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.
Will
Memorandum That over Aboute the moneth of October Anno Domini, 1671 George Birkewood late of Wetton in the Countey of Stafford deceased beinge sicke and weake in body but of good & perfect memorey & haveinge a minde to make his will - did make his last will & Testament prinncpalie in manner & forme following First I give five pounds to hannah Robinson All the rest of my Estate I give to Joanne Gaskin & Elizabeth Woodward to bee Equally devided betwixt them These words or the like in effect were spoken by the said Testator in the presence and heareing of William Robinson & Edward Woodward.
Copyright : Lichfield Record Office , P/C/11 1709/10 Birkwood , George
Reproduced by courtesy of the Lichfield Diocesan Registrar.