Cannot read a Will dated 1785

[Redworth]

Hi All,

I have just received a Will from the GRO dated 1785.  I am unable to read this document as the writing is in Old English script.  Does anyone know of a free service that might be able to help me.

Regards to you all.

[oldtimer]

Hi Redworth 

I m sure that if you post it here in smallish excerpts, there will be lots of RootsChatters willing to help 

[Redworth]

Hi old timer,

Thanks for your advice.  However, as the  Will has been downloaded in PDF format I am not able to attach as portions and the whole document is too big for an attachment.  If I can convert it to ordinary text then I will do as you suggest.

[PrueM]

Hi Redworth 

I'll PM you my email address and you can then send the file to me.  I'll crop it for you and post the first bit here for people to help you with.  Alternatively, if you have a graphics program such as Irfanview, Photoshop, Paintbox Pro etc. you should be able to open the PDF in there and cut out bits of it.

You'll find that when you have a section of it transcribed for you, it will become much easier to do the rest yourself, but if you are still stuck you can always post more 

Cheers
Prue

[I've left]

Redworth
As has been said you can get the hang of the old lettering with practice. The first few lines are all very similar and your will probably starts something like this transcript of one of my old relatives:

"In the name of God Amen I John Allin of Fryup in the Parish of Danby and County of York Yeoman being of sound and perfect mind and memory praised be almighty God for the same do make and ordain this my present last will and Testament in manner and form following, first and principally I give my soul to Almighty God that gave it me and my body to be intered and burried in the parish Church Yard of Danby in a decent manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named hoping for a joyfull Resurection at the last day, and as to my Temporal Estate wherewith God have blefsed me with I give and bequeath thereof as follows. "

Bryan

[Redworth]

Hi Brian

Thank you for your advice.  I have tried reading the document which I have found quite difficult.  The writing style is very flowery, also the spelling is not very decipherable.  There are also, Old English or Latin words that I cannot translate.
I am attaching the part that I have managed so far to read so far.

Ray

[Hackstaple]

I think that would be backside gardens. Eatonbridge is I think the modern Edenbridge. Richard Sutton in 1781 by the tithe roll owned a small house which on later rolls was TA454. He lived at that time in a larger house called Heads, rented from a Mrs. Simpson.

Those of course are only valid if I have the place names correct.

[PrueM]

Hi Ray

Got your email with the will attached.  It is actually written pretty clearly, so perhaps it's just a case of you getting familiar with the handwriting style and the terminology used in wills.  I'll post the first section here and others can comment on your transcription and help you fill in the blanks 

Cheers
Prue

[GR2]

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Richard Sutton of Eatonbridge in the County of Kent Yeoman made published and declared this twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five First my Will is that all such debts as I shall justly owe to any person or persons at the time of my decease shall be truly and honestly paid and discharged and subject thereto and to the payment thereof I give and dispose of my whole Estate both real and personal in the following manner that is to say I give and devise all that my Messuage or Tenement wherein I dwell and the outhouses Buildings Yard Backside Gardens and appurtenances  thereinto belonging or appertaining........