Will and Inventory of Edward Read/Rede, 1556

Rede of Holt, probably the brother of Anthony (d. 1543), left his household goods to his daughter and wife and a sheep to the church for a lamp to burn before the sacrament. The inventory lists few crops and a worn cart.  Thirty four rotten sheep are listed. These may have been suffering from liver flukes. A common practice, especially in August when the will was proved, was to fatten the sheep rapidly and sell them for mutton before they died of the disease. It would seem that his business was not thriving.