Will of Richard Goreham, 1670

Richard made his will shortly before his death on 29 October 1670, aged 75. He was buried in St Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoze on 1 November 1670 in accordance with his wish to be buried near his 'late honoured and worthy master', Sir John St.John, who had died in 1648. Richard had been one of the witnesses to Sir John's will in which Sir John left him £100. Richard's brass memorial may still be seen in the south aisle of the church close to the St.John Chapel.

Richard had numerous cousins to whom he left money and household items. Of interest are his recipe books, which he left to his cousin Izard Hobbs, who was also one of his executors. Richard also left her various household items and a 'little ring that was my mother's' as well as a mourning ring that he usually wore.

Richard had continued to serve the St.John family at Lydiard Park. His name occurs in Lady Joanna St.John's letters and it is possible some of the recipes in his book came from her. On one occasion she sent him a recipe to make 'cittron water'. It is clear from this that Richard could read but he was unable to write his name, his will being signed with a mark.

Richard had done well, his bequests totalled over £1,340 (approx.£152,000). He was generous to his numerous cousins and friends except one, Francis Gorham, who was left one shilling. One wonders if Francis had done something to upset him!