I discovered the abstract of a will for a Barnard Goldfinch.
| Forename | Barnard |
|---|---|
| Surname | Goldfinch |
| Occupation | Sailmaker |
| Parish, County | Portsea , Hampshire |
| Parish Name | Portsea |
| County, or Country | Hampshire |
| Date Proven | 27 June 1789 |
My fourth great grandfather, William Denyer, married a Jane Goldfinch in 1791. I knew from the marriage record I had found online that Jane was from Portsea, and William was from Farlington.
Denyer, William, of Farlington, lime-burner, 21, b., & Jane Goldfinch, of Portsea, 21, sp., at P., 22 Oct., 1791. (from Hampshire allegations for marriage licences granted by the Bishop of Winchester: 1689 to 1837 - Vol 35, p. 217.) [The b. and sp. mean bachelor and spinster, and the 'at P.' most likely means 'at Portsea'.]
I figured this Barnard Goldfinch was a likely candidate for a relative. Not necessarily an ancestor, but possibly that too. So before heading to the UK Archives to obtain a copy of the will, I did a google search on "Barnard Goldfinch."
There were a total of 8 results, including an index to baptisms in Farlington Parish from 1766-1812. Apparently, a Barnard Goldfinch Denyer was born to a William (and Ann) Denyer on August 17, 1800. Ann? That's close to Jane. Clerical or transcription error perhaps?
The parish index listed a total of 8 Denyers born to a William from 1793-1807, and the other seven had a mother named Jane. My third great grandfather appears to be among them. So it seems a likely clerical error. Sure, there could be a child with a different mother -- but to name him after the other woman's father would be slightly unorthodox. And at this point, I was suspecting that's what he was. Still, I was less interested in the parentage of Barnard, than in the parentage of Jane. I was certain I wanted to obtain that will.
The UK National Archives charges a fee per record. (3.50 pounds) However, you can immediately download the record. Instant gratification.
Sort of. I'd like to go back in time and invent the typewriter a few centuries early please!
[Image of will removed due to copyright/permission issues with the UK National Archives.]
Whether or not he is descended from the Barnard Goldfinch who was born in 1643 in Winchester at the Goldfinch Cottage - is an unknown.
Correction: I have received some help in transcribing this, and there appears to have also been a son named Joseph, which could be helpful.
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3 comments:
That is an interesting document. I would need a magnifying glass to try to read it. Good thing it is in English.
I agree, it is a good thing it's in English. At least it isn't old enough to be in Latin.
The download from the archives is in a PDF format, which allows me to zoom in. It does help - but more with words and phrases I expect to find in a will.
I know it begins: This is the last will and testament of Mr. Bernard Goldfinch of Portsea in the County of [?] Sailmaker made whilst in sound mind, pefect [?] and disposing understanding whereby I [?] my soul to God and give heirs and bequest and dispose of my worldy estates and efforts in manner following...
I should be able to piece this together slowly.
[Portsea is in the county of Hampshire, and I know that isn't what it says.]
Well...I was off on a few of those words..I just received an email from a *very* kindly geneablogger giving me a full transcription.
There appears to be a son, Joseph, who I may be able to research.
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