Hello Mike, I think the first three words are probably 'In dei no[mi]ne', meaning 'in God's name'. The 'omnes' bit is a bit strange in a will, but may be an abbreviation of a phrase commonly found at the start of title deeds, meaning 'To all who see this ...' (though that ought really to be 'Omnibus ...'). Could it be 'Amen'? Anyway, send me the Pdf and I'll have a look. Matt Tompkins -----Original Message----- From: Mike Nason Sent: 04 February 2009 12:13 To: List, OE Subject: [OEL] Will, opening phrase Colleagues, I am hoping to assist a Canadian friend with a Warwickshire will dated February 1551. It would seem to be a will written in the legatrix's own hand - it is unsigned by her and was probated in July 1552. The will has an opening phrase which could be in Latin /'In lei none/ (with abbreviation mark. horiz line over) /omnes?' /and I suspect it may qualify the whole document. Then follows what looks like the mathematical symbol for 'therefore' (3 dots) before '/I Joan tymes of Sutton/ . . .' I have a PDF of the Latin? phrase if someone would care to take a look. Mike Nason