Stafford Wills

Wills, Inventories & Indentures

 relating to the Stafford Family


My thanks to the staff of New Mills Library for allowing me to add these Wills, Inventories & Indentures & to Rowena Clarke & Pat Stanway for transcribing most of them.

Forename letter:  A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z   

Will of Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe: 1603

[This document is badly damaged and I can therefore only transcribe portions of the same.  The upper half of the first page and the lower half of the second. R.Clarke]

In the name of god amen the eighth day of August in the year of our lord god one thousand six hundred and three I Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe in the county of Derby and parish of Glossop Yeoman being sick in body but of good and perfect minded memory I praise god for dread of (          ) death the time of which is uncertain and also for dischgarging of my       (con )   &  for the law in ( read--------)   which I would leave among my wife and children do ordain declare and make this my present testament containing therein my last will in manner and form hereafter following.   That is to say first and principally I do commit and bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty god my maker from whence it came most faithfully believing that through the merits and passion of precious blood shedding of Jesus Christ his dear son my only saviour and redeemer to be one of the (           )  of his elect to enjoy to my unforgetable comfort that everlasting blessed (                 ) prepared for all the (            ) of god and my body I commit to the earth whence it was made to be buried in the parish church of Glossop

Item   I give and bequeath unto John STAFFORD my young (?er) son the whole and full sum of three score pounds of lawful English money to be divided and paid unto my said son John STAFFORD the younger at (?  hart) of the feast of ( I believe this to say St Michael the archangel) next ensuing my decease by equal portions Item I give unto &ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;damaged part all that portion or piece of ground commonly called Parks field &ldots;&ldots;. Damage                  all such housing buildings &ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;damage       

The upper part of the second sheet contains the bequests to grandchildren and there is mention of a son-in-law but sadly they cannot be read     The names which can be read are Thomas HOWARD, Marie and Ellen STAFFORD & Margaret HOWARD  He names his wife as Alice and his son John   His witnesses are William CLAYTON of Strindes gentleman Raphe HYDE of (hole in document) Yeoman and Robert HYDE with others.

Debts owing to him are James BURGESS of Butley  John SHIRT of Disley and more by the said John SHIRT

Inventory of Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe: 1603

The true Inventory made the 10th day of September in the year of the reign of our sovereign Lord James by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland defender of the faith  The first (.... damaged)  Lord god one thousand six hundred and three. Of all and singular goods and chattels of Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe inn the county of Derby deceased. Praised rated and valued by John SHIRT of Disley in the county of Chester, gentleman. William CLAYTON of Strines of the aforesaid county of Derby gentleman, Ralph HYDE of Haigh yeoman    Reg (&ldots;damaged portion) of Lyme in Hanley in the said county of (..... damaged) yeoman

Imprimis  Oxen steres, kyne and other young beasts

 (Damage)

Item         Sheep

.

Item         Horses

.

Item         Swine

.

Item         Corn and Hay

.

Item         Wains, yokes and other husbandry wares                   

£10

Item         Spitts, Gawbers,  (? Glaynes) with other iron ware      

Blot

Item         Two great arks                                                              

26/- 8d

Item         One other ark                       

10/-

Item         Two chests                                              

6/8d

Item          Brass  & pewter                   

£3?

Item         Treen ware                   

23/8d

Item         Six chairs and one little table board        

5/-

Item         Meal Malt Butter and Cheese and some salt flesh       

 £10

Item         Pullen            

20/-

Item         Sacks and winnow sheet        

10/-

Item         Wool   

15/-

Item         Bedding table cloths and other linens    

£15

Item         Bedstocks      

12/8d

Item         Apparrel                                                         

ten?s/l

No total shown  

___________________

 Will  of Anthony Stafford of Shawe 1686

In the name of god amen the twenty sixth day of December in the thirty fourth year of the reign of our sovereign lord Charles the second by the grace of god king of England Scotland France & Ireland defender of the faith Anno Dom 1682 I Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe in the County of Derby Gent. Being aged and week of body but of good and perfect memory praised be god for the same do constitute ordain and make this testament containing herein my last will in manner and form following.  First & principally I give & bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty god my heavenly creator & maker trusting through the merits of Christ his death and passion to be one of his elect and chosen people and my body to the earth from whence it came to be buried in due and decent manner at the discretion of my friends and exors. Hereafter herein named.  And for such worldly goods and estate as god of his mercy hath endowed me withal my mind and will is that my debts if any such be funeral expenses shall be paid out of & from my whole goods.

 I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Anne STAFFORD all that housing and land which was named in the deed of settlement made at our marriage or twenty pounds (            ) at her choice to be paid at midsummer & Martinmas in equal payments at whatever day happens the sooner after my death.

Item I give unto my said loving wife three cows & to make her choice twenty good sheep, the mare in the stable wh(      )  I now made & (        ) ten pounds of silver and twenty hoops of good meal to be made her.  Item I give leave and bequeath unto my said loving wife Anne STAFFORD a third part of my household goods.

Item I give unto John POTT twenty shillings a year so long as he be able to get forty shillings a year wages and when he be aged & is not able to get 40s a year then I give him thirty shillings a year to be paid him yearly & every year after my decease for long as he shall live & to be paid him by my exors hereafter named.

I give unto the said John POTT my best suit of clothes exepting the plate buttons.

Item I give unto Peter HYDE twenty shillings .  Item I leave unto Robert COTTRELL one ewe.  I leave unto Mary BARBER & Maly HADFIELD either of them 3s & 4d a piece.  Item I give unto William STAFFORD my two old suits of clothes, my old boots and an old hat which legacies are to be paid out by my exors hereafter named.  

And lastly I give and bequeath unto my only son John STAFFORD all my housing lands & (        )ings, goods chattels and catels undisposed of to him and his heirs for ever.  And I do appoint and make the said John STAFFORD my sole exor. To execute & perform this my last will and testament according to the trust I repose in him renouncing all other wills & testaments by me formerly made In witness whereof to this my present last will and testament I have now set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.  1682

Witnessed by Mary BARBER & Peter HYDE

Inventory of Anthony Stafford 1686

A true and perfect inventory of all nthe goods cattels and chattels of Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe in the parish of Glossop and County of Derby Gentleman, lately deceased.  (          ) valued and priced by James CHEETHAM, Nicholas WARRINGTON, James RIDGEWAY snr James RIDGEWAY jnr August 2nd 1686.

.

  £   s    d

Imprimis his purse and apparel

  20  00  00

Item in bills and bond

212  00  00

Item horse and saddle

 15  00  00

Item in books

 05  00  00

Item in hall tables buffets chairs fire iron and other things belonging to it

 06  07  00

In cushions and carpet cloths Item fire irons spits and other iron things in kitchen

 02  00  00

Item in brass, pewter and lead

 09  17  00

Item one table

 00  10  00

Item in chairs and stools

 00  10  00

Item Chamber over lower parlour bedsteads & bedding,press and chest, ark

 02  16  00

Item in kitchen chamber 2 pairs bedsteads and bedding

 06  09  08

Item Little parlour 2 pairs bedsteads and bedding trunks and other fire iron

 04  08  00

Item In lower parlour bedsteads & bedding two garners

 03  00  00

Item in blue chamber bedsteads, feather bed curtains & valances 5 chairs one trunk and one great chest

 11  09  00

Item in great chamber bedsteads feather bed other bedding curtains valances fire tongs and fire shovel chairs and cushions

 09  16  00

Item in beef ,bacon butter and cheese

 03  00  00

Item in meal and malt

 06  00  00

Item in sacks

 02  00  00

Item in linens

 10  00  00

Item in wooden ware

 03  00  00

Item in silver plate

 10  00  00

Item in horses and beasts

136  00  00

Item in sheep

 25  00  00

Item in wool

 03  00  00

Item in husbandry ware

 08  00  00

Item in hay and corn

 45  00  00

Item in swine

 02  00  00

Item in poultery ware

 02  10  00

Item in earthen ware

 00  10  00

Item in limber ware

 00  05  00

Summa totalis                                        

563  04  00

 ___________________

Christian STAFFORD of Bothams: 1689

In the name of god amen The First Day of March In the first yeare of the Raigne of our Sovraigne lord King William the Third and of England etc. Ano Din 1688 I Christian STAFFORD relict of Thristram late of Bothams in the County of Derby deceased being Infirme of body but of sound memory (praise to god therefore) do hereby constitute ordaine & make this my last Will and Testament in maner and forme followeing (That is to say) First and principally I comend my soule into the hands of Almight god hopeing through the merritte of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full remission and pardon of all my sins by the effussion of his blood And to inherit eternall life And my body to be decently buried within the Railes of the Chancell within the Chappell of Mellor in the county of Derby aforesaid, And as for my Temporall Estate I dispose of as followeth Impris my will and mind is that the sume of fiftty poundes shall be expended upon the poore and my funerall expenses as by the discretion of my Executor hereafter named Item It is my will and mind that my Executor out of my estate lay forth the sume of Twentty Six poundes for the use of the poore within Mellor the proffitte thereof to be bestowed on the poore aforesaid evry other Sunday yearely by Twelve pence a Sunday in Whyte  bread and given within the Railes of the said Chancell at Mellor aforesaid by whom my son STAFFORD shall constitute & apoynt And to begin the said Legacie within one yeare after my decease And soe continue for ever And to that end I hereby chardge my said son STAF(FORD) to confirme the said yearely Legacie as connsell in land shall Advice whereby the same yearely legacie may be this preponate (?) as aforesaid Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter STAVELEY The Sume of Ten poundes to be paid to her hands by 50s per annum the first payment to be paid within six months after my decease And that Thomas SHUTTLEWORTH shall be paid fortty shillings Alsoe Mary TAYLIOR of Ludworth Three pounds which my said daughter STAVELEY owed them.  Item I give unto my daughter HESKEY fortty shillings Item I give unto my cousin BAGSHAW wife of Bakewell The Sume of five poundes to bye her a Ring, Itm I give & bequeath unto my cousin LEGH of Parke Hall five poundes to buy him a Ring Item I give unto William WALKELATE de Milne banke topp the sume of Ten shillings Itm I give unto eny of my hyred serveants Twentty shillings a peece Item my will is that Intrest (for soe long tyme as George NEWTONs money lay in my hands be truly [insertion `if George NEWTON doe not pay it`] paid unto Mistres BLYTH of Disley Item I will dispose of my weareing Apparell by word of mouth in my life tyme, Item for the rest of my Estate undisposed of And of what nature and quality soever the same is of I give and bequeath unto my son STAFFORD whom I hereby constitute Ordaine and make my sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament Revokeing all other wills by mee formerly made In Testimony whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seale

(signed) Christian STAFFORD [with seal] 

Sealed signed and declared to be the last will and testament of the above said Christian STAFFORD In the presence of us Ellin JACKSON (her mark); James CHEETHAM; W. WALKELATE

[Probate given 4th October 1689]

A True and perfect Inventory of all the Goods Chattells & Cattels of Madam Christian STAFFORD of Bottames Hall in the parrish of Glossop and County of Darby late Deceased taken valued viewed & prized by us Edward LEGH John STAFFORD Thomas SHUTTLEWORTH   March 19 1688

.

£.   s.   d.

Imprimis her purse and apparell

30  00  00

Item in goods in the kitch fire Iron Tongues Shovell Jack & all other Iron ware in the kitchin  

01  05  00

Item in wooden ware in the kitchin  

02  10  00

Item in plate

15  00  00

Item in Brasse and pewter

05  00  00

Item in goods in the hall: 2 tables & a Chiste g..ck

02  00  00

Item in goods in the Parlour one fire Iron  Tongues  2: Tables & carpen cloaths Six chaires Six Set buffets 

03  00  00

Item in goods in the Nursery bedsteads & bedinge Curtains & vallance six chaires

02  00  00

Item in goods in the Chamber over the kitchin five Iron fire tongues bedsteads & bedinge curtains and vallance Seven Coveras (?) chaires one hanging Shelfe one Seeing Glass & a little stand table

08  00  00

Item in the chamber over the parlour One fire Iron tongues bedsteads & beding one little table a seeing Glass curtains & vallance six chaires two trunkes & two boxes

05  00  00

Item in Linnen

15  00  00

Item in Meale Mault beefe baken butter & cheese

01  00  00

Item in hay & corne

20  00  00

Item in foure Oxen

16  00  00

In the Servants Chamber 2 bedsteads & bedinge

01  10  00

Item Six Cowes & a bull

20  00  00

Item one heifer

02  06  08

Item 3 (?): Twinters

06  00  00

Item foure calves

04  00  00

Item one bay Gelding one old mare & a filley

16  00  00

Item two ploughs one paire of plow Irons

00  09  00

One Carte: carte wheeles & one stade (?)

01  10  00

Item Two Axes and a Cheese presse

00  08  00

Item one Swine

00  18  00

Item one pack Saddle & & grilch (?) Two hambarks two paire of horse Geers two Iron teames

00  13  04

Item Two shovells & two pickfores

00  05  00

Item in feathers & poultrey ware

00  06  08

Item in all Lumber ware

00  01  06

A True Inventory prized by us Edward LEGH Jon STAFFORD Thomas SHUTTLEWORTH (T his mark)

___________________

Egerton Ashenhurst STAFFORD of Strines: 1757

Egerton Ashenhurst STAFFORD died Intestate.  There are three sheets -

1. A hand written renunciation by Elizabeth STAFFORD mother of Egerton Ashenhurst STAFFORD:

Know All Men by these presents that I Elizabeth STAFFORD, widow, the natural & lawful Mother of Egerton Ashenhurst STAFFORD late of Strines in the Parish of Glossop in the County of Derby & Diocese of Lichfield & Coventry Esq. deceased, who died Intestate without making any Will, having not Intervened (?) ... will or disposed of any part of the Goods - Chattels & Credits of the said Deceased, Have Renounced and Quit claimed and by these presents do Renounce and Quit claim all my Right G...e & Interest of in & to the Letters of Administration of the Goods & Chattels of the said Egerton Ashenhurst STAFFORD & do consent and desire as far as in me lies that Letters of Administration of the Goods of the said Deceased may be committed and Granted to the Reverd James STAFFORD my son & the Natural & lawful Brother of the said deceased; And to the end that this my Revocation may have its due effect in Law I hereby, name and appoint John FLETCHER Notary Public as my true and lawful Proctor Giving & Granting unto him full Power & authority for U.. and in my name place & stead to appear before any competent Judge to Pray & Prove this my Renunciation to be duly admitted & executed and .... the said Rev. FLETCHER shall lawfully as (?) in the Promisses I here Promise to Testify and Confirm In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twentieth day of July in the Year of our Lord 1758  

(signed) E: STAFFORD plus seal

Sealed and Delivered by the above named Elizabeth STAFFORD (being first duly Stamp`d) in the Presence of 

Jas: STAFFORD; Sarah GOODWIN

 2. Letter of Administration

Know all Men by these presents that We James STAFFORD of Penkridge in the County of Stafford Clerk Benjamin WARD of the City of Lichfield yeoman and John DOE - are held and firmly bound unto Richard SMALBROKE Doctor of Laws Vicar general of the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry in the Sum of fifty pounds - of good and lawfull Money of Great Britain to be paid unto the said Richard SMALBROKE - or to his certain Attorney his Executors Administrators or Assigns etc. etc.  - dated twenty first day of July One Thousand seven hundred and fifty eight

The Condition of this Obligation is such that If the .... bounden James STAFFORD Brother & Administrator of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of Egerton Ashenhurst STAFFORD late of Strines deceased etc. etc.

(Signed) Jas. STAFFORD; Benj. WARD

3. Letter of Administration - very faint & giving no further information than appears above.

___________________

Elizabeth STAFFORD of Whittle, spinster: 1877

mentions:

Ann TOMLINSON wife of William of Whittle, millwright

Henry BARBER New Mills Bank manager

Evan EATON New Mills Registrar

____________________ 

Esther STAFFORD of Denton: 1828

In the name of God Amen

          I Esther STAFFORD of the Township of Denton in the County of Lancaster, spinster being in good health of body and of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say - I order that all my just debts funeral expences and charges of proving this my Will be in the first place fully paid, and satisfied and after payment thereof and of every part thereof I give and bequeath unto Samuel WILLIAMSON of the Township of Denton in the said County all my goods, chattles ready money, effects, and other my estate whatsoever and wheresoever That is to say the cottage house belonging to me and situate in the Township of Haughton now in the Occupation of George WHITTAKER And I also do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint the said Samuel WILLIAMSON, sole executor of this my last Will and Testament herby revoking all former Wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made - In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set and subscribed my hand and seal this seventh day of December 1826

(signed) Esther STAFFORD her mark

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator Esther STAFFORD as and for her last Will and testament in the presence of us who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto

Witnesses:  Thomas H BEELEY; Joseph SCHOLEFIELD; John BRUNDRETT

The twenty sixth day of November 1828 Samuel WILLIAMSON, the sole Executor in this Will named was sworn in common form - and further made Oath that the personal Estate & Effects of the Testatrix within the Diocese of Chester were under the value of fifty pounds before me John HUTCHINSON Surrogate

The Testatrix died the twenty fifth day of April 1828  Probate issued 26th Nov 1828   

___________________

George STAFFORD of Hollinghurst Head: 1849

This is the last Will and Testament of me George STAFFORD of Hollinghurst head within the Hamlet of Ollerset in the Parish of Glossop and County of Derby Stone Mason and Farmer in manner following That is to say I will and direct that all my Just Debts, Funeral expences, and the Costs of proving this my last Will shall be paid by my Executors hereinafter named so soon after my Decease as conveniently may be out of my Personal estate and I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Hannah STAFFORD the use and enjoyment of my Household furniture Beds and Bedding for and during the Term of her natural life she making no waste or diminution of the same other than by the reasonable use and enjoyment thereof And I give devise and bequeath all my Freehold and Leasehold Messuages Dwelling Houses Lands and Hereditaments and all and singular my real and the whole and the residue of my Personal Estate and Effects whosoever and wheresoever and all my Estate and interest therein at the time of my Decease unto my sons Charles STAFFORD and Joseph STAFFORD their Heirs Executors Administrators and assigns according to the nature of the Property upon the following Trusts Interests and purpose namely upon Trust that they the said Charles STAFFORD and Joseph STAFFORD their Heirs Executors or Administrators and Assigns do and shall set let manage and improve all my said Messuages Dwelling Houses, Buildings and Hereditaments and shall receive all Rents and profits arising therefrom and shall pay the Rents issues and proceeds thereof as follows that is to say They the said Charles STAFFORD and Joseph STAFFORD shall pay such Rents issues and proceeds unto my beloved wife Hannah STAFFORD for and during the term of her natural Life.  And from and after the Decease of my beloved wife Hannah STAFFORD Then upon Trust that they the said Charles STAFFORD and Joseph STAFFORD their Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns do and shall convey Transfer and Divide into eight equal shares the said several Messuages Dwelling Houses Hereditaments and Premises and all Buildings which may be hereafter erected upon Land held by me, and the whole of my Estate and Effects unto and equal amongst all my Sons and Daughters share and share alike.  That is to say one eighth share of my Real and Personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Son Obadiah STAFFORD His Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns.  One eighth share of my real and personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Son Charles STAFFORD his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns,  One eighth share of my real and personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and bequeath unto my Son Samuel STAFFORD his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns.  One eighth share of my real and Personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and bequeath unto my Son Joseph STAFFORD his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns.  One eighth share of my real and Personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah STAFFORD her Heirs Executors Administrators and assigns.  One eighth share of my real and personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my son Henry STAFFORD his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns.  One eighth share of my real and personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Daughter Dorothy STAFFORD her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns,  One eighth share of my real and personal Estate Messuages Dwelling Houses and Hereditaments I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my son Edward STAFFORD his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns. And all the rest and remainder and residue of my Estate and Effects of what nature and kind soever and where soever situate I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my said Sons and Daughters share and share alike.  And if any of my said Sons and Daughters unto whom I have herein Bequeathed any share or shares of Property as aforesaid shall depart this Life before He She or They shall receive their share or shares as aforesaid and shall leave a child or children born in lawful wedlock I do hereby Give Devise and Bequeath unto such child or children that share or shares of my Real and Personal Estate which would have hereby been due to his her or their Parents had he she or they been living. And I hereby direct, that, such share or shares shall remain vested in the hands of my Trustees the said Charles STAFFORD and Joseph STAFFORD untill such child and children shall arrive at the age of Twenty One years But and I do hereby declare that the said Trustees shall apply the whole or such part of the annual income arising from the share or shares of such children ( as they shall think fit) for and towards the maintenance or Education of such child and children untill his her or their shares shall become payable according to this my will.  And if any of my said Sons and Daughters unto whom I have herein Bequeathed any Share or Shares of property as aforesaid shall depart this Life before he she or they shall receive their share or shares as aforesaid and shall leave no child or children born in Lawful Wedlock I do here give Devise and Bequeath the Share or Shares of such Sons or Daughters unto my surviving Sons and Daughters to be divided among them share and share alike And Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my Sons Joseph STAFFORD and Charles STAFFORD Executors of this my last Will and Testament herby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made.  And I declare that they the said Trustee or Trustees for the time being of this my last Will shall be chargeable only for such monies as they or he respectfully shall actually receive and shall not be answerable the one for the other of them nor for any losses that may happen to my Estate except through his or their wilfil neglect or default .  And that the said Trustee or Trustees for the time being reimburse themselves, or himself out of the monies which shall come to their hands under the Trusts aforesaid all expenses to be incurred in or about the Execution of the aforesaid Trusts.

In witness whereof I the said George STAFFORD the Testator have hereunto subscribed my name the Sixteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight Hundred and Forty nine.

Signed Sealed published and declared by the said George STAFFORD the Testator, and by him acknowledged to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his request request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. (Written on 3 sheets of Brief Paper)

Levi HALL; John HOPWOOD; Elijah HALL       

___________________

Henry Stafford of Longhurst Lane in Mellor: 1673/4 Inventory & will

In the name of god amen. I Henry STAFFORD of Longhurst lane in Mellor within the parish of Glossop & County of Derby Yeoman being sick and weak of body But of sound & perfect memory, Blessed be god do make ordain and declare this my last will and testament in manner & form following.  First I commend my soul into the hands of almighty god & my body to the earth to be buried in decent manner according to my degree and quality at the discretion of my exors. Hereafter named, And as to that temporal estate which god in his mercy hath been pleased to bestow upon me I give leave and bequeath the same as followeth.  First my mind and will is that all such debts as I shall owe at the time of my decease As also such herriots as shall be due at my decease And my funeral expenses paid out of my whole estate And after that and those are paid my mind & will is I give bequeath and leave unto Ellen my beloved wife all my messuages tenements & parcels of ground which I hold by any title whatsoever to hold to her & her assigns for & during her natural life if that my title therein do so long continue. And from & after her decease I give and bequeath all the remainder of the several terms in my messuages tenements & parcels of ground unto my loving nephew Anthony STAFFORD of Shawe In the county of Derby Gentleman His heirs and assigns for ever. And as to my goods & other personal estate my mind and will is that my wife shall have the use of these goods particularly named that is to say, The new cupboard standing in the house, the table in the house the long chest or coffer, the new coffer in the chamber, two pairs of bedstids in the parlour a great brass pot, a great stool with a back One fire iron & the dishboard in the house for an during her natural life without (embesselling or empairing them) & the same to leave as they now stands in the messuage house. All the rest of my goods & chattels & all the remainder of my personal estate not herein disposed of I give unto my loving wife Ellen STAFFORD and lastly I constitute and appoint my loving wife Ellen & the above named Anthony STAFFORD my full executors of this my last will and testament  In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this twentieth day of December in the 25th year of the sovereign King Charles the second & Anno Dom 1673  

Witnessed by  Ellen AXON & Tristram STAFFORD

Inventory of Henry STAFFORD 1674

A true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels and cattells of Henry STAFFORD late of Mellor valued and sized by Tristram STAFFORD, James RIDGEWAY, Thomas BOLTON and Robert BAGSHAWE May 11th 1674               

.

 £   s    d

Imprimis His purse and apparelItem In bedding in the parlour 2 feather beds

05  00  00

3 bolsters I chest coffer

02  00  00

5 blankets in the parlour

00  12  06

2 bed hillings in the parlour

00  10  00

 2 bed hangings and valons

00  10  00

Item in the parlour 1 chest and trest One stool one plank

00  08  00 

Item 2 pairs bedstocks in the chamber and the bedding upon them

02  00  00

Item one chest and a buffet

00  02  08

Item in sawed boards

00  03  04

Item in sheets and pillows and table cloths

02  10  00

Item in the chamber one bedstead and bedding on it

00  02  06

Item one turnill 1 tub 2 trests 1 chest 4 whiskets 2 sieves 3 spinning wheels

00  14  06

  Item in wool and cloth

01  00  00

Item in sacks pokes and (   alletts)

00  06  08

Item in meal and malt

00  10  00

Item in oats

04  00  00

Item in pewter and brass

01  10  00

Item in chairs and stools and 1 cheesepress

00  15  00

Item in treen ware

00  05  00

Item in butter and cheese beef and bacon

00  10  00

Item two kyne two calves one twinter

09  00  00

Item in poultry

00  01  00

Item in ploughs (curtes) and harrows 2 pack saddles One hacking saddle and other husbandry ware

01  10  00

Item 4 cheeseboards                 

00  02  00    

Item one salt coffer

00  01  00

Item heir looms left as legacies and mentioned in will

02  10  00

Summa totalis

37  01  00

  ___________________

James STAFFORD of Moorend: 1836

This is the last Will and Testament of me James STAFFORD of Mellor Moor-End in the Parish of Glossop in the County of Derby, Bobbin Turner

    I order and direct my funeral and testamentary expenses, and my just debts, to be paid and discharged out of my Personal Estate by my Executrix herein after named.

    I Give Devise and bequeath unto my Wife Sarah, the House and Shop and appurtenances thereto belonging which I now hold and occupy as a yearly tenant, and all my household furniture, lathes, saws, chisels, and all other tools implements and machinery used for bobbin turning and other property, and all my book debts money and monies, and all kind of securities of money and monies to me belonging for her use, maintenance and support, during her natural life.  And my mind and will is that my Sons Charles and James, and my Daughter Martha, should continue to live with my wife Sarah, so long as they behave and conduct themselves in a due and proper manner to their Mother.  And whereas I have given to all the rest of my children according to what there will be for the other of my children, my mind and will is that on the Death of my Wife Sarah the whole of my Household furniture, Implents of trade and all other property and money be devided between my Sons Charles and James and my Daughter Martha in three equal parts, share and share alike, and my House and Shop to my Son Charles, so long as he shall be pleased to rent the same premises, and the owner of them shall see proper to let them to him.  And I hereby nominate and appoint my wife Sarah the sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking any and all other will and wills by me made:  In witness whereof I here unto set my hand and seal the Seventh Day of September in the year One thousand Eight Hundred and thirty six.

(signed) James STAFFORD [plus seal]

Signed Sealed published and declared by the within named James STAFFORD as his last Will and Testament in our presence who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other hereunto set our hands as witnesses thereto: the interlineations - the word "My" in the line fifteen on the first sheet, and the word "Let" in the fith line on the second sheet being first made.

Mattw FREEMAN; James BRIERLEY; Jabez STAFFORD

 WILL   In the Bishops Court of Lichfield 

In the Goods of James STAFFORD Deceased

Appeared Personally Sarah STAFFORD of Moor End in Mellor in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Bobbin Turner, the Widow Relict of James STAFFORD and the sole Executrix named in the Will and Testament of the said James STAFFORD late of Moor End in the Parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Bobbin Turner Deceased: and made Oath, that the Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, for, or in respect of which, a Probate of the said Will is to be granted, exclusive of what the said Deceased may have bee possessed of, or entitled to, as a Trustee for any other person or persons, and not beneficially, but including the Leasehold Estate or Estates for Years of the Deceased, if any, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting any thing on account of the Debts, due and owing from the said Deceased are under the value of one hundred Pounds, to the best of the Deponent`s knowledge, information and belief

Sworn on the Fifteenth day of March 1837 before me Mattw Freeman Commisioner

The X mark of Sarah STAFFORD 

___________________

John STAFFORD of Cliffe  1556

In the name of god amen the (  ) day of June in the year of our lord god a thousand five hundred fifty and six I John STAFFORD of the Cliffe dreading the uncertain hour of death with a perfect and whole mind make my last will and testament in manner and form as hereafter followeth.  First I commend my soul unto the lord that redeemed me and all mankind and to (    ) ( body  ) forthwith and to all the holy company of heaven and body at my decease to be buried in christian burial at the parish church of Glossop also I will it  that (Jane) my wife shall have the third part of all my goods (            ) and dead and the other two parts to be divided equally amongst my children hereafter named. It is to witt William, Robert, John, George (Ralph?) (Ottiwell?) Thomas (Grace?) Alice Jane and Isabel Also I will it my wife and children afore named shall have and occupy all such grounds and (    ) of grounds as I have in occupation in Pointon during life time of (         ) as doth appear in a pair of indentures And likewise a certain house and ground lying in Offerton called (        ways) and for the true performance and accomplishment of all and singular  articles afore mentioned I do constitute and order Jane my wife and my son Laurence STAFFORD and my brother in law Nicholas FIDLER the person of (         ) to be my lawful executors to see that this my last will and testament is (     )  (     )  to be observed and performed as my special trust is in them.  Also I suffer my brother William to be supervisor of this my last will and testament and to be good unto my wife and my children as my faithful trust is in him These being witness Raphe BRADLEY Humphrey STAFFORD of the Shaw and Renold (BELEY) with others. 

Inventory 

The inventory of the goods of John STAFFORD prized by Humphrey STAFFORD Thomas ARNFIELD Thomas COTTRELL and John MELLOR

Imprimis  six oxen  the price       

£12

Item         seven kye                    

£6

Item         two heifers                   

£10

Item         five stirkes                   

illeg

Item         five calves                            

20 shillings

Item         two colts                               

25 shillings & 8d

Item         two mares                          

30 shillings?

Item         ....    sheep       

........

Item         ....   sheep

........

Item household    ................                      

.........

The next portion is very faint

These being the debts I do owe     

William Stafford 

......

William Stafford 

......

Laurence Stafford

......

............ 

.....

       ___________________

John STAFFORD of Strines: 1700 

Obligation binding Priscilla STAFFORD of Straynds; John GEE & Edward TROYFORD dated 20 Aug 1700

The Condition of the Obligacon is such that if the above bounden Priscilla STAFFORD Relict and Administrator of all and singular the goods chells and credits of John STAFFORD lat of the pish of Glossop deceased doe make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods chattells and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possion or knowledge of her the said Priscilla STAFFORD or into the hands and possession of any person or persons for her and the same soe made doe exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Bps Consty Court at Lichfeild at or before the last day of September next etc. etc.

(signed with seals) Priscilla STAFFORD; John GEE; Edward TROYFORD

Sealed & delivered in the presence of Robert WAGSTAFFE; Anthony STAFFORD

Oath taken by Priscilla STAFFORD widow of John STAFFORD

Your Oath is that John STAFFORD your late Husband died Intestate without any Will soe far as you  know & believe, That you are his Wid. and Relict and will faithfully Admstor his goods & Chells by paying his debts soe far the Inry of his goods and chells will extend and the law shall charge you, you shall make a true & perfect Inry thereof & ajust the compt thereupon & exhibit the same into the Regry of the Bps Consistory at Lichfield when you are thereunto Lawfully required so help you God etc. [Latin paragraph at side suggests executed on the 10 Sep 1700]

A Treu and perfect Inventory of all the Goods, Catels, & Chattels, of John STAFFORD of Straynds in the parish of Glossop & County of Derby, Gent, Late Dececed Taken and valued by us, Samuell BOWDON, Anthony BOWDON, James RIDGWAY the 5th day of August 1700

.

  £.    s.   d

Imprimis His purse and apparell 

035.  00.  00.

Item Horce Sadle and Bridle 

015.  00.   00.

Item Bokes

005.  00.   00.

Item In the Hall, Fireiron, Chares, Tables etc. 

006.  18.   00.

Item In the Chitchen, Iron-ware, Jack, Chares, and Tables 

005.  15.   00.

Item In bras, puter, tin, and Lead 

009.   08.  00.

Item In the parler, and Chamber over, In Chares, Plusses, Beding etc. 

022.   05.  00.

Item In Bleu Chamber and Highmost, in beding Chares and other goods 

010.  10.  00.

Item Litle Chamber and Male Chamber, beding and Arkes 

004.  10.  00.

Item In Chese and Citchen Chambers, in beding Chares and other Goods 

014.  13.  00.

Item in Plate and Linens 

050.  00.  00.

Item In butteries, Dary, and Chamber over, in tables and Beding

003.  09.  00.

Item In butter, Chese, beefe, Baken, Mele and Mault 

016.  10.  00.

Item In Wooll and Husbandry wares

011.  10.  00.

Item Wooden Wares 

002.  00.  00.

Item In Horces cowes, oxen, and .... Be...

117. 00.  00.

Item In Corne and Hay 

040.  00.  00.

Item one Teniment 

080.  00.  00.

Item In Shepe Swine and poultry 

026.  10.  00.

Item In Huslement 

001.  00.  00.

Totum

475. 18.  00.

Samel BOWDON; Anthony BOWDON; James RIDGWAY

___________________

John STAFFORD of Beardhough: 1711

In the name of god Amen I John STAFFORD of birdhough being sick and weak of body but of perfect minde and memory do constitute and make this my Last Will and testament in maner and forme following

First I commend my soule into the Hands of my Creator Redeemer and Sancktifier and my body to be decently interred by  my Executrix heare after named

Ittem my Will and minde is that all my just debts and funerall expences be paid and discharged out of my Estate

Ittem I give and bequeath all my Estate personall & real unto my Loveing Mother Ann STAFFORD shee to Enjoy the same dureing her naturall Life and full power to dispose of the same as she pleaseth

Ittem I give to my uncle Robert STAFFORD one shilling to my aunt Margret KINDER one shilling to my cozen John STAFFORD one shilling

Ittem I ordaine and make my Loveing Mother Ann STAFFOR sole executrix of this my last Will and testament hopeing she will discharg the trust reposed in her and doe revocke all former wills hearetofore made by mee and heare unto sett my hand and seale September 10th 1711

(signed) John STAFFORD [mark & seal]

In Witness of: Francis WARINGTON; Joseph GODDARD; John: BENNETT

On a separate sheet

 Chesterfield 2nd Octob 1711  Latin sentence referring to Ann STAFFORD - presumably relating to her being allowed probate. 

The rest of the page looks like a photocopy of blotting paper.

___________________   

John STAFFORD of Beardheth: 16 October 1729

In the Name of God Amen I John STAFFORDof Beard hoch being both weack of Body but of sound and per fect mind and Memory praise be therefore given to Allmighty God doe make and ordain this my Present Last Will and Testament in manor and form following (that is to say)  First and principally I commend my soule into the Hands of Almighty God, hoping through the Merits Death and passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and Forgiveness of all my sins and to inherit everlasting Life; and my Body I commit to the Earth, to be decently buried at the afore[said] :tion of my Executor hereafter named and as souch the disposition of all such Temporal Estate as Ha[  ] hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon mee, I [    ] give and dispose therefore as followeth:

First I will that my Debts and Funerall Charges shall be paid and discharged:

Item I give unto Robert STAFFORD my Land at Beard:hoch  Item I give unto his sister Jane STAFFORD Tenn pounds  Item I give unto his younger sister Mary STAFFORD Tenn pounds to be paid of my Land at Beardheh

Item I give unto Ralph KINDER my House Lying In Whitell Banck and my Bedstocks and Beding and fireirn and all my Wearing aparell.

Item I give to James DOWNES all remaining part of my goods

Item I Leve Thomas GODARD my full Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament

And I doe desire that my body may be decently Buried and I doe hereby revock, disanull, and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made  In Witness Whereof, I the said John STAFFORD this my Last Will And Testament doe set my hand and seall In the year of  our Lord ---1728

 John STAFFORD       his  mark

Anthony BOWDEN; Thomas GODDARD; Samuel GODDARD

___________________

John STAFFORD of Macclesfield: 1775

(Photocopy difficult because faint at the right hand edge) 

In the Name of God Amen I John STAFFORD of Macclesfield in the county of Chester Gentleman Do make & Ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner ..... (to witt) First & principally I comend my Soul to God that gave it humbly imploring forgiveness of all my Sins.  My Body I comit to the Earth to be decently interred near the Remains of my late Dear wife but in as private a manner and with as little expense as may be consistent with decency And as to my Temporal estate which it hath pleased God in his great Goodness to bless me with I Give and Devise the same in manner following (that is to say) I will and Direct that all my just Debts & Funeral Expenses be  paid with all convenient after my Death

And I Give Devise & bequeath unto William TATTON & Thomas TATTON Esq. my two Brothers in Law and to my Dear friend and Kinsman Samuel WRIGHT of Nether Knutsford in the same County Gent. & to their Heirs Exts Admts & Assigns All that my Capital Messuage & tenement with the Buildings Lands & hereditaments thereunto belonging or therewith enjoyed situate lying & being in Macclesfield aforesd & now in my own occupation And all other my Messuages Lands Tenements Rents & hereditaments whatsoever as well Copyhold (all which I have surrendered to the use of my will) as Freehold and Leasehold situate & being in Macclesfield aforesaid in Bollington & Sutton in the parish of Prestbury & said County of Chester & in Bowdon Midlecale Shallcross Fernilee Chapel in le Frith and Burbage in the county of Derby or any of them or elsewhere in the Kingdom of Great Britain with their & every of their appces And all my Personal Estate of what nature kind or Quality soever (Except my Books Family Pictures and such of my household furniture as my Executors shall think fit to go along with my Dwelling house) Upon Special Trust & Confidence and to the intent & purpose That they the said William TATTON Thomas TATTON & Samuel WRIGHT & the Survivors & Survivor of them and the Heirs Excs Admts & Assd of such survivor do and shall with all convenient speed after my Decease apply my Personal Estate (Except as afd) in Discharge of my Debts Funeral Expenses and Legacies herein after by me Given & bequeathed And upon this further Trust & Confidence & to the intent & purpose that if my personal Estate shall not be sufficient for those purposes That then & in such case those .... the said William TATTON Thomas TATTON & Samuel WRIGHT & the Survivors & Survivor of them & the Heirs Excs Admits & Assigns of such Survivor do & shall with all convenient speed Sell and Dispose of All my Messuages Lands tenemts Rents & hereditaments so devised to them as aforesaid or any part or parts thereof as they in their Discretions Shall think proper And by & with the clear mony to arise by such Sale or Sales and by the Rents & Profits of the premises in the mean time and untill such Sale or Sales Levy & raise such sum & sumes of money as with my Personal Estate will be sufficient to pay & Discharge all my Just Debts and the Legacies herein after mentioned and also such yearly sum as my said Trustees shall think proper to allow to my son William STAFFORD for his support & mantainance untill my Debts and Legacies shall be fully satisfyed and paid And I give & bequeath unto my Daughters Lucy STAFFORD & Penelope Margaret STAFFORD the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid to them as soon after my Decease as may be for their imediate subsistance And I give & bequeath to my said Daughter Lucy STAFFORD the sum of Two Thousand Pounds to be paid her at the end of two years to be computed from the day of my Death together with Interest for the same after the rate of Three pounds for one hundred pounds for a year in the mean time, such Interest to be computed from the day of my Death And I give to my said daughter Penelope Margaret STAFFORD the like sum of Two Thousand Pounds to be paid to her at the end of Two years to be computed as afd with Interest after the rate aforesd in the meantime.  And I do Declare that the provision I have hereby made for my said Daughters is & shall be in satisfaction and Discharge of the provision made or intended to be made for them by the articles I entered (?) into upon my Marriage with their Dear Mother.  And I Give and bequeath unto my Grandson Harry John LANKFORD the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid into the hands of his father at the end of Twelve Months next after my Decease And I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah LANKFORD the sum of one hundred pounds for her sole and separate use to be paid at the end of Twelve months next after my Death and do declare that her receipt alone shall be a sufficient Discharge for the same And I give to my Sister in Law Mrs Barbara TATTON Ten Guineas to be paid at the same time and I give and bequeath to my Sister Frances WARBURTON the sum of Six pounds yearly for her life for her sole & separate use to be paid by half yearly payments at Midsumer & Christmas in like manner as I have given it to her for many years And I forgive her husband the mony he owes me on bond or otherwise And in case he survives his wife I give him the like sum of Six pounds yearly during his life to be paid as aforsd And as to the sum of Forty pounds left to my said Sister WARBURTON by the will of my late Aunt EVANS for her sole & separate use and which remains in my hands I Desire my Executors will keep the same in their hands & allow her lawfull Interest for it (as I have all along allowed her) untill it can be more properly placed out and I Declare her receipts for the Annuity I have left her either on account of the Interest or the principal sum of Forty pounds shall Be sufficient not withstanding her Coverture And as for and concerning such of my Messuages Lands Tenements Rents and hereditaments as shall remain unsold (after payment and Discharge of all my Debts and Legacies and all Expenses relating to the Execution of the Trusts of this my Will, in case my Trustees shall not think proper to sell the whole of the premises so devised to the them as aforsd I Will Devise and Direct that the said William TATTON Thomas TATTON & Samuel WRIGHT and the Survivors & Survivor of them and the Heirs Exs Admts and Assigns of such survivor shall stand seized & possessed thereof and of every part thereof to and for the seval uses intents and purposes herein after mentioned and Declared of and Concerning the same (That is to say) To the use and behoof of my son William STAFFORD & his Assigns for and during the term of his natural life without Impeachment of or for any manner of Waste And to this further intent and purpose that if he shall happen to marry that then and in such case it shall & may be lawfull for the said William STAFFORD by any Deed or Deeds to be by him duly Executed in the presence of two or more (add.......) Witnesses either before or after such ........... (two lines at bottom of page are too faint to read) & ........... (lines at top of next page too faint to read) ............  

.............. a year for every one Thousand pounds of the Marriage portion of his wife which he shall really and bona fide receive or become intitled to on such his marriage and after that rate ... .... so as his same ..... not the clear yearly value of one Third part of his ...... To be charged therewith to have and to hold such annuity for and during the natural life of such woman or women which he shall happen to marry & to be paid & payable half yearly on the twenty ninth day of September and twenty fifth day of March by two equal payments clear of all Deductions .......... the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days as shall happen next after his Death And to this further intent that in case the said William STAFFORD shall happen to marry and have issue male and one or more younger Son or Sons or Daughter or Daughters it shall also be lawfull for him to charge by creating or limitting any term or terms of years or otherwise all or any part of the premisses whereof he shall be tenant for life (?) .... with portions & maintainance for such younger son or sons Daughter or Daughter so as such portion or portions do not exceed the sum of Two Thousand pounds in the whole and so as such maintainance for such younger son or sons Daughter or Daughters exceed not the Interest of his her or their respective portion or portions after the rate of three pounds for one hundred pounds for a year and so as such Jointures be not thereby prejudiced or obskurted (?) And to this further Intent & purpose that it shall & may be lawfull to & for the said William STAFFORD at any time or times after he shall come into Actual possession of the premisses by Indes under his hand & seal to Demise or Lease all or any part of the premises to any person or persons for any term or number of years not Exceeding twenty one years in possion & not in Revertion so as upon every such Lease there be reserved & made payable during the continuance thereof the .... and best improved yearly rent that can be obtained without taking any fine in respect thereof  & so as none of the said Leases be made Dispunishable for wast & so as in every such Lease there be contained a Clause of Reentry for non-payment of the Rent or Rents thereby reserved & so as the Lessee or Lessees do Execute Counterparts of such Lease and Leases And upon this further trust and to the intent & purpose that they the said William TATTON Thomas TATTON & Samuel WRIGHT & the Survivors & Survivor of them & the Heirs Executors Admts & Ass of such survivor shall from & immediately after the Death of the said William STAFFORD stand seized & possessed of the premisses subject to such charge & charges as aforesd (as the case may happen) To the use behoof of the first son of the body of the said William STAFFORD lawfully to be begotten and of the heirs of the body of such first son lawfully Issuing And for Default of such Issue then to the use and behoof of the Second Third Fourth Fifth and all & every the other son and sons of the body of the said William STAFFORD lawfully to be begotten severally successive in & in Remainder one after another in order & course as they & every of them shall be in priority of birth & seniority; of age and the several & respective heirs of the body or bodies of all & every such son & sons lawfully Issuing the elder of such sons & the heirs of his body being always to be preferred & take place before the younger of such son & sons & the heirs of his and their body & bodies Issuing And for Default of such Issue To the use & behoof of my said Daughters Sarah LANKFORD Lucy STAFFORD and Penelope Margaret STAFFORD & of all and every the Daughter & Daughters of the said William STAFFORD lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common & not as Joint tenants Provided always I do hereby Will & Declare that if my said Trustees or the Survivors or Survivor of them or the heirs or assigns of such survivor shall sell the whole of the premisses to them Devised as afd That then & in such case the surpluss of the mony to arise by such sale and by the Rents & profits of the premisses in the mean time shall with all Convenient speed be layd out & vested by them or the survivors or survivor or the heirs or assigns of such survivor in the purchase of Freehold or Copyhold Lands & hereditaments & settled conveyed & assured to such & the same uses upon such & the same Trusts & to & for such & the same ends intents & purposes & under & subject to such & the same power and Declarations as are herein before Limitted treated provided & Declared of & concerning the residue of the premises so devised to my said Trustees as aforesd which shall remain unsold (after my Debts Legacies & the Expenses attending the said Trust are paid & Discharged) or so many of the said Trusts & uses as shall be then Existing & capable of taking effect And that in the mean time & untill such purchase can be  made & perfected the said surpluss mony shall be placed out & invested in Government or real Securities at Interest & the Dividends & Interest thereof shall be paid to such person or persons as would for the time being be intitled to the Rents & profits of the Lands & hereditaments so to be purchased in case the same were purchased & settled pursuant to the Directions of this my Will And I do hereby further Will and Devise that the provision I have hereby made for my son is & shall be in full satisfaction and discharge of the provision made or agreed or intended to be made for him by my said Marriage Articles And I do will & direct that before my said son shall be let into possession of the premisses or any part thereof he shall effectually Exonerate & Discharge my said Trustees & the Estates Real and personal to them Devised as aforesd from all his Claims and Demands under the said Marriage Articles in such manner as Counsel shall Direct And as for & Concerning my Books family Pictures & such parts of my household furniture as my executors shall think proper to keep I direct that the same shall go along with my Dwelling house as  Heirlooms thereto unless my Executors shall think proper to sell my said Dwelling house and in such case I give my Books to my son & my family Pictures to my three Daughters & direct the household furniture to be sold & the money raised from thence to be applyed towards paying my Debts & Legacies And I hereby nominate & appoint the said William TATTON Thomas TATTON & Samuel WRIGHT Executors of this my last Will & Testament to whom I give the sum of Five Guineas apiece And do Direct that they shall be reimbursed & indemnifyed out of my Estate for & in respect of any Expenses they or any of them may be put unto in the Execution of the trusts hereby in them Reposed And that none of them shall be answerable for any more mony than shall actually come to his or their hands respectively nor the one for the other or for the Acts Deeds or Defaults of the other of them, but only for his own Acts Receipts & defaults if any such be And lastly I do hereby revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore made & do Declare this to be my last In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal and published and declared this to be my last Will and Testament the Eleventh day of March One Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy three.

(signed) Jo: STAFFORD  

Whereas I am intitled (by purchase) to the sum of fifty pounds being a Legacy left to my daughter LANKFORD by the Will of her late Aunt Mrs Mary TATTON Decd payable after the Death of the survivor of .... Aunts Mrs Frances & Mrs Barbara TATTON Now I do by this Codicil to my Will Give & bequeath the said sum of Fifty Pounds to my Grandaughter Lucy LANKFORD Witness my hand the second day of February 1775

Signed Sealed published and declared by the within named John STAFFORD the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of Us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in his presence and in the Sight and presence of each other 

Jos: COOKE; David MEARS; Thos: DAWSON

10th February 1775

Then the within written Will was republished by the within named John STAFFORD and declared to be his last Will and Testament and the Writing at the foot thereof was declared by him to be a Codicil thereto in the presence of Us who have hereunto Subscribed our names as Witnesses in his presence and in the Sight and presence of each other.

Jos. COOKE; David MEARS; Thos. DAWSON

The fourteenth Day of September 1775 William TATTON and Samuel WRIGHT, two of the executors within named were sworn in common Form (Thomas TATTON the other Executor being before dead)

before me Thos. BENTHAM Surrogate. 

___________________

John STAFFORD of Golden Spring, Whitle: 1810

This is the last Will and Testament of me John STAFFORD of Golden Spring in the Hamlet of Whitle in the Parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Stone Mason made and published in manner following that is to say First I give and devise unto my wife Elizabeth all the property which belonged to her at the time of our marriage together with her own savings from that time to the time of my death.  I give and bequeath unto my son William STAFFORD and my son Obadiah STAFFORD all other my personal Estate and Effects upon trust that they and the survivor of them his executors and administrators after payment thereout of my Just Debts and funeral and Testamentary charges continue the same out at Interest during the term of the natural life of my said wife and the yearly Interest arising therefrom from time to time as the same becomes due and shall be received to pay and apply in manner following that is to say, the yearly sum of twenty pounds part thereof, unto my said wife, to be paid and payable to her by two equal half yearly payments in every year, that is to say on every the twelfth day of May and the Seventh day of November the first of such half yearly payments to be due and payable on the first of those days which shall happen after my death, and to divide the remainder into three equal parts and pay one of such parts to my son William STAFFORD another to my son Obadiah STAFFORD and the remaining third part unto my Daughter Elizabeth wife of John POTT.  And I hereby give and bequeath the same accordingly.  And from and immediately after the death of my said wife upon further Trust and I herby give and bequeath my said Personal Estate and Effects as follows.  To my Daughter Elizabeth two hundred pounds and to the three children of my late daughter Sarah wife of William RYLEY the sum of Sixty pounds, and the Remainder of my said personal Estate and effects to my said sons William STAFFORD & Obadiah STAFFORD to be equally divided between them share and share alike.  And I will that none of the aforesaid Legacies by me given and bequeathed shall be deemed lapsed legacies or not payable of my Estate and effects or the Interest thereof by reason of any of the said legatees dying in my life time or in the life time of my said Wife or before his her or their legacy or respective legacies shall become due and payable but that the same shall be paid to the legal person or representatives of such of them as may hereafter happen to die before all or any of those respective times as if such Legatee or Legatees had been then living.  Provided always that in case any of the Children of my said late Daughter Sarah shall happen to die under his her or their age or respective ages of twenty  one years leaving lawful Issue I will and direct the part or share of respective parts or shares of the said sum of sixty pounds so given and bequeathed to them as aforesaid of such of them so dying to go and be paid to such his her or their Issue or respective issues and that in case any of them shall die under his her or their age or respective ages of twenty one years and without leaving lawful Issue the part or share parts or shares of such of them so dying to be paid to and equally among the survivors or survivor of them if only one and the Issue of such of them as shall be then dead leaving Issue such Issue taking only among them, if more than one the part or share parts or shares that their deceased parent or parents would have taken if living any thing in this my will contained to the contrary notwithstanding. 

I give and devise unto my said son William and to his heirs and assigns for ever All those my three sittings in the Methodist Chapel at Heafield in the parish of Glossop aforesaid, And I do hereby make and appoint my said sons William STAFFORD and Obadiah STAFFORD Executors of this my last will and Testament.  And do declare my Will and mind to be that it shall and may be lawful for my said Executors in the first place by and out of the monies and premises respectively coming to their hands to deduct and reimburse to themselves respectively all such loss costs charges and expences as they or either of them shall sustain expend or be put unto in or about the execution of this my will or of the trusts hereby in them reposed or any thing relating thereto and that they or either of them or their or either of their Executors or administrators shall not be chargeable with or accountable for more of the aforesaid monies And premises than they shall actually receive or shall come to their respective hands by virtue of this my will Nor with or for any loss which shall happen by placing out at Interest any monies necessary to be placed out at Interest under any of the Trusts hereby vested in them so as the same be so placed out upon a probable good and sufficient security at the time of placing the same out or with or for any other loss which shall happen without their respective willful neglect or default nor the one of them for the other of them or the acts deeds receipts disbursements or defaults of the other of them.  And lastly I do herby revoke all the former wills by me made.  In witness whereof I the said John STAFFORD the Testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten.

(signed) John STAFFORD plus seal

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named John STAFFORD as and for his last Will and Testament  in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses to attest the due execution thereof Ralph BOWER; Mary BOWER; Robert HADFIELD

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John STAFFORD & John BOWER Indenture: 1745 & 1830

Whereas by Indenture quinquepartite bearing date the Twenty sixth day of April one thousand seven hundred and forty five made between George BOWER of the first part Ellen HEATHCOTE of the second part John BOWER of the third part Edward DOWNES of the fourth part and John STAFFORD of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman of the Fifth part the residue of a certain term of one thousand years which was created in and by another Indenture of four parts bearing date the Twenty Eighth day of July one thousand seven hundred and twenty two made between John BADDELEY and Elizabeth his wife of the first part John HEATHCOTE and Ellen his wife of the second part Ralph NICHOLSON and Thomas SMITH of the third part and Elizabeth MIDDLETON Widow of the fourth part of and in all that Messuage Dwellinghouse or Tenement with the Outbuilding Folds yards orchards gardens crofts and appurtenances thereunto belonging commonly called or known by the name of Eves Knowle otherwise Stony Eves situate lying and being within Whittle Hamlet in Bowden Middlecale in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby And all those several Closes pieces or parcels of Land situate lying and being within Whittle Hamlet aforesaid in the said Parish of Glossop and usually occupied and enjoyed with the said Messuage Dwellinghouse or Tenement commonly called or known by the several names following (that is to say) The Overfield, the Field at the back of the house the Shuttleworth field the Hen-bongs, the Brierly-Field the Well Croft the Over Meadow, the lower Meadow and the little Meadow containing together in the whole by Mensuration Twenty eight acres three roods and fifteen perches statute measure or by whatsoever other name or names the said several Closes pieces or parcels of land or any of them were or at any time theretofore or since had been commonly called known or described or distinguished was assigned to and vested in the said John STAFFORD his Executors Administrators and Assigns from Henceforth for all the rest residue and remainder of the said term of One thousand years in trust for the said Edward DOWNES his heirs and assigns and to attend the Inheritance of the said Premises And whereas the said John STAFFORD died many years ago without having assigned the residue of the said term and having made his last Will and Testament and thereof appointed William TATTON Thomas TATTON and Samuel WRIGHT Executors and the said Samuel WRIGHT one of the said Executors duly proved the same in the Bishops Court at Chester and is since dead without having taken probate of the said Will in this Court or being legally authorized to assign the said Term of one thousand years so vested in the said John STAFFORD And whereas there is not now any legal Representative of the said John STAFFORD at least in this Court within whose Jurisdiction the said Estate and Premises are situate to assign and convey the remainder of the said term in the said premises And whereas Matthew WADSWORTH of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman and Sarah LONGDEN of Foxlow in the parish of Hartington in the County of Derby Spinster by Divers Mesne Assignments Conveyances and other Assurances good and valid in law have become and now are the owners of the freehold and Inheritance of the said Estate and Premises situate in the parish of Glossop aforesaid and are desirous of having the remainder of the said term thereat assigned or otherwise duly administered according to law.

Now know all Men by these Presents that We the said Matthew WADSWORTH and Sarah LONGDEN the only persons interested in and entitled to the Freehold and Inheritance of the said premises situate in the parish of Glossop aforesaid for divers good cause and considerations us thereunto especially moving leave nominated constituted and appointed and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint Thomas ROBERTS of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman as a fit and proper person to take out Letters of Administration of the goods and personal estate of the said John STAFFORD deceased limited so far as concerns all his right title and interest in and to the said Estate and Premises in Glossop comprized in the said term of one thousand years and also limited in and to the rest residue and remainder of the said term but no further or otherwise or .. any other manner whatsoever and to the end that this our Proxy may have its due effect in law We do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John MOTT Notary Public one of the Procurators General of the Lord Bishops Consistory Court of Lichfield or any other Proctor of the said Court to be our true and lawful Proctor and for us and in our names to appear before the Reverend James Thomas LAW Clerk Master of Arts Vicar General and Official Principal of the Honorable and Right Reverend Father in God Henry by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry lawfully appointed his Surrogate or some other competent Judge in this behalf to exhibit this our Proxy and to pray and procure the same and the nomination herein contained to be admitted and enacted and Letters of Administration of the Goods of the said John STAFFORD deceased under the limitations aforesaid to be committed and granted to the said Thomas ROBERTS and generally to do and perform all other acts matters and things in or about the premises hereby promising to ratify and confirm all and whatsoever our said Proctor shall lawfully do or cause to be done lawfully on our part and behalf In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty

(signed) M. WADSWORTH; Sarah LONGDEN

Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of us (by the within named Matthew WADSWORTH)

Thos CRITCHLEY; Wm N WADSWORTH

Signed sealed and delivered by the within named Sarah LONGDEN in the presence of us

Thos CRITCHLEY; Sarah DUNN   

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John STAFFORD of Macclesfield: 1830 Obligation

Know all Men by these Presents that We Thomas ROBERTS of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman and Matthew WADSWORTH of Macclesfield aforesaid Gentleman are held and formly bound unto James Thomas LAW Clerk Master of Arts Vicar General of the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry in the sum of Ten pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid unto the said James Thomas LAW or to his certain Attorney his Executors Administrators or Assigns to which payment well and truly to be made We oblige ourselves and every one of us by himself and themselves for the whole our and every one of our Heirs Executors and Administrators formly by these presents Sealed with our seals Dated the eighteenth day of March in the Eleventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the fourth by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King Defender of the faith and in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty

The Condition of the Obligation is such that if the above bounden Thomas ROBERTS Administrator of all and singular the Goods Chattels Rights and Personal Estate of John STAFFORD late of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman deceased as far as concerns all the right to title and Interest of the said John STAFFORD deceased in and to the remainder of a certain Term of One thousand years now to come and unexpired in a certain estate and Premises in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby whereof Matthew WADSWORTH of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman and Sarah LONGDEN of Foxlow in the parish of Hartington in the County of Derby spinster are intitled to the Freehold and Inheritance Do and shall well and truly administer the same according to Law and the trusts ends and purposes for which the same were vested in the said deceased and render a true and just Accompt of his said Administration within twelve months from the date hereof and save harmless and keep indemnified the aforesaid James Thomas LAW his Surrogate and Officers by reason of granting the said Administration then this Obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue

(signed) Thomas ROBERTS plus seal; M. WADSWORTH plus seal

Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of  M. SEWELL; James SEWELL

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John STAFFORD of Capstone:1878

This is the last Will and Testament of me John STAFFORD of Capstone within Mellor in the county of Derby Farmer I bequeath to my Grand daughter Jane STAFFORD the daughter of my son Charles my corner cupboard and contents and also my chest in the back chamber and a legacy of ten pounds I also bequeath to her a feather bed.  I bequeath unto my son Daniel my new Top Coat and unto my son Charles all the rest of my wearing apparel  I order and direct my Trustee and Executor immediately after my decease to obtain a Valuation by some competent person of my farming stock and the same shall be offered to my son Charles at such Valuation but should he decline to purchase the same at such Valuation then I direct my said Farming Stock to be sold by public auction I also direct my said Trustee and Executor to sell the whole of my household furniture not hereinbefore disposed of and the money arising from my said Farming Stock I bequeath to my sons Charles Daniel John my daughter Ann TOMLINSON and my Stepdaughter Elizabeth WILD in equal shares and the money to arise from the sale of my said household furniture I bequeath unto my said before mentioned sons and my daughter Ann TOMLINSON in equal shares I also bequeath the sum of one hundred and eight seven pounds two shillings unto my said three sons Charles Daniel and John and my daughter Ann TOMLINSON in equal shares I devise and bequeath all my real estate and also all the residue of my personal estate unto my said Trustee and Executor hereinafter named his heirs executors administrators and assigns according to the nature and quality thereof Upon trust to sell dispose of and get in the same such sales to be either by public auction or private contract and I give and bequeath the money arising therefrom unto my said three sons Charles Daniel John and my daughter Ann TOMLINSON and my stepdaughter Elizabeth WILD in equal shares I charge the whole of my personal estate except the said sum of one hundred and eight seven pounds two shillings with the payment of all my debts funeral and testamentary charges and expenses and I declare that my said Trustee and Executor shall retain from the share of my said son John under this my Will the sum of  Twenty pounds which I bequeath in equal shares to his sons Charles and Daniel I appoint my said son Daniel STAFFORD of Marple Farmer Trustee and Executor of this my Will and I declare that his receipts shall be good discharges to purchasers and others under this my Will and that he shall be entitled to reimburse himself all expenses incurred by him in the trusts hereof and to charge a reasonable amount for his time employed.  And I declare this alone to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have at the bottom of the preceding sheet of this my Will (the whole whereof is contained in two sheets of paper) and also to this second and last sheet at the foot or end of this my Will set my hand this seventeenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and seventy six - John STAFFORD - Signed by the said John STAFFORD the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as Witnesses thereto - F. W. JOHNSON Solicitor Stockport; C.F. JOHNSON his clerk

 Proved at Derby the 19th day of March 1878 by the Oath of Daniel STAFFORD, the son the sole Executor to whom administration was granted

The Testator John STAFFORD was late of Capstone within Mellor in the County of Derby, Farmer, and died on the 3rd day of February 1878 at Capstone within Mellor aforesaid.

Person Estate under £600  Extracted by W. & F.W. Johnson Solicitors, Stockport        

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 Laurence STAFFORD of Bothams: 1594

In the name of god amen 1594 I Laurence STAFFORD of Bothams alias Bothams Hall in the parish of Glossop and county of Derby gentleman being sick in body but of sound and perfect memory thanks be given to god do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. That is to say first and principally I commit my soul to almighty god trusting assuredly by the merits and passion of his only son Jesus Christ my saviour to be one of the number of his elect and commit my body to the earth from whence it came wishing that it may be buried in the chapel of Mellor in such seemly sort as fitting my calling at the discretion of my exors. & overseers of this my will or the more part of them hereafter and herein named. And whereas I now stand leased in my demesne as of fee of and in one Capital messuage called the Bothams alias Bothams Hall wherein now I dwell and of and in divers other messuages, burgages cottages mills lands tenements woods underwoods wastes grounds rents reversions pastures & heraditaments situate lying and growing renewing and being in Mellor, Rowarth, Monyash, Great Longstone and all wherein in the county of Derby and in Low Crompton and Nether Crompton in the county of Lancaster. And forasmuch as I am minded as much as possibly and conveniently I may so advance  with the premises such as be of my (    )  & to prefer the same in the blood & name of the STAFFORDS forever if it shall please god & being also desirous  willing that these parts and parcels of my goods & chattels hereinafter named that is to say One silver cup One silver goblet or pan, one silver salter one dozen my best silver spoons, & all the furniture within my parlour at Bothams aforesaid That is to say. One bed with all things thereunto belonging. One trundle bed, one fallen board 2 square boards or tables, one half dozen of joined stools One chest or (--ark) three chairs, one fire shovel one dog of iron standing in the chimney there and also 3 joined beds. One cupboard, one long board standing in the chamber over the said parlour & buttery with the best featherbed and furniture and one same bed there and also one falling table and three side boards or tables standing in my hall one (?brewing vat) one ?yeeling vat or vessel one pair of my best gawberds 3 best (  br          )with rakentrees in the kitchen my best pan and my best pot my best basin and ewer best (vender) 4 best platters some small best dishes or chargers 4 best (sawrers) 4 best candlesticks one best table cloth two best towels, one half dozen best table napkins 2 best barrels 2 best tubs or turnels one malt ark, one meal ark one steeping vat all my husbandrygear or intruments belonging to husbandryware  twelve Oxen or steers 12 kyne one bull and (      ) shall be likewise for ever  remain and be continually used and occupied with my said capital messuage or chief house called |Bothams alias Bothams Hall.

Therefore I give bequeath and divise the said capital messuage and all other the same recited messuages lands burgages cottages mills tenements rents reversions pastures and heraditaments goods chattels cattles and premises with apputenances unto Elizabeth STAFFORD now my wife for the term of her natural life keeping herself sole and unmarried And after her decease or marriage to my son Robert STAFFORD for term of his natural life And after his decease to the first begotten son of the body of the said Robert lawfully to be begotten and to the heirs males of the body of such first begotten son lawfully to be begotten And for default of such issue to the second son lawfully to be begotten of the body of the said Robert my son and the heirs males of the body of such second son lawfully to be begotten. And for default of such heirs to the right heirs males of the body of the said Robert my son lawfully to be begotten and for the default of such issue to Raphe STAFFORD one other of my sons and to the heirs males of his body lawfully to be begotten And for default of such issue to George STAFFORD my youngest son and to the heirs males of his body lawfully to be begotten And for default of such issue to William STAFFORD my eldest son and to the heirs males of his body lawfully to be begotten and for default of such issue to Laurence STAFFORD my Brother’s son and to the heirs males of his body lawfully to be begotten and for default of such issue to Thomas STAFFORD  brother to the said Laurence STAFFORD last mentioned and to the heirs males of his body lawfully to be begotten And for default of such issue to the right heirs males of me the said Laurence STAFFORD of the Bothams for ever. Provided always and my will and full meaning is that IF the said Robert STAFFORD my son either have married or hereafter shall marry or take to wife one Anne ROWBOTTOM of Glossop in the county of Derby then he the said ROBERT shall FORFEIT loose and forego all his estate title claim and interest of (it) and to the premises (so) to him devised and intended aforesaid and of and in every part thereof and that then the next devise and gift shall take place as if the said Robert had died without issue male of his body lawfully begotten provided also and my full intent and meaning is that if the said Robert STAFFORD or any of the sons which the said Robert shall hereafter lawfully beget or any heir male of the body of any such son lawfully begotten or the said Raphe STAFFORD or the said George STAFFORD or the said William STAFFORD Or any of them or any of the heirs males of any of their bodies lawfully begotten to whom the capital messuage and all other said messuages houses lands Rents and heraditaments goods and cattels or any devise gift use or uses thereof by these presents be devised bequeathed limited appointed or declared in manner and form aforesaid at any time hereafter shall advisedly determinedly and effectually protect and assent to or for any act or arts thing or things for any bargain sale (dis         manner  or  exchange to be had or made of the same capital messuage or other of the said messuages houses, lands rents heraditaments good and chattels with appurtenances or of any parcel thereof to him or them or any of them as is aforesaid by these presents devises bequests or given in use possession reversion or remainder whereby any (of              )  and in the premises or any parcel thereof devised limited and declared by these presents may shall or might in any wise or by any means be undone discont--------) debarred altered changed or so determined and the same bargain sale exchange devise con------------agreement grant bond or covenant or any other open or                 act or thing towards the same effect shall attempt to cause (        ) command or willingly assent to or suffer to be attempted executed or put in use by the knowledging of any note or notes of or for any fine or fines to be levied or acknowledged of any warrant or warrants attorney or attorneys for any (rev              )  (rev             )or any (             ) to be had or pursued or by (ent        ) into warrant or warranties or by any other means whatsoever or by knowledging of any deed or deeds writing or writings to be enrolled  or by any other open and effectual act or acts thing or things whatsoever that then  the said devise and devices gift and gifts devised bequeathed and limited by these presentsto him or them which ever shall attempt cause procure or willingly assent unto or suffer any such devise Con               covenant bond act or thing aforesaid to be (  pro           )    ex               ) performed done or put in use in  manner and form above declared contrary to the true meaning of this my will and testament shall utterly cease (end)  and (de            ) and immediately offer such (C       )   end and determination the next devise gift act and the intent  and the effect therof herein declared devised and limited shall take place (f         ) and (effect  in like manner and form as if the party so breaking the ( provise ?) and condition aforesaid had presently died without issue male of his body lawfully begotten saving always that it shall be lawful to and for the said Robert STAFFORD (    ) to and for every person or persons to whom any devise gift or estate of the premises or any parcel thereof is before devised given or limited and to and for every heir male of any heir male lawfully begotten from and after their said several devises gifts estates and uses to them (       ) fallen and grown to demise and lease such parts and parcels of the premises as have been heretofore in the lifetime of me the said Laurence STAFFORD usually demised and left to (farm) to any person or persons by indenture under these seals so that no such dedemise or lease so to be made by indenture do exceed the term of twenty one years or three lives at the most to commence within one whole year next after the date of the same indenture and so that upon every such demise and lease the (    ) yearly rent or more be (reserved?)  or payable.   And whereas I have taken by indenture or lease one messuage or tenement lying in Wibbersley in Marple in the said county of Chester for term of four score years and ten And my said sons Robert and Raphe so long live My will is and I devise  give and assign the same to the said Elizabeth my wife during the term of her natural life if she keeps herself sole and unmarried and if my said term so long endure. And after her decease or marriage to the said Robert STAFFORD during his natural life if he marry NOT, nor have married the said Anne ROWBOTTOM as aforesaid.  And after the decease of the said Robert (marrying not the said Anne) to the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten if the said term so long endure And for default of such heirs males to the said Raphe STAFFORD and his heirs males lawfully begotten during (    ) the said term if the said term so long last.  And for default of such heirs males to the said George STAFFORD and his heirs males during the said term if the said term so long last.  And for default of such heirs males to the said William STAFFORD and his heirs males during the said term if the said term so long last. Yealding paying and doing       therefore the rents duties and (? reserved    ) in and by the said indenture in manner and form therein declared.  Item my will is that the said Elizabeth my wife shall pay yearly during her natural life and widowhood four pounds of lawful money unto my said son Robert and my will is that my said wife during her natural life and widowhood and after her decease or marriage my said son Robert and his heirs males  and what other male being in possession of my lands by virtue of these presents shall maintain and keep my said son William STAFFORD with meat drink lodging and give and pay unto him yearly four pounds of lawful English money during his natural life And if my said son William die at any time hereafter  (            ) with such keeping and be willing to go away from them or any of them and be at live at his own pleasure and provision then my will is that my said wife during her natural life and what other person or persons enjoying my lands as aforesaid by force of these presents shall yearly during the life natural of the said William pay or cause to be paid to the said William the sum of six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence at the feast of St John the Baptist and St Martin the Bishop by even portions and for default of payment either of the said four pounds  or sic pounds thirteen shillings and four pence in manner and form aforesaid that then it sall be lawful for my said son William or his heirs to distrain in Great Cobden  Cobden Meadow Bullcroft and all the rest of my lands lying and being about Cobden and Cobden Barn or the (Maze) and the distress so taken and keep till the said same sum or sums with the averages of any such shall be fully satisfied and paid providing always and my will and full intent and meaning is that the said William my son do at any time hereafter procure go about or assent to make or cause to be made this my last will and testament or any part of parcel thereof void (frustrate) altered or changed that then and thence forth after such attempt (      ) about or assent of the same William being truly proved or manifestly known my said wife and all and every other person or persons heretofore charged with the maintainence  of the said William and payment of the said sums last mentioned shall be thereof discharged as well of the said maintenance as of the said payments Item I give to Isabel RIDGEWAY daughter to William RIDGEWAY six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence unto her at the day of her marriage or decease of my said wife which shall first happen if she behave herself dutifully towards my said wife and do not marry without her consent.  I will and bequeath to Sybil DUNCALFE One heifer.   Item I give to every of my godchildren twelve pence. Item I give and bequeath to George CHARLTON my son in law forty shillings. And to his wife twenty shillings and to every one of his seven children twenty shillings a piece. Item I give and bequeath to every one of my servants now dwelling with me three shillings and four pence. Item I give and bequeath to every one of my son BALGIES (Balguy)  children to whom I am grandfather thirteen shillings and four pence and to his wife twenty shillings Item I give and bequeath to Alice WALKER of Taxal my sister twenty shillings. Item I give to my daughter Alice RAWLINGSON five shillings in full discharge of her child’s part.  Item I give and bequeath unto Alice DUNCALFE to whom I am likewise grandfather thirteen shillings and four pence. Item I give and bequeath to my two sons Ralph STAFFORD and George STAFFORD either of them forty shillings yearly during their natural lives.  And for default of payment to either of them the liberty to distrain in Cobden and other of my lands appointed to my son William for then like use.  Item I give and bequeath to Laurence DUNCALFE son of William DUNCALFE my son-in-law six shillings and eight pence yearly during the life natural of the said Laurence with life liberty to distrain for non payment thereof and as before the other annuities appointed Item my will is that Thomas DUNCALFE and William DUNCALFE to whom I am grandfather shall keep at the Bothams Hall at the charges of my wife or whichever of my sons or their heirs shall enjoy the said Bothams Hall with meat drink lodging and apparel and other necessities til they come to and accomplish the full age of twenty years if they so pleased to accept  thereof.  Item I give grant and assign to Elizabeth my wife my whole title and estate of my (      ) lease during her natural life if she keep herself sole and unmarried and that my term therein so long last And after her decease or marriage to Robert STAFFORD my son or such other of my sons shall enjoy my said lands. I*tem I give unto Elizabeth my wife all my title interest and claim in one farm or tenement lying in SPREADBOROUGH in the county of YORK together with two several leases concerning the same and all titles and other commodities contained in the same leases to dispose of at her pleasure Item I give and bequeath to Elizabeth my daughter two hundred marks. Item my will is that out of my whole goods my debts funeral expenses and legacies be paid and discharged  and that my wife having her third part of the residue the surplus and whatsoever goods chattels and debts remain to be equally divided among my three sons Ralphe STAFFORD George STAFFORD and William STAFFORD and of this my last will and testament I ordain and constitute and make Elizabeth my wife my full and sole executrix and I desire heartily my well beloved sons in law Thomas BALGIE gent and George CHARLTON yeoman to be supervisors of the same as my trust is they will and to see the same performed according to the true intent and meaning thereof In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixteenth day of October in the six and thirtieth year of the reign of our soveraigne Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god Queen of England France and Ireland defender of the faith. These being witness   John HYDE; Anthony BROWNE; William JACKSON; John RIDGEWAY 

Debts owing by the testator  To Ottiwell WOOD Ten pounds To Thomas YEAVELEY three pounds three shillings and fourpence.

Debts owing to the testator

Mr George NEEDHAM forty marks Item the same George thirty shillings the wife of Christopher ARNFIELD thirty pounds Mr John HYDE forty three shillings and six pence.

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Obadiah STAFFORD of Golden Springs, Whitle: 1839

This is the last Will and Testament of me Obadiah STAFFORD of Golden Springs in the Hamlet of Whitle, in the parish of Glossop, in the County of Derby, Stone Mason made and published in manner following, that is to say first I give and devise unto my executors and executrix hereinafter named all my real and personal property or effects, upon trust that they, the survivor or survivors of them, their executors or administrators, after payment thereout of my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses, continue the same on in their possession and management; keeping all the property in good tenantable repair, and paying any just demands incident thereto; and all profits arising therefrom after having done so, to be paid to my wife Nanny STAFFORD during the time of her natural life; and at her death or as soon after as may be, my will and mind is that my executors or the survivor of them his executors or administrators shall sell or dispose of all my said real or personal property for the best price, or prices that can reasonably be got for the same, and after paying the expenses of so doing together with all other reasonable expenses of carrying this my will into execution shall divide the proceeds arising therefrom equally amongst my eight children John STAFFORD, Thomas STAFFORD, William STAFFORD, Obadiah STAFFORD, James STAFFORD, Joseph STAFFORD, Samuel STAFFORD and Elizabeth WYATT the wife of James WYATT of Thornset in this parish; further my will and mind is that if any of my said children die during my life (or the life of my said wife) leaving no issue, his, her, or their proportion of the said property shall be divided equally amongst the survivors of my said children or their descendents; but if any of my said children die during the lifetime of me or my wife as aforesaid leaving issue, such issue ....(line missing from photocopy) ...  my said executors or the survivor of them his executors or administrators shall think best; provided that such proportion or proportions be place out at interest for the benefit of such issue, so long as it remains in the control of my said executors and that control shall not exceed such time as they (the said issue) severally attain the age of twenty one years.

And I do hereby nominate and appoint my said wife Nanny STAFFORD executrix and my said son Thomas STAFFORD and my said son in law James WYATT, executors of this my will, and do declare my will and mind to be that they as executrix and executors shall reimburse themselves of all reasonable charges and expenses which they may be severally put unto in carrying this my will into execution from any monies coming to their hands from my said property and that they shall not be accountable for more than actually comes to their possession by virtue of this my will, nor with or for any loss which shall happen by placing any money out at Interest under any of the Trusts hereby vested in them, so as the same be placed upon a probable good and sufficient security at the time or times of placing the same out; or with or for any other loss which shall happen without their respective wilful neglect or default, nor the one for the other of them, or the acts, deeds, receipts, disbursements or defaults of the other of them; and lastly I do hereby revoke all former wills by me at any time made ....(most of line missing from photocopy)  the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine

(signed) Obadiah STAFFORD plus seal

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Obadiah STAFFORD as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to attest the due execution hereof

John TAYLOR; James COOPER; George HOOLLEY  

___________________

Rachel STAFFORD of Strines: 1682

These sheets appear to have been placed together whilst the ink was wet.  Consequently the top half of each is overwritten and the place and date are unclear. The date is therefore taken from the Probate.

In the name of God amen.  On one and ...... day of March ..... [1682?] according to the ...... of the .... of England I Rachel STAFFORD of the Straynes in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby ..................... do declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following viz. First I ...... my soule into the hands of almighty god my maker hoping that.................. of Jesus Christ my only saviour and redeemer .................... forgiveness of all my sinns and for my body  to be buried in Christian burial by my executors according to ...................... And as for my temporal estate it is my will and mind that the same shall be disposed of as follow. Item I give all the proffitts of the sum of thirty  pounds of lawful English money yearely and every yeare to be bestowed in cloth for and towards the apparelling of so many of the poore in Mellor as are most in necessity by reason of age or otherwise In .... so far as the said yearely issues and proffitts of the said sum will amount unto ... at the direction of my kinsmen Mr Thomas STAFFORD Mr Anthony STAFFORD and Mr John STAFFORD within Mellor aforesaid and the survivor and the survivors of them viz. not only for the distribution of legacies aforesaid but also for the Improving of the said thirty pounds either in buying land or rent with the same for the better securing of ye stock or other wise as they shall thinck fit and my mind and will further is that when ... of my said ......... shall fortune to be deceased then the last surviving trustee shall transfer all his Interest of the sum aforesaid land or rent which he shall then have unto three or more of the w.. sufficient in & abiding? with in Mellor aforesaid to the uses and purposes before nominated and so successively for ever whereby the said legacies may be continued according to my Intent and meaning Item I give unto the children of my late Brother Robert STAFFORD twenty pound to be keept in the hands of my Executor and laid out by him as he shall thinck fit for there best advantage Item I give unto my sister JAMES? my silck gowne and white morello petticote and five pound in monys Item I give unto Mrs HIGGINBOTHOM whose name is Frances twenty shillings Item I give unto Christian STAFFORD my god child twenty shilling Item I give unto Sarah OLERENSHAW my god child twenty shilling Item I give unto my old Cussen Anne STAFFORD of the Shaw twenty shilling and a paire of Gloves my morning silck coate and my wading? clothes; Item I give unto Grace RAGEL five pound to be keept in the hands of my executor and given to her as she shall have need Item I give unto my brother Mr Thomas STAFFORD twenty pounds to pay his debts with all and my bed wth all tha thereunto belongeth in any sort or wise and all my plate and goods not here in nomined? & it is my will And mind that my executors give five pounds to the poore and I .............. further expenses & it is my will ............................. have that bond that I ............. upon my nephew STAFFORD`s account [the next nine lines only odd words are decipherable] ........... and make my cussen Anthony STAFFORD of the ........ the Sole and only Executor of this my last will and testament hoping that hee will see the same performed according to the trust I repose in him In Witness whereof I have put my and (sic) and seall the day and yeare first above written

(signed) Rachel STAFFORD plus seal

Sealed signed published and declared to be the last will and testament of the said Rachel STAFFORD In the presence of Henry BEELEY his mark; Reginald BEELEY; William BOANFORD his mark

Probate issued 1682 - mentions Robert WAGSTAFFE & Samuel PICKERING

___________________

Randle STAFFORD of Beardhough: 1581

The 20th November  1581

In the name of god amen  I Randle STAFFORD (location missing) within parish of Glossop and county of Derby being sick in body but of perfect remembrance do constitute and make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  First I bequeath my soul to almighty god my saviour & redeemer and my body to be buried within the church or churchyard above said. 

Item. The third of all my goods I give to Olive my wife the rest of my goods both moveable and unmoveable all my debts being discharged I give to Thomas STAFFORD my son (who?) I make my full executor of this my last will these being witnesses Ralph ARNFIELD; John BOUTH; John BOWER with others.

Debts that I owe

.

Imprimis to Ralphe WALKER                    

Seven pounds

To John WILD     

Five pounds eleven shillings & 8d 

To John BOUTH                                         

Five pounds six shillings 8d

To George SHUTTLEWORTH 

six shillings 8d

To Godrey &ldots;&ldots;&ldots;                                  

Twenty five shillings 4d

To Anthony STAFFORD                               

Twelve shillings 6d

To Raphe BRADBURY  

Ten shillings

To William SMITH                                    

Six shillings 8d

To John BOUTH                                          

Seventeen shillings

To Thomas SHUTTLEWORTH                            

Four shillings 

To Servant maid                                       

Three shillings 4d

To (? Raphe HYDE )                    

Two shillings

To John SMITH   

Two shillings 6d

To Edward ( ?ONLEY)

Three shillings 3d

To Randle STAFFORD                                 

Two shillings 6d

To John SWINDELLS                                    

? Five shillings 4d

To Ottiwell CLAYTON                                 

Eighteen shillings

To Thomas STAFFORD                                

Twenty shillings

To Francis BREARLEY       

Four shillings 3d

 Inventory Randle STAFFORD

This is the true inventory of all the goods and cattell both moveable and unmoveable of Randle STAFFORD of the Bearhaught ( Beardhough) Lately deceased.  Made the first day of February in anno dom 1581 praised by these men as foloweth.  Edmund  CLAYTON; ( umphrey)* BRADBURY and William JACKSON

Imprimis  Two Oxen                                    

£5  11s  8d

Item Two Oxen                                            

£5

Item One cow                                             

 ?

Item two heiffers two calves                        

 £3

Item two horses                                            

£4  3s 4d

Item three sheep                 

10/-

Item In corn and hay                                    

£7  6s  8d

Item In brass and pewter                              

£3

Item In bedding            

£3

Item his apparel                                           

£1

Item In flesh           

33s  4d

Item In meal and malt 

26s  8d

Item In arks coffers one garner one -----

-

Item two sacks and a winnow cloth                            

6/-

Item In iron ware   

13/-

Item four   ------    (?gyffes)                      

2s  8d

 ___________________

ROBERT STAFFORD of Mellor: 1573 Will & Inventory

In the name of god amen the fifth day of March in the year of our lord god a thousand five hundred threescore and twelve I Robert STAFFORD of Mellor within the County of Derby husbandman sick in body & of perfect mind and memory for dread of natural death that is uncertain do ordain and make this my present will and testament in manner and form following.  That is to witt. First I give and bequeath my soul to almighty god my maker saviour and redeemer trusting through the merits of the passion and precious blood shedding to be one of the number of his elect and also my body to be buried within the parish church of Glossop.  Item. I make Jane my wife my full and lawful assign of all the house and grounds with appurtenances that I have taken by lease of my Master and Landlord Mr RADCLIFFE for and during all my term in the same and further at the will & pleasure of my said Master and landlord. First I make Jane my said wife my full and lawful assign of all the ground that I have taken of Laurence SMITH and Robert CHATTERTON by lease or writing or otherwise for and during all my term in the same & if it shall fortune that Jane my wife do depart this life before the term is fully ended then I will that John HOLLINWORTH, Robert ROWBOTTOMReynold ROWBOTTOM and John ROBINSON shall occupy the same jointly and together for and during the full time of the said term.  Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas SHUTLELEWORTH my sister’s son 13s. 4d. if he come for it.  Item I give and bequeath unto the youngest sister of the same Thomas 13s.4d if she come for it. Item I give unto Jane WHARMBY the daughter of James WHARMBY my greatest brass pot and she to have the same after the death of my said wife or sooner if it please my wife. Item I give and bequeath unto the said Jane WHARMBY two ewe lambs Item I give and bequeath unto Ellen WHARMBY the wife of James WHARMBY my great ark standing by my bedside and she to have the same at the decease of my wife.  Item I give to my godchildren to every one ( ? £   )  Item I give unto the wife of James WHARMBY and to the wife of Robert WOOD and to the wife of John ROWBOTTOM to every one a (  ?heup cloth) of my white Kersey (     ) (of   )my jacket    Item I give unto Robert (CHATTERTON) half of five quarters of white Kersey. Item I give unto the two children of Robert WOOD either of them 12d.  Item I give unto John ROWBOTTOM my brother-in-law my Russett coat.  I give unto the six children of my said brother-in-law John ROWBOTTOM to every one 6d.  Item I give unto John ROWBOTTOM or his assigns my great ark standing in the bower and to have the same at the death of my said wife.   I give unto the two youngest children of the said John ROWBOTTOM either of them 12d.  I give unto old Margery BLOWMILEY half a yard of plain woollen cloth. Item I have paid unto William GEE 6s. 8d for Richard WILKINSON as I will answer before god for the same.  I give unto the sic children of Raff ROBINSON of Denton to every one 6d.  I give unto Nicholas ROBINSON 12d. Item it is my will that after I am honestly brought forth and all funeral & legacies and expenses clearly charged and done of my whole goods that then the rest of all my said goods remaining as well moveable and unmoveable together with all debts due unto me where ever and in whose hands or custody and keeping so ever they be freely given to Jane my said wife that I make full and lawful exors to be that this my will be fulfilled Jane my wife & Robert ROWBOTTOM my brother-in-law and also my Master Mr. RADCLIFFE & John HOLLINWORTH the same these be witness John ROWBOTTOMJohn HOLLINWORTH  Reynold ROWBOTTOM  George HIGGINBOTTOM with others. 

Inventory of Robert Stafford of Mellor: 1573

This is the true Inventory of all the goods and cattals of Robert STAFFORD of the horsepole in Mellor lately deceased. Priced by John HOLLINWORTH, Thomas SMITH, William SMITH and John ROBINSON the 17th day of April in the year of our lord god 1573.

.

 £   s    d

First One cow and a twinter heifer price 

 ?

Item 35 sheep price

04  13  04

Item store corn

00  06  08

Item brass and pewter

00  13  04

Item lead and other wooden gear with hustlements in house

00  03  04

Item  branding tongs, grips & a rakentree

00  02  00

Item  in bedding and little stuff

00  13  04

Item  flesh (  )  the  (      )

00  03  04

Item  one live swine

00  05  00

Item  3 arks

00  06  08

Item  a mattock a spade a shovel & an axe

00  02  00

Item  in pullen

00  00  16

Item  linen yarn and hemp

00  06  00

Item  his apparel 

00  08  00

Summa totalis     

10  04  04

___________________

Robert STAFFORD of Beardhough: 1639

In the name of god amen the ( ) of December 1639 I Robert STAFFORD of Beardhough being sick in body but of perfect remembrance praised be god for it do here constitute and make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  I bequeath my soul to almighty god and my body to the ground from whence it came to be buried in the chapel of Mellor and my funeral expenses to be discharged forth of my goods, Item I give to Margaret STAFFORD twenty shillings . Item to Alice WILD alias STAFFORD twenty shillings . Item to Raphe HYDE five shillings. Item to Edward BOWER  five shillings.  Item Robert (?SIMPSON) two shillings.  Item two of my best sheep to my brother John’s son.  Item the rest of my goods I give to my brother John STAFFORD to be equally divided betwixt them  Item I do (  ) and make John STAFFORD the younger of which I am uncle unto to be my true and lawful executor.

INVENTORY

A true and perfect inventory of all the goods chattels and  cattels of Robert STAFFORD  late of Beardhough in the parish of Glossop and County of Derby husbandman deceased.  Prized and valued by William RADCLIFFE & Raphe HYDE  June 20th ano dom 1639

.

   £   s   d

Imprimis Sheep

  06 00 00

Item A coffer & an ark

  00 09 00

Item debts owing to the testator by specialty

  07 12 00

Item his bed purse and apparel

  01 16 00

Suma totalis

 15 17 00

   ___________________

Samuel STAFFORD of Brownhill: 1815

This is the last will and testament of one Samuel STAFFORD of Brownhill in the Parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Stone Mason made and published in the manner and from following that is to say.

 First I order and direct that all my just debts and funeral and testamentary charges to be paid and discharged by my executors here in after named out of my personal estate and effects.  I order and direct that my messuage tenement or dwelling house with all the appurtenances belonging to me situate standing and being in Newmill in the parish of Glossop aforesaid in the present occupation of John WHITTAKER tenant at will (I say) I order the said messuage to be sold by my executors herinafter mentioned as soon as conveniently can be after my decease for the best price that can be got for the same and after paying all expenses attending the sale therefore to pay the following legacies.

  I give and bequeath unto my brother Uriah STAFFORDs children one half of the money arising from the said messuage to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike.

  I give and bequeath unto my sister Rachel LEECH the wife of James LEECH one fourth part of the money arising from the said messuage and I give and bequeath unto my sister Sarah FORBER the wife of George FORBER of Prescot in Lancashire deceased one fourth part of the money arising from the said messuage all which said legacies I give and bequeath to my said sisters and brothers children respectively and to their several and respective executors administrators and assigns accordingly and direct the same to be paid as soon as conveniently may be after the sale of the aforesaid premises. 

And I give and bequeath unto my executors hereinafter mentioned all my household goods cattle and chattels in and upon the premises whereon I now live upon trust to permit and suffer my wife Mary STAFFORD to enjoy the same together with my tenant right of the same premises (and which premises I hold under L. Geo. H. Cavendish by and with the permission of the said L. Geo. H. Cavendish she paying all rent leys and taxes and performing my agreements with him or his steward for or in respect of the same) for and during the term of her natural life.

  And it is my further will and mind that my said wife shall not sell or let any of the premises without the consent of my executors nor sell or make any merchandise of my goods cattle or chattels aforesaid or any part thereof without their consent.  And from and after the decease of my said wife I order and direct my said executors or the survivor of them or the executors or administrators of such survivors to sell and dispose of my said household goods cattle and chattels so given to them in trust for my said wife for her life as aforesaid for the best price that can be got for the same and the money thence arising.

 I give and bequeath unto my brother Uriah STAFFORD’s Children to be divided amongst them equally share and share alike.  And it is my further will and mind that Samuel STAFFORD son of my brother Uriah STAFFORD shall have the privilege and enjoy the benefit of the farm I now live on at Brownhill aforesaid after my wife’s decease.  And it is my further will and mind that my sister Hannah the wife of Robert McKNAUGHT of Chapel en le frith  in the county of Derby aforesaid shall live with my aforesaid wife at Brownhill aforesaid after the decease of her husband Robert McKNAUGHT if she then be living if it be her desire.

And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John STAFFORD junior of Holinghurst head stone mason and John DEWSNAP of Peeses Yeomen both in the parish of Glossop aforesaid executors hereof and do declare my will and mind to be that it shall and may be lawful to and for them and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor in the first place by and out of the monies and premises respectively coming to their hands to deduct and reimburse to him and themselves irrespectively all such loss costs charges damages and expenses as he they or any of them shall sustain expend or be put unto in or about the execution of this my will or the trusts hereby in them reposed or any thing relating thereto.

  And I give unto my executor’s one guinea each for their trouble any thing herein before contained to the contrary notwithstanding.   And my will further is and I further do declare that my said executors or either of either of their executors or administrators shall not be charged or chargeable with or accountable for more of the aforesaid monies and premises than he or they shall actually receive or shall come to his or their respective hands by virtue of this my will nor with or for any loss which shall happen without their respective wilful neglect or default nor the one of them for the other of them or the acts deeds receipt disbursements of the other of them.  And lastly I do hereby revoke all former and other will and wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this t be my last.  In witness whereof I the said Samuel STAFFORD the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.

NB. If any of the legatees should find themselves dissatisfied cut them off with five shillings.

(Signed)  Samuel STAFFORD

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named testator Samuel STAFFORD as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses to attest the due execution thereof.

Signed -  Robert HADFIELD; William STAFFORD; Thomas STAFFORD

 ___________________

THOMAS STAFFORD of Mellor Gentleman: 1684 Will and Inventory

In the name of god amen the 13th day of April 1684 according to the computation of the church of England I Thomas STAFFORD of Mellor in the County of Derby being of perfect memory and remembrance praised be god I do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  First I bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty god my maker hoping through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only saviour and redeemer to receive free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and my body to be buried according as I have appointed in a note annexed to this will wherein is contained what small debts I owe & also what is owing to me.  Item I give unto Christian STAFFORD of Bottoms Hall in Mellor and County of Derby all that (   ) I have in goods or debts burying me according as I have appointed whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament.  In witness whereof I have here unto put my hand and seal the day and year first above written. 

Wit: Ottiwell WOOD his mark; Grace (RIGEL) her mark

*Note - the econd page appears to be his own written inventory of his goods but it does not correspond to the official one taken after his death. R. Clarke

All in the parlour is my one (crossed through)  one fold board and the (        )  ( ) are laid by themselves ? there is two new pair of shoes and two boards in the milk house mine. One of three? yard in the house and a salting tub in the milk house.

In the chamber there is a new ( ) and a barrel & twelve boards good ones  In the house two chairs one old trunk and a chest five cushions in all belonging to me.

When you are satisfied I would have you give Grace the chest in the house and the old trunk and 2 or 3 shillings of money or what you will.

Mr John STAFFORD of the Shawe hath a pair of silk stockings and a pair of ( -h-id) ones of mine he said he would by them if not pray you call for them.

let Rodger make a plain chest of ouler boards

I desire nobody at my burial but those that must carry me, yourself & Mr CHETHAM let Ottiwell WOOD make my grave.

These I would have to carry me to the grave and to have every one six pence for their labour No drinking neither at house or church, no ringing at all.

List of coffin bearers

Samuel of the mill; Thomas SHUTTLEWORTH’S two sons; William JACKSON; John DUNCALFE; Humphrey EYRE; Ottiwell WOOD; Little GILBERT; John STONES; William of the new house; Old Thomas HIBBERT of the lane head, some of them will not be had you may get whom you can in their (          )

DEWHURST the shoemaker I lent a (drixseling) to

Robert BAGSHAWE hath a book of mine called the Hierarchy  of the Church;

(Raph?) HYDE owes me nearly six shillings and six pence but I have had some things which are to be seen towards it.  

Henry STAFFORD owes me twenty one shillings

There is two books at SHALMADINES that I sent to be bound are worth the (       )

Four shillings I owe Will FULME for (      ) (      )  I owe

Mary at Mellor eight and twenty and eight pence but her son Gilbert owes me sixteen pence for a book  

Inventory of Thomas STAFFORD of Mellor Gentleman: 1684

A true and perfect inventory of all the goods cattels and chattels of Thomas STAFFORD of Mellor Gentleman late deceased prized and valued by Mr Anthony STAFFORD, James CHEETHAM and Robert BAGSHAWE. April the 19th day Ano Dom 1684

  £   s   d

Imprimis his purse and apparel

 07  10  00

Item Four boxes and some things within them 

 02  03  06

Item One chest One Desk one little coffer

 01  12  00

Item Three pairs of sheets

 01  00  00

Item The napkins pillowbeers and the box

 00  10  00

Item One bed and the furniture to it

 02  00  00

Item One table one chair and a cushion

 00  15  00

Item The boards in the parlours floor The wainscote and the door

 01  10  00

Item some loose boards

 00  12  00

Item Two chairs

 00  10  00

Item one little table

 00  05  00

Item One Hour Glass

 00  02  06

Item Treenware

 00  06  00

Item One lead and in pewter

 00  05  00

Item One fire shovel one axe one rakentree pot hooks

 00  05  00

Grips and one hook

 00  00  00

Item in books and paper

 01  18  00 

Suma totalis

 18  04  00

___________________

 Thomas Stafford of Low Leighton Weaver 1716 - will & inventory

In the name of god amen, this thirteenth day of November Anno Dom 1716 I Thomas STAFFORD now of Low Leighton in the parish of Glossop and County of Derby weaver being sickly and weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory praised be therefore given to almighty god for the same and calling to mind the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time when it shall please almighty god to call for me do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  First and principally I commit my soul into the hands of almighty god and my body to the earth from whence it came to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors hereafter named. And as for such worldly goods as god in his mercy hath given unto me I dispose of the same as followeth.  First I will that all my due debts funeral expenses and charges of the probate of this my last will and testament be first paid and discharged. Item I give and bequeath unto Dorothy BEARD my Aunt my chest with all my linens.  Item I give and bequeath unto John SIDEBOTTOM of Manchester my half brother the sum of forty shillings.  I give and bequeath unto John BROWN the younger my nephew the sum of ten shillings.  Item I give and bequeath unto William COTTRELL my sister’s son all my woollen apparel.  All which above said legacies I do hereby order to be paid and delivered respectively within one whole year next after my decease.  Item all the rest residue and remainder of my whole estate goods or chattels not before bequeathed I give and bequeath the same the same unto Thomas COTTRELL my brother in law making him the said Thomas COTTRELL the full and sole exor of this my last will and testament hoping he will perform the trust herein reposed in him revoking all former wills ands testaments by me heretofore made appointing this and no other to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said Thomas STAFFORD the testator have hereunto put my hand and seal the day and year first above written. 

Witnesses: John ARMSTRONG; William CARRINGTON, Ash

Inventory of Thomas STAFFORD

A true and perfect inventory of the goods and chattels of Thomas STAFFORD of Low Leighton in the parish of Glossop and County of Derby weaver and bachelor late deceased valued and priced by us the underwritten this eighteenth day of December in the year of our lord 1716.

Imprimis

 £   s   d

His purse and apparel

00  05  00

One pair of looms & the material hereunto Belonging

00  09  04

In bonds and credit

18  00  00

In hustlements or lumber

00  02  00

Total

18  17  00

James RIDGEWAY; William BEARD

From R.C. *Note on the bottom line of the STAFFORD Pedigree (held at New Mills library) headed STAFFORDS of Botham there is a Thomas stated to have lived in London.  His date of death corresponds with this Thomas and I think he is one and the same with this Thomas who is shown to have a step-mother named SIDEBOTTOM.  This Thomas has a half brother SIDEBOTTOM.  The reason being William BEARD of Low Leighton left a will probate date April 4 1722 and his widow Dorothy also her probate date April 12 1739.

The pedigree shows a great Aunt Dorothy who was daughter of a BAGSHAWE of Ridge and married first to a STAFFORD & then a BROWN.     Dorothy and William BEARD were Quakers & attended the meeting house in Low Leighton

___________________

Thomas STAFFORD of Brownhill: 1784

In the name of God Amen I Thomas STAFFORD of Brownhill in the parish of Glossop and county of Derby Mason being advanced in years but of sound memory (blessed be God) Do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following.

First I wish that all my just debts funeral and other inevitable expenses be first paid and discharged out of my personal estate.  I give devise and bequeath unto my loving wife SARAH my two dwelling Houses in New Mill now in the holding of Thomas and William ANTWHISTLE and my piece of new enclosed land lying at the Bull Bower to hold to my said wife Sarah and to her heirs and assigns forever . I also give and bequeath unto my said wife Sarah the tenant right of the farm where I now dwell the Horned Cattle and the use of the household goods and other utensils used with the farm during her natural life and after her decease to be divided equally amongst my children.  I give and devise unto my son Thomas one moiety or half part of those two dwelling houses in the Newmill which I purchased and have in joint possession with John COLLIER to hold to him my said son Thomas and to his heirs and assigns for ever.   I give and bequeath unto my sonSamuel The sum of thirty pounds. I give and bequeath unto my son Uriah the sum of five pounds. All the rest and remainder of my effects and person estate whatsoever and wherever I give and bequeath unto my sons Uriah Thomas and Samuel and to my daughters Hannah Rachel Sarah and Betty to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike And lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend John COLLIER the older sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal the fourteenth day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and eighty four

Witnessed by John COLLIER jun.; Thomas HANDFORD; Thomas BOOTH 

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   William STAFFORD of  Mellor: 1581

In the name of god amen the 14th day of June in the year of our lord god a thousand five hundred four score and one. I William STAFFORD of Mellor in the parish of Glossop & county of Derby being sick in body but whole of mind and in good and perfect memory for dread of natural death as it is uncertain do ordain and make this my last will and testament in such manner and form as these after followeth. That is to witt, first I give & bequeath my soul to almighty god my maker saviour and redeemer trusting and hoping by the mediation and merits of Jesus Christ to (     ) in soul and body at the eternal resurrection of (    ) & bliss of heaven in the (     ) of saints and I will that my body & bones be buried in the parish church of Glossop where the rest of my friends are buried.

I give and bequeath unto the (boy) Which I have brought up called Robert STAFFORD alias CHETYME three doublets two pair of Hosyne of mine which are already made and twenty shillings of money to be paid and given into the hands of my brother Mr. Laurence STAFFORD and to give it him if he take good ways and do well.  Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas GODDARD my son in law my best hosyne and my best doublet and one (gyrtteme) which are of leather. Item I give and bequeath unto Alice STAFFORD my wife all my whole goods both moveable and unmoveable what or in whose hands (      ?      ) or (belonging      ) so  (      ?       )   it as they    (  ?  )

These being the debts that I William STAFFORD do owe

Imprimis  Edward ROBINSON  clerk                      

20 shillings

Item         Reginald HIBBERT of Marpne               

20      “

Item         Agnes HIGGINBOTTOM of  “       widow  

10      “

Item         Elizabeth   (                  )                     

13      “

Item         Jane WARD                                            

 6      “  8d

Item          Raphe BRADBURY                      

16  shillings

Item          John COTTRELL          

10 shillings

Item          Martin YEAVELEY                  

4 shillings

These be the debts it be owing unto William STAFFORD

Imprimis Old Edmund ROWBOTTOM                          

5 shillings   8d

Item Young Edmund Rowbottom

same as the above said Edmund ROWBOTTOM                   

Item Bartholomew WOOD of (&ldots; worth  )                    

 16 shillings  6d 

Item Edmond CLAYTON of  the Strindes

20d  

Item Thurston PLATT gent.  

20d

 It is my will and mind that after I am brought forth and all my debts paid made and done of my whole goods & all funeral costs discharged then the (    ) of all my said goods remaining whatsoever they be I give and bequeath unto Alice STAFFORD my wife and I make (   ) lawful executor to witt Alice STAFFORD my wife,  Edward ROBINSON clerk to see that this my last will be accomplished and done according to my true intent and meaning of this my last will and testament And I make these overseers of this my will my brother Mr Laurence STAFFORD and Mr William RATCLIFFE these being witness Robt. RADCLIFFE; George WOOD; Thomas GODDARD; William RADCLIFFE with others.   

Inventory of William Stafford of Mellor 

This is the true inventory of all the goods and catels both moveable and unmoveable of WILLIAM STAFFORD of Mellor in the county of Derby lately deceased priced by four honest men the 21st day of June anno dom. 1552. Robert COTTRELL John RADCLIFFE William RADCLIFF  Roger WOOD with others.

Imprimis     one cow 

£10 

Item              one other cow                 

33s.  4d

Item              one heifer                  

27s

Item              one (            ) calf 

.

Item              three  sheep   

20s

Item              in bedding 

£20

Item              in brass and pewter                          

26s    8d

Item              all wooden ware               

13s    4d

Item              in arks and coffers                              

6s     8d

Item              in corn  

10s

Item              (?saltflesh   ) in the house                  

10s

Item              in  (? pullen )        

3s    4d

Item              in boards  (                                      )      

5s

Item              one  (    ) pair of   (        ) 

.

Item             one branding iron   

2s

Item              one pair of tongs  one  (            )     

3s    4d

Item              one cart and wheels    

3s    6d

Item              in apparel       

20s

 Suma totalis  

£12          16s    3d

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William STAFFORD of Macclesfield: 1777

William STAFFORD of Macclesfield in the County of Chester Gentleman do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) First I direct that all my just Debts Funeral Expenses and the probate of this my Will be paid and discharged out of this my Estate and Effects as soon as may be by my executor hereafter named and I hereby order that my Body be interred at what ever place I shall happen to Dye in the most private manner and without Bearers or any other attendants except such persons as are absolutely necessary to carry me to the Grave and Two of my own Servants to follow me as Mourners and that neither my Seat nor the pulpit in the parochial Chapel of Macclesfield afsd be lined or covered.  And Whereas my late uncle Thomas TATTON Esquire by his last Will and Testament and codicil thereunto annexed of which I am the only acting Executor did give and bequeath unto the children of his Kinsman Roger WILBRAHAM Esquire the sum of Six Hundred pounds and also the sum of one Hundred pounds a piece to his Great Nephew and Nieces Harry John LANKFORD Lucy Dorothea LANKFORD Ann PLUMBE and Sarah PLUMBE making together the sum of one Thousand pounds but did not direct the same Legacies to be paid to any person or persons in trust for them and being all under the age of Twenty one years they are unable to give proper discharges for the same Now in case I shall happen to dye before all or any of the said Legacies are discharged I give and bequeath unto my Executor so much money as will be sufficient to discharge all or so many of the said Legacies as shall then appear to be unpaid Upon Trust from time to time to put out and place the same at Interest upon some Government or other Good and Sufficient Security or Securities untill the said Legatees shall be intitled to receive the same and to pay and apply the Interest thereof untill that time to their use in Proportion to their Several Legacies and as they shall severally become intitled thereto to pay the same to him her or them so intitled And Whereas my said Uncle Thomas TATTON in and by his said Codicil did give and devise all his Messuage and Tenement in the Hough in the said County of Chester unto me the said William STAFFORD during my life and to my children after my decease and if I should happen to dye without issue to my Sisters Lucy and Penelope Margaret STAFFORD And Whereas I have taken a Fresh Lease of the said Tenement and have added the life of the said Lucy STAFFORD in the room of the said Thomas TATTON Deceased Now I give and devise the said Tenement and all Interest I have therein unto my said Sisters Lucy and Penelope Margaret STAFFORD their Executors Administrators and Assigns And Whereas the said Thomas TATTON in and by the said Codicil did give and devise Two Several Tenements in Park Lane within Macclesfield afsd unto my Sister Sarah the wife of Harry LANKFORD gentleman during the joint lives of her and her Husband and from and after the decease of either of them unto me the said William STAFFORD for my life and after my decease unto my children and in default thereof unto my said sisters Lucy and Penelope Margaret STAFFORD And Whereas there is now  in being ........ life in each of the said Leasehold tenements and being desirous of adding two others and to secure and make as much as I can of the Legacies of One Hundred pounds Each herein before mentioned to have been bequeathed by my said Uncle to my nephew Harry John LANKFORD and my niece Lucy Dorothea LANKFORD I have agreed by and with the consent and approbation of their Father the said Harry LANKFORD to advance the said Two Hundred pounds so left to them by my said Uncle together with the said further sum of Twenty four pounds which I hereby give their said Father for their us being the sum over and above the said Two Hundred pounds agreed to be paid for putting the lives of them the said Harry John LANKFORD and Lucy Dorothea LANKFORD into the said Leases Now I do herby direct that in case the said agreement shall not be compleated in my life time, and my said Sisters Lucy and Penelope shall agree to assign over their Interest in the said Tenement unto my said Nephew and Niece then my said Executor shall (out of the said Money so bequeathed to him in Trust to discharge the Legacies herein before mentioned to have been left by my said Uncle Thomas TATTON) the said Two Hundred and Twenty four pounds unto the said Harry LANKFORD the Father to be applyed to him for the purposes aforesaid he the sd Harry LANKFORD entering in Bond with Sufficient Sureties to indemnify my said Executor against the repayment of the said Legacies of One Hundred pounds Each to my said Nephew and Niece when the same would of course have become due And I give and bequeath unto the persons hereafter named the following Legacies (viz) To Mr Peter WRIGHT of Macclesfield my Whiskey Harness and the Long Tailed Bay horse, The Table Clock in my Room and the printing press and Letters. To Mr Philip COOKE of the same place, a two handled Silver Cup late belonging to my father with an aczon? on the cover and the writing Table which was my fathers.  To Mr Philip SHALLCROSS my Snuff Box Watch, Gold Studds and Stone Stock Buckler To the Revd. William PLUMBE and his Wife the larger pair of Silver Candlesticks late my Uncle Thomas TATTON`s.  To William TATTON Esquire, a small picture of myself which hangs in the Dressing Room, the pictures of my late Cousin Thomas TATTON, Jupiter the Dog and the Ship in full Sail.  To Mrs TATTON his wife the two Large China Flower potts which usually stand upon the Hearth in the parlour. To William TATTON his son the watch left me by my aunt Barbara TATTON which was his Great Grandfather TATTON`s.  To Thomas TATTON his son The Two Handled Silver Cup and the watch and Cornelian Seal late my Uncle Thomas TATTON`s.  To Mr. LANKFORD my Mahogany Cloaths press and washing Table.  To my Sister LANKFORD, The Clock in my Fathers Room, and the Three pictures of Mr and Mrs LEGH and Mrs Glegg LEE.  To my nephew Harry John LANKFORD my Silver Tankard, and the Silver cup given me by Mrs BURGESS.  All my Law Books, my Globes and Lenex`s? Maps Together with my French Bible in two Folio volumes and what ever School Books I may have which may be thought useffull to him in his Education.  To my niece Lucy Dorothea LANKFORD The Smaller pair of Silver Candle Sticks late my Uncle Thomas TATTON`s, The Tent Bed I now lye on with the Feather Bed Mattress and Bolton Quilt.  To my Sister Lucy STAFFORD, The Silver Waiter late my Fathers, Silver Cross, Sauce Boats, Tea pott Coffee pott & Cream Jugg late my Fathers and given to him by Sr John STANLEY, The Best Tea Tongs and Twelve of the Best Tea Spoons, All my Books Except Law Books and Books relating to Husbandry and Gardening The Small mahogany ... .... in the parlour and the Harpsicord and all the rest of my paintings. To my Sister Penelope Margaret STAFFORD, The Coffee pott late my Uncle Thomas TATTON`s, The Writting Table late my sd Uncle`s, The Medals and Gold and Silver coins, All my Books in Gardening and Husbandry and all my prints as well framed as unframed, And I give and bequeath unto my Kinswoman Mrs SANFORD Five Guineas and to my friend Miss PORTER the like Sum.  To my Servant Thomas DAWSON, if he shall be living with me at time of my death, I give all my wearing apparel of what nature or kind soever, To my Servants John HOOLEY John KEELING, Mary ROBINSON & Elizabeth TATTON each of then Two guineas if they shall be living with me at my death, To my Clerk David MARES Five Guineas for mourning and I direct my Executor to pay him Ten Guineas more when he shall have served his time out, the better to enable him to be committed an attorney And in case any of the said specifick Legacies shall happen to be claimed and taken as Herriots I direct my executor either to replace the same by buying other things of like nature and value or to pay the value thereof to the several Legatees at their Discretion And I direct that my Executor shall set a part a sufficient sum of money out of my Estate and Effects to pay to my Aunt WARBURTON the sum of Twelve pounds a year during her natural life by even half yearly payments on the Twenty Fourth day of June, and the Twenty Fifth day of December yearly the first payment to be made on such of those days as shall happen next after my decease.  And I hereby give my said Aunt WARBURTON Ten Guineas for mourning And I give to my said sisters Lucy and Penelope Margaret STAFFORD All the remainder of my Household Goods furniture plate Linnen China Liquor in my Cellars Post Chaise Horses Cattle Carts Gears Implements of Husbandry Garden Tools Hay Corn Straw and all other my moveable Effects not herein before disposed of (Money and Securities for money Excepted) And as to the rest and residue of my Estate and Effects which will consist of money and Securities I give and bequeath the same to William TATTON Esquire who I hereby appoint sole Executor of this my Will In Trust to pay and apply one Third part thereof for the use and benefit of my said Sister Sarah LANKFORD in such manner as she shall think fit and direct the same and I do declare that her receipt alone shall be a sufficient discharge to my said Executor for the same, One other third part to my said Sister Lucy STAFFORD and the other third part thereof to my said Sister Penelope Margaret STAFFORD.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Six.

(signed) William STAFFORD with seal

Signed Sealed published and declared by the within named William STAFFORD the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, [who have herein] subscribed our names as witnesses thereto at his Request and in his presence and in the presence of each other

Elizabeth MOSLEY; Saml STONE; Paul? BUCKLEY

The fourteenth Day of August 1777 William TATTON Esq; the Executor within named was sworn in common Form before me P. MAYER Sur.            

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William STAFFORD of Chinley: 1849

This is the Last Will and Testament of me William STAFFORD of Four Lane Ends in Chinley in the Parish of Glossop and County of Derby (being of sound disposing mind memory and understanding) made as follows.

  First out of the sum of One hundred pounds of which I hold security, I order and direct that all my Just debts funeral and all other inevitable expenses which may be incurred in the execution of this my Last Will and Testament be paid and fully discharged.  I then order and direct that the rest and remainder of the said One hundred pounds be distributed as follows, I give and bequeath to my son John STAFFORD the sum of Ten pounds, I give and bequeath to my son William STAFFORD the sum of Ten pounds, I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Relict of John GODDARD the sum of Ten pounds, I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary wife of James HOYDE the sum of Ten pounds I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah wife of John COOPER the sum of Ten pounds.  I give and bequeath to my daughter Leah wife of Peter HALL the sum of Ten pounds.  I give and bequeath to my daughter Peggy wife of Solomon BELSFORD the sum of Ten pounds and the rest and remainder (if any) of the said One hundred pounds I do hereby order and direct to be equally divided between my Two sons William STAFFORD and John STAFFORD share and share alike.  But in case the beforementiond sum of One hundred pounds, after the payment of all my Just debts Funeral and other inevitable Expenses, fall short or in any-wise be deficient, so as not to leave sufficient wherewith to defray the beforementioned Legacies I do hereby order and direct that each of the Legatees namely John STAFFORD, William STAFFORD, Ann GODDARD, Mary HYDE, Sarah COOPER, Leah HALL and Peggy BELSFORD do bear share and share alike of the said deficiency which shall be deducted from his or her Legacy as the case may be.

  It is also my wish and desire that all my household furniture (except the clock) be equally divided among all my beforementioned children, but if they should not be able to agree concerning the division, I then order and direct my Executors to see or dispose of by either Public Auction or private contract all my household Furniture except the clock as aforesaid and I do hereby order and direct that the money arising from such sale or sales (after the payment of all Expenses attending such Sale or Sales) be equally divided among my before mentioned children namely, John STAFFORD, William STAFFORD, Ann GODDARD, Mary HYDE, Sarah COOPER, Leah HALL And Peggy BELSFORD.  I do also give and bequeath to Martha wife of my son John STAFFORD, the beforementioned clock as a token of regard for her kindness and attention towards me in my affliction.  Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my Two sons namely John STAFFORD and William STAFFORD Executors to this my last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty First day of April, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Nine.  Signed by the said Testator as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time, who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have signed our names as Witnesses the day and year hereinbefore mentioned

(signed) William STAFFORD plus seal

Witnesses: Isaac WATERHOUSE; William MIDDLETON     

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William STAFFORD of Denton: 1867

I William STAFFORD leaves the £25. 14s. 9d to my Brother Abraham STAFFORD which is in the Stockport Saving Bank and all intrist belonging to it my wife to recive the 9 pound in the Building Club and also the furnal money and I have had duly done to me

(signed) William STAFFORD X

Witness: S. STOPFORD; N. STEWART; J. WHITTAKER

In Her Majesty`s Court of Probate - The District Registry at Manchester - In the Goods of William STAFFORD deceased - I Samuel STOPFORD of Ashton Road in Denton, in the county of Lancaster Hatter make oath and say that I know and was well acquainted with William STAFFORD late of Ashton Road in Denton in the county of Lancaster, labourer deceased who departed this life on the first day of June one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven And I further make oath and say on the first day of June aforesaid the said William STAFFORD who was at such time very ill but of perfectly sound mind memory and understanding being desirous of settling his affairs dictated to me the purport of the disposition he wished to make of his property in the event of his death and at his request I thereupon reduced the same into writing such writing being the last Will and Testament of the said deceased now hereto annexed bearing date the first day of June one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven and having so done I read the same over to the said testator who appeared at such time perfectly to understand the same and approved of the contents thereof And he the said testator thereupon to wit on the first day of June aforesaid duly executed the said will by making his mark or cross at the foot or end thereof as the same now appears therein in the presence of me and of William STEWART and John WHITTAKER the other subscribed witnesses thereto all of us being present at the same time and we thereupon attested and subscribed the said will in the presence of the said testator And having also observed the names "William STAFFORD" written against the aforesaid mark or cross of the said testator  I further make oath and say that the said recited names were written by me against the said mark for the purpose of identifying the same in the occasion of the execution of the said Will And having now observed that the said Will is written on a small piece of ruled Bill paper with a ragged edge I further make oath and say that the same is now in respect thereto in exactly the same state plight and condition as when so executed by the said testator as aforesaid - Samuel STOPFORD

Sworn by the said Samuel STOPFORD at Hyde in the County of Chester on the fourth day of July 1867 Before me - Alexander READ A Surrogate

At Manchester on the twelfth day of July 1867 Administration (with the Will annexed) of the personal estate and effects of William STAFFORD late of Ashton Road in Denton in the County of Lancaster labourer deceased who died on the first day  of June 1867 at Ashton Road aforesaid was granted to Mary STAFFORD widow the lawful widow and Relict of the said deceased she having been first sworn - the Executor or Residuary legatee being named in the said Will Under £100

Administration

On the twelfth day of July 1867 Letters of Administration with the Will annexed of all and singular the personal Estate and Effects of William STAFFORD late of Ashton Road in Denton in the County of Lancaster Labourer deceased who died on the first day of June 1867, at Ashton Road aforesaid were granted at the District Registry attached to Her Majesty`s Court of Probate at Manchester to Mary STAFFORD of Ashton Road aforesaid Widow the lawful Widow and Relict of the said Deceased she having been first sworn duly to administer. No Executor or Residuary Legatee being named in the said Will.

Sureties. John BOOTH of Oldham in the County aforesaid Inspector of Police and Thomas WHITWORTH of Ashton Road aforesaid Hat Trimming Weaver.

Effects under £100 No Leaseholds  Extracted by F and T DRINKWATER Solicitors, Hyde

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