The last Will and Testament of me Jonathan
Picking of Ashwell in the County of Hertford Carpenter as
follows that is to say: First I Give and Devise unto my loving
Wife Hannah Picking all that my messuage Cottage or Tenement
situate and being at Ashwell in my own occupation together with
All and Singular its Appurtenances To hold to her my said Wife
and during the Terme of her natural Life having surrendered the
same to the use of my last Will. And from and immediately after
her Decease I Give and Devise All and Singular the said
premisses with all and every the Appurtenances thereunto
belonging unto my Son Thomas Picking To hold to my said Son
Thomas his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I Give and Bequeath
unto my said Wife Hannah all my personal Effects whatsoever to
be at her Disposal whom I also make Executrix to this my Will In
Witness whereof I the said Jonathan Picking have hereunto set my
hand and seal this seventh Day of November in the Year of Our
Lord One thousand seven hundred and Eighty four.
Jonathan Picking
Signed sealed published and Declared by the
abovenamed Jonathan Picking as and for his last Will and
Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his
presence have hereunto Subscribed our Names as Witnesses
Thomas Squier
The mark X of Peter Bailey
John Boff
Proved &c at Baldock the 25th Sept 1788 ... by the Oath of the Extrix...