Note: This will is indexed in the PCC’s printed catalogue as being of Irchester but the placename appears as Rochester in the will. Both Irchester’s and Rochester’s parish registers start later than 1612 so it is not possible to check for a matching burial. The surname Mason does occur in other wills for Irchester in the early 17^th century so the will is included here given that it may relate to Irchester.

17^th of September in the tenth year of King James [1612], I Thomas Mason the elder being sick in body but of good memory etc. I give to Thomas Mason my son and heir the sum of 14 pounds which he owes me. I give him two hovels which stand in the nether yard that is to say the timber of the hovels. I give to Thomas Mason my grandchild my best horse. I give to my daughter Elizabeth five pounds. I give to Elizabeth Croley my grandchild my best cow. I give to Agnes Mason my daughter 100 marks after the day of marriage. I give to Mary Mason my daughter three score pounds to be paid likewise at her marriage. If it shall fortune that Agnes or Mary shall die then their portion remains to my other daughters. I give to each of my godchildren 12 pence. I give to the poor people of the town of Rochester 20 shillings to be paid at the day of my burial. All the rest of my goods I give to Susan Mason my wife whom I make my full executrix. In witness whereof, the mark of Thomas Mason witnesses Thomas Ekins scribe, Erasmus Chapman, Nicholas Manning his mark.

Probate granted 9^th February 1612/3