Will of John Fowke of Normanton 1545

[Designer Jeans]

Is anyone able to help with the will of John Fowke 1545 please?  Many thanks

[Vance Mead]

Here are the main points.

In the name of God, John Fowke of Normanton, make my last will. Soul to God, Mary, and all the company of heaven, body to be buried in the chapel of Normanton. To the chapel my best jacket and five shillings of silver. Also to Heynor church 2 shillings. Also to any collier in the town a pennyworth of white lead. To 4 children of my wife 6 pounds 8 s 4 d. The residue of my goods, debts paid, to Margery my wife, Allys my daughter, and they to be executors and my wife to dispose for my soul health as she thinks best. To be overseers that this my last will be fulfilled, William Fyssher, Robert Lenard, Robert Thacker. In witness hereof Colyn Pyggyn (or Spyggyn), vicar of Heyner, John Stook, Hetto Hawhhe (?) with others more.

[Designer Jeans]

Yikes, I have been looking for a Fowke connection to Heanor for ages and ages!

Thank you so much for helping with this difficult writing, your time and trouble is very much appreciated.

[Bookbox]

Some extra suggestions, with queries ...

ev(er)y Cotyar = cottier (= peasant farmer)
a peny worthe of whyth brad = white/wheat bread (?)
6 pounds 13 shillings 4 pence
John Stook(es)
s(ir) Oliv(er) pyggyn – the letter before pyggyn is perhaps a deleted g(?) ‘Sir’ is a courtesy title for the clergy
Hew Hawghe (?)

[Designer Jeans]

Many thanks for the clarification Bookbox, I particularly like lead and bread.

[Bookbox]

I have queried it ... see what others think?

[Designer Jeans]

Yes please, if anyone else has any thoughts or suggestions ...

[Designer Jeans]

Also, please nicely, is there anything on the inventory that gives additional names or an indication of John's occupation?

[arthurk]

In the will, I agree with bread (written brade) - I've quite often seen it as a bequest to the poor in old wills.

I'm struggling a bit with the inventory, but the first few items might be assorted livestock, and lower down I think there's corn in the barn. But others may be able to read it better.