Will and Inventory of William Upton, yeoman, 1614

Upton died before most of his children were grown up. He wanted to be ‘buried in earth’ and left 5s. to the parish church. One son (the eldest?) was left a cart, two ploughs and three harrows after the death of his wife who was his main heir and executrix. He left £10 to two sons when they turned 24; £10 to one daughter in three years’ time and £10 to the other daughter when she became 22. The family home was well equipped - cotton sheets were specifically mentioned - also his sword, the mark of a gentleman. Butter and cheese-making gear, and brewing equipment were listed, also spinning and weaving tools and, unusually, woad baskets. There were crops in the ground and grain in the barn, poultry and pigs in the yard and three mares, six cattle and c. 30 sheep amounted to a well-stocked establishment all amounting to £110 1s. 0d.