Brian Clarke
in the name of god amen I
Hen Byrde
of Saltcotte Virley in the county of Essex being weak in body but of perfect memory do make and ordain my last will and testament in manner and form following first I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of god almighty upon whose mercy in the merit of christ my saviour I wholly depend and trust and my body to be buried at the discretion of my executor item I give and bequeath unto
Agnes
my wife all my customary lands and tenements situate and lying within the parish of Earls Colne and now in the occupation of
Jn Pierson
my brother in law during the term of her natural life and after her decease I will that they remain unto my son
Hen Birde
only one parcel of customary land commonly known by the name of
Walnutte Croft
I give unto
Rich Birde
my younger son also I give and bequeath unto
Hen Bird
my son 10li of lawful english money to be paid unto him at the age of one and twenty years item I give to
Rich Bird
my son 80li of lawful english money to be paid to him at the age of one and twenty years item I give unto
Raynold Clarke
my son in law and unto
Marge
my daughter his wife 20li of lawful money of England to be paid within twelve months after my decease item I give unto my daughter
Mary Bird
100li of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within twelve months after my decease or at the day of her marriage whichsoever first come or be expired item I give unto
Anna
and
Mary Clarke
the children of
Raynold Clarke
and
Marge
my daughter each of them 10li to be paid within three years after my decease item I give unto
Jn Bird
my natural father 10li to be paid within five years after my decease by equal portions viz 40s yearly item I give unto
Jn Sweno
my godson the son of
Wm Sweno
the minister of our parish of Salcotte Virley 6li of lawful english money to be paid unto his use into the hands of his father within two years after my death item I give unto the poor of the parish of Saltcotte Virley and Saltcotte Wigborrow 40s to be paid and distributed at the discretion of my executor item I give unto the poor of the parish of Earls Colne 40s to be paid at the discretion of my executor all the rest of my goods and movables whatsoever unbequeathed I give unto
Agnes
my wife whom likewise I make and ordain sole executrix of this my last will and testament and in witness hereof have subscribed these presents the
21.4.1610
Hen Bird
in the presence of
Wm Sweno
and
Brian Clarke