Will of John Laurence, 1467

Herts RO 1AR120

[translated from Latin]

In etc. On 12 September AD 1467 I John Laurence of the parish of Wynselowe, sound of mind, make my will in this way. First I leave my soul to God the father almighty, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all his saints, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of the parish church of St Laurence of Wynselowe aforesaid. Item I bequeath to the high altar 40d. Item I bequeath to the altar of St Mary in the church 12d. Item to the altar of St Mary in purification 4d. Item to the light of the Holy Trinity 20d. Item to the altar of St Nicholas 4d. Item to the altar of St Thomas the martyr 4d. Item to the light of St Katherine the virgin 20d. Item to the light of the holy cross 20d. Item to the torches 16d. Item to the repair of the porch 6s 8d. Item to the aforesaid church one surplice. Item to the lord's sepulchre 40d. Item to the repair of the bells [campanar(um)] 6s 8d. Item to the church of St Albans 12d. Item 1 trental. The residue indeed of all my goods not bequeathed above I give and bequeath to my executors, and Agnes my wife and Simon Dalby[?] I ordain, make and appoint my executors, and Master John Brown vicar of the aforesaid church to be overseer, to dispose for the salvation of my soul as will seem most expedient to them. Given the day and year stated above.

[Probate granted 16 Nov 1467]

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Notes

John Browne can be added to the list of vicars. He is mentioned previously as chaplain.

The fact that John Laurence left all his bequests in money suggests that he did not hold any land.

Another John Laurence died in 1428, but his holdings went to his wife and stepson, so he was probably not a direct ancestor of this John (WMCB pp.508-10).