Where there’s a will there’s a life’s story

The fascinating daily lives of people of Northowram , Halifax, at the end of the 17th century are captured in the wills they wrote and the inventories of goods that were so meticulously drawn up after they died.

Through these probate documents we see how a dying man prayed for the peaceful rest of his soul and tried to make fair provision for his wife and children, bequeath his best doublet to his servant or endow the deserving poor.

The inventories almost literally open a window into his house. Room by room we see the beds, tables, buffets, cushions and longsettles that furnished it and the cooking, brewing, spinning, weaving and farming equipment that were essential to the family’s occupation.

These documents, covering all the wills made in Northowram between 1688 and 1700, are now available for the first time, providing a rich resource for local and family historians as well as those who are simply curious.

A group of enthusiasts, led by the late Alan Petford and David Cant, has been working on the transcription of probate documents from the Parish of Halifax for several years and have got the first volume, covering the township of Northowram, ready for publication.

A celebratory book launch will be held at Heywood Church, Northowram at 7.30 on Thursday June 25. There will be presentation by a member of the transcription group, refreshments and a chance to buy a copy of the book, Northowram Probate Records 16881700, for only £10.

Copies of the book will also be available from David Cant, 3 Middle Hathershelf, Luddenden Foot.