Thomas BULL , 1692 - 1762. Baker, Helmdon, Northants. (One page only).

This is a transcript of the last Will and Testament of the above, taken from a photograph of the original which is held at the Northamptonshire Record Office.

Will made 25.4.1757. Buried 16.5.1762. Will proved 23.6.1762.

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

In the Name of God Amen
I Thomas Bull of Helmdon in the County of Northampton, Baker, being in tolerable good health and of sound perfect and disposing mind memory and understanding and knowing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof do hereby make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) to my Nephew John Bull now living in the parish of Banbury in the County of Oxford, Butcher, I give the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England. To my Nephew James Bull of the Borough of Banbury aforesaid, Butcher, I give the sum of forty pounds of like lawful money of England and also my best coat. To my Niece Margaret Gylks, wife of John Gylks of Helmdon aforesaid I give the like sum of forty pounds. All the rest of my goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever or wheresoever I give devise and bequeath unto my Nephew William Bull of Banbury aforesaid, Butcher, to him and his heirs for ever (paying the abovesaid legacies, all my just debts and funeral expenses) . And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint him my said Nephew William Bull Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of April in the thirtieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven.

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Signature of
Thomas Bull to be his last Will and Testament in Thomas Bull
the presence of us whose names are hereunto
subscribed as witnesses to the same.
Signatures of Edward Page & Richard Read.

Summary of legacies

1. £40 to John Bull, Nephew, of Banbury, Butcher.
2. £40 and best coat to James Bull, Nephew, of Banbury, Butcher.
3. £40 to Margaret Gylks, Niece, wife of John Gylks of Helmdon.
4. Rest to William Bull, Nephew, of Banbury, Butcher. (Sole Executor).

Notes

1. Thomas may have been the husband of Sarah and they may have had a son Thomas who was buried @ Helmdon on 12.3.1746. The Will certainly gives the impression that he had no surviving wife or issue when he made it.
2. The cash legacies of £120 total would be worth about £10150 in 2002 according to www.eh.net/hmit/ppowerbp. A simple multiplier of about 85 is therefore approximately right.

END