Witness of a will

[sarahjane]

I have a Mary Wosnam as a witness to a will in June 1695. Can anyone tell me were there any rules in those days as to who was permitted to witness a will, could it be anyone who did it have to be a professional person or someone of status or could your servant do it? What are the rules if any?
With thanks

[Peter Goodey]

To the best of my knowledge the situation then was as it is now.

Wills today of course are often witnessed by 'servants', eg solicitor's clerks ;)

[sarahjane]

Thanks Peter, just one more thing, would Mary have had to have known the deceased for any particular length of time?

[Peter Goodey]

No. All a witness has to do, if it ever becomes necessary, is to verify the authenticity of the signature.

[sarahjane]

Ok thanks Peter that's a big help with my understanding of will witnessing. Now i just need to find out who Mary was and how long she had lived in the area!!! Needle haystack comes to mind lol