Extract from the will of Samuel Pepys, 1701, catalogue ref: PROB 1/9
Transcript
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Pepys of the Citty of Westminster Esqr. being now by God’s favour Arrived to the Sixty Ninth Yeare of my Age and in sound mind and memory…
Simplified transcript
I, Samuel Pepys, living in Westminster (London), thanks to God’s kindness am between my 68th and 69th birthdays and have a healthy mind and memory…
Look at Source 1
Now you have looked at the document, have a go at reading it. Use the transcripts to help if you need to.
Tasks
- Can you spot the name ‘Samuel Pepys’ in this document?
- Do you know who Samuel Pepys was? [If you don’t, can you find out?]
- How old is Samuel Pepys when he writes this document?
- This document was made in 1701, so can you work out when he was born?
- Can you find out where he lived from the document?
- This document is part of a will. Do you know what that means? Can you find out?
- Why do you think there are different styles of handwriting in the opening lines of this will?
- Why was it important for Pepys to say he was in sound mind and memory? [Clue: ‘Sound’ means healthy].