I William Levryche of Stanwyck in health and good memory have written this my will and testament with my own hand in the year of our Lord god a thousand five hundred and 53 the 27^th day of June in the 7^th year of our sovereign Lord Edward the sixth. First I acknowledge myself a sinner faithfully trusting of forgiveness and to be saved by the merits of Christ’s passion in his infinite mercy and that I shall have … with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

First I bequeath 6 pounds to be delivered to the poor by 3s 4d (per) household when my supervisors shall think it best. I bequeath to (Alice Colls) my sister 40 shillings and every servant in my house 6s 8d my goods not bequeathed I give to Henry Leveryche my son and to Richard Leveryche my son and to Alis Leveriche my daughter by even portions. I do my Henry Leveriche my sole executor and William Nicholls of Ecton Thomas Nicholls of the same William (Homes) of the same my supervisors and they to have for their labour 40 shillings each.

Unusually, the will above is followed by another will as follows.

I William Leveriche of Stanwick being sicke of body and of good memory do make this my last will in the third and fourth years of our sovereign Lord and Lady Philip and Marie by the grace of God. First I acknowledge myself a sinner faithfully trusting of forgiveness and to be saved by the merits of Christ’s passion and by his infinite mercy, And that I shall have rest with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

First I bequeath to Joane my wife all my goods and chattels within little Stanbrige in Essex and there she shall rest paying all debts and legacies the which were due before my time. Also I shall pay to my executors in Northamptonshire 20 pounds. Also I do bequeath to my sister Alice Coles’ children 40 shillings. I bequeath to my sister Homes’ children 40 shillings and all such household stuff as I have there to be distributed amongst them. I bequeath to every poor household in Stanwick one bushel of barley and 12 pence in money and 20 shillings to be given among them that shall have most need. My goods not bequeathed I give to Henry Leveriche, Richard Leveriche and Alice Leveriche by even portions. Also I will that Alice Leveriche shall be governed and ruled by these overseers of my will for her bringing up. And further after when she shall be given to marriage And if she this do not then she have no other legacy but as her brethren of their discretion shall give her. I bequeath Henry Leveriche my yard land and my close that I have of and in (Mongomery) by lease. Also I will that these shall be the supervisors of my will Mr William Nichols of Ecton, Mr Thomas Nicols of London & William Homes of Ecton and they to have every one of them for their pains 40 shillings as aforesaid.

Probate notice dated 13^th January 1556 follows.