Purnell Richard. Will made 7 December 1623. Proved 26 March 1624.
In the Name of God Amen I Richard Purnell of Rode in the County of Somerset and within the Diocese of Bath and Wells Fuller being sick of body but of perfect memory thanks be unto Almighty God the seventh day of December Anno Domini 1623 do constitute and make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following. Imprimis and before all things I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it nothing doubting but that I shall be saved by the merits of Christ my Redeemer and for my body I bequeath unto the earth from whence it came to be buried in the Church or Chancel of Rode aforesaid at my wife’s discretion. And all my worldly goods I dispose of as followeth.
First I give and bequeath to the poor people of the parish aforesaid twenty shillings to be disposed of as the parson and churchwardens shall think fit without fear of the parish or any of the parishioners there.
Item. I give to the parish Church of Rode twenty shillings to be disposed of by the said parson and churchwardens in manner following viz ten shillings to be paid for the building of the said parsons pew and the other ten shillings to buy some such fit ornaments for the said Church as be chosen shall seem most convenient.
Item. I give unto my god children Mary Abraham and Sibbell Rennells of Southwick Richard Freestone Richard Keepin Nathaniel Crabb Mary Thresher and Anne Smith twelve pence apiece.
Item. I give unto Katherine Hellierd twelve pence.
All which legacies before bequeathed my will is that they shall be paid within one month after my decease.
The rest of my goods not given nor bequeathed both movable and immovable I do absolutely give and bestow upon Joan my now wife whom I make sole Executrix to this my last Will and Testament.
And I do also entreat my well beloved friends Simon Crabb and Walter Warder to be Overseers hereunto that such thing herein contained may be fulfilled accordingly and for their pains I give them ten shillings apiece. And so the Lord receive me to his mercy.