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 Robert Amerie of Marchinton, in the parish of Hanbury in the County of Stafford Cordwainer being Sick in Body but yet of Sound & perfect memory praysed be to god for it, doe make and Ordaine this Last will & Testament in maner & forme following And first & principally I give & bequeath my Soule into the hands of Allmighty god my Saviour & Redeemer trusting in the meritorious death & passion of Jesus Christ my Saviour to be made partaker of Life everlasting And my to be buried in Christian Buriall at the discression of my Executors hereafter named And as for my worldly goods which it hath pleased God in his Infinite mercie to bestowe of me I give & bequeath in maner & forme followinge Inprimis I give & bequeath unto Mary my nowe wife Sufficient meate drinke Apparrell & Lodging and all other things necessary befitting her degree age & Calling & Five Shillings yearly to be payd & provided by my Two yongest Daughters Elizabeth & Jane during the term of her naturall Life Item I doe give & bequeath to Thomas Amerie my Son & heire Apparent the Sum of one Shilling Item I doe give & bequeath unto Mary Lorte my Eldest Daughter the Sum of one Shilling Item I doe Likewaies give & bequeath unto Jane Amerie my yongest Daughter …..”
Copyright: Lichfield Record Office, P/C/11 1680 Robert Amerie
Reproduced by courtesy of the Lichfield Diocesan Registrar.