Bedfordshire Probate Inventories before 1660

This book explores probate inventories from Bedfordshire before 1660, revealing diverse living conditions across social classes, including detailed accounts of homes, furnishings, agriculture, and the economic realities of the time.

Bedfordshire Probate Inventories before 1660 offers an in-depth examination of probate inventories from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Bedfordshire, shedding light on the domestic lives of various social groups, including widows. Initially thought to have fewer than two hundred surviving inventories, recent discoveries have significantly expanded this number to nearly six hundred. This comprehensive collection includes 432 newly published inventories, which provide valuable insights into the living conditions of the minor gentry, clergy, tradespeople, and the impoverished.

The inventories reveal a diverse range of domestic environments, showcasing detailed listings of agricultural tools, livestock, and household furnishings. These records affirm the agricultural prosperity of Bedfordshire during this period. While the majority of the inventories pertain to men, a notable number focus on widows and single women, illustrating their circumstances and roles within society. The book also highlights the limited but significant records of shopkeepers and tradesmen, offering glimpses into the county's thriving industries, including malting, brewing, and dyeing.

In addition to the detailed inventories, the introduction provides a broader context of the living conditions, prosperity, and poverty experienced by various social classes. The analysis of debt culture across different societal levels challenges initial perceptions of wealth and destitution. The book concludes with appendices detailing the distribution of inventories throughout the county, a comparison of local practices, and a comprehensive glossary and index, making it a valuable resource for understanding the historical landscape of Bedfordshire.