Sir Richard De Croston Stone(s)

Richard Stones, also identified in the supplied name as Richard De Croston Stone(s), was associated with Carr House in the lordship of Bretherton, Lancashire. His will, dated 13 March 1605/1606, names his wife Isabel, nine children, and several grandchildren. It provides for his burial at Croston parish church and describes leasehold property in Much Hoole.

Richard Stones was associated with Carr House in the lordship of Bretherton, Lancashire. The supplied life dates give his birth as 1540 and his death as 24 June 1606, though the will transcript itself does not state either date.

On 13 March 1605/1606, Richard described himself as sick in body but of sound mind and memory. He directed that he be buried at the parish church of Croston. After payment of debts and funeral expenses, he ordered that his personal estate be divided into three equal parts.

One third was left to his wife, Isabel. A second third was to be divided equally among his children: John, Robert, Henry, Thomas, Andrew, Matthew, Mary, Margaret, and Katheryn Stones. From the remaining third, he gave his son John his greatest chest, the great table in his dwelling house, an armoire, a dish board, plough harrows, cords and tresses, and other husbandry implements. The remaining goods and debts in that portion were left equally to his daughters Mary, Margaret, and Katheryn.

Richard also named grandchildren in his will. He left 12 pence each to Thomas and Andrew Stones, sons of Robert Stones; 3 shillings to John Stones, son of Robert Stones; and 3 shillings to Hugh Stones, son of his son John Stones.

He held a lease and grant from Sir Peter Legh, Knight, for a dwelling or cottage and associated lands in Much Hoole, Lancashire, then occupied by Richard. He assigned the leasehold property to Isabel for her life, for the upbringing of their children, provided that she paid the yearly rents and services due. He further assigned to his daughter Katheryn a close of land called Morbreades, part of the same holding, to take effect after the deaths of Richard and Isabel. Katheryn was to pay a yearly rent of 2 shillings while she held and enjoyed the close under the continuing lease term.

Historical context

Richard's will reflects a household supported in part by leasehold land and farming equipment. Its provisions distinguish between household goods, agricultural implements, personal estate, and leasehold rights, while making arrangements for his widow, children, and named grandchildren. The references to Much Hoole, Bretherton, and Croston place the family in Lancashire.

Sources & research

Will of Richard Stone, dated 13 March 1605/1606, transcript supplied in the original family tree maker notes.