11-0683-215_JohnWinch-Wargrave_1737
In the name of God Amen, I JOHN WINCH of the parish of Wargrave in the county of Berks, yeoman, being of sound mind and memory and in good health but considering the uncertainty of life do make this my last will and testament; first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator hoping through the merits and mediation of his only son my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to have full pardon for all my sins and to be made partaker of a joyful resurrection; and for what temporal estate God of his great mercy has been pleased to bestow upon me I give and dispose in manner and form following. First I will and desire that my debts and funeral expenses be fully satisfied paid and discharged; also I give devise and bequeath unto my son WILLIAM WINCH all that my freehold estate situate lying and being in Fryer Street in the Parish of St Lawrence in the Borough of Reading in the county of Berks and now in the occupation of Thomas West a baker, to hold to him and his heirs forever. Also I give devise and bequeath unto my son JAMES WINCHall that my freehold estate lying at Newtown in the county of Southton and now in the occupation of Thomas Pocock to hold to him and his heirs forever; also I give devise and bequeath unto my son JAMES WINCHall that my copyhold estate which I formerly purchased of and from Daniel Fen and Anne his wife situate lying and being in the Parish and Manor of Wargrave which said messuage or tenement lands and premises with the appurtenances not before disposed of I have surrendered into the hands of the Lord of the manor of Wargrave aforesaid and for such use or uses as I should by my last will and testament declare and appoint to hold to him the said James Winch and his heirs and assigns forever according to the custom of the Manor of Wargrave aforesaid; but my will and desire is that my son James Winch do or shall pay or cause to be paid unto my son RICHARD WINCH (now beyond sea) the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain if please God he shall return into England again within twelve month after such his return; also all the rest and residue of my goods and chattels of what nature kind or quality so ever I give and bequeath unto my son James Winch and I do make ordain constitute and appoint him the said James Winch full and sole executor of this my last will and testament revoking and making void all former wills and do declare this to be my last will and testament; in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-fifth day of June in the eighth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the second and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred thirty four – John Winch – signed sealed published and declared to be the last will and testament of the testator John Winch in the presence of us William Piggott, William Hayteaft, Walter Sellon.
Proved 2nd March 1737 by James Winch, son and executor
Comments or questions are welcome.