SIMPSON, William (Will)

I William Simpson of Badsey, baker, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, make my will:

• First and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, my creator, hoping for forgiveness of all my sins by the merits and mediation of my Saviour Jesus Christ, and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my wife and family
• And as to all my worldly goods and estate whatsoever and wheresoever wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, both real and personal, I give devise and bequeath the same
• To my beloved wife, Hannah Simpson, all that my freehold messuage, tenement and premises wherein I now live with the garden, yard, barn and orchard situate in Badsey, also all my household goods, my five watches, one bedstead, one feather bed, beddings excepted) effects, furniture and utensils, to have and to hold the said messuage, tenement and premises with all my said good and effects to my wife during her natural life if she lives single but in case she should marry again, I give devise and bequeath the premises with all the appurtenances belonging thereto and all my goods and effects to my children from the day of her second marriage in such a manner and I will them to enjoy the same after her decease.
• To my eldest son Joseph Simpson, after the decease of my wife, all that messuage, tenement and premises subject to the condition that he his heirs or assigns shall well and truly pay to his brothers and sisters the following sums:
• To Catherine £10
• To John £45
• To Mary £45
• To William £50
• And for want of such payments, I give full power for my said children Catherine, John, Mary and William into the said premises to make entries or bring actions as the case may require until the said sums and every part are fully paid
• Also I give my eldest daughter the said Catherine all that house and garden in Badsey now or late in the occupation of Ann Smith to have and to hold the same from the day of my decease to my said daughter Catherine.  Also I give her one bestead, one feather bed and beddings belonging thereto to have the same within 6 months after my decease.
• I give my two watches to my sons Joseph and John to have them at their respective ages of [LEFT BLANK].
• Also I give and bequeath all my household goods, effects furniture and utensils after my wife’s decease to my children to be equally divided between them (the watches, bedstead, feather bed and beddings already mentioned being to be actioned? As part and be accounted for)
• And as to all the rest, residue and remainder of my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever the same may be situate, lying and being, I give and bequeath the same unto my youngest son William Simpson whom I make ordain and constitute executor.

I nominate and devise my trusty friends Thomas Byrd and Piercy Jones, gentlemen, to be Trustees and assistants to my said children during their minority in the due performance of this my last will.