William Barwis of Tarnes, Holm Cultram; proved, 1621

"In nomine dei Amen. The last day of September AD 1620.

I William Barwis of Tarns within the parish of Abbeyholme, sick in body but of perfect mind and remembrance, thanks be to God, do ordain and set forth this my last will and testament in manner and form following:

First and principally I commend my soul to almighty God, my only Saviour and Redeemer, and my body to be buried within the church of Abbeyholme aforesaid.

Item: I give and bequeath unto Hugh Barwis, my son, xxiii sheep at Aldoth and xi ewes out of my sheep at Tarns and ii grey calves which I will shall be brought up at Tarns (if they live) until they be kine in full satisfaction of his child’s portion otherwise this legacy to be void.

Item: I give and bequeath unto Frances Barwis my daughter three score pounds of English money in full satisfaction of her child’s portion.

Item: I give unto Margaret Barwis, my wife, xxth * of every sort equally some.

Item: I give unto John Barwis my son all my husbandry gear

Item: I give unto Elizabeth Barwis my daughter xxiii sheep which I have at Anthony Dand’s house of Blackdyke

Item: I give unto Robert Barwis, Hugh Barwis, and James Barwis, my brothers, Robert Barwis sons vi ewes & hogs

Item: my will is that whensoever my said son John Barwis and Margaret my wife shall happen to disagree and pt. house, that all corn and grain as well sown and unsown upon my tenement at Tarns shall be divided into three plots, whereoff my wife shall have a third part and my executors hereafter nominated two plots

Item: I remit John Chamber xiii s. iiii d. of that money he oweth me

Item: I remit unto Michael Langcake vi s. viii d. of that money he oweth me

Item: I remit unto John Allonby of *garth xx s. for which I have and will of the said John Allonby and Robert Wilson

Thereafter all my goods and chattels moveable and unmoveable, my debts legalised and my funeral expenses discharged, I give and bequeath unto John Barwis my son, Elizabeth Barwis and Jane Barwis my daughters, whom I do make and constitue my sole executors.

Witnesses hereof: Hugh Stamper, William Barwis, Robert Barwis and Robert Wilson

Item: I give and bequeath unto Anthony Lawson four ews and four lambs

Item: I give unto Alice (Elles) Barwis one ewe and six lambs

Item: I give unto Stephen Wilkinson one ewe lamb and to Helen Askew one ewe lamb

Item: I remit unto John Chamber of Kingside xii s. he oweth me

Item: I remit William Watson of iii s. iii d. of that money he oweth me

Item: I give and bequeath unto the parish church of Abbeyholme xiii s. iii d.

Signed Robert Barwis"