In Gods name amen the 17th. of March in Anno Dom 1599 I William Beard of Potterspurie being sick in body but yet of good and perfect memory thanks be to God do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First I give and yield up my soul into the hands of almighty God my creator and redeemer and sanctifier and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Potterspury And for my worldly goods which the Lord for a time has lent me I give and bequeath as follows First I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Beard my black mare and my cupboard with all the pewter there on standing and [one] sealled bed with all the furniture to the same belonging as it now stands and one chest and one coffer Item I give and bequeath to my son Alexander Beard the bedstead standing next to the said seeled bed with all the bedding coverlet and blankets thereunto belonging as it now stands furnished and half a hundredth of leather Item I give to Arthur Beard my son my long great coffer and 10 boards in the barn All the rest of my goods and chattels moveable and unmoveable my debts and legacies being paid and my funeral discharged I give and bequeath to Jayes Beard my wife whom I do make my sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament willing and charging my said executrix at her decease to divide my said goods to her in and by this Will bequeathed equally amongst my said three sons Arthur Alexander and Thomas In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of these Humfrey Wheatly clerk William Daviey and others

Probate 14 April 1599

Inventory value £12 16s 4d