Will of Michael Walker, yeoman, 1651 (proved 1658)

National Archives, Prob/11/279, f.392

In the name of God Amen I Michaell Walker of Winslow in the county of Buckingham yeoman beinge sicke in body, but in perfect memorie, Doe make this my last will and Testament in manner and forme followinge. Imprimis I doe bequeath my Soule into the hands of Almightie God my maker, and Jesus Christ my Redeemer By whose merritts I doe hope for salvation And my Body to bee decently buried in the Earth, att the discretion of my friends. Item I doe give and bequeath to my daughter Jane the wife of Robert Gibbes, One bedstead standinge in the chamber over the hall with one Boulster and blankett or Healinge belonginge to the said Bedd, and the Meashing Fatt. Item I doe give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth, One Bedstead standinge in the Parlour with the best feather bedd, and the best Coverlidd, and the best boulster and blankett, and two pillows belonginge to the sayd Bedd with the Table and frame in the said Parlour, and the Cupboard in the Parlour, and the {the} court cubboard standinge in the Parlour, one Coffer in the Parlour, one Cheare and the Benches in the Parlour; And alsoe one Brasse pott, and the two best Kettles, and six of the best platters of pewter, three paire of sheetes and Fortie shillings of money which is in the hands of Robert Gibbes that hee doth owe unto mee. And alsoe I doe give to my said daughter Elizabeth one carpitt belonginge to the Table in the parlour, And alsoe one hogshead and two barrells in the Buttery. Item I doe bequeath to the three Children of Robert Gibbs, Robert Mary and Martha The summe of Five shillings a peece to bee paid to them out of my Stall geere, within one yeare and A day after my decease. And alsoe I doe give to Robert, the sonne of Robert Gibbs, the Cradle. Item I doe make and ordayne my loveinge wife Alice my full Executrix of all the rest of my goods unbequeathed In witnes hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale the Thirteenth day October Anno domini One Thousand sixe hundred Fiftie one, Michaell Walker, Sealed and delivered in the presence Peter Fige sen(ior) and Thomas Tomline

This will was proved att London the seaventeenth day of August in the yeare of our Lord God One Thousand sixe hundred Fifty and eight Before the Judges for Probate of Wills and granting Administrations lawfully authorized, by the oath of Alice Walker the Relict and sole Executrix named in the said will To whome Administration of all and singuler the goods Chattells and debts of the said deceased was committed Shee beinge first sworne by Commission truely to administer the same.

Notes

Michael Walker was probably the son of John Walker baptised at Granborough on 2 March 1582/3. His daughters named in the will were Jane (bap. at Winslow 7 May 1629 - she must have married very young) and Elizabeth (bap. 23 Nov 1632).

Alice was Michael's second wife as he had some children by his first wife Frances: Jane (bap. at Winslow 9 May 1611) Michael (bap. 18 Feb 1613/14), Robert (bap. 16 June 1616). Frances and the three children were all buried in Sep 1625.

His grandchildren were baptised at Winslow (more were born after the will was made):

Healinge = heling, a covering (OED, s.v.)

Meashing Fatt = mashing vat (OED gives meash as alternative spelling of mash)

carpitt: carpets were used for covering table and beds up to the 17th century (OED, s.v. carpet, n., I.1.a)

Stall geere: meaning uncertain (market stall? stall for barrels? animal stall? stall of bees?). Presumably it was to be sold to provide the money.

Copyright 31 July, 2013