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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: JosiahS on Friday 22 August 25 17:43 BST (UK)

Title: John Brett Inventory totals
Post by: JosiahS on Friday 22 August 25 17:43 BST (UK)

Hello there

Alongside the will for John Brett there was an inventory for the property which he owned.

I can read it reasonably well but I am struggling with the numbers.  The last page seems to include a total and then some sort of adjustment in 1614 which I don't really understand.

I'd really appreciate it if someone could take a look, give me a feel for the value (is there a crib sheet somewhere for how they did numbers back then? and also what is going on in 1614.

Thank you

Title: Re: John Brett Inventory totals
Post by: horselydown86 on Friday 22 August 25 18:26 BST (UK)

On 8 April 1614 the executor added money to the total against this explanation.

It(e)m receaved more in debt(es)

dewe and oweing to the sayd

testator M(aste)^r John Brette at

the time of his deathe ^and in readie money in his hpurse [sic]^ the

som(m)e of _________________________ CClxx ^li xvj ^s    [= 270 pounds and 16 shillings]

Title: Re: John Brett Inventory totals
Post by: JosiahS on Friday 22 August 25 18:32 BST (UK)

Many thanks for that - a decent sum of money for 1599!

Title: Re: John Brett Inventory totals
Post by: horselydown86 on Friday 22 August 25 18:34 BST (UK)

The numbers are a mixture of Arabic and Roman numerals.

The Arabic numbers are 50, 15 and 5 pounds respectively on the first, second and fifth lines at the top.

There was a period early in the C17^th (roughly) where we find this mixed choice of numerals.

ADDED:

I made a small change to Reply #1 in the spelling of som(m)e.