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  1. #1
    Phil L
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    Question People Description in Will

    I have a will written in 1618 the person has written Godchildren in a number of spots regarding to a number of different people could she be meaning Grand children? And also she has written Son-in-Law also referring to a number of people could this be sons as it seems to fit well with the tree I have if this is the case. Is this likely wording or am I jumping to unrealistic conclusions?

  2. #2
    Coromandel
    Guest

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    Godchild/grandchild
    Someone could be both grandparent and godparent to the same child, but as far as I know the two terms have never been synonymous.

    Son-in-law
    Besides 'daughter's husband' this term also once meant 'step-son'.

  3. #3
    Loves to help with queries
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    Prior to Cromwell, one of the most important naming patterns was the naming of a child after its godparent. If you read some of George Redmonds' books, he talks about this. Someone who was reasonably successful might easily acquire a dozen godchildren. I've seen this many listed in early wills. They might also be relatives of some sort, by blood or marriage. cicilysmith

  4. #4
    Reputation beyond repute
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    From the The Oxford Dictionary of Local and Family History...

    Godparent. A family friend who sponsors a child at baptism. The ancient practice was for a child to have two godparents of his or her own sex and one of the other. Godparents had an important influence on choosing the name of their godchild.

    Son-in-law. The term was often used to mean ‘stepson’. A ‘son-in-law’ was often referred to as ‘son’.

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