in the name of god amen the 14.1.1585 I Jeff Cuckok of Colchester in the county of Essex baker being sick of body and yet nevertheless of perfect memory thanks be to god do ordain and make this my present testament containing my last will in manner and form following first I commend my soul into the merciful hands of almighty god my maker sanctifier and redeemer believing assuredly that by the death and passion of jesus christ I shall be partaker of the heavenly felicity amongst the elect people of god and I will that my body be buried in decent burial at the discretion of my executor item I do give and bequeath to every of my children that is to say Jn my eldest son Jeff Thos Jn the younger Francis Nich Rose Susan Prudence and Mary and to the child my wife is now pregnant with to either of them 20li to be paid to either of my said sons when they and either of them shall be and accomplish their several ages of 24yr and to either of my said daughters when they and either of them shall be of and accomplish their ages of 20yr item I will and bequeath that my mother Kath Collin if it chance that she shall be a widow after my decease 40s a year during so long time as she shall live a widow to be paid her at two terms of the year usual that is to say the feast of annunciation and michaelmas the first payment to begin at the first of the same feasts that shall happen next after that she shall be a widow item I do give unto the poor people inhabiting within the town of Colchester 10s to be distributed at the discretion of my executrix item I give my sister Alice Brokshall 20s item I give and bequeath to my very loving neighbour and friend Robt Johnson of Colchester pewterer 40s of lawful money of England the residue of all my goods and chattels movables unmovables household stuff money debts and other things whatsoever not bequeathed I do freely and fully give and bequeath the same to Rose my wife whom I do make and ordain my sole executrix of this my testament and last will and I do name and appoint the said Robt Johnson to be supervisor of the same to be aiding unto the same Rose my wife about the same and as touching my lands and tenements or hereditaments either free or copy I will bequeath and devise all my lands and tenements and hereditaments in Birkholt to Rose my wife during her life and after her decease I will the same shall remain to Jn my eldest son and to his heirs forever the residue of all my lands tenements and hereditaments both free and copy within the realm of England I do give unto Rose my wife and to her heirs forever in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written sealed signed and published to be his last will and testament in the presence of me Wm Ram notary public Robt Johnson and others