"Unnatural woman" 1689 Will

[Westy11]

Hello all

The following is contained in an ancestors Will and whilst I googled the term I cannot work out what it means hence this post.  The exact phrase is "..I give and bequeath unto yt unnatural woman Ann Myles 5 shillings.."

I have an idea but am seeking expert advice from the forum members.
Mxmar0

[PrueM]

Hi Mxmar0
Interesting one!  I have seen this term used to describe women who could not have children...I would be interested in finding out for sure, though, so will be keeping an eye on this thread!

Prue

[GrahamSimons]

OED gives this as one definition for unnatural:

Illegitimate; having no natural right or claim. Obs.

The references for this use are 16th-century, so I'm not sure that this is helpful!

[Westy11]

Hi Mxmar0
Interesting one!  I have seen this term used to describe women who could not have children...I would be interested in finding out for sure, though, so will be keeping an eye on this thread!

Prue

Thanks PrueM - it is such an interesting term so have my fingers crossed some forum member will know the meaning.

[Westy11]

OED gives this as one definition for unnatural:

Illegitimate; having no natural right or claim. Obs.

The references for this use are 16th-century, so I'm not sure that this is helpful!

Another small piece of information that may or may not add to the discussion.  The bequest to Ann was the first mentioned; it is a significantly smaller sum that the other bequests which went to brothers, nieces and nephews.

[omega 1]

Hello Mxmar0

Can i assume a copy of the Will came from The National Library of Wales ?

If this is the case,it maybe an idea to email them RE Unnatural Woman.
They really are very helpful.

Regarding the 5 Shillings.I have Wills were people were left either 5 or 1 Shilling.
While in Pembroke Record Office i mentioned it to the Staff,apparently
people were left a small ammount so it made it impossible to Contest the Will,as they were left something.

Hope this makes sense.

Kind Regards

omega

[MargP]

Hi

Have you checked out Ann Myles, she may have had some sort of medical condition and deemed unnatural.

Margp

[Westy11]

Hello Mxmar0

Can i assume a copy of the Will came from The National Library of Wales ?

If this is the case,it maybe an idea to email them RE Unnatural Woman.
They really are very helpful.

Regarding the 5 Shillings.I have Wills were people were left either 5 or 1 Shilling.
While in Pembroke Record Office i mentioned it to the Staff,apparently
people were left a small ammount so it made it impossible to Contest the Will,as they were left something.

Hope this makes sense.

Kind Regards

omega

Hi Omega

I access the Will through my subscription to The Genealogist.co.uk.  Interesting about the amount as well and will keep it in mind.
Thanks so much
Mxmar0

[Westy11]

Hi

Have you checked out Ann Myles, she may have had some sort of medical condition and deemed unnatural.

Margp

hello MargP
That is a good idea and one I shall follow up immediately.  I will post the answer if I find one.
Mxmar0