Will of William Meedflower alias Roper, 1502/3

Herts RO 2AR107

[Translated from Latin]

In the name of God amen. On 21 March A.D. 1502, I William Meedflo(wer) also called William Rop(er), sound of mind and of good memory, make my will in this manner. First I bequeath my soul to God the almighty father, the blessed Mary and all his saints, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of the church of St Laurence of Wynslow. Item I bequeath to the mother church of St Albans 8d. Item I bequeath to the high altar of the church of St Laurence aforesaid for tithes forgotten 12d. Item I bequeath to each altar of the aforesaid church one bushel of barley. Item I bequeath to the light of the great Crucifix of the same church two bushels of barley. Item I bequeath to the torches of the same church 2 bushels of barley. Item I bequeath to the warden [prepositor] of the light of St Clement one headland [capit(a)le(m)] acre of land lying in the fields of Wynslow there over the cultivation called Costow to the repair, mending or maintenance of the same light in the aforesaid church according to my will there to be permanently maintained [p(er)manend'] by the provision of the aforesaid warden or of my heir or of the person having possession of my own holding. Item I bequeath to the light of St Christopher one bushel of barley. Item I bequeath to the bells 12d. The residue of all my goods not bequeathed above I give and bequeath to Matilda my wife and William Smyght baker and I ordain, make and appoint Matilda and William my true executors so that he and she may dispose for the salvation of my soul as will seem most expedient to them, and Richard Willow the supervisor. Before witnesses: the curate, Richard Willous, Walter Palmer & Roger Clerk. Given in the day, place and year stated above.

This will was proved on 12 May in the aforesaid year before Master John Downham doctor of laws etc., and administration was entrusted etc. to the executors named in the same will in due form of law and admitted by them.