1614 - English last will and testament with a Latin probate clause added & proved in a church court
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This is an English last will and testament from 1614, written in secretary hand, with a Latin probate clause added when it was proved in a church court. Secretary hand at phone-photo resolution is hard to read, so below is a partial transcription. Words in [brackets] are my uncertain readings, and [...] marks text I can’t make out. The will (English, brown ink) In the name of God Amen the first day of December Anno Domini 1614 I John [Bowes?] of Kirkby [...] in the County of [...] [husbandman?], sicke in body yet of perfect memory thanks be to God, doe ordaine & make this my last will & testament in manner & forme followinge. Imprimis I bequeath my soule into the handes of Almighty God my maker & Redeemer, and my body to be buried [within the churchyard of ...]. Item I give the tenement [which I now dwell in] ... with all & singular the appurtenances ... unto my wife during her naturall life ... and after her decease ... unto [William?] ... Item I give & bequeath ... my sister ... [William Wilkinson?] ... Elizabeth ... Thomas ... Ellin ... Item I give unto ... 20s ... Item I give ... my best [cow?] ... I make my [wife?] sole executrix of this my last will ... Witnesses: Richard [...], [...] The probate clause (Latin, darker ink, lower center/left) Probatum fuit et [approbatum] presens testamentum coram nobis Edmundo [...] Commissario ... commissa fuit administratio omnium bonorum [defuncti] ... executrici in eodem testamento nominatae ... decimo die mensis Januarii Anno Domini 1614. — Hen: [Car...?] This means roughly: “This present testament was proved and approved before us, Edmund [...], Commissary ... and administration of all the deceased’s goods was granted to the executrix named in the will ... on the tenth day of January, 1614.”
