1414: John Neuton and the Re-Foundation of York Minster Library

In the name of God, Amen. I, Tobie Archbishop of York, Primate and Metropolitan of England, weak in body by reason of my old age and the infirmities incident thereunto, yet of perfect memory (the Lord's name be praised) do make and ordain this 23rd day of August a.d.1625 this my last will and testament in manner and form following.

First I commend my soul to the Almighty creator thereof, in full assurance through the faith whereof it hath pleased God to appoint me an assiduous preacher in those eminent places of the Church, which by His goodness I have sustained that at the dissolution of this body of clay I shall be an happy partaker of the inheritance of the glorious sons of light. And I commit my body to the earth, whereof it is composed, to receive Christian burial at the discretion of my executrix.

And concerning my temporal estates what so ever whereth God hath blessed me.

I do hereby give and bequeath unto my eldest son, Sir Tobie Matthew, knight, a piece of plate of twenty marks sterling, as well remembering the large portion of my estates, which my said son hath had from me in my life time to the value of fourteen thousand pounds at the least — far surmounting all that I can leave behind me for the provision of others that do depend upon me.

Item I give to John Matthew, my second son, a piece of plate of twenty marks sterling, as calling to mind with much grief the excessive charge I have been put to by him amounting to the value of two thousand pounds at the least by his unthrifty course of living, whom I humbly beseech God by the hands of His grace to call back as to a better consideration of himself.

Further my will and pleasure is that both my said sons doe rest contented with these several legacies here specified, in full satisfaction and discharge of those filial portions without troubling or molesting my executors after my death.

And for the rest of my goods and chattels not formerly disposed of (my debts, legacies and funeral expenses discharged), I give them all to my one beloved wife Frances Matthew, whom I do make sole executrix of this my last will and testament, relying with all confidence upon her care and providence (of which I have had good experience for the space almost of fifty years, which time it hath pleased God of His goodness to continue us together husband and wife) to make provision for my grandchildren in such sort as my estate will bear.

In witness whereof I have here put my hand and seal of arms the day and year first above written [23 August 1625].

Probate 2nd April 1628