in the name of god amen the 21.6.1569 I Wm Woodward of Earls Colne in the county of Essex and in the diocese of London being sick in body but of good remembrance thanks be to god make my testament and last will in manner following first I bequeath my soul to the holy trinity the father the son and the holy ghost and to all the glorious company of heaven and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Earls Colne aforesaid item I bequeath to the poor men's box there 12d item I bequeath to every of my five children that is to say Joan Hen Wm Jn sen and Jn jun 46s8d apiece to be levied of my goods and chattels to be paid unto them and unto every of them at their several ages of eighteen years and if it fortune any of my five children to decease before they have accomplished the said age of eighteen years then I will the person or persons him her or them so deceased to be parted part and part alike among the residue of my other children then living the residue of my goods chattels and the lease of my farm I give and bequeath to Eliz my wife and to Robt Woodward my son toward the bring up of my said children and afterward to be equally parted between my said wife and my said son Robt Woodward and I ordain and make my said wife and my said son Robt my executors to pay my debts and legacies take up such debts as are owing to me and to bring my body honestly to the ground and I make my trusty friend Jn Cutler supervisor of this my last testament and last will to see the same duly performed according to the true meaning of the same these being witnesses Edm Damyon Jn Cutler Wm Wayde sen Jn Busshe Thos Berye Rich Browne and Jn Peatfelde with others