Thomasin BULL, c.1630 - 1699, Widow of John BULL 1617 - 1690, Blacksmith, 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. 3rd series V85). The Will was made on 16.1.1698 and Thomasin was buried at Helmdon on 13.4.1699 (i.e. 3 months later). It is not known if and when the Will was proved. Items in square brackets e.g. [Banwood] are uncertain.

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
I Thomasin Bull of Helmdon in the County of Northton, Widow, being in good health of body and of sound and perfect mind and memory (praise be given to Almighty God) I do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say, first I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, hoping through the merits, death and passion of our Saviour Jesus Christ to have a full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and to inherit everlasting life and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named and as touching disposion of all such temporal effects as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth.
First I will that my debts and funeral charges shall be paid and discharged.
Then I give and bequeath to my son John Bull the sum of one shilling.
Then I give and bequeath to my son James Bull the sum of one shilling.
Then I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Barnes all my wearing apparel and the[use] of my household goods so long as she liveth with her children.
Then I give to my granddaughters Mary and Rose Barnes all my household goods
whatsoever.
Then all the rest and residue of all my personal estate goods and chattels whatsoever I do
give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Haynes, Full and Sole Executrix of this my
Last Will and Testament.
And I do desire that my body may be buried at the discretion of my Executrix and I do hereby revoke and disanul and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I the said Thomasin Bull to this my Last Will and Testament being contained in one sheet of paper set my hand and seal the sixteenth day of January 1698 in the presence of us

William Higgs The mark of Thomasin Bull
The mark of John Pratt
The mark of John [Banwood]
Tho. Haynes

/continued on page 2.

Page 2 of 2. Thomasin Bull (c.1630 - 1699).

Summary of legacies

1. One shilling to son John Bull. (About £4 equivalent in 2002).
2. One shilling to son James Bull.
3. Clothes and household goods to daughter Mary Barnes - so long as she lived with her children, then to granddaughters Mary and Rose Barnes.
4. All the rest to daughter Ann Haynes - sole Executrix.

Notes

1. Thomasin's husband John (1617-1690) had already left the blacksmith's shop and half yard land (about 12.5 acres) to James Bull, as well as large sums of cash to their daughters Anne and Mary.

END