In 1714 William Short was bequeathed £5 in the Will of his maternal grandfather, Nicholas Boulton of Wootton Bassett, yeoman.
In 1743 William Short of Wootton Bassett, baker, was named as late deceased by his uncle William Short of Wootton Bassett, gent., who made bequests to William's eight children in his Will which he wrote a month after William died.
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Abstract of the Will of William Short of Wootton Bassett in the County of Wilts, Baker and Maltster, written 20 Jun 1743, proved 15 Dec 1743. 4
Gives & bequeaths to his wife Anne Short his tenement, the malthouse, barn, stable and back garden, with a half acre of arable land in Coxtalls, for the term of her natural life or for as long as she remains a widow. After his wife's death or re-marriage he wills the same in Trust to his father-in-law Thomas Draper and to his friend Thomas Miles of Wootton Bassett, for his son Thomas Short and his heirs. If Thomas has no heirs, he wills the same to his son Henry Short and his heirs. In default of such issue, he wills the same to his son William Short and his heirs.
Gives & bequeaths £80 to his daughters Mary Short, Elizabeth Short, Martha Short, Joanna Short, Sarah Short and Anne Short, to be equally divided among them.
Gives & devises to his son Henry Short and his heirs two dwelling houses in Wood Street Lane in Wootton Bassett.
Gives to his wife Anne the use of all the cisterns, malt mills, bolting mills, knead trows and other implements of the baker's trade for the term of her natural life or for as long as she remains a widow.
All his stock in trade, ready money, debts, goods, chattels and personal estate he gives & bequeaths to his father-in-law Thomas Draper and friend Thomas Miles in Trust for his wife Anne, then for his son Henry Short and daughters Mary Short, Elizabeth Short, Martha Short, Joanna Short, Sarah Short and Anne Short.
Appoints his wife Anne sole executrix of his last will and testament.
(signed)
Witnesses: Mary Newell, Anne Newell, Moses Sarraude
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