s
all spinning whelles .................................................................................... 3s 4d
all the worthinge .......................................................................................... £1 [or possibly 10s]
all other thinges unpraised ........................................................................ 2s
Certen painted Clothes .............................................................................. 2s
his wearinge ap[p]arell ............................................................................... £3 6s 8d
money in his purse ...................................................................................... £2
one oxe taken for a herriot .......................................................................... £5 )
Sum[ma] £188 13s
[Recte £198 12s 8d]
Notes
1. geeld shipe' - gelded sheep; diges - ducks.
2.'xij daye workes of otes att Burslem' -The Dale Hall and Overhouse estates in Burslem were later held by his eldest son Thomas. Incidentally, before 1741 the parsons of Burslem levied a tithe of 16d per day work of oats. That this tithe does actually equal a tenth is shown by the valuation of £8 given in this inventory.
3. The Parke or The Parke house was in Oldcott township. It appears on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey one-inch map close to The North Staffordshire Railway. The position it occupies is now, it seems, the 6th hole of Goldenhill Golf Course. The map shows a nearby bridge over the deep railway cutting, probably a link with a path up to the chapel on the hill, now St James Church, Newchapel.
Ward in A History of Stoke-on-Trent describes how Thomas Burslem's father was cleared in 1574 of forging the deeds relating to land called The Blacke Parke and pastures and meadows containing an estimated 60 statutory acres in Oldcott. Burslems continued to live at the Parke for several generations. In 1681 it was held by Phillip Machin, who had married Elizabeth Burslem.
4. John Burslem died in 1596, when The Armitage passed into his son Thomas' hands. The Armitage is now covered by secondary woodland and the D-road. Thomas' concern about paying the 19d rent was well-grounded. This land, like most of the land in Wolstanton township, was held under copyhold tenure as part of the Manor of Newcastle, which was part of the Duchy of Lancaster. Thomas Burslem's rent of 19d for his 3 customary acres of land was just as low as that of the other copyholders - low that is when compared to the rents charged in the contemporary land market. For some years, the chief rents paid by the copyholders to the Duchy of Lancaster had been either withheld by them or not collected. In 1615 all copyholders and freeholders in the manor of Newcastle were summoned to a special court to declare what land they held, and what rent they were due to pay for it to the Duchy. At the time that Thomas Burslem was writing his will, this train of events had still to draw to its climax - the demand in the king's name of an amount from each copyholder equating to 40 years' rent.
5. The unmarried daughters get the larger amounts, so as to help them find husbands. (See the will of his widow - who died some 25 years later - for the daughters under their married names.) nThe spinning wheels may have been used by them, as no servants are mentioned, and no spinning wheels appear in his widow's inventory.
6. The quantity of calves is not clear, being written over an erasure. The large number of corrections in the inventory is unusual.
7. 'turniles whiches & Coumpes' A turnell is a tub, especially a shallow oval tub. It could be used for making cheese, kneading bread, salting meat etc. 'Whiches' are evidently containers , and one of them may be the old one mentioned in his widow's inventory 25 years later. The term 'boulting hutch' is also found. (In the same year as this inventory, Ben Jonson refers to 'the miller and the hopper, the hutch and the boulter.') while a 'boulting witch' (for sifting flour) occurs in a Banbury inventory of this period.
8. 'fyre shoules' - fire shovels; 'one heare' - this is a hair cloth, used for drying malt over a kiln; the high valuation suggests a big one in terms of thickness.
9. The will is signed (shakily) and sealed.
Ellen Colecloughe of Oulcott, will dated 18th May 1618, died 8th June 1619, inventory undated, date of probate 18th June 1619.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Woolstanton.
To my sister Jone: 40s.
To Edward Coleclough my godson: 10s.
To my brother James' three children, Margerie, John and Thomas: 20s to be divided equally, which my brother James owes me.
To my godson Richard Coleclough: 10s.
To my goddaughter An Rowley: 10s.
Residuary legatee and executor: my brother John.
Dated 18th May 1618.
[Added after] To John Coleclough son of James Coleclough my brother: 10s, which John Rowley of Gillbanke owes me.
To my godson Edward Colecloughe: another 10s.
Debts owing to me
Richard Colecloughe ........... £7
John Caulton .......................... £5
John Henshawe: .................... £2 6s 8d
William Podmore .................... £1
Richard Smalewoode ............ £1
John Cartlidge ............................... 6s 8d
Raphe Morton owes £2 10s, of which I remit and forgive him 10s.
Henrie Gibbins and his mother owe me 11s.
Oliver Rollison owes me £1.
William Coleclough gentleman owes 10s.
Witnesses: Richarde Coleclough, Randle Whiteall junior.
Richard Coleclough deceased owed me 45 shillings of which I remit and forgive 6s.
A trew Inventorie of goods of Ellin Coleclough who died ye 8 of June 1619
One cow
Tow hens
Brass and Pewter
Beddinge and Naperie
Trine wares
Two little Coffars
Iron ware
Hay
Hempe & flax
Apparrell
Money in her purse
Debtes owinge her
The names of the praysers are theise
Randle Whiteall
John Henshawe
James Colecloughe
Note
As with Alice Hanson, another spinster in the parish, the inventory shows the value of Ellen's personal possessions is dwarfed by the amount owing to her. She is the daughter of Edward and Margarett Colcloughe, who died in 1602 and 1603, so we know that the money that she had available for lending was from savings - not inherited. In fact the largest debt her mother had at her death was to Ellen. Annual wages for a female in this part of the seventeenth century were no higher than 50 shillings a year. Probably she lived with her brother John.
John Rowley of Olcott in 1613 owed to Elen Colclough £7 14s.
William Baddeley, died intestate, inventory taken 22nd April 1619, administration granted 28th August 1619.
A true and p[er]fect Inuentarie of all the goodes Catte[ls] and Chattells of William Baddeley deceised intestate, moueable and i[m]moueable taken the xxijth of aprill an[n]o domini 1619 by William Bourne of Ewtree Thomas Brett Thomas Bourne of Colclough lane William Steeuenson Thomas Bourne of Chell hamlet Cheyne[?r] and Thomas Steele and others.
one lease for yeares of 3 Croftes and the Corne growinge thereof
Corne at Coleclough lane
One other lease of hils land
Two oxen
Three barren kyne
Foure twinters
Three inCalfe kyne
Three horses with furniture
Hey and Corne
Five styrkes
One Calfe
one Cow taken for a heriot
one swine
Two hens and one Cocke
For 3 demath of meddowing
p[ro]vision of meate in the house
Linen Cloth and napperie
Bedstockes bordes and [Coffrs]
Beddinge
Brasse and pewter
Treene [?ware] Cheires and stooles
one table and frame
one grate and Iron in the house
weanes plowes harrows yokes and Cheanes and husbandrie ware
one years mucke
two stone trowes
Hempe with all other implementes
wearinge apparell and money in his purse
Debtes owinge to the said William
Vnpaid for Cariage of stone
John Mylnes
Mr Isacke
Henrie Baddeley
John Milns
Richard Edge
paid for rent
Sum[m]a totalis
Debtes which I owed
Raph Wood
Richard Colclough
Mr mintrich
goodman Bret
to him
Anthonie Milnes
to William his son
spent at his buriall
Notes
1. Thomas Bourne of Colclough Lane in Olcott owned about 50 acres (in modern terms), and William Baddeley had 10s worth of corn stored in his barn.
2. 'One other lease of hils land' - this amounts to 2 customary acres owned by John Hill in Lyme Heath (which was possibly in or near Sandyford).
3. 'For 3 demath of meddowing' - a day math was a measure of meadow, probably close to a modern acre in area. This could refer to a lease of meadow of approximately 1½ acres.
4. Administration was granted to his son William Baddilie, husbandman, living at the Flat. The parish register records in 1663 the burial of 'William husband of Margrett Badily of Flatts'; using the Hearth Tax returns for 1662 and 1666, their house can be located in Wolstanton. This son in his will expressed the wish to be buried in Wolstanton churchyard "near to my ancestors."
5. Thomas Baddilie of Biddulph, husbandman, was also bound.
6. 'Vnpaid for Cariage of stone'- this is unattributed, and may represent unpaid bills from a number of people.
John Colclough of Chesterton, nuncupative will, inventory taken 13th December 1619, date of probate 14th December.
Will
John Colclough of Chesterton Late deceased gaue by his last Will and Testament to his daughter Elizabeth Colclough twentye poundes [inserted - which is in the handes of his sonne Henrye] and to his daughter Margret the wife of Richard wearom one ewe hogge, and to his sonne Henrye colclough all his wearinge clothes, in the p[re]sence of
Henry Bourne
Thomas Wood
The Inventorye of the goods of John Colclough of Chesterton late deceased taken by us Henrye Bourne John Bourne Edward Tunstall Raphe Abne[y] Raphe Whittell. Decemb[er] 13 1619
one ewe hogge ............................................................ 6s
his wearinge clothes ................................................. 20s
twentye poundes w[hi]ch is in the handes of his sonne Henrye
The som[m]e is £6 6s 0d [Check amount on original]
Note.
The will and inventory are on a single sheet of paper. Administration was granted to his son Henry Coleclough of Chesterton, yeoman.
Richard Henshawe of Great Chell, husbandman, no will, inventory taken 6th June, date of probate 8th June 1620.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the Godes Cattalles and Chattalles of Richard Henshaw late of Greate Chell in the parishe of Wolstanton in the County of Stafford husbandman Deceased Taken and Praysed by Randall Pattson and Anthony Beeche John Henshawe and Thomas Bourne the Sixte Day of June In the Eighteenth yeare of the Raigne of our Sou[er]aigne Lord Kinge James of England fraunce and Ireland and of Scotland the Three and fiftyeth 1620.
fower kyne
five Sheepe
His take Ground
Certeine Wooll
Certeine Hey
one Coffer
one framinge Sawe
one Paire of Waightes
Certeine Newe Lynnen Clothe
Certeine Wollen Clothe
Apparrell for his bodye
Note
1. Administration of the deceased's estate was granted to his nephew Thomas Henshaw of Wolstanton, and Thomas Fenton, tailor, was also required to be bound.
2. Richard Henshawe is invisible in other records of the time, so what we know about him is what we can infer from his inventory. He was unmarried and lived in someone's household (there are no items of cooking, bedding or furniture). He was involved in cloth production, but as he didn't have a loom of his own, he must have sub-contracted it. He used the weights to weigh the wool. His greater interest in textiles than dairying is linked to his not being married, and is shown by the fact that he has more sheep than cows - the reverse of most farmers in the parish. Also, he has no calves, nor is there any evidence of butter or cheese production. However, he does have four cows that are not described as barren, hay that kept them during winter, and a meadow or pasture that he rents from someone (his take (or tack) land.)
Thomas Rowley of Newchapel, no will, inventory taken 6th December 1620, administration granted 12th December 1620.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes and Chattells of Thomas Rowley deceased of newchappell in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton and dyocis of Couentrie and Lichfeild taken and praissed the sixt daie of Decemb[er] 1620 by William Bourne of Ewtree gent John Milnes of newchappell Anthonie Milnes of the same & Willia[m] Henshalle of the same.
two ould kine .............................................................. £3 6s 8d
one sterke .............................................................. £1 5s 0d
3 calues .............................................................. £1 6s 8d
two store swine .............................................................. 18s
all the corne in the barne .......................................... £2
all the haye .............................................................. £2
all the bedinge and knapperie ware .........................£3 6s 8d
all the brasse ....................................................... £1 13s 4d
all the Pewter .............................................................. 8s 4d
4 Chests .............................................................. £1
all the bedstids ......................................................... £1
all bords formes trestles & oth[e]r trinware ......................... 13s 4d
all butter & Cheese .............................................................. 14s 0d
all the corne meale & and mault in the howse ......................10s
all his wearinge apparell & monie in his purse ....... £1
all the Iron ware .............................................................. 13s 4d
a cubbord ................................................................. 3s
all the hempe ................................................................. 2s 7d
one cowe taken for a heriott .........................................£2 13s 4d
all the manuringe aboute the howse .....................................5s
all oth[e]r small thinges not praissed ................................... 2s
Su[m]ma £25 1s 4d
Debtes owinge by the said Tho[mas] Rowley deceased.
to Wil[ia]m Smithe £3 6s 0d
to Willia[m] henshalle £3 10s 0d
to Jone Turner £3 8s 0d
to Richard Whitealle £2 6s 0d
to Tho[mas] Henshalle £2 7s 4d
to Willia[m] Stonier 7s 6d
to Richard Rowley 16s 8d
to William Rowley for rent £1 10s 0d
to Thomas Tumlinson 3s 2d
the funerall expences & monie leade forth in his sicknes £2 8s 0d
for rent vnpaid to his landlord £4
to Tho[mas] Meare 2s 6d
to blanche Henshalle 6d
Su[m]ma £24 4s 8d
Notes
1. Thomas seems to have been an unmarried relation of John Rowley of Turnhurst, to whom the administration of the estate was granted. He came from a gentry family, though not one that was granted a coat of arms. Whether through drinking, sickness or misfortune, he had accumulated debts greater than the total of his assets, (excluding the heriot which was payable to the lord at death). Either he rented his tenement in Newchapel at rack rent or he had a lease for lives.
2. 'knapperie ware' - the linens. (The spelling with a 'k' indicates that in this half-century, the initial 'k' in words like 'knight and 'Knutton' ceased being pronounced.)
3. 'all the manuringe aboute the howse' - ie the manure heaps around the house.
4. The reference to funeral expenses and to money laid out in caring for Thomas while he was sick is unusual. The administrator would have submitted accounts to the probate court, but it is rare for these to survive in the Staffordshire probate records from this period.
5. The hay was not stored in the barn (or not all of it) and must have been stacked in a rick.
John Baggaley of Great Chell, will dated 24th May 1620, inventory taken 20th June, date of probate 1st July 1620.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my executor: all my freehold lands in the manor of Tunstall that I lately purchased known by the name of Outerlonges, for the term of 60 years, upon condition that my executor or administrator pay and discharge £50 of my debts to my creditors. If they refuse the lease and payment of £50, then I give and bequeath the freehold lands to my executor to be let for the term of 60 years for the payment to my [torn ?creditors] of the £50 or as much of it as the lands can be let for during that term.
To my executor: all my goods, on condition that she pay all the debts over £50; my intention is that my lands shall pay £50 of my debts, and my goods shall pay the rest.
After the expiry of 60 years, the land is to go to whichever of my children (and heirs for ever) my executor during the term will nominate.
To Elizabeth my wife (a third), John and Randle my sons, Alice, Margrett and Anne my daughter (two-thirds, equally to be divided): all my goods.
Executor: Elizabeth my wife.
Witnesses: Anthony Beech, William Rowley, R[?obert] Hodkinson, John Hodkinson.
Money owing to me John Baggaley
Edward Baggeley 27s 6d
James Swindels .....5s
Lent to the said Edward Baggaley a coverlid
Robert Collier ....7s
John Brownsward of Stoke .....2s 8d
Thomas Adames of Bemersley ...£3 6s 8d
Edward Elkin of Stoke 10s 6d
Money which I John Baggeley owe
To John Rowley of Turnehurst ... 24 [torn -?shillings/pounds]
To William Stonier .....£5
To Raphe Robinson ....£3
To Alice Perrie ...£6
To Robert Morgan of Keele ....£11
To Thomas Bourne the millner ... £2 [or 2 shillings]
To Mr Raphe Sneyd esquire ....£6
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes and Chattells late John Baggeley of greate Chell w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of wolstanton and dyocis of Couentrie & Lychfeild vewed and praissed by William Bourne of Ewtree Anthonie Beeche of great Chell & William Rowley of Turnehurst the twentith daie of June 1620 beinge praissers indefferentlie Chosen
foure kyne & heffers & three suclinge Calues
two weaninge Calues
foure twinter beasts
fiue sterkes
one Cowe taken for a herriott
one ould horse
one Sowe & pigs
three sheepe
all the pultrieware
all the corne vpon the ground
Corne in the howse
all the manure about the house
all the husbandrie ware
hempe vpon the grounge
all the brasse & puter in the house
all bordes formes Chests bedstides & all oth[e]r trynware
all bedinge & knapperie ware
his wearinge apparrell
all p[ro]uision of white meate & other vittailes
all the Iron ware in the howse
the howse & ground till Michaelmas next
all oth[e]r thinges not alreadie praissed
Notes
1. The lands which John Baggaley had bought the freehold of were ex-copyhold lands and amounted to 6 customary acres.
2. His debts - presuming they are all itemised - come to £57. Owing to him is the sum of £2 19s 4d (plus the coverlet!)
3. John Baggeley's clothing (only worth 10s) and lack of cash indicate that he has stinted himself. His widow's situation is not secure - the lease of the family's home has only a few more months to run. The note about the tuition bond in the probate records states that the children are still minors. Thomas Blackburne of Middlewich, saddler, entered into the bond with Elizabeth.
4. Some identifications:
John Brownsward at this time lived in a rented cottage in Stoke.
Edward Elkin of Stoke obtained an alehouse licence 14 years before this. Also, in 1609 Edward Elkin of Stoke, yeoman, stood as surety for £10, when a Penkhull labourer was bound before Ralph Sneyde esq. in his role as JP to keep the peace. In 1596 the Stoke upon Trent churchwardens paid him for making the ropes for the bells.
Raffe Bourne rented Burslem mill twenty years previously.
John Payne, died intestate, inventory taken 20th May 1620, administration granted 3rd June.
A true and perfect Inventory of all & singular the goods & cattels of John Payne who lately deceased intestate of the parish of Woolstanton.
two kine one calfe ....................................... £4 13s 4d
3 sheepe 1 lambe.......................................... 13s 4d
1 swine............................................................. 6s 8d
brasse & Pewter............................................. £2
tryne ware & wooden ware as coffers etc.. £1
bedding & napery stuffe ............................... £2
Iron stuffe & Implements for husbandry ..... 6s 8d
hempe & yarne ............................................... 2s 6d
bacon and corne ............................................ 10s
2 hens............................................................... 1s
paynted clothes & his money....................... 2s 6d
His waring clothes.......................................... £1 6s 8d
Sum[m]a totalis £13 2s 8d
The names of ye Prizers
Thomas Turmor, Raffe Morton, John Morton, and Thomas Bullocke
Notes
1. John Payne in 1615 held in copyhold a cottage, and two arable fields called the Marsh Croft and the Sparch Croft. These can be identified fairly probably with two fields on the 1839 Tithe Map as lying between The Marsh and Sparch Hollow.
2. The cottage is presumably adjacent to one of the fields, so it could be on The Marsh or on Sparch Hollow.
3. Presumably John Payne lived in the cottage and farmed the fields himself. We don't know if he held other land as a tenant. He may have had a share in the Town Meadows: his widow at the onset of winter 18 months later had approximately 3 loads of hay. He would have been able to pasture his animals on The Marsh.
4. His fields came to 2 customary acres (just over 4 statutory acres). It is unlikely that he survived on just the proceeds of agriculture, but there is no hint in the inventory of what trade he pursued.
5. The agricultural aspect of his livelihood: the fixed capital would be his 'implements for husbandry' and draught animals, if he had any. But neither in his or his widow's inventory are any draught animals (oxen or horses) mentioned. For ploughing he must have borrowed them. His widow mentions in her will "my trusty and beloved friend Thomas Bullocke of Woolstanton yeoman" who is a possible source.
6. The hemp, yarn, and corn could all have been produce of the previous year's harvest, and the bacon could have come from the slaughter of one of his own swine.
7. The valuation of the corn represents the output of no more than an acre. Some corn would by May have been consumed or sold. Neither the 1615 survey nor the inventory mention a barn going with the cottage, and the corn therefore must have been stored within the cottage.
8. Flax and hemp required ponds or pits. Retting was involved - steeping the plant in water to rot the soft tissues and leave the fibre. Beating the hemp then took place: the very detailed inventory of Margarett Sawbridge of Banbury (1605) lists in the kitchen 'one brake for hemp and a block to beat hemp in' (value 1s)
From the average prices from Chaddesley inventories and Quarter Sessions papers (1601-52) given by West (Village Records), hemp is 1s per knitchen, and flax as 6d per pound. Locally, hemp in one inventory (Agnes Morton 1603) is 2d per lb. It was the same price in Banbury where the sale of a deceased's goods on 21st June 1613 included 25 pounds of hemp for 4s 2d. Perhaps because of the low price hemp and flax fetched, big farmers were disinclined to grow it.
The ship building industry's requirement for hemp and flax (for sailcloth and cordage) were met by imports from the Baltic. Two relevant acts: A statute made for the sowing of hemp seed and flax - Act of 24 Hen VIII c4 (1533); and Act of 5 Eliz c. 5 (1563) enjoins farmers to plant one acre of flax for every 60 arable acres.] Thomas Tusser A Hundreth Good Points of Husbandrie encourages the sowing of flax and hemp - and implies the farmer's wife should ensure it is not overlooked:
For flax and for hemp, for to have of her owne
the wife must in May, take good hede it be sown.
And trimme it and keepe it, to serve at a nede:
the femble to spin, and the karle for her sede.
9. The amount of stock is small. No butter or cheese is listed in John's inventory, but is in his widow's. The equipment for making them are presumably included under a general heading (eg treenware and/or brass).
10. No separate rooms are mentioned, as they are in some inventories, so we don't know how many there were. Most of the dwellings in Wolstanton had only one hearth. The Hearth Tax of 1666 shows that a John Peane had a single hearth, and this may refer to the same dwelling.
11. The fact that the 1615 survey describes the fields as arable is significant. (Mostly the phrase "arable and pasture" is applied to the use of the fields in the manor.) There was no need to use the fields as pasture, with the Marsh available close-by.
12. It was very much a family small-holding. His widow's will suggests grown-up children had been, and continued to be, involved in aspects of farming. Outside help may have been needed at harvest time. But with a large family to help and by growing crops that were ready at different times, the expense of hiring reapers might be avoided.
13. In summary, his livelihood was the antithesis of specialisation. It was characterised by probably quite a variety of crops (flax, hemp, barley, oats,) and animal produce (butter, cheese, etc). The family aimed for self- sufficiency, but this was not wholly subsistence farming; for many centuries the local economy had been one where cash was needed to purchase goods and services (and pay rent, tithes and taxes). There was stock raising, dairy farming, and production of crops and animal products. Underwood from the hedges supplied material for treenware, fences and firewood. Plants from the garden and growing wild could be used for the cooking pot and home medication.
14. Painted cloths were common and were used for decoration eg for hangings for a four-poster bed, or for covering a wall or a chimney breast.
Joan Payne, widow, will dated 7th Nov 1621, inventory dated 4th December,[Mon] date of probate 10th December.
Will
To be interred in parish churchyard of Woolstanton.
To my eldest son Thomas Payne: 12d and one pound of wool the cupboard the painted cloths and all bed stocks.
To my son John Payne: one wether which he oweth me and ten shillings more, 2 pewter dishes a great one and a little one, a coffer.
If they challenge any portions accruing to them from their father dying intestate, then they shall have only 12d apiece.
To my son Mathew Payne: a heifer, a ewe and a lamb, 2 chargers a great and a little one.
in pair of sheets one blanket & twenty shillings of the money which my son Thomas oweth unto my daughter Joan as appears by a bond or bill.
To Mary Bullocke and Elizabeth Bullocke, daughters of Thomas Bullocke of Woolstanton: 6d apiece
To my daughter Joan: the residue of my goods, provided she gives hay to my son Mathew to winter his heifer with.
Executor: my trusty and beloved friend Thomas Bullocke of Woolstanton yeoman.
Thomas my son to discharge my funeral expenses because he is to enjoy the land and house; but if he refuse, then my daughter Joan to be at the cost of my burial.
X the mark of Joane Payne
Witnesses: Francis Capps,Thomas Bullocke, Richard Beech
Codicil
Memorandu[m] that Joane Payne aforsayd widow by reason that Thomas Bullocke thexecutor mentioned in her Will was newly deade was willing w[i]thout alteration of her will that her sone Thomas Payne should be her executor & that this will should be prooved at the equal charge of all her children to whome shee had given by her last will legacyes. novemb[er] 22 An[n]o d[omi]ni 1621
Witnesses: Fran[cis] Capp clerk, John Moreton
Inventory
1 cow 1 heifer.................................................................... £3
3 sheep................................................................................ 10s
1 swine................................................................................. 7s
Brass and pewter............................................................... £2
tryne ware and wooden ware and coffers cupboard etc... £1
Bedding and napery stuff........................................................ £1 10s
Iron stuff and implements for husbandry ............................... 5s
In hemp......................................................................................... 5s
Hens.............................................................................................. 1s
Painted cloths.............................................................................. 5s
Wearing apparel & money in her purse................................ £1
Hay............................................................................................... £1 10s
In Dunge....................................................................................... 2s 4d
In a debt owing by Mary Bullock............................................... 5s
In butter and cheese................................................................... 9s
Sum[m]a totalis £12 9s 4d
Prized by vs 4 of December: John Moreton, Thomas Turmer
Thomas Bullocke of Wolstanton yeoman, will dated 15th November 1621, inventory taken 30th November,[Thurs] date of probate 10th December.
Will
Body to be buried [not specified where].
To my daughter Mary (or such of my children as shall inherit my lands after my decease): one cupboard, one table with frame and forms and painted cloth in the [house?], half a weeting fatt which I have jointly with William Smyth, and one witch.
Residuary legatees: Mary my wife and my two youngest children, if such child as she now goeth with is a daughter, when my daughter is 19.
To my executors: all that pasture or close of land called Oakers flatt with the appurtenances which I purchased of John Burslem to have and to hold to them and their assignee[e]s fro[m] and after my decease for and during the term of 21 years for and towards the payment of my debts; if the aforesaid land for the aforesaid term will not extend for the satisfying of all my debts then my will is that my executors shall forth of my goods take so much of my goods as shall discharge the rest undischarged. Provided always that if Mary my wife refuse to convey and assign unto such person as my executors shall assign the aforesaid close called Oakers flatt, and all her right in it for the foresaid term for the payment of my debts, then she shall lose the benefit of my goods bequeathed to her.
To Mary my daughter and her assigns: all my lands, tenements, meadows, leasows, and pastures with the appurtenances in Wolstanton, wherein I have any estate of inheritance, yielding and paying unto Elizabeth my daughter and to such other child as my wife goeth with (if it be a daughter) £30 a year when they reach the age of 19. And if either of my children hap to die.....
Provided always that if my wife have a son to inherit my land, she shall pay to my daughters £30 a year [when they reach 19]. In case of default of payment, I bequeath to them at age 19 all that close or pasture called Oakers flatt and one other parcel of land called Ba[rn?] Crofte with the appurtenances to them and theirs for ever, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the present document.
To those godchildren that I am uncle to: 2s each.
To other godchildren: 6d each.
To those I am uncle to, not formerly mentioned: [torn]
Executors: [torn] [Mary my wife and John] Rabone.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: Henrye Meire, John Morton, Thomas Bagnall, William Smyth.
A true & perfect acount of all the goods of Thomas Bullocke of wolstanton in the Countie of stafford yeaman Lately deseased
five Beasts..........................................£13
one mare, A twinter colt )
seven Lams & one swine )............... £7
Corne & Heay..................................... £2
one Cart all Iron ware &
Husbandry ware................................. £2 6s 8d
Brasse & pewter................................. £1 10s
Three beds & napery ware............... £6
Coffers.................................................. £1
Butter & Cheese & such provision
as is in the house................................£2
one which[,] one Cubbord with
other trine ware................................... £1
one table with frame & fourmes
and other bords & painted clothes... £1 10s
Gheese & other pultry......................... 6s 8d
Hemp & flax.......................................... 6s 8d
his Aparell & money in his purse...... £2
the some £40
These goods weare praysed the last dai of november in the yeare of our lord 1621
by John Morton & William Smith
Notes
1. Oakers Flatt was on the north side of Pitgreen Lane in Wolstanton. Possibly his house was not far away. As in a number of cases of land specifically named in wills, this 'close or pasture' was a recent purchase (made since 1615).
2. 'Weeting fatt' - a brewing vessel. His partner, William Smyth, owned part of a house in Wolstanton.
3. John Rabone is described in the grant of probate as webster (ie weaver) of Astbury, Cheshire.
George Twemlowe of Brerehurst, yeoman, will dated 14th December 1620, inventory taken 8th January 1620/1, date of probate 29th January 1620/1.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Lawton.
To Margerie my wife: the use and profit of my dwelling-house and barn, with all my meadows, leasowes and pastures in Breryhurst, during her life if she continues a widow. If she marries again, my will is that my son John Twamlowe shall take over the house and grounds and pay his mother £10 within a quarter of a year of her marriage.
To John my son: my best brass pot.
To my wife: all my goods and cattle and all my goods both moveable and unmoveable, within and outside the house.
To Margerie my wife jointly with my son Andrew: the reversion that I have now remaining in the Admittes Feildes which are now in the occupation of Richarde Drakeford and William Drakeford his son; if neither of them [ie wife and son] live so long, then to William Halle, my son-in-law.
To my son John's children: 10 shillings.
To Nicholas Hopsonne's children: 10 shillings.
To Richard Podmore's children: 10 shillings.
To Margrett Beech: 5 shillings.
To Marie Slade: 5 shillings.
To Ann Badeley: 5 shillings.
To Roger Wearam: 1 shilling.
To Richard Pott's children: 2s 6d.
To Margrett Whylocke: 1s.
Executors: my son John Twemlowe and my son-in-law William Halle.
Overseers: my brother John Twemlowe and my brother Andrewe Twemlowe.
Debts owing to George Twemlowe
John Whythaugh of Broockehouse ...................... £10
Mrs Rode ................................................................... £4 5s
Richard Cartright of Moule ..................................... £10
William Smith of Bradnapp .................................... £4 10s.
Hughe Lownes ......................................................... £9
Randle Hildiche of Scollaegreene ........................ £8
Anthonie Milnes ......................................................... £1 6s
William Kelsall ................................................................... 2s
John Twemlowe ........................................................ £3
William Frost .............................................................. £1 12s 8d
Randle Wilkinson ...................................................... £2
Randle Hildiche of Scollaegreene ......................... £1 10s.
Sum £54 9s 8d.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all they goodes and Chattelles late George Twamlowes of Breriehurst w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of woolstanton and Countie of Staff[ord] disseased as they weire preased the eight daie of Januarie an[n]o d[omi]ni 1620 by [inserted: Joan Twamloe] Nicholas Hobson William Slade and Andrewe Twemlowe preasers indifferentlie chosen.
Twoe kyne £4
One twinter heffer and two bullocke sterkes £4
one baye Mare £1
Nyne sheepe £1 10s 0d
Barlie Oates and other corne £3 13s 4d
For haye £1 6s 8d
Husbandrie ware as wheeles plowes harrowes weanes yokes cheanes axes and all other implements belonginge vnto husbandrie whatsoeu[er]
Beddinge and Linnens and Naperie ware
his owne apparell
Bedstockes Chestes boardes shelfes Tressles Cheares stooles stoondes and all such tryne ware whatsoeu[er]
Brasse and Pwyter
A grate Tounges, spittes, gorbardes, ballisse, pott rackes and a fryeinge pann
Eyght yeares terme in Admitts feildes
Three yeares terme in one close called Sponde
Two yeares terme in one close called kidhey
Three Millnestones
His p[ar]te of Fyve stones
For one little stone
Monie in the house
A stalle of Bees
Poultrie ware
Butter Cheese & two flitches of bacon & salt meate
One swyne
Woolle Hempe and Flax
Stontrowes
Manure and dounge
Notes
1.George Twemlow of Moule was constable in 1614. Moule (Mow Cop) is where millstones were quarried, and most of it was in the township of Brerehurst. He evidently had a partner, and one or other of them would have had a lease or licence from the lord of the manor to quarry millstones. (In 1694 William Sneyd, the then lord of the manor, received £10 in rent from 5 millstone quarries within the manor of Tunstall.) 'Kidhey' is in Moule, on the border of Brerehurst and Stadmorelow, judging from the 1719 manor boundary description.
2. He lived nearer to Church Lawton in Cheshire, than to his parish church of Wolstanton, where neither he nor his wife were buried. Scholar Green is in Cheshire, just over the county boundary. Bradnop is to the east of Leek. John Whythaugh/Whitehall/Whitall of Broockehouse lived about two-and-a-half miles away to the south-east. William Kelsall of Audley ics mentioned in a 1638 inventory of debts. William Frost and Randall Wilkinson were both of Brerehurst.
3. Balisse = bellows.
4. Besides the farm-house, the only farm building mentioned is a barn. Perhaps the barn, as well as being used for storage of crops was an all-purpose building which could also house cattle, if required to. The bay mare is distinguished by its colour, perhaps because it shared its quarters with other mares.
5. George Twemlowe had been the lessee and the lease had eight more years to run. The reversion of the Admites Fields is the right of succession to the lease after his death. The succession to the leases for the other two fields had evidently been planned for, as well as who was to have the house and grounds.
Margrette Sneade of Tunstall, no will, inventory taken 11th March 1621/2,[Sun] date of admon 28th March 1622
A trewe and P[er]fecte Inventorie of all the Goodes that weare Margrette Sneades of Tunstall at the tyme of her deceas in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton and countye of Stafford deceased taken and praysed the Eleventh daye of march in the yeare of our Lorde God one Thowsand sixe Hundred Twentye & one by these p[er]sonns followinge Anthonie Beech of Chell Thomas Baddaley Robarte Parker of Tunstall and William Tunstall in ma[n]nor & forme followinge
All man[n]or of Beddinge ............................................... £1 10s
all napprie ware .............................................................. 6s 8d
all Brasse and pewter .................................................... £1
one Iorne grate .............................................................. 6s 8d
one potte Cheane tounges w[i]th other
small Implementes of Iorne ........................................... 1s 6d
Too Coffers ...................................................................... 3s
Cheres stooles boardes & spininge wheles .............. 6s 8d
c[er]tayne treene ware ................................................... 2s
App[ar]ell for her bodie .................................................. £1 10s
c[er]tayne Bills of Debte due to the
p[ar]tye deceased .......................................................... £9
c[er]tayne small debtes w[hi]ch weare oweinge
to the p[ar]tye deceased are these followinge viz
William Tunstall doth owe ............................................. 18s
Richard Clweley doth owe ............................................ 10s
Richard Perrye doth owe ............................................... 10s
Anthonie Colcloughe doth owe .................................... 2s 9d
[Total £16 7s 3d]
Notes
1. At the probate court Alice Sneade her sister was granted administration of the estate, and a bond was entered into by John Burne of Chell, yeoman, and John Tunstall of Ramscliffe, tailor.
2. At 6s 8d, the grate is the highest valued one in this collection.
3. John Glover (in this collection) owed her 1s 6d when he died in February 1612/3.6
Emme Bagnald, widow, [?of Chatterley], will dated 17th March 162[?0], inventory taken 20th March 1621/2, date of probate 28th June 1622.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Woolstanton.
To Margret Wi[llat?] my daughter's child: 10s which is in the hands of her father.
To Els Edge my goddaughter: 4s.
To Richard Snead my godson: 4s.
Residuary legatee and executor: my son John Bagnald.
Witnesses: Roger Smith, John Smith, Eline Rowley.
a treue & p[er]fect Inventarye of all the goodes & Chattles Cattle moueable & vnmovable of Eme Bagnald widow latlye deceased p[re]sed by vs Roger Smith Henrye Bourne John Smith Rowley John willat the xxth of march 1621.
towe black kine ................................................................................................. £5
on Fetherbed tow Chafbed & three Coverletes tow blancketes
tow twilshites tow boulsters tow pillowes ................................................... £1 10s
linen stufe .......................................................................................................... 10s
tow Chistes tow peare of bedstockes tow tables one forme one
Cupbord one dishbord ..................................................................................... 15s
one pott one pane tow kettles five pouter dishes tow candlestic[kes] .... [£1 13s 4d]
trine ware ............................................................................................................ 5s
her wearinge Cloth ........................................................................................... 10s
one grate one bradreth w[i]th the rest of the iron ware .............................. 3s [4d]
all the rest of the thinges of Small value ...................................................... 1s
debtes owinge to the said decesed by Richard Snead ............................. £1 2s
sum[m]e is £11 9s 8d
Notes
1. She is identifiable as the widow of Francis Bagnald of the township of Chatterley, where the witnesses also lived.
2. 'bradreth' - this was part of the fireplace.
3. The hay for the 2 cows is not mentioned in the inventory and was perhaps provided by someone else, such as her son John.
4. 'black kine' - the colour is perhaps mentioned so as to distinguish them from the other cattle her son had.
Hugh Wilkinson of Kidcrowe, will dated 2nd Jan 1622/3, inventory taken 27th January 1622/3, date of probate 4th February 1622/3.
Will
To Randle Wilkinson, my brother: a bill of £10, to be put forth or employed during the life of Alice Wilkinson, my mother, for paying her 20s every year that she lives.
My will is that Randle Wilkinson shall have £6, and Richard Wilkinsonne, my brother, shall have £4 of it.
To my brother John Wilkinson: a debt of £5 which he owes me.
Residuary legatee: Henrie Wilkinson, my brother, "soe that he see me honestlie brought vnto my grave And discharge what by Lawe is due for me to be paide."
A p[er]fect Inventorie of al the goodes and chattells late of Hughe Wilkinsons of Kidcrowe in the p[ar]ish of Woolstanton and countie of Staff[ord] singlema[n] disseased praised and taken by Richard Whytall and Richard Coleclough both of the p[ar]ish Indifferentlie chosen the 27th daie of Januarie An[n]o d[omi]no 1622.
his wearinge apparell ........................ 10s
One Cheste ........................................... 3s 4d
Monie in his pursse ............................. 2s
One debte owinge him of ................... £10
An other debt owinge him of .............. £5
£15 15s 4d
Debtes owinge by the s[ai]d Hughe Wilkinsonne
To Richarde Colecloughe 2s
Notes
1. Henry Wilkinson his brother, who was a nailer of Kidcrew, was granted the administration of his goods.
2. Hugh Wilkinson gave his brother Randle a bill of exchange. In the period before paper bank notes came into existence, a bill served as a form of money. It was a written order to someone to pay a sum of money to the drawer or another person. A bill could be sold or, as in this case, bequeathed. Hugh wanted the money invested to give a 10% annual return. (From 1571, interest not exceeding 10% ceased to be a criminal offence in this country.)
Randull Patteson of Knutton, yeoman, will dated ?, inventory taken 21st June 1623, date of probate 8th July.
Will
My body to be buried in the earth whereof it is made.
To Margrett my well-beloved wife and her assigns for the term of her natural life: one half of the messuage or tenement where I now live; and half of all barns, buildings, orchards, gardens, meadows, leasows ['lessures'], pastures, woods, ways, waters and commons with appurtenances in Knutton or elsewhere in Staffordshire.
To Ann Pratchat: £20.
To Richard my son: £20.
To Thomas and Randull Patteson my sons: £15 each.
To Joane Henshall and Marie Pratchat: a year-old calf each.
To Joysse Henshall my daughter: 12d for child's part.
To Margrett my wife for the term of her life, and after her, to my son John Patteson: the use and occupation of one half of all my wains, yokes, chains, ploughs, harrows and all other utensils of husbandry.
To the said John: one joined table and frame in the parlour, and the other half of all my wains, yokes, chains, ploughs, harrows and all other utensils of husbandry.
Executors: Margaret my wife and Robert Burslem.
Witnesses: John Bowyer, William Gibson, Thomas Bagnald.
[Signs by mark]
A true & a p[er]ect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattels, Chattels, of Randul Patson of Knutton Late of wolstanton Deceased taken & the praised the xxth of June by John Clownome Anthonie
Beech & John Bowyer praisers 1623
4 kine
3 Twinters
2 sterkes
2 Calves
one mare & a Twinter Coult
2 Swyne
all the geeise & Pullen
all the Brasse & Pweter
3 fetterbedes & 3 Chaffbedes
Eight cou[er]lides & blanketes
three Twillsheetes
11 boultsters and pillowes
14 payre of Sheeites
all other Linon & naperie ware
Fyve paire of Bedstides
6 Chestes & quoffors
2 Tables & 2 formes
all Cheares stoules & shulfes
2 spits 2 grates one fire shoule on paire of tongues
flesh att the Roofe & whitmeate in the house
Corne on the ground
Corne & malte in the house
2 Ironebounde weanes
yokes plowes Cheanes harrowes & other husbandrie furniture
Loumes Turnils Comnps & all other wooden & treene ware
all the worthing & mucke
all other thinges Vnpraised
his aparrell & money in his purse
Raphe Wedgwood [?of Brerehurst], will dated 2nd April 1622, buried 7th April, inventory taken 16th April 1622, date of probate 27th March1623. [check if proved]
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Biddulph.
To Thomas Wedgwood, my eldest son: 12d.
To Jone Howse, my eldest daughter: 12d.
To Jane Wedgwood, my second daughter: 12d.
To An Wedgwood, one other of my daughters: 12d.
To Margreat Wedgwood, another of my daughters: 12d.
To Isbell Wedgwood, my youngest daughter: 12d.
To John Wedgwood, my youngest son: 12d.
To John Howse my son-in-law: 12d.
Residuary legatee and executor: Margreat Wedgwood my wife.
Witnesses: Thomas Wedgwood, John Boulton, Jane Boulton, Worber Dooton.
[Signs by mark]
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie Indented of all the goodes and Cattalles of Raphe Wedgwood late of Wolstanton in the Countie of Stafford deceased seene vewed and appraised by Richard Podmore Fraunces Turner John Boulton the xvjth daie of Aprill in the Anno D[omi]ni 1622.
one Barren Cowe ....................................................................................................... £2
Beddinge brasse Pewter Bordes bedsteedes shilfes treene ware
Iron ware And all kinde of Impementes with gise & hennes ............................. £2
one lease of a Cottage and one Acre of land for the tearme of xij Yeares ...... £8
All his Apparrell ........................................................................................................... 10s
[£12 10s] Notes
1. This inventory was indented: two copies of the inventory will have been made on a single sheet; having been cut and separated, one copy would then have been taken to the probate court and the other would have been retained.
2. 'Worber Dooton' is a lady's name, as it seems to be the same as that of Warburs, whose husband Rycharde Colcloght of Wolstanton parish died in 1536 or 1537. (Also Walburgis Smythe - baptized at Audley Feb 3rd 1540; and Warbura Wilkenson - buried at Audley June 23rd 1548)
3. A writ relating to Stafford Quarter sessions in January 1609 mentions Ralph Wedgwood and Richard Podmore as defendants. Jurors in the neighbourhood of Brerehurst were to be summoned.
Anne Turnocke, no will, date of admon 3rd December 1623, inventory dated [16th] December 1623 [Mon]
A true Inventory of the goodes of Anne [Turnocke] late of Wolstanton deceased taken the sixt[.........] of December 1623 by John Turnocke and Francis Turnocke as Followethe
in Money ............[ ....]
her app[ar]ell .... £1 [..]
Note
1.These two items are the only ones; the torn portions would have shown the exact amounts.
William Alcock of Wolstanton, husbandman, date of will 17th Oct 1620, inventory taken 2nd July 1623 [Tue], date of probate 17th July
Will
To be buried in the parish church or churchyard of Wolstanton, and my funeral expenses shall be answerable to my estate, degree and calling.
To my daughter Margrett More: 12d for her child's part.
To my daughter Katherine Key: 12d for her child's part;
and to her two sons Thomas Key and John Key: 20s each.
To my daughter Elizabeth Lankishire: 12d for her child's part;
and her two daughters Margrett Lankishire and her other daughter: 20s each.
Executor and residuary legatee: Margrett Alcock, my wife.
Overseers: William Marten of Blourton and Thomas Bullock of Wolstanton.
To my son Henrie Alcocke 12d for his child's part.
[No witnesses, or testator's signature or mark]
A True & p[er]fect Inventory of all the goods of William Alcocke Latly deseased the ii of July 1623.
Three kine and a sterke
one nagge
one parsill of ground held by Lease
Brasse & pewter
Beddinge & Napery ware
one Cubbord
one swine
butter & Cheese
Coffers
Trine ware
all Iron ware
Corne Hay & hempe
Detts oweinge vnto him
His Aparell & money in his purse
muck
John Willat thelder & John Willat the yonger & Raphe Morton & John Morton thelder preasors
Notes
1. The bequest to the son is added after.
2. The three married daughters were from a previous marriage; he had only been married three years to Margrett when he died. It is possible that his daughter Margarett was the one who married Richard Marsh at Burslem in 1605.
Richard Colton of Grobers Ash, yeoman, will dated 14th May 1623, inventory taken 31st May 1623, date of probate 4th June 1623.
Will
Being sound and of perfect health.
Revokes all former wills.
To be buried in the parish church of Audley in the middle aisle.
To the poorest householders of the parish of Audley by the direction of my executors: 40s.
To Alice my wife: the messuage or tenement in which I live, and all the lands, meadows, leasows and pastures belonging to it with the appurtenances in Wolstanton and Apedale demised to me by William Bowyer esq deceased, for her life, she keeping herself sole and unmarried. And if she marries again after my decease, then my intention is that the property will pass to Thomas Latham and his assigns.
To Alice my wife: £50, six kine, my best [feather]bed and everything belonging to it, and another bed (except for the joined bed and bedstock(s)) for a servant to lie on, suitably equipped.
To the children of my son-in-law Henry Wood, gentleman (other than to his son and heir whoever he then shall be): £100 to be equally divided.
Additionally, to my godson Richard Wood, one of Henry Wood's sons, his heirs and assigns for ever: the messuage or tenement called the Quarrell house and all the lands, meadows and pastures belonging to it with the appurtenances in Audley, now or late in the tenure of Thomas Bloore or his assigns.
To Michaell Nicholls my son-in-law: £40 for Richard, Thomas, Ellin and Ann Nichols, my grandchildren.
To my son-in-law Henry Wood: my best iron-bound wheels and my best tumbrel.
To my daughter Ann Wood: my second best featherbed and sheets, bolsters, pillows, [cover]ings and the furnishings for a bed (except bedsteads); my best brass pan, five great pewter voiders and six silver spoons.
To Rondull Whitehough my son-in-law: £10.
To Robert Whiteough, Colton Whyteough, Ann Whyteough and Ellin Whyteough: £10 each.
To Roger Whitticars: 20s.
To Margrett Huntbach and Alice Doody: 20s each.
To John Doody, Alice's son: 20s.
To the children of my sister Alice [?Ri]eyste: £10 to be equally divided.
To Thomas Lathom for Colton Lathom, Ellen Latham and Elizabeth Latham his children, to be equally divided: £30.
To every one of my godchildren who will demand it within one year of my death: 6s 8d.
To Alice Latham (after my wife has died, if after my decease she stays unmarried and continues to live at my present dwelling house at Grobers Ashe): all the rest of my beds, bedding and bedsteads (whether joined or otherwise), brass and pewter which I have not already bequeathed, all my tables, boards, forms, frames and other household goods (excepting the table, and frame and forms belonging to it, which is in my house and which I give to Henry Wood).
To Thomas Latham: all the rest of my boards, wains, yokes, chains, ploughs and other implements of husbandry.
Residuary legatee: my son-in-law Henry Wood.
Executors: Henry Wood and Randull Whyteough.
Witnesses: John Smyth, William Bowers, Thomas Bagnall.
A true and perfect Inventory Indented of All the goods Cattle and Chattles of Richard Colten of the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton in the County of Stafford yeoman deceased valued and praysed by will[ia]m yardley, Richerd wood, will[ia]m Bowers and will[ia]m Swinnerton the last day of may 1623.
vij oxen ........................................................................... £32
vij kine ............................................................................ £14
one Bull ......................................................................... £3 6s 8d
ij Bullocks ...................................................................... £3 6s 8d
one heifer & a bull Calfe ............................................. £2 6s 8d
v stirks ............................................................................ £5
iiij Calves ....................................................................... £2
xx sheepe & xiiij lambes ............................................. £6
iij swine .......................................................................... £1 16s
one mare ....................................................................... £3 10s
one Colt ......................................................................... £4
v henns & a Cocke ....................................................... 2s 6d
Beddinge ....................................................................... £10 6s 8d
Brasse & pewter ........................................................... £4 6s 10d
linnen .............................................................................. £4 8s 4d
Apparrell for his Body ................................................. £4
Bedsteds bedstocks Cupbords Chests tables &
formes ............................................................................. £9 6s
Iron ware ......................................................................... 15s
Corne & mault ................................................................ £3 4s
Corne one the grownd .................................................. £20
lime stone ........................................................................ £4
hey and strawe ................................................................ 10s
a shootinge givn .............................................................. 10s
one Carpett ....................................................................... 2s 6d
Carts weines Cheines & othe[r] husbandrie ware..... £7 6s 4d
a Saddle & bridles ............................................................ 6s 8d
Beoffe Bacon & salt .......................................................... £2 3s
Butter & Cheese ................................................................ 10s
Manvre or Donge ............................................................... £1
Cheires boukes spininge wheles w[i]th other
treene woodden ware w[i]th all other things not
before valued ....................................................................... £2 4s 8d
Debts due vpon specialty ............................................. £345 10s 8d
Debts due w[i]thout specialtye .................................... £5
Redy money .................................................................... £14
Sixe silver spoones ....................................................... £3
S[u]m[ma] Totallis £559 9s 2d
[Actual £519 9s 2d]
Notes
1. The inventory has the highest inventory total for a Wolstanton parishioner between 1600 and 1650 and the highest amount owing to him. His £2 to the poorest householders (i.e heads of household) of Audley parish is the only instance of philanthropy in this collection of wills.
2. He had freehold land but how many acres is not known.
3. Plot (1686) refers to liming being necessary for the black moorland soils in Staffordshire and says that limestone was to be found all over the county. There are no references in the Wolstanton parish inventories to limestone before this one. (There are nine other references in the inventories taken before 1650.)
4.' a shootinge givn' - This must be a shooting device other than a gun.
5. The grant of probate refers to a tuition bond for the executor to fulfill, involving seven children of Richard Colton. The nature of his bequests to his wife cover the possibility that his wife may or may not marry again.
6. The discrepancy at the bottom of the inventory between the actual total and stated total, is probably due to a copyist error, putting roman numeral 'l' for 'x'. The inventory looks as if it was a copy. Is the colt which is priced more highly than the mare an error as well?
James Coleclough, no will, inventory taken 30th January 1623/4, administration granted 18th March 1623/4.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all they goodes and Chattelles moovable and I[m]moovable of James Colecloughe of the p[ar]ishe of Woolstanto[n] in the Diocesse of Co[ventrie] & Lich[field] latelye disseased, had and taken by John Bourne Randle Whytaugh Thomas Rowley and John Rowley being praisers In differentlie chosen, the 30th daie of Januarie A[n]no d[omi]ni 1623
Two Calues 0 16s 0
Three kyne £6 0 0
Corne and Haie in the barne £1 0 0
[?fyue] Sheepe £1 6s 8d
Brasse and Pewter £1 10s 0
Beddinge £3 0 0
Three Coffers, two boxes, one whitche 0 8s 0
Bordes Formes and bedstockes 0 8s 0
The Trine Ware 0 4s 0
One grate, one brouche, one fryinge
panne, one paire of tounges, one mat-
tocke, one axe, one paire of plowe
Irons one paire of potrackes and other
Iron Ware 0 8s 0
Woolle, hempe and yarne 0 5s 0
Butter and Cheese 0 6s 8d
Two Flitches of Bacon 0 10s 0
One Harrowe, one Bill, and other
husbandrie ware 0 2s 8d
Three Geese and one Henne 0 2s 6d
Wayringe apparrell & monie in his purse £1 0 0
Som[ma] total[is] £17 7s 6d [Checked]
Notes
1. James Colclough had a cottage with only a few acres of land. A comparison of James' stock and goods with those of his father (Edward - Sept 1602) shows a decline. He owed money to his sister Ellen when she died in 1619. Some of the men who died intestate in this period had large debts.
Administration was granted to his widow, Joan Coleclough - she is described as of Olcott. John Rowley of Olcott, carpenter, was also mentioned. His sister Ellen in her will gives the names of his three children.
2. The figures in the inventory are arranged as shown but with roman numerals. During this half-century the changeover from roman to arabic numerals can be seen in inventories.
Robeart Twiford of Woolstanton, will dated 8th February 1623/4, died [and buried] 7th April 1624, date of probate 20th April 1624, inventory exhibited 31st May 1624.
Will
Sick in body.
To every one of his children begotten of his first wife and this his last wife: 10s each.
Residuary legatee and executrix: Elizabeth his present wife.
Witnesses: Francis Capps vicar of Woolstanton, Roger Prosall
A trew and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes and Cattells and Chattels of Robeart Twiford of Woolstanton Lately decesed w[hi]ch said Robeart decesed the seventh day of Aprill 1624 praysed by vs Thomas Turmor John Turnocke Thomas Fenton Thomas Henshall
quicke goodes
six kine w[i]th three younge Calves one stirck one ould mare hey ........ £14
three henes ...................................................................................................... 1s
Dead goodes
Brasse and puter ............................................................................................ £2 6s
one fetherbed tow flock bedes fower boulsters tow pillowes ................ £2
fower Coverledes Coveringes tow twilshites tow blancketes ................ £1 6s 8d
eyght peare of shites tow table Cothes towells and napkins
tow pillowebeares ........................................................................................... £1 10s
tow peare of bedstockes one Chest one Cofer one Cheere one table
w[i]th all woodden and trine ware ................................................................. £1
milke pan[n]es steanes and potes ........................................................... 1s
one grat one peare of plow irons one bill one hachet w[i]th all other
iron ware ............................................................................................................ 5s
yorne ................................................................................................................... 3s 4d Corne in the house and vppon the grou[n]d ............................................... £1
his weringe apparell ........................................................................................ £1
dounge ............................................................................................................... 3s 4d
provicion in the house ..................................................................................... £1
all other thinges of Smale value vnprysed .................................................. 1s
Som[m]e is £24 18s [Actual is £25 17s 4d] Notes
1. It is a nuncupative will. By inference, the vicar Francis Capps dictated it to Roger Prosall. The inventory is in the same hand. (Nothing more is known about Roger Prosall, except that his handwriting can be identified in some other wills or inventories.)
2. Elizabeth Twyford, widow, was buried in 1632.
Anne Bowyer of Ewtree, widow, will dated 21st May 1624, buried 27th May 1624, date of probate 5th July 1624, no inventory.
Will
In the name of god Amen. The eyghteenth one & twentith daye of Maie in the yeare of our lord god 1624 I Anne Bowyer of Ewtree w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of woolstanton and Diocesse of Co[uentrie] and Lich[field] widdow late wyffe of Richard Bowyer gent[leman] deceased beinge in good and p[er]fect memorie blessed and praysed be my god therfore But forasmuch as the lorde hath appoynted his children to sett there houses in order and that I knowe the houre of death to be vncertaine doe make this my testament conteyninge my last will in man[er] and forme followinge Imp[rimis] I give and bequeath my poure soule as a Freewill offerringe vnto my most m[er]cifull god and lovinge father earnestlie beseechinge him for his sonne Jhesus christe his sake that he will accept and receaue it into his glorious kingdome when it shalbe deliu[er]ed from this miserable and mortall bodie of myne w[hi]ch I stidfastlie beleive he will doe desyringe the lorde to strengthen my faith that it neu[er] faile till I attaine the ende of my hope even the p[re]sence of my god And my bodie to be buried in the p[ar]ish church of Biddulphe Ite[m] I give and bequeath vnto Catherine Bowyer my daughter the som[m]e of one hundred & Fiftie poundes Ite[m] I giue and bequeathe vnto my sonne in lawe Deantrie and Margrett my daughter and his wife either of them tenn shillinges Ite[üm] I give and bequeathe vnto my saide daughter Margret all my wearinge apparell Ite[m] I give and bequeathe vnto my daughters Catherine and Ann either of them one of my best feather beddes and furnishinge for them to be sett forth by my brother Francis Bowyer and my brother William Bourne Ite[m] I give and bequeath vnto my saide daughters Catherine and Ann two p[ar]tes of all my brasse and pewter Ite[m] I give & bequeath vnto Marie Bowyer alias Lander tenn poundes Item I give and bequeath all the rest of my goodes debtes and chattelles after my debtes be paide Funerall expences and legacies discharged vnto Lewis Bowyer and for the p[er]formance of this my last will vnto the glorie of god and the good of my children I nominate and appoynte Fraruncis Bowyer and William Bourne my brother in lawes my executors.
Ann Bowyer her m[ar]ke.
Sealed and deliu[er]ed in the p[re]sentes of vs Ursulae Burne Margret Bourne John Burne Ann Boulde
Notes
1. The insertions later than the 18th May were the designation of Anne Bowyer as widow of Richard Bowyer, and the bequest to Marie Bowyer alias [?L]ander.
2. An inventory was to be produced before Michaelmas 1624, but this was not done.
3. 'either of them' = each of them. Catherine and Ann are the unmarried daughters - their bedding will be hired out ('sett forth') until they are married.
4. She was living at William Bourne's house, Ewtree, which was situated between Tunstall and Goldenhill. It was not unusual for gentlemen with large houses to accommodate members of their wider family. Anne Bowyer must have been his wife Ursula's sister.
John Fenton of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 16th August 1624, inventory taken 23rd August, date of probate 24th August 1624.
Will
To be buried in the churchyard of Woolstanton.
To Thomas Fenton of Woolstanton my brother and his heirs for ever: my dwelling house wherein I now inhabit with all buildings, lands etc which I have lately purchased; Thomas is to allow Margery my wife to enjoy the property for her life, and to discharge my debts.
Also: all my wearing apparel; and (after my wife's decease) the reversion of my two carts and their gear, all the tables, shelves, bedstocks, chairs, stools, forms, the grate in the house, and all wooden ware in my house except three coffers.
To my godson Raphe Biche (after my wife's decease): the coffer in the parlour and the better of the other two coffers.
To my godson John Biche (after my wife's decease): the third coffer.
To ...Grawcocke my servant: one pair of sheets.
Residuary legatee and executrix: my wife Margery.
Witnesses: William Gibson, John Biche, Edward Beardmore, Thomas Tumkinson, John Hill.
[A] trew and p[er]fect Inventary of all the goodes and Chattles [of] John Fenton of Knutton latly decesed praysed by vs John Clownam John Boyer John Biche Tobias Cocke ye xxiijth of August 1624
one ould Cow one stirck tow weni[n]g Calves
one mare
one swine
tow henes
brasse and pewter
bedding and nappery ware
tables formes bordes shilfes bedstockes Cofers and al trine ware
on grat and all iron ware
sacks
tow cartes w[i]th all horse geeres
all Inplementes of husbandrie
p[r]ovicion in the house
fuell
do[u]nge
Corne in the house and on the gro[u]nd
heaye
his weringe apparell
money in his purse
linen Cloth yorne towe
all other thinges of Smale valew
Notes
1. His brother's will and inventory are in this volume.
2. He was probably farming at Heath End (in Wolstanton parish) at the start of the century, while the owner, John Smith, was still in his minority. By 1607 he had moved elsewhere in Knutton, probably to his final home. By 1614 he was a freeholder, and served on the Freeholders Jury for Newcastle manor in that year and the next.
3. Some of the surnames are more commonly spelt as Beech, Bowyer, Cooke and Tomkinson.
4. The gear of the bequeathed carts is the means of securing each one to the mare.
Alice Coulton of Grobers Ashe, widow, will dated 17th June 1623, inventory taken 2nd May 1625, date of probate 10th May 1625.
Will
To be buried in the middle aisle of the parish church of Audley.
To Roger Whittakers: 20s.
To Elizabeth Terrick: 20s.
To John Doodie: 20s.
To William Swynerton and Jane Swynerton his wife: an 11shilling piece of gold each.
To Joane Nicholls: an 11shilling piece of gold.
To Ellin Whitetough: 5s 6d.
To my daughter Anne Wood: 12d.
To every one of my godchildren: 12d each.
I give 20s to be distributed at their discretion by my executors to such poor householders who are most in need.
To Ellin Turner: 5s.
To Allice Latham: 2s 6d.
Residuary legatees: Margarett Huntbache and Allice Doodie.
Executors: William Swynerton, Richard Wood and Margarett Huntbach.
Witnesses: William Eardley [signs by mark], John Beech, Thomas Bagnall.
Alice Coulton's mark.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of All the goodes Credittes debtes Rightes and dues w[hi]ch late were Allice Coultons of Trentham in the County of Stafford widdowe deceased, made and taken, and the said goodes prised by Nicholas Townsend and Robert Tailor of Trentha[m] aforesaid husbandmen, the second day of May anno d[omi]ni 1625.
her bedd w[i]th the blanckettes Coverlettes boulster £ s d
pillowes and sheetes thervnto belonginge .................................. 4 0 0
all her Napperie ware ....................................................................... 2 10 0
her Chest all her wearinge Apparrell and other thinges
therein contayned her purse and money ...................................... 6 13 4
one pewter Cupp ............................................................................... 1 0
one Bond from Raphe Saxon of Betley in the County of Stafford
aforesaid Innehoulder, w[i]th suerties w[i]thin for the payment . 11 0 0
one other Bond from Thomas Latha[m] of Grobbers Ashe in
the County aforesaid Tanner, for the payment of ......................... 14 0 0
Sum[m]e is £38 4s 4d
By vs Nicholas Townsend Robert Tailer prisers
Notes
1. Grubbers Ash, where she was living at the time of her will, was near the western edge of the parish of Wolstanton; William Eardley, John Beech and Richard Wood were neighbours.
2. The will of her late husband Richard Colton explains the relationships of some of the above beneficiaries. Alice made her will a month after his death. Although she had the right to stay at Grubbers Ash, she decided to let her daughter Alice and son-in-law Thomas Latham live there, while she took up residence in Trentham - perhaps with another daughter.
3. The middle aisle of Audley church was where her husband had asked to be buried.
Amie Rowley of Parkehouse, will dated 8th December 1625, inventory taken 31st December, date of probate 2nd January 1625/6.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in some convenient place within the parish church of Wolstanton.
To my brother John Rowley: 12d.
To Ellin Rowley my goddaughter: 12d.
To my brother Thomas Meare: 12d.
To my sister Elizabeth Clowes: 12d.
To Elen Brindley: all my wool which [s]he has in her hands. I give her 20s that she owes me.
To my sister in law Margaret Rowley at Mole: 12s that she owes me.
To John Mylnes, Marie Mylnes and Katherin Mylnes, the children of John Mylnes: £3 each, which their father owes me.
To Marie Shawe of Norton: 20s.
To Katherin Burslem: one ewe lamb, my best red petticoat, a band, an apron and all my chests.
To Marie Caulton: my bed.
To Elin Burslem: one medley petticoat and white petticoat.
To Katherin Whytall: my best waistcoat.
To John Symson, Richard Frost and Elizabeth Parker: 12d each.
Residuary legatees: William Burslem of thrinssll [Thursfield?], John Burslem, Katherin Burslem, Margaret Burslem and Marie Burslem, the children of Robert Burslem, and Randul Whytall, Robert Whytall and John Whytall, the children of John Whytall of Brookhowse, and Elizabeth Caulton and John Caulton, the children of John Caulton of Whyte hill, equally to be divided.
Revokes all former wills.
Executors: Joyse Burslem and Robert Burslem.
Witnesses: John Caulton, Joyse Burslem, John Whytall, Robert Burslem, William Rowley, Thomas Whytall.
A true & a p[er]feit Inventorie of all the goodes Cattels & Chatells of Amie Rowley of the parke Deceassed taken & praised the Laste daye of december by John Wood John Caulton Randle Whytall
one Lambe ...................................................... 4s
iiij Chestes & boxes ....................................... 3s
one fetterbed & j boulster & a pilowe .......... £1 10s
ij blanketes & ij paire of sheetes ................. £1 10s
Certen wolle ..................................................... 8s
hir wearinge aparrell ...................................... £2 13s 4d
money in hir purse .......................................... 12s
debtes owinge by spetialtie ........................ £70
debtes owinge without spetialtie ............... £1 12s
[Total £78 12s 4d]
The presers names are these
John Woode, John Caulton Randle Whytall
Notes
1. The will and inventory say 'Amie' but no Rowley of this name appears in the records.
2. The executor would be responsible for chasing up the debts, only a small proportio n of which Amie remitted in her will.
3. William Burslem, the first-named of the residuary legatees, could be the brother of Robert Burslem (who owned the Parke house in the township of Olcott). A torn fold in the will prevents the place-name being easily read, but the township of Thursfield is plausible.
4. As suggested by the small amount of goods in the inventory (including the lack of a bed), Amie Rowley was living in someone else's house. The head of the household was either Robert Burslem or Joyce Burslem, a widow who lived there for 25 years after her husband died. How she was connected to the Burslems is not known (if she was a relation); but her brother John might be 'John Rowley alias Burslem' who was living in the parish in 1629, probably in the township of Stadmoreslow. Margaret Rowley, Amie's step-sister, was 'Widow Rowley of Moll' (Mow Cop) in 1627. (All other indications are that Amie was unmarried, so 'sister-in-law' must mean step-sister, as it could in this period.)
5. How has she got so much money? The two sources must be earned income (wages and business) and maybe unearned income (rents). As a servant, not having to pay for her board and lodging, and paid wages only at Michaelmas each year there was scope for a girl to make savings. (For centuries, October was a popular month for weddings, for the precise reason that the couple had just had a new boost to their savings.) At this period servants (of either sex) were likely to be employed to make an important economic contribution to their employer's household, rather than being domestic servants, so their wages were not a pittance. Hence it was possible for a single woman with many years of savings who didn't frequent the alehouse to accumulate a respectable sum which would be invested in loans to people in the locality.
Thomas Shaw of Great Chell, will dated 1st June 1626, buried 7th June, inventory taken 8th June, date of probate 23rd June
Will
Sick in body.
To be buried in the churchyard of Wulstandston.
To William Shaw, my son: one grindlestone, one swine trough, one crow of iron, one whip saw, one framing saw, one iron bound cart, all my work tools, with all ploughs & yokes, chains, harrows, & other things, belonging to husbandry, one pair of great golbordes, one grate, one pair of pot hooks, & pot chain, tongs, & fire shovel, one little pot, the lesser pan, the greatest pewter dish, one maslin pot, the bedsteads standing in the parlour, one featherbed, one bolster, one russet blanket, one coverlet, one bedhilling, one hackney saddle, one cloak, paying his uncle for it, and all mine apparel.
To Ellen, my wife: my two heifer stirks, paying to Raph Boone 27s 8d.
Residuary legatee: Ellen my wife & Margaret Unwin my daughter, equally to be divided between them.
Executor: William Shaw, my son.
Witnesses: John Rowley, Raffe Unwin, Raffe Boone, William Shaw.
A true & perfect Inventory of all the good[es] of Thomas Shaw of Great Chell in the Countye of Staff[ord], taken & praysed the eight day of the mounth of June, In the yeere of our lord 1626 by Anthony Beech, William Rowley, John Rowley & Jefferey Bourne.
two stirkes.............................................................. £3 6s 8d
Six ewes & three lambes.................................... £1 10s
weanes, harrowes, yoakes
& chaynes w[i]th certen husbandry ware......... £1
One whippsaw, & framing Saw w[i]th
certen other carpentry tooles.............................. 10s
one Arke & twoo coffers....................................... £1
one payre of gobberts, on grate
fyre Shovell, tonges, one Crow
of Iren, potthookes & chaynes
w[i]th three wedges................................................ 10s
one pot, one pan, one pewter
dishe, one maslen cupp....................................... £1 6s 8d
Certen pewter dishes
and candlestickes.................................................. £1
One fetherbed, one boulster, one
blanket on bedhilling, one Co=
verlet & the bedsteedes........................................ £2
Certen paynted Clothes........................................ 2s
One Tubston, Swyne trow and
gryndlestone........................................................... 3s 4d
One Hackney Saddle............................................ 2s
three other pott[es], one chaffing
dishe, 2 kettles, 2 Skellet[es]
& one Skim[m]er..................................................... £1 6s 8d
Two Spitt[es], 1 branderet, 1 backston............... 6s
One turnell, 2 compes, 2 spini[n]g wheels
w[i]th certen other treeneware..............................£1
Three payre of bedsteeds, & oth[er] furniture....£2 10s
Tables, Shelfes, bedstockes, & formes............... 10s
One cubboord, Six Coffers....................................£1 3s 4d
Chayres, & Stowels................................................ 5s
One payre of bellowes & bredyron.................. 1s
Boordclothes & certen nappery ware.................. 13s 4d
his apparrell & money in his purse......................£2
The whole Som[m]e is £22 5s [checked]
Notes
1. Thomas Shaw in 1619 owned a cottage and 1 customary acre of land. In addition he probably owned land for both arable and pastoral farming, as well as being a carpenter. This is the third mention of a framing saw in these inventories. It must be a tenon saw.
2. William Shaw the son is bequeathed a crow (i.e.crowbar) which could be used to dislodge blocks of stone in a quarry.
3. The will has a long pious preamble.
4. In bread-making, the loaves were put in and taken out of the oven on a long, flat bread-iron called a peel. The oven may have had bellows fitted to it. (Bellows and bread-iron are also mentioned together in another contemporary inventory, a baker's: 'one iron peele one cowle rake a payer of bellowes'.) A rake or something similar would be needed for spreading the hot embers evenly over the oven floor.
Ellen, his wife, would have used a wooden tub or trough to knead the dough, and a moulding board for shaping the loaves. These are no doubt included in the treeneware (wooden ware).
5. A skillet was a small pot (with legs) which could sit directly on the fire. Larger pots could be suspended over it from the iron pot-hooks and chains. The chafing dish was a portable container of burning embers for gently warming food.
6. The maslin pot or cup was evidently a drinking-vessel. 'Maslin' refers to the material, a kind of alloy.
7. Margaret Shaw was buried in 1624 and almost certainly Thomas had a wife called Margaret at the time of his mother's death in 1601.
8. The surviving will and inventory at Lichfield are copies in a contemporary hand (according to notes on their backs).
9. His widow and his daughter will continue to live in the house. They have been left all the furniture in the house (except one bed), they have two cows for milking, the bread-making equipment, the sheep which will produce the wool for spinning and equipment associated with brewing.
John Stonior of Wedgwood, bachelor, will dated 1st November 1626, buried 25th December 1626, inventory taken 30th December 1626, date of probate 3rd Jan 1626/7
Will
Being sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my sister Margerett Drakeford: 4 marks.
To my sister Katheren Heyes: 4 marks.
To my sister Ellen Whitough: 4 marks.
To my sister Anne Hodgkinson: 20 nobles.
To John Hodgkinson her son: 20 nobles.
To Katheren, William, and Anne Hodgkinson, three of my sister Anne's children: 20 nobles each.
To Margaret Hodgkinson, my sister Anne's daughter: 20 marks.
To Margaret Addams, wife of John Addams: £5.
To Anne Burslem: 40 shillings.
To Richard Preston: 10 shillings.
Residuary legatees: William Stonior my brother, and William Stonior his son, to be equally divided.
Executor: my brother William Stonior.
Witnesses: John Rowley, William Rowley.
Debts owing to me, of which I have no speciality:
Anthony Beech of Tunstall .. £4
John Drakeford of Whitfield .. £3
John Drakeford my brother-in-law .. £6
John Burslem of Brown Lees .. £3
William Keeling of Bemersley .. 40s
John Chorley[?] .. 5 nobles
William Heyes my brother-in-law .. 40s
John Adams of Bemersley .. 12s
John Ball .. 20s
John Mills .. 20s
William Harrison of Yocleton .. 13s 4d
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes Cattells and debtes of John Stonier late of Wedgwood w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of Wolstonton w[i]thin the Countie of Stafford Batchler, taken & prized the thirteith daie of decemb[e]r jn the second yeare of the Raigne of o[u]r Sou[er]aigne lord king Charles by the grace of god king of great Brittaine Fraunce and Ireland defend[e]r of the faith &c By John Rowley Richard Whitall, William Williams Clark as followeth viz 1626
debtes owing to the said John Stonier, wherof he had specialtie .... £117 8s 3d
more debtes owing vnto him wherof he had no specialtie ................ £25 18s 8d
two sheepe .................................................................................................. 10s
his apparell & money in his purse ........................................................... £2
Som[m]e totall £145 16s 11
Notes
1. Many of the beneficiaries are mentioned also in his sister's will (see earlier).
2. A noble is 6s 8d and a mark is 13s 4d. The total of unsecured debts should read £24 18s 8d.
3. Yockleton is near Shrewsbury; many of the others debtors lived not far from Wedgwood.
4. As with a number of wills in the parish, there is no philanthropy towards church or poor.
5. From the evidence I would suggest that John Stonior was an unmarried man who lived with his brother William. (William Stonier of Wedgwood served as constable in 1625).The inventory shows no possessions besides his clothes and some sheep. Maybe he disposed of the rest of his goods during his lifetime.
6. The nephew John Hodgkinson married Ann Burslem in 1628, and became a husbandman in Brerehurst (1637). Another John Hodgkinson (his son?) represented Wedgwood as thirdborough in 1654 and suffered a number of bereavements in 1658 and 1659 when an epidemic hit the parish. These burials were recorded:
1658 Dec 22 Marie dau of John Hodgkinson
1658/9 Jan 30 William son of John Hodgkinson
1658/9 Feb 20 John son of John Hodgkinson
1659 Apr 5 Ann dau of John Hodgkinson
1659 May 14 Thomas son of John Hodgkinson
7. The appraiser William Williams, clerk, according to the testimony of a churchwarden Richard Bromsull only stayed in Wolstanton parish for nine or ten days, before going to Yorkshire ('so it was thought'), leaving his wife behind. The Anne Burslem mentioned, according to the vicar, 'was unlawfully begotten with child within the time aforesaid and that the said Anne was unlawfully married.'
John Nicklin of Wolstanton, no will, buried 5th February 1627/8, inventory taken 6th February, administration granted 12th February.
A true & perffect Inventory of all & singular ye Goods Chattels & Cattels w[hi]ch John Nickils late of ye towne and parish of woolstanton dyed possessd of as they were prized ye sixh of February 1627 by vs whose names are subscribed
an old barren cow ....................................... £1 10s
in brasse & a pewter dish ......................... £1
in bedding .................................................... 13s 4d
in boords bedstockes & wooden ware .. 10s
In yron ware & husbandly implements .. 3s 4d
in Treenware ............................................... 2s
in poultry ....................................................... 3s 4d
in apparell w[hi]ch he wore ...................... 5s 8d
Sum[m]a £4 15s 4d
prizers John Moreton senior Thomas Henshaw Junior
Out of these goods was bestowed by ye relict on her husbands buryall 10s 2d
The defunct owes ye sum[m]e of 10s w[hi]ch ye Relict meanes to discharge.
Notes
1. Francis Capps the vicar was probably instrumental in getting an inventory taken, acting as scribe, and saving Anne Nicklin the widow the cost of journeys to Lichfield (to submit an account of her expenses) by listing them with the inventory. The writer's hasty scrawl and liability to embarrassing errors (such as referring to the dead person as if still alive) are characteristic. Normally a person with so few goods of value would have escaped the attentions of the church authorities in Lichfield.
Anne's 10s 2d would have been spent on the burial fee and drink. (The poorest parishioners were exempt from the payment of a mortuary.)
2. In 1610 John Nicklin had been occupying a cottage in Wolstanton (with an orchard or croft), which was then leased to John Moreton. As John Moreton already had a farm-house of his own to live in, the likehood is that John Nicklin continued to occupy the cottage as a sub-tenant.
He acted as a thirdborough for Wolstanton on a number of occasions from 1603, and perhaps before that.
3. There was no corn for the poultry. Nor was there hay to feed the barren cow, but John Nicklin had Wolstanton Marsh, which offered over 30 acres of common pasture. The cow would be fatted on the spring grass when it appeared and then sold to a butcher.
John Bowyer the elder of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 18th February 1627/8, buried ?2nd March, inventory taken 4th March, date of probate 6th March.
Will
Sick of body; to be buried in such place as to my executors shall be thought convenient.
To John Bowyer my son: 12d for his child's part.
To Joan Bowyer, daughter of my son John: 10s.
To Marie Hill, my daughter: 12d.
To John Hill, son of my daughter Marie Hill: 10s.
To William Hill, Josua, Alice, and Sara Hill, sons and daughters of my daughter Marie Hill: 12d each.
To Isaac, Thomas, Edward, Ane, Elizabeth and Margrett, sons and daughters of Edward Heath of Keele: 12d each.
To John Hill, Katheren Hill, and Ann Hill, son and daughters of John Hill of Shelton: 12d each.
To Jane, Ellin and Elizabeth, daughters of John Baddelie of Madelie: 3s 4d each.
To Margrett Cowdall my daughter, and to every one of the children: 12d.
To Ellin my daughter: 12d.
Residuary legatee and executor: Joan my wife.
March the fourth an[no] d[omi]n[i] 1627
A true and p[er]fett inventorie of all the goods Cattelles and Chattells of John Bowyer of Knotton deceased
foure oxen
sixe kine or heffers
foure sterkes
two Caulfes
sixe sheepe
two mares
two swine
poultrie
all beddinge and napperie
brasse pewt[e]r and Iron ware
boards fourmes and bedstidds )
a Cubboard Chestes & arkes )
all Coperie and treene Ware )
weanes plowes yokes and all oth[e]r )
Implem[en]ts belonging to husbandrie )
a hand milne swine tubbe and troughes
Coarne Hea and Manure
bacon beeffe and Whyte meate
his Wearinge apparrell and money in his purse
Taken the fourth day of March in the yeare of o[u]r lord god 1627 by theise whose names are here Vnder Written
John Clownam Richard Wood John Hill William Gibson
Notes
1. From 1595 onwards he represented the township of Knutton on at least seven annual occasions as thirdborough, and therefore must have owned land within Knutton. In addition he owned land in Shelton and Hanley, amounting in 1615 to about 30 acres (in modern terms), and his heir was his son John - an illustration of how misleading the will is over inheritance of copyhold land. (Inheritance of copyhold land followed the custom of the manor, so the will did not need to mention it.)
2. Besides his children and grandchildren, he also remembers in his will his stepson John Baddelie of Madeley and his daughter Marie Hill's in-laws.
Mary Bourne of Little Chell, widow, will dated 3rd March 1627/8, buried 12th March, administration granted 4th July, inventory taken 12th July, exhibited 15th July 1628.
Nuncupative will
Memorandum that the third daye of march in the year of o[u]r lord god 1627 or theiraboutes that Marye Bourne of litle Chell of the p[ar]ish of wolstanton in the County of Stafford widowe nowe deceased being then in p[er]fect memorie Did Declare her mynde for the Disposeinge of her goodes Cattell & Chattells as followeth That ys to saye Her mynde was that John Bourne her yongest sonne shoulde have and enioy all her goodes Chattells and Chattells whatsoeu[er] that shee was owner of. The said John Bourne meantayneinge her the said Marye w[i]th meate Drinke app[ar]ell attendantes and lodginge w[i]th other neceasaries Convenyent and fitt for her Degree and callinge duringe her naturall liffe And also that the said John Bourne shoulde paye and Discharge all her Debtes that of right or consyance she then was owinge or was in Debted to anie And alsoe shee Did request the said John Bourne after her Debtes so [satisfied] and payed he woulde be contented to giue the Children of marye bagnall some p[ar]te of the overplus (if anie the[ir] weare in the handes of [hsem?] the s[ai]d John) In witnes of Richard Bourne Mary Bagnall
A trwe and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes Chattells and Cattells of Mary Bourne of wolstanton in the County of Staff[ord] widdow deceased: had and taken the tweluth daie of July in the fourth yeare of the raigne of o[u]r Sou[er]aigne Lord Charles by the grace of god of England, Scotland Fraunc and Ireland kinge defendo[r] of the fayth &c praysed and valewed by William Brett Hugh Ford and Richard Leigh as followeth.
one lease of a Messuage called the Bancke house w[i]thall Landes theirvnto belonging for the tearm of twelue years aft[er] the Testato[r]s death prased att a hundreth &
four kyne and one heffer Sterke
one other Cowe
one Sterke
two Swyne
wooll
brasse and pewt[er]
c[er]taine old Iron and Irone ware
five Coffers
beddinge
tryne ware
one little Table w[i]th boardes and shilfs
two old Arkes w[i]th bedstids
poultry
apparell
Notes
1. Formal agreements to maintain an aged parent were not uncommon, certainly in the Middle Ages. If she was recently widowed, then Mary Bourne's husband could have been William Burne of Little Chell who was buried 23rd May 1627, apparently without leaving a will.
2. The adminstrator of Mary Bourne's "will" (as it is referred to) was John Bourne of Little Chellc, yeoman. John Bourne of Little Chell, gentleman, who died a bachelor in 1660, had land in Great Chell, and his nephews and nieces were the beneficiaries of his will.
3. Despite the misleading way of presenting it, the lease is in fact valued at £120, not £20. It is one of the few high-value leases in the collection, exceeded only by Margaret Eardley's lease worth £133 13s 4d.
4. The spare bedsteads were being stored in the barn along with arks which at one time would have held grain.
5. Wool amounting to £2 in value represented 3 stone (19kg) in Isabell SmithÕs inventory (1605).
6. There exist references to: Richard Burne of Bankehowse (1573) and William Burne of Bankhouse (1583). In 1664/5 a daughter was born to Richard Baddiley of Bankhouse who was still living there in 1678. There is another reference to Bankhouse in 1686, but none afterwards.
Richard Wyldbloud [?of Brerehurst], will dated 10th May 1628, buried June 1628, date of probate 19th June 1628, inventory taken 26th June 1628.
Will
Being sick in body: to be buried in Christian burial at the discretion of my executrix.
To Thomas Wyldbloud my son: one cupboard standing in his house, to remain to th2e use of William Wyldbloud his son after Thomas' decease.
To William and Richard Wyldbloud my sons: 12d in the name of their child's part.
To Ales Wyldbloud daughter of Thomas Wyldbloud: one lamb.
To Richard Wyldbloud the son of Richard Wyldbloud my son: one lamb.
To Elin Wyldbloud the daughter of Richard Wyldbloud my son: 12d
To Margret Wyldbloud the daughter of William Wyldbloud: 12d
To John [?deyne] my godson: 12d.
To William Booth, Katherine Booth and Elizabeth Booth: 12d
Residuary legatee and executrix: Elnor my now wife.
Debts owing me: in the hands of Mr Edowes of Shropshire - 50s 8d; and in the hands of Renald Warther of Shropshire - £3 3s 4d.
Debts which the testator owes: To William Wyldbloud - 13s
[signs by mark]
Witnesses: William Boothe, Robbert Maxfield, Katherine Boothe, Thomas Gough.
A true and perfect Inventory of all the goodes Cattels and Chattels moueable and vnmoueable of Richard Wyldblod deceased 26 June 1628
three Cowes
one horse and one mare
fiue old sheep and 2 lambs
one swine
one payre of wheels
Brasse and pewter & treene ware
bedinge woole and napree ware
one dishbord and bedstoockes and cofers & one table one grate and other Ireon ware and all other such like implementes
his apparrell
two henns
monie oinge to the testator from Mr edowes dwellinge w[i]thin the Countie of Solope
another payre of old wheeles
Praysed By vs John maxfield Richard Whytovgh Thomas wyldblood Richard wyld- blood
Notes
1. The date of burial is given as 27th June in the printed publication of the parish register.
2. Richard and Elinor got married in 1624. William Booth, Katherine Booth and Elizabeth Booth must be Elinor's children and Richard's step-children. Elinor carried both her married names at death in 1647 - the parish register calls her Elinor Booths alias Wildblood.
3. The price of the horse and mare must put them at the bottom of the price range. His grown-up sons must have got any carts and husbandry ware he had. What he has left to pass on to his widow are cows (for milking) and sheep (for wool) plus a horse and mare which he used for his business. The nature of this is unspecified but it involved travelling to Shropshire, as shown by his two trade debts. He has not been engaged recently in farming of any sort.
4. Richard Wyldbloud had been a collier living in the township of Brerehurst in the 1600's, probably occupying a messuage which had about 9 acres (statute measure) of land going with it. His son Thomas is known to have been living in Brerehurst in 1626. It sounds as though the cupboard stayed in the Brerehurst house after his father had moved out.
Tobias Cooke of Knutton, yeoman, date of will 8th May 1628, buried 24th May, inventory taken 15th May, date of probate 23rd May.
Will
Being sick in body; [burial place not specified].
To my son William Coocke: all my lands, goods and chattels.
Executor: my son William Coocke.
Witnesses: John Clownam, Roger Loe.
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes and Chatteles of Tobias Coocke latly decessed praysed the xvth daye of Maye 1628 by vs John Clownam Willia[m] Gibson John Biche Thomas Fenton
quicke goodes
three kine .................................................................... £8
tow twinter heghfers .................................................. £3
one bullock stercke ................................................... £1 6s 8d
one Caulfe ................................................................... 10s
three mares ................................................................ £6 10s
seven shipe ............................................................. £2 6s 8d
dead goodes
Brasse and puter ....................................................... £2 13s 4d
Beddinge and nappery ware ................................... £3 6s 8d
his wearinge apparell ............................................... £2
money in his purse .................................................... 10s
iron ware ...................................................................... 6s 8d
one Carte plowes and all Implementes of
husbandrie w[i]th Saddles and horse geeres ..... £2
boardes bedstockes & all trine ware ..................... 10s
fleshe and all whitmeat ............................................ 10s
woolle Clouth toe and yorne .................................... £1
Cofers Cheeres and stoules ................................... 5s
one dou[n]ge hill ......................................................... 5s
Corne in the house and on the grounde ............... £1 6s 8d
all other thinges of Smale value ............................. 1s
Som[m]e is £30 7s 9d
Notes [Actual sum £36 7s 8d]
1. It is an indented inventory.
2. He was a freeholder.
3. His son William died six years later.
4. The burial date must be an error.
Margery Johnson, widow, will dated 9th May, buried 13th May, inventory taken 18th May, date of probate 23rd May 1628.
Will
Sick in body; (burial place not specified).
To William Johnson my son: 40s and linen to make him two shirts (for his child's part).
To Thomas Haskey: 5s.
To William Haskey the younger: 12d.
To Anne Haskey: 12d.
To John Haskey: 12d.
To every one of my godchildren: 12d.
To John Johnson my grandchild: the best voyder in my house but one and the best candlestick but one; and 40s at age 21 to be paid by my executor.
To my sister Joane Haskey: the best gown I have but one, my best petticoat and one smock.
I give the rest of my workaday clothes to the poor, where my executor shall think most fit.
To Alice Johnson my daughter-in-law: my best gown, my best petticoat, one smock, two coffers and two bands.
To Margerit Barker of Leek, Richard Barker and Robert Barker: 12d apiece.
Residuary legatee: William Johnson my grandchild; or if he dies before 21, to John Johnson, son of my son William Johnson.
Executors: James Gowbourne, and my son William Johnson.
Witnesses: William Haskey the elder, William Arriam the younger, Elizabeth Twyford.
Margery Johnson signs with a mark.
A true & perfect Inventory of all & singular ye goods Chattels & Cattels which Margery Johnson late of ye parish of woolstanten dyed beeing a widow possesed of by vs whose names are subscribed may 18 1628
4 boxes & small ware
3 Flocke beds 3 payre of sheetes )
4 Covelets 2 boulstes one feather bed pillow )
boulster one feather pillow 3 blakets )
five flaxen sheetes
23 payre of Hempen sheetes
2 flaxen towells 2 flaxen table Clothes 2 pillow beares & napkins
4 Smoks one wallet
in other napery wares
2 sacks & other trumpery stuffe
2 old carpets
4 yardes of [?Kyrsey]
3 yardes of Medley
34 yardes of flaxen cloth
7 chestes
one table 2 formes
4 payles 1 barrell 1 ferkin 1 kennell 4 [w?]heeles & other treen ware
in lin[n]en yarne
in Hempen & Flaxen tow
2 payre of Shoes
dyed wool
8 pewter dishes 8 [?saucers] Candlesticks 2 salts 1 pewter quart 1 cup 3 dozen of Spones
4 brasse kettles 2 pots 2 skellets 2 ladles 1 skimer
in yronware
in meale meale & oates
in syves coales & other trumpery stuffe whatsever
in money
in waring apparell
Prizers William Smyth William Burslem Will [check if this was deleted] John Turnocke
Notes
1. The lady is likely to have been a resident of Wolstanton. (Thomas Haskye was thirdborough for Wolstanton in 1599, John Turnock and William Johnson likewise in 1632; and William Smyth lived in Wolstanton until 1629.)
2. A voyder is a tray taken to the table to remove used dishes. John Smyth of Keele, gentleman, at his death (1619/20) had 'one voyder bason and ewer' worth 13s 4d.
3. The handwriting of the inventory is poor - hence some of the puzzles in the text.
4. The boxes contained 'small ware', a term still (or recently) used for small textile items such as tape or braid, but could also embrace other items of the peddlar or street-trader.
5. Sempstresses and tailors made garments from the cloth brought to them by the customer. So (if Margaret Johnson is a sempstress) any unfinished goods in her cottage or house would not be counted as her possessions. The number of hempen sheets is too many to be for her own use. Was this a sheet factory?
6. Shirts were normally made at home. The bands referred to in the will are worn round the neck like a detached collar. Smocks in this period were undergarments, and petticoats were over-garments - the reverse of what we might expect!
The valuation of the kersey cloth has been changed from 8s to 4s. At a shilling a yard this falls within the very wide variation in prices paid for kersey (between 4d per yard and 6s 8d per yard in the period 1610 to 1660) that Margaret Spufford discovered in analysing probate accounts. (See Spufford M The Cost of Apparel in Seventeenth Century England in The Economic History Review Vol LIII No 4 Nov 2000).
7. A wallet was a bag used by travellers to carry provisions - as in Shakespeare's: Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back....(Troilus and Cressida).
8. William & Mary Johnson had a child, Ralph, baptized in Nov 1629.
9. Margery Johnson has some of the characteristics of a chapman eg 4 boxes & small ware, the 34 yards of flaxen cloth. She must have run a small shop in Wolstanton where she sold hempen sheets, smallware and maybe made-up clothing. The person who was to inherit her stock was a grandchild. Obviously as a child he would not run the shop. But his parents would continue the business - if only to sell off the remaining stock - and account to him for the earnings when he reached 21 years.
John Brett esquire of Dimsdale, died 31st January [1627/8?], no will, inventory dated 24th March 1627/8, exhibited 19th June 1628.
An Inventarie of all the goodes, vtinsills, houshold Implem[en]tes, Cattells & Chattalls of John Brett of Dimsdall in the p[ar]ish of Wolstanton in the County of Stafford Esq[uire] deceased, taken at his house at Dimsdall aforesaid and prized by John Clownam of Knutton, John Cowall of Chesterton & John Moreton of Wolstanton as foresaid in the said County of Stafford yeome[n] the twentie fourth day of March in the yeare of our lord one thousand sixe hundred twenty seven.
Foure oxen, eight kine, foure yong calves,
eight yeareling Calves, Tenn sterkes, three
mares, twoe coultes, Seven swine & pullen 84 13 04
Corne vpon the groundes, corne in the barnes
& hay 21 00 00
Sum[ma] 105 13 04
In lynnen and flaxen yarne 04 00 00
In Brasse, pewter & iron ware a Clocke and
a Bell 12 00 00
In bedding Carpetes & cushions, together
w[i]th a peice of new medley cloth 18 19 04
Tables, formes, bedstedes chaires & stooles
in severall roomes [Chests?] [torn] trunkes,
presses, cupboardes, shelves, mapps & pictures,
barrels & tubs together w[i]th other lumber
all prized at 07 05 02
Houshold provision, In butter, cheese, beife,
bacon, corne threshed in the house, hempe
& flaxe 05 09 02
Husbandry Implem[en]tes of all sortes, together
w[i]th all the Implem[en]tes for the Mill & dunge
about ye house 12 06 08
plate together w[i]th his apparell & books 13 13 04
Furniture for ye light horse 05 00 00
Sum[ma] 78 13 08
Summa total[is] £184 07s 00d
Notes
1. The inventory was written on parchment, with Gothic script used in the margin.
2. One of the leading figures in the area, John Brett was lord of the manor of Knutton (which included Dimsdale as a member), as well as owning property in Newcastle (including eight properties in the High Street) and 100 acres of land in Penkhull, Shelton and Hanley. His agricultural activities would have centred on his estate in Dimsdale. According to an advertisement in 1831, being lord of the manor of Knutton carried with it the "right of fishery in the well-stocked pools of water on Knutton Heath". His heir was his son Edward who was aged 31.
3. The date of his burial does not appear in the Wolstanton parish register; his widow Mary Brett – who died thirty years later – says in her will that her husband was buried in the church of Keele.
4. Known as Dimsdale Old Hall, his house survived until its demolition in 1940. A rear view shows a large black-and-white timbered building in ruinous condition. Its site is now occupied by Wolstanton Golf Club. An engraving of about 1840 shows the front view of a long two-storey building, broken by four gables each having dormer-windows. The chimney stacks are at either end and in the middle, serving some of the nine hearths which we know the house had in 1666. An inventory of 1696 mentions 7 grates, including one in the brewhouse, an outbuilding. The grates in John Brett's inventory are included under 'iron ware'. In 1696 one end of the house was in the hands of Beech - to be identified with William Beech of Dimsdale, yeoman who in 1698 took on the lease of Bradwell Hall and its lands for 4 years.
5. 'a Clocke and a Bell' - these are in a garret in the 1696 inventory and priced at £2 15s 0d. Could the clock face have been fixed to the outside of the building?
6. 'the Mill' . The 1696 inventory itemizes a handmill in the brewhouse.
7. The inventory mentions several items, such as maps and pictures, not found in other Wolstanton inventories of this period. The light house is a puzzle. The OED does not mention any non-maritime use of the word; the earliest use of the word it gives is in 1622. The word does not appear in Shakespeare - but then neither does 'glasshouse'. The transcription used by Andrew Dobraszczyc gives 'light horse' - this makes more sense; the 'furniture' then refers to the trappings for a horse such as saddle, etc.
8. The Inquisition Post Mortem for John Brett is dated 27th March 1633 and is in the Public Record Office (C142/629/38). It gives the day of his death, and states that he held the manor of Knutton, 10 messuages, 50 acres of land, 5 acres of meadow and 40 acres of pasture with appurtenances. in the manor of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Except for the ten messuages, this is similar to the holding for John Brett esquire given in the 1615 survey of (mainly copyhold) land in the manor of Newcastle under Lyme..
Jane Lawton, [widow], no will, buried 14th February 1628/9, inventory taken 10th March 1628/9 [Mon], date of administration 14th March 1628/9.
An Inventory of the goodes and Chattells of Jane Lawton in the parish of Woolstanton deceased taken the xth of Ma[rch] 1628
one Bond or Bill of forty pounds for the paym[en]t of twenty pounds. Due by Henry Aderley brother to the deceased.
Ra[lph] Adderley
Note
Could she be the widow of Robert Lawton, gentleman whose inventory was taken 10th January 1609/10?
Raffe Prince [of Stadmerlowe] of the parish of Wolstanton, yeoman, will dated 19th Mar 1628/9, buried 9th July 1629, inventory taken 13th July, date of probate 14th July.
In the name of God Amen The Nineteenth daye of March in the Yeere of o[u]r lord god One Thousand six hundred Twentie & eight I Raph Prince of the parish of Wolstanton in the Diocesse of Litchfield & Coventrie yeoman beinge sicke in body but of good & p[er]fect Memorie, god be thanked therefore Doe here Make and ordeine this my p[re]sent Testament, conteining therein my last will as followeth Imprimis I bequeath my soule to god my maker trustinge to obteine pardon of all my sins through the merritts & satisfaccon of Jesus Christ my redeemer, And my body to be buried in Christian buriall Item I giue to my sonne william Prince Twentie pownds to be paid him when he shall accomplish the age of one and Twentie yeeres Item I giue to my said sonne william a Coffer w[hi]ch standeth att the windowe in the Celler and a Medley Caddow. Item I giue to my sonne Thomas Prince Twentie pownds to be likewise paid him at the age of one & Twentie yeeres One Coffer & my second brasse pott: Item I giue to my sonne John Thirtie pownds to be paid him att the age of one & Twentie yeeres: Item I giue to my sonne Robert Prince Thirtie pownds to be paid him att the age of one & Twentie yeeres as aforesaid Item I giue to my daughter Elisabeth Prince One Messuage or Tennement wherin John Rowley al[ia]s Burslem doth nowe inhabitt & dwell and seuen Acres of freehold Land thereto belonginge & app[er]teininge & lyinge on the further side of the lane To haue & to hold the said Messuage or Ten[emen]te and the said seuen Acres of freehold land w[i]th all & euery theire app[ur]t[e]n[a]nc[es] to the said Elisabeth Prince her heires & assignes for euer Provided neuerthelesse & my will is That if Raph Prince sonne & heire of me the said Raph Prince shall paie or cause to be paid to my said Daughter Elisabeth the summe of Fowre score pounds of currant English money att such time as she shall accomplish the age of Eighteene yeeres thatt than this my bequest to be voide otherwise to stand in full force & power. Item my will is that if my said Daughter Elisabeth dye before she accomplish the age of Eighteene yeeres Thatt then my foure yonger sonnes (or soe manie of them as shall be livinge) shall haue hold and enioye the said Messuage or ten[emen]te & the said seuen Acres of land thereto belonginge in as full and ample Manner & vppon the same proviso & Condicon as is formerlie expressed & conteined in the bequest to my said Daughter Elisabeth Moreouer my will is that if anie of my said sonnes shall dye before he accomplish the age of one and Twentie yeeres That than his or theire porcon or porc[i]ons shalbe equallie divided amongst my other younger sonnes w[hi]ch shall survive & be livinge.
Item I giue & bequeath to my said daughter Elisabeth my best panne my best pott A white Caddow and my Clothes Coffer Item I giue to my beloued wife all the rest of my brasse and pewter. Moreouer I giue & bequeath to my two executors hereafter Nominated all the residue of my goods Cattels and Chattells whatsoeuer of what nature & condic[i]on soeuer & in whose Custodie & possession soeuer the same be or remaine vppon the Condicons & to the vses purposes & intents hereafter in this my will expressed Together w[i]th the dwelling house I doe nowe inhabitt & dwell & all edefices and buildings therto belonginge And Nineteene Acres of land to the said house belonginge & app[er]teininge To haue & to hold to my said executors hereafter nominated the said dwelling house, edefices & buildings & the said Nineteene Acres of land for the terme & space of nine yeeres fullie to be compleate & ended to the vse intent & purpose that my said executors shall discharge & paye out of my said goods cattels & Chattells. & out of the said terme of Nine yeeres of the said dwellinge house & Nineteene acres of land the legacies by this my will giuen to my fowre younger sonnes And shall likewise well & sufficientlie educate Mainteine & bringe vp my said younger sonnes & my said Daughter till they shall accomplish the seuerall ages heretofore in this my will menconed & expressed. And after the end & expiracon of the said Nine yeeres I giue & bequeath to my beloued wife the Moitie or one halfe of my said dwellinge house & the moitie or one halfe of all edifices buildings, gardens yards orchards thereto belonginge & the Moitie or one halfe of all the said Nineteene acres of land (except one Close or pasture called the Daw hey) w[i]th all & euerie theire app[ur]t[e]n[a]nces, duringe her Naturall life: Item I doe constitute appoint & ordeine my said wife & my said sonne Raph Prince executors of this my will & Testament And I appoint & Make william Burslem of Brownelees and George Hanson ouerseers thereof: In witnesse wherof I haue herevnto sett my hand and seale the daye & yeere first Abouewritten:
In the presence of
Richard Drakford
Robert Hodgkinsonn
Debts due to me: Raffe Gardner of Greaseley in the parish of Prestbury - £4 6s 8d.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of All the goodes And cattels that were Raffe princes At the tyme of his deafe seene vewed And praysed the Thertienth daye of July Anno D[omi]ni 1629 by John Maxfeild, John Burslem Will[ia]m Burslem And John myles.
Sixe keyne....................................................................................... £15
Sixe steres And two twinter Bullockes........................................ £14
two twinter heffers ........................................................................ £4
fore heffer stirkes And for calves ................................................. £4
one mare And one colt .................................................................. £5
15 sheepe And sixe lambes ........................................................ £3 6s 8d
two swyne ........................................................................................ £1 6s 8d
17 geese with some pullen ......................................................... 7s 8d
weanes, plowes, harnesses And yokes .............................. £1
plowe Irens, cheanes, mattokes, showes )
And other thinges belonginge to husbandry ) ....................... 13s 4d
Brasse and pewter ....................................................................... £6 13s 4d
sixe silver spones .......................................................................... £2
All Beddinge ................................................................................... £10
Bedsheetes And naperie ware ................................................... £3
wool And yorne .............................................................................. £1
one peece of woollen cloth .......................................................... 13s 4d
one grate, broch, golberdes tonges and crowe of Iren ........ £1 6s 8d
All treene ware ............................................................................... £1
coffers bedstides tables, formes shilfes cheeres And stoles .£6
butter And chees ............................................................................. £1 10s
little hand mille ................................................................................ £1
corne meale And malt in the howse ............................................ £2
corne on the ground ....................................................................... £6
his Apparrell And money in his purse ......................................... £3
Sum £100 10s 8d
[Actual sum: £93 17s 8d]
M[emoran]d[um] that there is further owinge to the deceadent by Raffe Gardener £3 6s 8d
Notes.
1. Greaseley - no equivalent in present-day Prestbury. Raph Gardner married the daughter of John Smith of Heath End.
2. The names Prince and Burslem appear on the 1666 Hearth Tax list for Stadmorlowe. Brown Lees is a place or farm in Stadmoreslowe on a rate assessment list of 1768, is shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map and is a place and the name of a farm on the modern map.
3. In the grant of probate, the executors are referred to as Katherine Prince of Stadmerlowe and Raph Prince of the same township and place, yeoman. Katherine Prince, widow, was buried 25th March 1637, and the date of probate is 1st April.
4. Robert, son of Ralph and Katherine Prince, was baptized 13th Aug 1626.
5. 'Sixe steres And two twinter Bullockes' - perhaps a mistake for 'two steres And two twinter Bullockes' which is what his father had. The price seems far too low otherwise.
William Addams of Fowlea, freemason, will dated 5th October, buried 16th October, inventory taken 17th October, date of probate 22nd December 1629.
Will
My body to be interred in the parish church of Woolstanton.
To Anne Addams my wife: £80.
My wife is now quick with child; I give it the lease of my house in Foule lie and Randle Dakin's rent which he ought to pay me viz. £6 for certain years. If the child dies before the lease expires, I give the reversion of the child's legacies to William Addams, son of my brother John. Provided likewise that the said William shall pay £10 unto my sister Joan Addams spinster if he enters on [a] new lease, and £5 apiece to sisters Anne and Elizabeth.
Forasmuch as John did cast a bastard on me, I give unto the said bastard 30s a year, so long as the law hath provided and enjoined I must keep it.
To my goddaughter, Margaret Hales: 40s.
Joint executors: John Addams, my brother, Thomas Walter, my brother-in-law and Anne Addams my wife; and to have the tuition of my child.
[To Thomas Addams, son of John Addams: my best cloak - added in codicil]
Residuary legatees: my child (half) and executors, my brother John's children [and Joane Addams, his wife - added in codicil], my sisters and their children (the other half), provided that my mother Anne Addams shall have 40s a year.
Signed: William Addams.
Witnesses: Francis Capps, John Addams, John Morton.
A true and perfect Inventory of all & singu=
lar ye goods Cattels & Chattels wch Willia[m]
Addams of Woolstanton Parish in ye
County of staff lately deciased dyed
possessed of; as they were prized
by vs whose names are
vnder written. ye 17th
of October
1629
sixe kyne..................................................... £17
sixe Steeres........................................................... £13 6s 8d
two mares............................................................... £5
two calves.............................................................. £1
two swine............................................................... £1 10s
in corne & hay....................................................... £10 10s
in all manner of husbandry ware
and implements therto belonging...................... £5 6s 8d
in Brasse & pewter and
one Frying pan....................................................... £2 14s
all man[n]er of Treen ware................................... 10s
5 coffers & 1 Trunke.............................................. £1 10s
a cubbard 1 coffer & boord.................................. 15s
in butter & cheese.................................................. £4 6s 8d
in bedding & sheetes............................................ £2 6s
1 table cloth 1 towell 6 napkins........................... 5s
4 payre of bedstockes........................................... 8s
1 basket & quisket & cheese cratch
& manger................................................................. 3s 6d
yron ware & a boord & a
baking stone............................................................ 6s 8d
4 swine troughs....................................................... 1s
19 tun of limestone.................................................. £2 16s
in debts as appeareth by bonds
& otherwise acknoledged.................................. £88 6s 4d
one dozen of spones.............................................. 2s 6d
ye lease of his house for
foureteene yeare in beeing................................... £50
one particular debt of Randle
Dakins for certaine yeares..................................... £24
his other apparell & money in
his purse.................................................................... £2
his best cloake.......................................................... £1
in marle & manure.................................................... 3s 4d
in woole yarne & feathers........................................ 6s 8d
in pullen ..................................................................... 1s 6d
Sum[m]a totalis £233 15s 6d
prizers Thomas Sergeant John Muchall John Walter John Morton
Notes
1. William Addams is referred to as 'of Foule-ley' in the list of burials in the parish register. A hundred years ago a farm called Fowlea stood where the A500/Etruria Rd roundabout now is. Probably from the mid-seventeenth century onwards, and perhaps earlier, there were other houses at Fowlea, some of them in the neighbouring parish of Stoke. He had the lease of his house which he bequeaths to his posthumous child, and which is valued at £50 in the inventory. It is likely he was a tenant of the Colcloughs.
As a freemason (at this time it meant just 'mason') he would have had access to a quarry. The name 'Stone Hole Field' is given in the 1839 Tithe Award to a field less than a quarter of a mile away from Fowlea, and in Addams' time might have been part of the Colclough estate. In 1615 Sir Thomas Colclough was owner of land in this vicinity which was rented to Randle Dakin, possibly the father of the Randle Dakin mentioned here.
2. William Addams had acknowledged his responsibility for the bastard and undertook to pay maintenance, which his will enjoins should be continued. However, he claims on his death bed that his brother is the real father.
3. The executors are referred to in the probate note as: Anne Addams of Wolstanton, widow; John Addams of Bagnald, yeoman; and Thomas Walter of Blurton, tailor.
4. 'Quiskett' - whiskett ie a straw basket, principally for feeding cattle.
5. '19 tun of limestone' - the earliest mention of limestone in a Wolstanton parish inventory. Mortar and plaster were both made from lime (obtained from limestone). The other use of lime is for spreading on the land. Either use might be appropriate for William Addams. A lease of 1698 relating to land in Bradwell gives the tenant liberty to "get limestone and burne it in or upon any part of the parke or pastures and to carry it away for the improvement of the premises only." An article by Pollard J E & Wiseman Julie in Proceedings of The Yorkshire Geological Society Vol 38 part 3 No 15. 1971 which is available in Hanley reference library [See this for more information] mentions a limetone bed in Chesterton.
6. As with Raph Prince, the alleged high price for calves in 1629/30 doesn't seem to affect this area.
7. The writer of the will and inventory has the distinctive handwriting of the vicar Francis Capps. The flamboyantly designed preamble to the inventory and the correction in the first line ('oxen' was crossed out and replaced with 'kyne') are compatible with what we know of him.
William Eardley of Grubbers Hill, no will, buried 28th February 1629/30, date of inventory 1st March 1629/30, administration granted 14th May 1630.
A trew and perfect Inventory of all the goodes and Cattels of William Eardley of Grubbers Hill in the p[ar]ish of Woolstanton and Count[y] of Stafford. late deseased taken the first day of March Anno dom[ini] 1629. prised by vs Richard Wood, John Smith, and William Bowers.
Fowre oxen
Fowre steares
Tenn kine and one bull
Six Twinters
Six yearlinges
Three mares and Twoo Coultes
Thertie and eight sheepe
Twoo stoore swine
All the poultry
Corne in the barne and Corne in ye howse
All the hay
Corne on the ground
All waynes Cartes and plowes w[i]th all other implementes for husbandry
All Chaynes
All the Brasse and pewter
All the beds and all bedding
sheetes and all nappery ware
All Bedstedes, Chestes, Coffers, presses, Cubbordes, Tables, formes, Cheares, stooles, and shelfes,
All Coumpes barrells stundes w[i]th all other Trinen ware
One Iron furnace w[i]th one Iron pott and ketle and all Chaynes grates spites w[i]th all other implementes w[gi]thin the howse
All the meaner
One Chattell
For his wearing apparell and money in his pursse
One Bible w[i]th other bookes
fiat ad[m]i[nistraci]o bonoru[m] que fu[er]unt suprad[i]c[t]i defuncti, M[ar]garete Eardley Reli[ct]e d[i]c[t]i defuncti
Tuic[i]o eidem Margarete pro educaconie Joh[ann]is, Will[iam]i et Sare Eardley liberoru[m] d[i]c[t]i defuncti in minori etate existen[tium] &c
Ob[ligentur] d[i]c[t]a Margareta Eardley de Grubbers hill in Com[itati] Staff[ordi] vidua et Henricus Bourne de le [feld?] in Chesterton in d[i]c[t]o Com[itati] yeoman
Note
'meaner' = manure.
Raphe Robinson of Great Chell, husbandman, will dated 7th July 1628, buried 11th July, inventory taken 11th July, date of probate 15th July.
Will
Sick in body; I commit my body to the earth from whence it was.
To James Brundley: 10s.
To Anthonie Beech, son of James Beech of Tunstall: a pair of breeches and a pair of stockings.
To the children of Thomas Bealye of Great Chell: 6d each.
To Thomas Bourne, the son of Thomas Bourne of Great Chell: a doublet and a jerkin.
Residuary legatee and executrix: my sister Margrett Robinson.
Overseers: Anthonie Beech, James Beech and John Bourne of Chell.
Witnesses: Anthonie Beech, James Beech, John Bourne.
Debts due to me Raphe Robinson
of Tunstall owes me...... £6 10s.
Thomas Beech of Houghon .................. £2
William Rowley of Brodfeild ................... £3
James Brundley ...................................... £1 10s.
Thomas Smith of Tunstall..................... £1.
Widow Baggaley ....................................... £1
John Badaley of Tunstall .......................... 10s
Jeffrye Bourne of Chell ............................. 6s
John Broade of Whitfeilde ....................... 8s
A Trwe and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the Goodes Chattells & Som[m]es of money that weare Raphe Robinsons of greate Chell in the countye of Stafford Deceased seene and praysed the Eleventh Daye of Julye in the yeare of ou[r] Lorde God one thowsand sixe hundred twentye and eight in ma[n]ner & forme followinge
one Cowe
one other Cowe
one heafer sterke
one Calfe
c[er]taine Debtes Due to the testator w[hic]h are specfied in the will
c[er]taine mucke or Dunge
all Brasse
Iorn ware
a litle whitmeate
app[ar]ell for his bodie and money in his purs
c[er]tayne litle Coffers
Note
The appraisers have excluded napperyware, treenware and furniture from the inventory. See his sister's will and inventory two years later (Margaret Robinson,1630). The cattle are itemised separately as they are to be sold off by his sister. This had happened before she died. Interestingly, the calf may have been sold to John Bourne, who is bequeathed 26s 8d by Margaret Robinson at her death as if cancelling a debt. It is unusual that the appraisers' names are not given. It is also unusual for a husbandman to have no corn growing. John Baggaley of Chell owed Raphe Robinson £3 at the time of his death in 1620. We don't know if the £1 his widow now owes is residual from then.
Margaret Robinson of Great Chell, will dated 16th April 1630, buried 2nd May, inventory taken 3rd May, date of probate 14th May 1630.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in a Christian manner.
To Antonie Beech of Greate Chell yeoman; all the money that he owes me.
To James Beech of Greate Chell the elder: all the money that he owes me, from which he is to discharge my funeral expenses and prove my will; one chest standing in the house place; my iron grate.
To John Bourne of Litle Chell: 26s 8d.
To James Brundley of Sneyd: 20s that he owes me.
To William Rowley of Brodfielde: 5s.
To Alis, Margrett and Anne Baggaley daughters of John Baggaley late of Chell deceased: 13s equally to be divided between them.
To John and Randle Baggaley their brothers: 12d apiece.
To Thomas Bourne of Greate Chell: 5s.
To Thomas Bealye of Chell: 5s.
To Jefferye Bourne of Chell; all the money that he owes me.
My wish is that the dishboard and the partition wall and the door between the chamber and the house shall remain in the house to the use of the said John Bourne.
To Thomas Beech of Houghton: 10s.
To the wife of John Pilsburye of Stanley: my worse blue medley petticoat without lace.
Residuary legatee: Jane my sister Parnell's daughter.
Executor: James Beech.
Witnesses: James Beech the younger, William Beech, Margerye Honsonn.
Debts owing by me Margrett Robinson:
To John Bourne of Litle Chell ....6s 8d
Debts owing to me Margrett Robinson:
William Rowley of Brodfield ..... £3
James Brundley .... £1
John Baddaley of Tunstall .... 10s
Thomas Smith ... 10s
The executors of Elizabeth Baggaley ... £1
John Rowley of Chell ....4s 4d.
A Trwe and perfecte Inventorie of all the Goodes of Margrett Robinson late of Chell deceased, seene and praysed the the thirde Daye of Mai in the yeare of ou[r] Lorde God one thowsande sixe hundred and thertye, by Antonie Beech John Betson Thomas Bourne and Thomas Bealye praysers.
Debtes Due to the Testator and spetified by her last will & Testment
Brasse and Pewter
two payre of Bedstides
c[er]tayne Chestes
one Iron grate
a fryinge pan and other thinges
All man[n]er of Beddinge
c[er]taine stooles and treene ware
A Cubborde and otherbordes
c[er]tayne Iorne ware
Reparrell for her bodie and a purs
Notes
1. The only definite inference that can be made about the cottage is that the dishboard (which was like a Welsh dresser), partition and door separated two parts of the cottage. The division of the cottage may have have dated from when her brother Ralph lived there. As John Bournes's father had previously been the owner of the property, the situation seems to be that she wishes her landlord to receive the benefit of the additions made during the tenancy.
2. Haughton is to the west of Stafford. Both James Brundley (or Bryndley) of Sneyde and Thomas Bealie (or Baylie) had land in Chell.
Robert Parker of Tunstall, husbandman, will dated 7th December 1630, buried 20th December, inventory taken 30th December, date of probate 28th January 1630/1.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish church of Woolstanton.
To Robert Parker my son: one lease which I hold by the demise and grant of Raphe Sneyde esquire; one pair of bedsteads with the bedding that is on them, one flaxen sheet, one cupboard, one iron grate, two whiches, pot-racks, one brundred with all manner of ironware, meal boards, benches, forms and shelves, ploughs and harrows, and all husbandry ware.
My will is that my son Robert shall pay:
to my daughter Margret: £4 within half a year of my decease.
to my daughter Ann: £4 to be paid within a year of my decease.
to my daughter Alis: £4 to be paid within a year and a half of my decease.
to my daughter Mary: £4 to be paid within two years of my decease.
to my daughter Darrytie: £4 to be paid within two and a half years of my decease.
to my daughter Margret: £4 to be paid within three years of my decease.
Residuary legatees: my five daughters, to be equally divided.
Executors: William Sherrat my brother-in-law, and my son Robert Parker.
My will and mind is that if I overlive the term of two years that this my will and testament shall stand void and of no effect.
Witnesses: Thomas Baddeley the elder, Thomas Baddeley the younger, Richard Baddeley.
A trewe Inventorie of All the goodes Chattells & Cattels of Robert Parker of Tunstall in the p[ar]ish of woolstanton and Countie of Stafford Husbandman taken the Thertithe day December Ano Dom[ini] 1630
The reversion of one Lease houlden by the demise and grant of Raphe Sneyde Esquyre £25
five kyne
one yeare ould beast & two Caulfes
Three mares
Six sheepe
Two Swyne
Cartaine pullen
All husbandrie and Irne ware
Brasse and pewter
Beding and napprie ware
Trine ware
Chestes and Coffars
Tables benches formes and shilfes
Corne and heaye
p[ro]uision in the house
his wareing apparell
Notes
1. The staged payments to the five daughters will be paid out of the annual rent that son Robert will be receiving as a result of sub-letting some of the land leased from Raph Sneyd esquire. The total amounted to 41½ acres in Tunstall, almost all pasture. Two of the fields, The Whitteley and Gods Croft, had been part of Tunstall's open fields before they were enclosed by agreement in 1613.
2. Almost certainly he was a widower, and the five daughters were unmarried and living together in the family home. Margaret was the first to leave, after her marriage in January, a week before probate of the will.
Anthonie Colecloughe of Tunstall, husbandman, will dated 22nd January 1630/1, buried 26th January, inventory taken 2nd February[Wed], date of probate 31st March 1631
Will
In the name of God Amen the two and twentith Daye of Januarie in the yeare of ou[r] Lorde God one thowsande sixe hundred and thertye I Anthonie Colecloughe of Tunstall in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton and countie of Stafforde husbandman sicke in bodie but of good and p[er]fecte memorie thankes be to God theirfore Doe make and ordayne this my last will and Testament for the giueinge and Disposeinge of all my worldlie goodes and estate in man[n]er and forme followeinge But first before all thinges I freelie Com[m]it And yealde vpp my soule into the handes of Almightee God my maker Trustinge that throwe the merittes of Jesus Christe my Redeemer to be made p[ar]taker of liffe Everlastinge And I Comitt my bodie to the earth of what it is It[e]m I giue and beqweath vnto Marye Colecloughe my wyffe all that my Cottage or tenement wherin I Doe Inhabit and Dwell w[i]th all yardes hempbutes and gardens to the same Cottage belonginge or app[er]tayneinge To have and to houlde the (same) to her the said Marye from the tyme of my Decease for and Dureinge the tearme and space of her naturall liffe shee keepeinge her sealfe sole and vnmarryed And after the Decease of the said Marye I giue and beqweath the said Cottage and p[re]misses vnto Richard Coleclough my sonne for and Dureinge the rest and Reysidue of the tearme that I have therein yet to come and vnexpyred, It[e]m I giue & beqweath vnto Ellinor Colecloughe Mary Coleclough my Daughter Margrett Colecloughe and Anne Colecloughe my Daughters to eu[er]ye of theim therteene shillinges foure pence apeece And all the rest of my goodes after that my Debtes these Legacees and my fun[er]all expences are paid and Discharged I giue and beqweath vnto the said Marye Colecloughe my wyffe whome I make my sole Executrixe to see this my will p[er]formed. In witnes wherof I have h[eervnto] put my [hand --------] and year [-------] aboue [--------]
Seene Read Published and Declared in the p[re]sence of John Gloover William Gloover the yonger John Bourne
A True and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattell Chattells & Debtes whatsoeu[er] of Anthonie Colecloughe of Tunstall in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton in the countie of Stafforde Deceased seene and praysed the seconde Daye of Februarie in the yeare of ou[r] Lorde God one thowsande sixe hundred and thertie by Thomas Bourne John Tunstall & John Bourne as followeth
A Lease of a Cottage late in the Testators actuall possession
Three kyne & a Calfe
one sterke
c[er]taine haye
Brasse and Pewter
All Bedinge Bedstides Linons & Nap[er]ie ware
Boardes formes Disbordes shilues cheers stooles & c[er]taine loose boardes
Three Coffers
A Turnell and all treeneware
A Grate a Brundred a spitt a payre of goobertes a potcheane and all other iorne ware
a spininge wheele a Dishcradle & a backstone
a Debte Due to the Testator by John Earswicke gent[leman] being aboute
App[ar]ell for his bodie and a silver spowne
Notes
1.The cottage had little land going with it. The hempbutt would be, as its name suggests, a small piece suitable for growing hemp.
2. The bill not yet paid by John Earswicke was for goods or services supplied by the family.
3. Disbordes - shelves for the display of the pewter dishes. A dish cradle must be a container for holding dishes - exactly how is not known. There is one in the inventory of a Derbyshire gentleman in 1664. (Geoffrey Frogat)
Raphe Whittle of Chesterton, husbandman, will dated 13th November 1630, buried 6th February 1630/1, inventory taken 11th February.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Woolstanton.
To my daughter Ellin Payne: the residue and remainder of the term which I have in a pasture or parcel of ground called Dyllcridding, she paying eighteen shillings yearly to my daughter Catherine two times in the year (nine shillings at the feast of the Annunciation of the the Blessed Virgin Mary and nine shillings at the feast of St Michael the Archangel) during the said term.
To my son Raphe Whittle: a leather doublet, a pair of leather breeches and a canvas overall, and a pair of medley breeches, a fustian doublet and a coat lined with bays, and my best hat and a pair of shoes.
Residuary legatee: my daughter Ellyn Payne (including my blue coat).
Executor: John Payne. + Raphe Whitle his mark
Witnesses: John Bourne, John Willat
A true & perfect Inventory of all & singuler ye goods & Chattles of Raffe Whitle of Chesterton lately deceased as they were prized ye Eleventh day of February Anno d[omi]ni 1630 by vs whose names are subscribed
a lease of one peece of ground .......................... £5
al his other goods as treeneware bedstockes
a brasse pan a bakestone & boords .................. £1
his waring apparell ................................................. 13s
Sum[m]a total[is] ..................................................... £6 13s
John Willat Henrie Colclugh
Notes
1. It is likely that the pasture is being sublet to someone at a rent of 36 shillings a year (assuming that the testator wants the daughters to share equally in the income). Using the rate for pasture for Chesterton from an undated but contemporary survey, this means that Dyllcridding is just under 4 customary acres in area (about 8 acres in modern terms). In 1838 Charles Eaton owned 4½ acres "in Criddow" (plot no 2283 on the tithe map).
2. His son is to get working clothes and best clothes (bays is one of the more expensive materials).
3. His son-in-law John Payne is in his twenties. There is no record in Wolstanton parish register of his marriage with Ellen, but it does mention the baptisms of at least six of their children up till 1643.
4. The will and inventory are in Francis Capps' writing, who also declares that the will is a copy and agrees with the original.
5. Dorothy Wilton wife of Ralph Wilton died in 1627, which could be his wife.
Ellen Bourne of Great Chell, will dated 6th January 1631/2, buried 27th January, inventory taken 31st January, date of probate 14th February 1631/2.
Will
Sick in body; I commit my body to the earth from whence it is.
To Marie Bourne my kinswoman and goddaughter: 20s.
To William Bourne, John Bourne, Thomas Bourne, and Elizabeth Bourne my brother Jefferie's children: 5s each.
To each of the children of my brother William Bourne recently deceased: 5s each.
To the three children of Anne Davisson my sister (deceased): 5s each.
To the four children of Margrett Smalewoodde my deceased sister: 5s each.
To the three children of Thomas Bourne my brother: 5s each.
To Anne the wife of my brother Jefferie: 5s.
To Anne the wife of my brother Thomas: 5s.
To my brother Jefferie Bourne: £3 6s 8d.
Residuary legatee and executor: my brother Thomas Bourne.
Witnesses: James Beeche, Richard Leighe, Thomas Beyle.
[Signs by mark.]
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes & Chattells of Ellen Bourne of great Chell in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton & dioces of Couentrie & Lichfeild deceased, taken & praissed the last daie of Januarie Anno d[omi]ni 1631 by vs Anthonie Beeche James Beeche Thomas Bourne & William Rowley in man[n]or & forme Followinge.
all the pewt[e]r
one fith[e]r bed & Chaffe bed w[i]th Certaine oth[e]r thinges as one boulst[e]r & one pillowe w[i]th two Cou[e]rlids & one Blankett
fiue sheets sixe napkins w[i]th one towell w[i]th C[e]rtaine oth[e]r linens
one Chest
one lowme
all the apparell & monie in her purse
one debte of xixli vjs due by Bounde vnto the aforesayde Ellin from Gefferie Bourne her brother
Note
The contents of the inventory indicate that she was living in another person's house: by inference, her brother Jefferie's. (Geoffrey Bourne of Great Chell died in 1648.) She is a single person who has earned money, but not from weaving - the lowme is a wooden vessel, not a weaving loom, which would be priced at much more than 4d - and weaving was generally a man's occupation.
Thomas Henshaw the elder, date of will 23rd January 1631/2, buried 19th February, inventory taken 22nd February, date of probate 9th March.
Will
In the name of god Amen The 23 day of January Anno d[omi]ni 163i I Thomas Henshaw of Woolstanton in ye County of Staff[ord] w[i]thin ye diocesse of Coventry & Lichfield yeoman beeing sicke in body but of good & perfect memory (thankes be given to god) Doe here make & ordeyne this my last will & Testament as followeth In primis I bequeeth my soule into ye hands of Jesus christ my saviour through whose merits I beleeve I am saved: And my body I bequeath to be buryed in ye church yard of Woolstanton. Item I give and bequeath to John Henshaw my grandchild one Table standing in ye house one Coffer & one Brasse pan, yet my will is yt my sonne Thomas shall have ye vse of ye same during his life. Item I give vnto my son Thomas all ye rest of my estate whatsoever quicke and dead moveable & im[m]oveable of what nature & condition soever or in whose hands Custody or possession soever the same be or remayne. Item I Doe constitute & appoint my said John son Thomas Henshaw Executor of this my last will & Testament In Witnesse wherof I have herevnto set my hand & seale the day & yeere abovewritten.
Witnesse herevnto
Geo: Hanson Thomas Henshaw his marke
Richard Marsh x
A true & perfect Inventory of all & singuler ye goods Cattels & Chattels w[hi]ch Thomas Henshaw The elder of ye Towne & parish of woolstanton in ye County of Staff[ord] lately deceased dyed possessed of as they were prized ye 22th of February An[n]o d[omi]ni 163i by vs whose names are subscribed.
five kyne
7 yong beasts
one mare
15 sheepe
two swyne
geese & poultry
Corne and hay
one Carte one plough & all other husbanderie wares
some mucke valued att
Brasse and Pewter
Three Feather bedds 4 Chaffe beds w[i]th Couerletts blankets and bolsters thereto belonginge
Sheetes ands other linnens
bacon butter Cheese & other p[ro]vision in the house
Tables stooles shelues, bedsteades Coffers and all other treene houshold implementes
one Cubboard
one grate a fire shouell and a payre of tongues and other Iron wares
two peeces of Woollen Cloth
a lease of a peece of ground called Hickfields valued att
a lease of another peece of ground called Leekes Croft valued att
the wearinge Apparell of the deceased
money in his purse att the tyme of his death
woole tow & yarne
Summa Totalis huius Invent[orie]
George Hanson
John Patson
John Morton
John Turnocke x
Notes
1. An average farmer in terms of prosperity, Thomas Henshaw the elder was one of the two thirdboroughs for Wolstanton in 1585, 1603, 1608, 1615 and 1620. Henshaws had lived in Wolstanton for at least seventy years, and a Henshaw was living there in 1666 in a one-hearth house.
2. Leekes Croft and Hickfield are both in Wolstanton, on the slopes between the High Street and the D-road. The lease of Hickfield was valued at only £1 because it was right at the end of its term of 21 years. It consisted of 4½ customary acres (about 9 acres in modern terms).
Sir Rowland Cotton leased in 1610 a messuage or tenement in Wolstanton and all houses, edifices, yards, orchards, gardens and pastures etc belonging to it to Thomas Henshaw, Jone his wife and Thomas their son for their respective lives, paying the yearly rent of 26s 8d, plus two capons a year at the feast of the Circumcision of Christ (New Years Day), and a heriot on the death of any of the three of them. We do not know definitely the size or whereabouts of this farm, but at least one of the fields may have been close to May Bank High Street.
3. His wife Joan died in 1628.
4. The rest of the inventory from 'Corne and hay' onwards is in George Hanson's hand. John Turnock is the only one of the four appraisers to put his mark instead of a signature. Between 1600 and 1650 the wills and inventories show a gain in literacy.
5. Judgment was given against Thomas Henshaw (either this man or his son) when Thomas Wood sued him. The award of damages of 3s 4d against him was made less than two months before his death.
William Baddeley of Chatterley, no will, buried 1st December, inventory taken 3rd December 1631, date of admon 15th March 1631/2.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all and Singul[er] the goods & Cattells & Chattells of William Baddeley w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of Woolstonton & County of Staff[ord] dyed possessd &c Prized by vs the Theird day of December A[nn]o D[o]m[ini] 1631. Roger Smyth John Rowley John Broade
Haye & Corne
one Swyne
one peaire of hempton Sheetes
one flaxon Sheete
Hempton Sheete
two Course Table cloaths
Three Napkins
two paire of Hempton Sheets
one feath[e]rbed & two boulsters
one Cadwall & one Blanckett w[i]th one Cou[er]let & oth[e]r furnituor
foure Chafe beds & three boulst[e]rs
Tables & bedsteeds w[i]th oth[e]r boards
foure Chests
Tryne Wares
one Hundred & fiftie Cheess
Three Gallands of butt[e]r
the reu[er]sion of one Swyne
one brasse pott
one Brasse pann
foure dishes of pewt[e]r one Salt one Candlesticke & foure Sponnes
Affidavit
I Ellen Baddeley of Chatterley widow Doe by these p[re]sents & vnder my handwriting or marke certifie yt I have always Disclaimed & Doe now vtterly refuse to Administer my late Husband William Baddeley his goods or any part of them his debts beeing so many & vnknowen his inventory so small. In witness wherof I doe here put my marke march 9 1631
Ellen Baddaley + her marke
I Fran[cis] Capps vicar of Woolstanton doe certifie yt this is ye marke of Ellen baddeley
Francis Capps
Mr Baxter I have certified you this day yt shee doth vtterly refuse.
Notes
1. Although, like other debtors, William Baddeley didn't leave a will, the inventory does provide some clues as to his recent situation.The appraisers can be expected to be conscientious. Two of them are well-off farmers living nearby, and it is quite possible that they were creditors.
The dairy cows required by a cheese- and butter-maker must have been sold recently, but the hay needed to feed them through the rest of the winter still remains. The sheets, cloths and napkins would usually be priced under a single heading 'napery ware'; in this inventory they are priced separately - perhaps because not all of them are to be sold. However the dairy equipment (this would include cheese-press, pails and tubs - all made of wood) is put under one heading - 'treenware'.
Few inventories price each item of domestic equipment separately, but this sets down the value of the kettle (an open-top vessel used for boiling food), the value of the grate, and so on. Ellen Baddeley, the widow, would have to decide, item by item, what to hold back for herself, and what to sacrifice. However, after three months, she refused to act as administrator, and thus relinquished control of the disposal of the household possessions. In the end one of the creditors, William Brett of Newcastle, gentleman, undertook the administration, but Ellen Baddeley then disappears from local records.
2. Cadwall - probably this is supposed to be a caddow, a covering for a bed. It is perhaps spelt on the analogy of the spelling of Bradwall (formerly pronounced Bradda).
3. The number of chaff beds suggests that more than two people used to live there, such as servants.
4. 'Three Gallands of butter'. The butter is measured by the capacity of the container - in gallons, in this case.
5. the reversion of one swine - For this to make sense, one has to suppose that one of the swine was in someone else's hands and that William Baddeley raised some money in the short term by letting that person have the use of it - for a certain time period probably, though it could be until William Baddeley's death.
6. 'brundeth' - spelt variously - brundret, brundert, brundred, brunderd etc - this item is an iron framework placed in front of or over the fire, and it supported the cooking utensils. 'Shoofle' =shovel.
7. A press is a chest or cupboard.
8.The inventory was wrongly totalled, perhaps by misreading xvjd for xijd.
Thomas Turmer of Wolstanton, yeoman, will dated 6th July 1632, buried 17th July, inventory taken 19th July,[Wed] date of probate 25th July 1632.
Will
Sick in body.
To son John: 12d for his child's part.
To my loving wife Ales Turmer: the third part of all my goods.
To sons Randle and Thomas: the rest of my goods, two parts to Thomas and a third part to Randle.
To Randle Dakin: 2 shillings.
To my son John's children and to my cousin George Hanson's children: 12d each
To my brother Randle Turmer: my worser suit of apparel.
Executor: son Thomas Turmer.
Signed with a mark.
Witnesses: George Hanson and Henrie Robinson.
A true and perfecte Inventorie Indented of all and sing[u]ler the goods Cattells and Chattells of Thomas Turmer late of Wolstanton in the Countie of Stafford yeoman deceased seene valued and praised by John Addams John Moreton Richard Meare and Richard Marsh the Nineteenth daie of July Anno d[omi]ni 1632.
Foure Kine
Two Mares
Two Stirks
Thirteene Sheepe and Five lambs
Three Calues
Two swine
Geese Ducks hens and all other poultrie ware
Brasse and pewter
Two Feather beddes Four bolsters with )
other beddes blankettes and Couerlettes )
Tenne payre of Sheetes and all other linnens
Wooll valued att
A payre of bedsteaddes and 6 Coffers
Tables Chayres Stooles Shelues and )
all other houshold implementes )
pailes loomes barrells and all other treene wares £2
one Cubboard and a greate Whitch valued att
a Swinetubb and Swine troughs
one grate 3 spitts fire shouell tonges and )
other Ironwares )
Butter Cheese Bacon and other provision )
in the house )
Corne and Meale in the house and )
Corne on the ground )
One Carte one yoake one harrowe and )
all other husbandrie wares )
Two packsaddles valued att
Cushions valued att
certeine Mucke or Dunge valued att
hemp and Flax on the ground
The wearinge Apparell of the deceased
and money in his purse att the time of his death
Notes
1. Thomas Turmer was a copyholder in Wolstanton. The fact that he does not mention land in his will is not significant. In 1618 Thomas Turmer and his wife had transferred half of his 40 acres copyhold land to his son John and his wife Margaret, retaining a life interest for himself and his wife in the other half. This transaction was conducted in the manor court. (In the absence of a will or a transfer by the man during his lifetime, the traditional custom of the manor in which the land was held would have come into effect - usually the land went to the oldest son, with a third of it reserved to the widow for her life.)
2. The two mares and two pack saddles together indicate that the horses are work-horses.
3. Swine tubs occur in four of the inventories in this collection [besides this: 1610 Richard Hanson, 1642 William Bourne and 1649 John Rowley]. What are they? If a Banbury inventory item [no.50] 'a hoggeswashe barrell' offers a parallel, then they are for collecting household scraps and the by-products of brewing for feeding to the pigs.
4. 'loomes' in this context must be open vessels rather than weaving s. Some at least are probably ale loomes. (William Jacson of Sutton, Shropshire in 1541 had 3 ale lomes priced at 6d.)
6.The 13 sheep and five lambs inherited by his sons and added to their own flocks meant that they exceeded their stint on Wolstanton Marsh. Thomas and Randall Turmer were presented for overcharging the common field in Wolstanton with sheep in October 1632, and were fined 2s 6d each.
7. The will is original (it has a seal at the bottom).
Randall Wilkinson of Brerehurst, no will, buried 6th September 1632, administration granted 7th September 1632, inventory taken 10th September 1632.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes Cattels & Chatels of Randall wilkinson late of Brerihuist deceassed seeine vewed & praised the tente daie September 1632 by John Caulton Richard Gregorie John Vnwyn Richard Colclough & Robert Burslem
one Cowe ............................................................................. £2 16s 8d
one heffer stirke .................................................................. £2
one Calffe ............................................................................. 13s 4d
one mare .............................................................................. £1 10s
Corne on the grounde ........................................................ £3 6s 8d
hey in the barne ................................................................. £3 10s
ottes in the house viij mesuers ....................................... 12s
one mesver of malt ............................................................. 2s 8d
Cheeise ................................................................................. £1
one stone of woolle ............................................................. 12s
mele & greetes ..................................................................... 1s 4d
ix pere of Sheetes ................................................................. £2 5s 8d
v naptkins ............................................................................... 1s 3d
one flaxon bord Clothe ........................................................ 1s 6d
iij Course bord Clothes ....................................................... 1s 6d
iij pilowberes ......................................................................... 3s
ij fetherebedes v boulsters & three pillowes ................... £3 6s 8d
viij blanketes .......................................................................... £1
one Flokebed & a chaffebed ............................................... 5s
v Cou[er]lides ......................................................................... £1 10s
one wynow Clothe & iiij bages .......................................... 3s
one peece of Bacone ........................................................... 4s
iiij pere of bedstides ............................................................. £1
xj Chestes and boxes ........................................................... £1 13s 4d
iij litle tables & iij formes ...................................................... 7s
viij quissions ........................................................................... 2s
two turnils one hopper & a pecke ....................................... 6s
iij bowkes two stoundes one Churne three
barils iiii Chessefates one Bassen & other
treene ware .............................................................................. 5s
one Swyne ................................................................................ 17s
ij hens & xj Chickins ................................................................ 2s
ij litle brass pans ij kettles two potes i possnet
two skeletes one Chaffing dish & a Candlestike ............ £1 13s 4d
vij pewter dishes one bowle ij saltes v sawcers
& tw Counterfetes .................................................................... 14s
one litle Cubbord in the butterie ............................................ 4s
one Iron pott two bakestons one pere of
potthookes fyreshoule & tongues ......................................... 9s
iiij Cheres & all stoules & tressels ....................................... 3s
a skownce a pere of belowes & a hechowe ....................... 1s
one plough with Irons one harrow ij spites iij nagores
one sawe with other husbandley furniture .......................... 7s
one grate stidie & vj nele stidies ........................................... 7s 6d
one hundereth & xj pounde of newe Irone .......................... 11s 2d
all ould Iron ................................................................................ 14s 8d
ij pere of Smythie belowes ..................................................... 16s 8d
two laders .................................................................................. 1s
his bookes ................................................................................. 3s 4d
Slecke & coles .......................................................................... 2s
nayles ......................................................................................... 1s
one pacsadle with wontey & oreley ...................................... 3s
bordes & shulffes & other thinges not praised .................. 1s
his wearing aparell & all other his furniture
bothe for horse & foote........................................................... £1 6s 8d
Som[m]e £39 2s 8d
[Added by the vicar:]
in debts owing to him by severall persons 40s
a pan 3s 4d
a lease fro[m] one coleclough of Hey Hed of certaine lands lying in Brerehurst wee can[n]ot value by reasone ye lease is not yet to„ be found or seene.
exhibitu[m] fuit hoc inventoriu[m] cu[m] protestatione de addend[o] et diminuend[o] quod fiet quatenusq[ue] cora[m] me
Fran[cisico] Capps.
Notes
1. 'a skownce a pere of belowes & a hechowe' are listed together and might all have been hanging from the wall in close proximity to each other. Possibly a 'skownce' is a sconce, which could mean a lantern. And a 'hechowe' could be the same as a hetchell which was an implement used in hemp processing. The same explanation could apply to the bracketing together of 'one halfe hoope, one lanthorne and one payre of Bellowes' in the 1634 inventory of Alexander Vawdrey of Bowdon, yeoman, in Cheshire.
2. The inventory closely parallels that of Edward Colclough (1633) both in handwriting, content and item order. Incredibly, 'a skownce a pere of belowes & a hechowe' is virtually identical to a line in Edward Colclough's inventory.
Randall Wilkinson lived with somebody, but no Act book of this date survives at Lichfield to tell us who administered his estate after his death. However, the similarities of the two inventories strongly suggest that Edward Colclough lived in the house after Randall Wilkinson's death. The house, its outbuildings and some of the contents (eg the brass, pewter and the books) which the appraisers were viewing must be the same.
3. 'oreley' could be an overlay for draping over the horse's back. The wontey is for securing the load.
4. The vicar Francis Capps, acting as the Chancellor's representative, declared in his note in Latin that the inventory with protestation (presumably by all of the appraisers) was exhibited before him.
5. The smithy had anvils ('stidies'). It is possible that Randall Wilkinson was a nailer, as his brother had been.
6. In 1681 John Wood held 1½ acres of land in Brerehurst, formerly Randall Willkinson's.
John Smith of Hey Car, will dated 19th December 1632, buried 1st March 1632/3, date of probate 2nd May 1633, inventory undated
Sick in body.
Body to be buried in the the middle of the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Elizabeth my now wife: all the debts of money owing to me by other men for which I gave specialty either by bill or bond. (If she marries again, she shall pay to my children Roger, Elline, Elizabeth and Anne £60 to be divided equally.) Also the bedding which she brought with her.
To my daughter Margaret : 1s
To my brother Roger Smyth: my new boots
To old William Bell: my buckskin doublet
My debts and funeral expenses disregarded, my mother shall have and enjoy all those goods etc that have usually been occupied and enjoyed between us, in hope that she will provide a good portion for my daughter Margaret.
My wife to dispose all my other wearing apparel as she thinks good.
My wife and children to depart the house where we live within 2 months after my decease.
Executor: my wife, and father-in-law John Wood of Chell.
Witnesses: John Bourne, Roger Smyth
A trew and p[er]fecte Inventory of all the goods Cattles and Chattles of John Smith of Heacarr deceased Valued and praised by John Wood Roger Smith and John Calton as heirafter followeth
one Feather bedd one boulster one
pillow tow Blankettes and one keddow... £2
one paier of Flaxen sheetes.................... 6s 8d
two paier of hemppen sheetes................ 5s
one Table Cloth and fower napkins....... 3s 4d
the deceasantes weareing apparell....... £2
Thomas hunte of Longton by bond......... £10
Randulph Rode Esquier by Bond............ £20
John Rowley de gill bancke..................... £4
Jefferey Bowrne.......................................... £13 4s
William Rowley........................................... £5
John Bournes Bond for.............................. £17 5s 6d
Walter Homersley....................................... £20
[Total £94 4s 6d]
Notes
1. His daughter Ellin was baptised on 26th March 1626.
2. His wife complied with the requirement to quit the house: she is described when the will was proved as Elizabeth Smith of Olcott. She went to Lichfield to prove the will, accompanied by William Wood of Thursfield, carrier.
3. He was outlived by his mother Ellin Steele who in her will mentions her son's children in the same order as is given here. Evidently daughter Margaret was the eldest and had still not married over 5 years later, but her grandmother in her will gave her twenty pounds, more than twice what her brother and sisters each received.
4. In the inventory the possessions total £4 15s; the rest (nearly £90) relates to money owed to him. 'keddow' - A caddow was used as a bed covering. The family must have been living in his mother's house - hence the requirement to move out after his death.
5. Walter Hommersley it seems (from Sneyd Mss 2651) occupied Brookhouse.
6 The will is original (it has a seal at the bottom). The probate note refers to the will being on the back of the sheet. At present nothing is on the back, but the sheet in length nearly corresponds to the one that the will is on and could once have been part of it.
John Millington alias Bourne of Chesterton, will dated 20th March 1632/3, buried 2lst March, inventory undated, date of probate 25th March 1633.
Will
Being sick in body: to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Raphe Millington: one shilling.
To Joan Boothes: 20s.
Residuary legatee and executor: Henry Collocloughe.
Witnesses: William Wood (his mark), John Marsh (his mark), Randull Boothes.
A true and p[er]fect inventory of all the goodes and cattelles of John Millington al[ia]s Bourne of Chesterton deceased by us John Cowall and John Willatt.
Three kine ............................................................. £8
One bed w[i]th yt app[urtena]ntes ...................... 10s
Two Coffers & one boue ...................................... 2s
His apparrell & money in his purse
w[i]th all other thinges whatsoever ..................... £6 6s 8d
Totu[m] est £14 18s 8d
Notes
1. Alias-names are given for one of several reasons, including illegitimacy, remarriage of the parent, as well as inheritance of the alias-name from the father. In the case of illegitimacy, the mother's surname is placed first and the father's second - as shown in an entry of a baptism in Burslem parish register dated December 6 1646: 'Margaret Fletcher alias Taylor putative daughter of James Taylor and Katherine Fletcher'.
2. It is likely that his wish to be buried in Wolstanton churchyard was complied with - but there is no record of it.
3. Henry Colclough of Chesterton, yeoman, may have been John Millington's master (employer). F G Emmison, in his analysis of 10,000 wills of Elizabethan Essex, found several instances of a servant making his master the residuary legatee. The reason that he may have been given everything of John Millington's (except for two money bequests) may be that it was all his in the first place.
William Brett of Newcastle under Lyme, no will, inventories taken in March 1632/3, no date for grant of administration.
A True and Perfect Inventorie of all and singular the goods Cattells and Chattels which William Brett late defunct of Newcastle vnder Lyme dyed possessed of both in Newcastle aforesaid and Tunstall & els where as the were Appretiated by vs whose names are subscribed the 14 of March An[n]o D[o]m[ini] 1632
Three Kine and one little kench of hay ............................................ 10 10 00
One Nagge and one Mare ................................................................. 3 13 4
all Swine younge and ould ................................................................ 3 13 4
The Tearme of the house the Backside, the stable,
the house where one Worrall liveth, & one Croft
called by the name of the Milne Croft ............................................... 16 00 00
One lease graunted by Mr Sneyde to the defunct and his
ass[ign]s of one acre and a halfe of land in Norton for
one and Twentie yeares whereof remained seauenteene
yeares vnexpired in december last ................................................... 5 00 00
One paire of Wayne wheeles and a Carts bodie
with Thripples ........................................................................................ 2 10 00
Waynscott benches & frames standinge in the great Parlor ........ 1 10 00
in the Parlor Chamber one Rugge .................................................... 00 13 4
One Sealed bed w[i]th tester Curteynes and
Valens for the same ............................................................................. 2 13 4
One feather bed One boulster and Twoo pillowes ........................ 1 13 4
Twoo Blanckets ..................................................................................... 00 10 00
One Table & frame & one lyuery table ............................................... 00 18 00
One little redd Carpitt for the lyuerye table and
A window Cushion ................................................................................ 00 3 4
One Chayre and twoo stooles ............................................................ 00 13 4
his wearinge apparell w[i]th ridinge furniture for his bodie ............. 8 00 00
In the Chamber over the Hall One standinge bed & truckell bed ..00 10 00
One ould feather bed one boulster one Chaffe bed
3 blancketts, one white rugge ould Coul ........................................... 1 13 4
in the Truckle bed one Chaffe bed one boulster One
blankett One ould Couerlett rugge ...................................................... 00 13 4
in the Pallett one Chaffe bed one boulster
One blankett One Couerlett .................................................................. 00 10 00
Twoo ould blanckets .............................................................................. 00 8 00
Lynnen Napperie .................................................................................... 7 00 00
One Chest and Trunke .......................................................................... 00 10 00
One Cradle .............................................................................................. 00 3 4
in the Parlor ouer the seller one standinge bed
Curteines & valens .................................................................................. 1 13 4
one feather bed one boulster 2 pillowes
one Couerlett 2 blankets one Chaff bedd ........................................... 2 13 4
one table and twoo formes .................................................................... 00 10 00
one seeled Chest & one box ................................................................. 1 00 00
his books ................................................................................................... 3 00 00
wooden ware with Chaires and stooles .............................................. 2 00 00
one paire of tables .................................................................................. 00 3 4
Iron ware as brewinge pann spittes Coulberts
drippinge pannes Iron pottes Chaynes and all other Iron ............... 6 00 00
all the brasse and Pewter ...................................................................... 3 10 00
One little table in the hall & Cushions ................................................. 10 00
One great Arke, Twoo odd peeces of
Waynescott w[i]th some dressers shelues and bordes .................. 1 00 00
Some is [checked] 91 9 4
The goods before menc[i]oned were vewed and priced by vs who in Newcastle aforesaid the day before menc[i]oned v[i]z
Thomas Fernihaughe The mark of William Brett John Wood Thomas Harison
Theise followinge goods beinge w[i]thin the Lord[shi]pp of Abbie Hulton were vewed and App[re]ciated by vs whose names are subscribed the 16 of March An[n]o D[o]m[ini] 1632
Thirtene sheepe ....................................................................................... 3 00 00
one Mare .................................................................................................... 2 00 00
One Colt ..................................................................................................... 1 5 00
Three little Cuttings of tymber ................................................................ 00 8 00
Som[m]e 6 13 00
Thomas Mellor his marke
Hugh Eaton his marke
This is ye Inventory et[c] of such goods as ye aforenamed Defunct dyed possessed of in Tunstall as they were appretiated by vs whose names are subscribed March ye 19th Anno d[omi]ni L1632
one long table w[i]th a forme standing in ye parlor
two tables of coates of Armes ............................................................... £1 0 0
one payre of old bedstockes .................................................................. 2 0
3 oxe bowes & a shovell ......................................................................... 1 4
a furnace pot pan of yron a payre of yron potchaines
one payre of plow irons & other yron ware .......................................... £1 2 0
one plough & other plowtimber w[i]th waine timbers ........................ £1 5 8
one harrow ................................................................................................. 3 4
one cheese presse ................................................................................. 3 4
sixe yoakes whereof 4 are hangled w[i]th yron ................................... 9 0
one Tumbrell one old broken body of a wayne ................................... 9 0
one old coffer ............................................................................................. 5 0
a grindingstone & 3 stone swine trowes ............................................. 2 6
Some is £5 3 2
Prizers
Thomas Baddeley his marke
Robert Parker
Raph Baddeley
Som[m]e totall Contayned w[i]thin this p[re]sent Inventory is £103 5s 6d
Notes
1. Two William Bretts died in 1633. One was buried in Wolstanton on 1st March 1632/3; the other, a burgess of Newcastle, died in autumn later that year. The inventories must refer to the first William Brett because of their dates. This one was identified in 1623 in the borough records as a 'foreign burgess' ie who resided¬ outside the town of Newcastle; in 1624 the borough records identified him as the son of Thomas Brett of Hulton. In 1608 Thomas Brett owned the Mylne Croft in Newcastle, plus a house, stable and croft nearby.
William Brett's grandfather is likely to be Thomas Brett of Wolstanton (as identified in the 1583 Herald's Visitation). If so, his uncle could be the William Brett who was a thirdborough for Wolstanton in 1604, and the William Brett of Wolstanton Marsh, variously called yeoman and husbandman, who in 1608 was accused of stealing a hog. It was probably his uncle, rather than this William Brett who in 1612 was admitted as burgess of Newcastle for life only?
The children's names in the tuition bond (Thomas, Elizabeth, John, Edward and Anne Brett) do not exactly correspond to those recorded in the parish register as the children of William and Elizabeth Brett.
2. All the inventories are on the same sheet, but written by different persons. The figures in the third inventory are expressed as 20s, 2s, 16d etc. The amount of detail in the inventories contrasts with that given in the normal inventories of the period in Wolstanton parish. Note also the signs of urban wealth shown by the household furnishings.
3. Ward's map in his History of Stoke on Trent (1843) shows that the lordship of Abbey Hulton included (besides Abbey Hulton itself) Sneyd green, Birches Head [and Milton, Bucknall and Bagnall? - check] where his brother had a farm with (at his death) a flock of 47 sheep. Thomas Sergeant of Bagnall, gentleman, and William Brett's widow were bound in the administration bond.
4. A kench (of hay) was probably a sheaf, apparently not a precise measure. The OED gives knitch meaning 'a bundle (of wood, hay, corn etc) tied together; a sheaf or faggot'.
5. 'sealed bed' and 'seeled Chest' - this refers to the panelling on them.
6. Note 'his books'. Usually the only things designated as 'his' in a male's inventory were the purse and apparel. In the case of 'his books', the implication is that there were other books, apparel etc in the house that did not belong to him. Apart from that, all the things in the house were his (even the cradle!), unless omitted from the inventory.
7. Probably not the Thomas Harrison who nearly thirty years later was executed for high treason, being one of the regicides who signed King Charles' death warrant, as he was 16 at the time, and there was another Thomas Harrison who in 1608 or 1612 was a butcher in Newcastle.
8. The coats of arms at Tunstall were on two painted boards. (A cousin, Edward Brett, gentleman, was entitled to a coat of arms.) There is nothing to suggest that the house in Tunstall was lived in, though it may have had a tenant. It may be identified with 'the chief house or hall of Tunstall' William Sneyd had leased to Robert Parker for life in 1547.
9. An ox-bow was part of an ox-yoke. 'sixe yoakes whereof 4 are hangled w[i]th yron' - perhaps the four have an iron hook for attaching a chain. A thripple was a detachable cart-ladder.
John Broade of Holywall the elder, husbandman, date of will 16th July 1631, buried 1st January 1632/3, inventory taken 9th April 1633, date of probate 10th April 1633.
Will
Being very old; to be buried in the parish church yard of Woolstantonn.
To my son Thomas Broade, my daughter Ellin Turner, Elizabeth Gloover and Marie Heath, and to Thomas Broade alias Cunye in consideration that everyone of them has received preferment from me already in full satisfaction and discharge of their separate child's portions: 12d each.
Residuary legatee and executor: my son John Broade.
Overseers: William Bourne of Ewtree, gentleman and Anthonye Beech of Great Chell, yeoman.
Witnesses: John Bourne Thomas Broad John Fletcher
Aprill the ixth 1633
A true & p[er]fecte inventorie takenn of suche goodes as John Broade of the Holie well the Elder late deseased had in his owne possesionn at his discease
one bed ..................................................................... £1
his wearinge Apparell and the monye that
he had in his purse ................................................. 13s 4d
The names of them that weare the preaseres of theise goodes and theare markes
William Tunstall John Tunstall Thomas Broade John Rowley
Sum[m]a total[is] £1 13s 4d
Notes
His son John Broad held 47½ acres of land as a tenant of Ralph Sneyd esquire, and Holly Wall farm (to give it its modern name) was where father and son lived. It was situated in the township of Tunstall. There was a succession of people called 'John Broad of Hollywall' through the seventeenth century.
John Grindley [?of Chesterton], no will, buried 21st May, inventory taken 21st May, administration granted 5th June 1633
A true and perfect Inventorie of the goods cattells and Chattells of John Grindley of the parish of Wolstanton deceased taken the xxjth daye of Maye anno d[o]m[in]i 1633 by John Willatt, Thomas Arnot, and Robert Hanson.
his wearing apparell and money in his purse ....................... 13s 4d
three kine ..................................................................................... £7 10s
one bullock stirke ....................................................................... 10s
three hens ................................................................................... 1s
his howse, and ground lyinge to it .......................................... £5
his beddinge and Naprie ware ............................................... 13s 4d
his bedstockes, quofers and all other trine ware .................. 13s 4d
his brasse and pewter ............................................................... 4s
his Workinge tooles and all other Iron ware .......................... 10s
money owing him ....................................................................... £3
[Total £18 15s 0d]
Notes
1. No occupation can be deduced for John Grindley (or Grynley as it is given in the parish register), nor location in parish.
2. It is the lease of the house and the farmland going with it which is valued at £5.
William Rowley of the Broadefeelde, yeoman, will dated 6th September, buried 12th November, inventory taken 13th November, date of probate 15th November 1633.
Will
Sick and weak in body; Christian burial in the church or churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Ann Rowlie my daughter: £20, being the £20 I must receive if it please God to spare me life and health to make partition of my goods between my son William and me.
To my wife: one bed furnished and her coffer.
To Ann Rowlie my daughter: a cow at Gill banke.
Residuary legatees: my son William (half) and my wife Joane (half), to be divided by the overseers of my will.
To my daughter Ann: £10 more.
To my brother Geffrey 10s and my second suit of apparrel.
To Richard Henshaw: my third suit.
To my son William: my best suit
Executrix: my wife Joane Rowlie.
I revoke all former wills.
Overseers: William Colclough of Burslem gentleman, and my brother-in-law William Henshawe.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: John Rowley (signs by mark); William Colcloughe.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes debtes Cattells & Chattells of william Rowley of the Broadefeelde disceased, had, taken & praysed the 13th daye of November 1633 by vs Robert Burslem Richard Colcloughe William Henshawe, Richard Braddock John Rowley & Randulph Whitehall as followeth
two oxen
eight kine
eight horses & mares w[i]th sadles & furniture to them
one litle Coulte
Three twinter heicfors
Five sterkes
Five Calfes
nyneteene sheepe
Corn & haye at Ramscliffe
Lyme & muck
Three swine
Two trinde of feliis 4 axelltrees
Waynes Cartes plowes plowirons harrows Chaines yokes, a Copsole, horse gaires & furniture for Carte & plowes
one slaide
Corne & haye at home
Poultrie
One table & forme in ye house
one iron pott
Brass & pewter
meale in Tubs
Boukes loomes barels shelfes boords & all other
trine ware
one kowe at hier
Corne meale & malt in ye house
Butter Cheese & provitio[n] of meate for ye house 8 0 0
Bedding & bedsteedes
All Chestes & Coffers & boxes
Sheetes boordeClothes & all napperie ware
one grate one spit one paire of gobberts, one lantorne [?3] brundreds a frine pan & all iro[n] ware in ye house
Chaires stooles tressils formes & Quishons
Spining wheeles hetthons, & Cardes
Ladders poules & timber
monie owing
monie & stock in William Rowleys handes
one dett of & fro[m] William Rowley of Whitefield
all other goods not preysed
The testators waireing app[ar]el moni in his purse & other furniture for him stable & horse
Notes
1.'Yeoman' is squeezed in as an after-thought in the will and is not mentioned in the inventory preamble. He was evidently a prosperous farmer, with a barn, or the use of a barn, at Ramscliffe (a mile or so away) and at The Broadfield, a collection of houses whose name is remembered in present-day Broadfield Lane. In the parish register he is referred to as 'William Rowley of Olcot' - which is the township name. The item 'money and stock' (ie raw material) does not give a clue to his business. But the fact that he has more sheep than many other farmers in the parish, taken with the evidence of spinning, suggests that the stock might have included wool.
2. After the inventory was completed, the item 'salte' was added. Salt was normally kept in a salt-box, but the the valuation of £2 suggests sackloads which had been transported by pack-horse. Note the larger-than-usual number of equipped ("furniture to them") horses William Rowley had.
3.The 'one kow at hier' is probably the same as 'a cow at Gill banke', a nearby farm occupied by John Rowley. There is no mention of grandchildren in the will, and Ann Rowlie his daughter is likely to be unmarried. "It was a common practice all through the Middle Ages, and survives in localities to-day, to let out the cows by the year, at from 3s. to 6s. 8d. a head, often to the daya or dairymaid, the owner supplying the food, and the lessee agreeing to restore them in equal number and condition at the end of the term." (Cutler, W.H.R (1909) A Short History of English Agriculture)
4. 'One table & a forme in ye house'. The large table (indicated by the high valuation figure of £1) must have dominated the house-place or hall in which it stood. Another high figure is the £8 for household provision, which suggests a large household (Richard Henshaw is possibly a servant).
5. Farmers in this period sometimes used a sled for transporting loads across the fields, and so it is not surprising to find a 'slaide' following on from mentions of a cart and horse-gear.
6. 'Corne & haye at home' ie stored in a barn. The corn that is actually in the house is referred to later in the inventory.
7. I interpret 'Two trinde of feliis' as meaning 48 felloes (curved segments of a wheel). (The 1625 roll for Newcastle manor court mentions 'twenty four rods commonly called a Trined of spokes'.) Six ash felloes would have been used to make the circumference of each wheel. The axles (axletrees) would also have been wooden.
8. 'Spining wheeles hetthons, & Cardes' contains an unknown word, and an unfamiliar one 'card', referring to an iron-toothed instrument for combing wool or flax.
Edward Colclough of Brerehurst, collier, date of will 18th September 1633, buried 30th September 1633, inventory taken 14th October, date of probate 19th November 1633.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the earth.
To my wife Ellen: all my household goods within my house, and all my cattle and all my corn and hay except the corn in a pasture called the howstidds which I give to Ellen Colclough my mother and Richard Colclough my brother to be equally divided between them.
To my mother: 40s, a bed and a coffer standing within the house where she now lives.
To William Colclough and Roger Colclough, sons of my brother William Colclough of Sutton, Cheshire: 40s.
To James Colclough my brother: £6.
To my mother and sister: 20s.
To my mother: all the bedding and sheets belonging to the bed mentioned before.
Residuary legatee and executor: Richard Colclough my brother, including all the term of years which I have still in a cottage or tenement in Brerihurste now occupied by Henry Gibbones and all buildings, lands, pastures, closes and meadows belonging to it.
Witnesses: John Burslem William Burslem
A true & p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goods Catels & Chattels of Edward Colclough late of Brerehurst seine vewed & praised the Fowerteenth daie of october by John Caulton John Vnwyn & Robert Burslem praisers 1633
one Cowe one stirke & a Calfe ............................................................ £5 10s
Corne and heay in the barne ................................................................ £9
Corne in the house ................................................................................. 3s
Cheeis and whitemet ............................................................................. £1 13s 4d
woll one pound ........................................................................................ 1s 4d
sheites and all other naperie ware ...................................................... £2 10s
three pillowes & pillowe beres .............................................................. 3s
three fether bedes & six boulsters ....................................................... £3 6s 8d
x blanketes ................................................................................................ £1
one woolbed & a Chaffebed .................................................................. 5s
v Cou[er]lides ........................................................................................... £1 10s
two wynowe Clothes and four bagges ................................................. 5s
v peare of bedstides ................................................................................ £1
viij Chestes & boxes ............................................................................... £1 6s 8d
one table & two Formes .......................................................................... 6s
viij quissions .............................................................................................. 2s
ij turnils one hopper & a pecke ............................................................... 6s
three barrils ij stoundes one Churne two Clossboukes three
bowkes iiij Cheeissefates one bassen & other treeine ware ......... 5s
one Swyne .................................................................................................. £1 10s
pulin ............................................................................................................. 2s
all manor of Brasse .................................................................................. £1 16s 8d
all manor of pewter ................................................................................... 14s
one litle Cupbord in the buterie .............................................................. 4s
one Iron potte i brundered one pere of potthookes one grate
fyreshule & tongues ................................................................................. 9s
v Cheares stoules and tressels ............................................................ 5s
one skownce i pere of belowes & a hechowe .................................... 1s
one plowe with Irons i harrowe ij spites iij nagores one sawe
with other husbandlie furniture .............................................................. 7s
two laders ................................................................................................... 1s
bockes [?bookes] ........................................................................................ 3s 4d
the worthinge or mucke ............................................................................ 6s
bordes and shulffes & other thinges not praised beffore ................. 1s 6d
his weringe Aparrell .................................................................................. £1
money in his purse ................................................................................... £3
debtes owinge by specialltie .................................................................. £23
debtes owinge without specialte ............................................................ £5
the Revesion of on leasse ....................................................................... £6 13s 4d
[Total £73 6s 10d] Notes
1. Collier. Occupational terms (like tanner, nailer etc) at this time did not distinguish between the man running the business and the employee. Within the parish colliers are mentioned in this half-century living in Brerehurst, Stodmorelow, Chatterley and Tunstall; and outside the parish in Lawton (Cheshire) and Shelton. The one in Clayton & Seabridge must have been engaged in charcoal-making. (Colliers are: Richard Wyldbloode of Breerehurst collier, Richard Edge junior of Tunstall, collier and Robert Gibson of Lawton, Cheshire, collier (all mentioned in 1608), John Meare of Shelton collier, William Frost late of Stodmerlowe, collier, Thomas Shawe late of Stodmerlowe collier, and Robert Gibson late of Brerehurst collier (all mentioned in 1609), William Annyan of Clayton, collier (mentioned in 1639), John Gater (died 1647), John Hill a collier killed in 1648 by a fall of coal, George Wood of Chatterley (mentioned in 1655) and William Oakes a collier who married in 1656. In the next century, Parrott mentions at least three ground colliers living in cottages in Audley parish.)
2. At his brother Richard's death in 1641, there were about £11 worth of "Coales vppon the Banck"
3. 'corn in a pasture' means literally what it says. Pasture predominated over arable in this part of Staffordshire. (Now there is no arable at all.) Some part of his pasture called 'the howstidds' has been ploughed for growing a cereal crop, perhaps for a few years only.
Randle Tunstall, will dated May 14th 1634, buried 1st June, inventory taken 3rd June, proved 4th June.
Will
In the Name of God Amen I Randle Tunstall in the Countie of Stafford of the towne and parish of Wolstanton parish Clerke sick in body but of p[er]fecte Memorie sence and understandinge doe ordeyne this to be my last will & testament in forme followinge: First I Bequeath my soule into the hands of God and my body to be interred in the Churchyard of Wolstanton: Item I give to my sonne John Tunstall 1s for his Childs portion: Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Margarett my daughter Ellen my sonne Sammuell Twelve pence a yeare for theyre Childs portions: Item all the rest of my goods Chattels whatsoever wheresoever quicke and dead I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Tunstall whom I ordaine and Constitute sole executrix of this my last will and testament (my funerall expenses beinge after deducted first from my goods): In witnesse whereof I have subscribed my name and putting seale the daie and yeare above written.
Witnesses to this will The marke of Randle Tunstall
Fran[cis] Capps
vicar of wolstanton:
John Moreton
Thomas Twamloe
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie indented of all & sing[u]ler the goods Cattells and Chattells of Randle Tunstall late of wolstanton in the Countie of Stafford w[i]thin the diocesse of Coventrie and Litchfield parish clerke deceased taken and apprised the third daie of June Anno d[omi]ni 1634 by George hanson John Moreton and Thomas Henshawe as followeth.
two kine and one stirke
one mare
one Swine
geese and Poulterie
corne on the ground
one Featherbed 3 Chaffe bedds 3 Couerlettes )
2 blankettes and 3 boulsters )
linnens and Nappery
brasse and pewter
Tables Shelves Coffers and )
bedsteads stooles and chayers )
one Cubboard
pailes loomes barrels and other household implements
one grate and other Iron wares
one peece of Woollen Cloth
two peeces of linnen Cloth
Yarne and Towe
The husbandry wares a saddle and horse geeres
one Flitch of bacon and other provision )
in the house )
mucke
the wearinge apparell of the deceased )
and money in his purse att the time of his death )
Notes
1. There is no specific mention of draught animals. The mare was presumably for riding, but the inventory of Henry Greene of Nethercote, Banbury, husbandman, (1593) shows that she could also be used for ploughing: 'One mare and one colte and certayne plow geres for them.'
2. At the bishop's visitation in 1629, Randle Tunstall the parish clerk of Wolstanton could 'neither write nor read'; while at Stoke, Roger Cotton the parish clerk had been excommunicated, and was faulted for not keeping the church clean.
3. Randle Tunstall was a farmer in a small way. He - or more probably his wife - maintained an ale-house, and this continued after Randall's death. The loomes and barrels are both evidence of brewing. He was fined in the manor court in 1616 for breaking the assize of bread, so his wife also baked bread for sale.
4. The fact that a barn is not mentioned need not mean that he didn't have one. There are other instances in Wolstanton parish of farmers whose goods were inventoried in June not having hay or corn in the barn. All last year's corn would have been threshed, gone to the mill, and come back to be included in the 'other provision' in the house.
John Maxfeild of Thursfield, yeoman, date of will 18th September 1633, buried 22nd May 1634, inventory taken 23rd May, date of probate 26th May.
Will
Being diseased in body: to be buried in decent manner in the parish church of Wolstanton near to the end of my seat or form.
To Margret my wife: my best brass pan and half the rest of my goods.
To John Maxffeild, son of Richard Maxfeild my deceased brother: my second brass pan.
To Marie my loving sister £3 6s 8d.
To John Lawton of Lawton Esquier my landlord, my landlady his wife, and to Ellenor Lawton his sister: £3 6s 8d each.
To his sons William Lawton and Raphe Lawton: £5.
To William Maxfeild my brother: £3 6s 8d.
To Ellenor Lawton my sister and to Margret Beeche my sister : 40s each.
To Elin Maxfeild my sister-in-law: 53s 4d.
To Joan Beech, Elizabeth Kent and Marie Maxfeild her daughters: £6 13s 4d each.
To the children of Joan Beech: £3 6s 8d to be equally divided.
To John Burslem, my godson, the son of Robert Burslem; and to Margret Burslem daughter of Robert Burslem: 40s.
To the rest of the children of Robert Burslem: £5 to be equally divided.
To John Colton my godson: 40s.
To John Lawton, John Whythaugh, and John Mylnes my godsons: 10s each.
To the rest of my godchildren: 3s 4d.
To my servants dwelling with me at the time of my decease: 6s 8d each.
To the poor of the parish of Wolstanton 40s, and to the poor of the parish of Church Lawton 20s, to be distributed by the oversight and direction of the parishes' churchwardens and overseers of the poor.
To John Maxfeild: the other half of the rest of my goods.
Executors: Margaret Maxfeild and John Maxfeild.
Witnesses: Robert Alsager, Robert Corke.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods Catles Chattels & debts of John Maxfeild of Thursfield in the countie of Stafford yeoman deceased: taken by William Rowley James Beeche Robert Alsager & George Stonier the xxiij th day of Maye Anno d[omi]ni 1634:
foure oxen & two steyres
Ten kyne & seauen Calves
Three twint[e]r heffers
Five sterkes
One Mare & one Nag
Twentie two sheepe & owne lames
Three swine
In Pullen
Corne in the barne, & maulte
Corne on the ground
Weanes, Carts, plowes, working tooles, & all oth[e]r tooles of & for husbandrie
Mucke & Fuel
a ston tub ston troues & the grinding stone
Taxke of ground
one Wiche
Bedinge Bedstids & naperie ware
Salt meates & wite meates
In woole, & lynen Yorne
Cowperie & Tryneware
Brasse, & Pewter
Cups, glasses, yeren potts, & Candles
Iron ware aboute the fire, & in the howse
Chests, & Coffers,
a Carpet tables, formes, Cheres, quishions, stooles, shilfes, & loose boords
Sackes, Windoe sheetes, siues, wiskets Basketts measures, spining Weeles, & all oth[e]r implem[en]tes for huswifrie
all oth[e]r odd things in and about the howse
Monie in his purse, apparell, plate, & one bible,
Monie in his Chest, & debts owinge him
Notes
1. Although he leased some land (from John Lawton), most of the land he farmed he owned himself, paying a chief rent of 7s a year to the Lord of the Manor around 1620. John Maxfield of Thursfeilde acted as constable in 1619.
2. Evidently he had no children. In 1666 the nephew - called John Macclesfield then - occupied a house with 3 hearths in Thursfield. A few years later he represented 'the house at Trubshaw' as churchwarden and overseer of the poor. Trubshaw Farm (grid ref: 8522/5527) may be the successor and is at the edge of a new housing development stretching from the roundabout at the junction of Newchapel Rd and Pennyfields Rd. Margrett Maxfield of Trubshaw, widow, died in 1670/1.
3. The only connection between the stone tub, stone troughs and grinding stone is the material that they are composed of.
4. 'Taxke' - should be 'Tackes' ie leases.
5 'Salt meates & wite meates' - the beef would have been salted to preserve it until required for eating; the whitemeat is the dairy products milk and cheese.
6. As the brewing and cheese-making equipment are not listed, they must be included under 'Cowperie & Tryneware', and would have been items such as barrels, cheese-press, and a lot more besides.
7. The high figure for bedding, besides indicating high standards for the family, may also reflect the number of servants, some of whom would have helped in brewing and making cheese.
8. 'yeren' = iron; quishions = cushions; 'windoe sheets' = winnowing sheets.
9. 'all oth[e]r implem[en]tes for huswifrie' - the split between male and female roles is indicated.
10. His brother may have been the Richard Maxfield of the parish of Wolstanton, whose wife Ellen was granted the administration of his estate 25th May 1608. Ellen Maxfield, widow, was buried in Wolstanton in 1640.
11. Candles were either bought (sold by the pound) or home-made (from tallow).
William Cooke of Knutton, yeoman will dated 24th May 1634, buried 4th June, inventory taken 26th June, date of probate 3rd July 1634.
Will
Sick in body. [burial place not specified]
To my son William Coocke: £30; three chests, the best bed and that which belongs to it, one great pan, fire shovel, a pair of tongs, one great brass pan, one brass pot, six of the best pewter dishes, the table in the house with the table cloth and the frame, the implements of husbandry and all shelves and boards in or about the house.
"I geve and bequeath to that Child w[hi]ch Jane Coocke my wife is great w[i]th yf god geve it life the som[m]e of twentye poundes."
To my son Thomas Coocke: all my wearing apparel.
To my godchildren: 12d each.
Residuary legatee and executrix: Jane Coocke my now wife.
Overseers: William Gibson of Knutton, Raphe Corns of Betley.
Renounces all former wills.
"and if it happen that the one Child dye then my will is that the portion of the dead Childs to be equalye devided betweene my said Wife and the living child"
Witnesses: Raphe Corne, Thomas Fenton.
The xxvjth of June 1634
A treue and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes and Chattles of William Coock latly decessed praysed by vs William Gibson John Baddeley John Beeche
quicke goodes
tow kine
tow heghfers
sixtine shipe
one swine
sixe Chichins
dead goodes
Corne on the gro[u]nd
Brasse and puter
one great pan[n] geven by will one pott and six puter dishes
the best fether bed w[i]th that belonnges to it
one table in the house w[i]th frame and table cloth belonging to the same three chestes
all Implementes of husbandrye w[i]th all shilfes and bordes in or about the house
one grat a fire suvull a peare of tonges
the rest of the beddinge
shites and nappery ware
woodden ware and one trunke
one dripinge pan[n] one plate and all the rest of Iron ware
saddles wonteys gerth bridles and pa[n]niers
his wearinge apparell
money in his purse
Corne and malt and doung
beefe and bacon butter and Cheese
wooll
bees
one heyre Cloth and all other thinges of smale valu
wollen and linen Clothe
in billes and bondes
Notes
1. He had married Jane in April 1632. William his son was only about a year old. Probably Thomas was his son from a former marriage - his previous wife Ann died in 1630. A few months after his death his posthumous child was born and christened Tobias. If Jane did subsequently remarry, it was not in Wolstanton parish church.
2. The inventory takes account of the bequest in the will by valuing the six best pewter dishes, the great pan and the pot separately.
3. 'a fire suvull a peare of tonges' - in inventories the fire shovel and pair of tongs are always mentioned together.
4. The wonteys and girth are for securing a load on the horse's back.
5. William Cooke is one of the few people in the parish whose inventory mentions bees - the valuation figure suggests he had two hives.
6. The bills and bonds represent money owing and are included in the estate. Occasionally, as in this case, men in this period were owed more than their goods and chattels were worth. An extreme example is John Danyell of Burslem who died in 1610/11 with goods worth £21, but the debts owing to him amounted to £72.
7. At the time of his death, he was serving as constable. This was a post which was responsible for law enforcement locally, usually on the authority of a J.P.
Thomas Cotes of Great Chell, yeoman, date of will 28th October 1634, buried 12th November, inventory taken 20th November, date of probate 17th February 1634/5.
Weak in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton as near as where my wife lies as is convenient.
To Thomas Cootes my son: £10; the bed in the parlour and all that belongs to it; my best cloth suit; ten thraves of my corn; four flitches of bacon.
To John Cootes my grandchild: my best ewe, my great which standing over the parlour, the cupboard standing in the parlour, the great table in the house with the two forms belonging to it, the great pan in the house."Item I give to the said John Cootes a good thing and five pounds of money."
To Katherine Cootes my grandchild: my second-best ewe, the great coffer standing over the house, the great kettle [in] the house, and £5.
To Mary Cootes my grandchild: the lamb of the ewe which I gave to John Cootes her brother, the coffer standing at the foot of the bed(s) over the house next to the window, the little pan in the house and £5.
To Elizabeth Cootes my grandchild daughter of my son Thomas: the best twin lamb, the coffer in the parlour, the best brass pot and £5.
To Mary Cootes my grandchild, daughter of my son Thomas: the other twin lamb, the coffer standing at the foot of the bed(s) over the house furthest from the window, an old hanging kettle, one little kettle and £5.
To Mary Biddulph my grandchild: £3 and a neck cloth which was her mother's.
To my two daughter-in laws, equally to be divided between them: all my pewter, and all my linens (sheets, board-cloths, napkins etc), and the best sheet to wind me in.
To my daughter-in-law Thomas' wife: the broadcloth gown which was my wife's.
To Sara Cootes my daughter-in-law: another gown and petticoat all of one cloth, which was my wife's, and all the rest of my bedding.
To Margarie Betson: a green petticoat and 20s.
My mind is that if I die at this time my son Richard and his and his wife shall take my two kine and 4 twenty-shilling pieces of gold to Keele Hall to my master and let him choose which he will take as his heriot; if he takes one of the kine, my son Thomas shall have [four] pounds to buy him another cow.
To Richard Cootes my son: all livestock not formerly bequeathed - kine, mare, swine and other things; the rest of my corn; all my hay and all the rest of my household provision, towards the bringing up of his children; all the rest of my clothes; the reversion of the lease of my house and grounds.
After my debts have been paid and my funeral expenses have been discharged, I bequeath all the rest of my goods to Richard Cootes my son towards the taking of a new lease from my master. If he does not take a new lease of this house and grounds, I would like my executors to divide the goods equally between the children of Richard Cootes and Thomas Cootes. I would also like my executors to pay Richard Drakeford of Stontrough £3 6s 8d on February 24th next and for the following two years: this is money which I owe him, which Anthoney Beech and John Burne are sureties for.
Executors: Raphe Millington of Keele and Thomas Blythe of Castle, skinners.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of the goodes Cattells & Chattells movable and vnmovable of Thomas Cootes of great Chell in the County of Stafforde yeom[an] veued and prissed by Thomas Seuingent Anthoney Beech William Rowley Thomas Burne and John Bagnald the 20th of November An[n]o d[omi]ni 1634
tow kyne
one mare
three sheepe and three Lambs
one Swine
Seaven geese
all the Corne and Hay in the Barne
brass and pewter in the house
tow Iron Pootes
tow Iron Mourters
one Grate w[i]th Gobats Spits dreping panns, choping kniues, and other ware belonging to the house
in the Parlor one bed one bed steed and all that belonge to it
one Cubbort in the parlor
in the Parlor one Coffer w[i]th other boxes
over the parlor one w[hi]ch
over the howse three Coffers
tow beds over the house
three fliches of bacon
Hempe and flax
wooll
tow turnells w[i]th Lomes barrells boukes dishes trenchers and other treane ware
in the howse one Table and tow formes
one dishborde and other shilfes in the howse
Cheres and Stoules in the howse
butter and Cheese in the howse
Corne in the howse
sheetes Table Clothes and othr Naparie ware
bills and boundes
money in the howse
tow gould Rings
one Cart one plowe & other Implem[en]tes belonging to husbandrie
money in his purse
one Bible and one prayer booke
all his wearing apparell
Notes
1. Cotes' is how the testator spells his name. His wife died in 1633, it seems.
2. His master is Ralph Sneyd of Keele: as lord of the manor (for the heriot) and as the landlord. He owned much land in North Staffordshire, he was lord of eight manors, and his residence Keele Hall was the largest in the district.
3. In 1636/7 Richard Coates of Great Chell was a churchwarden in the parish.
4. No lease of his house and land is mentioned in the inventory; so what he says in his will suggests that the lease that he has is a 'lease for lives', and that his son Richard is the last life. It will cost money to renew the lease.
5. 'ten thraves of corn' ie 240 sheaves - at this time of year his corn (probably oats) is still to be threshed.
6. The value of the corn and hay is £7, and this means an area of arable of, at the very most, 9 acres. The amount of livestock is not large. Yet he has a large sum of money under lock and key in a chest or box - no doubt iron-bound. So did he make his money just from farming? Possibly so: his sons are now established, and he can now attend to the needs of the generation following. Presumably Richard Cotes did not take a new lease, for when the will was proved, the executor, Thomas Blythe of Newcastle, skinner, was given the responsibility for the 'education' (or upbringing) of the six grandchildren named in the will. The degree of control that the testator exerts over his grandchildren is unusual.
10. Thomas Cotes' will is the only one in this collection to make provision for a winding-cloth. Have the remains of any seventeenth-century winding-cloths been excavated?
11. As a widower (perhaps of less than two years), he had his deceased wife's clothing to dispose of. He bequeaths three items that used to belong to his wife; but the inventory only mentions things belonging to him.
Margaret Eardley of Grubbers Ash, widow, no will, buried 25th November, inventory taken 26th November, administration granted 4th Dec 1634.
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods Cattell and Chattells of Margrett Eardley of Wolstanton & County of Staff[ord] wydowe deceased, taken by Richard Woodd, Thomas Howell, John Beech and Randull Burslem the 26th day of November. A[nn]o D[omi]ni 1634. as followeth
[Tue]
3 oxen ............................................................................................... £17
10 kyne .............................................................................................. £33
5 twynter beastes, & 5 sterkes ....................................................... £26 13s 4d
6 calves .............................................................................................. £8
2 mares & one Colt .......................................................................... £11 10s
28 sheepe .......................................................................................... £7
4 Swyne ............................................................................................. £2 15s
Corne in the house & in the barne ................................................ £36
in Haye ............................................................................................... £10
one Chattell ....................................................................................... £133 13s 4d
waynes Cartes plowes & other implem[en]tes for husbandry .. £5
in brasse & pewter ............................................................................ £8
in beds and beddinge ...................................................................... £13 6s 8d
in naperie ........................................................................................... £5
Chestes, Coffers, bedstiddes, presses, tables & formes ........... £5
in other treene ware ......................................................................... £2
one yren furnace, yren pott & other yren ware ............................ £3
in butter & Cheese ............................................................................ £3
one bible & other bookes ................................................................ 13s 4d
in poultry ............................................................................................. 6s 8d
apparell of the dead & money in purse ......................................... £5
Som[m]e £318 8s 8d
[Recte: £335 18s 4d]
Notes
1. 'Chattell' - a lease of property to the deceased for a term of years. The value of the lease in her husband's inventory is only £20 - this difference is the biggest single difference between her and her husband's inventory valuation figure. The excessive valuations of livestock in the widow's inventory also contribute eg how can £17 be the valuation for four oxen in 1630, and for three oxen in 1634?
2. The note made by the bishop's court on the bottom of the inventory mentions the eldest son John of Grubbers Hill, yeoman, plus the other children: Mary, Sara and William. As Mary is not mentioned in her husband's probate records, probably she is her daughter from a previous marriage.
3. The burial record gives her surname as 'Yardley'; and of 'Grobers Ash'. This is a different farm from the one where she was living immediately after her husband's death. On the 19th century Tithe Map, both farms are shown on either side of the road from Knutton to Alsager's Bank, about three-quarters of a mile apart.
Joan Leigh of Stodmorelowe, widow, date of will 25th April 1634, burial date not known, no inventory, date of probate 4th May 1636.
Being weak of body; to be buried in the churchyard of Biddulph.
To Elizabeth Proctor, daughter of James Proctor, my late brother: £25 out of a debt owing to me by John Bailie of Biddulph, yeoman; and one brass pan.
To William Proctor, Thomas Proctor, and George Proctor, three of my late brother's sons: £20 to be equally divided.
To Sara daughter of Andrew Twemlowe of Norton: 3s 4d to buy her a lamb with. Residuary legatee: James Proctor, eldest son of my late brother, "and also the use and consideration of all money due and owing unto me for one year next after my decease."
Executors: Sir William Bowyer of Knipersley, knight and James Proctor.
Witnesses: Thomas Cliffe, John Chilton, Mary Williams and Jane Bankes.
Signs by mark.
Notes
1. Charles Twysden, the official at the church court, required an inventory to be produced by Michaelmas; but it is not on file.5
2. Her connections are outside the parish. None of the surnames without locations seems to relate to Wolstanton parish.
William Clowes of Fowley, husbandman, will dated 25th Feb 1634/5, buried 2nd March 1634/5, inventory taken 9th March 1634/5, date of probate 24th April 1635.
Will
Being somewhat weak and d[is]eased in body; my body to the earth where it came from.
To Marie my daughter: a cow, a feather-bed, a bolster, a coverlet and blanket, two pairs of sheets, a pillow case [pillow beare] and a pillow,
To my son-in-law Richard Dennell: one [?corn]stroke which my wife had from him.
To my daughter Jane: £3 to be paid at the end of two years.
To my daughter Anne: £8 to be paid at the end of three years after my decease.
Residuary legatees: Margerie my wife and William my son.
Executor: William Clowes my son.
Witnesses: Thomas Bentley Benjamin Clowes.
The debts owing to the testator:
Mr Robert Hommersley .......... £2 3s
Michell Warde ........................... £1 8s
The debts owing by the testator:
To Thomas Bentley .................. £5
Funeral expenses .................... £1 1s
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes and Cattels of william Clowes of fowley in the parishe of wolsington in the Countie of Stafford, husbandman deceased taken the ixth day of march 1634 by vs Thomas Bentley James oulsnam Beniamin Clowes
Five kine
two Incalfe heafers
sixe sterkes
two Calfes
two mares and one horse
one swine
Corne and hey
Husbandrie ware
Brasse and pewter
three fetherbeddes Coverlettes blankettes )
boulsters pillowes and all other beddinge )
Sheetes and apperie ware
two Arkes fyve Cofers one boxe one l ittle Cobbord
one Joynt bedd bedstockes
one turnell one knedingtubb w[i]th barrells )
loomes boukes and all other trene ware )
butter Cheese and fleshe at the Ruffe
meale and malte
bordes formes Cheres stooles quishens )
and all other implementes in the house )
one grate one fryinge panne and all other )
Iron ware in the house )
menor
seckes and window sheetes
pultrie
saddles and brydles
apparell and monie in his purse
cloth yorne and flaxe
Notes
1. The printed parish register gives the name as Glover
2. Unusually, we know the funeral expenses - £1 1s, and the cost of obtaining probate was 3s 6d.
3 'Wolsington' - a pronunciation of Wolstanton at the time.
4. His widow died in 1638.
5. 'Robert Hommersley the son of Ralph Hommersley sold the Ridghouse estate in Shelton to one Mr Eyre' according to John Fenton, a 17th century local historian.
6. 'Sheetes and apperie ware' - the sheets and napery (linen) are often listed together (as in the last inventory).
7. 'corn stroke' - for measuring corn.
8. 'seckes and window sheetes'. The winnowing sheets (used in separating the corn from the chaff) and the empty sacks were stored together in William Clowes' barn.
7. A prosperous man, but probably not just from husbandry. He lived at Fowley which was on the highway going east from Newcastle, he had a large amount of bedding, we know from Yates' map in the last part of the 18th century of a New Inn situated on this road, and there is the origin of Queens Hotel to explain - so could he have been an inn-keeper?
John Beech of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 27th August 1635, buried 3rd September 1635, inventory taken 5th September, date of probate 16th September 1635.
Will
Sick in body; 'my body to the yearth'.
To Elnor my wife: the best bed with all that belongs to it, the second pot,
two chargers, one skillet, one cow and wintering for her.
To Elnor my wife for her life: half of all my lands and buildings belonging to them.
To John Beech my eldest son for his heirs and his child's part: two tables and forms, a grate in the house, the best pot, the best iron-bound wain, two yokes, one chain, one plough with plough-irons, one harrow.
My intention is that my wife shall have the joint use of all the husbandry ware during her life.
To Raphe Beeche my second son for his child's part: £10.
To Thomas Beeche my third son for his child's part: £20.
To Elnor Patson my elder daughter for her child's part: 20s.
To Alse Beeche my younger daughter for her child's part: £30.
To my three grandchildren John Patson, Richard Patson, Phillip Patson: 6s 8d each.
To my son-in-law Richard Patson, in consideration of all his marriage portion: 12d.
Residuary legatees: my two younger sons and younger daughter.
My intention is that my heir, whichever of my children it shall please God to make my heir, shall maintain and keep my brother Raphe Beech with food and drink, clothing, accommodation, woollen linen, hose, shoes, washing fit and convenient for his calling.
To Raphe Beech my brother: all my wearing apparell except my coat and cloak. And if it happens that my heir refuses to keep and maintain my brother [..................................... ............] then my intention is that my brother Raphe shall have and peaceably enjoy a close or pasture called Lower Barcroft for life, paying the yearly rent of a penny at Christmas to my heir, if it be lawfully asked for.
To my son John Beech: all my lands and my lease of Whitfield on condition that he pays certain sums of money named below within one year viz. to Raphe Beeche my son £16 13s 4d, to Thomas Beeche my son £16 13s 4d, and to Alse Beeche my
daughter £36 13s 4d. and if my son John Beeche or whom it shall please God to make my heir refuses to pay these sums of money, then it is my intention that my three younger children shall have and peaceably enjoy the Berch as it is now divided in two parts and the middle Barcrofte for 25 years from my decease paying the yearly rent of a penny at Christmas to my heir, if it be lawfully asked for.
He revokes all former wills.
Executors: Elnor my wife and my son John.
September the vth 1635
A trewe and p[er]fect Inventary of all the goodes and Chattles of John Beeche of Knutton Latly decessed preysed by vs John Clownam John Patson John Baddeley William Gibson
Quicke goodes
fower oxen ..................................................................................... £20
fower keene .................................................................................. £12
one kowe more ............................................................................ £3 6s 8d
tow nagge and a Coult ................................................................ £8 13s 4d
sixe twinters ................................................................................. £16
five sheepe and fower Calves ................................................... £4 16s 8d
tow sweene ................................................................................... £2
henns and geese ......................................................................... 7s 8d
Dead good
three dayes workes of winter Corne ....................................... £6 13s 4d
tow dayes workes of barlye ....................................................... £4
xij dayes workes of oytes ........................................................... £16
Corne in the house malte and heaye ...................................... £8 13s 4d
bacon and wheite meate ........................................................... £3 10s
the lease of ground in wheete fild ............................................ £3 6s 8d
the lease of the milne Crofte ..................................................... £46
the best weane one plow w[i]th irons 2 yockes one
cheane one harrow ..................................................................... £4
the rest of the Husbandry wares implementes of
husbandry & horse geeres ........................................................ £4
weane plowe and milne timb[er] and all other timber .......... £1
one tubston[n]e tow swine trowes and a grindinge ston[n]e 5s
towe great table w[i]th formes the best pott the best grate .. £5
brasse and peuter one silver spo[n]ne tow iron kettles
a posnet a mort[er] & pistle ........................................................ £8 18s 4d
the best bedd w[i]th that belongeth to it the second pott
one skellet & tow peuter dishes ................................................ £5
the rest of the beddinge and bedstockes aCnd Chestes ........ £12
shites table Clothes and nappery ware .................................... £5
a litle grat bellowes fire suvull tounges pottrackes
spites & all other iron ware .......................................................... 13s 4d
salt .................................................................................................... 3s
woole and tawe .............................................................................. 13s 4d
one weetinge Compe .................................................................... 10s
one barrell lomes peles Cheeres stowls turnells basins
dishes trenchers and all wooden ware ..................................... £2 10s
sheelfes one hechell & cardes .................................................... 10s
one bibell ......................................................................................... 6s 8d
his wearinge apparell and money in his purse ....................... £5
one hevrecloth a Cheeseprese seckes one win[n]owschit
dounge and other thinges of smale value ................................ 10s
Sum[m]e £212 8s 4d
[Actual £211 7s 4d] Notes
1. There were several John Beechs living locally. This is the one whose father (of the same name) died sometime between 1610 and 1614, and whose will and inventory survive. He was not the one living at The Wood, it seems. But of this we can't be sure.
2. The provision for his widow was separately priced in the inventory. A charger was a large dish and a skillet was a cooking utensil with a long handle. The provision of hay for her cow ('wintering') is not separately identified.
3. 'in consideration of all his marriage portion' - Richard Pateson will have received the marriage portion paid by his father-in-law.
John Beech was also thinking of a marriage portion for his unmarried daughter Alse, in giving her £20 more than her brothers.
4. A tithe book for 1735, a hundred years later, gives the number of day works producing wheat, barley and oats in Knutton. It shows the biggest cereal grower that year, Ralph Biddle, being tithed on seventeen and a half day works of crops. This compares with John Beech's seventeen day works a hundred years before (this is 12 statute acres). In both years, oats was by far the biggest crop.
5. The few missing words in the will probably do not affect the sense of the passage.
6. Whitfield (or 'The Whitefeildes') was one of the arable fields in Knutton at the time. A lane now called Lower Milehouse Lane passed near it. Whitfield was reachable by 'all manner of carriages' (according to a declaration in the manor court over a right of way to 'The Whitefeildes' in 1634.)
7. 'The Milne Crofte' presumably lay next to the mill that is known to have existed in Knutton near the junction of Church Lane and Silverdale Road. The inventory of another Knutton man, John Clownam (1648), also lists plough, wain and mill timber - is it a coincidence?
8. The process of converting barley grains to malt involved steeping the grains for about four days in a vat. This must be the 'weetinge Compe' valued at 10 shillings - and at that price, undoubtedly very large. The haircloth (hevrecloth) was for suspending the sprouting grains over the heat of a kiln.
9. A hetchell was for combing coarse fibres of hemp from fine ones. A card had a similar function, being a small wooden instrument for combing wool or flax.
10 'win[n]owschit' - one of the more unusual renderings of 'winnow sheet', used to separate the chaff from the grains of cormn.
John Unwin, husbandman, date of will 20th December 1634, buried 10th December 1635, inventory taken 11th December 1635, date of probate 2nd January 1635/6
Will
Sick and weak of body.
[Burial place not specified]
To my daughter Mary Unwin: the best pot (of brass), the best pan (of brass), 4 pewter dishes, 1 pewter bowl, 1 chafing dish; and the great chest in the parlour - if my son Rafe wants to have it, he is to pay her what it is worth, after reasonable composition.
To my son Raphe Unwin: 2 pewter dishes, 1 chafing dish, the second brass pan, the great old brass pot, the great table in the house, the dish-board in the house, the iron grate.
To my son John Unwin: 2 pewter dishes, 1 candlestick of brass, the least brass pot, the least brass pan, my coffer.
Residuary legatee: Margaret Unwin my wife, who is to have the use of these gifts given to my children as long as she keeps my name.
Executors: Raphe Unwin my cousin, and Margaret Unwin my wife.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: Richard Ratcliff, Richard Shawe.
The true and Just Inventorie of all the goodes Cattell and Chattells of John Vnwin Late deceased in the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton and Countie of Stafforde praysed ye eleventh day december by John Rathbon, William Dickenson, Richard Ratcliffe, and Richard Shawe. 1635.
his apparrell and money in his purse
one heffer
two Lames
one swyne
all his Corne and hea
the lease of his house
the Table in the house the dish borde in the house
three brasse pannes; three pottes with other peuter and brasse
all the bedding; withall the napery
the greatest Chest in the parler
three chestes more
two cheres, stooles, bedstockes, boukes shelfes, spining wheles with other wodden ware, one painted cloth.
one Iren grate two broches, one peare of gobordes, frying pann, tonges, pottrackes with other Iron ware.
one harrow, a ladder, felles with other husbandrie ware
seven pound of wollen yorne
hempe and flaxe
Notes
1. If correctly identified, he was born around 1580. His step-mother Ann Unwin died in 1602/3, saddled with debts. 'John Unwin of Hardinges Woodd' is mentioned in 1617. His lease of Hardingswood then had less than 10 years to run. The inventory puts a value on 'the lease of his house' but this may or may not be the one at Hardingswood. (The £10 for the lease of the house is probably for house and land.) Do the appraisers all come from Ramscliffe?
2. Chafing dishes are mentioned occasionally - they are for keeping food warm on a small portable grate.
3. 'boukes' - this was a wooden pail with an upright handle and was used in dairy work.
4. The value of hemp and flax is high. It has probably been bought, since the only two inventories in this parish listing a growing crop of hemp and flax price it at 2s and 1s 8d.
Randle Whytall of Olcott, nailer, will dated 20th March 1633/4, buried 27th ?July 1635, inventory taken 30th July 1635, date of probate 4th August 1635.
Will
Being in good health; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wollstanton.
To Margaret my wife: the bed in which we lie with everything that goes with it; a coffer or chest at the foot with everything in it.
To Randall Whytall my son: the house in which I live with all buildings, gardens and yards going with it for the life of my wife Margaret, if the term which I have in it continues so long. My wife is to be well kept and maintained by my son Randall with food, drink, lodging and clothing suitable and convenient for her age and status. If she does not like to be kept by my son Randall, then he is to pay her £5 yearly or else she is to take on the tenancy of the property for life, if the term which I have in it continues so long. However if she does accept being kept by my son Randall, then he is to pay her 20s a year in four instalments.
To Richard Whitall, my son: £5.
To John Whitall, my son: £5.
To Thomas Whitall, my son: £5; a grate, a pair of pot racks, a great chest, a cupboard and a stone trough standing in the kitchen.
To Anne Baddely, my daughter: £5.
To Margaret Rowley, my son William's daughter: 5s.
To Elline Baddeley, my son William's daughter: 5s.
To Marie Whitall, my son William's daughter: £10.
To Randle Whitall, my son William's son: 5 marks [£3 6s 8d]
To Anne Whitall, my son Richard's daughter: 40s.
Residuary legatee and executor: Randle Whitall, my son.
Revokes other wills.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: John Bourne Thomas Whitall Andrew Smith Thomas Cowper.
A trew & p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes Cattels, & Chattels of Randull whytall of Oulcott in the countie of Stafford Nailer lately deceassed vewed & praised by theise p[er]sons subscribed the thirtith daie of July in the yeare of o[u]r lord god 1635. William Rowley Robert Burslem Thomas Baddely John Cawton & George stonier.
Seuventeene Kyne & heffers w[i]th five Calues £58
Fower Oxen £26
Fower Steeres £18
Nyne Twinters £25
Seuven sterrkes £10 10s 0d
Twoo Mares £11
Thurtie nyne ould sheepe £10
Eleven Lambes £2
Fower Swyne £5
Corne on the ground £32
Haie & Corne in the Barne w[i]th some haye grasse £19
Beddinge & Bedstockes £14 10s 0d
Brasse & Pewter £6
Linnens & Linnen cloth w[i]th napery £9 10s 0d
Corne in the howse £10 10s 0d
All man[ner] of husbandry ware as yoakes horsse
Geares and all other husbandry tooles £10
All Nailes at home & abroade £18
Wollen Clothe wollon Yarne and wollens £1 14s 0d
Chestes and Cupbordes £2 5s 0d
Tables Formes Cheares Stooles, Shilves &
Loose bordes £2
Wolle and Towe £1 10s 0d
Lyme stone £10
Powltery 3s 4d
Smithye tooles. as Bellowes Ham[m]ers. Studdies &c £7 6s 8d
The Smithye Lease £2 10s 0d
A Tunn and a Halfe of iron in the Smithye £27
All other iron at home & in other mens handes £2 18s 0d
Iron ware . As Grate. fyer Shovell. Tounges
& other implem[en]tes in the howse £1
Treene ware £3
Earthen vessells & glasses 4s 0d
Sives. Riddles . windowe sheetes.[?Sackkes]
& measures w[i]th two spininge wheeles. £1
Beefe. Bakon. Butter. Cheese & Saulte £8
Timber 10s 0d
Woodd and other fuell £1
Muckk 10s 0d
Three seu[er]all Leases for c[er]ten yeares £10 10s 0d
His App[ar]ell monie in his Chest & all other
odd thinges vnmencio[u]ned about the howse £30
Sum[ma] £412 11s
[Actual £407 1s 0d]
Notes
1. Nailing existed in the 17th century in South Staffordshire and around Wigan in Lancashire. However there are sparse references to it in North Staffordshire too. Randle Whytall was a wealthy man and his estate was comparable in value to that of Lancashire nailers of the 1630's such as John Smith of Atherton, Richard Hampson of Westleigh, Richard Battersby of Shakerley and John Withington of Westhoughton who all left a personal estate in the region of £200.
He had bought the rod iron to make nails from in his own smithy, and given an allowance of rod iron to the local nailers who were too poor to buy their own. This I take to be the significance of 'A Tunn and a Halfe of iron in the Smithye' and 'All other iron at home & in other mens handes'
2. Randle his son was unmarried. His son William (probably deceased) had three daughters: the unmarried daughter, Marie, received a larger sum in the will than her married sisters Margaret and Elline. The marriage of Ellen to William Baddeley had taken place only eight months before Randall Whytall wrote his will.
3. The lease of the house still had another 20 years to run when Randle Whytall's widow Margaret died in 1639.
4. 'Wollens' (woollens) must mean things made of wool, although the OED has no example of this plural usage of the word before 1800.
John Milnes of Newchapell, no will, buried 3rd May 1635, inventory taken 5th May[Tue], date of probate 6th May.
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes cattells & Chattells of John Milnes of newchapell in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton & dioces of Couentrie & Lychfeild deceased taken & praysed the fifte daie of Maye by vs William Bourne William Rowley William Henshalle and Randle Withalle as followeth Anno 1635
4 kyne & 3 suckinge calues
two weaned calues
two mares
two yonge bease
4 sterks wherof 3 are heffers & one bullocke
xj Ewes & lames one tup one weath[er] & 3 yonge sheepe
3 yonge swine
all the corne w[i]thin ye barne vnthrast
all the corne w[i]thin ye howse & a wiche in the barne
all meale groats & mault
two wiches the one in the barne & the oth[er] in the howse
3 ould Coffers ouer ye howse & two pare of bedstids
all measures baskets wisketts siue & one hoper
two longe spininge weels & a little weele
two paire of bedstides ouer the parler
3 Chests ouer the Parler
one ould table ouer the parler
two paire of bedstides ouer the Butterie & one Chest
two carpets & two peeces of wollen cloath & one remnant of lynen cloath
hempe flaxe & lynen yorne
Esvalls
one cobord in the parler & one low bed one Chest & one highe bed standinge in the same
7 cou[er]beeds xij blanketts 4 feth[er] beds, 8 boulst[er]s, v pillowes beares, 6 Chafbeds, 16 paire of sheetes & 8 pillowbeares
all the quishions in the howse
Joyntable & a forme in ye Parler
all bordclothes, towells napkins & all oth[er] naperie ware not before praissed
Haye & Strawe
one longe table in the howse & a forme & two little tables
4 Cheares loosebordes & stooles
one kneyding tub
one grate a paire of tungs a fire showe a brediron
a backstone a brundret pothooks & all iron ware w[i]thin the house ... 13s 4d
a paire of Gobordes 3 spitts & one dripingpan ...................................... 10s
one little salt Coffer & salt in it ................................................................... 3s [4d]
one plow one harrow 3 oxe cheynes & all oth[er] thinges belonging to husbandrie ... £2
Brasse & Pewter ............................................................................................................ £6
two fryn pans a ould coubord in the Buterie .......................................................................... 10s
two little siluer spoones ........................................................................................................... 7s
27 tun of Lymston & mucke about the howse ................................................................ £8 10s 0d
all poulterie ware .................................................................................................................. 13s 4d
Beefe Bacon w[i]th Butt[er] Chese & oth[er] p[ro]uision in the howse ......................... £3
one remnant of wollen cloth .................................................................................................. 3s 4d
one tubstone swin trowes & One grindingston ....................................................................... 10s
one Byble & oth[er] bookes ...................................................................................................... 8s
all classes & earthen vessells .................................................................................................... 5s
4 barels v loomes & all oth[er] Couperie ware in the howse
all dishes trenchers chesfuts & all oth[er] treynware
all bags secks & winow sheets
one debt owinge by Thomas wildbloud
all his wearinge apparell & monie in his purse furniture for his his p[er]son & horse
all oth[er] thinges not praissed
Affidavit
Knowe all men by these p[re]sents that I Joyce mylnes of Thursfeeld in the p[ar]ish of woolstanton and Countie of Stafford widdowe late wife vnto John mylnes of Thursfeeld afforesayd latelie deceased beinge at this p[re]ent both in greate age & weakenes doe by theese p[re]ents give grante & authorise my loveinge sonne in Lawe Thomas Hildiche all my Right & title to the Administration of all the goods detts Cattels & Chattles of John mylnes my late husband disceased, and to pay detts w[hi]ch my husband owed, as far as the goodes extend accordinge to the true Inventorie of them taken the 5th daye of may 1635, by William Bourne of the yewtry & William Rowley of Turnehurst gentleme[n], William Henshaw of Thursfeeld & Randle whitall of ollcot yeomen. In witnes whereof I have heereto put
my hande & seale the sayd fift daye of maye 1635.
Sealed & delivered in the p[re]sence of
William Colcloughe
Robert Burslem X The mark of Joyse miln[es] Alexander milnes
Notes
1. The total of debts, though not mentioned, must be substantial.
2. 'wiche' - this is a wooden chest holding corn.
3. The rooms are mentioned by name:
the house would be the main or original room of the house, equivalent to the medieval hall. It could, as in previous centuries, have been open to the rafters, from which the beef and bacon were hanging.
The parlour is a ground-floor room, a combination of sitting-room and bedroom.
The buttery was a storeroom for things needed in food preparation and serving. Being not on show, it also tended to be used as a dumping place for old items.
4. The 'measures' were vessels such as a peck- half-bushel- or bushel-measure, and maybe larger ones; they were for measuring the corn. 'sive' = sieve.
5. Spinning wheels are mentioned. F G Emmison (Elizabethan Life: Home, Work and Land p.76) implies that long wheels are for spinning flax for linen cloth. Spinning required quills on which yarn was wound, and these may be the 'esvalls' priced at 6d in the inventory. (Another Staffordshire occurrence of the word tends to confirm this interpretation: 'paid for a hundred of essballs 2s 6d' (Stafford workhouse accounts, entry for 8th November 1742) and 5 days later three hundred of essballs were purchased; presumably it was for the female inmates to do spinning as on December 2nd someone had to be paid to mend the wheels and finally by 14 December the workhouse had 21 yards of hempen cloth in stock which they had paid an outsider to warp and weave.)
6. 'cou[er]beeds' are coverlets.
7. fire showe = fire shovel.
8. The limestone and muck were outside the house.The limestone would need to be burnt in a kiln to convert it to lime. 'Limestone' occurs more often than 'lime' in the inventories - maybe some of the local farmers had their own kilns.
9. The 'chesfuts' were cheese vats, as his widow's inventory later shows.
10. The record of the court was written in Latin - in this case at the bottom of the
inventory. Robert Burslem, one of the witnesses of Joyce Milnes' affidavit, is her brother. The record mentions Alexander Milnes of Newchapel and Thomas Hildich of Alæsager who are both husbandmen. John Milnes left a son called John who was still a minor.
Roger Smyth of Haykar, yeoman, will dated 4th Aug 1635, buried 9th Feb 1635/6, inventory dated 10th February[Tue], date of probate 17th Feb 1635/6
Will
Being sick in body.
Body to be buried in the "holly buriall of Woolstanton."
To son James Smith: one great witch standing in the barn; one great coffer; one joined bed and one joined press standing in the parlour.
To Margorie Smith daughter of Robert Smith of Stafford: 5s.
To godsons Roger Smith and Homfrey Cox: 5s each.
If mother Ellen Styll dies before son James reaches 21 years, James, when he enters upon the former's housing and lands, shall pay to Margaret (ie his own mother) 20 nobles yearly until he reaches 21 years. Also son James is to pay Margaret £60 at the day of his marriage or within 4 years after becoming 21. In both cases, this is for the use of the three youngest children, Mary, Margorie, and John Smith.
Residuary legatee and executor: my wife Margaret, who is to bring up James and the other children until my mother Ellen dies (or until James reaches 21 years or the others reach 14 years.)
Witnesses: John Rowley, Robert Cox, James Smith, William Bale, Ales Wilkinson.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the Goodes Cattelles and Debtes Whatever of Roger Smyth of Heykar in the p[ar]ishe of Woollstanton deceased seene Vued and praysed the tenth day of Februarie by John Rowley Richard Wooldrich John Benson Robert Smyth and Robert Cox Anno d[o]m[in]i 1635.
foure Joxen...........................................................£22
six keyne..............................................................£21
foure twinters......................................................£12
toowe sterkes...................................................... £4 10s
three Caulues..................................................... £4 10s
one Mare............................................................. £4
eighteeine sheepe............................................. £3 12s
towe Sweine....................................................... £1
all mannor of pooltrey....................................... 2s
tacke grounde..................................................... £3 5s
all corne in the house and barne.................... £7 6s 8d
corne upon the grounde .................................. £1
haye and strawe................................................ £4
all waines plowes yokes chaines and all
mannor of husbandrie implementes.............. £4 13s 8d
foure and twentie tune of Lime stone............. £5
one Joyned bedd and one Joyned
Press standing in the Parlore.......................... £2
Blankites & Coverlets........................................ £5
all mannor of Linines being
sheeites and other Napperie ware .................. £5
all mannor of Brasse and Iren.......................... £4 10s
all Beeife Backon Butter and Cheese
w[i]th all other p[ro]vidgion............................... £3
al tables formes stooules chears
Coffers w[i]th al other trine ware....................... £3
one Ireon grate w[i]th broaches coberdes
fires shoouel toonges w[i]th al other such
implementes........................................................ 13s 4d
money owing by George Woode..................... 15s
money owing by Richard Drakefoarde of
the Stonnetrooe.................................................. £10
his wearing Apparell.......................................... £4
money in his purse............................................. 10s
for al other thinges if anie be forgott................ 3s 4d
[Checked] £135 1s 0d]
Notes
1. Ellen Stile/Steele (his mother) died 1638, and John Smith (his brother) died 1632/3. Their wills (in summary) and inventories are in this collection.
2. The probate note refers to Robert Coxe of Cowley, Staffs, yeoman. Roger Smyth's father-in-law was Homfrey Cox of Cowley in the parish of Gnosall, Staffs. yeoman.
3. The indenture which is the marriage settlement of Roger Smyth and Margaret Preston (late wife of John Preston) dated 21st May 1617 is in Stafford Record Office (D3534/2/1). His son James Smyth did not reach the age of 21 until 1638/9, when he was deemed old enough to serve as one of the churchwardens of the parish.
In 1617 Roger Smyth was described as yeoman 'of Haykar Ridges and Delves'. In 1624 when he served as constable for Tunstall constablewick (which comprised much of the parish of Wolstanton plus Burslem), he was described as 'of Delfe Ridges.' His son James had a building extension to the house put up, probably in 1647, and in 1666 James Smyth's house was assessed for the Hearth Tax on the basis of having two hearths. The house is probably a predecessor of one of the houses called High Carr, which is reached from a lane running from Red Street. Other papers in Stafford Record Office include a record dated 1678 of 'coales and canill' obtained on the property.
At least one other house stood at High Carr at this time. This was inhabited by the Rowleys (see John Rowley, died 1649, in this collection).
4. tacke grounde' - land leased to him.
spoons.
5. Lime stone' - lime was used for improving the soil.
6. 'one Joyned Press' - a cupboard of joinery work. In this period the parlour was a living room and bedroom and was downstairs.
7. 'one great witch' - a large wooden chest, probably for holding grain.
8. 'all mannor of Brasse and Iren'. The latter must be a mistake for pewter. A lot of pewter items at this time were for the table: platters, chargers, drinking pots (ie quart pots and pint pots for ale), cups, bowls, salt cellars (known as 'salts'), saucers (dishes for holding sauce), dishes, candlesticks, spoons - and even chamberpots - were made of pewter. Brass items included many that were used in food preparation: pots, pans, kettles, a posnet (a type of small pot with three legs), skillet (a three-legged pan with a long handle), chafer (a small portable grate, holding heated charcoal), chafing dish (for keeping food warm on a chafer), basin, a small furnace, ladle, pestle - as well as candlesticks and spoons. Examples of woodware or treenware are dishes and spoons.
9. 'one Ireon grate' etc - the normal equipment of the hearth. The broaches are spits for roasting meat, and they rested on the coberdes. These, with the fire shovel and tongs, were made of iron.
10. Richard Drakefoarde of the Stonnetrooe – The Stonetrough was and is the name of a farm in Stadmoreslow township.
Raphe Barlowe of Bruckhouse, skinner, will dated 10th March 1634/5, buried 24th June 1636, inventory taken 30th June 1636, date of probate 17th August 1636.
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in Christian burial.
To John Barlowe my son: 12d in the name of his child's part.
To my daughter Issabell Cooke: 12d in the name of her child's part.
To my daughter Anne Barlowe: the third part of my goods.
Residuary legatee and executrix: Alis my wife.
Annuls all former wills.
Witnesses: John Bagnald John Whithall James Tarbucke John Bourne
A true & p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes Cattells and Chattells of Raphe Barlowe w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of wolstanton & doces of Couentrie & lichfeild deceased taken & praissed the thertith daie of June Anno d[omi]ni 1636 by vs whose names are heare aft[er] written William Rowley william Stonier william Badeley Richard Coates
two kyne ................................................. £6
one swine ................................................ 15s
brasse & Pewter .................................... £1 6s 8d
bedinge ................................................... £2
one mare ................................................. 13s 4d
linens & all naperie ware ...................... £1
tables formes Chaires stooles & oth[er] bords
barrells loomes & all trineware ..................... £1
ocker .................................................................. 5s
one grate fire shew tongs & one drypinge gobertes & broches & all oth[er] Iron ware ... 13s 4d
bedstids ................................................................................................ 6s
one packesadle & all th[a]t belonges to it & one shewel & a ladder ... 3s 4d
two swinetrouges ............................................................ 8d
two Chestes ................................................................ 13s 4d
bacon Cheeses & all oth[er] househould p[ro]uision 10s
two spininge weeles ........................................... 2s
bags .................................................................. 2s
Cups & glasses .................................................. 1s
his wearing aparell & monie in his purse .......... £1 10s 0d
all oth[er] smalle thinges ................................... 1s
Sum[m]a totalis £17 16s 0d
Notes
1. William Rowley and Richard Coates (or someone other than the scribe) wrote their names.
1. The scribe has compressed the list of hearthside items; he mentions the fire shovel (which as usual was put with the tongs) and dripping pan.
2. The 'Cups & glasses' indicate an alehouse. This would have a stable - for the use of guests' horses as well as his own mare. Raffe Barlow in 1611 held a tenement in Wedgwood for three lives (as mentioned in a marriage settlement (Birmingham Archive, Homer Coll., Bundle no 248/2)) from John Rowley of Wedgwood.
3. Ochre has been obtained in Wales, the Isle of Man and Cornwall. In his A Topographical Dictionary of England (1831), Samuel Lewis declared: 'Yellow and red ochre are also found in Staffordshire', but didn't say where. The two colours were used on painted stone-work.
4. In his will he calls himself a skinner. In 1634 Raphe Millington of Keele and Thomas Blythe of Newcastle, both skinners, were appointed executors by Thomas Coates in his will, the father of Richard Coates of Great Chell - who is listed among the appraisers of Raphe Barlowe's goods. So there was perhaps some business connection between these men. A Derby skinner in 1620 had dozens of skins of cats (wild and tame), rabbits, squirrels and lambs. It may be that country skinners obtained supplies of skins for the urban skinners who sold them.
5. Brookhouse was in Wedgwood township.
Alice Hanson of Stonetrough, spinster, no will, buried 28th January 1636/7, inventory taken 2nd February 1636/7, exhibited 11th May 1637.
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goods debtes and Chattells of Alice hanson late of Stonetrough within ye p[ar]ishe of woolstanton in ye Countie of Stafford Spinster deceased seene, valued and taken ye second daie of Februarie Anno d[omi]ni 1636 by John Burslem and John Bourne and John Frost as followeth
one bond from George hanson of Fourescore poundes for ye payment of fortie three pounds three shillinges six pence .......................... £43 3s 6d
one Bond from Richard Drakeford of 50l
for ye paym[en]t of £31 6s 4d .......................................... £31 6s 4d
one Chest one litle Coffer and the
wearinge apparell of ye deceased .....................&............... £2
monie in her purse at ye tyme of her death ...................... 8s 6d
monie owinge from John Burslem ye younger ................ £1 13s
So[me] £78 11s 4d
Notes
1.George Hanson of Woolstanton, yeoman, brother of the deceased, was granted the administration of her goods. He and Frances Lunt of Audley, husbandman, were bound in the sum of £40.
2. She lived at The Stronetrough, which was Richard Drakeford's house. Virtually the only women in this period who made wills were widows and spinsters.
Elizabeth Turnor of Wolstanton, widow buried 26th September 1637, no will, inventory taken 27th September [Wed], administration granted 26th October.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all & singular the goods Cattells of w[hi]ch Elizabeth Turnor widdowe lately Deceased of the Towne and p[ar]ish of Woolstanton dyed possessed of, as they were prized by vs whose names are subscribed the 27th of Septemb[er] A[n]no D[o]m[ini] 1637
One Cowe
in Nappery linnens
Chestes or Coffers
in Yarne
Fower siluer spoones
One lease of fower score yeers in p[re]sent nowe worthe
in money oweinge her viz
From Thomas Clowes
from Richard Perrey
a bed and all things to it belongeing
Her weareinge apparell
Money in her purse
money oweing more first from
Elizabeth Tunstall
From Rondle Meare
From Henrie Robinson
moore in houshold stuffe & wooden ware
one brasse pot & a chafing dish
a wheele
in money owing fro[m] will[iam] burslam her son owing her
Prizers
William Burslem sen[ior]
Rondle Kettell
Thomas Henshawe
Thomas Turm[er]
Rondle Burslem
Notes
1. Her son, William Burslem of Woolstanton, yeoman, was granted the administration of her goods, and was bound in the sum of £169 (double the value of the inventory as calculated by the appraisers). He was by then married, and his wife Alice was still living in 1683. Presumably Richard Meare of Shelton, yeoman, who is mentioned in association with William Burslem, was the pledge or guarantor for him.
2. Her first husband was William Burslem junior (in Wills of Wolstanton III) who died in 1610. She married John Turner (buried 10th June 1628) on 1st March 1618/19, according to Percy Adams.
William Turner (who died in Feb 1632/3) is another candidate, but is less likely.
3. The lease of four score years was the original term of the lease.
4. 'a wheele' ie a spinning wheel. (The yarn is not woollen yarn presumably.)
5. We need to assume that she has in her life acquired a set of fine clothes which she has not passed on, in order to account for the comparatively high valuation figure for her apparel.
6. The last four items of the inventory were added after the inventory was totalled, and the new total was inserted after correction.
Katherine Prince of Stadmorelow, widow, will dated 26th February 1636/7, buried and inventory taken 29th March 1637, date of probate 1st April, 1637.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the churchyard of Wolstanton, as near to the place where my late husband was buried as may be.
To Raffe Prince my eldest son: 12d.
To William and Kathren his two children: 12d each.
To William Prince my son: one twinter bullock, one sheep, one pewter dish and one pair of bed sheets.
To Thomas Prince my son: my second coverlet, one pair of sheets, one pewter dish and one twinter heifer.
To Elizabeth Prince my daughter: £18, one joined bed, my best feather bed, best bolster, two pillows, one pillowbere [pillowcase], one pair of flaxen sheets, my best bed hilling [covering], two couch cushions, three silver spoons, two pewter dishes, my great coffer, my joined table and the two stools belonging to it, the boarded chair and the pewter flagon.
To Paronell Tylor: 10s and my best petticoat.
To Kathren Tylor her daughter: my best apron.
Residuary legatees: Robert my youngest son (two thirds) and John my son (a third).
Executor: William Prince my son.
Signs by mark
Witnesses: John Hodgkinson, John Burslem, William Burslem.
Debts owing to me
Richard Houlme..... £4 £3
Richard Cartright .......... £2 19s
Raffe Baker .................... £1 3s
William Burslem ................ 15s
John Burslem .................... 5s
Robert Scott ....................... 6s 8d
A trew and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes Cattles and Chattles of kathren Prince late of Stadmorlow in the County of Stafford Widdow deceased Valued and praised the nyne and twenteeth day of March in the sixteenth yeare of the raigne of our Sou[er]aigne lord Charles by the grace of god of England Scotland France and Ireland kinge deffendor of the faith, by William Rowley John Burslem William Henshaw John Rathbone Richard Podmore John Hodgkinson and William Burslem as hereafter Followeth.
Fower kine
three hefferes
two twinters and one Calfe
a nagge and a mare
eighteene sheepe
two Swine
heay and Corne in the Barne
Corne in the howse
Ote mele in the howse
Husbandrey Ware
Brasse and pewter
three silu[e]r Spoones
Bedinge
Sheetes and napp[er]yeware
two Cofferes
one bord and the tresles it standeth vpon
one Joyned Bedd and one Borded Chere
two paire of Bedstiddes
one Joyned table two formes and a truckle bedd
one Chere and two Coffres more
Beeffe and Bacon
Woll and toe
Iron ware in the howse
trine ware
one Dish bord and certaine Chilfes
quoishions
Pultereware
mannure
one turnell
two spining wheles and two Swinetroes
certaine bulding and seu[er]all p[ar]celles of landes for the tearme of one year and a quarter or theiraboutes
the Deceasantes weareing app[ar]ell and money in her purse
Debtes oweing to the deceasant by Specialty
William Dall jun ..................................................... £5 10s 8s
William Podmore and Richard Podmore .......... £3 4s 9d
Richard Podmore .................................................. £3 4s 9d
John Lawton .......................................................... £2 3s 2d
William Dall afforsaid ........................................... £2 10s 4d
Debtes owing to the said deceasant w[i]thout Specialty
Richard Houlme .................................................... £3
Richard Cartright ................................................... £2 19s
Raffe Baker .............................................................. £1 3s
William Burslem ...................................................... 15s
John Burslem ........................................................... 5s
Robert Scott ............................................................. 6s 6d
Thomas Prince ........................................................ £1 12s
Richard Podmore sen ............................................ 10s
Praisers [signatures] William Rowley John Burslem William Henshawe
John Rathbone Richard Podmore John Hodgkinson William Burslem
Notes
1. Raffe, William, Thomas, John, Robert and Elizabeth are the children of Raph (died 1629) and Katherine Prince. Robert is aged 11. John Hodgkinson of Bryriehurst is a husbandman. The latter and William Prince had to enter into a bond of £200 (double the value of the estate) to bring up the children and pay them their legacies.
2. Nail-making is not particularly associated with North Staffordshire so it is interesting that in the grant of probate (which is written on the bottom of the will) William Prince of Stadmerlowe is described as a nailer. As a young man he is likely to be have been an employee not long out of his apprenticeship. An earlier nailer in the parish was Raphe Smith of Ramscliffe in 1576.Though nail making is not particularly associated with North Staffordshire, other local nailers were Raphe Smith of Ramscliffe in 1576, a succession of nailers in Audley parish between 1582 and 1638, all called Smithe, John Hancocke, naylor, in 1611, Henry Wilkinson of Kidcrew in 1623, and the very prosperous Randall Whytall of Olcott who died a few years before Katherine Prince. Also, in 1417 John Asteley, nailer owned a cottage in Wolstanton.
Nail-making was a cottage industry which was practised on a considerable scale in South Staffordshire and Worcestershire - nailers occur in 34 Worcestershire inventories between 1601 and 1650. Concentrations of nailers in particular areas might survive for centuries. For example, down to the 19th century each nailer in Halesowen still had his own cottage with a workshop - despite competition from factories making nails.
Nailers used iron rod cut into suitable lengths to make different sorts of nails - for tiling, shoeing, cobbling, fixing laths etc.
3. The 'two spining wheles and two Swinetroes' (swinetroughs) probably are grouped together as all being wooden.
4. Judging solely by their valuations, the turnell (tub) is somewhat smaller than a pair of bedsteads. John Caulton in 1649 had two turnells valued at 5s; and Thomas Frost in 1641 had one valued at 3s. Pairs of bedsteads seem to become more highly priced with each decade of this century - compare the rise in price between William Burslem (1609) and Randle Patteson (1623).
John Rowley of Turnehurst, will dated 6th October 1633, buried 9th May 1637, inventory taken 11th May 1637[Thur], date of probate 17th May 1637
Will
Being in health of body.
To be buried amongst my ancestors at the discretion of my executor and other friends.
To Anne my very loving wife (if she overlive me): two of the best kyne I shall have at my decease such as she shall make choice of; and the use of one half of my household stuff and goods in my house; and one half of my wains, carts and other implements of husbandry, provided she leave them to remain to my son William Rowley and his heirs to whom I give the same after her decease.
To my son-in-law John Rowley of Ridgway, gentleman: 20s.
To my daughter Anne, his wife: £3.
To their two sons and daughter: 5 marks each (in total £10).
To the nine children of my said son William Rowley: 5 marks each (in total £30)
Residuary legatee and executor: William Rowley.
[Signs by mark]
Witnesses: Fra[ncis] Bowyer, W. Bourne, Alexander Milnes, William Henshall (own signatures).
Julie the 3 1636 This day I Rede this will vnto the testator John Rowley and he confessed it was made according to his mynd.
By me John Bentley
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods Chattells & Cattell of John Rowley of Rowley al[ia]s Turnehurst in the countie of Stafford gent[leman] deceased, seene Valued and praissed the eleauenth daie of maye: one Thousand sixe hundred thertie & seauen: By William Bourne Anthonie Beech, Thomas Bourne, Robert
Burslem & John Bourne as followeth
Tenn kyne and tenn calues
one oxe
Fiue Twint[er]s
Sixe sterkes
Two sheepe & a lambe
Foure swine
Fiue feth[er]beds, eight boulst[er]s, tenn pillowes neene Cou[er]lids two paire of Curtaines, sixtene blanketts & fiue matterres
All sheets lin[n]ons & nap[er]ie ware
All man[n]er of brasse & pewt[er]
All beds and bedstides
All Tables formes bordes frames Cheres & stooles & all oth[er] maner of wooden & treene ware
All chests & coffers
All grats Brunderts potracks goberts broches, & all oth[er] Iron ware in the house
All waines & plowes harrowes yoaks Chenes & all oth[er] implementes of husbandrie
meale mault & oth[er] houshould p[ro]uision
Corne in the barne & corn vpon the ground
one tubstone & c[er]ttaine stone troues
Certaine geese & pullen
The testators wearinge aparell and monie in his purse
all oth[er] thinges not before valued
Notes
1. The note at the bottom of the will was made because John Rowley's wife Anne had been buried a fortnight previously. (confessed = acknowledged). His wife in her last years had lived with her daughter 'within two or three miles' of her husband. (Ridgway Hall is two or three miles to the east of Turnhurst.) The vicar Francis Capps complained that the churchwardens had failed to present John Rowley for living apart from his wife "to the great offence of the ... congregation and parishioners of Wolstanton". A churchwarden (when the case against the churchwardens was heard at Lichfield in 1631) explained that John Rowley was aged about 80 and his wife was about the same age; that their living apart was not through any dislike or discontent but through mutual consent; that he often frequented his wife's company in loving manner; and that he gave her a yearly maintenance.
2. The attribution in the inventory preamble to 'John Rowley of Rowley alias Turnehurst' follows the wording in the will. A John Rowley of Rowley is mentioned in 1569 (Tunstall manor court roll), so it looks as if the family was well-established in Turnhurst. The natural implication is that the Rowley surname - prevalent in the area at this time - ultimately derived from this place-name, though there is another Rowley west of Leek. In the Herald's visitation in 1664, the right of William Rowley of Rowley alias Turnhurst to be styled gentleman was turned down. John Bentley of Ashes, gentleman is mentioned in 1631 as paying a fine for not taking up a knighthood.
3. For information about later Rowleys and the construction of Turnhurst Hall see Klemperer W D & Sillitoe P J (1995) James Brindley at Turnhurst Hall in Staffs. Arch. Studies No. 6. [Check if this article takes account of the 1719 perambulation which refers to a pool (or watering hole) on Turnhurst Green.]
4. In 1666 the house that John Rowley of Turnhurst (his grandson) lived in had 7 hearths; and possibly there were 9 hearths in total, if one is to include the 2 hearths that William Rowley was assessed for. The house may not have been so large in 1637, although the five featherbeds and 5 mattresses indicate provision for 10 people.
John Rowley in 1681 held 27 customary acres (57½ acres) of freehold land in the townships of Wedgwood, Thursfield (where Turnhurst was situated) and Oldcott, and there is documentary evidence that this was the same in his grandfather's day.
Richard Wood of the Wood, will dated 26th May 1628, buried 20th May 1637, inventory taken 25th May 1637, date of probate 26th May 1637.
Will
My body to the earth.
To mLy brother Esau Wood: one suit of apparel
To my brother John Wood 12d and to his children: 12d each.
To Sara Bowyer my god daughter: 6s 8d.
To Dorothy Beech of Hammer end: 5s.
To Mary Bret the younger of Dimsdale: 5s.
To all my godchildren: 12d each.
To Richard Beech the son of John Beech of the Wood my god son: 5s.
To John Beech the younger of the wood: 5s.
To Joane Beech daughter of John Beech my son in law: one silver spoon.
To William Sherrat son of William Sherrat of Clay Lake in the parish of Leek: one silver spoon.
To Jane Beech daughter of Jane Beech widow of Newcastle: one silver spoon.
To Agnes Wood my wife: 5 acres of copyhold land with all buildings, orchards, and gardens with the appurtenances in the township of Audley which I lately purchased from John Shaw of the Crosse House, to her and her heirs for ever. Also, one messuage or cottage with a parcel of land called Holgh Way More lying near to Holgh Way Hill in Audley for the residue of years unexpired viz. 18 years. Also, the Wheat Croft and the croft adjoining for 12 years next following.
Residuary legatee and executrix: my wife.
Signed Richard Wood his mark
Witnesses: Edw[ard] Mainwaring, Richard Orme, Richard Beech
An Inventorie of all the goodes, debts, Vtinsills, houshold implem[en]ts, Cattalls and Chattalls, of Richard Wood of the Wood in the Parishe of Wolstanton in the Countie of Staff[or]d yeom[an] taken at his houses in the Parishes of Audley & Wolstanton and prised by John Beech John Cowall William Gibson and John Morton yeom[an] the 25th of May 1637
In Corne & Cattell
Foure oxen two steeres, three steirkes, eight kine, £ s d
three Calues, two Mares, three Colts thirteene sheep
and two swine..................................................................... 89 10 0
In Wheat, Rie, Barley, oates
all growinge Corne ........................................................... 34 13 4
In linnen .............................................................................. 12 15 0
Houshold implem[en]ts
In Brasse, Pewter, & Iron Ware ....................................... 15 10 4
In Beding, Carpets, & Chushions ................................... 19 C 4 4
Tables, Bedsteeds, Chaires Forms,
stooles presses, Chests, pr[e]sses
Cupboards, shelues, plankes tubbs, together
w[i]th other Lumber ware ................................................. 19 13 10
Houshould p[ro]vision In Butter Cheese,
bacon, Mault, Corne threashed & vnthreashed
& Fewell .............................................................................. 25 6 8
Plate readie money together w[i]th his Apparell ......... 19 5 4
Husbandry implem[en]ts as ploughs Carts
e[t] c[etera] .......................................................................... 11 0 0
Leases
Three, one a Life & two for yeares ................................. 94 0 0
340 8 10
Sum[m]a totalis Three hundred fortie [pounds] eight [actually eighteen] shillings & tenpence
[.............] vnprised at the first prising
one two yeare ould heifer .............................................. 2 10 0
one table leafe & a bible w[i]th
some Boardes .................................................................. 16 8
3 6 8
Notes
1. The witnesses: Richard Orme is the scribe and Edward Mainwaring writes his own name.
2. 'The Wood' is shown on the first edition OS map (sheet 41) in a position by a brook a few hundred yards north of Blackbank Rd. The will suggests there were at least two houses there. There is reason to believe it was counted as being within Apedale.
3. The livestock seem to be overvalued by 20%, and other categories have higher values than normal.
4. There are more bequests to Beeches than Woods, suggesting he has more than one family connection with them. From the will we gather that John Beech married his daughter (?now dead) and may or may not have an address in The Wood.There is another (perhaps two!) John Beeches occurring in the will. From the parish register we find a John Beech of Knutton was buried on Sept 3rd 1635 - some years after this will was written. Also, a John Beech of Wood was buried on 17th February 1647/8. It is possible there is a third John Beech still to account for!
5. The grant of probate relates to a copy of this will, which seems to be identical to this, except for a non-significant difference in word-order at one point.
William Stonier of Wedgwood, yeoman, will dated 16th May 1637, buried 1637, inventory taken 2nd June 1637, date of probate 28th June.
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in Christian burial 'at the discretion of my executor and other friends'.
To John Hodgkinson: £1
To William Hodgkinson: 2s
To Cathrin Hodgkinson: 2s.
To Anne Hodgkinson: 2s.
To Margrett Kettle: 2s.
To Margrett Drakeford: 2s.
To Ellen Withalle: 2s.
To Cathrin Heyes: 2s.
To Richard Keelinge: 1s.
To Randle Kettle: 5s.
To Mary Gibson: 5s.
Residuary legatee and executor: William Stonier, my son.
Witnesses: William Rowley James Beeche.
[Signs by mark]
A trie & p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattells & Chattells of william Stonier in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton & Countie of Stafford yeoman deceased, Seene Valued & praissed the second of June in the teenth yeare of the raigne of our sou[er]aigne Lord Kinge Charles of England Scotland France & Ireland, &c. Anno d[omi]ni 1637: by vs James Beeche, Thomas Keelinge Raphe Newton William Rowley Richard withalle as followeth:
sixe Steeres .................................................................. £30
sixe kyne & sixe calues ............................................... £24
one twint[e]r heffer, & 3 sterks .................................... £7 10s
21 sheepe & xi lambs .................................................. £7
two mares ...................................................................... £10
two swine ....................................................................... £1 10s
all bedinge ...................................................................... £5 6s 8d
all brasse & Pewter ....................................................... £5
all linons & nap[er]ie ware ............................................ £5
corne in the house & haye & Corne in the barne .... £10
Corne growinge in the feild ......................................... £12
xx tun of lymston ............................................................. £5
all bedstids, tables & formes shilfes stooles &
all tryne & woden ware................................................... £5
all weynes harrowes plowes yokes &
all husbandrie ware ....................................................... £3
grate brundret broches goberts &
all man[n]er of Iron ware ................................................ 10s
meale mault & all oth[e]r househould p[ro]uision .... £6
Certaine wollen Cloath .................................................. £1 10s
all seckes wino sheets baskets & siues ................... 10s
one Tubstone & c[e]rtaine stone trowes .................... 3s
geese & poultrie ware ................................................... 6s 8d
the manure about the house ........................................ 10s
Arks Chests or Coffers .................................................. £1 10s
his purse & aparell & monie in the house ................. £40
all oth[e]r things not form[e]rlie Valued ....................... £1
Sum[m]a totalis £181 6s 4d [checked]
Notes
1. William Stonier had probably been a widower from before 1624, the year the records of burials in Wolstanton survive from.
2. Of the beneficiaries: John Hodgkinson, William Hodgkinson, Cathrin Hodgkinson and Anne Hodgkinson were his nephews and nieces; Margrett Drakeford, Ellen Withalle and Cathrin Heyes were his sisters. The friends to whom he entrusted the sharing of the decision about his funeral arrangements would normally have been named in the will as overseers; they were in all likelihood his neighbours, Richard Keelinge and Randle Kettle.
3. William Stonier had about 17 day works (that is about 25 acres) of land devoted to corn-growing - most of it would be oats. We don't know if his land was wholly within the township of Wedgwood, but for comparison nearly a century later, in 1734 John Mare was assessed for tithes on 18 day works of oats, wheat and barley growing in Wedgwood. (Interestingly, in 1625 William Stonier of Wedgwood served as constable - an addition (later?) says 'now John Mares'.)
4. The sacks, winnowing sheets, baskets and sieves used by his employees would be stored in the barn.
Thomas Baddeley of Pale, yeoman, date of will 13th September 1637, buried 17th September, inventory taken 21st September 1637, date of probate 5th October 1637
Will
Sick in body; to be buried at Wolstanton.
To Richard Baddeley, my son: for the remaining term my tenement wherein I dwell; all my wains, ploughs, yokes, harrows and other husbandry ware; one great ark standing in the backhouse; the bed whereon I now lie with everything belonging to it.
To William Baddeley my son: the bed whereon Richard my son now lies with everything belonging to it (except the bedsteads); one pair of bedsteads standing in the house where Thomas Cowper dwells; one pair of hempen sheets, one middling brass pot and one coffer standing in the lower chamber.
To Anne Bo[one](?) my grandchild: my great brass pan.
To Raphe Baddeley, John Baddeley, James Baddeley and Robarte Baddeley, my sons: all my pewter.
To Thomas Baddeley, my grandchild:my best sheep.
To each of the children of my son Thomas: 12d.
To my oldest son Thomas Baddeley: 2s.
To Mary Parker, my late servant: one sheep.
To the said Robarte Baddeley, my youngest son: 40s.
Residuary legatees: Raphe Baddeley, John Baddeley, James Baddeley and Robarte Baddeley. (And my mind is that if any of them fall sick, they are to have free liberty to my house until they recover.)
Executor: Raphe Baddeley, my son.
Witnesses: John Bourne; John Baddeley senior; Raphe Baddeley senior; Robarte Baddeley senior.
A True and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Chattells and Cattell of Thomas Baddaley late of Tunstall in the p[ar]ish of Wolstanton and countye of Stafforde yeoman Deceased seene Valued and praysed the one and Twentith daye of September in the yeare of ou[r] Lord God one thowsande sixe hundred twenty and seaven by William Sherratt John Woode Henrye Woode Raphe Baddaley thelder and John Bourne as followeth
two oxon one Cowe and three twynter Heafers £25 6s 8d
one Mare £3
Eleaven sheepe £3 10s 0d
one Swyne£1 13s 4d
Brasse and Pewter £8 2s 8d
All man[n]er of Beddinge and Bedstides £11
All Lyn[n]ons and Nap[er]ie Ware £4
All Chestes and Coffers w[i]th two Arkes £4
All Boardes formes shilfes frames Sawed Boardes and tresles 18s 4d
All Broches Gowberttes brundreds pott Cheanes and all other Iron Ware in the house 16s 6d
Woll 15s
Corne and haye £10
c[er]tayne Manure or Dunge £1
Corne in the house and oate Meale £5 16s 8d
waynes plowes yoaks harrowes Cheines plow Irons
And all other Implementes of husbandrie ware £7
Two Turnells one greate Lowme and all other wooden and treene ware 10s 0d
one winnowe sheete and c[er]tayne sacks 12s 0d
geese and pullen 8s 0d
Lymestone £2 10s 0d
a Debte Due to the testator by specaltie £30
another Debt w[i]thoute specaltie of £30
another Debt w[i]thoute specaltie of £3 12s 4d
another Debt w[i]thout specaltie of 10s [?]
a Debte Due to the testator for carriing of Stone £2 14s 0d
In Readie money £14
the Testators wearinge app[ar]ell £2
[Total £173 15s 6d]
Notes
1. The burial entry in the parish register, both for himself and his wife, refers to Thomas Baddeley of Pale, which was in the township of Tunstall, perhaps in or near Newfield.
2. The Thomas Baddeley who was one of the parties to the agreement for enclosure of the fields of Tunstall in 1613, in which he held 14 customary acres (almost 30 statutory acres) and who was still living in 1656 when there was a dispute over repair of a highway adjoining his enclosed land, evidently was the more important Baddeley in Tunstall and was referred to as 'Thomas Baddeley of Newfylde, gentleman' when he acted as churchwarden in 1631. In 1627 he was one of the constables for Tunstall Court (which embraced Burslem, Chell, Tunstall, Oldcott, Ramscliffe, Bemersley, Wedgwood, Thursfield, Stadmorlowe and Chatterley). Ward said that the Baddeleys had been resident in Tunstall for four centuries at least, and at the time that he wrote, the inheritor of their estates was Smith Child Esq of Newfield.
3. The cereal crop has been harvested, the inventory having been taken towards the end of September. The arable was land enclosed in the 1613 agreement and was part of a 39-acre farm, which according to records in the Sneyd archive, his son Richard Badley was later leasing from Ralph Sneyd esquire.
4. 'Two Turnells'- oval tubs that would be big enough to hold a slaughtered pig; 'Lowme'- a vessel used in the dairy or for brewing.
5. No winnow sheet is priced separately in this collection, but, for comparison, 3 winnowing sheets were valued at 12s 0d in a Welsh inventory of 1652.
6. Lymestone.. £2 10s. For comparison, in 1629 William Addams had 19 tons of limestone worth £2 16s 0d.
7. The carriage charge of £2 14s 0d for transporting stone seems high - but I would need to compare with the costs in contemporary churchwardens accounts or elsewhere. It may not be a coincidence that a Thomas Baddeley (died 1694) and his son John Baddeley (died 1701) had a carrying business based in Newcastle under Lyme.
8. The valuation of brass and pewter at £8 2s 8d is one of the highest in the parish.
9. His wife Margery had died in 1632, and at the time of writing his will he had seven sons. Thomas, his eldest son, had married and set up home elsewhere; Richard had the family farm-house and would be staying there. William was likely to be already married. The other sons (Raphe, John, James and Robert) were perhaps in service or travelling, and with no real home of their own yet - hence their father's concern that Richard should allow any of them to stay.
Thomas Burslem of Brownlees, will dated 27th July 1637, buried 29th July 1637, inventory taken 13th August, date of probate 5th October.
Will
Vicessimo Septimo die Julij Anno R[egis] Charoli decimo tercio
Memorandu[m] that the day and yeare afforsaid Thomas Burslem of Brownelees in the county of Stafford yoman beinge Sicke in body: butt of good and p[er]ffecte memmory did in theise wordes Followinge ordaine and make his last Will and Testament: For the disposinge of all his goode Cattales and Chattles in maner and forme as heire after is declared and Expressed: that is to sey:-
Imprimis Did giue and bequeth vnto John Burslem Nephew vnto the said Thomas tenn poundes: It[e]m to Margrete Drakford twenty shillinges: It[e]m all the reste Resedewe and remainder of all his goodes Cattles and Chattles whatsoeu[e]r: this Testator did giue and Bequeth vnto John Burslem Father of the said testator: to Dispose of as he should thinke Fitt and requesett: It[e]m Finally and lastly the said testator did ordayne and make the said John Burslem to be Sole Executor of this his said last Will and Testamente.
Test[ibus] Will[iam]o Burslem et Joh[ann]i Burslem
A trew and p[er]fect Inuentory of all the goodes and Cattales of Thomas Burslem late of Browne lees in the county of Stafford yoman deceased valued and praised the xiijth day of August in the yeare of our lord god one thovsand Six hundreth theirty and Seuen by William Burslem and John Burslem as heire after Followeth.
the deceasantes wearinge app[ar]ell w[i]th certain Beøddinge togeath[e]r w[i]th money in his purse
one Cowe £3
one paier of ould Bedstidds and a cuffer [coffer]
Sum is
Debtes oweing vnto the said deceaseant by Specialty
Sir William Bowyer knight and Richard Drakford
yoman by obligaci[on] of Centum libris w[i]th condicion for the paym[en]t of liiijli
the said Richard Drakford and William Burslem by obligacion of decem libris w[i]th condicio[n] for the payment of vli viijs
John Hodgkinson by obligacion of decem libris for the payment of vli viijs
Thomas Rooker and William Whillocke by obligacio[n] of decem libris w[i]th condicio[n] for the payment of vli viijs
Richard Parker and John Parker by obligacion of Sex libris w[i]th condicio[n] for the payment of three poundes Fower shillinges nyne pence
John Burslem
Debtes oweinge vnto the said deceasant w[i]thout Specialty
William Burslem
Margery Drakford
John Meare
William Dall Jun
William Wood
Richard Colclough
Ann Froste
John Burslem
Note
He was the unmarried grandson of William Burslem of Brownlees whose will and inventory are in this collection (dated 1609). He was aged 50 or thereabouts, and was probably living under the parental roof.
John Marsh of Chesterton, no will, buried 4th December 1637, inventory taken 9th December, administration granted 14th December 1637.
A true and perfect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattells and Chattells of John Marsh of Chesterton w[i]thin the County of Stafford taken by John Cowall Richard Marshe Henry Colcloughe and William Wood the 9th Day of December Anno D[omi]ni 1637.
Sixe Kine
One Mare
One Swyne
Corne and Hay
Butter Cheese beefe and Bacon
Two Cupholdes
Tables Formes Chaires and stooles
Brasse and pewter
Bedsteades and Beddinge
Napperie Ware
Wooll and Toe
Oatmeale
Coffers and Chests
Iron Ware
Wooden Ware
Mucke
Anvill and bellowes
Money owinge to hym
More due to be paid Ao 1642
Saddles wounties Treases and all other
houshould and husbandrie ware or
Implements whatsoeuer
Notes
1. The parish register says 'John Marsh of Chesterton' - so there was another one in the parish. He left a wife Sarah and four children, Thomas, Elizabeth, Ellen and Moses. Not included was a son John who was baptised in 1629. There were definite Burslem connections. The couple had got married at Burslem church in 1615, and their son Moses was living in Burslem in 1666 (and also Thomas Marsh).
Sarah Marsh, widow, married again in 1638.
2. The court rolls for Newcastle supply additional information. At his death he owned a cottage in Wolstanton with only a garden and backside. His heir was his son William.
3. 'Saddles wounties Treases' - the wounties were straps for securing the load (such as loaded panniers) on the horse's back; the traces were attached to the vehicle drawn by the horse.E
4. John Marsh could have had connections with the textile industry through his wife. After his death, Sarah asked Thomas Hunter of Newcastle, weaver, to act as surety when she was granted the administration of her deceased husband's estate. Spinning wheels could be included in the 'wooden ware' valued at 10s.
Richard Gregory [?of Brerehurst], no will, buried 9th September 1637, inventory taken 11th September, administration granted 26th December 1637.
A true & p[er]fecte inuentorie of all the goods cattells & Chattels of Richard Gregorie in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton & Countie of Stafford deceased seene valued & praissed the xi daye of Septemb[e]r Anno d[omi]ni 1637 by vs William Rowley John Calton, Richard withalle, John Drakefford & Thomas Rowley as followeth.
all his bedinge ........................................................................ £3 1s
a little peece of wollen cloth ................................................. 4s
all his linen & nap[er]ie ware ............................................... £1 18s
brasse & pewter ..................................................................... £1 1s 10d
one grate fire shew & oth[e]r iron implementes ............... 8s 4d
two little Coffers ...................................................................... 8s
borde shilfes & a forme & sheore [?chair] ......................... 2s 6d
his wearinge aparell & monie in his purse ....................... £4 10s
all oth[e]r smalle thinges not before valued ...................... 1s
Debts owing to the said Richard Gregorie deceased
Thomas Rowley of Derihouse in Biddulphe the sume of £3 6s 8d due at Martlemas next.
Margerie Hulme ..................................................................... 5s
S[u]m[m]a £15 6s 4d [Checked]
Notes
1.The administration of Richard Gregory's goods was granted to his nephew John Gregory of Moore Lane, Staffs, nailer. James Walker of Lichfield, bridlemaker was his surety, so perhaps the nephew lived in that area. In fact there still exists a Moor Lane between Shenstone and Aldridge, a part of Staffordshire where nail-making was common.
Richard Gregory was not a recent newcomer to Wolstanton parish. The Tunstall manor court records associate him with Brerehurst from 1603 onwards. His wife had died at the start of the year 1637. He was evidently still living in the same house but "all his bedinge" at the start of the inventory suggests the presence of a house-keeper or relative.
2. fire shew = fire shovel; Martlemas = Martinmas, 11th November.
Raphe Abney of Chesterton, no will, buried 3rd January, date of inventory 20th January, administration granted 16th March 1637/8
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods Cattells and Chattells of Raphe Abney of Chesterton taken by John Willatt Raphe Bourne and Henry Colcloughe the 20 Day of Januarie. tertis decimo An[n]o Regia Regis Caroli A[nn]oq[ue] D[omi]ni 1637.
Foure Kine........................................................................... £13 6s 8d
Three sterkes......................................................................... £4 10s
One horse & one mare......................................................... £4 6s 8d
Corne and Hay....................................................................... £5
Brasse and pewter................................................................ £1 10s
Beddsteads and beddinge.................................................. £5
Napperie ware....................................................................... £2 13s 4d
Butter Cheese and Bacon................................................... £2 10s 0d
One peece of woollen Cloath.............................................. 6s
Yarne & Hempe and rest..................................................... £1 6s 8d
Tables Coffers and Formes................................................. £1 10s
Iron ware.................................................................................. 13s 4d
Treene and woodden ware................................................. £2
His wearinge Apparrell & money in his purse................. £2 10s
One stone troughe and all other Implements.................... 10s
Sum[m]a totalis est £47 12s 8d
Nou[er]int uniu[er]si p[er] p[rese]ntes nos Anna[m] Abney de Chesterton in Com[itatus] Stafford vidua et Johannem Abney de eisdem villa et Com[itatus] yeoman
teneri et obligari Carolo T Twysdem tegn' drri Com[m]issae gen[er]ali Cove– et Lich' dioc' per tpdm Christophero pr~em dum' dum' lobentie d[i]c[t]a Coven' et Lich' ltim~e futeit in Nouaginta lib[er]is bone legalis monete Anglie solvend eidm Carolo Twysden antsno certo Attornato Ex,ecutor[is]. Exentor' Admin[is]trator vel Assignat[es] stirs Ad q[ue]m quid~m quid~m solucoe~m b[e]ne et fidel[it]er faciend obligamus nos et vetruq n[ost]rum p[er] se pro toto et in solido hereds Executores et Admi[ni]stratores n[ost]res firmiter per p[rese]ntes Sigillis n[ost]ris sigillat dat xvj die Martij Ano regni [dni -torn] Caroli dei gr[ati]a Anglie Scotie Fran[cie] et Hib[er]nie Regis fidei defensor Decimo Tertio. 1637
The Condic[i]on of this p[rese]nt obligac[i]on is such that if thabove bounde Anne Abney Relict of Ralph Abney late whilst hee lived of the p[ar]ish of Woolstanton deceased to whom thadmin[is]trac[i]on of all and singuler the good[es] and Chattells of the said deceased together w[i]th the Tuic[i]on of William, Thomas, Margery, and Anne Abney naturall & lawfull Children of the said deceased being in their minority ys by the above named Charles Twysden co[m]mitted & granted to Admin[is]ter the same good[es] and Chattells And make exhibite and yeald vp vnto the sayd CharlesTwysden or any other competent iudge in th[eir] behalfe when she shalbe called and warned a true & p[er]fecte Inventorie accompt pay[men]t and deliu[er]y of all and singuler such good[es] and Chattells of the sa[i]d deceased as she the said Admi[ni]stratrix shall haue receive & Admi[ni]ster or may Lawfully come by, by vertue of the sayd l[ette]res of Admi[ni]strac[i]on to be devided ordered and Admi[ni]stered as by the sayd Charles Twysden or any other competent iudge in that behalfe shall be appoynted w[i]th deliv[er]y also of the sayd l[ette]res of Admin[is]trac[i]on ready to be cancelled or otherwise ordered as shall seame to the sayd Charles Twysden or any other competent iudge in that behalfe to stand w[i]th equitie and iustice And moreover yf the said Admi[ni]stratrix do well and conveniently educate foster and bring vp the said Children & eu[er]y of them w[i]th sufficient and convenient meate drink lodging and Apparell mete and decent for their estate and calling during their minority And do also well and trulie content and pay vnto the sayd Children all such sumes of money duties and porc[i]ons of good[es] as to them & eu[er]y of them shall app[er]tayne and be due when they shall come to their full age And lastlie do vppon her owne prop[er] costs and charges save defende and keepe harmeles the sayd Charles Twysdewn and all other officers and ministers in that behalfe authorized for comitting and granting of the sayd l[ette]res of Admin[is]trac[i]on and Tuic[i]on Then the above written obligac[i]on to be voyd and of none effect or els to stand in full power strength and vertue.
Sigillat[um] et delibat[um] in p[rese]ntia mei Simonis Marten
Anna Abney [mark]
Jo[hann]is Abney [mark]
Notes
1. Anne Abney (Anne Abney was the daughter of John Stubbes - Stafford Record Office 3859/1/1), widow, entered into a bond to administer the estate of Raphe Abney. and bring up his children, William, Thomas, Marjorie and Anne; and pay their legacies when they came of age. There were probably older children: John Abney, yeoman, also of Chesterton, was bound too, and he appears to have been the heir. And in November 1638 Elizabeth Abney got married to William Marsh.
2. In 1629 Ralph Abney and his wife at the Bishop's visitation of 1629 were presented as excommunicated for not attending church, possibly because they were Catholics. Besides the fact that Catholics were one category of non-attenders at the time, two other things point in the same direction; one is Richard Parrott's assertion in 1733 that the Abnets of Audley parish were said to have been Catholics until about 65 years previously; secondly there is the fact that the Macclesfield family - one of whom was lord of the manor of Chesterton - was a Catholic one during the life-time of Ralph Abney.
Ellen Stile, widow, will dated March 1st 1637/8, buried 3rd December 1638, inventory taken 4th December 1638, date of probate 14thm December 1638.
Will
In the name of god Amen, the first daye of March in the yeare of our lord 1637: I Ellen Stile of the p[ar]ish of Wolstanton in the Countie of Stafford Widdowe being in good & p[er]fect health & memorie thankes be to god, yet knowing that nothing is more ceartene then death, and nothinge more uncertene then the houre of death Doe ordaine and make this my last will & testament in mann[e]r & forme as followeth, First I comitt & yeald vp my sole vnto almightie god of whom I receaued the same, & my bodie to be buried in the church of Wolstanton neare to the place wheare my eldest sonne was buried. It[e]m I giue & bequeath vnto Ellen Ridgway my seruant if shee continue my seruant till my death fortie shillings. It[e]m I giue & bequeath vnto William Bale sonne of John Bale fiue shillings It[e]m I giue & bequeath vnto Margrit Smyth dought[e]r of John „Smyth my sonne lately deceased twentie pound. It[e]m I giue vnto Margerie Smyth dought[e]r of Robert Smyth tenn shillings. It[e]m aft[e]r my debts & funerall expences, mortuarie & p[ro]batt of my will are all payd & discharged I giue & bequeath all the rest, & residue of my goods cattels & chattels in three p[ar]tes to be devoyded: two p[ar]ts theere of I giue & bequeath vnto Roger Ellen Elizabeth & Anne Smyth fore of the cheldren of the saide John Smyth my sonne deceased, & the oth[e]r third p[ar]te theereof I giue & bequeath vnto John Marie & Margerie Smyth three of the cheldren of Roger Smyth my sonne allsoe deceased. And for the p[er]formeing and true execution of this my last will & testament I doe ordaine & make Anthonie Beech of Ramsclife my sole execut[o]r. In wittnes where of I haue here vnto putt my hand & seale the day & yeare aboue named in the p[re]sence & wittnes of
John &Rowley
William Bale
Ellen Ridgwaye
A true & p[er][fecte Inuentorie of all the goods Cattells and Chattells of Ellen Steele widowe in the p[ar]ish of Wolstanton and Countie of Stafford deceased, Seene valued & praissed the fourth daie of Decemb[e]r Anno dm 1638 by vs whose names are hervnd[e]r written:
William Rowley James Beeche John Rowley John Benson & John Wood as followeth
Sixe kine
one twint[e]r heffer
one Calfe
two Swine
all the hey & Corne in the barne
all the Brasse in the house
all the Pewter
all the Bedinge
3 yeard of wollen Cloath
all the linens & nap[er]ie ware
Butt[e]r and Chese
all the Chests
all the Bedstids
one Barrell & Bottle of vergis
tow & yearne
3 Picles
one Coffer in the vper Chamb[e]r
all the Cop[er]ie ware
all bords and Sheelfs
one grate, two brundreds goberts broches
& all Iron ware
one harrowe Mattocke & shewe [shovel]
all Cheres stooles Cubert & Churne
all poultrie ware
meale & greats in the house
one Bond due in Septemb[e]r last
one lader
all the manuringe aboute the house
the wearinge aparell & monie in the Chest
all oth[e]r things not form[e]rlie praissed
[in a different hand, added after all the above had been written]
a debt of xxs lent by
the testator to Mr Bourne
of the broade gate
Notes
1. Ellen Stile's husband died nearly 20 years previously. (See Richard Still in this collection.)
2. 'Mr Bourne of the broade gate' is to be identified with Henry Bourne of Broadyates, gentleman, who died in 1639. The Broad Gates estate was mentioned in 1789 in connection with the perambulation of the boundaries of the Manor of Chesterton, and it seems to be placed adjacent to Bradwell estate. The name does not appear on the 1st edition of wthe Ordnance Survey one-inch map, but the house probably lay somewhere near the present line of the A34.
3. 'vergis' - verjuice is a sharp cider, evidently used in large quantities in this household. (Tusser (Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandrie) recommends having a gallon at least. It is made from crushed crab apples. As well as having a culinary use, it could also be used to treat sick cows.)
4. 'meale & greats' - the meal is the flour; the greats (or groats) are the hulled grains.
Margerie Twemlo, widow, of Brerehurst, will dated 30th May 1633, inventory taken 24th August 1638, date of probate 4th October 1638.
Will
Being of sound body and in good health; to be buried in churchyard of Lawton.
To my eldest son John Twemlowe: all the iron ware belonging to the fire ie a grate with tongs, fire shovel, pot-racks, gobberts and broch.
To Margrett Halle my daughter: my best suit of clothing.
To William Unwine: 1s.
To John Twemlowe the younger, John Twemlo son of Andrwe Twemloo, John Twemloe son of William Twemloe, John Halle son of William Halle: 1s each.
To George Palle: 6d.
To Richard Drakeforde: 6d.
To Richard Poddmore: 6d.
To Richard Fallowes of Lawton.
To Margrie Twemloe of Sinderhill: 6d.
To Margrie Twemloe of the Hallegreene: 6d.
To Eline Carttwright of Lawton: 6d.
To Margrett Halle the younger: a brass candlestick.
Residuary legatees and executors: Andrewe Twemloe and William Twemloe my younger sons.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: R Evans John Twemlowe John Kentt
A Treue and p[er]fect Inventory taken the xxiiijth daye of August In the year of our lord god one Thousand Sixe hundred thertie and eight of all the goodes Chattle and Chattles moueable and Unmoueable of margery Twemloe of the Hamlet of Brearyhurst in the p[ar]ishe of wollstonton in the Countie of Stafford widdow Lately deceased. Seene and praysed by nicholas Horson and Thomas Hulme
beddinge And bestckes ..........................43s
Linnens and nappery ware ....................10s
Irne ware ...................................................... 6s 8d
brase and pewter .................................... 10s 8d
one knedinge Tro[ugh] Chestes
Shilftes And other Implementes ... .......14s 6d
her apparell and monny in her purse ...13s 4d
Sum[ma] totali[s] ...... £4 16s 10d [Actual £4 16s 4d]
1. As with inventories written a hundred years previously, this inventory is written with the values in words.
2. Her Cheshire connections are evident: eg Eline Carttwright of Lawton, Margrie Twemloe of Sinderhill (Cinder Hill Lane is now a back lane in Scholar Green, Cheshire), Margrie Twemloe of the Hallegreene (which is on the Congleton Rd just into Cheshire, before Scholar Green), and the witness John Kentt may be the John Kent who lived in Odd Rode.
3. The kneading trough stands out in her inventory. Her husband's inventory (1620/21) mentions bellows and two of the three mentions of bellows in this collection of inventories are in connection with a smithy and bakery.
Thomas Harvey of Bradwall, buried 23rd December 1638, no will, inventory taken 26th December 1638, administration granted 3rd Jan 1638/9.
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes Cattells and Chattells of Thomas Harvey late of Bradwall w[i]thin the County of Stafford deceased taken by John Cowall Thomas Beech Henry Wood and Thomas Liversage the 26 of December
£ s d
One geldinge saddle and bridle 5 0 0
One Crossebowe and the Racke eight arrowes &
theire Case w[i]th one Hanger 0 15 0
One Morter & a Pestill or pownder 0 3 0
Iron ware, as one pott, two ladles one plate, two
Axes, one hatchett, three Augers, one Iron Crowe,
one Framinge Sawe one fire shovell one Pitch forke,
one shovell one spitt, one Fryinge Panne, 2 Round
hoopes. one Shooe horne 0 16 0
One Water Paile, one Piggin one bottle. 0 1 0
Two Coffers & a little boxe 0 6 0
Two Pewt[er] Dishes & foure pannes, two woodden
Dishes & a little Piggin 0 2 6
One Chayre 0 3 0
His Apparrell and money in his purse 7 18 1
Tallowe, oates, greates & all other Implementes 0 3 0
15 7 7
[Appraisers: John Cowell Thomas Beeche Thomas Leuersage Henric[us] Wood ]
Notes
1. Bradwell Hall, which is still in use (as a nursing home), occupies a prominent position when seen from Parkhouse Road West. It had been owned for a long time by the Sneyd family, together with the adjoining park (much of it wooded) and nearly all of present-day Bradwell. Thomas Harvey could well have been an employee of the Sneyds, but it is not clear what his occupation was. The inventory suggests that he did some carpentry and travelled.
He was not married and was responsible for his own cooking. Only one item of furniture is mentioned in the inventory, which suggests his bed and bedding were provided by someone else. There is a strong likelihood that his accommodation was in Bradwell Hall (it being a large house with 14 hearths). He served as churchwarden in 1633/4 "for the house of Hayhouse", which was a property of Ralph Sneyd's in Bradwell, and we know that he was Sneyd's tenant in 1620, before Sneyd acquired the Hayhouse, and at a guess he held then the capital mansion in Chatterley. It looks as though Thomas Harvey's lease of Hayhouse had ended by the time he died.
2. He appears to be the only Harvey in the parish around this date [but Harvey Walklate occurs in Chatterley later in the 17th century.]
Administration was granted to Richard Baylie of Uttoxeter who was nephew to Thomas Harvey on his mother's side, and John Stubbs from Lichfield.
3. A gelding is a horse used for riding, and perhaps the crossbow was used in shooting birds or hunting. Arrows could be used with a crossbow. The rack is, I imagine, the ratchet used for pulling back the string. George Bowdon of Bowdon, gentleman, in 1625 had 'one crosbowe 6 boultes'. (Visit to Manchester Museum on 6.5.04. fletchings = feathers on arrow. Unfletched arrow not so accurate. What is difference between unfletched arrow and a bolt? The museum display showed a detail of a painting by a Portuguese painter of St Sebastian. It shows a crossbow in use, but the man operating the crossbow seems to have a quiverful of arrows!) A picture by Cranach the Elder in the Prado, Madrid, dated 1545, shows hunters ready to fire with crossbows at stags driven into the river; there are two sorts of arrow shown, one conventionally pointed, the other two-pronged. The huntmen are not shown equipped with a quiver.
John Hull of Hambledon, Surrey, gentleman, (1563) had 'A lytle Crosbowe with a bender' worth 3s 4d in the chamber over his new parlour. His inventory is the only one of 445 Surrey inventories in Elizabeth's reign to mention a crossbow. (Herridge, D.M. transcr Surrey Probate Inventories 1558-1603)
"Two fields from the house [of Huntingfield] stood a great oak tree, in whose broad low branches Elizabeth had perched with her crossbow, shooting as the park deer were driven by." (Bowen, C.D.(1957) The Lion and the Throne p64)
A connection between crossbow and park is given in the will of an Essex man John Andrewes who in 1598 directed in his will that 'my horse which my master, his worship, gave me, with my crossbow, arrows and other furniture and implements belonging to the use of the park, do return again to my master' (Emmison, F.G.(1991) Elizabethan Life: Home, Work & Land)
Did Thomas Harvey use his bow for shooting deer Ralph Sneyd was lord of the manor of Tunstall including Bradwell where Harvey lived and where there was a park.
4. Piggin = a pail used for carrying milk. (Note that a bottle was not necessarily made of glass; it was a small cask used for carrying drink.)[when on the move?]
5 'Tallowe, oates, groates' - supplies for himself and his horse.
6. His shoe horn was made of iron. Ben Jonson's play The Alchemist also mentions an iron shoeing horn (Act 2 scene ii, line 13)
John Morton the elder of Wolstanton, husbandman, will dated 16th Dec 1637, buried 6th April 1638, date of inventory 7th April 1638, date of probate 1st May 1638.
Will
To be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Andrew Twamlow and his wife: 2 shillings as child's part.
To Humfrey Walter and his wife: 2 shillings as child's part.
To son Henry: £10.
To my two daughters Ellen and Elizabeth: £100 to be equally divided (but if either prove wilful or wanton or otherwise miscarry or misbehave herself, then only part of the £100 at executor's and overseers' discretion.)
To Richard Baddeley and his wife: 2 shillings as child's part.
To my wife: all those grounds which I hold of Randle Meare for and during her natural life; one of the best beds, one bolster, one pillow, two pairs of linen sheets (one pair of flax and another of hemp), one of the best coverlets, one blanket and a coffer which she brought with her.
To Andrew Twamlow's children: 10 shillings.
To Humfrey Walter's children: 10 shillings.
To son Raph: the reversion and remainder of the said lease of grounds which I hold of Randle Meare after the death and decease of my wife for and during the natural life of Margrett Twamlow my daughter (if still living.)
Residuary legatee and sole executor: son Raph.
Overseers: Andrew Twamlow and Humfrey Walter.
If my son Raph marries within 2 years of my death, he shall pay the legacies and portions of this will. But if he lives still unmarried, then he shall pay them at the end of 3 years.
Debts owing to me by Randle Meare: 53 shillings and 2 pence.
Witnesses: George Hanson, Thomas Henshawe.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie indented of all the goodes Cattels and Chattels of John Morton the elder late of Wolstanton in the Countie of Stafford deceased seene valued and appraised by George Hanson Thomas henshawe and John Morton the Seventh daie of Aprill Anno d[omi]ni 1638 Anno regni Regis Car[oli] Anglie etc decimo quarto
Foure Oxen two bullockes
eight kine and three Calues
two heffers
Six Twinters
Six Stirkes
Two meares & two Coultes
Ten Ewes and lambs
Three swine
Poultrie duckes & geese
corne & hay in the Barne & corne on the ground
two waynes plowes yokes & all oth[er] husbandry wares
brasse & pewter
3 Featherbeddes 6 Chaffe bedds with Coverlettes) blanckettes bolsters & all thereto belonginge )
Ten pare of flaxen she etes 12 pare of hempen )
with all other linen & nappery wares )
one peece of woolin Cloth & one peece of linin cloth
one Joyned bed & 5 pare of beddstiddes
one presse one Cubbord & 6 chestes
Tables Stoules formes Chayres Shelues )
and oth[er] household implem[en]ts )
seelinge vpon the benche in the house
payles barreles loomes & all other treene or Coopery wares
hemp flax woolen & linin yarne
woole & feath[e]rs
butter Cheese beefe bacon mault & other p[ro]vision in ye house
one grate fire shoule tounges spittes pottrackes )
& other Iron wares )
one great arke in the barne
one swine tubb & swine troughes
lyme stone & mucke
the wearinge Apparell of the deceassed and money )
in his purse at the tyme of his death )
oweinge by Thomas harrison to the deceased at the tøyme )
of his death )
money oweinge by Randle meare to the deceased at his death
oweinge by George hanson to the deceased
one bond from Randle Meare of £40 for the paym[en]t of
Due from Jo Eaton by bound
a bible & other small books
[Actual total = £184 18s 8d]
Notes
1. John Moreton had a lease for three lives of the land of Randle Meare, the three named lives in the lease being (in order): the testator, the testator's wife, and the testator's daughter Margaret. His son Raph will have the use of the land during the term of the lease from the death of his wife to the death of his daughter.
2. The unmarried daughters were given a larger sum than the rest - their marriage portion was dependent on their making a suitable match. The overseers would have an advisory role. His daughter Mary had married Richard Baddaley in July 1637.
3. 'Lymestone & muck' - both are for spreading on the soil.
4. John Moreton was one of the more substantial farmers in the village, and was engaged in sheep, beef and dairy farming.The number of his oxen and the value of his ploughs and other equipment both show a substantial investment in arable farming too, though it is not matched by a high valuation for his growing corn, though this was perhaps winter corn only. The sheep priced at £3 6s 8d must be ten ewes and ten lambs, though the valuation of all his animals is on the high side.
5. John Moreton was farming part of the Colclough estate in Wolstanton in 1615.
6. John Moreton signs the will himself, which was written by George Hanson.
7. 'seelinge vpon the benche'. In the main room of the house, John Moreton has a high-backed bench with a canopy, probably of elaborate workmanship.
8. Ralph Meare of Wolstanton parish died 1624 (parish register) - no will or inventory.
9. John Meare was witness of Thomas Bourne's will of 1640.
George Hanson of Woolstanton yeoman, will dated 13th December 1637, buried 2nd November 1638, inventory taken 10th November,[Fri] date of probate 22nd Feb 1638/9.
Will
Sick and weak in body.
To be buried in the churchyard of Woolstanton.
To my son George: the great table in the house, the best joined bed in the parlour, my great trunk, the great ark in the barn, my desk and all my books and my gun. If he dies before the age of 21 or is married, then my son John to have them.
To my wife: the third part of all my goods.
My three younger children, John, Elizabeth and Sarah: the remainder of my goods; and one close or pasture called Trumpers field and two day-math of meadowing in Woolstanton Meadows - which I lately purchased from James Golborne for his term therein - for and during the term of 14 years from my decease, to be divided as follows: to my daughter Elizabeth the first three years' profits; to my son John two years after that, and to my daughter Sarah the next three after that; the benefits and profits for the other six years remaining to be equally divided between them.
Executors: my wife and John Murrhall of Bagnall.
Signed by George Hanson.
Witnesses: Isaac Keeling, John Turmer (signs by mark)
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all and singular the goods and Cattells and Chattells quicke & dead which George Hanson late of the p[ar]ishe of Woolstanton dyed posessed of as they weare praized by vs whose names are vnderwritten the tenthe day of Nouemb[er] [and other times - inserted] Anno D[omi]ni 1638 viz of the p[re]misses which he dyed posessed of in the county of Stafford. and elswhere
Fower oxen ....................................................................................... £24
seauen kyne ..................................................................................... £24
one twinter hayfor, twoe sterkes & fower calues ........................ £11 10s
one mare ........................................................................................... £4
three and twentye sheepe .............................................................. £5 10s
one swyne ......................................................................................... 16s
geese and poultry .......................................................................... 2s
Corne and haye in the barne and elsewhere ............................. £36
Goods in the house
twoe Joyned beds & fower paire of bedstockes .......................... £2
one trunke one Chest & ten other ................................................. £1 10s
twoe feather bedds & seauen blanketts ....................................... £2 14s
Cou[er]letts twoe one Cadowe 3 chaffe beds ............................. £1 6s 4d
Twoe wooll beds one feather boulster, twoe Flocke boulsters.. 11s 8d
Three pillowes, and three paire of Flaxen sheetes
Nine paire of hempton sheetes ..................................................... £2 15s 6d
Three table Cloathes ........................................................................ 5s
Napkins and pillowe beares ........................................................... 13s
wooll & yarne ..................................................................................... 10s
Carsey Cloathe ................................................................................... £1 6s
Pewter and brasse ............................................................................ £2 10s
Iron ware in the house ....................................................................... 10s
wooden ware ....................................................................................... 10s
yarne and towe ................................................................................... £1 10s
In cheese and butter .................................................................... £2 13s 4d
Twoe Flitches of bacon ................................................................ 13s 4d
A table & a forme in the house .................................................... £1
Tables more, & formes shelues chaires & stooles ................... 13s 4d
Stone troughes and a Cheese presse ....................................... 2s 6d
Waynes ploughes, harrowes, yokes, iron chaines .................. £1 10s
horse gaires, plowe irons and all husbandrie ware
Twoe ladders and twoe peices of timber ................................. 6s 8d
Burnt lyme and dunge or meanor ....................................... £2
In books ......................................................................................... 6s
A birdinge peice .......................................................................... 5s
His apparell & money in his purse ............................................ £2 10s
In cushions & a paire of bellowes ............................................. 5s
A bakstone and a spinninge wheele and a hayre for the
kilne ............................................................................................... 5s
whele timber and fellyes & other Implements not befor
expressed ...................................................................................... 10s
[Actual total is £147 11s 4d]
one band from William Gleadenhurst & William Thornberie bearing date decimo sexto die Januarie A[n]no d[omi]ni, 1636 for the pay[men]t of £20 9s wherof £4 was payd in the lyffe tyme of the same George Honson deceased
one other bond from Ottowell Jollye of £80 for saving harmlesse the afors[ai]d George Honson from one bonde bond wherin he stood bound unto William Kelsall of Audaley for £10
[Appraisers:]
Richard Drakeford Jun[ior]
Thomas Henshaw his mark
Richard Marshe his mark
Notes
1. It looks as if George Hanson wrote his own will. The witness Isaac Keeling, who became vicar nine years later, was curate of Burlem church.
2. The preamble to the inventory suggests it was carried out not only at his home in the parish but also involved at least one visit outside the county. The will describes him as 'of Woolstanton' and we know that in 1615 he owned a house there. At that time he owned 20 customary acres in different parts of the township.
3. 'Joined beds' are four-poster beds.
4. 'Hempton' ie hempen.
5. 'Carsey cloathe' - kersey cloth was a lightweight woollen cloth of narrow width, usually ribbed.
6. 'Burnt lime' - limestone was burnt in a lime kiln to produce a powder used in mortar, or in this case, like the manure, for spreading on the fields.
7. The gun ('birding piece') and books are mentioned one after the other - maybe they were in the study.
8. The bakestone could be used for making oatcakes.
9. 'and a hayre for the kilne' - the hair-cloth was to hold malt suspended over the kiln.
Henrie Colcloughe of Chesterton, yeoman, will dated 12th March 1638/9, buried 21st March, inventory taken 27th March 1639, date of probate/admon 6th March 1639/40.
Will
To be buried in such place and in such manner as my executor shall think fit and convenient.
To [left blank]: two thirds of all my goods (except my great brass pan, the table and cupboard in the house, the grate, one great coffer in the parlour having two locks and my little coffer in the parlour chamber, which I give to my son John Colcloughe to remain with the house as heirs, and my wife to have the usage of them all as long as she lives as a widow and unmarried, otherwise to my son John to use and dispose at his pleasure.)
To my three younger children: the third part of my goods, to be equally divided between them.
To my son John Colcloughe and his heirs: the land of Thomas Thurston that I purchased, on condition that he pay £40 to his two sisters Anna and Ellen, and twenty marks to his brother Thomas Colcloughe within a year of my wife's death. If he fails in payment of the moneys, then I give the lands to my son Thomas Colcloughe and his heirs, and if he fail then I give the lands to my two daughters and their heirs.
Executor: my loving wife Joan.
Overseers: my brother Trinkett and my brother George Butter.
Witnesses: William Colcloughe, Randull Boothes, John Bourne.
Debts owing by him: £46 5s 3d.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods debts Cattells & chattells of Henry Colcloughe of Chesterton deceased taken the 27. day of March A[nn]o d[omi]ni 1639 by us John Willatt Richard Colcloughe Raphe Bourne and John Bourne
One Cow & one Calfe seazed by the L[o]rd of the s[ai]d mannor
One other Calfe
One swine
Poultrie ware
Corne and Hay
Husbandrie ware w[i]th bills axes & one hatchett, as allsoe other p[ro]vision for husbandrie
mucke
Foure Featherbeds 6 coverletts 10 bolsters and pillowes, two paire of blanketts
Eight paire of sheetes 2 Dozen of Napkins w[i]th all other napperie ware & linnen Cloth vncutt
Bedsteades, Coffers & Chestes
Brasse and Pewter
Yarne Toe & woollen Cloath vncutt
Treene ware woodden ware & wheeles
Chaires, Cushions, stooles, Formes, shelues and other vticenses
Iron ware
Houshould p[ro]vision
Bookes, Bees w[i]th all other Implements & vticenses
either forgotten or not expressed
The testators wearinge apparrell money in his purse w[i]th other Furniture for his person
One brasse pann, one Cuphoulde one Table one grate and two Coffers given vnto John Colcloughe
sonne to the testator.
Notes
1. The heriot (the animal or animals seized by the lord of the manor) is due from a tenant upon his death. In this case the manor is Chesterton, of which no contemporary manorial records are known.
2. Anne, Ellen and Thomas Colclough were minors, and a tuition bond relating to their upbringing had to be sworn to by the widow and a male (in this case William Wood of Chesterton, yeoman). They were bound in the sum of £90 to bring up the children "with sufficient and convenient meat drink lodging and apparel meet and decent for their estate and calling during their minority".
3. 'the table and cupboard in the house' is not as vague as it sounds today. In this context 'house' refers to the main room of the house, otherwise known as the hall.
4. The only Colclough mentioned in the list of Hearth Tax payers in 1666 in Chesterton is John Coleclough, who had a dwelling with two hearths.
5. 'vticenses' - evidently 'utensils'; 'Cuphoulde' is 'cupboard'.
6. 'my brother Trickett' - In 1627 John Trickett had married Elizabeth Colclough.
7. The total of the inventory is less than the total of debts.
8. The significance of the uncut linen cloth and woollen cloth?
John Baddeley of Holditch, gentleman, will dated 24th April 1628, buried ?22nd April 1639, inventory taken 13th May 1639, date of probate 12th June 1639.
Will
Aprill the 24th. Anno do[min]i. 1628
In the name of God Amen, I John Badeley of Holditch in the Parish of wolstanton, being weake in body, but of good and p[er]fect memory thankes bee to god for it, Doe ordayne, Constitute & make this my last will & Testament In man[n]er & forme following.
First I Commend my soule into the hands of god my maker, trusting to be saved by the mediation of Christ my savio[u]r & Redeemer, & my body to the earth whereof which it is made; & for my worldly goods I dispose of them as followeth, That is to say I giue & bequeath to Alice Badeley my wife all my lands, watermilne & hereditaments goods, Cattells, & Chattells mooveable & vnmooveable for the education & bringing vp of my children
Item I giue & bequeath to my said wife, all my lands, Water milne & hereditaments to the intent & purpose following
First that my debts be paid & discharged, as my wife Can raise them out of my said lands, and after the paym[en]t of my debts, & funerall expences discharged, my will is, that every one of my daughters, begining at the eldest, & so to the youngest according to their seniority, shalbe paid three score pounds a peece, as it shalbe7 raised out of my said lands: But if it happen that any of my Daughters dy before th[ei]r portion be raysed, & paid (as aforesaid) that then my will is, that the said summe so raised, shall be paid to my next daughter according to her seniority, for & in the name of her portion.
Item after my said debts & legacyes paid, as aforesaid, I giue & bequeath vnto William Badiley my son, all my aforesaid Lands, & watermilne, to him & his heirs for ever.
Lastly I ordayne & make Alice Badiley my said wife sole Executrix of this my last will & testament, & my brother Burne & my Cosen John Cowall overseers thereof.
In witnesse whereof I the said John Badiley haue herevnto put my seale, the day & yeare first aboue written.
Sealed & delivered in the p[re]sence of.
Richard Orme John Bourne John Cowell William Baddily Ellinor Beech [signs by mark] Joane Wood [signs by mark]
John Baddle
An Inventory of all the goods debts vtensills, houshould implem[en]ts Cattalls & Chatttalls of John Badeley of Holditch in the parish of Wolstanton and Countie of Staff[or]d Gentlem[an] late deceased taken & prysed by Thomas Bourne John Cowall and John Beech yeomen May the 13th 1639
In Corne and Cattell
Sixe kine, foure Calues one Bull four Twinters
five stirkes foure Swine one Gelding one Mare £65 00 00
a Twinter fillie w[i]th Corne & Haye
Househould Implem[en]tes
In linnen, Brasse Pewter Iron ware, Bedding,
Carpetts Chusions Tables Bedsteads, Chaires 34 7 4
Formes stooles Chests Shelues Tubbs together
w[i]th other lumbar ware
Houshould prouision
As butter Cheese Beefe Bacon together w[i]th 7 18 4
his money a Apparell
Poultrey
As Turkies Hens Geese &c 00 5 00
Husbandary Implem[en]tes
As waynes, Carts, plowes Yoakes, Harrowes,
Hattchetts & Hammers 2 15 00
Summa totalis £110 5 8
Notes
1. John Baddeley the elder was buried in Newcastle on the date given above. No John Baddeley was buried at Wolstanton at this time. He was born at Holditch and was aged about 62 when he died. The information comes from cases heard at Lichfield at which he testified. About 1610 he was riding towards London in the company of the then vicar of Wolstanton and one of the parishioners who were in dispute over tithes. "Hearing that that the said Mr Stevenson had commenced a suit against the said Hughe Sheratt for some tithes [he] wished them to forebear suits and let [him] end the matters and controversies betwixt them. Whereupon they both consented to this motion. And so [he] ordered and set down that the said Sherratt should pay to the said Mr Stephenson five shillings for all tithes due to him the said Mr Stephenson at that day and time. And afterwards should pay yearly to the said Mr Stevenson 6s 8d for all his tithes happening within Wolstanton parish; which the said parties willingly agreed and condescended unto. And at the same time the said Sherratt paid and satisfied to the said Mr Stephenson the said sum of five shillings for all tithes past and so became coates [?] and friends."
Unfortunately the agreement broke down, and the vicar pursued his legal action.
2. The youngest daughters were Mary, and Margaret (14 years).
3. The earliest representation of Holditch Hall is a sepia-wash picture by J. C. Buckler in (1841). It shows a good-sized three-storey house with gables. John Baádeley's inventory provides no indication of the house's size in 1639, but in 1666 it had 3 hearths and in 1690 at the death of Thomas Wattson it had: a hall, two parlours (one called 'old'), 7 chambers in the first storey (over the hall, parlours, buttery, kitchen, dairy and stable) and one chamber and garrets in the top storey.
4. How much land did he own? In 1619 John Baddaley of Holdich owned a messuage and about 50 acres within the manor of Tunstall. Then there is the Holditch estate - in 1839 it consisted of 125 acres, plus a ten-acre holding which went with the water-mill; but it is unlikely to have been anything like that big in 1639. An impoverished gentleman - it is significant that the will he wrote in 1628 with its references to debts did not need revising, even though it was another 11 years before he died. Neither had his marital status changed - Alice Baddeley of Holditch, widow survived until 1649. In 1631 he is recorded as having compounded with the Commission for not taking up a knighthood. Most, like him, compounded for £10.
Margarett Whytall of Olcott, widow, date of will 26th March 1635, buried 6th June 1639, inventory taken 11th June, date of probate 5th July 1639.
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Woolstanton.
To Jone Whytall, my daughter-in-law: my best gown.
To An Whytall, my daughter-in-law: my best gown but one.
To my daughter An Baddelie: my best petticoat.
To Ellin Whytall my daughter-in-law: my best hat.
To Katherin Whytall my daughter-in-law: a chest.
To my son Richard: my best band, all the bed on which I lie, except for a black-and-white caddow.
To my son Thomas: the caddow.
To Margarett Rowley: my best girdle and purse.
To Ellin Baddelie, wife of William Baddelie: my best gown but two.
To Marie Whytall: my second petticoat.
To An Baddelie of Newfeilde, [the] younger: my second ruff band.
To Margaret Rowley: my black apron.
To Randle Whytall, my son Richard's son: 2s 6d.
To Richard Whytall, my son Richard's son: 2s 6d.
To An Whytall, my son William's daughter: a green apron and a handkerchief.
To Sara Whytall, my son William's daughter: a handkerchief.
Residuary legatees: my sons William Whytall, Richard Whytall, John Whytall, Thomas Whytall, Randle Whytall and my daughter An Baddelie.
Executor: William Baddelie.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: Thomas Baddeley William Whytall Randle Whytall
A true & p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goodes of margarett Whiteall of Oulcott within the p[ar]ishe of Woolstanton and countie of Stafford widowe latelie deceased, seene, vewed & praised the Eleuenth daie of June in the yeare of o[u]r Lord god 1639.
The bed wheron shee Vsuallie did lye ........................................................ £4
one chest, w[i]th monie & other smale thinges therein ........................... £9 4s
all hir Wearinge Apparell linnens & Woollens ........................................... £4 3s 4d
the Su[m]me totall is seauenteene Pounds se[u]ane shillinges foure pence
by Vs whose names are Vnderwritten.
Thomas Baddeley Richard Whytall Richard Baddelie William Whiteall John Whiteall Thomas Whiteall Randle Whiteall
Notes
1. She composed her will six days after her husband Randle composed his ie in her husband's lifetime - so she must have obtained her husband's permission to make her will, as she was legally required to do. In his will he made her an allowance of £1 a year, plus food, drink, lodging and clothing to be provided by son Randle.
2. 'daughter in law' means stepdaughter.
3. A band went round the neck. A girdle was worn round the waist; memorial brasses of ladies and men in the late medieval period show the girdle with purse attached, and sometimes with one end hanging down almost to the ground.
Ann Drakeford of Wedgwood, spinster, will dated 10th September 1639, buried 13th September, inventory taken 16th September, date of probate 8th October 1639.
Will
[No burial place mentioned]
To Margrett Drakeford, my sister-in-law: my best bed hilling, my best petticoat, my best ruff and my coffer in the high chamber and all my tow in it.
To Margrett Henshall, my sister, wife of Raphe Henshall of Audley, Staffs, yeoman: my best gown, my best hat, my second ruff and my best coffer.
To Thomas Henshall, son of Raphe Henshall: £5, all my wool and my best coffer not bequeathed before.
To Anne Henshall, daughter of Raphe Henshall: £5, my third petticoat and a ruff.
To Margrett Henshall, daughter of Raphe Henshall: £5 and a ruff.
To Ann and Margrett Henshall each: one of my best coffers not before bequeathed, and all the tow that is in the lower room in my coffer.
To Ann Tonstall: 50s.
To Mary Tonstall: 10s.
To John Whisher, my godson: £3.
To Barbara Horderne: 5s.
To Ann Hodgkinson: 5s and my second petticoat and waistcoat.
To little Randle Kettle: 10s.
To all the rest of my godchildren: 2s each.
Residuary legatees and executors: John Drakeford, my brother and Raphe Henshall.
(Revokes all former wills)
Witnesses: Thomas Henshall Ann Hodgkinson
A true and p[er]fectt Inuentorie of all the goodes and Chattelles of Anne Drakesford of wedgwood in the p[ar]ishe of wolstanton and dioces of Couentrie and lichfield [torn] taken and prayssaid the sixeteenth day of September 1639 by Hughe Wishall John Gallimore and William Stonier
beding ..................................................................... £5
seven Chest ........................................................... £1 15s
wole and toye ........................................................ £1 1¡0s
napp[er]rie wayre and cloth vncutt ...................... £1 13s 4d
pewter ................................................................... 17s 4d
brasse and pewter ................................................ £3 7s 4d
one saddle and furnitude .................................. 7s
money in her purse and wayreing app[ar]ell .. £10
moneys owinge the Testato[r] w[i]th
specialtie & w[i]thout specialtie ......................... £30
£53 12s 8d
Notes
1. John Stonier's sister married John Drakeford. This is implied in his will of 1626. He is distinguished there from the John Drakeford of Whitfield. Seemingly – from what Ann Drakeford doesn't say in her will – John Drakeford's marriage to Margrett had not produced any surviving children. It is a surmise – but plausible – that Ann Drakeford was living at her brother's house in Wedgwood.
2. The form which the textile business in this area in the 17th century took as far as processing of hemp and flax was concerned has not yet been worked out. The involvement of Ann Drakeford in the textile business is a case in point. Athough a spinster, she didn't own any spinning wheel or weaving loom. Perhaps a clue lies in the saddle and horse gear ('furnitude') in her inventory, suggesting that there was another half of the business partnership which provided the horse for her to deliver to, and collect from, textile workers doing farmed-out work in their homes. The chests of tow that she had at her death contained the fibres of hemp and/or flax which were ready for carding and spinning and were bequeathed to women who she knew would make use of them.
John Greenwood of Heath End, husbandman, will dated 30th July 1640, date of inventory 18th August, date of probate 3rd September.
Will
Sick in body.
[No mention of burial place]
Residuary legatees: wife Ales Greenewood and daughter Ann Greenewood if Ann marries with the liking and consent of her mother, otherwise wholly to my wife.
Executor: wife Ales Greenewood.
Sealed and delivered unto Ann Joynson in the presence of and for the use of Ales Greenewood my wife.
Witnesses: John Beeche, Symon Fernihaughe, Richard Greenewood.
[Signs with mark]
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattells & Chattells of John Greenewood of ye heathend w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of wolstonton & Countie of Staff: husbandman: deceased: Taken & praised the 18th day of August Anno Domini 1640.
Fowre kyne ..................................................................................... £12
Two twinter heifers ......................................................................... £6
Two stirkes ....................................................................................... £3
Two calues ....................................................................................... £1 6s 8d
Three horses prysed w[i]th ther geares ...................................... £8
one Swyne & one pigg .................................................................. 14s
Hennes & geese ............................................................................. 4s
Six day workes of winter corne & lent corne ............................. £6
Haye in the barne & in Cock ........................................................ £4
Mowinge grasse growinge ........................................................... £1
Brasse and pewter ......................................................................... £2
Two Broches w[i]th gobertes,
morter & pestle w[i]th all other Iron ware .................................... 13s 4d
one Cupbord one Table w[i]th] formes & stoles ........................ £1
one Joynde bedd w[i]th other bedstiddes .................................. £1
Bedinge and napperie
as one fether bed w[i]th boulsters xj paire of sheetes
ij bedd coveringes iij blanketes & other beddinge..................... £6 13s 4d
Five Cofares & one box .................................................................. 10s
woolle yearne and towe, and hempe on the grounde............... £1
Butter and cheese & corne & malt in the house ......................... £2
Tubbes loomes barrelles bouckes
& all other treene ware & shelfes .................................................. 12s
one Axe one shoole & all other implementes for husbandrie . 2s
Quishens Bagges & all other little implementes in the house.. 4s
his aparrell & monie in his purse .................................................. £2
Sum[m]a heireof.. £59 19s 4d [checked]
The praisers names: William Gibbson, William Salle, John Beech, Richard Greenewood
Notes
1.The inventory shows seven amendments, all of them additions in the same hand.
2. 'Shoole' = shovel. 'loomes' = open vessels. 'bouckes' are vessels: Sir Edward Littleton in 1586 had 2 close books of six gallons a payre to put salt butter in'.(West J Village Records)
3. At this time of year, some of the hay was standing in cocks (temporary stands of hay) in the field to dry before being taken to the barn.
Thomas Bourne the elder of Dimsdale, yeoman, will dated 3rd October 1639, buried 7th September 1640, inventory taken 10th Sept,[Wed] date of probate 15th Sept.
Will
Being in good health.
To be buried in the parish church of Wolstanton.
(Refers to an indented deed dated 28th February 8 Charles [1633] which enfeoffed to certain uses Thomas Bourne of Little Chell, and Richard Leighe of Sneyde, yeomen, of and in property in Oulcote and Ramscliffe (or in either of them), being once copyhold lands as parcels of the manor of Tunstall.)
To Margrett Bourne my wife:
i) the annual rent of £26 13s 4d from this property, which is now in the occupation of Thomas Bourne my son, for the term of her natural life. And after her death, to Margrett my daughter for three years; if she marries... And after, over five years, in turn to Henry Bourne and Joshua Bourne, my sons, Alice Leighe and Elizabeth Allen, my daughters, and Richard Bourne my son.
ii) the annual rent of 12s from a tenement or cottage and lands now in the holding of James Rathbone; if she is still living at the end of James Rathbone's term, the annual rent of £3 6s 8d.
iii) the annual rent of 8s from one close or pasture called the great Bath during the term that Randle Whytehall still has; if she is still living at the end of Randle Whytehall's term, the annual rent of £6 13s 4d. After her death, to Henry Bourne, my son, and to Joshua Bourne, my youngest son the annual rent £3 6s 8d each.
To Richard Bourne my son the bed on which he now lies in Shelfcroft.
To William Bourne my son the great brass pot that came from Shelfcroft.
To every one of my grandchildren, 10s each.
The joined bed that stands in the parlour here in Dymsdall to remain here for the use of my eldest son Thomas.
Executrix: Margrett my wife.
Witnesses: Richard Bourne of Chell, John Bourne of Chell, John Meare
Notes
1. 'Sheild Croft' is shown on Yates map of 1775 and in the same position 'Sealscroft' on the 19th century OS map. In Birmingham City archives is a lease for life: Sir Richard Hussey of Adbright Hussey, co. Salop., knt., and Robert Hussey, gent., younger brother of the said Sir Richard leases to William Burne of Shellescrofte in the lordship of Norton upon the Moores, co. Staff., yoman a messuage with appurtenances called Shellescrofte in Norton. (Reference MS 917/1699 5 March 1606/7)
Richard Bourne with his bed in Shelfcroft is not Richard Bourne of Chell who witnesses the will. The latter is likely to be the Richard Bourne of Chell who is on a 1640 subsidy roll (and therefore one of the leading tax-payers in the area), and possibly was the Richard Bourne of Little Chell on a rental of around 1620.
2. The will is lengthy, but he bequeaths little in the way of goods; there is not even a reference to the disposal of the remainder of his goods. He is in all probability a tenant of part of Dimsdale Hall.
3. The 1615 survey of the Manor of Newcastle shows him to be the owner of freehold lands in Wolstanton and Dimsdale. In the 1666 Hearth Tax list, William Bourne was assessed for two hearths at Dimsdale; the part occupied by the owner Edward Brett was assessed for nine hearths.
4. Richard Bourne of Chell was a gentleman who in 1631 compounded with a Commission for not taking up a knighthood.
A True inventorye of all & singular the good[es] Cattels & Chattels w[hi]ch Thomas Bourne in the Countye of Staff[ord] yeoman of Dimsdale w[i]thin the Parish of Woolstanton latly deceased dyed possessed of, as they were app[re]tiated by us whose names are subscribed Anno D[omi]ni 1640:
foure bullocks
for a colt sould
for a yong bull and foure kyne
three stirks
two mares one Colt
foure weyned Calves
6 sheepe and two swine
seaven day work of winter corne )
& eleaven day work of Oates )
Haye
all implement[es] of husbandry )
as waines plowes yokes chaynes etc )
in poultrye
In Timber
In compost or mucke
In Swine troughes
all bedding & bedclothes
all napp[er]y & Linnens & wollen clothe
all bedstocks & bedsteads coffers & chest[es]
Tables Formes and Chayres
in brass & pewter & seething pott[es]
broaches gobbert[es] tongues & other iron ware
in bacon & cheese & butter
wodden ware as barrells etc
His wearinge apparell and mony in his purse
In debts owing
Thomas Fenton of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 8th November 1638, buried 5th April 1640, inventory undated, date of probate 26th May 1640.
Will
In good and perfect health; [burial place not specified.]
To Anne Lowe my grandchild, or her first or second son, or first, second or third daughter; or Henry Stiles my grandchild or his first or second son, or first or second daughter; or Elizabeth Stiles my grandchild or heirs; or Ellen Stiles my grandchild or heirs: my messuage and lands in Knutton, after the expiration in 1640 of a lease of 14 years from the feast of the Annunciation of the blessed Mary.
To the heir, whoever it is: one iron grate, all tables, forms, bedstocks, shelves and painted cloths.
The first year's rent to Elin Stiles my daughter for her child's portion; the second year's to Anne Lowe for her child's portion; third to Henry Stiles; fourth to Anne Lowe my grandchild; fifth to Elizabeth Lowe; sixth to Elizabeth Stiles; seventh to daughter Stiles; eighth to Elin Stiles above-named. The rent for the rest of the years is to be paid in order as before expressed to my six grandchildren.
Residuary legatee: my daughters Elin Stiles and Anne Lowe equally.
My will is that my executor shall not be prejudiced any way but saved harmless from any charges or expenses out of my estate.
[Written later:]
Executor: my true and faithful friend John Beech.
Witnesses: Richard Clownam, Thomas Laton, John Baddeley the younger.
The true and p[er]fect Inventerie of all the goodes and chattells of Thomas Fenton of Knutton deceased
one featherbed one fether boulster one Bedhillinge thre Coverlettes one Bedhillinge Chares Blanckttes Two Woll beddes Twoo Woll boulsters
Two Payre of Shelves one Table Cloth
All his Books
Brasse and Pewter
one Payre of the beste Twoo Broches and all other Iron Ware and all Implem[en]tes of Husbandrie
Barrells Turnells standes Cheres and all other Woden Wares [&]
Chestes
Tables formes bedstides paynted Clothes shilfes
and grate
one Carte one Muck Carte & lathers )
all Timber )
one daie worke of Corne £1
Two hackney Saddells one Packe saddle
Wearring Apparrell and money in his Purse
Dunge and all other thinges forgott
Praised by vs Roger Lowe
John Baddeley Thomas [?Lawton]
Notes
1. Thomas Fenton had lived in Wolstanton. Then his brother John Fenton, yeoman, died childless in 1624. According to the will he was to inherit the house in Knutton after the death of his brother's wife. It is not known when she died, but Thomas Fenton had evidently moved to Knutton before 1625. He commenced a lease of land in 1626. His wife died in 1626. He is probably the same person as the Thomas Fenton, tailor, who was summoned to appear at Stafford Quarter Sessions for assault and battery on William Prynce at Wolstanton in 1598. He was still described as a tailor in 1620.
He is probably not the same as the Thomas Fenton who held copyhold land in Penkhull in 1615.
2. The value given for 'Two Payre of Shelves one Table Cloth' is a squiggle. I have put this as 2s so as to make the stated total correct. However it probably means that it was not to be reckoned separately. He shared the house, as indicated by 'his books'; also, the 'one pair of the best two broches' indicates that the appraisers were distinguishing Thomas Fenton's goods from those of others in the house.
3.The inventory total is small for someone of yeoman status. The items that one would expect to have been included in his inventory are: livestock, linen and household provision. The items that are mentioned have a low value, probably due to their age; perhaps, out of his possessions, it is only the 'one iron grate, all tables, forms, bedstocks, shelves and painted cloths' that are worth bequeathing.
4. A hackney saddle would be used for ordinary riding; the pack saddle would be used for a pack horse.
Thomas Wood of Chesterton, yeoman, date of will 28th December 1638, buried 30th July 1640, inventory taken 4th August 1640, date of probate 17th August 1640
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in the parish church of Woolstanton.
To my son-in-law William Childe: £20 which he owes me.
To my daughter Elizabeth Childe: 40s for her child's portion.
To each of her children: 20s.
To my daughter Joane Beech: 40s for her child's portion.
To Dorothy Brodfould: 40s.
To Richard Wood, my brother's son: 10s.
To each of the servants that shall be living at my son's house at my decease: 2s.
Residuary legatee and executor: my son John.
Witnesses: William Mansfeild, Randall Boothes
A true and perfecte Inventorie of all the goods and chattells of Thomas Wood of Chesterton yoman deceased taken by John Bourne and John Cowall the fourth daye of August anno. d[omi]ni 1640
his bed wherein he did lye w[i]thall thinges belonginge to it. ... 5 0 0
debts owinge to him
his chest w[i]th money and oth[e]r things therein ......................... 72 9 4
his wearinge apparell and money in his purse ............................ 8 2 6
The whole sum is 105 11 10
Notes
1. The bequest to the servants suggests that for at least the last 18 months of his life he was living at his son's house. His wife Margaret had died in 1631.
2. William Child and Elizabeth Wood were married on Dec 21st 1629.
Edward Unwyn, will dated 13th April 1641, buried 25th April, will proved at London 23rd July 1641.
Will
In the name of god amen I Edward Vnwyn brother of John Vnwyn late of Hardingswood in the County of Staff[ord] deceased being sicke in body yet nevertheless of good & perfect remembrance thanks be given to Almightie God for the same doe make my last will in manner followinge First I give & bequeath my Soule to Almighty God my Creator and to Jesus Christ my Redeemer hopeing & steadfastly beleevinge that through his merittes I shall live with him eternally And my body to Christian buriall in ye parish Church of Wolstanton. And as Concerninge all my goodes & Cattells Chattells bondes bills specialties Debtes to mee owinge & other my goodes whatsoever I give & bequeath the same in manner & forme following. First I give & bequeath to John Colcloughe sonne of William Colclough & of my Sister Anne his wife the som[m]e of Fortie poundes to be payd him after the decease of the said William & Anne And in the mean tyme the said William & Anne to have the vse money payd them by my Executor hereafter herein named for the said Fortie poundes according to the Statute during both their lives. Item I give & bequeath to my sister Elizabeth and to my Sister Marie five poundes. Item I give to my Sister in law Margarett Vnwyn Tenn poundes And to her eldest sonne Raphe Vnwyn Fifteene poundes And to her younger sonne John Vnwyn Twenty poundes and to her daughter Marie Vnwyn Twentie poundes. And to my executor herein named & his heirs the som[m]e of Thirtie poundes vpon trust & confidence that they and everie of them shall yeerlie for ever hereafter deale & give vnto the pooreste Householders of the parish of Wolstanton that are not beggars the some of Thirtie shillinges amongst Twenty of them at the discrec[i]on of my said Executor & his heires And further my will & mynd is that as Concerninge the Legacyes aforesaid payable to the said Raph & John Unwyn sonnes of my said Sister in law Margarett aforesaid & to Marie her daughter shalbe ymployed & bestowed to & for their best vse & benefitt at the Judgement and discrec[i]on of my Cosen Thomas Bourne of Little Chell & John Bourne his brother & not otherwise. And all the rest & residue of my goodes, Cattells Chattells Debtes bondes specialties vse [?] my debtes to mee owinge & other goodes whatsoever I give & bequeath the same to John Vnwyn of Clough within the County of Stafford gentleman discharging & payeinge my debtes (if any be) my funerall expenses p[ro]batt of this my will & for defrayeing of all other necessarie Charges touchinge my estate And I ordaine & make the said John Vnwyn of Clough aforesaid my true & lawfull Executor of this my last will And I doe hereby revoke & call backe all former Wills & Testamentes by mee formerly made. In Wittnes whereof I the said Edward Vnwyn haue herevnto put my seale & marke the Thirteenth day of Aprill in the Seaventeenth yeere of the Raigne of o[u]r Sovraigne Lord Charles by the grace of God of England, Scotland France & Ireland King Defender of the faith &c Anno d[omi]ni 1641 The marke of Edward Vnwyn Sealed Deliuered in the p[re]sence of Richard Bagnall Phillipp Kinsey. The marke of William Taylor.
Notes
1. John Unwyn his brother had been dead for over five years when Edward composed his last will, so it is curious how Edward Unwyn refers to himself at the start of it. He was, it seems, unmarried and living at Hardingswood. The most straightforward explanation is that he uses this form of wording to distinguish himself from another Edward Unwyn, especially if that person was living at Hardingswood too.
2. The snub to his nephew Raphe Unwyn (given £5 less than his brother and sister) is to be explained by the fact that Raphe had fathered illegitimate twins just over a year previously.
3. 'Fortie poundes according to the Statute' - The legal maximum for what could be charged on a loan was 10% interest.
4. John Unwyn of Clough was a gentleman and his branch of the family appears in the Herald's Visitations. He died in the same year as Edward Unwyn and 'The Clough' (later, Clough Hall), which was just outside the boundary of Wolstanton parish, was inherited by a distant relative who fell into debt. The bequest of £30 for the benefit of the poor householders of Wolstanton parish does not appear on a later list of benefactions put up in Wolstanton church, indicating that Edward Unwyn's charitable intentions were thwarted. However, "in returns of 26 Geo III, the sum of 30s is stated to have been then a rent charge vested in or paid by John Gilbert. Mr Gilbert was the proprietor of an estate at Clough upon which he built Clough Hall, now the property of Mr. Kinnersley, banker, of Newcastle, whose father bought it from Mr Gilbert". (Further Report of the Commissioners for Inquiry concerning Charities (1829) pp 324-30)
William Merriman of Chesterton, husbandman, will dated 18th May 1641, buried 21st May, inventory taken 25th May 1641, date of admon 29th June 1641
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my daughter Elizabeth: £7.
To my daughter Margery: £5.
To Raphe my son: £5
All the rest of my goods etc to my executors for the use of all my children equally to be divided among them to provide trades for them and bind them thereto for their education and benefit.
My will is that my executors shall allow to Margerie Abney my mother-in-law all my household goods as they now stand, four cows and as much corn as my executors shall think fit and convenient, for the maintenance of my children, so long as she shall keep and maintain them; and when she shall refuse to continue, she shall return my goods to my executors, without any wilful waste of them. If any of my children die......
Executors: John Wood of Chesterton, yeoman, Robert Whitoughe of Bignall Hill, yeoman, Roger Dale of the Wood, yeoman, and Raphe Bourne of Chesterton.
Overseers: John Cowell of Chesterton, Thomas Merriman of Church Hoolme and William Wood of Chesterton.
Witnesses: John Cowell, John Willat his marke, Randull Boothes
William Merriman [signs by mark]
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods, debts cattells and Chattells moueable and vnmoueable of william Merriman of Chesterton husbandman deceased taken by John Cowall Thomas Turner and Raphe Bourne the 25.th of May A[nn]o D[omi]ni 1641.
Corne vpon the ground & in the house
Five kine
Two steeres
three twint[e]r heiffers
Foure stirkes
One Calfe
Foure Carryinge horses w[i]th theire saddles & other furniture
Three and twentie sheepe
Poultry as hens and geese
Two Feather beds, two chaffbeds w[i]th theire boulst[e]rs & coverings
Bed steads
Napperie ware
Tables, Frames, Formes, Chests coffers and Chaires
Brasse and pewter £1 8s 0d
Treene ware 15s 0d
Husbandrie ware £2 16s 2d
Loose boardes and shelues
Iron ware
Mucke
Bacon, and Malt
His wearinge Aparrell and monie in his purse
All other vtensills what soever
Right wo[rshippfu]ll
I p[re]sent vnto you a strange, but lamentable case concerninge a testato[r]s will lately defunct in my parish: And thus it is
One William Merriman of Chesterton lately deceased made his will, instituted and appoynted foure executors, viz: John Wood Robert Whitough Roger Dale and Raphe Bourne, w[hi]ch executo[r]s vppon reasons did vtterly renounce to execute the said will before me and other witnesses, the coppie of whose renunciation I haue here sent vnto you. Now thaforesaid testato[r] Merriman hath left seaven small children behinde him, his wife being dead before him the Inventorie is but threescore and ten poundes at most or thereabout the children, being all in their minoritye savinge one wench. I and my neighbo[r]s haue consulted diverse tymes what course to take to haue freed your wo[rshi]pp from the administration: but it is beyond our powers to coclude of anie thinge, for we want a sufficient administrato[r], yet if it please your wo[rshi]pp: we haue thought the eldest wench fittest, because she is of full age, her name is Elizabeth Merriman: I and my neighbours desire you therefore to admit her as administratrix, and that you would be pleased to send me and my paishioners worde by this bearer what course we may take concerninge the orphants goods and that you will be pleased to view the will. Thus com[m]endinge our service to your wo[rshi]pp and you to gods sacred protection we rest.
Wolstanton June 24 1641 Your dutifull freinds to com[m]and
Fran[cis] Capps
John Bourne Churchwarden
John Cowell
Notes
1. The affidavit is scrawled illegibly on a scrap of paper - a contrast with the elegantly penned letter that accompanied it. The meetings the vicar had with the 'neighbours' would have been official ones at an inn or alehouse, with expenses charged to the churchwardens' account, similar to the occasion(s) referred to in the account of the Overseers of the Poor in 1690 in Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire:
Spent when ye Neighbours met to provide a House for ye Widd. Smart ..... 1s 6d.
2. His wife Susan died in 1638.
Edward Erdswick, gentleman, no will, grant of administration 17th February 1640/1, inventory taken 10th February 1640/1, exhibited at Lichfield 29th March 1641, account accepted 5th April 1642.
An Inventorye of ye debts goodes cattell, and Chattells of Edward Erdeswicke of ye p[ar]ishe of Wolstanton in ye Covntie of Stafford gent[leman] late deceased had, and taken ye tenthe day of Februarie. annoq[ue] D[omi]ni. 1640
his wearing apparell, and readie moneye in his purse ....................... 10 0 0
ij siluar canns, and seven siluar spoenes ............................................. 4 0 0
ij pewter canns ............................................................................................. 0 2 6
on fetherbed in ye Chamber over the parler, w[i]th curtaines,
blankets, coverlets theretoe belonging ij bolsters, and ij
fetherbolsters ............................................................................................... 2 13 4
on bedsteed in ye same Chamber .......................................................... 0 3 4
bunkes theere .............................................................................................. 0 13 4
on cheste, & three boxes ........................................................................... 0 5 0
sheetes, table clothes, and other naperie, & linnens .......................... 5 0 0
in ye littele chamber on bedsteede a fetherbed curtaines
blankets, & coverlets thertoe belonginge ............................................... 3 0 0
in ye Chamber over ye hall on bedsteede
a fetherbed w[i]th ye app[ur]tena[n]ces ................................................... 1 10 0
on truckle bed theere .................................................................................. 0 5 0
some Englishe bookes .............................................................................. 1 0 0
foure Ashen Chests .................................................................................... 1 0 0
corne threshed, & vnthreshed at Harteleye greene, & malte ..............10 0 0
brasse, and pewter frijng panns and ij iron kettells .............................. 5 0 0
ij mares, and on sucking colte .................................................................. 7 0 0
table boordes, on presse,a cubbard
Joynestoeles, & cheeres, and on greene carpett .................................. 1 0 0
olde cusshions ............................................................................................. 0 5 0
bacon .............................................................................................................. 0 6 8
barrells tubbes & other coeperie ware ..................................................... 1 0 0
on other meane fetherbed ........................................................................... 0 13 4
grates fireshovells spitts, tonges
loose boordes, tooles belonging to the Colepitts, & other trumperie ..1 6 8
[Checked] Som totall £56 4 2
william dickenson william unwin Richard Ratcliff Robbert Whadcocke
An addition to the Inventory of Edward Erdswicke Late of the p[ar]ish of Woolstanton deceased made by Mary Erdswicke his Relict of Such thinges as since the taking of the said Inventory haue com[m]en to her hands and possession
a debt of 15li 10s due to the said deceased before his deathe
since received by her the said Mary ............................................................... £15 10s
a debt of 4li due to the said deceased before his death
from Mr George Digby, & since likewise by her received .......................... £4
a foulinge peece w[hi]ch (being then at mending) was left vnprized ...... 6s 8d
S[u]mma omissa £19 6s 8d
Computus Calculus sive Racociniu' omni' et singlor' bonor' Iuriu' et Creditor' Edwardi Erdswicke gen' nup' du' vixit p'ochie de Wolstanton defuncti, Queq' venerunt ad manus et poss'ionem Marie Erdswick Relictoe et Admi'stratricis bonor' eiusdem defuncti fact' et reddit' apud Lich'am die Martis Quinto viz die Aprilis Anno d'ni 1642.
Onus
Imprimis this Accomptant chardgeth her self w[i]th the some of lvjli iiijs ijd being the true value of such goods of the said deceased as are apprized in an Inventory thereof taken & exhibited into this Court, as also the some of 19li 16s 8d w[hi]ch the said Accomptant hath by way of addition to the Inventory this day likewise exhibited into this Court - in toto ......... lxxvjli xd
Item this Accomptant hath necessarily paid & exposed diu[er]s sumes of money w[hi]ch shee craveth allowance of as followeth viz
Exonerac[i]o
Imprimis for the funerall expenses of the said deceased ..... ixli xs
Item paid to Mr Capps vicar of Wolstanton for a mortuary ......... xs
Item paid servants wages w[hi]ch was vnsatisfied by him before his death ....... iiijli
Item paid to one Hollis a debt due by the deceased by bond ......... xli xvjs
Item paid to Mr Davenport of Stafford a debt due by the said deceased by bond ..... viijli
Item paid to Mr Thomas Wareing a debt due by the said deceased by bond ..... lli
Item to the said] Mr Thomas Wareing a debt due by the said deceased vpon another bond ...... lli
Item paid to Mr Sampson Coyney a debt due by the said deceased w[i]thout specialty ........ xxxli
Item paid for letters of Admi[ni]strac[i]on of the said deceaseds goods and for travelling chardges w[i]th her suertie about the same ................... xxs
Item for drawing the addition and exhibiting the addition to the Inventory & engrossing this Accompt for l[ette]res of Quieta est therevpon and for travelling chardges about the same ...... xxxiijs iiijd
Sum[m]a expo[s]ita ... 165li. 9s. 4d.
Et sic deduct[i]s deducendis et allocatis allocand[i]s huioi' Comp'tans exposuit vltra vires Inven[tar]ij et additionis eulem ..................... lxxxvli. 8s. 6d.
Quo comp'o p[er] nos viso et inspecto eund[em] admittimus quat[en]us de iure &c Et quia sup[er] huco' in specco'e niseuimus Compotan' exposuisse lxxxvli viijs vjd vltra vires Inventarij bonorum d[i]c[t]i defuncti, decerimus l[itte]ras acquietan' sup[er] d[i]c[t]o Comp'o eid[em] Comp'tant concedend' fore et concedimus &c.
Notes
1. Edward Erdeswick, cousin of the celebrated author Sampson Erdeswick, was the son of Walter Erdeswick of Hartley Green in Gayton parish, Staffordshire. His mother was Ursula the daughter of Edward, Lord Stafford. There is no record of his burial at Wolstanton or Audley, so perhaps he joined his ancestors at Sandon church. The mortuary was a fixed payment to the vicar on the death of a parishioner.
The Hearth Tax list of 1662 for Knowle End (a township of Audley parish) was headed by Mr Richard Earswicke, occupying a house with three hearths, situated, as Richard Parrott reported in 1733, below Heighley Castle. This house, he explains "has many generations ... bin inhabitted by the familey of Eardswicks ... It is now held by one Samson Eardswige. he is a Catholick and soe have all the familey bin time out of mind."
2. Record offices in England hold at least 27,000 probate accounts, but very few survive in the Lichfield diocesan records.
The fact that Edward Erdeswick's estate is worth a minus figure of £89 8s 6d. illustrates forcefully the point that the inventory total on its own is not the same as the value of the estate.
Margaret Spufford analysed probate accounts surviving in Lincolnshire and found that it was not unusual for yeomen (and presumably gentlemen) to owe wages (sometimes for a whole year) to the labourers or servants.
3. 'paid and exposed' = paid and laid out.
4. The letters of administration were granted to the widow (or whoever), and there was invariably a second person (the surety) accompanying the administrator to the court who had to enter into a bond. In this case, exhibiting the main inventory cost Mary Erdeswick 10d, and obtaining letters of acquittance cost her 6s 8d.
5. A petition in 1655 throws some extra light on the situation. The petition was from William Lawton, esq who said that his father purchased from Sampson Coyney of Weston, Staffs, gentleman, the reversion of the third part of a messuage, mill, cottage and several closes and parcels of land in Brerehurst and Talke. (This must be Hardingswood.) His complaint to the Commissioners responsible for managing the estates under sequestration was that the third part of the estate was still under sequestration for the recusancy of Mary Erdwick, widow, who held it for her life but had now died. (His father had put a value of £8 10s a year on this third part.)
At the bishop's visitation in 1633, Edward Erdswick of Wolstanton parish, his wife Mary and daughter Ellen were presented as Catholics and were excommunicated. Were the appaisers in 1641 non-Catholics? In pricing his goods, did the appraisers come across books in Latin (which had Romish associations)? And is this their reason for putting in the inventory: 'some Englishe bookes' ?
Sampson Coyney's connection with the parish is shown by the burial of a daughter of his in February 1634/5 recorded in the parish register. The family also had a Catholic connection. In 1643 Thomas Coyney of Weston Coyney was reported to be a Papist.
Richard Dickenson of Ramscliffe, tanner, nuncupative will dated 20th February 1640/1, buried 27th February, inventory taken 1st March, date of probate 19th March 1640/1.
Richard Dickenson of ye County of Staff[ord] & parish of Woolstanton Tan[n]er did declare in words beeing in perfect memory this to be his last will & Testament. first he com[m]ended his soule to god & his body to be buryed in ye churchyard of Woolstanton. Item he gave all his goods moveable & vnmouable vnto Alice Dickenson his wife & Alice & Alice & Elizabeth this two Daughters to be equally Divided among them. Item he did Constitute his brother in law Philipp Presbury his executor to see & performe this his last will (his funeral expences & Debts first Discharged) in ye confidence he reposeth in him February ye twenty etc etc 1640
Witnesses to his Nuncupative will
Willia[m] Dickenson ye Father
Willia[m] Dickenson ye son
w[i]th others
A True and perfect Inventorie of all the goodes Catalles & Chatteles of William Richard Dickenson of Ramsecliffe in the parish of Wolstandston in the Count[ie] of Stafford latte desesed March the ferste Ann[o] Dom[ini] 1640
preased By Richard Leies Richard Harden
Brasse & Puter ........................................................ £1 15s
for all Trine wares ................................................... 10s
Bedstokes ................................................................ 8s
Iron ware ................................................................... 2s 6d
Bedinge ..................................................................... £2
for Linons .................................................................. £1 15s
ii Coufors ................................................................... 6s
Tables Bordes & Chears ....................................... 13s 4d
for Hea ....................................................................... £2
for Corne ................................................................... £3
for Ledder & Barke .................................................. £13 6s 8d
for a Cowe ................................................................ £2 13s 4d
for a filde for fuife yeares ....................................... £14
for wearinge apperell & money ............................ £2 10s
for a swine henes & Coke ..................................... 18s
owinge of seuerall men ......................................... £12
Totalis £59 17s 10d [Actual £57 17s 10d]
Preased By us
Richard Leighe [signs by mark]
Richard Marden
Notes
1. The tanning of leather was a smelly process. A tanning business, once established with its tan-house and tan pits, tended to remain on the same site, often in the ownership of the same families over the generations. Richard Dickenson, judging by the leather and bark which he had, ran a tanning business. The bark was used in the soaking of hides in tan pits to make leather.
2. 'for a filde for fuife yeares' - a lease of a field for five years.
3. The will is in the handwriting of the vicar, Francis Capps.
4. 'februarie the' was deleted in the inventory heading.
Richard Podmore of Moule [Mow Cop], will undated, buried 11th April 1641, inventory taken 16th April, exhibited 2nd September, date of probate 16th September 1641.
Will
Sick of body. [No burial instructions]
To Margaret Podmore, my wife: all my houses, lands and tenements for 8 years towards the payment of my funeral expenses and towards the bringing up and maintaining of all my children until they reach the age of 21 years, doing as children ought to do to their parents. And after 8 years my intention is that if Margaret my present wife is living, she is to have half of all my houses, lands and tenements during her life instead of her jointure.
To Richard my son: my intention is that he should have the other half (to him and his heirs for ever), paying the sum of £140 to his brother and sisters: to his sister Margaret within two years of his entering the property £40; to Thomas Podmore his brother within 3 years of his entering the property £20; to Marie his second sister within five years of his entering the property £40; and to Ann his third sister within eight years of his entering the property £40.
If it please God that any of my children should die before their day of payment, it should be equally divided among the rest.
If my wife dies before any of my children reach 21 years, then my son is to enter the other half of my property, and keep it until he becomes 21.
If my wife marries, then my intention is that Richard Podmore my heir shall have two-thirds of my houses, lands and tenements.
Executors: Margaret Podmore my wife and William Podmore of Moule, my brother.
Witnesses: Thomas Cartright, John Lawton, John Rowley.
Debts which he owes:
to William Michell .............................. £5 16s 0d
John Cauton .................................... £9
John Cauton younger ..................... £3
Richard Drakeford .......................... £3
John .oumlowe [?Twemlowe] ...... £9
John Carttright ................................. £6 3s 8d
Thomas Rowley .............................. £3 4s 0d
Raphe Baddeley .............................. £2 4s 0d
John Rowley ..................................... £3 4s 0d
Decimo sexto die April[is] Anno dom[ini] 1641
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods of Richard Podmore lately deceased Valued and presed by John Commerbache James Rowley and John Rowley
three fallowe kyne
tow kyne w[i]thcaulfe
tow twinter heffers
three sterkes
eight sheepe
one swine
heay
poultrie ware
one harrow
all the Iorne ware
all the beddinge
naperie ware
brasse and pewter
the treene ware
the bedstockes
three tables
one Cubbard a[nd] silinge
all the bords and shilues
three wheeles
woolland Cloth
one millstone a[nd] one houpe
meale and otts [oats]
one arke and two Coffers
one handmill
tow fliches of bacon
foure quichcions two Cheires
Fiue bagges and all the rest of his goods not seene
all the bookes
his apparell and monie in his purse
Notes
1. Podmores lived at Mow Cop over a long period. From 1583 (when Richard Podmore was recorded as having a pew in Wolstanton church) surviving records show that there was a succession of men of this name, sometimes explicitly linked with Moll/ Mole/Moule/ Mow. In 1619 Richard Podmore's messuage and 11 customary acres were converted from copyhold to freehold tenure. In 1666 Richard Podmore of the township of Stodmorlowe lived in a house with two hearths. In 1719, the description of the boundary of part of the manor of Tunstall shows that the head of Richard Podmore's land reached as far as present-day Mow Cop Road at the junction with Castle Road.
2. The baptisms of his children Richard (1625), Margrett (1626), Mary (1629), Thomas (1631) and Ann (1635) are recorded in Biddulph and Wolstanton parish registers. The baptism (1634) and burial of a son John are also recorded.
3. The value of his brass and pewter is lower than that of yeomen. Also, one would have expected him to have a horse.
4. To obtain probate, Margaret Podmore, the widow, and Thomas Rowley of Biddulph (Biddull), described as a husbandman, had to enter into a bond.
Richard Coleclough of Hayhed, no will, buried 25th December 1641, inventory taken 29th December 1641, date of probate 19th January 1641/2
A trewe and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goodes Cattles and Chattles of Richard Coleclough late of heyhed in the Cownty of Stafford yeoman deceased valued and praised the nyne and Twenteeth day of december in the seaventeenth yeare of the raigne of our sou[er]aigne Lord Charles by the grace of god of England Scotland France and Ireland Kinge defender of the faith &c By William Burslem Richard Whytall John Caulton Thomas Baddeley and Thomas Lawton as hereafter Followeth
Fiue kine one heffer and two sterkes
Hey and corne in the Barne
one Mare valued to
Corne vppon the grownd
two Swine
two sheepe
All Pultrey
all Husbandrey Ware
Iron ware
Brasse and pewter
all the trine ware
Corne and Maulte in the howse .... £2
Butter Cheese and oth[e]r p[ro]usion in the howse
Beddstiddes and Beddinge
Sheetes and Napp[er]eware
all Tables Cheres Bordes and Shilfes
all Coffers and Chestes
quishenes Bagges Sackes and such licke
all hempe Flax wollen yarne and linon yarne
Lyme
Coales vppon the Banck w[i]th the delph tooles and other Implementes there vnto Belongeing
Honey
Burslem Ware
the deceasantes weareing Apparell w[i]th money in his purse
mannure swintroes and oth[e]r Odd Implementes formerly Vnvalued
more in ready money in his Chest
Wollen Cloth
Bees
Notes
1. Attending the probate court are the widow (Mary), who now has to bring up their children Ellen and John, and Thomas Baddiley of Church house of the parish of Biddulph.
2. The first one-inch OS map shows Hayhead on the slopes overlooking the expanding town of Kidsgrove. In the seventeenth century, it probably consisted of more than one house, as three different people (Richard Coleclough, William Hancocke and Randel Pool) are said to be 'of Hayhead' in the 1640's. Hayhead House is mentioned in the Tunstall court roll in April 1618: it states that John Burslem of Brownlees surrendered half a messuage called Heyhead house and meadow containing one acre in Brerehurst to the use of John Colclough of Heyhead ie it was rented to him.
(The John Gibson occupying a two-hearth house in Rainscliff or Brerehurst in 1666 may have been John Gibson's 18-year old son.)
3. 'swintroes' are the swine troughs for feeding the pigs - wooden ones probably.
'an ax and a nadz, to make troffe for thy hogs' - as Tusser says (Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry, 1984 p32). As a beekeeper, Richard Colclough had 2s 6d worth of honey.
4. At a date in the 1580's or 1590's a Richard Colcloughe and John Gibson jointly held three messuages, one cottage and 57 customary acres (121 acres) of land, paying 25s 6d in rent annually to the lord of the manor of Tunstall. Interestingly, both names in the next century are linked with coal-mining: the testator, and the John Gibson killed in a coal pit in 1663, leaving a wife and three children. (This is one of three coœal-mining fatalities in Wolstanton parish recorded between 1648 and 1663.)
5. In the survey dating from the 1590's, Richard Colcloughe the younger owned half one messuage, two cottages and just over 13 acres.
Richard Colcoughe of Hea head was churchwarden in 1635/6
6. 'Coales vppon the Banck' ie coal at the pithead waiting to be sold and taken away.
Thomas Henshaw of Woolstanton, nuncupative will dated 11th April 1641, buried 13th April, inventory dated 16th April, administration granted 16th September
Nuncupative will
Memorandu[m] yt Thomas Henshawe of ye towne and parish of Woolstanton in ye County of Staff[ord] sicke in body but perfect in memory & understanding did one ye eleventh day of Aprill An[n]o d[omi]ni 1641 did declare in words before vs witnesses (whose names are subscribed) this to bee his last will and Testament as followes. Imprimis he did give and bequeath to his two daug[hters] Joane and Margaret Henshaw all his goods and Cattels to bee equally divided be[t]weene them excepting beneath excepted. Item he did give and bequeath by his will, two bedds vnto his wife Jocasta Henshaw with all things belonging to them. Item he did give and bequeath vnto his son Thomas £5 a yeere to keepe him by caus he is a simple child, During his life, or in default of payment he did give and bequeath to him a field called ye High field situated & lying w[i]thin ye Towne of Woolstanton during ye sayd Thomas his [soul - in margin] life naturall. Item he did constitute & ordayne John Pateson of Knutton & Raphe Moreton of Woolstanton ye Executors of his last Will & Testament.
Witnesses to this will
Randle Meare his marke
John Turnocke his marke
with others
A true & perfect Inventory of all and singular ye goods Chattels & Cattells w[hi]ch Thomas Henshaw of ye towne & parish of Woolstanton lately deceased dyed possessed of, as they were app[r]etiated by vs whose names are subscribed April ye 16th A[n]no d[omi]ni 1641
sixe kyne & calves................................................................................. £21
3 twinters ................................................................................................ £5 6s 8d
3 stirks...................................................................................................... £5
one mare bridle girts and saddle ....................................................... £4
13 sheepe 3 lambs................................................................................ £3 6s 8d
4 swine .................................................................................................... £2
hay & corne in ye barne........................................................................ £2 10s
in pullen................................................................................................... 1s 6d
one plough, one harrow, one Cart, horsegeares, & a tunbrell ... £1
4 day worke of Oates new sowen ...................................................... £2 13s 4d
3 flitches of bacon ................................................................................. £1
in cheese ................................................................................................ 10s
of meale & greats .................................................................................... 4s
in woole .................................................................................................. 4s
3 feather beds & blanckets & coverlets 2 pillowes
and a chaffe bed .................................................................................... £6 10s
5 flaxen sheets 9 payre of Hempen sheetes 2 pillow beares
1 dozen & 5 napkins 1 Towel, 3 board cloathes ............................. £4 6s 8d
in brasse viz 4 old pans, 2 bottles i skymer, i chaffing dishe
4 candlesticks 4 old pots ....................................................................... £4
in pewter viz 15 dishes i salt 1 pewter candlestick 2 dozen
of spones 4 sawcers ............................................................................... £1 3s 4d
in woolen cloth 6 yards .......................................................................... 15s
14 slippings of flaxen yarne 26 slippings of flax Hempen yarne..... £1
in treenware 4 coffers 3 chaires 4 pales, 5 loomes 3 churnes
8 wooden dishes a cloosebouke 1 litle Table 2 whitches and
other treenware woodenware 3 payre of bedstocks and 2 Turnels. £2 13s
2 winnowing sheets ................................................................................ [9?]s
two mucke hils ......................................................................................... £1
in Timber 4 peeces 3 swine troughs boords 2 yron
wedges on Iron grate 1 payre of Tongs 1 fireshowel
a payre of Gobbets two spits one brundret ......................................... 13s 4d
4 Cushions ................................................................................................ 2s
in bands & bils .......................................................................................... £2 16s
in a lease of some few yeares ............................................................... £3 6s 8d
(in money .................................................................................................... £4
his wearing apparel ................................................................................. £2
in debts w[i]thout specialty ...................................................................... £15
Sum[m]a totalis £107 5s [Actual total: £98 11s 2d]
Willia[m] Burslem
Randle Meare
John Turnocke
Richard Beech
prisers
Notes
1. The total of his inventory comes to £35 more than that of his father who died ten years previously, the main difference being the money owing to him (bonds, bills and debts without speciality).
2. The two executors are called yeomen in the grant of probate, and his widow Jocasta is called (in Latin) Jocosa [ie Joyce]. In the parish register she appears as Jocosta in connection with the death of a new-born son (died 1632) and daughter (died 1633) of her and Thomas.
3. Thomas, the simple child, was aged 12 and survived for another 22 years. Not mentioned in the will are his other sons: John the heir of 9 customary acres of copyhold land in Wolstanton who was aged 15, and William aged 4. John was to serve on Parliament's side in the Civil War, and in 1666 was married with five children and living in a one-hearth house in Wolstanton.
4. As usual in this period, 'town' means 'township' and could apply to villages, as in the United States.
5. There is in Stafford Record Office a deed of surrender of a messuage and curtilage in Wolstanton to the use of Jocose Henshaw, dated 1641. [Check the item and include if relevant]
6. In 1632 he was presented, together with two others, with "overcharging the commons" - presumably by putting too many sheep to graze on Wolstanton Marsh. He was fined 2s 6d.
7. in meal and grats - ie oatmeal and groats (crushed oats).
8. Both the inventory and the will are in the writing of the vicar, Francis Capps. He may have missed a line or two out of the inventory. On the other hand, he has given the useful detail of the different yarn.
Thomas Frost of Newchappell, blacksmith, will dated 5th June, buried 1st June [?7th June], inventory taken 8th June, date of probate 16th September 1641.
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in the parish churchyard of Wolstanton.
"All my debts paid & funerall expenses dischardged I giue and bequeath all my goodes moueable & vnmoueable vnto Anne Frost my nowe wiffe towardes the bringing vp of my children."
Executor: Anne Frost.
Witnesses: William Rowley John Froste John Millnes
[Signs by mark]
A true and p[er]fectt inventorie of all the goods cattells and chattells of Thomas Frost in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton & Countie of Stafford blacksmith deceased Seene Valued & praissed the 8th daie of June Anno d[omi]ni 1641 by vs whose names are hervnto written subcribed
William Rowley John Frost John cumb[e]rbache John Burslem John Burslem
5 kine .................................................................................. 15 0 0
two twint[e]r heffers ...........................................................3 13 4
two sterks ............................................................................2 0 0
7 sheepe & 4 lames ............................................................. 1 15 0
one yong mare .................................................................... 3 13 4
all the bedinge ..................................................................... 3 6 8
i iont bed i cubford & one low bed ..................................... 1 8 8
all the naperie ware ............................................................. 1 6 8
8 slipinges of yorne ............................................................ 3 4
i Turnell .............................................................................. 3 0
3 frine pones ....................................................................... 6 8
all the brasse ....................................................................... 1 15 0
all the Petwer ...................................................................... 11 0
3 formes in the parlowe ........................................................ 1 6
6 chests .................................................................................. 1 0 0
barvells & all maner of trene ware ......................................... 1 0 0
grate fire showle tongs & pothooks ......................................... 7 0
one iron visse w[i]th c[er]taine oth[er] new ware in ye house ...... 19 0
i paire of Tables ............................................................................... 3 0
7 cheeses ...................................................................................... 2 6
one iron furnace ......................................................................... 1 5 0
one sowe & fiue bigs .................................................................. 15 0
one Brundred & Goberts ............................................................. 3 0
all the mucke aboute the house .................................................... 1 6 8
i tubstone & 6 oth[er] stonetroues ............................................... 3 8 6
4 grindle stones .............................................................................0 2 6
2 paire of balles i stidie w[i]th oth[er] smithie tooles .................. 6 0 0
all the poultrie ware ..................................................................... 0 6 8
Iron, Axes & steele..................................................................... 3 0 0
ballis bore[s] ........................................................................................ 0 - 6 - 8
2 day worke & halfe of ground for 3 yeares ........................................3 - 0 - 0
his wearinge aparell & monie in his purse ........................................... 2 - 10 - 0
all oth[er] small thinges not Form[er]lie praissed .................................................................................. 0 - 2 - 0
Debts owinge to the deceasent by specialtie and w[i]thout ....................... 51 - 0 - 0
Sum[m]a 109 - 13 - 0 [checked]
Notes
1. At the ecclestiastical court both Anne Frost the widow and Richard Drakford of Stontrough, yeoman, were bound by oath to undertake the bringing up of the children: Richard (probably over 17 years), Thomas (nearly 14), John (8 years) and William (aged 5). Anne Frost would have faced a difficult time, with no-one old enough to take over the running of the smithy, and would have had to rely on the farming side of the business.
2. Burial instructions: 'yard' was interlined in the will.
3. The reference to 'my nowe wife' is odd, seeing that his marriage to Ann Podmore took place in 1623, according to Biddulph's parish register.
4. 'i iont bed i cubford' - one joined bed (ie a four-poster) and one cupboard.
5. In Thomas Henshaw of Wolstanton's inventory, dated a few months earlier, there were 14 slippings of flaxen yarn and 26 slippings of hempen yarn valued at £1. According to a writer in 1688, a slipping 'is as much as is wound upon the reel at a time, which is generally about a pound of yarn.'
6. 'frine pones' = frying pans. The writer puts 'b' for 'p', and doesn't always correct it (as in 'bigs' for 'pigs').
7. The smithy tools include an anvil ('i stidie'), bellows [balles/ballis], and vice ('visse'); and maybe some of the grinding stones ('grindle stones'), which a smith making edge tools would have needed. The tubstone and six stone troughs were probably for sale, the precise-looking figure for their valuation being the total of their retail prices as new. In 1671 Thomas Frost (the testator's son?) was fined 2s 6d in Tunstall manor court for illicit quarrying 'uppon Moule' (Mow Cop) for stone for troughs and tub stones. He had obtained eight tub stones in that way.
8. A day-work is less than one statutory acre.
9. The amount of money owing to him is staggering. The money owing to him without speciality could be for goods sold by him on credit.
10 Later history - 'Frosts house at Chappell' is mentioned in 1660, but the only Frost mentioned locally in the 1666 Hearth Tax record is a Richard Frost living in the township of Bemersley.
11. A turnell was a type of tub with a capacity of less than half a barrel. The inventory of Hew Ridgwaye (1602) of Stockport, Cheshire, who had a smithy, had one turnell worth 2s 6d. John Kelsall, a butcher of Stockport (1606), had a turnell in the kitchen along with brewing equipment. An alternative use is indicated in the 'salting turnell' of Alexander Torkinton (1605) of Stockport.
Thomas Kent of Brerehurst, webster, will dated 25th February, buried 7th August 1642, inventory taken 17th August,[Tue] date of probate 29th August
Will
Being in good health.
My body to be buried in the churchyard of Woulstanton.
To my cousin William Kente living in parish of Samb[ac]h 20s.
To my cousin John Kente living in Odd Roade 20s.
To my cousin Margery Oustenon living in the parish of Asburie 20s.
To Thomas Boughey living in the parish of Woulstanton 10 groats.
To my cousin Margery Hulme living in the parish of Woulstanton 10 groats.
To Elizabeth Hancocke living in the parish of Woulstanton 10 groats.
To William Wieldebloode 10 groats.
To my cousin Richard Wieldblood 10 groats.
To my three godchildren, Thomas Boughey, Richard Pickrine and Mary Hulme 12d each.
Executor and residuary legatee: my wife Elizabeth Kente (inc. my dwelling house, yards, gardens, intacks). Legacies to be paid within three years.
Thomas Kent his mark.
Witnesses: Richard Whytall, Raphe Madew
Inventory
two kine
Eight She[e]pe
two hens
two Chattels of ground & howsinge
Brasse & pewter
one Iron kettell
two fether bedes two wolbedes & boulsters
with such Coveringes as belonge to them
fower Bedstides
Tenn pere of Sheeites with other linon & naperie
ware
Five quoffers and one ould Trunke
Two litele tabels with a Cubbord dish bord
formes shulffes & all other louse bordes
all woden trine ware & Burslem ware
one grate fyershoule tongues two spites &
other Iron Implementes belonginge to husbandrie
all quissions Cheres & stoules
Three weavinge lomes with two pere of
Sheres tennters Reeides and all other toules
belonginge to a Sharman
heay in the Barne
flesh at the roffe & whitmet in the house
with mele and greates
woll in the house
his wering app[ar]ell & money in his pvrse
S[um]m[a] totalis £35 10s 8d [checked]
Robert Burslem, John Alsager, William Beech, Richard Whytall
Notes
1. A groat was a small silver coin, value 4d.
2. Was he a shearman or webster? The shearman cut the finished cloth, so as to produce a flat surface. The Manchester shearman had for a long time complained that clothiers were doing this work themselves, and had even in 1595 petitioned the Privy Council to stop it. But there were a number of stages in cloth-making, and in the countryside - outside the restrictive influence of the trade guilds - specialisation was not so rigid.
In his will (and lease of 1636) Thomas Kent is called a webster ie a weaver, who used a loom to convert the spun yarn to cloth. For many types of cloth, the next stage would be fulling, in which the cloth was soaked to thicken it. In order to dry it uniformly, the cloth was stretched on frames (called tenters) in a large yard or field. The nap of the cloth was then raised using the heads of teasels.
The shearman's task was to use his shears to cut the nap of the cloth as it lay on a board. This was one of the trades requiring an apprenticeship, according to the Statute of Artificers of 1563.
'Reeides' are a loom's chief accessories; they separate the threads of the warp and beat up the weft.
3. The kettle was an open vessel used for boiling food, suspended over the fire by the looped handle called a bail. In this collection, only Thomas Kent and Isaac Keeling had an iron kettle; the kettles of the others are likely to have been of brass, hammered into shape.
4. Burslem ware ie local earthenware.
5. Thomas Kent's dwelling house and other buildings had been erected on the waste and had an intake of one [?customary] acre of land going with it. In his will he reaffirms what is stated in his lease of 1636 that his wife is to have it after his death. A herriot of 2s 6d was due to be paid to William Bowyer of Knypersley. The rent payable was 6d per year.
Thomas Bullock, buried 7th May 1642, no will, inventory taken 18th May 1642, [Tue]date of admon 19th May.
A true & p[er]fect Inventory of all the good[es] cattells & chattells of Thomas Bullocke deceased late of the Hamlett of Brerehurst in ye Parish of Woolstanton & County of Staffs: husbandman taken & prised ye Eighteenth day of May Ao dom': 1642 taken & prised by us whose Names are under written as followeth viz.
- Apparell for his body & money in his purse
- One ould paire of sheetes & an ould covering
- Two little Coffers
- One ould shovell an old Mattocke an axe and )
two ould crakt sythes )
- one bond of sixteene poundes from John Bourne of Chesterton gent: to ye said Thomas Bullocke for paym[en]t of
- one other bond wherein the said John Bourne and Edward Bourne his sonne stands bound to the said Thomas Bullocke in the some of twelve powndes for the paymt of
- another bond wherein John Coleclough John Bourne & Joanne Coleclough Widdow stands bound to ye decedant in ye some
- another bond wherein John Rowley & Richard Ratclyffe stands bound to ye decedant in ten poundes for paymt of
- another bond wherein Robert Sneyde & Richard Sneyde stands bound to ye decedt in eight powndes for the paymt of
- another bond wherein William Bagnall standes bound to the decedant in sixe poundes for the paymt of
- another bond wherein Richard Glover standes bound to the decedant in fowre powndes for the paydmt of
- another bond wherein John Sneyde & Robert Sneyde his brother standes bound to ye decedt in forty shillinges: for the paymt of
- one bill wherein John Gibson & William Gibson stands bound to ye decedant for payment of
- a debt w[i]thout specialty to ye decedt from James Booth of
- another debt wthout specialty to ye decedt from John Turnocke of
- another debt wthout specialty to ye decedt from Francis Hancock of
Sum[m]a total[is]
[recte £44 11s 4d]
Pracers: hereof: The m[ar]ke of John Alsager X
Richard Bagnall
Notes
1. Administration was granted to Richard Whytall and John Caulton "two of the next and only kinsmen of Thomas Bullock"
2. The John Bourne of Chesterton is perhaps to be identified with the 'Mr. Bourne of the broade gate' in the probate inventory (in this collection) of Ellin Steele, who was buried in 1638.
William Bourne of Ewtree the elder, gentleman, will dated 8th August 1642, buried 7th Sept 1642, inventory taken 7th Sept, date of probate 13th December
Will
Weak in body.
To be buried in the church of Wolstanton, as near to one of my wives as may conveniently be.
My executors to pay yearly to my son Thomas Bourne: £6 (viz 25s a quarter for his diet and 20s a year for apparel).
To my grandchild Margrett Bourne daughter of my son Thomas Bourne: £5.
To my grandchild Richard Bourne son of the said Thomas Bourne: £3 if he be bound apprentice and 13s 4d to buy him a cloak with.
To William Bourne son of my grandchild William Bourne: £20 .
[Inserted] To all my grandchildren and great grandchildren: 6s 8d each, except such as have legacies herein given them.
To Richard Broad and Dorothie Lawton servants at Ewtree: 3s 4d each.
To my executors: 10s each to buy them rings with.
My will is if Mr Capps now vicar of Woolstanton will give licence that another man shall preach at my funeral then I do bequeath unto him 5s.
Whereas my son John Bourne stands bound to me in an obligation of £20 with condition of payment of £10 after the decease of the said John Bourne, I devise the said obligation and money therein contained to my grandchild Raphe Bourne, son of the said John Bourne.
To the children of my son-in-law Richard Davenport and Ales his wife my daughter: all my goods now remaining at Wheltrough in Cheshire, to be disposed by Ales; otherwise to my grandchild Richard Davenport, one of the said children.
To my daughter Ales: my late wife's best suit of apparel viz her silk gown, kirtle, silk petticoat and the rest; also one tiffany or lawn ruff of hers, now starched and ready to wear.
To Marie Bourne, daughter of my grandchild William Bourne: one trunk in the parlour chamber and two best suits of apparel of my wives (gowns, kirtles, petticoats and all things belonging to them) and one new riding suit (hood, cloak, safoyard, saddle cloth, and the rest of the furnishings of a woman's horse).
To my grandchild Richard Davenport: one new suit of cloth, doublet, breeches and riding-coat which now remain at Wheltrough.
To Anne Davenport (daughter of my daughter Ales): my late wife's worse riding suit (hood, cloak and safoyard).
To my daughter Ales Davenport: two gowns (one frieze gown and one stuff gown) which were my late wife's.
Executors and residuary legatees: William Rode of Rushton James, gentleman, William Beresford of Gatham, gentleman (sons of my late dear beloved wives) and William Rowlie of Turnehurst, gentleman.
The testator refers to a feofment dated two days earlier which grants lands etc in Bucknall (including a messuage where John Beech now lives) to the first and third of the executors. They are to pay a third each:
- to Ales Davenport; but if her husband 'shall go about to call for any of this legacy contrary to my will', then it shall go to the use of Richard, William, Anne and Ursula Davenport, her children.
- to Prudence Bourne, a grandchild;
- to Marie Bourne, daughter of the grandchild, William Bourne.
Overseer: William Bourne, one of the reverent fellows of the College of Manchester.
Signed by himself.
Witnesses: W. Bourne, Tho. Bagnall, John Beech.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods chatls and Cattells of William Bourne of Ewtree thelder w[i]thin the p[ar]ish of Woolstanton and Countie of Staf[ford] gent[leman] deceased valued and praised by Robert Burslem John Woode and Robert Blawes the seaventh day of September An[n]o D[omi]ni 1642
Trinware 2 paire of Iron bounde whiles one axeltree one
ould Tumbrill one wains bodie one paire vnbound whils
one Drag 2 swintubs one grindlestone
one stone to press Chees 2 swintroughs........................................... £3 2s
one stone trough att draw well............................................................ 5s
In the Kilnhouse one hand milne........................................................ 16s 8d
In the same place 2 Comps one harrow........................................... £2 3s
Halfe Inch bords and railes.................................................................. £1 13s 4d
in the Barne ould hay one Lather one brak.................................... £1
in the portch 2 bords one tressell one harrow................................ 3s
in the hall one table and frame one forme........................................ 6s 8d
one Coslett............................................................................................. £1 10s
one Cloke............................................................................................... £1
one longe pickell one bill one holbeard......................................... 3s 6d
six Joint stools one Cheare................................................................. 7s
in the parler one long table frame & forms....................................... £1
In the same place one liu[er]ie table and 3 Chires.......................... 8s
Iron ware 4 Broches one paire of gobberts one drypingbann
2 pair of horrgairs one Clevor one haking knife one hachett
one Cressett one gratt in kitchin 2 pott raks w[i]th pott hooks
2 fire shouls 2 paire of tungs one brundred one backstone
one oxe Chine one Copsole and pin one morter and pestell
and [?1] plough shares one musterd ball......................................... 14s 6d
in the Dayhouse one Iron lever 3 bords........................................... 4s
in the brewehouse 2 Comps 2 Turnells one dat[i]on one ishin
one kumnell one wodden bottell one Tundish one hoope
and halfe hoope one Chees press one woodden bacon.............. 17s
in the Larder 2 Tubs 2 Turnells one Churne one safe
3 shilfs one pair of wights 2 shilfs...................................................... £1 4s
in the Buttree 2 great Barrells 4 little Barrells one little table......... 8s 8d
Two Cart ropps........................................................................................ 2s 6d
in the p[ar]lor Chamb[e]r one high bed one low bed
one liu[er]ie Table .................................................................................. £2 12s
Two Fether beds 5 boulsters 3 pillows 2 vnder blanktts
one flockbed............................................................................................. £2 10s 8d
2 Blanketts 2 ł Caddowes one bedhilling one tressle
one looking glass.................................................................................... £1 8s
one Trunke................................................................................................ 6s
In the Buttree Chamb[e]r one high bed one low bed
one press 3 Coffers................................................................................ £1 12s
one Closstoole......................................................................................... 2s 6d
3 Cou[er]lidds 5 Blanketts 2 fetherbeds 4 boulsters
2 pillowes one mattress one Chaff bed Curtains and Valents ......... £4 4s
Cushons.................................................................................................... £1
in the hall Chamb[e]r one high bed one low bed
one joynt Coffer window Curtains........................................................ £2
one Fether bed one mattress 2 pillows one blanktt, 21 boulsters. £2
one flockbed one Blankett and Ruge.................................................. 9s
in the Closett 4 bords one ould Rug one boxe................................. 6s 6d
in the Dayhouse Chamb[e]r 12 pair of sheets one ould sheete... £4 8s
7 Pillow bears 2 Cubbord Cloths 3 napkins....................................... 12s
6 Towells 2 bordcloths............................................................................ 10s
one high bed one low bed one Coffer 2 Shilfs................................. 18s
Two Mares.................................................................................................. £6 6s 8d
in the servants Chamb[e]r 2 bedstids 2 bed Cloths.......................... 9s
in the Cheeschamber 5 Potts one Posnett......................................... £1 16s 8d
foure Panns 2 Cettles 2 skelletts one bras ladle.............................. £2 2s
goods att wheltrough................................................................................ £3
2 Brass kandlesticks 2 Tin platts one Brass ladle.............................. 7s
one stone bottell one wooden Bottell w[i]th other trinwar.................. 3s 6d
Ejght Bords one winn[o]ing sheet.......................................................... 10s
one Arke one Turnell one spining while one hop[er]
one pair of bedstidds.................................................................................. 12s
in another Chamb[e]r 4 sacks and sives............................................... 2s 6d
in the studie 2 bibles.................................................................................. 10s
the rest of the books....................................................................................£1 10s
one Chest one Barrell one Table one box one shilfe....................... 10s
one style bou................................................................................................ 3s
Peaiuter one flagon one bacon and vre 22 Peaiuter dishes
2 bowels and saucers
one Red Caddow and Trenchers................... ........................................ £2 6s 6d
4 salts 3 Chamber Potts........................................................................... 10s
two Carpetts .............................................................................................. £1
Platt.............................................................................................................. £9
one Rounde peece of Linin Cloth......................................................... 2s
His wearing apparell and monie in his purse ............ £20
Some £94 7s 8d
[Actual sum: £93 8s 4d]
Notes
1. 'Yew Tree' is a common name for a farm, but this one is likely to be the one shown (on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map) in what became Goldenhill. This is borne out by its position opposite the end of Colclough Lane. (An entry in the list of Overseers of the poor for the parish for the date 1681/2 reads: 'James Telwright, for Bournes message of ye Yew Tree, near Colclough Lane.') It is not named on the large-scale map of the last quarter of the 19th century - this shows a farm with buildings on three sides of a yard, together with a pond and an orchard.
In the 17th century Ewetree was a substantial house. Described in 1619 as 'the mansion and dwellinge house of William Bourne', it was already in his son John's name, together with most or all of the 38½ acres (presumably customary acres) belonging to it. In this probate inventory 17 rooms are mentioned, not counting the barn and stabling for the mares. Despite this, the grate in the kitchen is the only reference to heating. This, plus the large fireplace we can expect in the hall, would make the house match the household with two hearths mentioned as Mr Bourne's in the Hearth Tax list for Tunstall in 1666. The porch at the front of the house was presumably two-storey, the upper part serving as a junk room: it contained a dismantled trestle-table and a harrow.
2. Ursula, wife of William Bourne of Ewetree, died in 1630 and had been marrifed to him for at least 20 years. Mary, wife of William Bourne, senior, of Ewetree, died in 1640/41. In summarising the will (which has no apostrophes) I have had to resolve the ambiguity over wife's, wives' and wives, but the reader may choose different interpretations!
3. He has outlived some of his children; his will concentrates on the next generation. His grandson William was probably the heir of the property. He married Prudence Berishford in 1635, and their son William was baptised in 1640.
4. A safegard was an outer skirt worn to protect the dress when riding. A petticoat was a skirt or underskirt and, being richly decorated usually, was intended to be seen. It might seem unusual to give a great-grandchild clothes of a different generation, but the material was valuable and far outweighed the cost of making alterations to suit the current fashion.The clothes of his wife Mary form a significant proportion of the bequests, though they do not feature in the inventory. Perhaps the unusual feature is that they were still in the house. She died March 1640/1 - nearly 18 months before William Bourne drew up his last will. Married woman in this period could not make a will - unless the husband gave his consent - and very few such wills occur.
5. William Bourne's implied difference with Francis Capps the vicar of Wolstanton has a history to it that we can only guess at. What we do know is that William Bourne was in dispute with a body of his fellow parishioners in 1618 over his right to be churchwarden. If the established system for selection had been adhered to, he would have had to wait for another 10 years. William Bourne took his case to the episcopal consistory court. The vicar at the time was Henry Stevenson, who died before the hearing was complete, and was succeeded by Francis Capps, who no doubt was faced with two opposing parties in the parish, each expecting his support. In the course of the dispute William Bourne was excommunicated, but seems to have been successful against the archdeacon of Stafford. At any rate, he was awarded £5 of the £9 14s 8d costs he incurred as a result of taking up the case.
Francis Capps' refusal to wear a surplice and his toleration of a parishioner's standing to receive communion instead of kneeling at the altar rail indicate Puritan sympathies which may not have been to William Bourne's taste. (For a price comparison, a Banbury will of 1597 of Elizabeth Goodryche bequeaths 3s 4d for a funeral sermon.)
William Bourne's namesake, who was to act as overseer of the will, is called a reverent fellow of the college of Manchester. This is interesting, as the college, though dissolved at the Reformation, was superseded by a school, founded in the seventeenth century by a wealthy merchant. [Check for more detail (ie date of foundation, and the nature of the 'college' in the seventeenth century); also for meaning of 'fellow' - does it imply he was in holy orders?]
He may be the same as the William Bourne, clerk, whose son Timothy was baptised in 1626, as he is the only William Bourne known locally at this time to be in holy orders.
6. A drag is a harrow. lather = ladder.
7. 'one stone trough att draw well'.The word 'well' could also at this time mean 'spring', so the sort with bucket and chain was referred to as a 'draw well'. The stone trough might have been used for holding water, for cattle or for human use.
8. 'Coslett' - The corslet provided armour protection; and at least one of the items in the next line but one is a weapon. He could have served in the wars in Elizabeth's reign (in Ireland and Holland). In 1614 he was one of the victims of a 'name and shame' policy, designed to expose those who 'took on the titles of Esquire or Gentleman without just right.' Despite this, he assumes the title of 'gentleman' in his will. And so does his descendant in ?1664
9. The inventory shows that two of the rooms had a livery table, on which food and drink were set, apparently for consumption at night. (See Gloag J (1966) A Short Dictionary of Furniture)
10. 'horrgairs' - augers (for drilling into wood).
11. 'one Clevor one haking knife' - Although the word 'cleaver' refers nowadays only to meat-cutting, this and the next item, the hacking knife, probably refer to cutting wood - unless they were used in hunting. [However, their location in the kitchen suggests their use in the dressing of meat]
12. 'Dayhouse' - the dairy.
13. 'dat›n' - a word that occurs in a variety of spellings. Dashins were vessels in which oatmeal was prepared.
14.'one ishin one kumnell' Their location in the brewhouse may not mean they are brewing vessels.
An ishen/ashin/eshen is probably a wooden pail: Thomas Pitchford of the Dayrie House, Market Drayton in 1648 had, according to the inventory of his goods: 'Trynnen ware as Eshens or payles and other like vessels';
'one kumnell' - this is the only instance in these Wolstanton wills and inventories. If it is the same as kimnel then it is an oval tub, often used to hold a side of bacon while it is being cured.
15. a 'hoop' was a measure of capacity for meal, and contained a quart. (TBC)
16. Tundish - This fitted into a tun (barrel) and was a shallow wooden vessel acting in the same way as a funnel. It was used in brewing.
17. 'Caddow' - a coarse woollen covering. In most of these wills and inventories it is a bed covering, though some contexts suggest a use in covering a coffer.
18. The line 'goods at Wheltrough' occurs at the bottom of the inventory page and was added afterwards. 'Wheltrough', where Richard Davenport his son-in-law lived, is in Cheshire. (Welltrough Hall Farm is between Congleton and Knutsford.) The significance of this entry is that the goods lay in another diocese, and if they had exceeded £5 in value, the executors would have been obliged to have had the will proved in a higher court than the bishop's court at Lichfield. They had to swear an oath declaring whether there were any goods or debts in any other diocese, which perhaps led to the "goods at Wheltrough" being inserted later than the other items in the inventory.
19. 'one style bou' - one steel bow.
20. 'Posnett' - a small metal pot with a handle and legs.
21. An enigmatic order of the Staffordshire County Committee dated 8th November 1644 refers to the Bourne family two years after William Bourne's death: "Whereas Mr John Burne receives Mr. William Bourne his son £20 yearly forth of his estate at Ewtree It is ordered that the said Mr John Burne shall pay forth of his said annuity the weekly pay that shall be payable for the same."
22. 'one Rounde peece of Linin Cloth'. Of course the cloth could have been round in shape eg for a round table. But 'round' applied to cloth occurs in other contexts which suggest a meaning 'plain, unadorned'.
Antony Moore of Wolstanton, husbandman, will dated 6th June 1644, buried 9th June, inventory taken 22nd June, date of probate 7th January 1644/5.
Will
In the name of God Amen. The 6 day of June, In ye nineteene Twentieth yeare of the raigne of our soueraigne Lord Charles by the grace of god of England Sotland France & Irland king defender of the faith &c: Anno Dom[ini] 1644: I Antony More of Wolstonton in the County of Staff[ord]: husbandman, being somwhat weake and sicke in my body, by reason of my great age & other infirmities with the w[hi]ch it hath pleesed god to visit mee withall but of perfect memory thankes be giuen to god therefore doe make my last will & testament here in maner and forme Following: And first I giue and bequeath my soule into the hands of my heauenly father god almighty not doubting but that hee for Jesus Christ sake my onely sauiour & redeemer will forgiue me all my sinnes, & make me one of the number of his elect, & chosen Children, and inheritor of his euer lasting kingdom of heauen for euer. Item I giue & bequeath my body vnto the earth from whence it came and to be buried in the church yard att wolstonton afore said: Item I bequeath 40s to be bestowed of a diner for my neighbours yt goe with me to the church: Item I giue bequeath my house and liuing w[i]th al my goods to my brother Steuen more in behalfe of my wife that hee shall see her maintained well soe long as shee shall liue and to pay all rents and duties belonging vnto it: Item I bequeath to my sister katherne key and to my sister Elizabeth doncaster 20s apeece if so bee my wife and I be diseased before the lease of my house be ended, Item I make my brother Steeuen my true and lawfull executor to discharge & pay all my legacies & debts herein expressed & to see this my last will & testament be truly performed & kept according to the tenour & true meaning hereof
witnesse to my last will & testement
Antony more his marke
Margret mare her marke
Thomas Eldershawe
Richard Baddeley his marke
A true and p[er]fect inventory of all the goodes moveable and vnmoveable catteals and chatteals of antoney more lately deceased taken and prised by thomas beeche John wright nicolas Cooke and John Eaton the twoo and twentithe day of June in the yeare of the Raigne of our soveraigne lord Charles by the grace of god king of great britaine france and Ireland defender of the faith the xixth and in the yeare of our Lord god 1644.
two kyne ................................................................................ £4 10s
for corne groing. hempe and hay ..................................... 13s 4d
for brasse & pewter ............................................................ 6s 8d
for beddinge and bedstockes .......................................... £1 3s 4d
for one cupboard ................................................................. 6s 8d
for thre coffers ...................................................................... 6s 8d
for one table and disboard formes & shilves ................ 3s 4d
for one chaier and all other treene ware
& earthen vessells .............................................................. 8s
for two spinninge wheels .................................................. 2s
for all Iron ware and husbandry ware .............................. 5s
for butter and cheese .......................................................... 3s 4d
for iij measures of otemeale ............................................. 6s
for yarne ................................................................................. 12s
for a reversion of lease of his howse .................................. £10
debts owing vnto him .......................................................... 15s
for his wearing apparell. & money in his purse ............. 10s
for all other things vnmentioned ....................................... 8d
for manure of donge ............................................................ 4s
The Som[m]e is £21 3s 4d
[Actual sum £20 16s 0d]
wheare there is to be abated for a heriot £2 13s 4d
Thomas Beech John Wright Nycholas Cooke John Eaton prisers
Notes
1. The burial of his widow Margrett Moore occurred in August 1658. Long before that, there had been a new tenant of Antony Moore's house, The Pear Tree.
The scribe of his will, Thomas Eldershawe, may have been his next-door neighbour. (In 1670 Thomas Ellershaw was churchwarden "for his house next the pear tree".)
2. The landlord Ralph Sneyd esquire had made the payment of a heriot on the death of any tenant or assignee a condition of the lease. The value of the milch cow (£2 13s 4d) is more than ten per cent of the value of the inventory total.
3. His wife's sisters, Katherine and Elizabeth, were also mentioned in the will of his father-in-law William Alcock (will dated 1620) who was tenant of the property before him.
4. The head of the household would have sat at table on the only chair. The rest of the household would have sat on forms. Vessels used in cheese making would be included under treen ware and earthen ware.
5. The probate note illustrates the troublesome times. On 7th December 1643 the County Committee at Stafford (in effect the new local government body for the county, set up by Parliament) had ordered that Isaac Keeling should take the place of Richard Shelley as vicar of Wolstanton. More than a year later, the note of probate dated 7th January 1644/5 shows that Richard Shelley was still the vicar there.
6. Thomas Rowley was the next tenant, who left a widow Sarah in the 1650's (Newcastle manor court rolls).
Francis Bristoe of the Red Street, broad glass maker, date of will 15th January 1644/5, buried 24th January 1644/5, inventory taken 22nd February 1644/5, date of probate 30th Oct 1648.
Will
Weak in body; to be buried in such manner as my executrix shall think fit.
To Joshua Bristoe my son: all my best wearing apparel.
To him and his son: all my claim, right, title, property and interest etc in the Glassehouse at Red streete (for the term of their natural lives); and all the tools and implements which are mine and belonging to the Glassehouse.
My will is that my wife Elizabeth Bristoe should have and enjoy a third of the benefit of all the work during the time of the first fire, she paying her part of building the Glassehouse and all other charges belonging to the same work.
To my daughter Margarett Elkin: £10, to be put into the hands of Raphe Bourne of Chesterton to buy iron with from time to time, and to pass after his death to Margaret for the maintenance of herself and her children.
To my daughter Sarah Taylor: £10.
To my daughter Anne Lowe: £10.
Residuary legatee and executrix: my true and loving wife. Three trunks are to go to each of my daughters when my wife dies, to be divided as my wife thinks fit.
Overseers: my loving friends and neighbours, John Bourne of the Fould and Raphe Bourne, both of Chesterton.
Witnesses: Coulton Whytough, John Payne and Randull Boothes.
A true Inventorie of the goods Cattls & Chattles of Francis Bristoe late of the parish of Woolstandstone & County of Stafford Broadglasmaker deceased, taken by Randull Bristoe & John Hatton the twenty second day of February 1644.
Six kyne
Three beds w[i]th boulsters & bed hillinge belonging unto them
Three paire of Bedstides
Sheetes tableclothes & Nappery Wares
B[r]asse & Pewter
Eight silver spones
Tables Formes Cheres Stoles Boardes and dressers
loomes & Barrells & all other treene Wares
One grate fire shove[l] and tonges
And all other Iron Wares
Four Trunckes
Corne in the house & Barnes
Hay
Apparrell of the dead & money in his purse
Debtes owinge &c
John Loe oweth
Robert Baddeley oweth
All else not praised
Note.
1. At the beginning of the 20th century, there was still a gravestone in Wolstanton churchyard on which the inscription could be read: "Heare lyeth the body of Randull Bristall Broad Glasse Maker who died in the year of our Lord God 1668" The name ('Briscoe', 'Bristoe' or 'Bristall') varies in the parish register and evidently refers to the same family. The 1662 Hearth Tax list for Chesterton calls him 'Mr', indicating his status as gentleman.
3. One of his sons-in-law was Roger Elkin, a blacksmith in Chesterton - which helps to explain the arrangement the testator made for enabling his daughter Margaret to buy supplies of iron. Ralph Bourne may be the same as a carrier of the same place and name mentioned in a deed of 1640. Ralph Bourne appears to be acting as a bank.
4. David Dyble (2002) A History of Apedale and Chesterton has done a lot of research on Francis Bristoe. He says that he was probably born in the south of England. He was known as a glassmaker in Southwark by 1620. An order was made (?by the Privy Council) in 1621 that all illegal glassmaking should cease. This meant any that infringed Mansell's monopoly, and included Bristow's business at Wigan. He continued to make glass at various places, sometimes with a licence from' Mansell, as at Coventry. He probably did not arrive at Red Street until around 1640. But he was again operating illegally, which led to his imprisonment for contempt of court in 1642. "The uncertainties of the Civil War situation enabled him to continue at the Glasshouse until the Parliamentary committee at Stafford decided to raise some taxes upon his dubiously legal, but very profitable, industry. On 9th November they ordered that 'Francis Bristow shall have liberty to quietly make glass there and sell the same ... paying to the Treasurer at Stafford 5 pounds for the glass already made ... and henceforth (he) is to pay 3 pounds every fortnight ... as long as he shall continue to make glass there.' "
5. Nearly a hundred years later, Parrot in his An Accountt Who Hath Enjoyed the Severall Estates in the Parish of Audley and Hamlett of Talk in the County of Stafford for 200 Years last past briefly alludes to John Loe: "His father John Loe was a nailer by trade. He stole a wife from the Bristols who came out of Worcestershire and made glass at Glasshouse near Red Street." It suggests that John Loe married Anne against parental opposition. This may or may not be true, but the will does not provide evidence of any estrangement between father and daughter. (John Loe lived in a cottage at Eardley End in the neighbouring parish of Audley.)
Joyce Burslem of Parkehouse, widow, will dated 27th Jan 1643/4, inventory taken 20th April 1645, date of probate 10th Dec 1646.
Will
Being weak in body.
To be buried in decent manner within the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Margret Maxffe[ld], Katherin Whytall and Marie Caulton, my three daughters: 40s each.
To Marie Beech of Gilbanke, Katherin Burslem the daughter of John Burslem of Brownlees and John Mylnes my godson: 10s each.
To Randle Whytall my grandchild: £30 and one chest standing over the buttery.
To John Caulton's children not before named: 40s each.
To John Whytall's children not before named: 40s each.
To Robert Burslem's children: 40s each.
Residuary legatee: Robert Burslem, my son.
Executors: John Caulton and Robert Burslem.
Witnesses: William Cooke (signs with mark), John Caulton.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goods cattells and Chattells of Joyce Burslem of the parke in the p[ar]ish of wolstanton and Countie of Stafford widowe deceased, Seene Valued and praissed the Sixe & twentith daie of Aprill Anno d[omi]ni 1645 by vs whose names are herevnd[e]r written.
4 oxen ................................................................................ £20
six kyne and calues ......................................................... £18
4 heffers ............................................................................. £9 6s 8d
7 twint[e]rs ......................................................................... £11
5 sterkes ............................................................................. £4
two mares ......................................................................... .£5
13 sheepe & 7 lambs ....................................................... £3 10s
4 swine ............................................................................... £1 13s 4d
all the corne & heay in the barne ................................... £2 13s 4d
weanes plowes yokes Harrowes )
& all implem[en]tes of husbandrie ) ............................ £2
all the corne growing vpon the land ............................... £8
4 feth[e]r beds, 9 blankets, 4 Coueringes )
4 boulst[e]rs 2 pillowes ) ................. £6
all the pewt[e]r .................................................................... £1 6s 8d
all the brasse ...................................................................... £1 13s 4d
two Chestes giuen to Elizabeth Calton )
and all yt weare [in] them ) ................. £6
one chest giuen to Randle whithalle ............................ 12s
all the linen & naperie ware ............................................ £1
two ioynt beds one Table & a forme & )
two oth[e]r course beds ) ................... £1 10s
one ould wich & a ould coffer ........................................... 3s 4d
corne and mault in the house ......................................... £1
Beefe and Bacon ............................................................... £2
all the trynware ................................................................... 10s
all the iron ware in the house as grats broch
fire sheule & tonges & all oth[e]r iron ware ) ....... 13s 4d
all the chares & stooles & sixe quishion & oth[e]r )
thinges not form[er]lie praissed ) ...... 6s 8d
all the poultrie ..................................................................... 3s 4d
all the aparell not form[e]rlie praissed & )
monie in the purse ) ................ £4 3s 6d
[Total £112 5s 6d] [checked]
[Signatures:] Richard Whytall Randle Whytall John Rowley [the latter signs by mark (his initials)]
Notes
1. Percy Adams (A History of the Adams family of North Staffs) and J C Wedgwood (A History of the Wedgwood family) provide additional information about this family. Joyce was the widow of James Swynnerton of Oldcott, whose will was proved in 1583. She became a widow again when Thomas Burslem (in this collection) died in 1619. She and her son Robert Burslem then had the Oldcott Park estate. Robert's daughter married Thomas Kent (in this collection).
2. The parish records do not show the lady's burial. (There is a 'Geza Burslem' – burial date 25th April 1645.)
Joyce Mylnes of Newchapell, widow, will dated 26th February 1645/6, buried 1st March 1645/6, inventory taken 2nd March 1645/6, date of probate 17th Oct 1650.
Will
Sick in body.
To be buried in decent manner within the parish church of Wolstanton.
To my daughter Elizabeth Barker: one featherbed, a bolster, two pillows, a pair of sheets, two blankets and one bed hilling.
Residuary legatees: half to my son John Mylnes; and half to my grandchildren equally.
Executors: my son Alexander Mylnes, and Thomas Hilding my son-in-law.
Witnesses: Joseffe Mumfford, Robert Burslem with others.
A true & p[er]fect inventory of all the goodes debts Cattell & chattells of Joyce Milnes of newchappell in the County of Stafford widdow late deceased taken vallued & praised by vs will[ia]m Rowley Richard whitall John Caulton John Maxfeild John Colclough the 2d day of March an[n]o dom[ini] 1645 as followeth
Sixe kine
Three horses
Fifteene Sheepe
Two sterkes
Two Swine
Corne in the barne vnthreshed
Corne w[i]thin the house and barne already threshed
Hay in the barne
One whitch in the barne
In the parlor
One cupboord one loe bed one chest & one high bed
standing in the same
One Joyned Table & forme
One longe table in the house & a forme
togather with 2 little tables
In the chamber ou[er] the parlor
2 pare of bedsteds three chests togather w[i]th an ould table
In the chamber over the buttery
one bedsted w[i]th two chests & a turnell
All the brasse & pewter
An ould Cupboord in the butterey w[i]th 2 frying pans
In the Chamber over the house
one bedsted 4 ould chests & one whitch or arke
Meale & Malt in the house
Beef Bacon butter cheese w[i]th all other p[ro]vision in the house
One Haire cloath one hop[per] one cart rope
two spin[n]ing wheeles togather with sives wisketts & all other thinges in the chamber ou[er] the house not p[ar]ticulerly praysed
All beddinge in the house
Two peeces of woollen cloath
Three peeces of Linon cloath
Two Carpetts
Shetes table cloathes napkins & all other nappery ware
One byble
wol & toe
Bottells Ironware & other things in the cockloft
One Taffity Apron 5s 0d
Foure cheares loose boordes & stooles
One plough one harrow one ox chaine & other
husbandry ware w[i]th 2 packsaddles & horse geares
One grate one paire of tunnges a fire shoovel,
a bread Iron one brundred pottracckes & hooks
one paire of gobertes 2 spitts one dreepingpan
and all other Iron ware w[i]thin the house vnpraised
One salt Coffer w[i]th salt in it.
One Tubstone & swinetroughes
All glasses & Earthen vessells
Barrells loomes, & all Coop[er]y ware in ye house
Dishes trenchers cheesefates & all other treein ware
Baggs & sackes
All quishions in the house
Muck Mannure & poultry ware
The Testatrix weareing apparrell & monie in her purse
All other thinges not formerly praised
Sum[m]a total[is] £90 9s 6d
Notes
1. loose boordes - In the Banbury inventories of Elizabethan and Jacobean times, loose boards can be floor boards and treated as moveables. However a Shropshire inventory of the second half of the 17th century includes the item 'table boards', and the context of chairs and stools in this inventory makes this a feasible interpretation here.
2. 'Taffity apron'. Taffeta was an imported textile which was copied by English producers in the 17th century. It was highly fashionable and used to make all types of clothing. Five shillings sounds a lot to pay for an apron.
3. Her husband, John Millnes, had been buried on 3 May 1635. At the time, Joyce Milnes pleaded 'great age and weakness' and authorised her son-in-law Thomas Hildiche to act as administrator of her deceased husband's estate.
4. The burial entry in the parish records refers to 'Jocasta Mills'.
5. Her son Alexander died later in the year; so by the time the will was proved, probate was given only to her son-in-law, Thomas Hildich. Her young son John survived and became one of the four John Mills living in the township of Thursfield in the 1670's.
John Barlow, will dated 24th March 1645/6, buried 6th May, no inventory, administration granted 10th December 1646.
Will
For the education and bringing up of my two children John and Margratt Barlowe, I nominate as my executor Thomas Dawson of Dales Green, webster, my brother-in-law, and as overseers John Cowall of Chesterton, yeoman and Belshaser Bell of the Ridghouse, gentleman.
Witnesses: Robert Homersley Thomas Homersley.
Note
The parish register says he was a widower. He made his will the day his wife was buried. Thomas Dawson subsequently refused to act as executor, and administration was granted to John Poulson of Poulson (?in Botteslow), Staffordshire, yeoman. The children probably were aged 6 and less than a year.
Ann Machen of Foule leye (Fowlea), widow, will dated 24th June 1634, buried, inventory taken 8th December 1646, date of probate 10th December 1646.
Will
To be buried in the church or churchyard of Stoke upon Trent.
To my son Roger's children (ie the child or children of Roger begotten of Elizabeth, his wife): £30. My intention is that Roger shall have the use of the £30 while he is alive; and after his decease to pass it to his child (or if there is more than one, then to be equally divided between them.)
To John Machen, son of Roger Machen: one great pan (or to John Pillsburie son of Raphe Pillsburie, if John Machen does not reach the age of 21)
To John Pillsburie, Thomas Pillsburie, Raphe Pillsburie and Marie Pillsburie: 20s each (the £4 which I lent their father Raphe Pillsburie for the building of his house).
To Margrett Boughie: all of my wearing apparell, both linen and woollen.
Residuary legatees: my three daughters, Margret, Kathren and Ellin.
My will is that everyone that owes me shall have one year's use batted [interest abated].
Executors: Raphe Pillsburie and John Machen.
A true and p[er]fect Invetorie of all the goods and Cattels of ann machin late deseased in the p[ar]ish of Leeke and Countie of Stafford & taken and praysed in the 8th of d[e]cem[ber] Anno dom[ini] 1646 by vs Will[iam] Mollott and Gorge dennell as followeth
her apparell and money in her purse ............................... £5
nappery wares ...................................................................... [£]1
Couerlides and blankets and tow fetherbeds .................. £2
one greate panne ................................................................... £1 6s 8d
bills bonds and money oweing ......................................... £53
one Coffer ................................................................................ £2
Sum taken ................. £62 11s 8d
Notes
1. Despite her declaring in her will that she is of Wolstanton parish, there is nothing else to connect her. And the burial date for Anne Machin in Stoke parish register (1st March 1646/7) does not match the details of this testator.
2. There are two references, one in 1668 and one in 1669, to a messuage called Fowlea. In the absence of contemporary maps, it can't be said whether Fowlea consisted of more than this in the seventeenth century. It lay on the highway from Newcastle under Lyme to Leek, on the hill (now called Basford Bank) above the crossing of the Fowlea Brook. There may have been houses on the other side of the highway, lying in Stoke upon Trent parish.
3. The inventory is on a scrap of ruled paper. At the time of her death she had, it seems, moved to Leek.
Elizabeth Whillocke buried 23rd July 1646, no inventory, administration granted 10th December 1646.
Affidavit
Know all men by this p[re]sents that I Joane Cowell of meare Heath in the County of Stafford doe renounce the ad[mini]stration of the goods of Elizabeth Whillocks & doe desiar yt Mary Daniell my daughter shall take the Ad[mini]stration Shee beeing my child & next of kin December 10 1646
[Signs by mark]
[Witnesses:] Richard Hopkins Margery Barnes, widow [signs by mark]
Note
The parish register states that she was the wife of Ralph Wheelock, but the probate documents do not mention him. Ralph Wheelocke of Wolstanton parish, whose will was proved on 22nd November 1615, had a wife Elizabeth whom he made his executrix. This lady might be the widow. Elizabeth Wheelocke, widow, or her assigns, occupied a messuage in Chesterton in 1626. If she was the daughter of John Baddeley of Holditch, then she was likely to be in her early eighties when she died.
The only other information given by the probate records at Lichfield in connection with Elizabeth Whillocke is: that Joan Cowell was Elizabeth's sister; that John Daniel of Meare Heath, Staffs, potter was bound; and that an inventory had to be produced before next Whitsun; Dr Littleton ordered the charge was to be 2s only
Antony Beech of Great Chell, yeoman, will dated 25th November 1643, buried 3rd March 1644, no inventory, proved in London 5th May 1646.
In the name of God Amen The five and twentith day of November in the yeare of our Lord God one Thovsand six hundred Forty and three. I Anthony Beech of Great Chell in the County of Stafford yeoman beinge in good health in body and in good and perfect memorie thankes be to god therefore yet consideringe that nothinge is more certain then death and the tyme thereof vncertaine vnto all men Doe make and ordaine this my last will and Testament herein writeing Conteyninge herein my last will and minde for the giveinge establishinge and disposeinge of a certaine Tenement Lands and premisses hereafter expressed. But first and principally before All thinges I freely com[m]itt and yeild vp my soule into the hands of Almightie God my maker trusting that through the merittes of Jesus Christ my Redeemer to be made partaker of life everlastinge And I com[m]itt my body to the Earth of what it was made. Item I give and bequeath vnto William Beech my sonne and his assigns all that Messuage or Tenement called or knowne by the name of the Gilbanke wherein the said William now dwelleth with all edifices buildings Lands Meadowes and pastures to the same Messuage belonged vsed or apperteyninge and now in the occupacion of the said William Beech or his Assignes To have and to hold the foresaid Messuage lands and premisses vnto the said William Beech his Executors Administrators or assignes from the tyme of my decease for and dureinge the terme and space of threescore yeares if that John Rowley sonne of William Rowley of the Turnehurst James Beech of Tunstall and Thomas Daniell of the Berch in Burslem they or any of them doe live soe longe hee yeildinge and payinge doeinge and p[er]formeinge All rentes heriottes and sevices due and payable vnto mr Raphe Adderley gentleman beinge Landlord of the said Messuage and premisses. Item I giue and bequeath vnto James Beech my sonne Forty poundes. Item I give and bequeath vnto Mary Beech my Daughter thirty poundes which she oweth mee and tenn poundes more. Item I give and bequeath vnto Anne Daniell my Daughter seaven and thirty poundes w[hi]ch she oweth me and three pounds more. Item I give and bequeath vnto John Beech Joyce Beech Jane Beech and Margerie Beech Children of my sonne Thomas Beech the sume of nyneteene poundes which Anne Beech their mother oweth mee And alsoe I give vnto the said Children five poundes more equallie to be divided amongst them and likewise I give vnto the said William Beech my sonne six poundes. And alsoe I give vnto Jane Beech Daughter of my sonne William Twenty shillings. And I give and bequeath vnto Thomas Bourne six shillings eight pence. And to Anne Bourne his Daughter three shillings fower pence. Item I give vnto every one of my Godchildren twelve pence. Item I give and bequeath All the rest of my goods not before bequeathed after my Funerall expences are dyscharged and my Will proued I give to the said James Beech, Mary Beech and Anne Daniell equallie to be divided amongest them. And for the true [?meaning] hereof I have ordained and made and by this my present last will and Testament Doe ordaine and make the said James Beech Mary Beech and Anne Daniell my Executors In witnes whereof I haue herevnto put my hand and seale the day and yeare first aboue written. Item I give and bequeath vnto Anne Burslem my sister tenn shillings. The marke of Anthony Beech. The marke of William Beech, Thomas Beech.
Probatum fuit Testamentum suprascriptum Apud London coram dilectus subdito mro Nathanaele Brent Milite legum Doctor Curioe Prerogative Cont Mag'ro sive Custode l'time constituto Quinto die Mensis Maij Anno Dominj Mill'iu sequentesimo quadragesimo sexto Iurament' Jacobi Beech Marie Beech et Anne Daniel Executr.....
in huius Testamento nominat' Quibus Com[m]issi fuit Administraco omni' et singuloen' bonoru' iurium et creditorum dict' defunct' de bene et fidel[ite]r administrand' eadem Ad sancta Dej Evangeliu coram Isaaco Kelinge Cl'ico vigore Commissiomis in ea parte al's omonat' iurat.
Notes
1. There are lots of references to him in other wills of the parish. He was probably about 80 when he died, having lived in Great Chell since 1600 at least. Although he refers to himself as a yeoman, he is referred to as a gentleman in the list of those in 1631 who had to pay a fine for not taking up a knighthood, as he had £40 or more in lands or rent.
2. No inventory - but we know that he had an ark (for grain storage).
3. His son William's farm was probably in Olcott. William was married to Margaret who bore him two daughters, Mary and Anne [It looks just like 'Jade' but must be 'Jane' with a mark over it]. William Beech of Great Chell died in 1663.
Raphe Bourne [of Chesterton], yeoman, date of will 12th August 1647, buried 8th October 1647, inventory taken 12th October 1647, date of probate 13th October.
Will
Being sick in body: Christian burial at the discretion of my executrix.
To Randull Smyth my son-in-law: a joined bed and a cupboard standing in the upper parlour, and the table and frame standing in the upper house and the forms belonging to it.
To Mary Smyth my daughter: 5s to be paid her within one year of my decease, as her child's part.
To Jhon Smyth my grandchild, after the decease of my wife: my hand-mill standing in the barn.
To Mary Smyth my grandchild: one weaning calf or 30 shillings.
To Mergerie my wife (for her full dowry of all my goods) and, after her death, to Ales Bourne my daughter: a third of my household goods.
Residuary legatee and executrix: Ales Bourne my daughter.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: An Lovat, Alies Boulton, Robert Whytall.
A true Inventory of the goods Cattels & Chattles of Raphe Bourne of the parrish of Woolstandstone & County of Staff[ord] deceased taken by Humphery Smyth John Wood & Robert Whytall the twelff day of October 1647
£ s d
Two Oxen 16 00 00
ten kyne 43 06 08
five heiffer sterkes 16 13 04
six calfes 09 00 00
twenty five sheepe 10 10 00
three hogges & three yong swine 07 16 00
Poultry Ware 00 13 04
for corne & heay in the Barnes 25 00 00
corne & malt in the hovse 03 00 00
one paire of bound wheeles & other husbandry ware 05 00 00
Brasse & Pewter 08 00 00
eight feather beds 10 00 00
six bed hillings 06 00 00
all Coverletes Blancketes & Boulsters 05 05 00
thirty yards of flaxen cloth 02 15 00
fourty yards of round flaxen cloth 01 13 04
sheetes table clothes & other napp[er]ie Ware 13 06 08
two joyned beds 02 00 00
six paire of bedstedes 01 00 00
two long tables w[i]th frames & formes belonging to them 02 00 00
four short tables 01 00 00
one Truncke one Chest three Coffers & three boxes 02 00 00
boardes shilefes cheeres stooles & Dressers 01 03 04
one Cubboard & one Presse 00 13 04
two Turnells all Barrels loomes & other treene ware 03 05 00
Grates Broches Dreeping pans & all other Iron Ware 02 10 00
wooll Yarne & tow in the house 06 00 00
p[ro]vision in the house 03 06 08
in ready money and specialty 139 00 00
the apparrell of the dead & money in his purse 03 06 08
all things else not praised 00 06 08
Sum[m]a totalis 351 11 06
Notes
1. Raphe Bourne was a tenant of Raphe Sneyd esq and farmed 50½ statute acres in Chesterton. Most of the land was pasture. Only 8 acres was arable, dispersed in butts lying in several open fields, the largest of which was Church Field, which was still open field in 1839.
2. one paire of bound wheeles ie iron-bound wheels, belonging to a wain or cart.
3. In the lease dated 1640 he was described as 'carrier'. There is no sign of this in the inventory (not even a horse), and he must have given up the haulage business and settled down to farming.
4. flaxen cloth - The round cloth (whatever this means) is cheaper per yard than the other flaxen cloth. Thomas Brett's inventory of 1589 explains: vij paire of co[ar]se or round sheetes for s[er]uantes . £2
5. in ready money and specialty - look up about bonds in mid -seventeenth century (See Emmison
William Shaw of Great Chell, yeoman, date of will 3rd October 1648, buried 30th January 1648/9, inventory taken 2nd February 1648/9, date of probate 2nd May 1649.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried in the parish church or churchyard of Wolstanton.
To Mary Shaw, my wife and her assigns: my messuage and the edifices, lands, meadows and pastures belonging to it for a term of 21 years from my death, she paying all my debts and funeral expenses and keeping my daughter Mary in food, drink and clothing during that time.
To Mary my daughter: a joined bed and meal ark both standing in parlour, with [my] a board and frame standing in the house.
Residuary legatee and executor: Mary my wife.
My intention is that if my wife Mary is still living after the term of 21 years is complete then she is to have it for a further term of 26 years as3 her jointure or dower.
To Mary my daughter, and the lawfully begotten heirs of her body: the said messuage, lands and premises. If she dies without such heirs, then it is to go to John Shaw (and his heirs), the eldest son of my uncle James Shaw, on the following conditions: that the said John Shaw delivers to Mary my wife a bond or bill obligatory, in which my father Thomas Shaw stood bound to the said James, and cancels it before 1st December next; that John Shaw pays £70 to Raphe Unwyn, William Unwyn, John Unwyn, Margrett Unwyn, Ellen Unwyn, Mary Unwyn, Ursula Unwyn, my sister's children (£10 each) within a year of the property coming into John's hands; that he pays £15
within the same period to John Cole, Richard Cole and Mary Cole, children of my brother-in-law Simyon Cole; and that he pays £5 each within the same period to Roger Cole of Newcastle, Susana Cole and Margerie Estopp. If any of these die before the payment is made then there is to be no substitute. If John Shaw refuses to deliver the bond and the money in accordance with my will, then he will not benefit from this will.
If my daughter Mary dies without lawful heirs, then the property is to go to William Unwyn and his heirs for ever on condition that he makes the payments stipulated in this will.
Overseers: my loving friends John Bourne of Little Chell and Simeon Cole my brother-in-law.
Witnesses: Simyon Cole, John Bourne.
A true and p[er]fecte Inventorie of all the goods of William Shaw of greate Chell lately deceased taken the second day of February 1648 valued and praised by William Bourne Simian Cole and Thomas Beech as followeth
£ s d
all the Cattell 14 0 0
hey 1 0 0
all the bedding with sheets and
naprie ware 6 0 0
all the brasse and puter 4 0 0
all the treene ware 1 0 0
all the quofers and bords 1 0 0
two bibles 0 13 4
all the Corne 1 0 0
all the meate ware 0 13 4
all the implements of husbantae
ware 1 0 0
all the iron ware 1 0 0
one Cubbert with cheares and stooles 10 0
one peece of sea [say] 1 0 0
his apparrell and money in his perse 2 0 0
pultrie 5 0
35 1 8
Notes
1. Say is cloth of fine texture resembling serge. In the 16th century sometimes partly of silk, subsequently entirely of wool. A definition of 1728 says it is a very slight crossed stuff, all wool used in this country by quakers for aprons and dyed green. Uses of the material: curtains (1531); bed hanging at Dieulacres Abbey (1539); petticoat (1636); apron (1724) His grandmother also had a piece of cloth worth £1 at her death, and his grandfather had a weaving. A Banbury mercer had 'fustian sayes' at his death. Thomas Gent of Leek, Staffs, in 1631 had a yard and a half of green say valued at 2s . Green was the usual colour that it was dyed.
2. 'meate ware' (not encountered before) - must be food provisions in the house.
3. The cattle are all lumped together in the inventory. I am inclined to think no sheep are included, despite his father and grandfather having some at their deaths.
4. The wording of the oath that John Stevenson, vicar of Burslem, had to put to the executrix at Great Chell was:
You shall swear that this is the true and last will and testament of William Shaw lately deceased & that you will faithfully execute and perform the same by paying his debts and legacies so far as by law you are bound And the Inventory of the goods will thereto extend; you shall also make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory thereof And a just account thereupon when you shall be thereto lawfully called; so help you God and by the contents of these Books.
John Rowley of Haycarre, yeoman, will dated 13th March 1648/9, buried 30th May 1649, inventory taken 1st June, date of probate 7th July 1649
Will
Being weak in body.
My body to be buried in the parish church of Woolstonton.
To Ellen Rowley my wife for her life: my messuage house and outbuildings with all my lands, both arable pasture and meadow, lying together unto my house in my own holding and occupation; and for one year after the next feast day of the Annunciation of Mary the blessed virgin, a parcel of land lying beyond the lane near Green Delves called The Stockinges; and for certain years upon redemption, one bargain of the New Meadow with George Wood of Chatterley.
To my brother William Rowley for his life, then to his son John afterwards and his heirs: all my lands lying beyond the lane (except The Stockinges) and the lands bequeathed to my wife for her life; he paying £6 13s 4d to each of his younger children.
To Ellen the wife of Richarde Wyldbloode eldest daughter of William Rowley: 20s yearly, to be paid by her father; or, in default, she to enter on and enjoy The Sterretes Field.
To John Rowley son of William Rowley: £5; and to each of his brethren and sisters: £10.
To each of William Whytall's four sons: £3 6s 8d.
To John Burslem and his children: £2.
To John Sneyde my godson £2.
To each of my other two godchildren: 2s 6d.
If my brother (or his heirs etc) get coals on the land bequeathed, they are to allow my wife two horse loads every week for as long as any is got there.
Residuary legatee and executrix: my wife Ellen.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: William Whytall, George Alsager, Raphe Alsager.
A true and perfect Inventory of all the goods cattells chattells and debts, of John Rowley of Haycarre in the parrish of Wolstonton in the county of Stafforde yeoma[n] deceased, prysed and taken the first day of June Anno D[omi]ni 1649 by Raph Alsager, James Smyth, George Alsager, William Hurbutt, William Rowley and William Whytall as followeth viz.
Foure Oxen .......................................................... £30
Eight kyne ............................................................ £32
Three twinters ..................................................... £10
Three sterks and one twinter ........................... £9
One Mare ............................................................. £7 10s [? too high]
Three weaninge Calues ................................... £3
Twoe swyne ........................................................ £1 13s 4d
Pullen ................................................................... 6s 8d
Corne on the grounde ....................................... £18
Corne in the barne ............................................. 13s 4d
Weanes, plowes, harrowes, yokes, chaines
& other implements of and for husbandry ...... £5
Weane timber plowe timber
loose boards and planks ................................. £3
One grindlestone & trowe for the same .......... 3s 6d
Mucke and Fewell .............................................. £2 10s
One small gun and twoe swords ..................... 13s 4d
Hempe on the grounde ..................................... 2s
Two beds in the parlor with furniture to
the same, & the bedstocks next the doore .......... £6 13s 4d
One presse in the parlor ......................................... £1
One greene cloth bedhillinge ................................ £1
One bed beneath the entry
with furniture to the same ....................................... £2
Two high beds ou[er] the parlor and
one truckle bed w[i]th furniture therto ................... £13 6s 8d
Nappery ware & cloth vncutt .................................. £13 6s 8d
Coffers and Chests .................................................. £1 10s
Wool, Teere of flax and yarne ................................ 16s 8d
Corne and malt ......................................................... £5
Loose boards and sheelues .................................. £3
Brasse and pewter ................................................... £8
Tables, formes, cheares stooles & quishins ........ £1 8s
Iron ware in ye house & about the fyer ................. £1 3s 4d
A Cheese presse, a swyne tub & swyne trowes 8s
Coopery and treene ware ....................................... £2
Sacks, Shoues, measures, spininge wheeles
windowing sheets & the implements of huswyfry. £2
Earthen potts and glasse ......................................... 10s
Cheese, butter, & other houshould p[ro]vision .... £4
Books............................................................................ 10s
Bees ............................................................................. 5s
A hayre cloth .............................................................. 10s
Reparrell of the dead, & money in his purse ....... £26 13s 4d
The new meadowe for twoe
yeares from George Wood ....................................... £5
Some small thinges w[hi]ch may be forgotten ...... 2s
Debts owinge by specialties as followeth viz.
William Dickinson of Ranscliffe ................................ £5
John Rowley of Jilbanke ........................................... 5s
A lease of one meadowe from George Wood
al[ia]s Flynt of Chatterley for certeyne yeares
vpon redemption ...................................................... £20
Debts owinge without specialties as follow viz.
John Sneyde................................................................ £2 18s
Robert Sneyde ............................................................ £1 16s
Richarde Sneyde & the sayd John for a Cow ....... £4 5s
John Rowley my brothers sonne ............................. £2 10s
George Wood al[ia]s Flynt for cloth ......................... £1 12s
John Poole .................................................................. 10s
Edward Allen thelder ................................................. £2
George Wood al[ia]s Flynt hath in his
hands for 40 tunne of Lyme stone ......................... £9
Sum[m]a £275 6s 0d
[Actual total: £273 8s 2d]
Notes
1. See Ellin Rowley (his widow) in this collection.
2. The coal was conveyed by pack horse in sacks - though 'horse loads' might be just a measure. The large hearths in dwellings of the period suggest a fire requiring plenty of coals or billets (wood), for the daily cooking and, especially in winter, for heating the house.
A measure of coal was the chaldron (John Burnet History of the Cost of Living p136) put at 26-27 cwt. However Emmison (Elizabethan Life: Home Work and Land p56) says it varied between 32 and 64 bushels. He also mentions that the Act of 7 Edw., c.7 (1553), known as the Assize of Fuel, laid down the sizes and prices of 'talwood, billet, faggot and coals' (charcoal), which the author of a work on weights and measures dated 1682 probably refers to [see my IV 71].
Westminster School paid 15s per chaldron in 1585) The widow will be occupying a one-hearth dwelling, ('about the fyer' as the inventory says) and this could well be the one occupied by William Rowley of Heycarr listed in the 1666 Hearth Tax list for Chatterley township.
Stafford Record Office possesses an agreement dated 1678 for getting coal under High Carr Ridges: this is associated with the Smiths of High Carr, who occupied a two-hearth dwelling in 1666. High Carr gave its name to a colliery, which was in operation in the 19th century.
3. The mare at £7 10s is pricey, but possibly the reading is £4 10s.
4. 'Pullen' is poultry.
4. 'One grindlestone & trowe for the same' - a grinding stone and a trough going with it, either for collecting or delivering the barley. The malt suggests he (or his wife) brewed.
5. A truckle bed is one which was slid under the bed when not in use.
6. 'cloth vncutt' - still awaiting the attention oŽf the shearman. George Wood still owed him for cloth supplied.
7. Teere of flax - an eighteenth century definition of tear of flax is that it is the finest, dressed part of flax, made ready for the spinner.
8. 'A hayre cloth'. The cloth made of hair was used in brewing, and, judging by the valuation, was presumably a big one.
9. John Rowley had a large amount of ready money in the house. In the absence of banks, when there was money spare, it was usually lent to neighbours. But perhaps the uncertain times of the Civil War accounted for this hoard, as for the husbandman John Crosse of Biddulph's £34 in cash that he had at his death in 1647.
John Clownam of Knutton, yeoman, date of will 18th December 1644, buried 1st February 1647/8, inventory taken 3rd February, date of probate 15 June 1648
Will
Being weak in body; "my body to the earth whereof it was made".
Whereas I have conveyed my messuage iun Knutton with the lands belonging to it to Richard Harrison of Newcastle under Lyme, alderman and Thomas Bagnall of Newcastle under Lyme, yeoman and their heirs to several uses, amongst which it is provided that £150 shall be raised out of the said messuage and lands to be paid to me and after my decease to Richard Harrison and Thomas Bagnall to be disposed to the uses declared in my last will (by an indenture dated 20th November 17 Chas I [1641] between me of the one part, and Richard Harrison and Thomas Bagnall of the other part). As my son Richard has not paid me the £150, my will is that it shall be raised according to the indenture and used for paying my debts. Also, my will is that if my son John pays within six months of my death £60 towards paying the residue of my debts, then I give to my executors the messuage in Handford inhabited by one John Fisher with the lands belonging to it (for which James Toyld has a lease for lives) so that they can sell them to the said John Clownam and his heirs for ever if he pays the money within the six months, or sold to someone else and the money received to be employed towards satisfaction of my debts.
Residuary legatees: my wife [not named], my daughter Margerie and my son Gyles Clownam (except the table in the house, the wainscot and the bedstead where my son Richard lies, all which I give to him).
Executors: Gyles Clownam and my cousin Roger Elkyn.
Witnesses: Richard Harrison, Thomas Bagnall, Richard Clownam, Thomas Ball. John Clownam signs by mark.
A true & p[er]fect Inventory of all the goods Cattells & Chattells of John Clownam late of knutton in the countie of Staff[ord] yeoman deceased taken & apprized the Third day of February Anno D[omi]ni 1647 by Richard Harrison John Cowall William Gibson John Baddiley praysers.
Three kine Two Bullockes one heffer, One Bullocke & Three calves
seaven sheepe
Corne & hay in ye barne
Corne uppon the ground
a wayne Tumbrell yoakes plow chaines & other implemen[en]tes of husbandry
In ye kilne house
One Cowmpe & a hand Mill
plow Timber, wayne Timber
Mill timber, loose boardes
rayles & other broken Tymber
Charcole
In the house place
One longe Table one forme
& a little table
One Bedstidd in the Upp[er] p[ar]lor
In the Chamber over the house
One Bedstidd One Coverlett One Blankett a Fether bed & boulster
One Coffer
Lynine & Nappery ware
In the Lower p[ar]lor
One Cupboard, a Forme a little table, one grate, an Iron plate, Fire shovell Tonges & pottrackes Three Cushions & a chaire
In the Chamber over ye lower Parlor
Two Bedstidds One Fether bedd One Flock bedd, Three Blanketts, Two Coverletts Three Boulsters & a Coffer
In the Chamber over the kitchen
loose boards & an Arke
Two Tubbs, One Coffer shelves
& other lumber
Trenchers Bowkes Churnes
Tubbs Barrells Turnells
& other Treene ware 6s 8d
Apparrell of the deceased
& money in his purse
Brasse & Pewtar
Cobertes, Broaches & dreepingpan & other Iron ware
Manure
Provision in the house
Pannell boards & things not prized
One Swyne & Two bibles
Notes
1. It seems from this that his son Richard was living with him - and had been doing so in 1632 when his selection as churchwarden was made on the basis of the house where he was living. Richard died in 1661 and it may be his widow ('Mrs Clownam') who was living in the house with three hearths in Knutton in 1666.
2. John Clownam's widow is quite likely to be the Anne Clownam, widow, who was buried 4th March 1648.
3. The bishop made an order dated 27th November 1635 addressed to the vicar of Wolstanton and the churchwardens that a vacant place should be assigned to John Clownam and John Cowall in the church so that they could see divine service and hear more. Pews were allocated to the tenement, and John Clownam's uncle Richard Glover (from whom he inherited the tenement in Knutton) had not been entitled to a pew either.
4. The kiln house has a malt kiln for converting barley into malt. The charcoal was used for fuel.
5. If the writer of the inventory hadn't been running out of room at the bottom of the sheet, the swine and bibles might have been separately valued.
John Caulton of Stadmoreslow, will dated 21st February 1648/9, buried 4th March 1647/8, inventory undated, date of probate 17th May 1649.
Will
Sick in body; to be buried at the parish church of Wolstanton.
To Francis Caulton my daughter: one featherbed in the chamber with everything belonging to it; and one joined bed standing in the parlour after the decease of my wife.
To Lawrence Caulton my son: 12d; (and one long table standing in the parlour after the decease of my wife [added after])
To Joane Cartwright my daughter: 12d
To Francis Caulton my daughter: £30
To every one of my grandchildren: 12d
Executors: Anne Caulton my wife and Lawrence my son.
Residuary legatee: Anne Caulton my wife.
Witnesses: William Burslem, Margery Drakeford, John Burslem.
Debts owing to me: Mr Raph Caulton my landlord..£3;
Mrs Francis Caulton my landlady ..£2 13s 4d.
A true and p[er]fect Inventorie of all the goodes Cattells and Chattels of John Caulton of Stadmorlowe in the p[ar]ish of Wolstanton and Countie of Stafford late deceased.
5 kine and one calfe
the one halfe of 4 Bullockes
2 Stirkes
2 horses 2 saddels w[i]th girthes & all that belongeth vnto them
Corne And heay
3 Fetterbedes & boulsters 2 pillowes
2 bed coveringes
7 blanckets
6 poundes of wooll
yorne & Towe
one Joynd bed and 1 paire of bedstockes
one Wich & 6 coffers
Boardes ouer the parler and Butterie
15 Sheepe
one longe Table and forme
2 Chaires & stoules
9 shilfes
4 stoundes 2 barrels one Cheese tub one Churne
2 Turnells
Boukes w[i]th other treene ware 13s 4d
2 Cubboardes
6 paire of [s]heetes
one dossen of napkins 2 table cloathes 2 towels
3 yardes of new cloath 4 pewter and one dreepinge pan
3 pannes Brasse
one grate w[i]th other Iron Ware
one waine & waines body w[i]th 4 yoakes 3 chaines
w[i]th other husbandry ware
2 ladders
one swine
one goose & gander & twoo hennes
one side saddle one pillion & saddle Cloath
Bookes
his wareinge Apparell
Bagges & winow sheetes ......................................... 3s 4d
Meale & groates .............................................£1 6s 8d
money in his purse
Lymestone
moneyes oweinge By Lawrence Caulton
Mr Caulton
Ms Caulton
henry Baker
John Meare w[i]th others stand bound in a band w[hi]ch all is payd
John Swaine
Notes
1. The burial date in the parish register is 1647/8 - a year too early.
2. 'stoundes' - these are stands for the barrels. 'Turnells' are large ovals tubs which could be used in meat preparation eg salting the meat.
3. 'Boukes w[i]th other treene ware' = pails and other wooden items.
4. 'Meale & groates' - the meal is the flour; the groats are the hulled grains.
5. The bond ('band') is a written agreement which the appraisers found among the testator's papers. The words 'w[hi]ch all is payd' look as if they were added after. The £3 should have been deleted, so I have left it out of the calculation of the total.
4. Ann Caulton, widow, was buried 6th March 1651/2. Lawrence Caulton was the occupier of a one-hearth house in Stadmorlow in 1666.
5. This John Caulton is to be distinguished from the several instances of John Caulton of the Whitehill (in Brerehurst). This line of Caultons owned 25½customary acres (54 acres) in Brerehurst, and perhaps 'Mr Raph Caulton my landlord' is related to them.
6. It is a pity there is confusion over his date of burial and that the inventory is undated, because it looks as if a son of his died after his death - yet there is no mention in the will. The printed copy of the register reads:1649 Apr 28 --------s. of John Caulton of Stodmorelow.
Robert Parker of Tunstall, yeoman, will dated 31st March 1649, buried 1st April 1649, inventory taken 5th April, date of probate 17th May.
Will
To be buried in the Christian burial,
To my four sisters Margrett, Alce, Mary, and Dorrithie: 12d each.
To Sara Sherratt and William Sherratt my sister Alse's children: 5s each.
To my sister Mary's son: 5s.
To my sister Dorrithie's two children: 5s.
To Elizabeth Stevenson the daughter of William Stevenson my brother-in-law: 40s.
Residuary legatee and executor: my loving wife Mary, to whom I assign all my living during her life, which was my promise.
Overseer: William Stevenson my brother-in-law.
[Signs by mark]
Witnesses: William Stevenson, Frances Brett, Mary Perry.
Aprill the 5th Ann[o] Dom[ini] 1649
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of Robert Parker deceased taken by vs whose names subscribed the day and yeare aboue written.
Thomas Breett Richard Baddeley Samuell Terricke
foure kine one twinter heyfer & three sterkes
Three horses
Nine sheepe
One gilt
for Poultry
for Beddinge and bedstedes
for all Linnens & nappery ware
for brasse & pewter
for one chest & three coffers
One Cubbord & tow Tables
Tow arkes
for Formes Cheares stooles and all other wooden ware
One grate one fireshoole & tonges tow spites one paire of goberts backstone & brundret & pottchaines
for one carte ploughes & all other husbandry ware
for hay & corne
for the corne w[hi]ch is sowne £7 6s 8d
for all maner of victualls
for quishons
for menor
boardes & plankes
for his wearinge apparell & mony in his purse
Notes
1. The inventory does not mention the lease included in his father's inventory (1630). If he did have the lease of the 41½ -acre-holding (mostly pasture), then he must have sublet much of it to others, judging by the size of his cattle herd.
2. 'One gilt' - a young pig.
3. Not to be confused with a Robert Parker in Burslem parish who in 1648 was already married and had a wife called Elizabeth.
4. 'for the corne w[hi]ch is sowne £7 6s 8d' This is quite a high price. The wording indicates that the corn had been sown not long before, but was not showing above ground.
5. The name Frances Brett is confirmed as a woman's name in the Tunstall manor court roll for October 1666. She was referred to as Frances Brett, widow, and was presented for an encroachment. She had been a widow since at least 1641 and died in 1676. (Her burial record refers to her as 'of Tunstall' to distinguish her from Thomas Brett's wife Frances who lived elsewhere.)
William Burslem, no will, buried Nov 23rd 1648, inventory taken 11th May 1649,[Wed] date of probate 17th May.
A true & p[er]fect Inventorie of all goods chattells & cattell of William Burslem Late of Woolstanton in the County of Stafford yeoma[n] Late deceased taken praysed & Valued the eleaventh daye of May An[n]o Dom[ini] 1649 by John Bourne & John Robinson in manner & forme followinge.
One bed boulster & Coverlid...................................................... 7s 8d
One Chayre................................................................................... 1s
One lease in p[ar]te of a Roche or Rowe of Coles
Comonly called the greate Rowe alias the gutter
delfe lying in the Hamlett of Sneyd in the
county aforesaid........................................................................... 10s
The [deceased] weareing apparrell.......................................... 6s 8d
[Sum total] £1 5s 4d
Notes
1. The burial entry in the parish register describes him as an old man.
2. Administration was granted to his son James Burslem of Wolstanton, husbandman. James Burslem was buried Aug 7th 1661.
3. Provisional conclusions about the Burslems of Wolstanton. There is a mention of William Burslem dwelling in Wolstanton in 1581. He is presumed to be the William Burslem who died a little before April 1605 (Both mentions are in Newcastle manor rolls.) The next William Burslem mentioned is presumably this one who was buried in November 1648. He had a son William who died early. (The Newcastle manor court roll for October 1610 records that William Burslem junior owned at his death half of a messuage and lands in Wolstanton; the heriot was a gelding worth £3; and his heir was his son aged 1 year.)
There is a series of brewers of ale in Wolstanton called William Burslem - perhaps the mentions between 1610 and (say) 1639 refer to our William Burslem, with his son James taking over in the 1640's. The court held at Wolstanton in the house of William Burslem on 28th October 1629 was likely to be the establishment of this William Burslem.
By the early 1630's his grandson William had come of age, and acquired some land from his grandfather, namely Wood Hey, Wood Meadow and 1 day math of meadow. He married Alice and predeceased her, before he reached the age of 52. Some of the ale-brewing references to William Burslem are likely to refer to him - certainly the 1649 one!
3. Sneyd (a hamlet of 15 houses in 1666) lay on rising ground just to the east of Burslem.
Thomas Latham of Grobbers Ash, tanner, will dated 12th June 1651, buried at Audley 30th June 1651, date of probate 13th July 1652.
Will
In the name of God Amen the Twelfth day of June in the yeare of our Lord God six hundred Fiftie One I Thomas Latham of Grobbers ash in the parish of Woolstandston and countie of Stafford Tanner being sick in body yet of good and perfect memory (thankes be to god therefore) Doe constitute ordeine and make this my last will and Testament in manner and forme following, First I comitt my soule into the handes of Almightie god my Creator trusting assuredly to bee saued by the meritts and passion of Jesus Christ my onely Saviour and redeemer and my body to christian buriall at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named in the parish Church of Audley, also my goods temporall I giue and bequeath as followeth First I giue and bequeath unto Henry Latham my sonne the su[m]me of Twentie poundes to bee paid him within one yeare after my decease for and in the name of his childes parte and filiall porc[i]on of my goods, also I give and bequeath vnto Ellen Latham and Alice Latham my grandchildren and daughters of my son Henry Latham either of them the sum[m]e of Tenn poundes to bee paid vnto Raph Saxon of Betteley the younger within one yeare after my decease as a freind in trust to imploye it for theire vse and if it happen that either of them shall dye before they attaine to the yeares of one and Twentye or be preferred in marriage that after such decease the sume before giuen shall goe to the benefit and preferment of the survivor of them, Alsoe my will is that my sonne Coulton Latham shall pay and discharge that bond wherein I and my sonne Coulton stand bound with my son Henry Latham vnto¸ Richard Venables of the parish of Audley and Countie of Stafford yeoman, Alsoe I giue and bequeath vnto Jane Latham my daughter the sum[m]e of Threescore poundes more to be paid her within twoe whole yeares and a half after my decease. Alsoe I giue vnto my daughter Jane one Chest and one feather bed to bee furnished at the discretion of my Executor as a filiall porcon of all my goods. Also I giue vnto Randall Whitall my godsonne fiue shillings to bee paid him within one yeare after my decease. All the rest of my goods cattells and Chattells I giue vnto Coulton Latham my sonne my debts being paid and my funeral expences discharged. And finally I ordaine and make the said Coulton Latham my sole true and lawfull Executor to execute this my last will & Testam[en]t according to the true intent and meaning hereof and according to the trust I repose in him In witnes whereof I haue herevnto set my hand and seale the day and yeare first aboue written. Thomas Latham. Sealed and deliuered in the presence of The marke of William Tomkinson. Robert Whitall. Robert Whitall iunior.
Notes
It was proved at the PCC [in London]. Coulton Latham didn't have to travel to London to give his oath.
Thomas Marsh of Wolstanton, no will, buried April 1651, date of administration 23rd June 1651.
A commission was issued forth unto William Marsh, uncle and curator of Richard, John, William and Mary Marsh lawful children of Thomas Marsh late of Wolstanton in the county of Stafford, deceased, having goods, chattels, debts etc to administer the said goods etc during the minority and to the use of the said children, he being first sworn by commission faithfully to administer.
Notes
1. By 23rd June 1651, when administration was granted to William Marsh, Thomas's wife Mary had died. The orphans Richard (nearly 14), John (nearly 11), William (8 years), and Mary (41/2 years) were therefore put in the care of their uncle William. In 1656, Richard 'son of Thomas Marsh late of Wolstanton deceased', was married to Anne daughter of William Rowley of Broadfield.
His uncle William Marsh had a daughter baptised at Newchapel in 1649/50 - the only recorded 17th century baptism there. (There is some evidence that the minister of Newchapel had some independence from the vicar of Wolstanton in the Commonwealth period.) This William Marsh may be the William Marsh son and heir of John Marsh of Chesterton who died in 1637.
Edward Allen of Chatterley, no will, buried 20th March 1651/2, administration granted 3rd May 1652
A commission was issued forth to Robert Butterton creditor.
James Beech of Great Chell, yeoman, will dated 26th March 1652, buried 25th June 1652, proved at Westminster 18th May 1653.
Will
Being in good health; to be buried in the parish church of Woolstanton.
To James Beech, my son: one ark standing in his barn at Tunstall, and one cistern of stone standing in his fold at Tunstall; two tables and a dishboard standing in my house at Chell; one joined bed and cupboard standing in my lower parlour at Chell; (One ark which was my father's standing in my barn at Chell, and one tubstone standing on the backside of the house at Chell to remain as heirs for James and the heirs of these messuages.) £20 which he owes me and £20 more.
To William Beech, my son: £200; one new pair of bedsteads standing at Chell and the bed that I lie on and the bedding that belongs to it (except one coverlet which I give to my son James Beech).
To Margaret Rowley my daughter, and John Rowley her husband: all the money which they owe me; my best brass pot at Chell; one coffer standing at Tunstall; the third part of my pewter.
To Anthony Beech, my son: all the money he owes me and £60 more.
To Henry Bourne my grandchild: £20.
To James Beech my grandchild: £20.
To Mary Beech my sister: £4.
To William Beech my brother: 20s.
To my sister Anne Daniell: 20s which she owes me.
Residuary legatee and executor: Thomas Beech my son.
Witness: John Wood.
Notes
1. The parish register describes him as a widower. He served the office of constable and churchwarden, as well as acting as appraiser for probate inventories from time to time.
2. James Beech had acquired through his wife 26 acres of land in Tunstall and Chatterley, and paid a chief rent of £1 0s 11d. And while his brother-in-law, Thomas Bourne, had been alive, he had also been owning property jointly with him, for which a chief rent of 7s was due.
(Landowners had to pay church rates; in a bishop's visitation of 1629, James Beech of Tunstall yeoman was presented for non-payment of church rates: he owed 3s 6¾d on his own, and 3s 1½d jointly with Thomas Bourne of Chell.) Thomas Beech (presumably his son) was churchwarden in 1642 "for the house of Millhouse", and in 1662 Mr. Beech of the Milnehouse is mentioned in a deed.
Ellin Rowley of Heycarr, widow of John Rowley, will dated 31st Oct 1655, buried 22nd Jan 1655/6; no inventory survives.
Will
In the name of god Amen the eleven and Twentieth day of October in the yeare of our Lord Christ accordinge to the Account now used in England, One Thousand Six hundred Fiftie and Five. I Ellzin Rowley Widow the Relict of John Rowley late of Hey-Car in the parish of Woolstanton, and Countie of Stafford Yeoman deceased being of good and perfect memorie, thankes bee to Allmightie God, and calling to remembrance the incertainty of this transitory life, doe constitute, ordaine, and make this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following. And principally I commend my Soule to Allmightie God my Creator assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon, and free remission of all my Sinns, and bee saved by the pretious death, and meritts of my blessed Saviour, and Redeemer Christ Jesus. And my Body to the Earth from whom it was taken, to bee buried in such decent and Christian manner, as to my Executors hereafter named shall bee thought mete and convenient. And now for the Sealing of my Temporall Estate, and such goods Chattells, and Debts as the Lord in mercie hath bestowed upon mee, I doe order give and dispose the same as hereafter by this my Will is expressed (that is to say) First I doe Renounce, Frustrate, and hereby make void all, and every former Will, and Wills, Testament and Testaments by mee heretofore made, and declare this to bee my last Will and Testament.
And my Will, and mind is, and I doe hereby give, and bequeath vnto Robert Whitehall my late husbands Step-Father the Summe of Fourtie shillings to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto William Whitehall of Talke in the Countie of Staff[ord] Black-Smith, the Summe of Fourtie pounds to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto John Whitehall, Joseph Whitehall and William Whitehall Sonnes of the aforesaid William the Summe of Thirtie shillings to bee divided amongst them, and the Survivour of: them, and to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give and bequeath vnto John Burslem of the parish of Woolstanton aforesaid Milstonegetter, and to his Children the Summe of Fiftie shillings to bee equally divided amongst them, and the Survivor of them, and to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Nephew and Cousin John Rowley the joyned Beds standinge in the Parlour, One paire of Cobberts, One Copyte, One Broach, the joyned Bedd standing over the said parlour, One Table standing in the house, and a forme belonging to it, Two long Boards over the house, Two Ox-Chains, One paire of Bedstockes standing in the parlour, and another paire of Bedstockes standing below the Entry.
Item I give vnto my kinsmen William Rowley, Randull Rowley, and Thomas Rowley the Summe of Thirty shillings to bee equally divided amongst them and the Survivor of them, and to bee paid within one yeare after my decease.
Item I give vnto my Cousen Mary picterin the Summe of Twenty shillinges.
Item I give vnto my Cousen Ellin Wildblood the Summe of Four Pounds to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Also I give vnto my Cousen Ellin Wildblood the Summe of Fourtie shillings, which her husband did owe vnto my Brother George Alsager. And I give vnto my said Cousen Wildblood one Clooth Gowne, One sadd covllert linen gloo-, One t-n-(-) rill One funole, and shoes, and one good Hatt. Item I give vnto my cousen Mary [knights?] Child[er] the Summe of Fowre pounds to be equally divided amongst them and to bee paid within one whole yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Cousen peter [?Loe] his Sone[s?] the summe of Twentie shillings to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Cousen Ralphe Mayer one greate brasse panne and one Greene Bed-hilding. Item I give vnto Samuell, Daniell, Elizabeth and Judeth Alsager my Cousens the Summe of Twentie pounds to bee equally divided amongst them, and the Survivor of them, and to bee paid within one whole yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Cousen Richard Wickstid the Summe of thirteene pounds six shilings and eight pence to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Cousen Thomas Roe the Summe of Thirteene pounds Six Shillings Eight pence to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Cousen William Hurbutt his Sonne one joyned Bedstandinge over the Buttery. Item I give vnto my God-Sonne Edward Shawe one presse standing in the parlour. Item I give vnto my Cousen John Brereton one Coffer and one joyned Chaire standing in the parlour. Item I give vnto my Cousen Jane Shaw One Coffer standing over the house, and my little Wheele. Item I give vnto my Vncle Thomas Rivetts two Daughters either of them Twentie shillings to bee paid within one yeare after my decease. Item I give vnto my Cousen Isabell Parker, and her Children the Summe of Fourtie shillings to bee equally divided amongst them, and to be paid within one whole yeare after my decease.
Item whereas I have taken a Meadow called the New-Meadow, of George Wood of Chatterley in the Countie of Staff[ord] Collier, and doe stand wholly possessed and interessed of, and in the Same vntill the Annuntiation of our blessed Virgin Mary next but one e[n]sueing after the date herof. And likewise my Servant John Sneyd and I have taken the said Meadow, and paid for it betwixt us for two whole yeares then next following. Therefore my Will, and mind is, and I doe hereby devise, and give vnto my said Servant John Sneyd, and to his assignes my parte of the said Meadow the said two last yeares, so that hee the said John Sneyd, and his assignes shall enioy the whole Meadow during all the time of the foresaid two last yeares. Item I give vnto my Servant - Maid Anne Vnwin the Summe of Tenn shillings (if she live with mee att the time of my decease.) Item I give vnto every one of my God-Children (to whom I have not formerly by this my last Will given some thing) two shillings and Six pence a peece. Item I give to the poore Inhabiters within the said parish of Woolstanton the Summe of three pounds (that is to say) two pounds therof to the poore Inhabiters the nearer side the Water, and the other Twentie shillings to the poore Inhabiters beyond the Water, and the same to bee disposed at the discretion of the MInister, Church-Wardens and Over-Seers for the poore in the same parish. Item I give vnto the poore Inhabiters within the parishe of Audley the Summe of Twentie shillings, the same to bee disposed at the discretion of the Minister, Church-Wardens, and Over-Seers for the poore in the said parishe. Item I give vnto the poore Inhabiters within the parish of Lawton the Summe of Tenn shillings, the same to bee disposed at the discretion of Minister, Church- Wardens, and Over-Seers for the poore of same parishe. After my Debts, Legacies, and funerall expenses paid, and discharged all the rest of my goods, Cattells, and Chattells I give and bequeath vnto my Cousen William Hurbutt my Cousen William Shaw, my Cousen Randull Brereton, and my Cousen Hugh Shaw equally to bee divided amongst them. And finally I ordaine and make the same William Hurbutt, William Shaw, Randull Brereton, and Hugh Shaw my true and Lawfull Executors to execute and perform this my last Will and Testament according to the trust and confidence I repose in them. In witnes wherof I have herevnto sett my hand and Seale. Ellin Rowley her marke.
Sealed and Subscribed in the presence of
The marke of John Sneyd, Robert Whitehall junr.
Note
William Whiteall may have been related to George Whitehall who in 1638 was a blacksmith in Talke-on-the-Hill. George Whitehall was the son of Randall Whiteall of Audley parish, for whose estate probate was granted in that year. John Burslem, millstonegetter, could be the same as the John Burslem of Mow Coole (Mow Cop) who was buried in 1675.
Richard Beech of Knutton, will dated 29th August 1651, buried 2nd September, will proved at London 23rd [?June] 1656.
Will
To be buried in churchyard of Wolstanton.
To my sister Margaret: all my lands and goods, then to my sister Jone, if no heirs; then to my cousin William Tomkinson, if no heirs.
To my sister Marie: £10 to be paid within three-quarters of a year after my decease.
To my sister Jone: £4 a year during her life, paid in equal portions at midsummer and Christmas.
Executor: William Tomkinson.
Witnesses: William Sutton, William [Burne?]
Notes
He represented Knutton as churchwarden in 1638. His house is likely to be the one with four hearths in Knutton that in 1666 was occupied by William Tomkinson. The latter is described as 'of The Wood' in 1657 and 1659 when his children were baptized. In 1677/8, John Tomkinson served as overseer of the poor 'for Woodhouse' i.e. it was the turn of 'Woodhouse' to provide the overseer for that year. John Tomkinson of ye Wood died August 1st 1703, aged 51 - his tombstone still exists
2. William Sutton was associated with a, probably collusive, action in Chancery in 1622 along with the Beech family. In 1645 he was reported with others of Knutton to have refused to pay for the raising of dragoon horses for the Parliament forces (in his case 2s 11d). He is described in 1660 in a deed in Derbyshire Record office as William Sutton of Knutton., yeoman, and in 1666 he had a four-hearth house in Knutton.
Mary Brett of Dimsdale, widow, will dated 22nd July 1658, buried 3rd September, will proved at London 29th November 1658.
Will
Sick in body; to be interred in the church of Keele in or near the place where my husband was buried.
To my son William Brett: the featherbed on which he lies with two pairs of sheets, and all blankets, coverlets and other things for the bed.
To my son John Brett: all bonds and bills and money due to me upon bonds or any other writing from Edward Brett esq. my grandchild or from any other person; one remnant of new flaxen cloth whited containing thirteen yards, with all other goods, cattles and chattels belonging to me, now in the possession of my grandchild Edward Brett of Dimsdale esq. or any other person ( except my wearing apparel which I give to my two daughters Jane Butterton and Anne Keling to be equally divided between them at the oversight of their two sisters Margaret Parker and Marie Edge.)
To Margaret Parker, my daughter: my silver wine bowl.
To Anne Keling: a little silver cup.
"And likewise Fowre pounds which is owing to me by my daughter Jange Butterton (my bond for five pounds for her son Robert Butterton to John Burslem being discharged) I freelie give and bequeath to my said daughter Jane Butterton."
Executor: John Brett, my son.
Witnesses: Isaac Keling, Georg Hanson.
Notes
1. Mary Brett appears in the Herald's Visitation of 1614 (John Brett of Dimsdale had married Mary Mainwaring of Whitmore) and was at least 75 when she died.
Her eldest daughter Anne in 1636 married Isaac Keeling who was in holy orders at the time: ten years later he became vicar of Wolstanton in contentious circumstances. When he died in 1679, he owed so much money that in a distraint for debt, his widow's only cow was illegally removed from her possession.
(The Mary Brett of Dimsdale who was presented in 1629 for failing to kneel to receive holy communion may be the same person. She was excommunicated when she did not appear at the bishop's court to answer the charge. The penalty excluded the person from Christian burial.) The previous year, on Sunday 19th October, there was a row in church between the vicar Francis Capps and a churchwarden, apparently over the vicar giving communion to Mary Brett when she was standing. The vicar may have shared her views, but she was also a member of one of the leading families in the parish.
Her grandson, Edward Brett married Grace, daughter of Nicholas Hurt. In 1644 the latter was a tenant paying a rack-rent to Mrs Brett, but probably didn't stay long in the parish, as the ancestral home was Castern Hall, near Ilam.
[John Brett esq. died 1627 - inventory survives.
Edward Brett, great-grandson of above, inventory dated 1696.]
John Cowall of Knutton, yeoman, will dated 9th July 1655, buried 22nd April 1659, will proved at London, 20th April 1660.
Will
Being in good health; to be buried in the parish church of Woollstanton.
To Christobell my wife for her life as her dower: my messuage in Knutton which I now inhabit, and all the houses, buildings, gardens, orchards, lands, tenements, meadows, leasowes, pastures and hereditaments belonging to it; and my messuage in Knutton which Ann Betson now inhabits. And afterwards to John Beech the younger (son of my cousin John Beech of Knutton, yeoman) and his heirs for ever.
To my cousin Thomas Doson, webster (son of my brother-in-law William Doson, late of Biddulph) and his heirs: my messuage in Chesterton, now in the occupation of Ralph Baddiley, and all lands, tenements, meadows, leasows, pastures and hereditaments belonging to it, and also five acres and one day work of arable and pasture land in Chesterton, which, together with the messuage, I lately purchased. And for want of an heir, to my godson John Doson (brother of the said Thomas) and his heirs, lawfully begotten. And for want of an heir, to my right heirs for ever.
To Daniell Beech (another son of my cousin John Beech of Knutton) his heirs and assigns for ever: the reversion and rents of the messuage in Barlaston which I have lately purchased and leased to Francis Neeke, and all houses, edifices, lands, tenements and hereditaments belonging to it,
To Joseph Beech (another son of my cousin John Beech of Knutton) and his heirs for ever: the reversion, rents and services of the close, pasture or parcel of land in Barlaston called Hollowayside, now divided into three separate closes which I have lately purchased and leased with other land to Randall Felkin.
To Christobell Beech and Mary Beech (two of the daughters of my cousin John Beech of Knutton), their heirs and assigns for ever: the reversion, rents and services of the closes or parcels of land in Barlaston called the Upper Waste, the Neather Waste, the two Wood Yards and the [Trat Stures Long?] which I have lately purchased and leased with other land to Randall Felkyn.
To James Beech (another son of my cousin John Beech of Knutton), his heirs and assigns for ever: the reversion, rents and services of the close, pasture or parcel of land in Barlaston called Glaseley Piece, which I have lately purchased and leased to Roger Degg. If any of these beneficiaries, Daniel, Joseph, Christobell, Mary or James die before the age of 21 years or marriage, then the property is to go to the survivors (including any future children of John Beech the elder of Knutton and his wife Christobell.) and be equally divided between them, except if either Christobell or Mary die, then their property is to go to the survivor of them. (My intention is that John Beech, son and heir apparent of the said John Beech the elder is not to take advantage of this, together with his other brother and sisters.)
To my cousin John Beech the elder of Knutton and John Wood of Chesterton, yeoman, and their heirs: one annuity or yearly rent of 32 shillings to be paid every year out of the close in Barlaston called the Houscroft and meadow at the west gate which I recently bought and leased to Robert Dakyn; to be paid 1st February to the use and in trust for the poor of the townships of Chesterton and Knutton, equally divided; and on 2nd February each year after that to the poor householders of the townships by the churchwardens of the parish of Wolstanton, with the consent of my executors and their heirs. And if it happen that the annuity or yearly rent is behind and unpaid for later than ten days from the due date, then it shall be lawful for John Beech etc. to enter the close and meadow and distrain until they shall be satisfied of the amount and any arrears.
To Christobell my wife: the use of all my husbandry ware, the long table in the house, all shelves, and four pairs of bedsteads.
After her decease to my cousin John Beech the younger: the table, shelves and two pairs of bedsteads and half of the husbandry ware.
After her decease to my cousin Thomas Doson: two pairs of bedsteads and the other half of the husbandry ware.
To Job Beech another of the sons of John Beech the elder: £100.
To my cousin Margarett Tomkinson, wife of William Tomkinson: £100.
To my cousin Thomas Boneton [?Baneton]: £40.
To my cousin Mathew Payne: £40.
To my cousin Thomas [?Coater] of [?Tewnchurch]: £10.
To my cousin Elizabeth Baglie, widow: £10.
To the poor of the parish of Wolstanton: £10, which my will is shall be disposed as follows: twenty [?nobles] to the poor on this side the water and the residue to the poor of the other side.
To the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the parish: £20 to be employed by them by the consent of my executors towards the putting forth of the children of some honest poor men living on this side the water in the parish as have more children born in lawful wedlock than their honest labours can maintain to be apprentices.
To the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of the borough of Newcastle under Lyne: £10 which my will is shall be put forth into the hands of two tradesmen [?gravely] being burgesses of the borough or otherwise at their discretion, they having [?save] to take security thereof and keeping the stock on [?feld].
To my godson John Barlow: £40 and to his sister: £40 (to be employed immediately after my decease to the best benefit of them by my executor Thomas Doson).
To Ann Harrison wife of Mr John Harrison of the City of London: £10.
To my cousin John Jennings: £20.
To my cousin John Colier of Beech: £10.
To Roger Elkin of Chesterton: £5.
To John Pateson son of Richard Pateson of Newcastle under Lyne: £5.
To Mary sister of my cousin Thomas Doson: £40.
My will is that payment of funeral expenses and bequests shall be made out of my ready money, debts and money owing to me at the time of my decease; any surplus to be disposed to such pious and charitable uses as my loving friends Thomas Bagnall of Newcastle under Lyne alderman and John Wood of Chesterton yeoman shall think fit.
To Christobell my wife: all my household stuff, goods and chattels not already bequeathed except my debts and ready money.
To my godson John Doson (brother of my cousin Thomas Doson), his heirs and assigns for ever: a croft or parcel of land called Churchstile croft in Chesterton, 4 acres of land in a butty field in Chesterton called Beaseley, previously the inheritance of John Bourne of the Fould in Chesterton; and a close or parcel of land in Barlaston called Hollewell Field which I lately purchased of Agnes Sutton.
To the poor of the borough of Newcastle under Lyne: £5 to be distributed at my decease.
Executors: John Beech the elder, and Thomas Doson.
If any doubt or difference arise out of the interpretation of the will, it shall be determined by my loving friend Thomas Bagnall.
Witnesses: Raphe Keeling, Isaac Kelinge, [?William] Colclough, Thomas Bagnall and Samuel Bagnall.
Codicil
1. I reduce the bequest to Job Beech from £100 to £60; and devise to John Beech his father, (and his heirs and assigns for ever) the messuage or tenement with the appurtenances in Barlaston and closes, lands, tenements and hereditaments which I lately purchased from William Handley of Barlaston, tailor.
2. The £100 bequest to Margarett Tomkinson shall not be paid to her or her husband during his life unless her husband shall before the receipt thereof make her an estate in lands of twenty nobles yearly for her life; otherwise the executors shall disburse the £100 for taking a lease of so much land as shall amount to £10 yearly for the use of Margrett for her life; and after her death the remaining interest or term to be for the benefit of Margarett's children.
3. To the present and future children of Margarett Tomkinson, the sum of £200 to be equally divided between them, my executors immediately after my death to set forth and employ it for the best benefit of the children untl they each reach the age of 21, or otherwise be disposed of by the consent of my executors on the survivors of them.
4. To the mayor etc of Newcastle, an additional £100 so that they can with all convenient speed purchase lands to the annual value of at least £5 for an addition to the yearly maintenance of the school of Newcastle to be paid to the school-master(s) for ever, provided that the children of the inhabitants of Knutton and Chesterton shall be freely taught at the school for ever.
5. To my cousin John Barlowe an additional £40 and to Thomas Doson's sister an additional £60.
6. To my cousin John Daniell of Meareheath and his sister £20 each.
7. To my cousin Thomas Doson one long ladder and all my loose sawn boards, spokes, gates, bars, wains, yokes, and husbandry ware altogether, the latter to be after my wife's death.
Dated: 15th August 1657.
Witnesses: Thomas Bagnall, Elizabeth Marshall, Edward Felkin, James Plant (his mark).
Notes
1. The burial entry in the parish register records: '1659 Apr 22 John Cowall of Knutton & Christobell his wife'. His heir Thomas Dawson was his nephew (John Cowall calls him cousin).
2. The 1666 Hearth Tax return provides some information about people mentioned in the will. It seems that Ralph Baddiley was still living at John Cowall's house in Chesterton (a house with three hearths), while Thomas Dawson lived in one with two hearths. In Knutton there were two John Beech's, one in a two-hearthed house, the other in a three-hearthed house.
3. Barlaston is situated 7 miles away, between Newcastle and Stone. The names of the fields cannot be guaranteed because they are obscured in the tight fold of the volume the will is contained in.
4. Distraint was a common method of obtaining redress. It involved the constable or official going into the debtor's field and taking away sufficient cattle to cover the debt or money claimed.
5. Fowlea Brook divided the parish in two: the townships on this side of the water were Knutton, Chesterton, Wolstanton, Dimsdale and Chatterley.
6. 'butty field' ie a field of strips (or 'butts') of arable land.
7. Isaac Keeling, a witness to the will, was vicar of Wolstanton.
8. A tablet used to be in Wolstanton parish church recording that John Cowall left land to nine several persons and £100 to the free school of Newcastle and 32 shillings a year to the poor of 'Nutton and Chesterton'.
9. Fenton's bound manuscript papers in Stafford Record Office include Cowall's gift to the school and is dated 1622 [See index - another document mentions Cowall [check D952/4/?30 for date or see index] ]
John Bourne of Little Chell, gentleman, will dated 17th March 1659, inventory taken , date of probate 19th December 1660.
Will
He has land in Great Chell - and several nieces. He refers to his tenement In Great Chell now in the possession of John Stockley /Hockley and all houses and lands thereunto belonging (and also one close or field in Newcastle under Lyme called Deane Croft which goes to niece Alice Bagnall.) His nephew William Bourne gentleman gets his other lands. He and the other nephew John Bourne are to be executors. Witnesses - John Colclough, John Bourne, John Bourne younger.
Inventory
The total is £62 5s 4d and includes 3 pieces of woollen cloth totalling £1 10s 0d. The appraisers - John Colclough, William Beeche, Thomas Beeche, John Dale [D is unclear].
John Wood of Olcott, yeoman, will dated 6th March 1660/1 buried 16th Mar 1660/1, inventory taken 26th March 1661, administration granted 11th May 1661.
Will
Being weak in body; my body to the earth.
To Margrett my wife: half of the messuage at Olcott (which is assigned to her) where I now live, and half of all houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, leasows, pastures and hereditaments belonging, for her life (if Mr Brerehurst so long shall live); also 4 cows, one nag, two hogs, two-thirds of all my household provision, 3 bushels of barley, 3 bushels of oats, one calf and all my geese;
To my two grandchildren John Caulton and Joseph Caulton: after my wife's decease two-thirds of all my household goods (which are for her use during her life), to be equally divided.
To each of the children «of my cousin Lawrence Caulton of Stodmorelowe and of my cousin John Hewitt: 6s 8d.
To Mr Moxon: 20 shillings.
To Anne Pickhorne: 5 shillings.
To my son John Wood: one chest which I lent to him before.
To my said grandchild John Caulton: one whitch standing at the Whitehill and one coffer which my daughter now uses.
To my grandchild Joseph Caulton: one whitch in the barn and one desk.
To my daughter Anne: the other half of the messuage at Olcott where I now live, and half of all houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, leasows, pastures and hereditaments belonging, for 3 years following my death.
To my daughter Anne and my grandchildren John and Joseph Caulton and their assignes: after my wife's decease, the one half that my wife will have had, together with the other half, for the term that I have it for.
Whereas I have made a grant or assignment of all my interest in a messuage or tenement and certain lands in Odd Rode, Cheshire to my daughter Anne on condition that she pays my debts, my will is that my debts (which are in a schedule going with it) shall all be paid by her accordingly.
Whereas my son-in-law John Caulton has not performed the covenants and agreements contained in certain articles made between him and me which he is bound to perform by an obligation carrying a penalty of £400 which hitherto he has not performed although I have several times in a loving manner asked him to do, my will is that if he does not accede to a demand by my executor to do it, then legal action is to be taken to compel him, the expenses to be met out of my personal estate, and in case my son-in-law shall still refuse to perform the agreement for settling the lands mentioned in the agreement or make any other breach of the agreement upon which my executors shall recover any sums of money upon the the bond or articles then my will is that the blenefits of the bond and articles and of such sums of money as shall be clearly recovered above all charges and expenses (which my will is shall only be deposited out of my personal estate till such time as a recovery shall be had against my son-in-law) shall go and be delivered, and I do hereby devise the same as follows: two thirds of the benefits to my grandchild John Caulton, a third of the benefits to my grandchild Joseph Caulton, there being firstly deducted the sum of £5 which it is my intention shall [go] to the two daughters of my son John Wood, and the fourth part of the bond to go to my daughter Anne Wood, £5 being discounted as aforesaid, provided that my daughter be liable for the charges of prosecution of John Caulton as aforesaid.
The rest of my goods, bonds, bills, specialties, ready money, cattles and chattels with my lands, coals and coal mines at Whitehill (my funeral expenses, debts and legacies being first paid) I bequeath to George Hanson, William Marsh, John Cartwright of Ancomb low, Richard Sutton and Thomas Buckley. Nevertheless my desire is that if my daughter Anne should marry with the consent of my executors, George Hanson, William Marsh, John Cartwright, Richard Sutton and Thomas Buckley would deliver to her the rest of my goods etc. And if she dies before such a marriage, then my desire is that it shall be given to my grandchildren John Caulton and Joseph Caulton. Lastly I appoint George Hanson, William Marsh, John Cartwright, Richard Sutton and Thomas Buckley executors. In witness of this I have put my hand and seal to it.
Sealed and subscribed in the presence of William Burslem, William Rowley, John Leigh, (the mark of) Thomas Hancock.
All the amendments (listed) were interlined before the sealing and delivery and likewise I John Wood devise to my son John all the boards which came from the Whitehill and which lie over two rooms in which he now lives after the decease of Mr Brerehurst of Hanford and my wife.
A true & perfect Inventory of all the goods Cattells & Chattells of John Wood of Olcott in the parrish of Wolstanton & County of Stafford late deceased taken the 26th day of march by vs whose names are subcr[ibed] the 1661
all the Bedstocks some beinge j[oy]ned & s[om]e plane being
in Number [ torn] w[i]th all feather beds chaffbeds flockbeds bolsters pillows, blanketts Coverlids being fitt for 6 beds
all the Coffers chests trunks kneding troes being in Numb[e]r
2 Arks one Cubbart one saffe
one Arke at white hill w[i]th a little table chiesresse bords planks &
oth[e]r things
one great table & forme one longe joyned Cheare one Round table one
Little square table & throne Cheare one buffet stoule & oth[e]r stoules
in the kittchin one longe table one forme & a little Round table
all the brasse and peouter
all the sheets Nappery ware table cloaths & all Linnens
all the Cushshens being one dozen
all the Coopery ware of all sorts
all the Hempe dressed vp & all the yarne
all the ticknell ware w[it]h all sorts of burslem ware
2 hackney saddles one side sadle pillion some packsadles w[it]
there furniture
3 pairs horse gaires 2 oxe chains 2 p[er]e of fett[e]rs w[it]h all
shovells Axes mattocks bills Sawes Nagers 2 gratts fyer shovells
tonges potracks frying pan w[it]h all oth[e]r Ieron ware
plowes Harrowes waines Carts wheeles yoks & all timber
prepared for Husbandry ware
towe swine Geese henns & oth[e]r poltry
all the bordes over the house w[it]h all loose bordes & shelfes whatsoever
all the bordes lyinge in John woods End where he now lives
4 Cowes 2 twinter heaffers 2 stirks 2 Calues yeaies old & 2 suckinge calues
2 oxen oxen £11 15s one bull £3 one maire 2 Naggs £11 in all
one twinter coult & 28 sheepe
Barley oates Hay straw at olcott: & oates at moule Ende
all the houshould provission cheese beefe bacon &c.
all the R----s of Coale vpon the delph bankes
the Remain[de]r of that Lease at white hill
the lease at olcott during the terme
moneneys owinge to the deceased from John frost
all the Manure about the house
all the deceaseds aparrell books & money in his purse
all things vnpraised
boards at stadm[or]esloe that lye over one Roome there
[Names subscribed:] Will[iam] Rowley
Will[iam] Dickinson
Notes
1. John Wood lived in Olcott, as did his father (called John) and his son (called John) for a while. He and his wife Margarett had several children who died early, but his son John (baptised in 1629 and married in 1657) survived him, living in another part of the house. He and his wife Ellen had probably moved to Kidcrew before 1666. In 1666 only Margaret Wood, the widow, was assessed for the hearth tax in Olcott, having two hearths.
2. He could be the resident of a dwelling-house demolished in Goldenhill in 1832 where a hoard of coins was found in the rafters. John Wood was the recipient of a notice sent July 5th 1658 found with the coins, warning of a meeting to be held on 7th August. (Goldenhill was in the hamlet of Olcott, and was where a Thomas Wood was living at his death in 1692.)
3. In a case at Lichfield in 1631, John Wood of the parish of Wolstanton declared that he was aged 59 (or is it 69?), that he had known Raphe Keeling for 20 years and Richard Bromfall for 8 years. (He must be the father who died in 1640.)
4. 'if Mr Brerehurst so long shall live'. Evidently Mr Brerehurst was John Wood's landlord. Thomas Brerehurst of Hanford is the only gentleman in the area of this name and period.
5. 'The Whitehill' or 'Whitehill' was where Caultons had lived since the beginning of the 17th century and probably before that. John Caulton, the recalcitrant son-in-law, must have been a widower: there is no mention in this will of the daughter of John Wood that he must have married.
6. John Wood's executors all refused to take on the role so the court granted to his daughter Anne Wood, spinster, the administration of his estate.
7. ticknell ware
8. There is a tuition bond with regard to the grandchildren of John Wood of Olcott, binding Egerton Snow of Newcastle, mercer, and John Wood of Brerehurst. [To be checked again - this is in 1663 22 Sep John Wood, Wolstanton]
William Baddeley of Wolstanton, yeoman, date of will 22 June 1663, buried 26th June 1663, inventory taken 3rd Nov 1663
Will
Weak in body: to be buried in Wolstanton churchyard near to my ancestors.
To my loving wife Margrett Baddiley: £6 a year during her life, to be paid out of 2 fields called the Stonifields which I have in possession (if they are not redeemed from her). If they are redeemed, then she is to have £6 a year of the money they are redemed for; and after her decease, my intention is that Burslam Baddiley son of William Baddiley the younger shall have the two Stonifields to him and his heirs for ever, and if he has no children, then with successive remainders to William Baddiley, his brother and his heirs for ever and to Thomas Baddiley, his brother and his heirs and ever. And if Stonifields is redeemed from any of the three brothers, then the brothers are to have £100, the which they are redeemed withall.
To my executors: all the little right and interest that I have in the fields, closes and pastures called the Gillow heaths; they should distribute the rent and profit of the closes or pastures to William Baddiley and Thomas Baddiley the sons of William Baddiley the younger; the first year that it shall come to their hands to go forward with them till they be able to be set to some trade and after the first year's rent so disposed then the rent and profits that shall come forth of the same to go to William Baddiley and his children.....
..... to the heirs of Elizabeth Bayley my daughter for ever.
To Anne Muskett, my niece: £5.
After my decease the rent from the Stonifields is to go to my daughter Elizabeth and her children for four years.
Executors: Margrett Baddiley my beloved wife and Thomas Burslam my brother-in-law.
Witnesses: George Hanson (signs by mark), John Meare (signs by mark), John Bayley (signs by mark), Sam Bagnall (signature)
Inventory £ s d
five Caulles................................................. 5 0 0
five twinters ............................................. 14 10 0
two Steares ............................................ 9 10 0
five horses ............................................ 13 0 0
eight Cowes .......................................... 25 0 0
five Stearkes ......................................... 8 10 0
therteene Geese ................................... 10 0
Corne in the Barne ................................ 12 0 0
Heay ...................................................... 7 0 0
Weanes plowes & other husbenly ware 2 13 0
one sweand .......................................... 1 5 0
Mucke ................................................... 8 0
Bedes Coffers w[i]th other goodes
oleith holfe ............................................. 3 7 0
one fether bed Ticke .............................. 10 0
Cheese .................................................... 6 15 0
all the sheepe .......................................... 2 7 0
for suine troughes & all other things Left
vnprased ................................................. 5 0
all his wareing apparell and money in his
purse ...................................................... 3 0 0
Lymestone ............................................. 1 0 0
debts oweing by Thomas Baddiley ...... 7 12 0
Thomas Baddiley of [S?]mallwood ....... 3 0 0
Marmaduke Giulbert ................................ 12 0
Vigars .......................................... 1 6 0
£144 1 0
Appraisers: Thomas Machin (signs by mark) Ralph Morton (signs by mark)
Notes
1. At a court held 15th June 1665, William Baddiley, son and heir of William Baddiley deceased, (plus Katherine his wife and John Meare) surrendered cottages etc at Wolstanton to Thomas Burslem of Newcastle, gentleman (who as brother-in-law to the deceased and executor of his will, received moneys, redemption of lands called Gillow Heaths and Stonifields as security for the sum of £144 to be repaid 29th September 1667. They failed to repay. (This is referred to in Thomas Burslem's will dated 12th Feb 1669/70 - see notes IV p103)).
3. In 1615 John Heaton held 15 customary acres of copyhold property in Wolstanton: One messuage, with other edifices, orchard, backside and a fold; one croft called Calves Croft; another called Astly croft with the cottages (½ customary acre); 3 closes, called Whateleys (4 customary acres); one croft called Marsh Croft ( ½ customary acre); five closes called Gilley Heathes and two called Hollins Hease (containing 8 ½ customary acres of arable and pasture). The two closes called Hollins Hays (using the name given in the 1839 Tithe Award) cannot have been more than 8 statutory acres in total, so Gilley Heaths must be 10 statutory acres or a bit more. (Sir Rowland Cotton owned - according to the part of the 1615 survey relating to Wolstanton - one close called Cookes hay and certain closes called the Stonyfeildes or Stone Pittes containing 221/2 customary acres of arable and pasture.)
4. William Baddeley, along with William Gather and John Henshaw, were listed by the constable of Wolstanton in August 1662 as having borne arms on the Parliamentarian side.
5. We also know that in 1639 he and four others in Wolstanton were fined 2d for breaking the assise of ale.
6. William Baddeley in 1662 occupied a house with two hearths in Wolstanton in 1662. The burial of William Badily of Flatts is recorded in the parish register. Margrett Baddley (his widow) occupied the property in 1666 according to the Hearth Tax return for that year.
Possibly this is the messuage owned by John Heaton in 1615. William B addeley of Wolstanton (churchwarden 1656/7) occupied the 'slot' belonging to 'the house of Heton of Woolstanton' in 1630. We know that in 1639 or 1640 William Baddeley rented Gillow heathes from John Heaton, and he is referred to in 1647 as dwelling in Heaton's messuage in Wolstanton. In the same year it was noted that the way next to Heatons was not in good repair.
7. Smallwood - about two miles north of Alsager.
8. The items from 'Limestone' onwards in the inventory were added after in a different hand.
Richard Baddiley of Wolstanton, yeoman, will dated 9th April 1659, buried 7th September 1662, inventory taken 11th September 1662, date of probate 23rd September 1662.
Will
Being weak in body; my body to the earth from whence it came.
To Thomas Baddiley my son: eight horses with their gear ('furniture'), to be chosen by him out of the team ('Gange') that he now drives.
To John Baddiley, William Baddiley and Margrett Baddiley my children: £30 each, to be paid within six months of my decease.
Also to John Baddiley, after my wife's decease: the lease that I have of the Furlong and my rights as a tenant of it.
Residuary legatee; Margarett my wife for life; after her decease, my intention is that my goods shall be divided equally among my children by neutral persons to be selected by my executor.
To William Taylor and Samuell Taylor, sons of James Taylor: each to have one ewe and one lamb of the best that I have.
To Mary Cumberbatch: two ewes and two lambs of the best that I have of the sheep in Wales to go forward with her.
My intention is that if my daughter Margarett marries without the consent of her mother and her brother Thomas, she shall not receive the thirty pounds; instead it will be in the hands of my executor to be disposed of to her at his discretion.
Executor: my son Thomas Baddiley.
He makes void all former wills.
Witnesses: William Baddiley Samuel Bagnall.
A true & p[er]fect Inventory of the Goods Cattell & Chattells of Richard Baddiley late of Woolstanton in the Countie of Staff[ord] yeoman deceased taken & apprized the Eleaventh daie of September In the Foureteenth yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne lord Charles the second &c by Thomas Burslem gent[leman] Roger dale & William Keene apprizers.
Eleaven Cowes 38 00 00
Four Oxen 24 00 00
Six Twinters 20 00 00
nyne sterkes 18 00 00
six Calves 06 00 00
Eight Horses & mares with their geires 23 00 00
Five & Twenty sheepe 03 15 00
Corne 34 00 00
Three swine 03 00 00
Hay 18 00 00
In the Parlour
one Joyned & beddinge one table &
Two frames 04 10 00
In the parlour rutren Chamber one paire of
Bedstockes & beddinge 01 10 00
In the parlour Chamber Wooll 01 10 00
In the Hall Chamber Two bedds & beddinge 03 00 00
In the Chamber over the kitchin one bedd &
beddinge & Coffer 02 00 00
In the further Kitchin Chamber a bed & Beddinge 00 12 00
Brasse & pewter 03 00 00
Cheese & Butter 10 00 00
Bacon & Mael 01 10 00
In the Hall one table & a frame three
chayres & a coffer 01 06 08
Two Coverlids & nappery ware 05 00 00
Wheeles waynes harrowes & all manner
of husbandry ware 06 00 00
One grate att newcastle 00 12 00
Turnells Barrells bowls & tryn ware 01 00 00
poultrey ware 00 10 00
boards & Trumpery ware 01 10 00
wearing apparell & money in his purse 10 00 00
debts uppon specialty 55 14 00
debts without specialty 27 02 09
329 02 05
Apprizers: Thomas Burslem Roger dale William Keene
Notes
1. Though the inventory is a copy, it shows signs of confusion over the location of the upper rooms.
2. Which Richard Baddiley is it? The inventory preamble suggests he is of Wolstanton, rather than Wolstanton parish. A Richard Baddiley took on the lease of The Marsh Head in Wolstanton in 1650, but this was for only seven years, so that the owner's son Ralph Keeling could take it over at age 18 [check PRO for 1656 or 1657 court roll].
On the other hand he is more likely to be Richard Baddiley, son of Thomas Baddiley of Tunstall. He has a lease of land in Tunstall. And the only Baddiley mentioned in the Hearth Tax list for Wolstanton township in 1662 is William Baddiley.
The grate at Newcastle may be in property he owns there, rather than being mended.
3. He has pack horses which his son drives. He has sheep in Wales. It is probable that he expected to die shortly after his will was made: the bequest to Mary Cumberbatch alludes to what could be a temporary situation.
Randulph Meere, died intestate, no inventory, date of administration 31st May 1664
Note
Josuah Hill of Wolstanton is mentioned in the one document surviving, which also refers to Anne Meare widow. (She died and was buried 22nd June 1664)
John Moreton late of Wolstanton yeoman, will dated 25th May 1667, buried 28th May, inventory dated 28th Oct, date of probate 7th Oct 1667
Will
Weak in body
To John Morton my father, my personal estate and lands, and to see my children maintained and educated until they reach 21
To my daughters Rebeccah Morton, Anne Morton and Elizabeth Morton: £40 each to be paid by Thomas Morton my son when he reaches 21.
If Joyce my wife be with child, then to the said child £30 when Thomas reaches 24.
If my wife is still sole and married when Thomas is 21, my mind is that she shall enjoy one piece of land called the [over?] new Luntes with convenient housing and barning.
Witnesses: Ralfe Morton Thomas Pane
Notes:
1. John Moreton's mother died later that year, and his father the following January (1668).
2. Lunts is a field on the 1839 Tithe Map to the south of Hick field in Wolstanton. At a court of Newcastle manor held on 9th May 1615, Raph Moreton and John Moreton made two separate leases of the over new Lownt and the nether new Lownt in Wolstanton. Yet they are not recorded as copyholders in the survey made later that year. They appear as tenants of Sir Thomas Colclough.
In 1669 William Taylor (one of the appraisers) was recorded as being in occupation of a parcel of land called Laund - the person surrendering it at the manor court was Raph Moreton (presumably the same as the other appraiser).
Inventory
Appraisers: Raphe Moreton, William Taylor
fowre bullocks ....................................................... £7 9 13s 4d
Five sterkes ........................................................... £5
Three Calves ........................................................ £2
One Mare ............................................................... £6 2s
2 Swine .................................................................. £1
two cows ................................................................ £4
Brasse pewter & other goodes
within the house ................................................... £5
Muck & meanure ................................................... 5s
Corne & household p[ro]vision .......................... £4
wearinge apparall & money in
his purse ................................................................. £3
Eight Geese ........................................................... 4s
other things of small value .................................... 5s
[Total: £38 9s 4d]
William Stoddard of Fowlea, yeoman, will dated 16th April 1668, inventory taken 6th May 1668, date of probate 4th August 1668.
In the name of God Amen the sixteenth day of April in the twentieth year of the reign of our sovereign lord lord Charles the second by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king defender of the faith &c Anno D[omi]ni One thousand six hundred sixty eight I William Stoddard of Fowlea in the parish of Wolstanton in the county of Stafford, yeoman, being weak in body but of good and perfect memory (praise be to God) do make and ordain this my last will and testament.
First I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty God my maker hoping in and through the merits of Jesus Christ my saviour toA receive pardon and remission for all my sins and by no other way or means whatsoever. And my body to the earth from whence it came to have Christian and decent burial at the direction of my executors hereafter herein named. And for what worldly estate God hath bestowed upon me in this life, I give and devise the same in manner and form following, that is to say I give unto my brother Anthony and my brother James Stoddard, their heirs and assignes for ever all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of, in and to all and singular the messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments which I have in Burslam and Sneyd or any other place within the manor of Tunstall. Nevertheless upon this condition following, that the said Anthony and James Stoddard, their heirs, executors, administrators or some of theXm do well and truly pay or cause to be paid all and every such sum and sums of money that I shall owe at the time of my decease. Item I give unto Ellen Boulton my maid one cow called Silke. Item I give unto John Oakes son of William Oakes of Broesley forty shillings. Item I give unto Margery Taylor of Sneyd greene, widow, twenty shillings, these several legacies to be paid within twelve months next after my decease. Item I give to the poor inhabitants of Wolstanton town and liberties twenty shillings to be disposed of and dealt at their houses at the discretion of Mr Isaac Keelinge and Richard Cartwright. Item I give and bequeath all my copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments situate within the manor of Newcastle Under lyne in the said county of Stafford to my said brother Anthony Stoddard and James Stoddard, their heirs and assitgnees forever, nevertheless upon this condition following, that they the said Anthony and James or the survivor of them shall within four years next after my decease sell my said copyhold messuage, lands, hereditaments and premises, and upon the sale thereof shall pay unto Alice my wife or her assignes the sum of one hundred pounds, the said Alice holding and enjoying the third part of the said copyhold messuage, lands and premises and receiving and taking the rents, issues and profits thereof until such time as the said messuage, lands and premises shall be sold as aforesaid. Item I give unto the said Alice my wife all my household goods within the house and the one half of my cattle, the other half of my cattle I give to my said brothers Anthony and James. Item I give unto William Stoddard alias Keeling of Dudley in the county of Worcester the sum of ten pounds to be paid within two years next after my decease.
Item my mind and will is that my executors shall pay unto my two friends Th[o]mas Horderne of Newcastle Under Line and Phillipp Machen of Botteslowe the sum of one hundred pounds within three years next after my decease, which hundred pounds my mind and will is shall be by them the said Thomas Horderne and Phillipp Machen put forth, and five pounds year to be by them paid unto the said William Stoddard alias Keelinge towards the maintenance of his children. And when his children shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years then the said hundred pounds to be equally divided amongst the children of the said William Stoddard alias Keelinge and the survivors and survivor of them, provided nevertheless that if the said William Stoddard alias Keeling shall have a son that then the said son shall have fifty pounds of the said one hundred pounds, the other fifty pounds to be divided amongst the other children of the said William Stoddard alias Keelinge. And if any overplus at interest of the said one hundred pounds shall arise above the said five pounds a year, I give the sum overplus unto the said Thomas Horderne and Pilipp Machen for their care and pains therein. Item I give unto the said William Stoddard alias Keeling all my wearing apparel. Item I give unto my cousin Edward Stoddard of Hampton five pounds. And to his two children five pounds apiece to be paid within three years next after my decease. Item I give unto Francis, Peeter
DL 30/241/3-B10
and James Stoddard, sons of my brother Francis Stoddard five pounds apiece, my mind and will being that all the legacies by me hereby given shall be paid forth of my copyhold messuage, lands and premises or what other legacies shall hereafter be given in this my will. Item I give unto my brother in law Thomas Harrison's two sons five pounds to be equaÀlly divided betwixt them. Item I give unto my godson John Goodale son of my brother Robert Goodale five pounds. Item I give to my brother in law Richard Collier's two daughters fifty shillings apiece. Item I give to my brother in law Isaac Hills' eldest son five pounds, which said several legacies are to be paid within four years next after my decease. Item I give unto Margery, wife of William Betson, five pounds to be paid within five years next after my decease. Item my mind and will is that the five pounds my brother James owes me and five pounds Richard Cartwright owes me shall go towards my funeral. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving brothers Anthony Stoddard and James Stoddard executors of this my will. And I desire the said Thomas Hordern and Phillipp Machen to be overseers of this my will. And I do hereby make void all other wills whatsoever. And declare this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of the goods Cattell & Chattells of William Stoddard late of Woolstanton in the County of Staff[ord] yeoman deceased taken and apprized the sixth daie of maye in the Twentith yeare of the Raigne of our soveraigne lord king Charles the Second &c by Thomas Machen and John Bowyer the elder prizers:
£ s d
two Cowes 05 06 08
one sterke p[ar]t of a Twinter & p[ar]t of a Calfe 02 10 00
one halfe of a swine 00 07 06
Corne in the Barne & hay 00 16 00
plowe and Harrowe & Irons 00 13 04
Felleyes & other things in the Barne 00 14 00
muck & meanure 00 05 00
Corne vppon the ground 04 00 00
apayre of horse Cheynes shovell & muck forke 00 04 00
geesse & goslings 00 02 06
a mattack 00 01 00
one other shovell 00 00 06
15 00 6 [Checked]
John Bowyer Thomas Machin Apprizers
Notes
1. In 1666 William Stoddard was living in Shelton. He and his wife then must have moved to the house named Fowlea before 1668. He lived in one part of 'Fowlea' and Richard Cartwright lived in the other part. After his death, the occupant of his part of Fowlea in 1669 (Alice Stoddard, widow) was not living there in April 1670, according to a Newcastle manor court roll. His widow was given at most four years to live there after his death. There is no reference in this will to any division of the messuage. This only appears in the Newcastle manor court rolls. William Taylor sold part of Fowlea and the land going with it to Richard Cartwright in May 1669.
2. It is odd that the inventory is confined to the farm, and does not list and value the household goods, presumably on the grounds that they were all to go to his wife Alice.
3. William Stoddard alias Keeling must be his son, probably illegitimate.
William Burslem of Harrisheys Head, yeoman, will dated 27th July 1671, inventory taken 6th September 1671, date of probate 27th February 1671/2.
Will
Half houses, land etc to Alice my wife for life.
Other half to my executors until my son Thomas Burslem attains 21 to maintain himself & my two younger children Richard and Mary Burslem when 21, he to pay to my said younger children £20.
If all my children die then said house & lands to my sisters Mary Stonier and Isabell Burslem, they paying my brother John Burslem 50s yearly.
Residue to my wife for life.
Executors: my wife Alice and son Thomas Burslem.
Overseer: my cousin George Hanson of Newchapple.
Witnesses: William Podmore, Isabell Burslem and George Hanson.
Inventory by John Maxfield, Richard Podmore and William Podmore.
Proved at Lichfield by Alice Burslem relict, power reserved for Thomas Burslem.
Bond for tuition of Thomas, Richard and Marie, children, minors.
Sureties: Alice Burslem of Wolstanton and William Podmore of same place, blacksmith.
Note
Taken from: Adams PWL (1914) The Adams Family of North Staffordshire. Both Alice Burslem the widow and William Podmore must have been living in or near Harriseahead, as in 1661 William Podmore acted as churchwarden 'for his house neare to Harrishey head'. This is probably the Podmore who lived at Mole House, between half a mile and mile up the road toward Mow Cop.
A burial in 1666/7 was of John son of William Burslem of Harrisheyhead
By 1681 Alice Burslem had married Richard Lawton - they are described in the rental of Bowyer's part of the manor of Tunstall (Sneyd MSS 2663) as 'of Harrisey head'. She held a cottage in Brieryhurst and 4⅔ customary acres of land, paying a chief rent of 2s 2½ d.
In 1662 Thomas son of William Burslem of Harrisheyhead & Alice Burslem was baptized.
Joan Harrison of Wolstanton, will dated 15th Nov 1669, buried 2nd October 1672, inventory taken 10th Oct 1672, date of probate 15th April 1673 .
Will
To be buried as near as convenient where my husband lieth in Wolstanton churchyard
To my sons Isaac Harrison and William Harrison: all the floor over the house, to be divided equally between them.
To son William: the house I die possessed of. [Other household things and animals divided up]
Inventory
Appraisers: Ralphe Kelinge R Moreton Richard Cartwright
Total £29 1s 8d
Note
The only mention of Isaack Harrison is his marriage in 1644/5. William Harrison was the thirdborough for Wolstanton in 1650. Joan Harrison was already a widow in 1666 and living in Wolstanton.
----------------------------------------------------------------------.
William Baddiley of Holditch, date of administration 15th September 1674
A tiny slip of paper. Administration was granted to Margaret Baddiley, his sister. A commission to Mr Oulton curate of Newcastle. She was a spinster, and expected to provide an inventory - but none is on record.
[at bottom: solut (excepto debito Regis]
William Baddiley of Holdich gentleman, will dated 11th July 1672, buried 14th July, administration granted to his sister Margaret 15th September 1674, inventory taken 12th April 1675, administration granted 2nd May 1676.
Nuncupative will
William Baddily late of the parish of Woolstanton in the County of Stafford gen[tleman] deid being in sound & perfect memory did publish & declare his Nuncupative Will how he seeld liave [?have] his p[er]sonalle estate disposed of after his death in these or the like wordes or to the same effect following
That is to say I give vnto my brother & sister Harrison five pounds to my sister Mountford & her daughter Mary Five poundes to my sister dorothy Baddiley Five poundes to my sister Margaret ttenn poundes to my [Cosen] Olton to buy him a Ringe tenn shillings to my sister Dorothy a Cheste & a pair of Curtens & Vallants to my sister Mary Watson my Bible to my Cozen Mary Watson my little table and to my sister Margrett my goold Ringe my Bedd & bedsted & all vppon it
And after my debts legacies & funerall expenses paid I give the remainder of my p[er]sonall estate vnto my Cozen Thomas Watson whom he charged to see this will p[er]formed.
In the p[re]sence of
I witnes this to be true to
the best of my knowledge
R Parker
Thomas Watson Jun[ior]
Inventory
[a few possessions not worth much]
his wearing apparrel & money in his purse ..................... 4 0 0
debts owing the s[ai]d deceadant
from M[aste]r John Smith ................................................... 20 0 0
from Richard Webster & John Badily ............................... 5 0 0
from John Hoose & his son ................................................ 4 0 0
from M[istres]s Momford ................................................... 18 0 0
from John Bourne ................................................................ 7 4
Desp[er]ate debts owing
By Thomas Edwards .......................................................... 1 2 6
Francis Brooke ............................................................ 2 0 0
M[aste]r Mainwaringe of Knutton ...................................... 3 0 6
Thomas Dale of the wood ................................................. 1 0 0
Edward Brett shoomaker .................................................. 1 0 0
Praisers: Randle Ballatt William Roads
Notes
1. The grant of administration in May 1676 describes Thomas Watson of Holditch as nephew by the mother's side. It was signed by Thomas Watson junior, and Daniel Beech of Lichfield. Thomas Wattson had married Mary Baddeley, the testator's sister, in April 1650.
2. The Wolstanton parish register records the burial on July 14th 1672 of William Baddely, a bachelor, sometime of Holditch. And the Hearth Tax return for 1666 for Knutton constablewick includes (under 'Dimsdale') Thomas Wattson assessed for 3 hearths; this must be Holditch, even though there is no mention of William Baddiley. So Thomas Watson must have been living there for some time before William Baddiley's death in 1672. It may have been him who mortgaged Houlditch House in 1656.
3. The will was disputed by relatives and there is a sheaf of documents in Lichfield Record Office which I haven't inspected. (B/C/5/1675). Margaret Baddeley and Thomas Watson of Holdich were parties to the dispute.
4. In an earlier decision by the probate court, administration was granted to Margaret Baddiley, his sister. A commission to Mr Oulton curate of Newcastle. She was a spinster, and expected to provide an inventory. All this is recorded on a tiny slip of paper.
Margaret Capps, widow, will dated 25th February 1654/5, inventory taken 5th February 1674/5, date of probate 29th January 1675/6.
Will
In perfect memory and reasonable health; to be buried in such place that my executrix shall think most convenient.
To my daughter's three daughters Christabell, Mary, and Margaret: all my goods etc.
Executrix: my daughter Margaret.
Signs by mark.
Witnesses: William Tunkenson (his mark), Doreti Beetch (her mark), Michel Capps.
A True and perfect Inventory of all The goods and Chattells of Margaret Capps Widdow (deceased) Late of the parish of Woolstanton Taken the Fifth day of This instant Februarij in the Twentie Seaventh yeare of the Reigne of our Soveraigne Lord King Charles the Second and in the yeare of our Lord god, according to the Computation of the Church of England One Thousand Six Hundred Seauentie and Five.
By us whose names are here subscribed.
One Cubart
One Table & frame one Joynt forme and Three Stooles
One Chest one Chare and Three yards of Silling
One warming pan Fourteene Cushins & three Carpits
One Fire shouell and one paire of Tongues
One grate Fire shouell & Tongues one Cleaver & hacking knife One Morter and pestell Two Iron spitts & two dreeping pans
One Table and one Forme & all Chaires and Stooles
Three Brass potts and Twentie Two pieces of pewter
One Joynt Bed Steeds a Feather Bed & vnder Bed Two Boulsters one Covering one Blankett with Curtains & vallente
One Little Table one Chaire Two Stoolles Two Boxes
One Little grate For
Two Joynt Bed Steeds one pare of Curtains and vallence and all belonging to them
One Trunk and one Joynt Stoole
Three paire of Bed Steeds and all belonging to them
One paire of Trundle Bed Steeds & three Coffers
Three paire of Sheets 3 pillow Beers & 8 Napkins
One pair of Trundle bed Steeds more two Coffers one spining wheele one side saddle & one halfe measure
One Table Leafe two Turnells three Barrells one paire of goberts one Little Table and one e And all other things of Small vallue
Sum Totall is
Praisers: John Beech Senior Francis Beech Coulton Latham
Notes
1. Margaret Capps, the widow of the vicar of Wolstanton, would have had to move out of the vicarage with her belongings when he died in 1643. In 1655 when she composed her will she was living at the Woodhows in the parish of Wolstanton. She describes herself as Margaret Capps senior, although her daughter Margaret (in whose house she was living) had been married to William Tumkinson for nine years.
Probate was a long time being granted, no doubt because the twenty-year-old will was vague about the identity of the executors: 'to my dafters three dafters Christabell mari & margaret' is how it is put in the will.
The burial date occurred probably during a gap in the records of the parish register - between 19th September 1674 and 9th February 1675.
2. The inventory is unusual. It lists room-by-room the lady's possessions in at least seven of the rooms of her daughter and son-in-law's house. Evidently she had transferred them to the house when she had moved in. If so, they give an indication of the standard of living that she, her husband and family had whilst living in the vicarage. Her husband had not made a will, so under ecclesiastical law, Margaret Capps would have been entitled to a third of his moveable goods after his death. (The other two-thirds would have gone equally to all his remaining children.) (Erickson, Amy Louise "Family, Household, and Community" in Morrill, John ed (1996)The Oxford Illustrated History of Tudor & Stuart Britain p95)
3. half measure - It is mentioned also in Alice Burslem's inventory of 1684.
4. The 'cleaver & hacking knife' also occur together in William Bourne's inventory of 1642 (their only mention in the Wolstanton inventories of the first half of the seventeenth century).
5. The last set of items (priced at 6s 8d) probably represents the buttery; in which case, they are brewing vessels, not for weaving.
William Rowley, will , buried 21st December 1675, inventory taken 29th December 1675, date of probate 17th March 1674/5 [?]
Will
To my son John Rowley: all the bedsteads, high or low, that are mine in my house at Turnehurst except one pair of bedstocks that stand in the little parlour upon which I now lie, and all the tables and table-frames and buffet stools which are at the house; my great press that stands at the west side of the chamber over the hall in my house; all the loose boards and shelves in the house which are mine together with all my husbandry ware which are at my house in Turnhurst.
To my son Edward Rowley all my right, title and interest that I have or that is to come in a legacy which I bought from my son Edward and which was formerly bequeathed to him by his deceased grandmother Weston out of the Stoneylow tenement; those bedsteads in the little parlour on which I usually lie, and the feather beds, bolsters and pillows belonging, and the best curtains and valence that I have, together with the best bed covering and two best blankets and two best pair of sheets that I have; all my wearing apparel.
To my executors: the sum of £40.
To my daughter Ellen Brett: £10.
To my daughter Mary Grasly: ...... (has husband Mr Thomas Grasly)
To my said son Edward Rowley: a coffer standing in the cockloft where he usually lies.
To my daughter Sarah Fenton: .... (by implication has children Thomas Fenton and Ann Fenton not yet 21 years)
To my daughter-in-law Margaret Rowley: 10s.
To my grandchild Sarah Alsager: 20s.
To my grandchild Elizabeth Hanson the elder: £10 and those few things of mine that are at her house.
To my grandchild Mathew Berrisford: 20s.
To my grand-daughter Mary Cotten: 20s.
To my grandchild Thomas Fenton: £10.
To my grandchild Ann Fenton: £5.
To my grandchild Ann Berrisford: 20s.
To my grandchild Joseph Grasley: 20s.
To my grandchild Venables Keelinge: 20s.
To my grandchild Thomas Keelinge: 20s.
To my great-grandchild and godson John Bowyer to be bestowed on a gold ring for him: 20s.
To my cousin George Hanson's six children which are living and which I am great-grandfather to: 20s each.
To my executors: £3 to be disposed by them to the poor householders in Wolstanton parish or to be dealt to the poor in general at my funeral.
[more]
Witnesses: Ralphe Alsager, Margreat Rathbone her mark, Edward Bourne.
Executors: my son John Rowley and my said cousin George Hanson.
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the goods and estate of William Rowley of the Turnehurst in the County of stafford Gentleman deceased, seen valued and preised the 29th day of December 1675 by vs whose names are subscribed
Thomas Beech John Bourslem
in the Hall one longe Table with the Forms
one Liuery Cubberd in the Hall
Cheers and stoole in the Hall & other roomes in ye house
a little Table in the parlor
in the chamber over the Hall one large press cubberd
three pare of Joynt worke Bedstedds one of them a Truckle Bedsted
one box of drawers for writeings
one peece of Course wollen cloth
in the parlor chamber one paire of Joyntworke Bedstedds one liuery cubberd one Joyntworke press cubberd
in the little parlor chamber one paire of ordinarie Bedstedds one liuerie cubberd
in the Buttery chamber one pair of Bedsteds
in the cockloft two paire of plaine Bedsteds one ould arke one Forme
in the little parlor one paire Bedstedds two featherbedds two feather boulsters
3 feather pillows two blancketts one coverlid one paire of curtains & vallens
in the said little parlor one Joynt worke cheere
in ye said parlor one little Truncke
all the Brass and pewter with the warmg pann
in the chamber over the entrey one coffer & corn Tubb
in the chamber over the Kitchen two coffers two ould Turnells one Table plancke or bast and one table leafe one cheese cratch
in the Kitchen one short table with a low forme
in the chamber below the kitchen two paire of ordinary Bedstedds one ould coffer without a lidd
in the kitchen one ould salt coffer
one Iron grate in the said kitchen one paire of Goberts two broaches & one Iron grate in the Hall one Iron Back standinge behinde the grate in ye kitchen
one Hackney sadle
shilues and loose boards in the house
eleaven ould curtaines with two ould paire of vallens
the lynens and Knapperie ware
an ould wattering Coump and 6 outer boards & 2 planckes
4 ould quishions
the deceaseds wareinge apparell and money in his purse
debts oweinge to the deceased in specialty & other wayes
lumber and things unseen
Notes
1. No mention here, it seems, of 'Rowley of Rowley'!
2. What is relation of this Rowley to the John Rowley who died in 1637? William Rowley is a great-grandfather, so is likely to be over 75 years. It is quite plausible that he is the son of John Rowley who is called William in his father's will. This William already had nine children by 1633 when the will was written; and the names of five children given in William Rowley's will (plus a possible other who left a widow, Margaret Rowley) goes a little way to confirming this identification.
3. If all the rooms are mentioned, then it is not an elaborate house. (The buttery is not mentioned.) The chamber over the entry suggests an entrance through an arch into a yard. The main building need not have any wings. At ground level, there was a hall, perhaps open to the rafters; two parlours; the buttery; and the kitchen. Four chambers are above these latter rooms. The chamber below the kitchen may be in a crypt below the kitchen; alternatively, it may merely adjoin it at a lower level.
'wattering Coump' - the item is a vat for steeping. It is probably for steeping barley grains as a preliminary stage in the brewing process. Agnes Morton's inventory earlier in the century (1603) mentions a 'weetinge compe'.
Frances Brett of Tunstall, no will, inventory taken 4th August, administration granted 6th August 1676.
Inventory (includes:)
1 hackne Sadell, 3 packsadell 2 pillions wounty and Gures .. 15s
1 Arke standing in Barne
Two Cowes one twinter heffer one sterke 2 Calleffs [calves] .. £11
two horsses & ould mare at .. £7
Brass & Puettor .. £3 6s 8d
Hempe & flax .. £1 13s 4d
Account of Marye Brett daughter and administratrix of the goods of Frances Brett
Charges herself with all the goods in the inventory .. £72 18s 0d
Craves allowance for:
funeral expenses £4 5s 0d
paid to Richard Boughey upon bond and use £17 6s 0d
paid to Richard Heath upon bond and use £12 3s 0d
paid to William Taylour upon bond £15 10s 0d
paid to William Ford a debt due upon bond £7 4s 0d
paid to Richard Ball upon Bond £9 0s 0d
paid to Gerrard Barnett upon 6 Bonds £6 0s 0d
paid for Letter of Admin[istation] and a Mans and his horse and charges travelling above Twenty Myles to fetch the said L[ett]res of Ad[ministration] from Lichfield
paid to Randle Baddiley upon bond £3 7s 9d
paid to William Ford a debt due upon bond £1 18s 0d
paid fees due for drawing and ingrossing this Accompt and for her Finall discharge hereupon togeth[er] w[i]th the Apparitors fees £1 03 4
for this Accomptants Charges for horses as also for a Man & his horse charges in travelling to Lichfield 10s
Note
The administrators were Mary Brett of Tunstall and Edward Brett of Cheadle. Frances Brett had been a widow (and encroacher) since at least 1641.
John Kettle of Chesterton, husbandman, will dated 19th January 1678/9, inventory taken 11th February 1678/9, date of probate 14 Mar 1678/9
A True and p[er]fect Inventary of all the goods Cattle and Chattells of John Kettle Late deceased veiwed taken and apprized the eleventh day of February in ye year of our Lord god One thousand and Sixe hundred Seaventy and Eight by us whose names are vnder written.
£ s d
beds beding and bedstids 4 0 6
Cofers Chests a Little table and boxes 0 10 4
Linen and Nappery ware 3 3 4
Brass and Pewter 0 16 4
All Iron ware within ye house 0 12 8
Wooden and Treaneware 1 3 4
Meat Nare and vittuals 2 6 4
Corne and Hay in ye Barne 12 1 6
eight Carryinge horses and their geares 1 Coalt 20 6 8
Eight Cowes fiue Sterkes two twinters and two Caulues 40 0 0
another Twinter heifer 3 10 0
Cartes and plowes and all other husbandry ware 1 13 4
one Swine and pultery ware 0 13 4
All other things of Small value 0 5 6
wearinge apparell and money in purse 1 6 8
money oweinge unto the testator, some being very desperrate 49 16 1
102 5 1
money oweing by ye testator £39 0 0
William Taylor Richard Kettle Richard Sherratt
Notes
1. A tuition bond as well as a will are in the probate papers.
2. The total probably represents the net value of the estate ie after deducting the £39 for the money which the testator owed; if so, it should be £103 6s 11d.
3. John Kettle in 1674 grew 2 day works of oats and a day work of barley, for which he was due to pay 5s in corn tithe.
4. 'Nare' - meaning unknown.
Isaac Keeling, vicar, no will, buried 15th August 1679, inventory taken 3rd Sept 1679, exhibited 23rd Nov 1680, administration granted 30th September 1680.
A true & p[er]fect Inventory of all the goods Cattles & Chattles of Isaac Keelinge Clearke late vicar of woolstanton in the Diocess of Lichfeild & County of Stafford deceased, seene valued & preied the third day of september 1679 by us whose names are subscribed.
In the parlor one paire of plane Beddsteds one fether boulster one pillow one blankett one bedd covering with the rest of the furniture.
one Joynt worke screene one ioyne coorte press & a little Table
in the Hall one long Table with two forms, one Bench at the wall
one old Coffer some cheers & stools a short Dresser & tressels
one Iron grate, fire shovell & tongs, a toasting iron, a pare of goberts too spits & pott racks
all ye brass & peuter to witt one Brass pan three brass cettles too brass potts a bras candle stick fore pewter dishes too plates, some spoons one salt & a pan & a py plate
one Iron pott one iron dreeping pan an old frying pan & one iron kettle
in the parlor Chamber one pare of ioynt work bed stedd with one feather Bed one feather boulster one pillow one blankett one bed covering the curtains & vallens with all ye furniture one pare of Truckle bed stedd, a chaf bed with a cours blanckett & coverlidd
in the same chamber one Joynt worke press
in the same chamber one Chest
in the same roome one old iron grate
in parlor before ye entry one old pare of Bedstedds with a chaff bed one blankett and Coverlid with what belongs to it
in the said parlor one screene cheere
in the said parlor one tressell or sceat standing to the wall
loose boards, shilves and planks
in the Chamber over this parlor one long Table leaf & tressles
in the same chamber one Coffer
one straw flaskett and a feather Tubb
Drest hemp and flax and linnen yarne
a small panell of wooll
one Cow
which said Cow was illegally taken away from the widow Keelinge before the exhibition of this Inventorie
spinninge wheels and Cards
one winnowing sheet and baggs
some old iron horse geeres & framing saw with some old iron & some little husbandrie ware, and one pare of weights
in the Mill howse one old hand Mill
in the same mill howse one turnill
one safe in the butterey
linnen & naperie ware with a little peece of cloath for napkins
Treyne & wooden ware
the Deceaseds Librarie
the deceased waringe apparell and money in his purse
Hay in the barne
one swine and poulterie
Lumber and things not worth particular praising
one Witch that standeth in the Barne
[Actual total: £25 16s 8d]
George Hanson
Richard Marsh Roger Townsend
Notes
1. Judging by the handwriting, the writing of the inventory is by Roger Townsend.
2. 'one bedd covering with the rest of the furniture' ie furnishings.
3. One Witch - a large wooden chest for holding grain.
4. The screen chair is possibly a seat with a screen forming the back of it. This is suggested by a Banbury inventory of 1619 (Henry Dudley, tailor): 1 litle skreene, 1 litle table forme and bench, 5s 4d.
5. The glebe terrier of 1698 describes the premises as: a house consisting of three bays of building, a stable one bay, a barn three bays - plus gardens and orchard. The 1666 Hearth Tax lists 'Mr Keeleing att the Viccaridge' as having 3 hearths; according to this inventory only two have grates. The building doesn't exist now, but Adams (1908) mentions it as having a cellar with a 17th century date. It was situated on the corner of Knutton Road and Church Lane, opposite the church.
6. Only a few of the inventories in Wolstanton parish between 1600 and 1650 name rooms. There may have been more than the six rooms mentioned. The value of the books suggests a large collection, perhaps housed in a study.
7. 'Turnill' occurs in several inventories in this collection: William Bourne of Yew Tree has five of them. I suggest 'barrel'.
8. Isaac Keeling (baptized Sept 15th 1605 at Newcastle) came from a long line of mayors of the town. His younger brother Raphe (baptized April 26th 1616) continued the tradition, before going to live in London in 1656. In 1677 Ralph Keling, citizen and grocer of London, purchased the Kings Meadow in Wolstanton from Sir Caesar Colclough, manifesting a continuing interest in North Staffordshire. The property stayed in the family until 50 years later a Ralph Keeling living in Wendover, Buckinghamshire divested himself of it.
9. A comparison of the inventory with that of a previous vicar (Henrie Stevenson) is startling - one cow, no crops except hay, etc. The vicar of Wolstanton's income was from his tithes: tithe herbage for meadow land, and payment in kind for calves, lambs and the young of other animals such as poultry (or, if commuted, three halfpence per calf and one halfpenny per lamb). These were the small tithes; the rest (mainly levied on oats, rye, wheat and barley) went to the rector. When all the tithes were at last commuted (1839), the vicar's tithes were valued at £350, while those of the rector (a member of the Sneyd family) were valued at £900 i.e. more than twice as much. (In 1724 the rector's tithes were £80 per year.)
In addition there was the income from offerings of twopence each from the master of a family and his wife, and a penny from servants and others. He also farmed, or drew an income from, 40 acres of glebe in Wolstanton; plus any other land which he or his wife held.
At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the vicar of Wolstanton also received all the tithes of Keele but later in the century this entitlement disappeared; so we can assume that, as vicar, Isaac Keeling had a lower income than his Jacobean predecessor.
10. We don't know what provision was made in the way of accommodation for Anne, Isaac Keeling's widow, who was buried on 4th July 1683. A vicar's widow would have to move out of the vicarage on the death of her husband.
11. It is interesting that the 1666 Hearth tax for Wolstanton has two mentions of a Mr Keelinge: 'Mr Keelinge att the Viccaridge' (rated for 3 hearths) and 'Mr Keelinge' (rated at 8 hearths). The second one could well be his eldest son Ralph aged 26. The 1662 tax list has only one Mr Keelinge, who is rated for 9 hearths, and has to pay 18 shillings in hearth tax; it indicates the vicarage was not occupied by him then. Isaac Keeling was instituted by the bishop as vicar on 26th June 1662, following the death of Richard Shelley, the previous incumbent, but in practice he had been performing that function since 1646. Richard Shelley had fallen foul of the Parliamentarians soon after being presented to the living by Ralph Sneyd, and the Staffordshire County Committee (set up by Parliament) swiftly made an order (dated 7th December 1643) for Isaac Keeling to take his place. The Committee ordered the churchwardens, in an order dated 7th April 1645, to warn parishioners "not to pay duties, Tithes rents or profits anyway arising from the said Vicarage [ie from the office of vicar] to Richard Shelley Clarke now resident."
In 1637 Isaac Keeling acquired property in Wolstanton from his father Raph Keeling, an alderman of Newcastle. The house was called Marsh Head house and the land extended to Etruria Road in one direction, and to Wolstanton Marsh in the other direction. It is natural to assume that this is the house with nine hearths that is mentioned in the 1662 Hearth Tax record. The son Ralph Keeling, gent, at an early age became the owner of Marsh Head house, and presumably lived there once he was married. He reserved rooms in it (eg the parlour, the chamber over the parlour) for the use of his parents at a peppercorn rent. (Anne Keeling would have to vacate the vicarage on her husband's death.)
12. The administration of the effects of Isaac Keeling was granted at Lichfield on 30th Sept 1680 to John Turner [?Turmor] of Wolstanton and John Baddiley, creditors. In 1653 he had an outstanding debt of £50 owed to John Cowall.
13. The size of his parish (as well as his status) required a mount - the reference to horse gears indicates that he used to have one. Also 'a small panell of wooll' had something to do with a saddle.
14. Before becoming vicar of Wolstanton, he was curate at Burslem; entries in the parish register are signed by Isaac Keeling as curate until May 1640, then as minister until Februa4ry 1642.
15. He had seven children, the eldest son being Ralph (born 1639). It looks as if only one child was not baptised in Wolstanton church: [but check about Sarah] his son Thomas, who was baptised in Newcastle on Nov 5 1645, presumably because Isaac Keeling was not the incumbent in Wolstanton church at that time, being in an in-between stage.
16. It is likely that Isaac Keeling for a time lost control of the chapel of Newchapel. In the Wolstanton parish register is recorded the baptism of a daughter of William and Joan Marsh. This occurred on March 17th 1650. Also there is an undated document headed: What Dewoorkes of Oates barley & winter Corne are within the eight hammels whch of Late Time hath beene gathered by the minester of the new Chappell
17. Isaac Keeling was granted in 1646 by the committee forN plundered ministers an augmentation of £20 out of the impropriated rectory of wolstanton sequestered from Ralph Snead esq delinquent and farmer thereof under the bishop, as the vicarage was only worth £40 p.a.
On 26th Sept 1646 the committee for plundered ministers ordered that the residue worth £40 p.a. of the profits of the rectory of Wolstanton should be paid to the minister at Thursfield chapel when appointed. Thomas Dresser was appointed 14th Apr 1651 - as his present maintenance was only £30 p.a. he was granted £50 from Penkridge rectory. On 28th Jan 1651/2 a committee granted to this 'godly and able preacher' an augmentation of £19 p.a. and ordered all arrears to be paid. He became vicar of Dilhorne about Jan 1657/8.
The committee for plundered ministers and its successors tried to increase the low incomes and issued orders to augment the salaries of the ministers in 62 churches [in Staffs] and 10 chapels of ease. These orders were constantly being changed, and in some cases it is probable that the ministers did not receive the augmentations ordered.
Between 1645 and 1653 all these augmentations were made by Parliament, on advice of committees, the chief being the committee for plundered ministers. It practically became a board of ecclesiastical commissioners for a completely disestablished and a partially disendowed Church. Until 1649 the money for the augmentations principally came from the estates of compounding delinquents and especially from any spiritualities - such as rectories or tithes- owned by them. The actual payment up to 1650 was made by various bodies of sequestrators.
The committee for plundered ministers was dissolved 19th Apr 1653 and revived on 22nd Jun 1659, and extinguished 16th Mar 1659/60.
There was a great deal of usurpation of and interference with patronage during the Commonwealth period.
(SHC. 1915. Staffordshire Incumbents & Parochial Records (1530-1680) by Walter Noble Landor.)
Alice Burslem of Wolstanton, widow, will dated 20th December 1683, inventory taken 5th April 1684, date of probate 10th April 1684.
Will
Bequests to daughter Katherine Baddeley, cousin Burslem Baddeley (Katherine Burslem's son), grandchild William Sparry son of George Sparry, grandchildren William Sparry son of George Sparry, Edward and Lydia Gesslinge, daughter Margaret Meare.
To my daughter Ann Gervise: the lesser red cow and the further coffer in the over parlour.
To my daughter Mary Sparry: my pied cow to give her milk, so long as she is fit for that purpose. but her husband Peter Sparry to pay the w‘orth of the said cow to his 3 children John, George & Alice Sparry at age 21.
Residuary legatee and executrix: daughter Elizabeth Burslem.
Witnesses: John [Toormor], George Hanson, Thomas Badley, Randle Burslem.
Inventory
three Cowes three Twinters two calues two sucking calues ..£17 10s
two old little horses ......................................................................... £4
in the flore chameber one Table & forme
& 3 old little coffers & some lumber ............................................. 6s
som wull ........................................................................................... 1s 8d
some old spininge wheeles .......................................................... 1s
in the chamber over the parlor one paire of
plaine Bedstidds one feather bed one chaffbed
& one feather boulster 2 blanckett [sic] & a bed coveringe .... 13s 4d
in the said chameber one chest ................................................. 13s 4d
in the parlor one paire of Joyntworke bedstidds with
a feather bed boulster blancketts curtains and all
belonginge to the said Bedd ........................................................ £4
in the said parlor two Coffers one old Table & forme to it
one buffet stoole one cubberd two quisions .............................. £1 2s 6d
lynen and Knapperie ware ............................................................ £1 6s
in the house place one longe Table & forms to it ...................... 15s
in the said house place place foure little stooles
Brass & pewter ................................................................................. £1 6s 8d
wooden & coopery ware & one halfe measure .......................... 13s 4d
some few shilues & boards & planks ........................................... ?
some Ticknall & earthen ware ....................................................... 1s 6d
one Iron dripinge pann two spitts one Iron grate
fire shouell and Tonges with som other little Ironware .............. 14s
in the house place 2 leather quishions ......................................... 2s 6d
w[hi]ch was oweinge to ye deceased of lent money .................. £3 16s
The deceaseds wareinge apparrell & money in her purse ....... £2
some little cheese & other household provission ........................ 10s
Lumber & things not for p[ar]ticulerly preised .............................. 1s 6d
Total [unchecked] £41 4s 2d
Notes
Alice Burslem was married to William Burslem. (But I need to check which one had a daughter Elizabeth, as well as Katherine, Margaret, Ann and Mary.) Perhaps her daughter Katherine was married to William Baddeley and lived in Wolstanton (He was churchwarden in 1656/7 and had a son William born in Jan 1658.) She was a widow since at least 1653 when she was presented for breaking the assize of ale. Her husband probably died in 1652 and 1653 - there seems to be under-recording of burials in Wolstanton register in those years.
2. Ticknall ware is coarse earthenware. (Ticknall is in Derbyshire.) Humphrey Smith of Audley parish at the very end of the seventeenth century also had Ticknall ware - worth 6d.
John Salmon, no will, buried 11th April 1684, inventory taken 12th April 1684, administration granted 14th April 1684.
A true & p[er]fect Inventory of all the goods cattells chattells of John Salmon of mowle In the parrish of wolstonton lately deceased
twooe mares
one sterk one callf
one swine
three paer of bedstoks three chafbeds three blankets
three paer of sheets one paer of bedstoks one fetherbed one bolster one paer of sheets twoo blankets
a turnell wheeles & one plank
one tabell
twooe cofers
three ferkins three Loomes six nogins
one chare 2 stooles & shillves
one dishbord
one plow & Irmes belonging twoo it
twooe sadells twooe wountys one lader one pikill
bras and pewter
all the Irne ware
his apparell
one bible
the praisers names are Richard Podmore Joseph Delves John Twemloe his marke James Prince his marke
Notes
1. Mowle is Mow Cop – one of the furthest points from Wolstanton parish church. John Salmon lived in the township of Brerehurst, having moved out of Thursfield by 1672. The indications of brewing in the inventory (including the 'Loomes' which are brewing vessels) are borne out by his presentment by the Brerehurst headborough at the manor court in 1677 for breaking the assize of ale.
2. The administration of his small estate was granted, not to his widow Mary Salmon, but to Hugh Delves of Cheddleton, a tanner.
3. The prices of the mares and saddles are miserably low - probably because of their age. The same must apply to other items such as his clothing, but not his plough and irons.
4. On the back of the inventory are four repeated lines starting 'A man without lerning as cato doth say... '. The rest is torn. It reads like an imposition that a schoolboy had had handed in to a teacher. Was Richard Podmore a schoolmaster?
Marmaduke Gilbert late of Wolstanton, husbandman, will dated 1st April 1684, inventory taken 26th April 1684, exhibited 10th July, date of probate 15th October 1685.
Will
Being indisposed.
To be decently buried.
My debts to be paid.
Whereas I have entered into certaine Articles of Agreement with one Ralph Roads of Chesterton upon a bargain for the house wherein I do now inhabit the gardens and yards therunto belonging for a certain term, relation to the said articles being had doth at large appear, which said articles bear date 16th Jan 1683/4, my will is that my executrix is to make this good and confirm the bargain or term of 7 years according to the said articles.
To my daughter Sarah Gilbert: all the rents, issues and profits of the said house, gardens and yards and outbuildings agreed to be surrendered to the said Ralph Roads for the term aforesaid, she paying all my debts and funeral expenses and herriots.
And after the term is expired, to my daughter Sarah: all my house, barns, stables, outbuildings, gardens, hempbutts, folds, yards agreed to be surrendered to Raphe Roads – for her life.
To my daughter Sarah: I give and assign my two crofts, pastures or parcels of land lying below my said house and joining to the churchyard of Wolstanton church for her life, providing that after the term of 7 years to Ralph Roades she is to pay my daughter Ellen Cooper 10s a year on 24th June yearly for life.
To my daughter Margaret Handley, I assign one day math of meadow ground lying in Wolstanton Meadows belonging to the house where I now live and in the possession of Josuah Leigh; and also that little piece of land called the Mantle.
After Sarah's death, Margaret Handley is to have assigned to her all the said house, barns, yards, folds, gardens, hempyards and two crofts or parcels of land for her life.
I give to Sarah all the title and interest I have in one house in Wolstanton wherein Joseph Ball lives now, together with the barn and gardens belonging.
To my daughter Ellen Cooper, all my right, title, claim and demand in and to the said day math of meadowing and parcel of ground called the Mantle; that little house in which she now lives and a little garden thereto belonging.
Executrix: Sarah Gilbert
Witnesses: Randle Bagnall, George Hanson [signs by mark], John Turmore.
Overseers: my loving neighbours George Hanson and John Turmore.
Inventory[To be checked against a better version]
Appraisers: Geo Hanson John Turmore
In the chamber over the parlor
one old paire of plaine bedstidds a chaff bed and boulster
two old blankets some sorry bed covering
one cubbord or press
one old forme one Tressle three little peres of boards
The parlor
one pare of plaine Joynt work bedstiddes, one old )
sorry feather bed 3 boulsters one chaff bed )
one blanckett and one old white Rugg )
one Table leafe with one longe
forme and a bench
one little Table and a forme
two old plaine Coffers
three Turnd cheers 2 quishions
some smale wooden ware
six loose boards
one Iron grate fire shouell paire of Goberts and )
old Iron with two paire of pottracks and an old )
nagor )
one little coffer and a faling table
some old Lynons
some Earthen ware
two Iron potts both of them broake in the bottom )
and little brass Skillet )
two pewter dishes, one quart one pinte
the reversion of one Lease of the house wherein )
the deceased did Inhabitt and dwell with one )
little cottage and some lands belonginge to ye )
said house )
the deceaseds wareinge apparrell
an old lame horse packsaddle panniers & wounty
Lumber and some od things not worth particuler preisinge
Notes
1. Sarah, daughter of Marmaduke and Ellen Gilbert, was baptised 10th November 1644. Margaret was a year older than her, and was married to John Handley 5th February 1673/4. The other sister Ellen was married to Thomas Cooper on September 9th 1674.
2. He broke the assize of ale in 1649 and 1658. He was one of the thirdboroughs for Wolstanton in 1654. It is possible that in 1672 he had a two-hearthed house in Wolstanton. His wife died in 1677.
3. Possibly the lease that he holds of a house, two crofts, 1 day math in Wolstanton Meadows, The Mantle (and the cottage too) is of the Cotton family. The Cotton family still held 20 customary acres of their land (?in Wolstanton) in the late eighteenth century.
4. Evidently he lived on his own in his last years. In readiness for his death he has made a sub-lease of his house for seven years.
James Smith of Knutton, fellmonger, will dated 2nd September 1684, buried 22nd September, inventory taken 26th September, date of probate 24th October.
Will
His last will and testament.
Being weak in body; my body to decent burial according to the discretion of my executors.
To my dutiful son John Smith of Warrington: my best suit of clothes that were lately made.
To my dutiful son Richard Smith of Talke on the Hill: my suit of clothes that have the silver buttons on them, provided that he gives the silver buttons to James Smith his son when the suit of clothes are worn out.
To my loving son-in-law Samuell Townsend: the rest of my apparell.
To my dear and loving wife Clare Smith: all my personal estate for her life, paying my debts and discharging my funeral expenses.
My will is at the death of my wife, John Townsend my grandchild, son of Samuell and Ann, shall have £10 out of what estate my wife will die possessed of, to be put in trust of two persons to be improved, for the sole use of John Townsend.
My will is that what estate my wife will die possessed of that is bequeathed in this will to her, shall go to her as already said (except £4 to be at her own disposal and the £10 for the use of my grandchild) shall then go to my dutiful daughter Ann Townsend, now wife of Samuel Townsend after the death of my wife, provided that if my son-in-law desires to have all my goods as they are now placed and stand upon the condition of paying my wife the sum of £40 within 3 months of my death (if such occasion be) and that also my my son-in-law Samuell allows my wife the best bed in the house and all bedding belonging to it during her life, then it is my desire that all my said goods may remain in his custody. And [my will is] that furthermore whatever money or goods shall be in my wife's possession at her death shall remain to Ann's sole use and that of my grandchild except the £4 already mentioned.
Executors: my loving wife Clare Smith and my trusty and well-beloved kinsman Richard Morrey of Colledge Fields, Chester, yeoman.
Signs.
Witnesses: [the mark of] Thomas Clows, [the mark of] Richard Beech, Thomas Orme.
A true and perfect Inventory of all the Cattells and chattells of James Smith Late of Knutton in the parish of Woolstanton And Countie of Stafford (deceased) taken and Appraised the Six and twentieth day of Septemb[er] in the yeare of our Lord god According to the Computation of the Church of England Annoq[ue] Dom[ini] 1684 by us whose names are subscribed
Three Cows ........................................................ £9 6s 8d
One heifer ........................................................... £2 10s 0d
One Sturke ...........................................................£1 7s 6d
One Caulfe ......................................................... 15s 0d
One Dunn Nag .................................................. £4 15s 0d
Nyne Sheepe ..................................................... £2 2s 9d
One Swine ......................................................... £1 10s 0d
Corn & hay in the barns £16 0s 0d
In the dwelling house
One Table and Frame one Cubbard
Chaires and Stooles ........................................ 15s 6d
In the parler
one Joynt Bed and all Beding
there vnto belonging ......................................... £1 11s 8d
one Table and Frame one Side
Board and one Chest ....................................... 5s 3d
In the Chamber over The house
one pair of bedsteds one Featherbed one
Chaff bed two boulsters two pillows and all
bed Clothes there vnto belonging .................. £3 10s 0d
two Coffers and one Close Stoole ................. 16s 6d
In the Chamber over the parler
one Joynt Bed one Feather bed one feather
Boulster one Chaff Bed An all beding
there vnto belonging .......................................... £2 15s 0d
In the Cockloft over the house
one trundle bed one Feather bed one
Feather Boulster one pillow, and all the
Bedclothes there vnto Belonging ..................... £1 10s 0d
in the cockloft over the parler
cheese £5 10s 0d
Bacon & one Coffer .............................................. 9s 6d
Malt ......................................................................... 9s 0d
Nappery ware ........................................................ £7 7s 4d
All the Brass and Pewter ..................................... £2 12s 0d
One grate Fire Shovell and tongues two
Iron potts one dreeping pan and all the
rest of the iron ware .............................................. £1 0s 0d
All the Treane ware ............................................... 15s 0d
In the outer Kitchin
Two Turnells one Coffer one Salting Tubb
and Two Rinnges .................................................. £1 2s 0d
All the loose Joyce and board ............................. £1 1s 8d
All the poultrey ware .............................................. 2s 0d
One Hive of Bees ................................................... 2s 6d
All the Husbandry ware ......................................... £1 5s 0d
one Saddle and Bridle .......................................... 10s 0d
The testators Apparell & money in his purs ..... £8 0s 0d
All things of Small value vnseene
And vnappraised .................................................... 5s 0d
[Total £63 1s 10d]
John Beech & John Clownam Appraisers
Note
In 1674 James Smyth grew oats and barley in either Ash field or The Brampton (approximately 2 statute acres) and winter corn in a close.
William Hancock of Hole in the parish of Wolstanton, no will, inventory taken 11th March 1685/6, administration granted 30th April 1686
A true and p[er]fect Inventory of all the Goods Cattles Chattles and household stuff of William Hancocke Late of the hole in the p[ar]ish of Woollstonton and the Countie of Stafford [miner – inserted] seen valued and preased by us whose names are undour wretten the Eleven day of march 1685
five Cowes 12 10 0
six younge small Beas 9 0 0
four maires and a Leitle Colt 10 0 0
Ten sheepe 1 13 4
one swinn 0 14 0
one Carte two plowes two
harrows and horse geares 2 10 0
hey And Corne 2 0 0
houshold provesion 1 0 0
Bras and putter 0 16 0
Three beads and all wich Belongs to them 3 0 0
Linon and naptery 0 15 0
one Chest one Coffer 0 6 8
Treene ware Chaars and stooles 0 13 4
Iorn ware and husbandrie tooles 0 10 0
Loose Boards and formes 0 3 4
the dceased Cloaths
Wareinge Aparill and money
In pocket 3 0 0
the totall 48 11 8
William Lowe James Poole
Note
There were two William Hancocks in Thursfield in 1690. One had to present the other for not attending the manor court. The next year one is distinguished for being 'of the Star' – a possible alehouse. In 1696 one presents the other who is distinguished as 'William Hancock collier';in 1700 the other (presumably) is of 'Bullocks House', a house which survived into the 20th century, and which for which William Hancock was selected for parish office in 1689/90 . Needless to say, The Hole cannot now be identified, but it must have referred literally to a hole in the earth – i.e. a coal-pit. Probably this is the same place as John Hancock represented as Wolstanton parish churchwarden in 1677/8.
As a collier, he probably was not an employee. The value of his goods is quite high. The 'Beas' are cows, probably calves and heiffers. The horses are for carrying – perhaps for delivering coal. Although there are no ploughs the harrows (plus the corn) indicate that he was involved in arable farming.
John Milnes of Newchapel, buried June 7th 1691, inventory dated 1691, administration granted 9th October 1691
A true & perfect Inventory of ye Goods Cattels & Chattels of John Milnes of New Chap[ell] in the Parish of Woolstanton Late Deceased seen valued & Appraised by us whose names are here under written
Anno Dom[ini] 1691
Two heifers, one cow & A mare.... £4 6s 8d
Two Pigs & some hay .................. 9s 0d
One Bed & Furniture in ye Parlour ... £1 0s 0d
Six Chaires & one Stool .................... 5s 0d
In the Chamber Ore ye Parlour two Beds & furniture ............ 13s 4d
Three Coffers, A Box Two tables & Three Forms ................... 10s 0d
In the Chamber over the house Two Beds
w[i]th Furniture Three Coffers, one Box & A form ...................15s 10d
In the house one Table & two Forms &
eight little Stools & three cushions .......................................... 10s 0d
Brass & Pewter ....................................................................... £2 11s 8d
One Iron Pott one Iron Kettle One Dripping pan One
Grate, one fire Shovel & one Pair of Tongs w[i]th
other small things Appertaining to ye fire ............................... 13s 4d
In the Buttery Four Barrells & some Brewing Vessels ............... £1 0s 0d
_Some other Treeware in Buttery .............................................. 5s 0d
Some Earthen Vessels ............................................................... 2s 0d
Four Shelves An old Cupboard & some Nappery Ware .................. 14s 0d
In the Kitchin two Spinning Wheels ................................................ 3s 0d
One Stone Tub & two Swine Troughs .............................................. 4s 0d
one Pair of Trog Wheels w[i]th one muck Cart & all other
Implem[en]ts of husbandry About ye house ..................................... 10s 0d
Muck about ye house ....................................................................... 2s 0d
his Purse & Apparel ........................................................................ £1 5s 0d
The Total is ............................................. £15 19s 10d
Richard Lawton his mark Joseph Whittall Appraisers
The muck about (outside) the house perhaps characterised the rural alehouse!
Thomas Bloore of Wilbersmoore-house, husbandman, no will, buried , inventory taken , administration granted 22 December 1692.
Inventory
one cowe 2 15 0
all the haye 0 5 0
one Crowe of Iron one Mattacke
Some other Small tooles in all 0 13 4
bedding bedstidds Coffors & Boxes 1 5 0
treene and woodden ware 0 2 6
all the linnon 0 2 0
Brasse and Pewter 0 15 0
all the rest of the bedding 1 10 0
Tables Shilves and Cheires 0 12 0
fireshovell tongs, and for any small
thinges that might be overlooked, or
by accident were not seene 0 2 6
the Testators Apparell 0 10 0
desperate debts due by speciality 22 0 0
the totall 30 12 4 [checked]
Appraisers were: Thomas Beech and Thomas Coultlough
Notes
1. His niece Ann Hancock alias Coleclough of Talke had to swear that he had made no will etc.
2. A lease of 1647 survives which refers to a cottage in a close called Willvers Moore in Chatterley, in occupation of Thomas Blower. The latter and Margarett Blower, his wife, were granted a 99-year-lease, paying 33s 4d each year to Raphe Sneyde and Jane Sneyde his wife, and one fat hen at Christmas. (S.256)
3. In 1637 Thomas Blower married Margrett Bagnall at Wolstanton church.
William Bourne of Wolstanton parish, inventory taken 1696, administration granted 22th September 1696.
Inventory
Has 19 cows and other farm stock; and 'coals gotten and standing on the bank'
(Source The West Midlands from AD 1000 - Marie B Rowlands)
John Talbott of Wolstanton, buried 6th October 1697, will dated , date of probate 19th May 1698
Will
To Dorothy, my wife: (for her life) the messuage or tenement in Wolstanton in which I now live, together with the barns, lands and tenements belonging to it.
To Thomas Stevens, son of John Stevens of Hill Chalton, Staffs., freemason, his heirs and assigns for ever: the property above.
To Dorothy my wife: all my beds, bolsters, blankets, bedding, sheets, napkins, table cloths, towels, and other linen and nappery ware; my brass, pewter and household ironware; one long table standing in the house-place; half of a joined chair usually standing in the parlour; a pair of joined bedsteads standing in the [ground] floor chamber; another pair of joined bedsteads standing in the chamber over the house-place; a large chest with linen in it, standing in the said chamber; a table standing in the said chamber; the furnace; a coffer standing in the room in which I usually lodge. the safe, the kneading trough, the cheese-press, all my wooden and coopery ware, all my corn, malt, cheese, bacon and other victuals; all my hay and straw, window curtains and hangings; one couch chair standing in the house-place; forms or benches belonging to them; .... my cows and a horse
[etc]
Richard Drakeford (Audley) 1612/3 12 Mar
1602/3 9th March - Joan Pattson of Wolstanton parish - no documents survive at Lichfield.