Will and inventory of Richard Franklin/Frankelyn, 1558

Franklin was a prosperous yeoman farmer, his inventory indicates that both wool and cheese were important products of his different properties. He left two houses, land in the common fields of Basing, meadow and closes. He owned cattle, sheep and crops and his inventory was valued at £114.It would appear he died childless – and after generously providing for his widow, he left interesting charitable bequests. Richard Clarke, churchwarden, and those in office after him, were to use certain rents to provide 24 loaves for the poor on Good Friday. Surplus income was to support the poor and sick, especially destitute women with young children. He also specified shrouds and burial expenses for paupers. There is also a list of debts to be settled which includes sums to his two servants but also to other landowners, indicating complex arrangements of land rentals.