John BULL, 1554 - 1618, Shepherd, Helmdon, Northants. (Page 1 of 2).

This is a transcript of the last Will and Testament of the above, taken from a photocopy of a microfilm record held at Northamptonshire Record Office. (Ref. 2nd class, M105).

Will made on 10.10.1616. Buried on 26.4.1618. Will proved in 1618.

Transcript by D J Bennett, a direct descendant of the above, in December 2003.
(e-mail: djbennett@djbennett.karoo.co.uk Tel: 01482 665506)

In the Name of God Amen
the tenth day of October in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and sixteen. I John Bull of Stockinge in the parish of Helmdon in the County of Northampton, Shepherd, being diseased in body but of good and perfect remembrance (laud and praise be to given to God therefore), do make and ordain this my present testament containing herein my last Will in manner and form following, that is to say, first I commit and betake my soul unto Almighty God our Heavenly Father, Creator and Maker of all things, and Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord the Redeemer and Saviour of all mankind, and my body to be buried in the Church or Churchyard of Helmdon aforesaid or else where it shall please God. First I do give and bequeath unto William Wallgrave of Pillerton 20 shillings. Item. I do will give and bequeath unto Margery Cooke of Brackley 20 pence. Item. I do give will and bequeath unto the children of Harry Saunders of Helmdon aforesaid, Nikolas, Edward, Robert, William two shillings apiece and to Margery and Cissley each of them a platter and a salt and 12 pence. Item. I do give will and bequeath unto the children of William Wallgrave unto William two platters and the best kettle and to the other children two pair of sheets to be equally divided amongst them.
All the residue of my goods and chattels I do wholly give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my well beloved wife whom I do make and ordain full and sole Executrix of this my present Testament containing herein my Last Will, she to see me decently buried, my funeral discharged, my debts to be paid and to receive fully all debt to me due and owing, and these my legacies to be duly performed, as my full trust is she will, to be paid at her decease or within one month after. In witness whereof I the said John Bull have, to this my present testament containing therein my last Will set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. These persons whose names do follow being witnesses.

Edward Shakespeare                              The mark of John Bull
Robert Walker

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/continued on page 2.

Summary of legacies
1. 20 shillings to William Wallgrave of Pillerton.
2. 20 pence to Margery Cooke of Brackley.
3. Two shillings to four male children of Harry Saunders of Helmdon.
(Nicholas, Edward, Robert and William).
4. 12 pence, a platter and a salt to two female children of Harry Sanders/Saunders
of Helmdon. (Margery and Cissley).
5. Two platters and the best kettle to William Wallgrave (Junior).
6. Two pair of sheets - divided equally amongst the other children of William Wallgrave.
7. Residue to wife Elizabeth.

Notes
1. There is a later addition to the Will, probably in Latin, which appears to refer to the probate. It mentions the date 1618 and seems to indicate a total value for the estate of £16.5s.4d. If this is correct it would be worth about £1800 in 2002, according to www.eh.net/hmit/ppowerbp. A multiplier of about 110 is therefore appropriate.
2. John's wife was born Elizabeth COOKE and they married at Middleton Cheney
on 13.9.1585. Their first child was Anne, baptised at Banbury on 5.12.1585 and who
died 9 days later. Their second child was John, baptised 16.10.1586 at Banbury. They appear to have had no other children.
3. It is not clear why nothing was left to John the son but since he was 30 years old by then he was probably well established as a Blacksmith in Helmdon. Perhaps they had had a disagreement. Perhaps John the Shepherd had already assisted in setting up the Blacksmith's business.
4. It appears that John the Testator was expecting his legacies to be paid after the death of his wife/widow.

END