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9 - Sundry odd things

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 January 2026

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Summary

This chapter continues the narration of Hannah Beswick’s life, including consideration of her social circle. It offers minute examination of Hannah’s will, exploring the implications of her bequests. Using archival and genealogical sources, the identities of Hannah’s heirs and executors is revealed, including Mary Greame, a woman who has previously been overlooked in earlier versions of the story. The chapter gives biographical information about Mary Greame, suggesting a close but non-familial relationship between the two unmarried women. There is also some consideration of other previously overlooked, but nevertheless revealing, bequests in the will, including Hannah’s somewhat pointed reference to the practice of the ‘heriot’ (a form of feudal inheritance tax). The chapter argues that the will contains indications of Hannah’s character, as well as her final wishes in relation to property and money.

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