This transcript is where possible the full transcript but in some cases may be edited if parts are illegible.

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 Thomas Priestnall of Droylsden (Shopkeeper) - Died 13th December 1877

Date of will - 30th June 1875

Value - Below £300 - No leaseholds

Administration

Proven at Manchester Registry on the 22nd January 1878 by the oaths of Eliza Priestnall, Spinster, of Market Street, Droylsden, the daughter, John Priestnall, Cotton Spinner, of Droylsden Road, Newton Heath, nr. Manchester in the said county, the son, and Samuel Priestnall, Plumber, of Market Street, Droylsden, the son, also the executors to whom administration was granted.

Will

This is the last will and testament of me Thomas Priestnall of Market Street and Halcrow Street, Droylsden, in the County of Lancaster, Grocer and Provision Dealer.
I devise and bequeath all the real and personal estate to which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease in the manner following.
I devise and bequeath the whole of the stock in trade, fixtures, utensils, book debts and household furniture with the exception of my bed, unto my dear daughter Eliza Priestnall, and the bed unto my son John Priestnall. The cash in the bank to be divided into ten equal parts, and after it has been divided into ten equal parts, my daughter Mary Wall to have one fourth of one of the ten equal parts, and after the fourth of one of the ten equal parts has been deducted from the total amount of the cash in the bank, the balance to be equally divided amongst the following of my children, Elizabeth Rostron, John Priestnall, Ann Goodbehew, Sarah Whittaker, Thomas Priestnall, William Priestnall, James Priestnall, Eliza Priestnall and Samuel Priestnall, but should any or either of the aforementioned of my children owe any debt or debts to me at the time of my decease, the debt or debts owing shall be deducted from their respective parts of the cash in bank and the amount so deducted shall be divided equally amongst the following of my children, Elizabeth Rostron, John Priestnall, Ann Goodbehew, Sarah Whittaker, Thomas Priestnall, William Priestnall, James Priestnall, Eliza Priestnall and Samuel Priestnall.
I appoint the following of my children, namely Eliza Priestnall, John Priestnall and Samuel Priestnall as executors of this my will hereby revoking all other testamentary writings. In witness thereof I have set my hand this Thirtieth day of June one thousand eight hundred and seventy five.
Signed by the said testator Thomas Priestnall as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his sight and presence and in the presence of each other have hereunder subscribed our names as attesting witnesses.

Henry Shaw, 181 Stamford Street, Ashton Under Lyne (Agent)
James Platt, 181A Stamford Street, Ashton Under Lyne (Agent)