It would naturally be supposed that the will of Thomas Richardson would be found in the Commissary Court of Essex and Ilertfordshire, but the Archdeaconry Court of lluntingdon. or that portion in the Hitchin Registry, had jurisdiction over part of Tlertfordshire, and included 77 parishes.
The original will of Thomas Richardson of West Mill, Herts, found at Hitchin, reads:
March the 4th Ano domini 1630. In the name of God Amen I Thomas Richardson of Westmill in the County of Herts, husbandman, being sick in hodye but of good an perfect memory thanks be to God doe make and ordeyne this my laste will in manner and forme following, llrste. I bequeath my soul unto the hands of God my maker and Redeemer by whose merits I only truste to be saved. and my body to be buryed in t.he place of Christian buryall and Touchinge my temporall goods I doe dispose of them as followeth. First. I gyve unto Katherine my wife lluringe the tearme of her naturall life my littelI close of pasture called little hunnymeade cont half an acre and after her decease I give the same to my sonn Samuell aud his heyers for ever. Item. I give to my sonn John forty shillings to be payed to him within the space of three yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Katherine my now wife by my executor. Item. I give to my sonn James Twelve pence. Item. I give to my sonn Thomas three pounds to be payed to him within the space of fyve yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Kathy-rifle my now wife. Item. I gyve unto Katherine my wife all my movable goods to use for and during the terme of her life and after her decease I gyve the same unto my sonn Samuel whom I doe ordeyne and make my sole executor. In Witness whereof I have sett my hand and Seal the daye and yeare above sayd.
Sealed and declared Sigm THOMAS
in the presence of us [mark] . RICHARDSON
Richard Baker.
Philip Baker.
proved 81 July 1634 at Hitchin presented by son Samuel Richardson."
PROBATE: Presented by son Samuel
WILL: Will found at Hitchin
Of Charlestown
Stevenson/Stimpson
Marriage Notes for Sergt. Thomas Richardson and Mary STEVENSON-2590
MARRIAGE: Recorded in Billerica also.