Help finding will of Robert Sowthey(Southey), Somerset, England,1674/5

Question

I am trying to find a copy of a will for Robert Sowthey (Southey) of Woodford, Wellington, Somerset, England.

In 1894 Arthur J Jewers published details of the will in the publication, Notes and Queries (No.116, Saturday, March 17, 1894. Page 203)

He said the will stated:-

"Robert Sowthey, of Woodford, in Wellington, yeoman" with a date in the will of "July 19, 1670".

"Inventory dated March 22, 1674/5, shows a total of 53l 3s.

He gives the following reference for the will, "Wells,'Bishops Court, 1675, No.78)."

He listed the following beneficiaries:

Nathaniel Sowthey (son)

Robert Sowthey, Thomas Sowthey, John Sowthey (sons of Robert Sowthey's son William Sowthey).

Robert Sowthey (son of Robert's son Richard Sowthey)

Thomas Sowthey (son)

Anne Cording (daughter of Robert and wife of Anthony Cording)

Eleanor Munday (daughter of Robert and wife of Thomas Munday)

Alice Coles (daughter of Robert and wife of John Coles)

Mary Cording (daughter of Robert and wife of Thomas Cording).

Despite the detailed information contained in the article I really would like to see a copy of the actual will before I start work on any of these individuals.

 Any ideas where to look? Thank you.

Answer 1

You might like to have a look at https://swheritage.org.uk/news/online-indexes-to-somerset-wills-and-probate-inventories/, although judging by the second paragraph it sounds like you may be out of luck.

Comments

Thank you for the link Paul. It looks like I am 80 years too late to see the actual will! It is listed on the site with a reference to a book published in 1908, "Materials for the history of the town and parish of Wellington in the county of Somerset. Part1 Wills (1908). I will try to obtain a copy.