This is one of my mum’s favourite documents in the chest and she suggested that I Blog about it next. It is a most unusual document as it is sewn into the pages of a newspaper! It is a will of a gentleman called John Thirlewall of Newbegun (assume Newbiggin?, Northumberland) who died in 1699. The dates on the newspaper indicate that it was published in 1844. I do not know of any family connection with the Thirlewall family. Why it is in the chest, I have no idea, and quite probably will never know – however it does make for interesting reading! Attached is a scan of the original document together with my transcription (as far as possible the original punctuation, spelling, capitalisation have been copied). Just clock the link below.
Extracted will of John Thirlewall
Update:
Hot off the press! My mum has now discovered this: In 1711, a certain William Charlton was involved in a quarrel with Henry Widdrington of Buteland and the latter as killed. His body was taken to the church and buried by the door of the Charlton’s pew which would require Charlton to step over the grave every time he attended church. That he was put off entering church may have been no great sacrifice Source. A William Widdrington was one of the executors of John Thirlewall’s will! There must surely be some connection to my family of Charltons.
My Silver Surfing Mother has also discovered his family tree just click here