I'm transcribing a will from 1716, a brother, half brother and 12 nephews and nieces are left a shilling apiece. Was this just sticking two fingers up at his family or would they have been grateful for that sum? Everything else went to his wife & sole Executrix other than 5 shillings apiece to his dear friend Christopher Foard of Sutton and John Charman of Pulborough for "aiding & assisting" his executrix.
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A shilling apiece in 1716
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It depends on how much he left but I would think that it was a reasonable amount in those days. Also the wife needed to live comfortably and they'd probably inherit what's left when she died as no children are mentioned.Last edited by JBee; 12-03-16, 10:07.
Researching Irish families: FARMER, McBRIDE McQUADE, McQUAID, KIRK, SANDS/SANAHAN (Cork), BARR,
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I think it was customary (if not actual law!) to leave a shilling to relatives, normally your children but I suppose other kinship. this was to avoid a dispute over the will - "He ought to have left me something, he forgot".
I have a will from 1556 in which the deceased leaves his wife and all his children quite a lot of stuff "but to my son Christopher I leave one shilling as he has already cost me one guinea to bring him back into the country".
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Originally posted by Olde Crone Holden View PostI have a will from 1556 in which the deceased leaves his wife and all his children quite a lot of stuff "but to my son Christopher I leave one shilling as he has already cost me one guinea to bring him back into the country".
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Thanks Edna. Some of them got a shilling and some got twelve pence!Last edited by Jill on the A272; 14-03-16, 05:34.
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