December the 4^th 1613

I Hugh Bletsoe of Irchester alias Archester yeoman being sick of body but of perfect memory make this my last will and testament as follows. Soul to God etc and body to be buried in the parish church of Irchester in decent manner. I give to my four eldest daughters namely Ellenor, Sibill, Anne and Elizabeth to each of them 50 pounds to be paid and employed for their use until the day of their marriage or until they are 21.

I give to my other four younger children namely Richard, Nicholas, Sara and Mary to each of them 40 pounds for their use until they are married or reach the age of 21. I give to my daughters Ellenor and Sibill over and besides the legacy above to each of them 10 pounds but if it please God that any of these children die before the day of their marriage or the age of 21 then that portion shall be equally divided among the others.

I give to my eldest son Thomas the wood growing in the spinney with liberty to cut the same down to make himself a portion of money which I mean shall be employed for his benefit at the discretion of my overseers. And I would entreat my father-in-law Mr Cartmell of Guilsborough (Gilesborough) my brother William Bletsoe of Wimmington, Robert Saunderson of Rushden and Thomas Wallis of Finedon and hereby do authorise them during the minority of my said children to see their several portions at their discretions employed to their several uses. And once in every year they shall account and cast up the profit which __ my said children by reason of their several portions.

The residue of my goods unbequeathed my funeral debts and legacies discharged I give to Sara my wife whom I make full and sole executrix of this will. Signed Hugh Bletsoe in the presence of William Bletsoe, Nicholas Cartmell junior, Thomas Walleys, Robert Saunderson.

Probate granted 28^th November 1615