A calendar of wills relating to the counties of Northampton and Rutland, proved in the court of the Archdeacon of Northampton, 1510 to 1652 / edited by W.P.W. Phillimore.

Church of England. Archdeaconry of Northampton.

Date:: 1888

Credit: A calendar of wills relating to the counties of Northampton and Rutland, proved in the court of the Archdeacon of Northampton, 1510 to 1652 / edited by W.P.W. Phillimore. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$'even if it were only her best “apurn” or “peticote,” or “the next beste.’’ There would be dresses of great variety, of rich fabrics and curious names, and others of plainer and coarser material. But all were of value. They would be bequeathed to relations and friends, a garment of some sort to every possible relative, daughter, grand-daughter or kinswoman. A whole wardrobe or rather “chest” would be distributed. Several chests might be named, and we can picture the beautiful carved old oak chest, such as maj' be seen in Sulgrave manor house or in many an old house to-day. Tet us beware of the term “kins- man” or “cousin” in a \vill. Do not be too sure of either. Doubtless, the exact meaning varied in different periods. “Cousin” is certainly the Latin “consanguineus” done into English. But the word was very wide in its application, for it was frequently used as well for grandchild or niece, or for those of less kin. The making of a will was a family and very neigh- bourly affair. If it took place near the time of the man’s passing, the family and the friends would be at the bedside. It was necessary, as to-day, that the testator’s signature should be witnessed. The Rector of the Parish, who it may be wrote the will, would be the first witness, adding “scriptor” to his name. Here, then, may still survive in some obscure will, the signature of a man of learning, and possibly of one afterwards of great distinction. Two overseers would usually be appointed to help the executor. The will was almost always proved very speedily, and, frequently w-ithin a day or two, a shining example of the legal speed, an inventory of all goods having been made, would be sworn at a certain sum. This total was itself an indication of the status of the maker of the will. These inventories are frequently to be found attached to the will, and are an intensely interesting list of all the possessions, such as furniture, clothes, goods of all sorts, implements and cattle. In a great household the careful and extensive list of plate, furniture, and all posses- sions makes a truly valuable document. As historians we are most grateful for the picture of family life which these early wills give. The question may be asked, what Northamptonshire wills have we to-day? and where are thej to be found? The Prerogative Court of the Province of Canterbury is the most important. In this Court wills were proved from the year 1383, and amongst them many Northamptonshire wills may be found. The Diocese of Peterborough, founded in 1541, was previously part of the vast diocese of Lincoln. We nuTst go to Lincoln if we desire to examine the earlier wills. In the Diocese of Peterborough, besides certain smaller Courts, known as Peculiars, we have two important courts for the proving of Wills. It is to be noted that Northamptonshire and Rutland wills are to be found in both. 3 1 K -i . 1' !k‘,' k i . & '• K' r i ■ < •$