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List of Wills of the inhabitants of the Manor of Dunham taken from the Southwell Registers, now in the Probate Office at Nottingham, except the first two, which are in the White Book at Southwell.
| 1499, | 29 June, | Robert Jackson, Vicar of Dunham |
| 1527, | 9 April, | Robert Nevill, gent, Randall |
| 1529, | 26 July, | William Rayner |
| 1540, | 3 April (P) | Robert Cosen |
| 1542, | 1 May, | John Taylor, Darlton |
| 1542, | 10 July, | Richard Hawksmore, Ragnall |
| 1542, | 12 July, | Robert Wood |
| 1544, | 20 Sept, | John Fieldhouse |
| 1546, | Richard Fox, Ragnall | |
| 1563, | 15 June, | Richard Nevill, gent, Ragnall |
| 1566, | 20 July (P), | George Cartwright |
| 1566, | 11 Oct. | Richard Taylor, Darlton |
| 1567, | 12 March, | William Pickhaver, Ragnall |
| 1567, | 5 Sept, | Thomas Gilbie, Darlton |
| 1568, | 12 Mar, | Robert Porter |
| 1568, | 21 July (P), | John Hainsworth |
| 1568, | 21 July, | Thomas Foster, Darlton |
| 1570, | 3 April, | Peter Gabitus, Darlton |
| 1570, | 4 Oct, | William Peele |
| 1571, | 18 Jan, | George Smith |
| 1571, | 11 April, | Katherine Gabitus, Darlton |
| 1572, | 28 May, | John Bullard |
| 1572, | 5 May (P), | Richard Cosin, Darlton |
| 1572, | 4 Nov. | John Unwyn, Ragnall |
| 1572, | 18 Nov, | Joan Parkinson |
| 1573, | 19 Feb, | John Reyson |
| 1573, | 19 Feb, | John Worsley, Ragnall |
| 1573, | 13 Mar, | William Bradley, Ragnall |
| 1573, | 22 Mar, | Richard Borrowdale |
| 1573, | 21 May, | Lawrence Simpson |
| 1573, | 29 Nov, | Edmund Waller |
| 1574, | 14 June, | Lucie Theaker |
| 1574, | 25 May, | George Gabitus, Darlton |
| 1574, | 30 July, | John Pickhaver, Ragnall |
| 1574, | 17 Sept, | Thomas Sampson |
| 1576, | 18 May, | Robert Stutting |
| 1576, | 18 May, | Robert Shillinge |
| 1577, | 28 April, | Alexander Graye |
| 1577, | 29 Mar, | William Skinner |
| 1578, | 12 April, | William Nevill, Ragnall |
| 1578, | 13 Oct, | Elizeus Markham, esquire |
| 1581, | 7 Feb, | Robert Seele, Darlton |
| 1581, | 29 May, | Robert Hudsonne |
| 1582, | 2 May (P), | Robert Cooke, Ragnall |
| 1582, | 19 June, | John Gabitus, Darlton. |
| 1582, | 19 June, | Sithe Gabitus, Darlton |
| 1582, | 3 Aug, | John Fotche, Ragnall |
| 1582, | 24 Sept, | George Bradley, Ragnall |
| 1584, | 23 Mar, | Agnes Smythe |
| 1583, | 27 May, | Leonard Hobson |
| 1583, | 31 May, | Robert Nevill, gent, Ragnall |
| 1583, | 30 Sept, | William Sykes, Ragnall |
| 1584, | 4 May (P). | Thomas Cosin, Darlton |
| 1584, | 24 Sept (P), | Thomas Coskley, Darlton |
| 1584, | 9 Oct (P), | Richard Foster |
| 1584, | 23 Nov, | Edward Bullard |
| 1584, | 23 Nov, | Hugh Hainsworth |
| 1584, | 23 Nov, | Original Howson |
| 1584, | 9 Dec, | Christopher Smythe |
| 1585, | 5 April, , | Robert Smythe, Kagnall |
| 1585, | 10 Dec, | Margaret Milner, Darlton |
| 1587, | 8 Mar (P), | John Baldinge |
| 1587, | 5 Sept, | Thomas Robinson, Darlton |
| 1587, | 21 Nov, | Nicholas Locker, Darlton |
| 1588, | 13 Jan, | James Harrison, Vicar |
| 1588, | 7 May, | John Sudburie |
| 1588, | 7 May, | Humphery Stafford |
| 1588, | 3 June, | John Hellyfleld, Ragnall |
| 1588, | 18 June, | Joan Hobson, Ragnall |
| 1588, | 30 July, | Richard Worsley, Ragnall |
| 1589, | 4 Feb, | George Baldinge |
| 1589, | 25 Oct, | Nicholas Samonde |
| 1589, | 25 Nov, | James Mawer |
| 1590, | 15 July, | John Addye |
| 1590, | 24 Oct, | Lawrence Bullard |
| 1591, | 29 July, | Sitha Robinson, Darlton |
| 1592, | 8, Jan, | William Jackson, Ragnall |
| 1592, | Thomas Whatley, Darlton | |
| 1529, | 24 Sept (P) | George Bradley, Ragnall |
| 1592, | 13 Oct, | Anthony Hancocke |
| 1592, | 13 Dec, | William Hall, Darlton |
| 1593, | 29 April, | William Jackson, Ragnall |
| 1593, | Alice Rayner, Darlton | |
| 1594, | 16 Jan, | Thomas Awkley alias Ockley |
| 1594, | 24 Dec, | William Awkley |
| 1595, | 4 Feb, | John Sharpe, Ragnall |
| 1595, | 4 Feb, | Christopher White |
| 1595, | 4 Mar, | William Morley, Ragnall |
| 1595, | 8 Mar, | Thomas Skinner |
| 1595, | April, | Margaret Meeking, Darlton |
| 1595, | Dec, | Thomas Randall |
| 1596, | 21 April, | John Dowret, Darlton |
| 1596, | 18 Oct, | Thomas Ricksome |
| 1596, | 7 Dec, | Thomas Nickson |
| 1598, | 15 Jan, | Elizabeth Stones, Darlton |
| 1598, | 27 Feb, | Agnes Pickle, Ragnall |
| 1598, | 2 May, | Thomas Skinner, Darlton |
| 1598, | 11 July, | Thomas Sloswicke, Darlton |
| 1598, | 12 Nov, | Francis Stones, Ragnall |
| 1598, | 25 Dec, | Augustine Pickhaver, Ragnall |
| 1599, | 3 Aug (P), | Leonard Gawthropp |
| 1599, | 25 Sept, | Janet Hancock |
| 1600, | Thomas Connel alias Thurker, Darlton | |
| 1600, | 4 July, | William Smythe, Darlton |
| 1600, | 5 Aug, | Martin Smythe, Darlton |
| 1602, | 25 May, | Robert Stuttinge |
| 1602, | Sept, | Agnes Pickhaver, Ragnall |
| 1602, | 14 Nov, | John Wilson |
| 1603, | 4 July, | Alice Jackson, Ragnall |
| 1604, | 15 Jan, | John Taylor, Darlton |
| 1604, | 28 Dec, | Richard Warde, Ragnall |
| 1605, | 23 June, | Robert Hainsworth |
| 1605, | 14 April, | William Lane |
| 1606, | 20 July, | Gervase Hainsworth |
| 1605, | Aug, | Robert Baldinge |
| 1605, | 20 Dec, | William Wood |
| 1607, | 21 May, | Margaret Hainsworth |
| 1607, | John Hammond, Vicar | |
| 1607, | 20 Oct, | Robert Berridge |
| 1607, | Nov. | Margaret Hammond |
| 1607, | Nov. | William Mawer |
| 1608, | 21 April, | Henry Grandridge |
| 1608, | Sept. | Katherine Walton |
| 1609, | 24 Aug, | Elizabeth Addye, Ragnall |
| 1610, | 14 April, | Thomas Worsley |
| 1610, | June, | George Addye, Ragnall |
| 1611, | 4 Jan, | Edward Owane |
| 1611, | 4 Feb, | George Ffeth, Ragnall |
| 1611, | 5 Sept, | Robert Wood |
| 1611, | 9 Nov, | William Prockter, Darlton |
| 1612, | 22 Jan, | William Pomfret, Ragnall |
| 1612, | 3 June, | William Corke |
| 1612, | Dec, | Margaret Addy, Ragnall |
| 1613, | Thomas Kindesmith | |
| 1657, | 24 Feb, | Margaret Maurice |
| 1657, | 25 Dec, | John Pacye |
| 1657, | 7 Jan, | Ralph Pickeringe |
| 1653, | 28 Jan, | George Wilson |
| 1658, | 20 April, | Thomas Lillie |
| 1658, | 5 Nov, | George Boswell, Ragnall |
| 1658, | Feb, | William Harpham, Darlton |
| 1660, | 14 Mar, | Elizabeth Dobson, Ragnall |
| 1660, | 15 Mar, | William Addie, Ragnall |
| 1660, | 3 Nov, | Elizabeth Borrond |
| 1661, | 29 Sept, | Thomas Hanson |
| 1661, | 25 Jan, | Mary Harpham, Darlton |
| 1662, | Margaret Thorpe | |
| 1664, | 17 Feb, | Leonard Haynsworth |
| 1666, | 5 Jan, | William Browne |
| 1670, | 20 Mar, | Prances Theater, Darlton |
| 1671, | 11 Jan, | Thomas Tattersall, Ragnall |
| 1671, | 18 Jan, | George Smith, Ragnall |
| 1672, | 3 June, | Ann Baldwin |
| 1677, | 29 Mar, | Thomas Browne |
| 1677, | 30 May, | William Addye |
| 1680, | 20 Jan, | Joseph Willmet, Darlton |
| 1681, | Alexander Jackson | |
| 1684, | 26 Nov, | Thomas Hanson |
| 1687, | 4 Jan, | John Rayner, Ragnall |
| 1688, | 21 July, | William Greene, Ragnall |
| 1689, | 15 Aug, | Thomas Allison, Ragnall |
| 1690, | 1 May, | Robert Barron |
| 1691, | 7 Dec, | John Baldwin |
| 1692, | 12 Aug, | John Bellamy, Ragnall |
| 1692, | 15 Jan, | Michael Freebrough, Darlton |
| 1693, | 3 April, | Adam Owin |
| 1693, | 27 Oct, | John Houghton |
| 1693, | 20 Jan, | Elizabeth Ridder |
| 1694, | 20 Jan, | Francis Freeman |
| 1694, | Susan Gawthrop | |
| 1695, | 12 Feb, | Henry Tadwell, Ragnall |
| 1695, | 5 April, | George Bellamy, Ragnall |
| 1695, | 30 April, | Christopher Nicholson, Ragnall |
| 1695, | 28 May, | William Middleton |
| 1696, | 21 May, | Alice Wilson |
| 1700, | 4 May, | John Flinton, Ragnall |
| 1721, | 23 April, | Ffaith Flinton, Ragnall |
| 1724, | 10 Nov, | Christopher Nicholson |
| 1726, | 20 Dec, | John Hainsworth |
| 1726, | 4 Jan, | Samuel Aslaby |
| 1727, | 10 April, | Timothy Greene, Ragnall |
| 1727, | Martin Boswell | |
| 1727, | 27 Oct, | Richard Bartle |
| 1728, | 1 Jan, | Leonard Hainsworth |
| 1728, | Thomas Meekley | |
| 1729, | 19 May, | Christopher Sturtivant |
| 1729, | 27 Aug, | Francis Sturtivant |
| 1729, | 26 Oct, | Alice Pickerin |
| 1730, | 20 Feb, | Hannah Nicholson |
| 1730, | 8 April, | John Gabitus, Darlton |
| 1754, | 27 Mar, | Andrew Cave, Vicar |
| 1756, | 28 April, | James Preston |
| 1756, | 7 July, | Thomas Howard |
| 1757, | 1 Nov, | Thomas Husband, Ragnall |
| 1758, | 14 Dec. | Richard Starr, Darlton |
| 1762, | 18 Oct, | John Wilson |
| 1764, | 29 April, | Peter Barry |
| 1765, | 7 April, | Francis Nicholson Thomas Tyon |
Gleanings From Wills of a Nottinghamshire Parish.
To the antiquarian these Wills are full of interest, and much general information may be gathered from them with reference to the religious thought and custom of those times, also about things which were considered of most value on a farm and in a country house, as well as the names of the clergy of the parish and of other residents.
All these old Wills commence "In the name of God. Amen," and also with the statement that the testator is "of sound mind". It is exceptional if he does not state that he is sick in body", which indicates that he has put off making his Will until the hand of death is upon him.
The earliest Will examined is dated "On the morrow of St. Margaret, the Virgin and Martyr, A. D. 1451. "I John Croftes of Raginhill, being of sound mind and memory, make my testament as follows:—I leave my soul to Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the Saints.'' Robert Jackson, of Dunham, date 1499, leaves his soul in the same manner. Robert Nevyll, of Ragnall, the elder, date 9th of April, 1527, bequeaths his "soul to God Almighty, our Lady St. Mary, and all the company of heaven."
After the Reformation there is a marked change in the phraseology used in bequeathing the soul. Even in a Will made in 1544, proved in 1589, the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary is omitted. In 1570, Peter Gabitas bequeaths "my soul to Almighty God and to all the company of heaven". After that time these words are omitted. In 1572 Joan Parkinson states, "First I bequeath my soul to God Almighty, my creator and redeemer, being fully persuaded to be saved through Christ's merits and His passion and precious bloodshedding." Throughout the latter part of the 16th century and during the 17th century, similar phraseology is used. William Wood expresses his feelings very fully—date of Will 20 Dec, 1605— "I William Wood, often mindinge the frailtie and uncertain-tie of man's life in generall and withall feeling my own manifold infirmities in particular both by years and for my sin, do first and above all things while the Lord hath lent me perfect memorie, commend my soul and spirit with David and Stephen into the merciful hands of my gracious God and loving Father assuredly believing by faith and certainly sustaining by hope that He in the fulness of His good time, both known unto Him, and least unto me, will receive the same unto Himself not in respect of my defects but of His own free mercies, and for the alone merits of His only Son my only Saviour Jesus Christ. And in this faith and full assurance of my perfect redemption by the death and only desert of Jesus Christ I have and do live so, in the same firme and steadfast faith and hope I end my sinful life, and gladly yield up withall my soul and mortal bodie, and I will that my bodie be buried in the Church of Dunham, as for my worldly goods and lands wherewith the Lord hath blest me I dispose and bequeath them in such manner as hereafter followeth etc". A century later it is put more simply; for example, in 1700 John Flinton states "I give my soul into the hand of God Who gave it me".
Place of Burial.—The place where the testator wishes to be buried is frequently mentioned. Sometimes he wills his body "to be buried at the discretion of my executors"; sometimes he gives his "body to the earth", or "to the dust"; but most frequently a particular place is named, for instance, "in Dunham church yard", or "Dunham Church". In 1499 Robert Jackson wills to be buried in '' the parish church of the Apostles Peter and Paul of Dunham-on-Trent". In 1589 George Baldinge wills his "bodie to be buried in Dunham Church in a place called saint Nicholas quire".
It is evident from a study of these Wills that the pre-Reformation dedication of Dunham Church was S. S. Peter and Paul, not St. Oswald as it is at present. No doubt in the 15th century Church, which was much larger than the present edifice, there was a chapel named St. Nicholas, and probably another of St. Oswald.
Also, with regard to Ragnall, the present dedication is the same as that of Dunham. Without doubt the pre-Reformation dedication was St. Leonard. It is so stated in the Wills of John Crofts, 1451; Robert Nevyll, 1527, Richard Harrison, 1543.
Masses.—In pre-Reformation times it was customary, at least for the well-to-do, to bequeath money for masses to be said for the soul. In 1499 Robert Jackson wills that thirty masses be celebrated for the safety of his soul. In 1527 Robert Nevyll wills '' that in the day of burial placebo, dirge, and mass be sung with priests and clerks, or else at his convenient leisure, and every one of them to have 6d; and to all other that cometh that day of my burial each of them Id to pray for my soul."
Candles.—It was customary to will money for candles. Robert Jackson wills "that there be burned about his body on the day of my burial 3 lbs of wax." Robert Nevyll wills "that 7 torches, the price 2s 8d every torch, be carried by 7 poor men with a black gown upon him, with a hood of the same, of my cost and charge .... that day my body be brought to the ground.''
Mortuary.—There is another interesting bequest mentioned in these wills. Robert Jackson states "I bequeath in the name of my mortuary my best animal." Robert Nevyll bequeaths "in the name of my principal and mortuary my best goods and chattels after the custom of the country." A mortuary was a customary gift claimed by and due to the minister of a parish on the death of a parishioner. It seems to have been originally a voluntary bequest or donation, intended to make amends for any failure in the payment of tithes of which the deceased had been guilty; but it was recognised by Edward I. that it was a claim with which ecclesiastical courts could deal. Archbishop Winchesley (1294-1313) told the clergy to have God before their eyes in taking it, and Archbishop Langham in 1367 bade the clergy be content with the second best, and not to claim any when only two were kept. On one occasion, when no mortuary had been bequeathed, "the curate claimed the burying sheet for a mortuary." (Imperial Dictionary). The mortuary must have been a substantial addition to the incomes of the clergy; it may account for what seems to us now an impossibility—namely, that the clergy could have existed on such small stipends as are stated in the King's book, without these being considerably augmented from some source or other, even after taking into full account the difference of the value of money and produce between then and now, and also that the priest was unmarried. In 1535, as stated in the King's book, the income of the living of Dunham was as follows:— '' Having a mansion with glebe land and meadow of the yearly value of 10s; Easter Book, 23s 4d; offering days, 8s; tithe, wool, and lamb, 23s d; hemp, lyne, and fruit, 3s; pigs, goose, and chickens, 8s; tithe of cotton enclosure, 3s; of Darlton, Whimpton, Ragnall, and Feldkirk, 15s. Total, £4. 13s. 4d."
In a country parish the mortuaries, if sometimes of considerable value, would not be frequent; but no doubt fees were more freely charged, and freewill offerings bestowed, than is the case now.
Forgotten Tithes.—Robert Nevyll, in addition to his mortuary, also bequeathed "to the high altar of my parish church of Dunham for forgotten tithes 6s 8d.'' In the latter part of the century it was still customary to leave sums for forgotten tithes. Richard Borowdale, husbandman, 1598, 1573, bequeaths "unto the Vicar for my arrears forgotten 12d." John Bowthe, yeoman, 1592, gives "to the Vicar for forgotten tithes 12d." Joan Hobson leaves to the Vicar 6d, and Augustine Pickhaver, yeoman, 1598, the munificent sum of £12.
The Poor.—Bequests to the poor of the parish, or "the poor man's box," are very common, varying in amount from 2d to 40/-. One Richard Nevyll, 1563, bequeaths to the poor of Ragnall 20s, to the poor of Dunham 3s 4d, and to the poor of Darlton 5d. In fact it is the exception not to leave something to that object. A century later (1658), Thomas Lillie gives 5s 8d to the poor of Dunham, and 13s 4d to the poor ofRagnall, but how marked is the change of religious thought, the only other bequest is "to Mr Browpton for preaching 40s."
The Fabric of the Church.—In 1451 John Croftes leaves 20s to the fabric and bells of Dunham Church, in 1605 William Wood leaves 40s, and in 1607 Robert Berridge 10s.
Other Objects.—There are other objects to which bequests were made which we should consider superfluous in these days. In 1584 Richard Foster, Darlton, gives "towards the mending of the stone bridge 12d"; John Pickhaver in 1574 gives "to mending of the highways 12d"; and George Gabitas, 1574, 10d to the same object. And at this period bequests to the making or repair of the causie (causeway) are not infrequent.
Easter Sepulchre.—In the very remarkable and interesting will of Robert Nevyll reference is made to a pre-Reformation custom which should not be overlooked. He wills "that my body be buried afore St. Leonard in the chancel and chapel in the same place and stead where my wife is buried .... and the oon tomb to be made a convenient height that the sepulchre at Easter time may stand upon." Those who are familiar with the beautiful church of Hawton, near Newark, will know what an Easter sepulchre was. It was a recess in the wall, usually on the north side of the chancel, ornamented with a variety of decorations, in which the Holy Sacrament was placed on Good Friday, and taken out again on Easter-Day morning—being symbolical of the burial and resurrection of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps few churches possessed an Easter sepulchre as a permanent structure, but in those which did not a richly ornamented temporary structure was placed on the north side of the chancel near the high altar for that purpose. Robert Nevyll wills his tombstone to be so elevated and placed that the sepulchre, that is the temporary structure, may be placed upon it every year from Good Friday to Easter Day. Although the tomb itself has long since disappeared, the tombstone still remains, and now forms the step in the side-chapel of Ragnall Church behind the organ.
There are several other matters of interest to be gathered from a study of these old wills. It is interesting to learn that one of the most valuable articles in the house was the featherbed. Readers will remember that the only article stated in Shakespeare's will (A. D. 1616) as bequeathed to his wife was '' the second best featherbed, with its furniture.'' Other much valued articles were the brass-pan, cupboard, chest, and borde. It was also customary to bequeath certain articles of wearing apparel, viz., petticoat, shirt, doublett, etc.
William Hawkley, 1594, bequeaths to his wife "the featherbed and that appertaineth unto it, the best pan, the best pot, and a cupborde, and one half of all the rest of my goods besides;" to Isabella Austin '' a bushel of barley"; to William Cosin "all my working clothes". Thomas Awkley alias Ockley of Darlton, husbandman, 1594, "to my sister Elizabeth a lynnen shirte." John Baldinge, yeoman, 1587, to Isabella Holland, my daughter, "one peck of barley." John Bowthe, yeoman, 1592, to ---------Bowthe of Laneham my new fushian doublett; to Thomas Grabbera my leather doublett. Elizabeth Stones, 1598, to George Bradley, my son, my best silver spoon and an old Bible." Faith Flinton, Ragnall, 1721, to my grandson, John Champion, my best Bible, one case of pistols and a half piece of old gold; to my grandson, William, my silver tankard, one broad piece of old gold, and one mourning ring marked with C. M. I.; to my grandson, Joseph, half a piece of old gold and one silver spoon; to my worthy and honoured friend Madam Mellish one guinea to buy a ring as a token of my gratitude for the kindness she has always done me; to three of her friends she leaves one shilling each. Andrew Cave, Vicar of Dunham, 1754, who seems to have been a man of means, bequeaths to Francis Swan ''my guns and pistols and great boots;" to Henry Swan "my silver tankard, silver spurs, and all my silver buckles, together with my mare and my best saddle and bridle, sumer boots and best hand wip;" to Mrs Mary Aislabie of Rampton '' two silver spoons.''
Animals.—Again, many wills contain bequests of animals, certain of which are carefully described. William Peele, yeoman, 1570, "To my son George the less brown cow and her calf, and 4 ewes and 4 lambs when God shall send them lambs; to Elizabeth, my daughter, one brown cow with a white head, and 2 ewes and 2 lambs when God shall send them.
Money Value.—The smallness of the sums bequeathed is a striking feature in these wills. 3s 4d is an amount frequently stated, and £20 appears to be an unusually large legacy to any one person, but we must, however, bear in mind that these wills were mostly those of husbandmen and yeomen, not those of large landowners or merchants. Yet even in the 18th century, one shilling was not considered too small a sum to be bequeathed by a lady of means.
Witnesses.—The names of the witnesses of the wills are of great importance. Out of more than 60 wills examined 23 are signed by the clergy of the parish, who probably wrote the wills on behalf of the sick persons. Hence we get the names and dates of several vicars, also we obtain the names and dates of two curates and of many of the inhabitants.
Antiquated Words.—Another interesting feature is the use of words now obsolete, or seldom used, such as synge for sing, borde for table, mett for bushel, flecked for spotted, lathe for barn, laver for trough or bowl, gallowtree for gauntry, gimmer for lamb, quie for heifer.