The Will of Thomas Collett (Ref. 1D1) who died in 1538

Joint Lord of the Manor of Over Slaughter

In the name of God Amen on the twenty-fourth day of March in the year of Our Lord 1538, I Thomas Collett being well of mind but sick in my body make my testament in the manner and form following. First I commit my soul to Almighty God to be saved by the merits and pastors of his son Jesus which Jesus only has redeemed and pacified the wrath of his father for my faults and commit my body to the earth whence it came.

Also I bequeath unto the parish church of Over Slaughter for the charges thereof due, in different sheep of two shears (three year old sheep, i.e. mutton) as the churchwardens then being can choose. Also I bequeath to William Collett my son three shorn sheep as they roam (four year old sheep, i.e. mutton), and an old bonds cart (a wooden cart strengthened by or bound by iron staves), and all the debts of Thomas Heyward of Oddington except twenty shillings of the said debt which I give unto the said Thomas Heyward. Also I bequeath unto the said William my son twenty sheep which Thomas Woods of Over Slaughter has to hire, or else so many sheep it be as good as they were, or forty-three shillings and four pence of good money for them. Also I bequeath unto William my son forty-six shillings and three pence which William Dansell of Tredington do owe unto me. Also I bequeath unto the said William my son twenty shillings which Robert Gaddle of Shipton Oliffe owes unto me.

Also I bequeath unto John Collett my youngest son twenty shillings sterling and ten sheep after they are sheared. Also I bequeath unto Elizabeth my daughter twenty shillings and ten sheep after they are sheared. Also I bequeath unto Alice my daughter twenty shillings and ten sheep after they are sheared. I also bequeath unto Agnes my youngest daughter twenty shillings and five sheep after they are sheared. I also bequeath unto Joan my daughter twenty shillings and five sheep after they are sheared.

Also Robert Collett of Cutsdean my brother owes unto me forty shillings and eight pence of which sum I give him twenty shillings. Also I bequeath unto Anthony Taylor my son-in-law forty shillings which Robert Lambert owes unto me. The residue I forgive him for the said Robert. Also I bequeath unto ten of my youngest godchildren ten sheep unto every one of them after they are sheared.

The residue of my goods not given neither nor bequeathed I do give and bequeath unto Alice my wife and Henry my son whom I do order to be my executors of this my last will and testament, provided always that Alice never marries. If she does she shall not remove nor carry away any of the goods from the grounds or house but they are to remain for the expenses thereof. All other goods, pewter household and cattle to be divided in different ways as it shall be seen fit with the exception always of my best cart and associated tools and implements, also my plough and associated tools and implements which I bequeath unto Henry Collett my son together with my house and lands.

The Will was witnessed by: Sir Thomas Whitehead, Gilbert Blight (curate), eldest son William Collett (Ref. 1E2), Thomas Hanks the husband of Agnes or Joan Collett (below), David Anthony Taylor the husband of Alice Collett (below), Robert Laughton, William Foggis, Alan Bailey and many more, not named.

Thomas’ named other children named in the Will were sons John (Ref. 1E8) and Henry (Ref. 1E3), and daughters Elizabeth (Ref. 1E4), Alice (Ref. 1E5), Agnes (Ref. 1E7) and Joan (Ref. 1E6), plus Thomas’ brother Robert (Ref. 1D2)