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: the Ninth day of February In the First yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord James the Second By the Grace of God King of Einland Scotland France and Ireland defender of the Faith etc Anno: Domini: 1684/5 I Hugh Tomkinson of Betley in Countie of Stafford Ironmunger being weake in body but of sound and perfect memorey praised be God, doe make Constitute and Ordaine this my Last will and Testament in manner and forme following –
Copyright : Lichfield Record Office, BC/11/1684/5 Hugh Tomkinson
Reproduced by courtesy of the Lichfield Diocesan Registrar