Will of William Hanyngton, 1553

Hanyngton left a complex will, without an inventory, but he was clearly a man of property and resided in the north of the parish (Cowitch is also called Upper Cufaud).  He left a widow and four children, and made generous provision for them, but he also had a previous family; it would seem from the names that he had two sons from his first wife, now married, and a daughter (widowed?). He had property in Basing, Bramley and Sherfield on Loddon and it is the vicar of Sherfield who witnessed his will. The wording of the will implies that he expected there to be some disagreements over his dispositions.

This will was proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury and is held in the National Archives despite all the goods, lands etc being held in the diocese of Winchester. Perhaps it was proved in Canterbury for reasons of prestige.