William Cobbe 1524 of Houghton, Norfolk, husbandman

William Cobb has very few possessions and probate was granted 'in forma pauperis'. He mentions only a his wife and brother and uses interesting terminology of the time. Summary                        Will Date:12 September 1524Executors:Brother Thomas Cobbe, Robert ElderychWitnesses:John Proncz[?], John Frost, John Blakke, Henry CooBequests to:Wife MargaretBrother Thomas Cobbe, Robert ElderychProbate:7 November 1524 The Will …

William Kent 1730 of St Minver, Cornwall, yeoman

William Kent is the son of John Kent (Will 1671) and brother of Mary Kent (Will 1728). His inventory shows few possessions, but he has money owed to him. Summary Will Date:18 Feb 1729Executor:John Kent eldest son of his brother George KentWitnesses:Richard Elvans, Isaack Hambly, Jane ElliottPeople:Brother Philip KentSister Jane HodgeNephews William Kent and George …

John Smart 1730 of St Teath, Cornwall, husbandman

John Smart is the son of Henry Smart (Will 1701). He has children and grandchildren, but is only a little more prosperous then his father. Summary Will Date:10 April 1730Executors:Wife Mary and son Henry SmartWitnesses:Moses Martyn, Thomas BrownPeople:Wife MarySons John Smart, Thomas Smart and Henry SmartDaughters Katherine Kellow and Mary SmithGrandchildren John Kellow, Mary Kellow, …

Henry Smart 1701 of St Teath, Cornwall, husbandman

Henry Smart has little to bequeath and leaves only a shilling to his son John (Will 1730). Summary Will Date:17 August 1699Executors:Wife Mary and Daughter KatherineWitnesses:Humfry Martyn, Thomas Goode, John BrownePeople:Wife, daughter and sonBrother Robert SmartBrother John Smart and his wifeProbate:16 July 1701 The Will In the name of God amen I Henry Smart of …

Amy Rolf 1522 of Langford, Norfolk

Amy Rolfe is presumably the widow of John Rolf of Ickburgh (Will 1520). She leaves bees to her sons and the church, and amends her Will after selling the chest she had bequeathed to her son.

John Rolf 1520 of Ickburgh, Norfolk

John Rolf has very few possessions, but makes bequests for the wealth of his soul. Summary Will Date:2 September 1520Executor:Son Simon RolfSupervisor:Nicholas BaxterWitnesses:John Inglethorpe, John Fenne and Alen LyngayPeople:Wife AmyDaughter AgnesSons William and SimonProbate:7 November 1520 The Will In dei nominate Amen. The secund day of Septembre in the yer of oure lord god M …

John Eyre 1639 of Great Chalfield, Wiltshire

John Eyre has wealthy and successful family connections but has little to leave in his Will. He chooses his nephew rather than his wife as executor. Summary Will Date:18 July 1639Executor:Nephew Edward EyreWinesses: O? Tresame[?], Fra Plumbe, John Hayward.People:Father Sir William Eyre of Great Chalfield deceased.Brother Robert Eyre.Wife Dorothy.Nephew Edward Eyre son of Sir William …

Thomas Eyre/Heire 1585 of Sandford Orcas, Somerset, Parson

Thomas Eyre is probably the son of Robert Eyre of Stockton (Will 1539) and brother of Robert Eyre of Milborne Port (Will 1592). His connection to the Gerard family would have been via his mother, Elizabeth Pokeswell/Paywell, whose first husband was William Gerard. Thomas mentions fellow clergy and parishoners, but no close family. Summary Will …

Thomas Rothwell 1642 of Grimston, Norfolk

Thomas Rothwell appoints his son-in-law rather than his wife as executor and as carer for his under-age son. Summary Will Date:20 April 1640Witnesses:Hugh Rothwell, Anne Dawkins.Executor:Son-in-law Francis Rowd / Raid.People:Wife Elizabeth.Son John, under 21.        Son-in-law Francis Rowd              Probate:30 July 1642 to Francis Raid The Will In the Name of God Amen The nine and Twenty day of …

Catherine Rolfe 1645 of Grimston, Norfolk, widow

Catherine Rolfe, nee Catherine Rothwell, is the widow of Edmund Rolfe (Will 1618). She was probably over 80 at the time she made this nuncupative will, as she and Edmund were married in Grimston in 1582. Her grandson Francis is the child of her son Henry Rolfe and his wife Frances Piggott. Francis married Margaret …