Help with reading inventory
Inventory of John Peto, 1608
Handwriting in the 16th and 17th centuries was very different to the way we write today but can you read any of the original inventory?
Use the transcript of the inventory to answer these questions:
Identify unfamiliar words and phrases. What do they mean? (It may be helpful to try reading them aloud).
Do you think the meanings may have changed?
What words can you find that are spelt differently today?
Try writing out the inventory in modern English.
Now look back to the original inventory and compare it sentence by sentence with the transcript. Is it easier to read now?
What can you tell about John Peto from this inventory of his possessions?
Is there evidence that John was a wealthy man?
Where could his wealth have come from?
John Peto was a farmer - what animals did he have on his farm?
From the list of things in his house can you work out what jobs were done on the farm? (Look at the Buttery and the Kitchen as well as cattle and corn).
Make out an inventory of your bedroom/kitchen.
Now compare it with John Peto’s (Chamber over the Hall). What are the big differences?
Using the transcript of the inventory can you work out and draw a plan of John Peto’s house? Is it like other Tudor houses you have seen?
