This transcript is meant as a guide to the contents of the will and is not always a full transcript, which in some cases may lead to several pages of rambling text.

The purpose of the transcript is to give an accurate indication as to who the beneficiaries are, and if available an insight to the lifestyle of the deceased, by way of any peculiar comments in the will, and of course inventories of personal effects where available.

Will of John Priestnall of Woodford - Died 14^th August 1785

Date of Will - 8^th April 1785
Value under £1000
Proven at Chester diocesan consistory court on 4^th November 1785

To William Priestnall (brother) of Butley, one guinea

To George Priestnall of Worth (brother), one guinea

To Thomas Priestnall of Woodford (brother), one guinea

To necessitous Householders in Woodford who are not weekly Pensioners the sum of £5 to be distributed amongst them at the direction of my Executors.Also same to necessitous householders in Butley for same reason.

Trustees of Deanrow Chapel £40 six months after his death. "and by them to be put out upon some good security and the interest thereof annually to be paid unto the Protestant dissenting Minister who shall there regularly officiate for the augmentation of his salary. And if any future time the Protestant dissenting Minister shall by their civil governors be silenced or restrained from doing their duty in order to moderate the distropes? that may arise on that occasion I will and appoint that the sum of £40 be distributed at that time amongst such dissenting Ministers as the Trustees then acting on behalf of the said Chapel shall judge to be the most proper objects of my charity."

To James Wood of Woodford, £5 for trouble of executing the will

To John Priestnall (nephew) of Poynton, £5

Rest of goods and chattels to be divided between James Wood and John Priestnall.To Anne Barton (sister) of Macclesfield, £3:15 shillings quarterly.Money left to nephews and nieces. Children of brothers William Priestnall and George Priestnall, sisters Anne Barton and Mary Barlow.

Executors to keep in hand the sum of £140, that from the interest of, they may pay unto my lover, Mary wife of David Sutton (farmer), £5 per annum.

Photocopies of wills may be ordered from the Cheshire Record Office, Duke Street, Chester, CH1 1RL. U.K., who should be contacted for costs.

The main index for all surnames and all Cheshire wills may be viewed at GENUKI.