Will of Ellen Bence, widow, 1679

Herts RO 116AW3

In the name of god Amen I Ellen Bence of Winslow in the County of Bucks widdow doe make this my last will and Testament in Manner and forme followinge one the 7th day of June 1679 First I bequeath my soule into the handes of almighty god trusting in the meritorious death of my blessed saviour Jesus Christ to be saved, and my body to bee decentley buried in the church yard of Winslow att the Discretion of my executrix hereafter named. Item I give unto my sonne William Bence one woole bed one woole bolster one paire of sheets and one pair[e of] blankets which lye upon his owne bed whereon hee useth to lye and Likewise one feather pillow Item I give unto my daughter Ann Steevens my joyned Chayre Item I give all the rest of my goods and chattels
undisposed of unto Ellen Bence my daughter whom I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament
I(n) witnesse where of I have hereunto set my hand a[nd] seale

Ellen Bence her marke

In the presence of     
[signed]
John Hogson

[Latin - grant of probate]
1 Nov 1679
Ellen Bence daughter & executrix sworn before me Samuel Dix, surrogate

Inventory of Ellen Bence, 1679

Herts RO A25/4074

A True and perfect Inventory of all the goods and chattells of Ellen Bence of Winslow in the County of Bucks widdow who departed this life the 24th[?] of October 1679 Taken and apprised by us whose names are here unto subscribed as Fowleath

£
s
d
Imprimis in the haule one Table and forme One Cubboard and brasse and pewter and other things
2
10
0
Item in the Chamber over the haule one halfe headed bedstead one woolebed one feather bolster three feather pillowes Two coverlets two paire of blankets five paire of sheetes one table cloth one paire of pillowe beeres with other things
3
0
0
Item in the farr Chamber one flock bed one bolster Two pillowes one healinge one blanket
0
13
4
Item in the buttery Three barrells fower Tubs Two kiffers with other lumber
0
15
0
Item in money upon band
10
0
0
Item for her wearinge Clothes
2
0
0
 
----------------
The sume is
18
18
4

[signed]
John Hogson
Peter Stutsbury

Notes

Ellen Bence was buried at Winslow on 25 Oct 1679 but the probate was not registered at St Albans until 1681. She was the widow of Thomas Bence, and the children named in the will are:

Anne is not recorded, and could have been the daughter of an earlier marriage.

healing(e): a bed covering