Will of Christopher Manninge late of Cullompton, Gentleman
Proved 28 January 1577
© Crown Copyright
National Archives Catalogue Reference PROB 11/59/583 Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Daughtry Register
Transcribed by Art Ames
In the name of God Amen the last daye of September in the nynteenth yeare of the reigne of our Sovereigne Ladie Elizabeth by the grace of God of England France and Ireland Queen defender of the faith etc. Christopher Manninge of Colompton in the county of Devon gent beinge of perfect remembrance (thankes be given to the almighty God) although sicke and disquieted in bodye made and declared his last Will and Testament noncupative in manner and forme followinge
First he gave and bequeathed his soule into the handes of Almightie God his only saviour and redeemer and his bodye to be buryed in the parishe church of Cullumpton aforesaid
And to the intent that Alice his wyffe shall be the better able to maintaine her self, and be the more naturall unto her children over and besides the land and tenement that are assigned unto her during her life, he did by this by his present last Will and Testament (his debts being all paide) give and bequeath unto her his said wiffe the moytie and one half of all his debts and personall goods and chattells
And the other moytie or one half thereof he gave and bequeathed unto all his children equally amonge them to be divided, and if anye of his said children happened to dye before they come to the age of sixteene yeares then the portion and parte of him her or them that shall so happen to dye shall be equally divided amongst the others survivinge
And for the speciall trust and confidence that he had in his wyffe as well to see his Will truly executed as also his children perfectly brought upp he did make constitute and appoint his said wiffe to be his sole and only executrix
And for the due execution thereof he did nominate and appoint his very friends Thomas Molford, Thomas Melhuyshe, Henry Skybell and Robert Appley gent to be his overseers in the presence of Thomasine Salter and Wylmott Parker widdowes witnesses with others
Probate in Latin – probate to William Gaye notary public proximis Alice