In the name of God Amen, this instant Friday being the 16th. of December 1580 I Richard Earle of Potterpurie in the county of Northampton being sick in body but perfect of memory (thanks be to God for it) do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Potterspurie aforesaid Item I give to the repairs of the church of Potterspurie 6d. Item I give to my son William Earle two sheep and to my son John Earle two sheep I give more to my said sons William and John one brown bullock of two years of age to be equally divided between them at or within one month after my death by my overseers Item I give more to my sons William and John Earle 13s. 4d. to be equally divided between them and to be delivered them at the age of 18 years Item I give to my brother John Earle my cut canvas doublet Item I give to my said two sons William and John Earle all working tools to be sold by my overseers and the money to be equally paid and distributed in payment for them my said sons within one year after my burial The rest of my goods moveable and unmoveable and chattels where and whatsoever unbequeathed my debts and funeral discharged I give to Margaret my wife whom I make executrix of this my last Will and Testament And I do appoint my Master William Kent als. Smyth overseer of this my Will to see it performed in manner and form aforesaid and I give him for his pains 6d. In witness hereof I have caused this my Will to be made and set my hand the day and year above written witnesses hereof Thomas Saxbie minister, Robert Rockingham als. Packington, and William Maywooddee with others

Probate 14 April 1581

Inventory Sum £11 2s. 6d.