Will and inventory of Richard Clarke, 1557

Clarke was a farmer and left a Catholic will, with bequests to the cathedral and Basing church. He left his estate to his eldest son Edward and his widow, but the implication is that he died leaving a young family. His three underage children were each left £5 for their support until they reached 20 years of age. There were other men named Clarke (perhaps brothers or cousins) involved in valuing his estate and a number of other family members received small bequests. The main wealth of the farm would appear to be its large flock of sheep. The inventory lists his war bill, sword and dagger, so he perhaps served as a soldier at some time.