The Life of Robert Norris: Information from Wills

Robert Norris

Robert Norris, of Croston, yeoman, appointed Thomas Norris the younger (son of his sister Ann Dobson) of Croston, labourer; and John Cottam (son of Ann's daughter Ellen), of Croston, joiner, as the executors and trustees of his estate.

He Directed that all of his real and personal property was to be converted to cash, his debts, funeral and testamentary expenses paid, and left a £50 legacy to Mary Jane Roby of Euxton.

The residue of his estate was to be divided equally between Ann Dobson, Margaret Swarbrick (his sisters) John Cottam, Richard Cottam, Thomas Norris, Henry Norris, Jane Chadwick, Hugh Norris the younger of Croston, Elizabeth Hull, John Swarbrick, Mary Hayes, Alice Iddon, and John Bramwell (his nieces and nephews).

The Will was signed by Robert Norris on 18 January 1868 and witnessed by Thomas Norris (the elder) of Howick House, and William Ladyman of Preston.

The Will was proved at Lancaster on 7 September 1872.

Effects: Under £6000.00, no leaseholds. (about £270,000.00 today)

NOTE:

Robert left legacies to several nieces and nephews, including three of his sister Margaret Swarbrick's four children; John Swarbrick, Mary Hayes and Elizabeth Hull. His Will does not mention Margaret's eldest son William Swarbrick. Was this an oversight, or did Robert have a personal reason for excluding his nephew from the Will?

NOTES:
1:	This is only a very brief outline of Robert's Will. I will need to re-read and transcribe the full Will.
2:	The above information is taken a transcript of the original Will held at the Lancashire Record Office.