Will of James Goodson of Scarning - 1676

In the name of God Amen I James Goodson of Scarning in the County of Norfolk - Butcher being sick in body but of sound mind and perfect? memory, God be praised for the same. Do this fourth day of July in the eight and twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King Charles the Second Anno Dm 1676 make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (Suitable wording about Eternal Life etc.)

Item: I give to the poor people of the parish of Scarning aforesaid Twenty Shillings to be distributed amongst them at Christmas next after my death by the Minister and Churchwardens of the said parish.

Item: whereas upon my marriage to Frances my wife I gave solemnly by bond conditional to make her a Jointure which I have not yet performed. In discharge and satisfaction of which bond and for the love which I bear for the said Frances my wife I do demise to her for the term of her natural life all my messuage as house, land, tenements and heriditaments which I late purchased of Mr Robert Hammond the younger. And also all my close? of pasture commonly called or known by the name of Hollmast containing by affirmation four acres the same amount which I late purchased of the daughter of Mr Henry Hammond all of which are situate lying or being in Scarning aforesaid. And after the death of the said Frances my wife I do give and do will them and every of them to James Goodson my son and his heirs for ever.

Item: I do give and demise all my close walled? Hayfield also lying in Scarning aforesaid and containing by affirmation six acres which I purchased of Mr John Batch and also my messuage or tenement with the lands thereto belonging in Shipdham to the said James Goodson my son and to his heirs for ever.

Item: I give and demise to Mary Goodson my daughter to her heirs for ever All my messuages, house, lands, tenements and heriditaments which I late purchased of Bartholomew Crispe situate, lying and being in Scarning aforesaid.

Item: I give to the said James my son and to his heirs for ever my stall in East Dereham which was formerly? Richard Johnson,s.

Item: I give and demise my stall in East Dereham aforesaid which sometimes was one ?????, to the said Mary my daughter and to her heirs for ever.

Item: I give and demise to Margaret Goodson my daughter and to her heirs for ever my stall in East Dereham aforesaid which I bought of William Clarke which is now in the use of John Gitturns.

Item: I give to Frances Goodson my daughter and to her heirs for ever my stall in East Dereham aforesaid which I bought of William Clarke standing nigh the pillory in the market place and it is mind my executor shall repair the same within one year next after my death.

Item: I give and bequeath to the same Margaret and to the said Frances my daughters the sums of one hundred and twenty pounds apiece of lawful money of England both which sums my mind and will it shall be paid to them within one year next after my death. And shall be put out and employed by my executor and supervisor hereafter named for the several and respective benefits and advantages of my said two daughters until their several and respective ages of one and twenty years expire. And if both or either of my said daughters shall happen to depart this life before their several and respective ages of one and twenty years and unmarried, then it is my mind and will and intent that the legacy given to her or them so dying shall be equally parted and divided amongst the rest of my children then living.

Item: I give unto the said James Goodson the sum of forty pounds to be paid to him at the age of fourteen years. And if he departs this life before I do, demise the same equally to my children then living share and share alike.

Item: I give and demise to my said three daughters the sums of threescore? pounds of lawful money of England to be equally paid to the said Mary Margaret and Frances at their several and respective ages of one and twenty years.

Item: I give moreover to my said Mary my daughter the sum of twenty pounds to be paid to her at the age of one and twenty years. And if she should depart this life before the said age of one and twenty years and unmarried then it is my mind will and intent that the legacy given to her and them so dying shall be equally paid to and divided amongst my surviving children share and share alike.

Item: I do make, nominate and appoint the said Frances my loving wife sole executrix of this my last will and testament to whom I do give all my bills, bonds and ready money (unreadable) tables? chattels insofar they are not formerly given or bequeathed and do desire her to be very careful of my children and faithful to perfoming my mind and intent in this my will.

Lastly I do name Thomas Marchbank of Wendling in the said County gent. supervisor of this my will and I do desire him to assist and advise my executrix in the execution of the same for the benefit and advantage of her and my children. And I do give him for his pains care and trouble he shall take therein the sum of three pounds six shillings and eightpence. In witness thereof I have to this my last will and testament written and contained in one sheet and a half of paper to each of them set my hand and seal.

James Goodson

Probate Lytcham? 3 September 1676

Jacob Goodson

Frances Goodson

[Transcribed by John B. Gooderson]

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