Will of John Roper, 1473 (proved 1474)

Herts RO 2AR16

[translated from Latin]

In etc 12 Dec 1473 I John Roper of the parish of Wynselowe sound of mind make my will in this way.  First I bequeath my soul to God the almighty father, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, and my body to be buried in the graveyard of the church of St Laurence of Wynselowe aforesaid.  Item I bequeath to the high altar 2d.  Item to the altar of St Mary 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the altar of the blessed Mary in purification 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the light of St Nicholas 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the light of St Thomas the martyr 1 bushel of barley.  Item to the repair of the torches 6d.  Item to the light of the cross 4 bushels of barley.  Item to the maintenance of one bell 6s 8d.  Item to the repair of the small bell(s?) 5s.  Item I bequeath to the mother church of St Albans 6s 8d.  Item I wish that my executors find a suitable chaplain from my goods for one year to celebrate in the church of Wynselowe.  Item I bequeath 10s for a trental.  The residue indeed of all my goods not bequeathed I give and bequeath to Cecily my wife, and Cecily my wife and Walter Palmer I ordain, make and appoint my executors through the present documents to dispose for the good of my soul as will seem most expedient to them.  Given on the day and year above.

Probate 20 Jan to the executors.

Notes

John and Cecily Roper took over a messuage and virgate of land from John and Alice Cordell in 1452, paying £17 in instalments (WMCB p.661). John also held some land in his own right.