Description:Wills and their accompanying inventories of goods and chattels, are an excellent source of information for family, social and economic history. A will can provide all kinds of useful information about family relationships and the social and economic status of the testator, that is the person making the will. In addition before 1750, an itemised inventory of the goods of the deceased was drawn up by between two and five unbiased persons called appraisors, overseers or supervisors. The inventory includes all the moveable goods, including where appropriate household goods, clothing, stock-in-trade, farm stock, growing and cut corn, loose money and any rent and debts due but it does not include land.
“In the name of god Amen; I John tompson of Kingston in the countye of stafforde; husbande man doe make this my last wille Ane testament; In maner followinge; first I doe bequeth my soule into the hands: of Almightye god my creatour; hoping for salvation: only bye and through the merites of Jesus christ my savour; and redeemer Amen; I desiere my bodye maye be decently buried in Kingston church yarde; for my worldlye goodes I dispose of them; as followeth; I doe give Unto my sonne william tompson; three score and ten poundes : to be paide him the yeare After he is married………………………..”
Copyright: Lichfield Record Office, P/C/11 1668 John Tompson
Reproduced by courtesy of the Lichfield Diocesan Registrar.