This is the last will and testament of me John Fletcher of Boroughbridge, sadler .....

To my daughter Elizabeth wife of Mr Thomas Busfield apothecary in the City of York, £70

To my daughters Ann, Mary and Margaret £170 apiece when they gain 20 years.

To my son William Fletcher all my freehold estate at Skelton and copyhold estate and Skelton and freehold estate at Langthorpe

and unto my wife Elizabeth and my son Humphrey Fletcher at age of 30 years my real estate at Langthorpe subject to the annuities and payments to my daughters and wife .... and if my wife remarries she is to have no beneficial interest ....

I do hereby appoint my said wife so long as she continues my widow, and my son Humphrey and my brother William Fletcher joint executors and also guardians of my younger children until they attain the age of 21 years but if my wife should marry again she shall have no power or authority to act as executrix or guardian to my children .... and I ask my brother William Fletcher to assist my wife and son Humphrey in the management of my affairs. Signed and sealed 1 May 1776 in the presence of witnesses Matthew Glenton, Charles Bannister, H Atkinson.

Elizabeth Fletcher widow of John Fletcher late of Boroughbridge, sadler, appeared and was sworn 4 June 1777

RD.AP1.147.97

From the Leeds collection at the Sheepscar Library of wills proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Richmondshire.