The will of John Howcut of Bitteswell, proved 1683

Background 

 

John Howcot, husbandman was buried on 27 April 1683 (Bitteswell parish register).

 

Text

 

In the name of god, Amen the seaventh day of March in the yeere of our Lord god one thousand six hundred eighty and one accordinge to the Computation of the Church of England [i.e. 1681/2] I John Howcot of Bitteswell senior, in the county of Leicester husbandman being in perfect memory praised be god doe make and ordaine this my last will and Testament in manner and former followinge.

 

First I bequeath my soul to god my maker hopeinge that through the merritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only saviour and Redeemer to Receive free pardon and forgiveness of all my sinns and for my body to be buryed in Christian buryall at the discreetion of my Executrix hereafter nominated.

 

Item I give and bequeath to my grandchild William Pratt sonne of William Prat the sum of five shillings.

 

Item I give and bequeath to my sonne John Howcot one shilling.

 

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Knight one shillinge.

 

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Gilbert twentie shillings.

 

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebeca Pratt one shilling.

 

Item I give and bequeath to my grandchild John Howcot, the sonne of John Howcot, five shillings.

 

Item I give and bequeath to Mary Knight my Grandchild the daughter of Mary Knight five shillings.

 

Item I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Gilbert daughter of Elizabeth Gilbert five shillings.

I my Will is and I doe ordayne that All theise my Legasies shall be payd within on yeere after my decease.

 

Item All the Rest of my goods Cattell and Chattells and all my substance both within my house and without which are unbequeathed I doe give and bequeath to Mary my welbeloved Wife whome I doe make my whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament Upon this Condition and Consideration that shee shall pay theise my Legasies and alsoe shall pay all my debts and discharge my buryall and I doe Revoke and make voyd all other Wills formerly made by mee.

 

In Wittness Whereof I the said John Howcot Testator have sett my hand and seale the day and yeere first above Written.

 

[signed] John Howcut

 

signed and sealed in the presence of us

 

[the mark of] Robert Webster

 

[signed] Richard Wright.

 

Probate

 

The executrix was sworn on 5 May 1683 in the presence of Mr Forkingham, Surrogate.

 

Transcribed by Francis Howcutt from a photocopy of the original.