Fewston, Yeoman

To my wife Ann Hardcastle my estate at Rowcliff. Also an annuity of £10, chargeable to the profits of my mill at Fewston.

My copyhold and freehold land with the Forest of Knaresborough to my four children, Jane Hardcastle, Sarah Hardcastle, Aaron Hardcastle, and Henry Hardcastle, to be equally divided once the youngest reaches 21. Meanwhile the profit from these lands to be used for their maintenance and education. When each child reaches 21 they are to have a quarter share of these profits for their own use.

To my three children Ann Hardcastle, Elizabeth Hardcastle, and Joseph Hardcastle, my mill and kiln at Dog Park in the parish of Weston, together with the land and other buildings there, to be equally divided once the youngest of them reaches 21. Meanwhile the profit from these lands to be used for their maintenance and education. When each child reaches 21 they are to have a third share of these profits for their own use.

To my eldest son William Hardcastle my mill and kiln at Fewston, along with my dwelling house and copyhold lands and other buildings there, when he reaches 21, chargeable with £20 each to my four children, Jane, Sarah, Aaron, and Henry. Also chargeable with £40 each to my three children, Ann, Elizabeth and Henry.

Should William die before inheriting, then the same to my next eldest son, Aaron.

Should my wife be pregnant at the writing of this Will and have a child after my death, then each of my eight children are to pay £10 out of their legacy to such a child when it reaches 21.

On the death of my wife my eldest son William is to pay each of my children £20.

When either William or Aaron take possession of my estate at Fewston, he is to pay an annuity of 20s to each of my four children until the youngest of them reaches 21. Also an annuity of 40s to each of my three children until the youngest reaches 21.

The residue of my goods, chattels and personal estate to my wife, whom I appoint Executrix, chargeable with an annuity of £10 to my mother Sarah Hardcastle. This amount I am obliged to pay by the Will of my father. She is also to pay each of my children (less William) £20 each when they reach 21.

I appoint Joshua Hardisty of Knaresborough, John Wakefield of Bland Hill, Timothy Pullan of Blubberhouses, John Parker of High House, and Jonathan Lowcock of Knaresborough, as supervisors and expositors if any dispute should occur amongst my legatees.

Witnesses : Thomas Wardman, George Wright, Thomas Burton

Probate 5th ?? 1732