Will of William Parkyn, 1471

Herts RO 2AR4

[translated from Latin]

In etc. 14 August AD 1471 I William P(ar)kyn of the parish of Wynselowe, healthy of mind, make my will in this way.  First I bequeath my soul to God the father almighty, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all his saints, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish church of Wynselowe aforesaid.  Item I bequeath to the high altar 12d. Item I bequeath to the altar of St Mary in the church 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the altar of the Blessed Mary in purification 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the altar of St Nicholas 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the altar of St Thomas the martyr 1 bushel of barley.  Item I bequeath to the repair of the torches 1 quarter of malt.  Item for a certain missal book 40s.  Item for the maintenance of the bells [campanul’] 20s.  Item I bequeath to the bell [campane] 20s.  Item I bequeath to the mother church of St Albans 40d.  The residue indeed of all my goods not bequeathed above I give and bequeath to my executrix.  And Margaret my wife I ordain, make and appoint my executrix, and Thomas Power overseer, to dispose for the salvation of my soul as will seem most expedient to them.  Given on the day and year written above.

[Probate on 12 Oct 1471]

Notes

The will distinguishes between "the bell" (campana) and "the little bells" (campanule). The former is probably the one paid for by Henry Tomlyn's will of 1452.

William Parkyn or Perkyn was the Farmer of the Manor in 1459 (WMCB p.701), i.e. he held it at a fixed rent from the Abbot of St Albans. That would explain his generosity to the church.