NRO Ref: W.256.
Will dated 25th August 1601
Probate 22nd  September 1601

In the name of God Amen, the 25th day of August Anno Domini 1601. I Martin COLLES of 
Weston in Weedon Pinckney in the County of Northampton and in the diocese of Peterborough, 
husbandman being sick of body nevertheless of good and perfect remembrance, thanks be given 
unto god therefore for the same and make this my Testament and last will in manner and form 
following.
First I bequeath my soul to almighty god and my body to the earth from whence it was taken.
Item, for my mortuary if any be done as the law requireth. 
Item, to the poor people of Weston and Weedon 12 pence.

Item, I will that my executrix pay all my due debts unto my creditors at such times and days as 
they shall be due upon especially by any to be showed for the same.

Item, I give and bequeath unto every one of my brother Richard’s children a sheep to be 
delivered unto them at the discretion of my overseers.

Item, I give and bequeath unto my son John the one half of all my goods and chattles that shall 
remain after my debts be paid. To be paid unto him when he shall accomplish the full age of2l 
years, during which time I will that his mother, my now wife shall have the training and bringing 
up of it, And if she marry again that then I will that he to whom she shall marry with do enter into 
a bond at the discretion of my overseers to pay unto my son to him his portion be it more or less 
at the age of 21 years as aforesaid. And if he refuse so to do that then I will that the same portion 
be delivered at the day of her marriage unto my father in law, Thomas WILLS. And from 
thenceforth he to have the framing up of my said son.
The rest of my goods unbequeathed my debts being paid and this my present testament I wholly 
give unto Joan my wife whom I ordain and make my full Executrix and Thomas WILLS my 
father, Henry HOWSE, Robert COLLES my brother and John TAYLOR the overseers of this my 
Testament and last will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the above 
written in the 43rd year of the reign of our most gracious Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace 
of god of England, France and Ireland, Queen defender of the faith and sealed and delivered in 
the presence of: Henry HOWSE, Thomas HALLS, Thomas WILLS, John TAYLOR and Robert 
COLLES.

Probate 22nd September 1601.