Abstract of Will of William Stares of Grange, Rowner 1639
Reference: Winchester County Record Office 1640A/164-1
R.Towner 13th February 1995
Will of William Stayres, Yoeman
Being sick of body …… commend my soul to Almighty God, etc.
To Winchester Cathedral, twelve [shillings.]
To Elizabeth my wife the bed on which I lie and all things hereto belonging. One brass pan which was hers before marriage. One brass bottle and a brass pot. One great chest standing in the little parlour and two coffers and a box in the chamber where I lie. Besides those such household stuff (sic) and goods as she my said wife shall think fit for her own use up to a value of three pounds lawful English money.
I give and bequeath unto my son William Stayres the bed in the chamber over the little parlour (not the steadle(?) unless paying what the steadle(?) cost) and all things appertaining thereto. One bottle and pot of brass. One dungpot, one cartelade and a pair of wheels the best sane(?) one pair. One plow and all things appertaining thereto.
I give and bequest unto my son James Stayres fifty pounds of lawful … to be paid ten pounds on the next 25th March and ten pounds annually until the sum be used up. Also one brass pot, one featherbed with bolster, a pair of blankets and a coverlet which are now in my lodging chamber.
I give and bequest unto my son Thomas Stayres forty pounds …. upon he accomplishes the age of 22 years twenty pounds to be paid to him and twenty pounds the following year. Also one copper bottle and one bed which is at Fishberry’s(?).
I give and bequest to my daughter Agnes Stayres forty pounds etc at her full age of 24 years.
[A clause giving her the money if she married earlier has been crossed out].
I give and bequest to my son Robert Stayres forty pounds etc on accomplishing the full age of 23 years.
I give to my son Nicholas Stayres the truckle bed that is in my lodging chamber with the blankets, coverlet and all things belonging.
I give to Elizabeth Bound, Mary Bound and Jane Bound my grandchildren twenty shillings apiece as they shall accomplish the age of 21 years or on the day of their marriage whichever first shall happen.
I give to Mary Garret and Annie Garret the children of William Garret ten shillings to be paid….. [as above].
I give to Elizabeth Bound my daughter (wife to Nicholas Bound) forty shillings to be paid within one year of my demise.
[Clause as to what happens if any of the legatees die before inheriting etc.]
I make my son John Stayres the sole executor of this my last will and testament.
Overseers my beloved friends Nicholas Bound of Crofton and William Garret of Stubbington, yoemen. For their pains, thirty shillings.
Signed William Stayres