Died in Frodsham

John Pickering and his family were living in Gorstage, Weaverham Parish, Cheshire since the 1660’s or earlier. The place “Gorstage” was sometimes written as Gorstich in the old records. John Pickering died between March 19, 1687 when the Will was written and signed, and April 3, 1688 when the Inventory was taken. The Will was proven on May 5, 1688.

The following are extracted from his Will:

“…. I John Pickeringe of Gorstich …. yeoman … the Nineteinth day of March in the yeare …. One Thousand Six hundred Eghty Seven beeing sicke in body but in good and perfect memory …. ”
“…that my body shall bee buried at the parish Church of Weaverham ….”
“… my Reall Estate that I purchassed from Thomas Marbury of Marburye [ ] into ffeeform for ever as by deed of Indenture will more full declare at Large & Accordinge to An Agreement had and all Redy Made Covenanted With my son Thomas Pickering…”
“…. give and Bequeath to my said son Thomas Pickeringe the one halfe of all my Lands orchards Garding ….”
“my loving Wife Elizabeth Pickeringe …. son John Pickeringe …”
“to his younger Brothers … Samuel Pickeringe … Bernard Pickeringe … William Pickering…. Joseph Pickeringe …”
“And lastly I doe constitute and apoynte my loving wife my onely Sole Executrix …”

The Will was signed in the presence of Robert Wilcoxon, Thomas Stones, and John Bassnett.  The Inventory was done by John Bassnett, Peter Sante, Richard Ffryer and Thomas Pickeringe of Gorstich. 

The signature and seal of John Pickering is on the document.

Among his belongings listed in the Inventory were
“twoe mares .. and one colte…”
“twoe Cows and twoe Calves…”
“nineteene Sheepes …. five Lambs…”
Elizabeth Pickering was living at the time when her husband John Pickering had his Will written and signed on March 19, 1687.