This is the last Will and Testament of me John Alderson of Hill Top in the Township of Muker in Swaledale in the North Riding of the County of York Farmer I order and direct that all my just debts Funeral and Testamentary expenses be paid and satisfied by my Executors hereinafter appointed as soon as conveniently may be after my decease

I give and bequeath unto my dear Wife Mary Alderson one fourth part or share of my Household Furniture Beds Bedding Sheets Quilts China Pots and Dairy Utensils for her own use and benefit absolutely And also the sum of Fifteen pounds sterling a year as long as she lives to be paid to her half yearly as hereinafter set forth

I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Jemima Alderson the sum of Five hundred pounds sterling to be paid to her by my Executors less Legacy Duty within one year after my decease And I also give unto her one fourth part or share of my Household Furniture Beds Bedding Sheets Quilts China Pots and Dairy Utensils for her own use and benefit absolutely and as to all my other Estate and Effects both real and personal consisting of the Hill Top Farm with the appurtenances thereunto situate at or within the Hamlet of Birkdale in the said Township of Muker and all the rest and residue of my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever

I give devise and bequeath the same my said Real Estate and the rest and residue of my personal estate to and unto my two sons Christopher Alderson and John Alderson share and share alike their heirs and executors Subject to the following payments thereout which I charge my real and personal estate with the payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses and the cost of proving this my Will And my real Estate

with the payment of Fifteen pounds a year to my dear Wife to be paid to her half yearly the first payment to be made on the 6th day of April or the 6th day of October which ever day may happen first after my decease and every succeeding half year as long as she lives and

I also charge my real and personal estate with the payment of Five hundred pounds to my Daughter Jemima to be paid to her by my Executors before the expiration of twelve months after my decease

And I nominate constitute and appoint my two sons Christopher Alderson of Birkdale and John Alderson of Hill Top both in the said Township of Muker in Swaledale to be Executors and Trustees of this my Will and hereby revoking all former or other Wills by me at any time heretofore made

I declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said John Alderson of Hill Top have set my hand the twentieth day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight

John Alderson

Signed and Declared by the said John Alderson of Hill Top the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other all present at the same time have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses

Edmund Clarkson Pry House Swaledale Farmer
James Alderson Clarkson Strands Swaledale Mining Agent

Testator died 6th July 1882
Value of estate £472:15:6d
Proved in the York District Registry of the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice the 7th day of May 1883