Darlington Wills and Inventories, 1600-1625

This book presents a detailed exploration of wills and inventories from 1600-1625, highlighting personal legacies and historical context. Darlington Wills and Inventories, 1600-1625 is a significant resource.

In Darlington Wills and Inventories, 1600-1625, readers are presented with a fascinating collection of forty-six deathbed wills and fifty-seven inventories from fifty-eight individuals, among whom seven were women. This comprehensive work delves into the historical context of these documents, exploring the intricate processes involved in the creation of wills and inventories during this period. The introduction thoughtfully addresses various themes, including the roles of family members and executors, the religious preambles often found in these documents, and the charitable bequests that reflect the values of the time.

The book further examines the valuations of estates, detailing the contents of homes and the occupations of the deceased. It provides insights into the clergy's influence and the land's occupiers, shedding light on the social and economic conditions of early 17th-century Darlington. Funerals are also discussed, offering a glimpse into the customs and practices surrounding death in that era.

Additionally, Darlington Wills and Inventories, 1600-1625 includes a glossary for readers unfamiliar with specific terms and a list of the works of Isaac Lowden, a priest who passed away in 1612. This resource is invaluable for historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in the social history of the time, providing a unique window into the lives and legacies of the individuals documented within its pages.