Description:

Documents:
1. Will dated 21 April 1688 .
Beneficiaries: To her daughter, Mary Gunter, one mare, one filly, one pig, one hive of bees in the possession of Job [?] David Thomas, one feather bed in the chamber by the parlour[?], her 'Greatest brass pot', 2 pewter plates, one great stand, one barrel, 'ye great tub', and three wooden barrels.
To daughter, Maudlen Williams, the feather bed in the parlour with the appurtenances except the curtains [which are left to Sarah Gilbert], the great new cauldron and one pig[?]
To granddaughter, Sarah Gilbert, 'my great old cauldron' the cupboard in the little parlour, the round table I the little chamber and [blank] [blank] of [blank] [these words undecipherable], 2 new pewter plates, one warming pan and one box
To granddaughter Elizabeth Gunter, one cow
To son, John Gilbert, all the household goods within her house viz. one pair of iron cupboards[?] and a great spit, the table boards, frames and benches and cupboard in the parlour, the table board frame and benches in the Hall, all the coffers, boards and stools[?] in the house and the Great Bible.
To grandchildren, Nathan and Job Gilbert, 8 sheep to be divided equally.
She gives 6 coats to six poor women in her neighbourhood
To John Rees Howell, 10/- to be divided between poor people 'att his discretion'
To Zacharias David, one sheep
To Granddaughter, Mary Gilbert one hive of bees.
To son in law, Edward Wms[Williams?], £5 out of £6 he owes to buy mourning for his children, 'the other 20/- I give to my daughter Mary Gunter'.
To her daughters, Maudlen Williams and Mary Gunter, £10 towards discharging her funeral expenses.
Residual legatees her 2 daughters, Maudlen Williams and Mary.Gunter.

Executor: son in law, Edward Williams..

Marked by testator.

Witnesses: Lewelyn Powell, Dd[David?] Price, Priscilla Aubrey[who has signed].

Date of Probate: 4 November 1689

Observations:

Problems arose with this will because not only was the writing cramped, but some of the words were abbreviated as in 'ploure' for 'parlour'. Otherwise this is a fascinating will. The documents include depositions by two of the witnesses, Lewelyn Powell, rector of Tallyllyn in Breconshire and Priscilla Aubrey described as 'now wife of William Morgan' Priscilla Aubrey was able to sign her name an unusual accomplishment for a woman at this date. Number of documents 5.