The Will of Thomas Bench is very hard to interpret, so any help with the attached .pdf file is welcome.
The will is found in the Registered wills and original wills, administrations and inventories, 1494-1860, and, act books, 1532-1638 for the Diocese of Lichfield Episcopal Consistory Court. This will was specifically found in Staffordshire, Dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry wills and probate records of 1565.
The will of Thomas Bench was probated on 19 March 1565, but was torn on top, and the month the will was written is unknown, only the day (16th) and year (1565). At the beginning Thomas Bench bequeaths his soul to allmighty god, his maker, and it appears that he desires to be buried in the churchyard parish in Lillington.
He then bequeaths to Pholop (Phillip) his son, and Thomas Bench (Phillips son) each something? Whatever he was bequeathing to both of them, the writing/letters appears the same.
He then bequeaths to John Bench his (?-perhaps brother - about 5/6 letters) something which appears to be 5/6 letters and to give wife something (looks like 4 letter) corne and bushel of corn after (may be the day of a feast?).
There are other names mentioned, Richard Nicols/wife Marjorie, Elizabeth (daughter?), Anis Robbins, daughter of Nico or Mich Robbins, Thomas Browne (his god son), Elizabeth Blacke.
He mentions his son Phillip again, and also his wife Elizabeth. There may be much more to decypher, but it will take someone with more knowledge of reading old English wills to interpret some of this writing.
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